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Volume 14 - No. 49 • 3 Sections – 24 Pages

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US vows to comply with VFA after Pemberton’s conviction

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

mANILA—the United states on tuesday, Dec. 1 vowed to comply with the Visiting forces Agreement (VfA) following the conviction of an American marine for killing a filipino transgender woman. the olongapo City regional trial Court found Us marine Lance Corporal Joseph scott Pemberton guilty of homicide for killing filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude and was sentenced to imprisonment from six to 12 years. “the embassy notes that the

DATELINE

olongapo regional trial Court Branch 74 has reached a decision in the case of Lance Corporal Pemberton. We will continue to proceed in full compliance with the Visiting forces Agreement,” the Us embassy in manila said. the court directed the Philippine Commission on the Visiting forces (PCVf) to submit the memorandum of agreement between the Philippines and the United states regarding the confinement of Pemberton. olongapo Judge roline Ginez Jabalde initially ordered Pemberton to be temporarily committed to the New Bilibid Prison in muntin-

lupa City pending clarification of a custody arrangement between the Philippine and Us governments.

Pemberton, however, was allowed to continue his stay at the Armed forces’ Custodial Center at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City under the guard of the Bureau of Corrections. the PCVf was given five days from tuesday to submit the memorandum between the two countries on Pemberton’s confinement. the commitment order dated Dec. 1, which states that Pemberton be detained in muntinlupa, will GUILTY. Convicted US Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton (right) under tight guard at the promulgation of the case against him for be implemented if the PCVf fails killing Jennifer Laude. The Olongapo Regional Trial Court Branch 74 found Pemberton guilty in the killing of transgender Jennifer Laude to submit the moA. and sentenced him to 6-12 years in prison.

Philstar.com photo by KJ Rosales

Poe could be jailed for misrepresenting COC

USA

seN. Grace Poe could be jailed for committing a misrepresentation in her certificate of candidacy (CoC), the lawyer for one of the petitioners who wanted her disqualified from joining next year’s elections said on Wednesday, Dec. 2.

According to manuel Luna, the counsel of former senator and The Manila Times columnist francisco tatad, the Comelec second Division’s recent decision to disqualify Poe was based on an election offense that carries a penalty

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Study: Harder for Calif. students to get into state public universities tIGhter admissions standards and lack of state funding are making it more difficult for California high school students to be accepted into the state’s public university system, a new report found. the Campaign for College opportunity on monday, Nov. 30 released “Access Denied: rising selectivity at California’s Public UniverPAGE A2

Sen. Grace Poe

of “one to six years of imprisonment, disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of the right of suffrage.” “the President cannot even pardon [Poe] if found guilty without the concurrence of the Comelec,” Luna told reporters in a media forum in san Juan City (metro manila). tatad is one of the five petitioners who questioned Poe’s CoC for President before the Comelec. All assailed Poe’s claim that she has satisfied the constitutional requirements on citizen-

ship and residency. the second Division on tuesday, Dec. 1 handed down its ruling on the petition of lawyer estrella elamparo who said all existing legal records negate Poe’s claim that she is a naturalborn filipino and that she has complied with the minimum 10-year residency requirement for one to be able to run for President.

Aside from tatad and elamparo, separate petitions were filed against the PAGE A2

Bishop hits Duterte for thinking, acting like God Binay: No VAT by deLfin

Nearly 5K immigrant minors crossed the US border in October

ACCorDING to Us Customs and Border Protection data, nearly 5,000 unaccompanied immigrant children were caught crossing the Us border with mexico in october of this year, almost double the number from last year.

In the figures released tuesday, Nov. 24, PAGE A2

Presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte strikes a pose during the MAD for Change concert at McKinley West Open Field in Taguig City on Sunday, Nov. 29.

t. MaLLari Jr. & JoceLyn r. uy Inquirer.net

“there is a whale of a difference between being righteous and thinking and acting like God.” this was the reaction of Archbishop emeritus oscar Cruz to boasts by Davao City mayor rodrigo Duterte, at the formal launch of his presidential campaign monday, Nov. 30, of his being a womanizer and of his no-nonsense campaign against criminals and drug dealers.

Cruz, a former president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, said that the Church teachings against killing and adultery were not “subject to personal options.” he told reporters, “taking justice into one’s hands makes one think like God and act like a dictator.”

Independent senatorial candidate Walden

Inquirer.net photo by Greg Montegrande

PAGE A3

hike after tax reform passage there would be no increase in value-added tax (VAt) when the income tax reform bill is passed into law during his administration, Vice President Jejomar Binay vowed on Wednesday, Dec. 2.

Binay is the standard-bearer of the United Nationalist Alliance in next year’s elections.

“We will ensure that VAt will remain as it is so our people could buy more from their income,” he said. “the point of reducing the income tax would be meaningless if PAGE A5

White House strengthens visa waiver program the White house announced changes to a visa waiver program aimed at securely screening migrants from 38 nations not required to get visas before traveling to the Us.

In light of the deadly Paris terror attacks in November that left 130 dead, the Department of homeland security (Dhs) will now gather more information PAGE A3

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december 4-10, 2015 • NOrcAL ASIAN JOUrNAL

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From the Front Page

Poe could be jailed...

PAGE A1 47-year-old senator by radio commentator Rizalito David, former law dean Amado Valdez and political science professor Antonio Contreras.

David had also petitioned the Senate Electoral Tribunal to nullify Poe’s proclamation as among the winners in the 2013 senatorial elections on the same grounds.

An appeal to reverse the tribunal’s 5-4 ruling dismissing the petition is pending.

Luna said he is confident that the poll body will rule in favor of the other petitions, given the dissenting opinion of the three Supreme Court (SC) associate justices in the Senate Electoral Tribunal.

Poe to remain in ballot Regardless of a favorable or an unfavorable decision from the Comelec en banc, Poe’s name will remain on the official list of candidates and in the ballots unless a final disqualification verdict is handed down by the SC prior to the printing of ballots.

The Comelec spokesman, Director James Jimenez, also on Wednesday said it would be prudent and practical on the side of the poll body to include the senator’s name rather than exclude it, considering that the case will definitely reach the High Court, and nobody knows what the SC’s final verdict will be.

Elamparo also on Wednesday filed an “urgent petition to exclude” Poe from the official list of candidates and from the ballots.

Her petition to cancel the senator’s COC for President was granted by the Comelec Second Division in a resolution handed out on Tuesday.

Jimenez pointed out that the non-inclusion of Poe’s name in the ballot based on the Comelec en banc’s unfavorable decision would complicate things later if the SC would rule the other way around.

“It’s easier to ignore the votes cast for that person than to take [him] out of the ballot then later on find out that [he] should have been in the ballot in the first place.

So it’s practical to include [Poe’s] name,” he said.

But Luna disagreed, saying it would be a violation of the Omnibus Election Code and the Rules of Court.

He explained that Poe’s name

should be excluded from the ballot once the commission en banc ruled against her, “unless she is able to secure a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court.”

“The en banc should not be preempted. [Comelec] Chairman [Andres] Bautista can better shed light on that… Until they issue a resolution to that effect, we cannot say that she will be included or excluded. That is why I’m reserving my opinion because I’m respecting the action of the en banc at a proper time,” Luna said.

He added that the status quo remains simply because the decision of the Second Division is not yet final and executory while the First Division is yet to make a decision.

“We are pretty confident that the First Division will also side with us not because the Second Division has already ruled against her but because of the superiority of the arguments that we have presented,” Luna said.

In her urgent petition to exclude Poe, Elamparo pointed out that based on the timeline of the Comelec, it has to come up with the official list of presidential candidates on December 20, 2015, and printing of ballots will start by early January next year.

“While respondent may still opt to file a motion for reconsideration within five (5) days from receipt of the aforesaid resolution, petitioner respectfully submits that unless the 01 December resolution is reversed or restrained through a temporary restraining order issued by the Supreme Court, the same should be respected and implemented by excluding respondent from the list of official candidates for the presidency and from the ballots,” she said.

According to her, the Comelec would be contradicting itself if after canceling respondent’s COC, it would still include Poe’s name in the official list of candidates and in the ballots, “as if it is anticipating its decision to be reversed.”

“More important, the exclusion of respondent from the official list of candidates and from the ballots would better serve the interest of justice,” she said.

Naturalized not natural-born Luna said foundlings are considered as naturalized citizens and not natural-born ones and

Study: Harder for California students...

therefore could not be elected as President.

Poe, who was found abandoned PAGE A1 in a church in Iloilo, has no known sities,” which revealed that the biological parents.

“Foundlings cannot in any University of California (UC) and way be a President or senator, California State University (CSU) unless you amend the Constitu- systems lack the capacity, among tion. That’s the only way you can other factors, to serve the state’s change the situation, that you growing population of college-eligible and ready students, forcing need to amend it.

The Constitution enunciated campuses to turn away a signifijus sanguinis or law of the blood. cant portion of applicants.

California is currently ranked You cannot create a natural-born citizen [in jus sanguinis] by creat- 49th in the country in the percenting legal fiction or by mere pre- age of undergraduate students enrolled in a four-year university. sumption,” Luna said.

The report went on to note, Tatad’s petition questioned Poe’s claim that she’s a natural- “when our four-year public university system cannot serve all born citizen. “[Poe] cannot… [imply] or pre- qualified California students, we sume [that she is a] natural-born produce fewer bachelor’s degree [citizen]. It should be established holders and ultimately hurt the as a fact, by blood relationships economy and threaten the future [because of the jus sanguinis of our state.”

The findings come amidst the principle,]” he added.

In his petition, Tatad said “Poe application deadline for fall 2016 is practically stateless, and that admission to the UC and CSU foundlings have no parentage,” campuses. The UC system expects because “the 1935 Constitution about 200,000 applications for states that she is not a Filipino admission, while CSU anticipates because of the jus sanguinis prin- 800,000, according to EdSource.

For fall 2015, 60 percent of Caliciple.” “[Poe’s] arguments, which are fornia residents who applied were based on the presumption that accepted by UC schools (down she is a natural-born citizen based from 63 percent the previous [in turn] on international statutes year), while about three-quarters for foundlings will not be applica- were admitted into CSU schools. ble here in the Philippines,” Luna At CSU, 139,697 eligible students were turned away between 2009 said.

“The Philippines is not a signa- and 2014.

In contrast, 62.2 percent of tory to any international statute on foundlings, and our country international students were acdoesn’t follow the jus soli [law of cepted by UC schools, seeing an the land] principle—if she keeps increase from 60.1 percent, a Reon insisting that, it will contradict uters report stated.

Given the budget cuts at UC and our 1935 and 1987 Constitutions emphasizing jus sanguinis. It CSU campuses, critics allege that should be established as a fact, by the public universities are instead accepting out-of-state and internablood relationships,” he added.

Tatad was among the person- tional students, who pay more in alities who strongly dismissed tuition.

The average grade point averPoe’s claim that she is a naturalborn Filipino, which is requisite age (GPA) of admitted students to six of the nine UC campuses in for those seeking public office.

“Grace Poe’s only mistake is 2014 was over a 4.0. The median that she wants us to believe that SAT score of admitted students to she’s a natural-born Filipino UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC San when, in fact, she’s not. Poe is Diego was less than 400 points only a naturalized Filipino cit- away from a perfect score. The ize—she’s already stateless at gap between the number of UC applicants and those admitted has birth,” he said.

Poe had submitted herself to more than doubled between 1996 DNA testing inearly October, and 2013.

“It is a shame that hard-workhoping that it would help boost her argument that she is a natu- ing, talented California students ral-born citizen before the Sen- need to be virtually perfect to get ate Electoral Tribunal, which all a spot at the University of Califorturned out negative.

“There should be a physical PAGE A3

Released on Monday, Nov. 30, the Campaign for College Opportunity’s new report found that it is harder for eligible California students to be admitted into the University of California and California State University systems, due to insufficient funding and rigorous admissions standards.

Infographics courtesy of the Campaign for College Opportunity

nia. It should not be more difficult for a student to enroll directly in a four-year university than it was for previous generations,” Michele Siqueiros, president of the Campaign for College Opportunity, said.

Students applying to the CSU system find a similar challenge of rising admissions standards. Six of the 23 campuses now require a higher GPA and/or SAT score than the CSU baseline eligibility requirements. Within the CSU campuses, impacted majors that require a higher GPA and/or SAT score have increased by 135 percent since 2004.

“CSU denying 30,000 eligible students last year is heartbreaking for all the talented students whose only opportunity to succeed professionally relies on their ability to access a high quality and affordable university education,” said Ivna Gusmao, a recently retired college counselor from Reseda High School who has been serving

students in the Los Angeles public schools for over 30 years, in a statement. “Getting into the UC for students today is more like playing the lottery. College counselors can no longer tell students with any accuracy where they are likely to get in even if they had a 5.0 GPA.” The report also pointed out that the 1960 Master Plan for Higher Education — which adapts to California’s population growth and is still the current structure being used — is outdated. The plan envisioned the public university system to be free and available for all qualified California residents and placed caps on admission to UC and CSU schools at the top 12.5 percent and top 33 percent, respectively, of state students based on academic achievement.

However, funding for the public universities has dropped — an estimated $1 billion lost between 2006 and 2014 — at the expense of raising tuition, increasing class PAGE A5

Nearly 5K immigrant minors crossed...

PAGE A1 the number of family members crossing together nearly tripled from October 2014, from 2,162 to 6,029.

Despite expectations of lower numbers due to the colder winter months, a stronger law enforcement along the border, and efforts by Mexican authorities to stem the stream of Central American migrants, the number of fleeing minors along with their families has grown tremendously.

Though tens of thousands of women and children from Central America were caught at the border during summer 2014, that number had dropped by nearly half during the 2015 federal fiscal year ending Sept. 30, according to Fox News.

“The 4,973 unaccompanied children who were caught at the border last month is the highest number that Washington, D.C.based think tank Washington Office on Latin America has recorded for October since their records began in 2009,” said Adam Isacson, a border expert and senior analyst.

“The high numbers buck the typical trends of crossings peaking in spring then declining through summer and fall,” Isac-

son said. However, an uptick in families and children crossing in July has caused numbers to stay at over 4,000 each month since.

“Rather than a big jump, it’s been a steady burn,” he said.

“I think we are almost in crisis mode with this many months of sustained arrivals.”

Most children and families trying to cross the border in October were from El Salvador, a tiny country where increased violence has averaged 30 murders a day in August. Previously, Guatemala had the most families and children apprehended at the border, said US Customs and Border Protection.

While the Rio Grande Valley remains the center of migration flows in Texas, immigrants are starting to venture farther west of that area. The number of unaccompanied children caught in Del Rio sector jumped from 120 to 237, while 187 children were apprehended in the remote Big Bend area, up from just 13 last year.

According to internal intelligence files from the Homeland Security Department, most families who were interviewed told the federal border patrol agency officials that smugglers decided where they would try to

cross. They reported that the cost ranged from about $5,000 to cross the border near Matamoros or Reynosa, Mexico, across the border from the Rio Grande Valley, but was about $1,500 to $2,000 to cross near Ciudad Acuna, across the river from Del Rio. The White House administration was caught off guard by the sudden surge of children and families in 2014, and has made several efforts to curb the heavy flow of people crossing the border, including mass media campaigns in Central America to scare people out of attempting the dangerous journey.

US Customs and Border Protection said in a statement this week that “the campaigns are still in place,” and highlight that “those attempting to come here illegally are a top priority for removal.”

Immigrant families who were caught crossing the border between July and September told US immigration agents that they made the dangerous trip in part because they felt they were likely to succeed, according to the intelligence files. Immigrants spoke of “permisos,” or passes, that they believed would allow them to remain in the United States.

(Allyson Escobar/AJPress)

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Fil-Am missing in Oregon found dead SAN FRANCISCO – A body pulled from the Willamette River Monday, November 22, has been identified as 33-year-old Eugene Vibar, who went missing since Halloween.

Multnomah County Deputies found the body just south of the Fremont Bridge near the east bank. The Medical Examiner said there were no signs of foul play and the cause of death was ruled as drowning. The manner of death is still being deter-

mined.

Vibar was a landscaper for Dennis’ 7 Dees and was popular with fellow volunteers at The City Repair Project, a nonprofit that creates green gathering spaces around the Portland area and other projects.

Vibar was last seen early in the morning of November 1. His friends say he went for a walk after attending a Halloween party and never returned. (Inquirer. net)

White House strengthens visa...

PAGE A1 from travelers about past visits to countries, such as Syria and Iraq, the White House said on Monday, Nov. 30.

The White House characterized the “enhancements” as “a move that would stymie terrorists who try to use lost or stolen passports to travel.”

“Where we have opportunities to make meaningful enhancements, we won’t hesitate,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters in Paris for the UN climate change summit. “We are clear-eyed about the stakes.”

The nation’s nearly 30-yearold visa waiver program helps bring nearly 20 million people from 38 countries (i.e. a majority of European countries, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan) to the US every year with less stringent screening. Under the program, citizens of participating countries are allowed to travel to the US without a visa for stays of 90 days or less if they meet certain requirements.

Supporters of the waiver program, which includes a crosssection of lawmakers from tourism-reliant states and the businesses that support them, have said the program offers an economic boost. Opponents worry the program could serve as a backdoor for potential terrorists to travel to ISIS-run terrorist training camps in other countries, then travel back and forth from Europe, using the program to come to the US. The federal changes were announced as the White House faces criticism and pushback from lawmakers in Congress against President Barack Obama’s plans to welcome an additional 10,000 Syrian refugees over the next fiscal year.

“As opposed to the rhetoric we have heard from the Republicans, the administration is offering it as an alternative... to rationalize and strengthen the programs that track persons so we have better information and can implement cautious policies,” said Julian Zelizer, a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University, according to NBC News.

Though the polls have shown a majority of Americans who also oppose the plan, officials such as CIA Director John Brennan to Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), the chairman of the Senate Intelli-

gence committee and California Democrat Sen. Diane Feinstein, the committee’s ranking member, are more worried that the visa waiver program is a greater concern in that it makes it much harder to keep track of potential terrorists and prevent attacks in the States.

As the administration works to address those concerns, DHS will also look at pilot programs for collecting biometric information, such as fingerprints from visa waiver travelers, the White House said in a statement.

A task force in the House of Representatives will meet this week to discuss details of the program, and hopes to craft legislation to pass “by the end of the year,” said House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (RCalif).

McCarthy told reporters that lawmakers were “interested in requiring all countries in the waiver program to issue e-passports with chips and biometrics.”

Another intended change would be to make sure that passengers were screened against a database of lost and stolen passports.

In the meantime, the White House said administration officials are talking to senators from both parties about the official visa waiver program changes, and have urged Congress to give Homeland Security additional powers for extra security measures, such as increasing fines for air carriers that fail to verify passport data, and requiring all travelers to use passports with embedded security chips.

The White House also wants to expand the use of a “preclearance program” in foreign airports, to allow border officials to collect and screen biometric information before visa waiver travelers can board plans going to the US. Earnest urged Congress to pass legislation before the holidays.

“We saw Congress a couple of weeks ago pass legislation related to refugees that would not actually do anything to enhance our national security, they were able to take those steps in three or four days. Surely over the course of the next three weeks, they should be able to do something that actually would strengthen our national security,” he said. (Allyson Escobar / AJPress)

Bishop hits Duterte...

PAGE A1 Bello likened a Duterte election in next year’s balloting as the “second coming of the Marcos regime with its disregard for basic human rights.”

“I think Duterte is really dangerous, and I find his views on human rights appalling. But we cannot simply dismiss him.

My sense is that his popularity comes from the widespread perception that law and order are breaking down,” Bello, former Akbayan lawmaker, said in an online interview Monday.

But with the rising popularity of Duterte as shown by his leading all presidential aspirants in the latest Pulse Asia survey in Metro Manila, any campaign against Duterte would be an “uphill struggle,” according to Bello.

“But we must convince the people that the shortcut Duterte advocates, to bring about order by suspending or disregarding human rights, will bring about a state of arbitrary rule and impunity that would be far worse than what now exists,” Bello said.

President Aquino’s spokesperson, Edwin Lacierda, asked about Duterte’s presidential bid, said “the responsibility of each candidate is to present their platform of government.”

“And citizens should expect more than sound bites from the candidates, a hard-nosed appraisal of what any of them can offer to all of us,” he told Palace reporters.

The New York-based Human Rights Watch has been calling on the government to investigate Duterte’s possible role in alleged summary executions of suspected criminals in Davao City since the late 1980s when he became mayor. Curiously, Davao is considered the safest city in the country.

Bello, a University of the Philippines professor, said Fili-

pinos were becoming desperate amid the widespread lawlessness and criminality.

“Both the middle class and the lower classes are skeptical about the rule of law, since the rich and powerful are seen to be untouchable, while the police are perceived to be the first to violate the law,” Bello said.

“When people are fearful and angry, they tend to gravitate to strong men, to the man on horseback who they think will bring about security, discipline and order,” Bello said.

He blamed Mr. Aquino for the present sorry state of the country’s peace and order. “PNoy has been seen to be weak and hypocritical on crime and wrongdoing,” Bello said.

A former staunch Aquino ally, Bello cut his ties with the administration in March over what he considered a Malacañang cover-up of the Jan. 25 clash between police commandos and Moro rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province, that left 44 police officers dead.

He disagreed with Mr. Aquino over the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), which the Supreme Court struck down as unconstitutional, and the retention of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, all of whom he described as “deadweights.” “(Mr. Aquino) talks about daang matuwid but protects buddies like Abad, whose name has become synonymous with the illegal, scandalous DAP. His support of (former police chief Alan) Purisima to the very end, despite his being indicted by the Ombudsman, also sent the signal that he was not at all concerned with reforming the national police,” he said.

(With reports from Jerry E. Esplanada)

Dateline USa

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • deCembeR 4-10, 2015

A

Sacramento man charged for using Filipino kids for porn shoot SACRAMENTO—A Sacramento man has been charged with paying Filipino guardians for temporary custody of their children and using them to create pornography.

Michael Carey Clemans, 55, was indicted on four counts related to conspiracy to produce child porn, the Eastern District of California US Attorney’s Office said.

According to court documents, Clemans worked with a

woman in the Philippines starting in June 2014 to produce the sexually explicit photos of children. At the time, Clemans lived in Bangkok, where he worked as an airline pilot.

When he moved back to Sacramento in April, Clemans allegedly continued to work with the woman by working out various strategies to find young girls to engage in sexually explicit actions, court documents said.

Clemans allegedly gave the

Poe could be jailed...

PAGE A2 blood relation, maybe that’s the reason why Senator Poe insisted that she will undergo a DNA test because she knows that the physical evidence of a natural-born citizenship is by a natural-blood relationship,” Luna said.

He added that Poe was not registered as a foundling in the separate old civil registry for foundlings—for her to be given an “accommodated type” of naturalization giving her a legal presumption that she is a naturalized citizen.

“Poe must have registered in the separate registry [for foundlings], it would be easy for her to acquire citizenship but still, as a naturalized citizen, not a naturalborn [one],” Luna said.

Fight far from over Poe said she is not expecting a favorable decision from the other divisions of the Comelec handling her other disqualification cases but noted that her fight is far from over.

She likened her legal fight to a boxing match wherein she won round one when the tribunal dismissed the disqualification case against her, and lost round two after the Second Division ruled in favor of the petition seeking to cancel her COC for President.

Poe said she expects the other divisions of the poll body to have similar decisions, but said she is not bothered because she can still bring the case to the High Court if she fails to get a favorable decision from the Comelec en banc.

“It is possible that we could lose our case in the Comelec but there is still the Supreme Court.

What is important is I’m doing this because I don’t want anyone to be left behind,” she told a news forum.

Poe said she also expects to get a favorable decision from the High Court similar to the ruling it made on a disqualification case filed against her father, the late Fernando Poe Jr., when he ran for President in 2004.

woman thousands of dollars so she could buy photo equipment and set up the photo shoots with the girls, according to court documents. During some conversations, Clemans expressed “his desire to have sex with girls as young as 8 years old.”

Court documents show Clemans paid the guardians of the Filipino children so he could get temporary custody of the kids and produce child pornography.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Clemans was arrested in July. (U.S. Customs agents, on a tip Clemans may be possessing child pornography, also detained him last April after flew into San Francisco International Airport from Tokyo.

Agents found 18 images on his iPad and he was arrested immediately.) If convicted, he faces a maximum punishment of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. (Inquirer.net)

She added that part of the court ruling on the disqualification case stated that the decision on who will be the next President of the country should be left to the sovereign Filipino people, not to unelected members of the court.

Poe said she is convinced that there is an “obvious and conscious” effort to remove her from the 2016 presidential race.

She added that the legal challenges she is facing stem mainly from the desire of some people to take her out of the presidential race because she poses a threat to their own dreams to be the nation’s leader.

“I just feel that’s somebody is behind it. Now, am I being harassed? I’m just doing what I need to do. To be able to go through the process, to be able to overcome these hurdles,” Poe said.

She, however, refused to name those whomshe suspects to be behind the disqualification cases but she noted that two of her rivals would definitely stand to benefit if ever she gets disqualified.

“Pero sabi nga nila masyadong liberal ang decision ng Comelec

kaya nga para daw i-mar yung elections ng 2016 [Some are saying the Comelec decision is too liberal and could be part of the attempt to mar the 2016 elections],” Poe said with a pun referring to the Liberal Party and its standardbearer, Manuel “Mar” Roxas 2nd.

Poe’s running mate Sen. Francis Escudero, in a statement, said the resolution of the Comelec Second Division is just a temporary setback as he sees Poe getting relief either from the Comelec en banc or the Supreme Court.

“We still have faith in our justice system. We believe that in the end, Senator Grace will be allowed to run not only based on international and domestic laws, but also based on the factual situation of the case,” Escudero added.

He expressed optimism that Poe will be able to attain a favorable decision either from the Comelec en banc or the Supreme Court.

“At the end of the day, laws are invented and created to achieve justice. I am of the firm belief that PAGE A4

A

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Dateline USa

Fil-Am law group pushes for naming of Long Beach school facility in honor of Larry Itliong THE largest local association of Filipino-American lawyers in the United States is spearheading efforts to name a Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) school facility in honor of Filipino-American labor leader, Larry Itliong.

Leaders of the Philippine American Bar Association (PABA), based in Southern California, met with LBUSD officials back in August to seek clarification on the naming process, after learning that Cabrillo High School was building a new moot court classroom.

The group formally sent LBUSD Board of Education its proposal to name an LBUSD school facility after Itliong on Nov. 16, considering that West Long Beach has a high concentration of Filipinos. One out of 10 enrollees at Cabrillo High School is Filipino, and Filipinos make up the third largest group in the campus, next only to Hispanics and African Americans, respectively.

The dedication is another push to memorialize the late Filipino farm labor leader’s contributions to the state. In July, California Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 7 into law, which annually designates October 25 as “Larry Itliong Day.” “PABA’s proposal will not only recognize the contribu-

tions of Filipino Americans, but will also be consistent with the text of AB 7, which encourages public schools to remember the life of Mr. Itliong, recognize his accomplishments, and educate the students about the contributions he made to this state,” PABA President Christine Gonong stated.

Itliong, originally from San Nicolas, Pangasinan, migrated to the United States in 1929 at the age of 15, and worked as a migrant farmworker in Montana, South Dakota, Washington and California, where he saw the plight of other labor workers, especially Filipinos.

As a leader of the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC), Itliong is remembered for sparking the California farm labor movement in 1965, organizing an eight-day strike with 1,500 Filipino grape workers in Delano. The boycott called for increased wages and better working conditions for the farmworkers.

In 1966, Cesar Chavez’s National Farm Workers’ Association (NFWA) joined Itliong’s AWOC, forming the United Farm Workers of America (UFW), one of the largest unions in the history of the nation. Together, Itliong and Chavez led the historic march to Sacramento to fight for better working and living condi-

Poe could be jailed...

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in the end, justice will still prevail,” Escudero said.

Poe’s lawyers also remain optimistic that the Comelec en banc will overturn the resolution of its Second Division.

George Garcia, in a statement, noted that the division completely ignored previous rulings of the Supreme Court that are applicable to Poe’s case and which should have been the bases in ruling that she fulfilled the 10-year residency requirement for presidential candidates.

“We will convince the Comelec en banc that the Second Division erred in its resolution,” Garcia said, adding that they have until December 7 to appeal the Second Division ruling with the en banc.

Respect the law Malacanang also on Wednes-

day, Dec. 2 appealed for “sobriety and respect for law” among all concerned parties in Poe’s disqualification cases.

In a text message, Palace spokesman Edwin Lacierda noted that the decision was arrived at “in the course of the constitutionally-mandated functions of the Comelec.”

“We understand that Senator Poe’s legal counsel will pursue and exhaust all remedies available to them, as is their right in this process,” Lacierda told reporters.

“We believe that sobriety and respect for the law and its processes are the best way forward for all parties concerned,” he said.

‘Brotherly’ advice Vice Ppresidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand Marcos also on Wednesday told Poe to just keep going.

tions, which eventually led to agreements for better wages and protections of farm workers in the 1970s.

Despite Filipinos being the largest Asian American group in California, there is only one school in the state named after Filipino-American heroes, the Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School in Union City, California.

Formerly known as Alvarado Middle School, the Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School was named after Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz, another labor movement leader from Saoag, Ilocos Sur. “I believe that this proposal will inspire students and highlight the rich diversity in Long Beach,” said PABA Governor Ireneo A. Reus III, who grew up in Long Beach and attended schools in the LBUSD. “Just as the LBUSD already named a school after Cesar Chavez to honor Mr. Chavez’s contributions and legacy, PABA believes that the LBUSD should also name a school after Mr. Itliong to honor his contributions to this great state and the labor movement.”

PABA’s application is currently pending the LBUSD Board of Education’s review, and is being supported by Assemblymember Rob Bonta, Carson Mayor Pro Tem Elito Santarina and the Filipino Migrant Center. (AJPress) “Keep going…keep going. Huwag kang panghihinaan ng loob [Don’t lose heart] and just [keep in mind] that when you are doing the right thing, you will in the end succeed,” Marcos also told reporters Tuesday, Dec. 1.

He said he was not surprised at all by the verdict and expressed belief that it is still a long way to go before the issue would be finally settled as Poe’s camp has announced that it would appeal the decision before the Comelec en banc. “[W]e leave it to the best of our legal minds to decide exactly what to do,” Marcos added.

When asked if the Comelec decision should alarm the opposition, he said it is expected and it is part of the black propaganda normally being employed by different groups. (Neil A. Alcober, William B. Depasupil, Jefferson Antiporda and Catherine S. Valente/ManilaTimes.net)

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • deCembeR 4-10, 2015

Binay: No VAT hike after tax...

PAGE A1 prices of our commodities would skyrocket because of increased VAT,” the Vice President added.

He noted that 11 million Filipino families are poor.

Binay allayed fears that slashing income taxes would result in revenue loss for the government.

“Raising VAT is not the only way to compensate for the revenue loss. We already have a menu of options to compensate for the potential revenue losses from reducing tax rates,” he said.

These options, according to Binay, include sale of government Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay assets and privatization of a num- the Ledac,” Binay added.

“We are pushing for a compreber of government-owned and— controlled corporations (GOCCs); hensive tax system reform that will approval of revenue-generating gradually reduce the personal and measures, including fiscal incen- corporate income tax rates in the tives rationalization; fuel marking Philippines to a level that is more to fight oil smuggling; and contin- consistent with our peers in Asean ued improvement in tax adminis- [Association of Southeast Asian Nations],” he said. tration and collection efficiency.

Binay cited advantages of passShould he be elected President, he said, he would convene the ing a tax reform bill, saying it Legislative-Executive Develop- would result, for one, in improved ment Advisory Council (Ledac) tax collection and compliance.

“With the current taxation syswithin the 100 days of his administration for swift passage of the tax tem, up to 85 percent of the total collection of individual income reform bill.

“If given the opportunity to taxes is paid by the working class serve our fellow Filipinos, I will while only 15 percent comes from certify the tax reform bill as urgent self-employed individuals and proafter a thorough consultation with fessionals,” he said.

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“Tax reform would result in the improved competitiveness of Philippine corporations and their workforce. It will also encourage more foreign investments, resulting in more jobs for our people, and more revenues for the government,” the Vice President added.

Binay said tax reform would also lead to increased consumer spending, allowing the government to recover some of the shortterm revenue loss.

The Vice President expressed his disappointment with some government officials and candidates for dismissing the tax reform bill as a “pogi bill,” designed only to attract votes from the middle class.

“It is unfortunate that this issue is being politicized. The tax reform measure will benefit individual households, society and the economy at large,” he said.

“Tax savings will help Filipino families afford a house, therefore [fewer] informal settlers; an education plan for their children, causing [fewer] drop-outs in schools; and a retirement plan that will have [fewer] senior citizens dependent on charity or the government,” the Vice President added.

“Our tax system must be seen as fair. Those with bigger paychecks ought to pay higher taxes than those who earn less, and inflationadjusted tax bracket is only just,” Binay said. (ManilaTimes.net)

Study: Harder for California students...

PAGE A2 sizes and decreasing enrollment.

Figures show that the cost to attend a UC has increased by 200 percent in the past 15 years. For the 2015-16 school year, the estimated average cost is $29,500 for those living off campus and $33,600 for those living on campus, according to the UC Admissions website.

“Many more students struggle to pay tuition and fees that have skyrocketed in recent years. It is imperative that California reinvest in its public higher education system so that California youth from all backgrounds, especially lowincome students of color, have equal opportunity to enroll in and graduate from the state’s fouryear universities,” Stewart Kwoh, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles, said.

In November, UC President Janet Napolitano held an ethnic media roundtable to discuss perceptions and barriers faced by minority communities in applying to the university system.

Addressing the costs, Napolitano cited that more than half of California resident students at UCs pay no tuition because of programs that cover that cost for families that make $80,000 or less.

Pell Grants, which offer awards of up to $5,775, depending on family income, are also options; 41 percent of UC students are benefitting from them.

“The state’s economic future depends on our students being able to access, afford and complete a postsecondary degree,” said California State Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León in a statement reacting to the report. “A majority of the 6 million children attending our K-12 public schools are low-income and underrepresented minorities, and California must take a more strategic approach to establish a pipeline from our K-12 school system to our higher education institutions.”

With its findings, the Campaign for College Opportunity has proposed that Governor Jerry Brown and state lawmakers do a strategic overhaul to prioritize funding for

public higher education, so that more California students are accepted into the public four-year universities.

Further, the report called for caps on the number of out-of-state and international students who are admitted.

“Increased competition for limited spots in college is not a win-win situation – there are winners and losers at the precise time we need more educated Californians to maintain a thriving economy. Just like California’s drought threatens our future and calls for immediate solutions, so too does the shortage of a college-educated populace,” Siqueiros added.

Recently, UC regents approved aRecently, UC regents approved a plan to increase the enrollment of California undergraduates by 10,000 by 2018. For the 2016-17 term, $25 million was allocated to UC to increase the number of in-state undergraduates by 5,000.

The number will increase by 2,500 students for each of the following two years. (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)

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december 4-10, 2015 • NOrcAL ASIAN JOUrNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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

Cayetano to Robredo: Duterte Amid frenzied attacks, Sara Duterte leadership not about violence defends tough-talking father

by Mike

frialde Philstar.com

MaNILa —Sen. alan Peter Cayetano defended anew his running mate, Davao City Mayor rodrigo Duterte, from attacks by Liberal Party vice-presidential bet Maria Leonor “Leni” robredo. robredo earlier said that her hometown, Naga City, was able to be developed the same way Duterte improved Davao City without subscribing to the mayor’s brand of leadership.

“Many of those who are moved

by Mayor Duterte’s leadership are inspired by his achievements in promoting peace and good governance. They are certainly not advocates of violence as many of them are in fact victims of crime.

What they want is a leader with bold solutions and swift action, a leader that will restore order, rule of law and equality. This is what Mayor Duterte and his brand of leadership bring,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano, who is the running mate of Duterte, who had earlier formalized his presidential bid, has also disagreed with robredo’s comparison between Davao City and Naga.

“With all due respect to rep.

Leni, I think she is wide off the mark on this one. Davao’s crime volume is way below compared to Naga or Metro Manila, which

by Jefry

Vice-presidential aspirant Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano checks some firearms with his running mate, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, at an arms show in Mandaluyong City on Nov. 11.

are currently at alarming levels.

This is despite Davao City being bigger compared to Metro Manila and Naga, and home to a diverse population composed of Christians, Muslims, other ethnic groups and groups of opposing ideologies,” Cayetano said.

“Instead of attacking Mayor Duterte, let’s duly recognize his accomplishments, learn and find ways how his success can be replicated in other cities,” Cayetano added.

Cayetano said that based on the latest data released by usercontributed survey site Numbeo, Davao is now the fourth safest city in the world with a low crime index of 17.94. The Police regional Office in Davao also reported a

decrease in the entire region’s crime volume from January to March this year as compared to the same period of last year.

Cayetano, meanwhile, called for an end to “pointless political bickering” and instead work collectively in making the Philippines a safe place for Filipinos.

“Huwag na sana tayo mag-siraan. Let’s just work together in making our country safe for our people. Ang kailangan ng bansang ito ay matapang na solusyon at mabilis na aksyon. Hindi madali ang pagsugpo sa krimen at paghuli sa masasamang loob, pero nagawa ito ni Mayor Duterte sa Davao. Kaya rin niya itong gawin sa buong bansa,” the senator said.

Binay: Pemberton conviction won’t affect PH-US relations by yuJi

VincenT Gonzales Inquirer.net

WHILE welcoming the verdict of the Olongapo regional Trial court convicting Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton for the death of Filipino transgender woman Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude, Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday, Dec. 1 said the decision would not affect the “good relations” between the United States and the Philippines.

Binay noted that Pemberton’s case was a criminal offense and that the local court based its ruling on evidence.

“VP Binay welcomes the conviction of Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton for the murder

of Jennifer Laude. Justice has been done to the Laude family,” Binay spokesperson rico Quicho said in a statement.

“The Vice President believes the decision will not affect the good relations between the US and the Philippines as the case involved a criminal offense and the court ruled based on evidence,” he added.

The Olongapo court ruled that Pemberton was guilty of homicide for Laude’s death, sentencing him to up to 12 years imprisonment and declaring him national prisoner. Pemberton will be temporarily detained at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa pending the agreement of

the United States and Philippine governments.

In his testimony in august, Pemberton, who admitted strangling Laude and dunking her head in a toilet bowl, said he choked the victim unconscious after finding out she was a transgender.

The crime took place when Pemberton was participating in joint military exercises between the US and the Philippines. Following Laude’s death, various militant groups called for the termination of the Visiting Forces agreement amid continuous american military presence in the country and as the Philippines seeks US support over territorial disputes with China.

Tupas & al JacinTo Manilatimes.net

Sara Duterte-Carpio defended her father, Davao City Mayor rodrigo Duterte, from a barrage of criticisms over his verbal “attack” on the Pope. reacting to a message she received on Instagram, Sara said it was unfortunate that her father does not have the manners of royalty.

But she maintained that her father is capable of leading the country. “rest assured, he is intelligent enough for the highest position, unfortunately, he does not have the finesse of Lady Diana,” Sara said.

“In essence, he is a lawyer with the manners of a street thug.”

One of the messages reads: “If you could please advise your dad, our beloved mayor, to at least protect his image.”

“Nalaman ng buong bansa na may babae sya. Sana po ay sapat na iyong minsan na nya itong nabroadcast huwag na pong ulit-ulitin [The nation knows that he has another woman in his life. He need not repeat it],” the message read.

These admissions, according to the sender, can destroy the image of Duterte.

“It’s inappropriate for him to be seen flirting with women publicly.

It can ruin his image,” the message further read. another message read: “He’s a lawyer. I am a bit lost why he couldn’t carry himself with eloquence and poise? My apology, I am not insulting him, I’m just totally shocked!”

But Sara took these lightly, saying she perfectly understood the public’s reaction.

“I apologize for his behavior,” she said.

The women’s group Gabriela also slammed Duterte for his womanizing.

“Womanizing and treating women as objects are an affront to women and it should not be flaunted,” said Gabriela rep.

Emmi de Jesus in a statement.

“This reeks of machismo, reinforces the society’s low regard of women and consequently increases women’s vulnerability to violence and abuse. This is both

Sara Duterte

distasteful and unacceptable.”

Presidential candidates like Duterte, according to de Jesus, should “refrain from making statements and committing acts that are offensive to women.”

The group urged Duterte to “delve into platforms and discuss women’s and people’s issues rather than employ derogatory statements and actions that malign women.”

Malacañang spokesman Edwin Lacierda also lashed out at Duterte for cursing Pope Francis, saying it was inappropriate.”

“You take away the fact that I am a government official, I would have to be indignant also at the way he unnecessarily cursed Pope Francis [for causing him to be caught in traffic during the papal visit in January this year],” Lacierda said. according to him, cursing the prelate was an insult to the country’s 50 million Catholics, including himself, who patiently waited to have a glimpse of Francis when the Church leader visited the country.

“The Pope was our revered guest, well loved and well respected by millions of Catholics.

People waited in line to catch a rare glimpse of Pope Francis and for all of us who labored under the weather, it was a rewarding experience when we saw him,” he said.

Manny Piñol, Duterte’s political ally, said the tough-taking mayor has apologized for his expletive directed at the Pontiff. “I can never curse my Pope. I was cursing at incompetence. If it was taken by

some in that light, I sincerely apologize,” Piñol quoted the mayor as saying.

He also defended Duterte and said so much has been raised over the statement made by the mayor.

“I was there during the proclamation and I heard every word that he said because I was taking notes. While the statement about the traffic and the Pope’s visit sounded awkward, it was obvious that the use of the cuss word, which is a common street lingo, was not directed at Pope Francis,” Pinol said.

“It was merely an expression that comes almost naturally from Duterte’s mouth and peppers almost all of his public discourses… he used it in jest to express his exasperation and disappointment over the inability of the government to address Metro Manila’s traffic problem,” he added.

More apologies The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) also issued an apology for Duterte’s action.

“On behalf of the party, I want to apologize to those who were hurt [by]his statements. But that’s the local campaign style,” said Sen. aquilino Pimentel 3rd, president of the PDP-Laban Pimentel added that if what the mayor said offended the Church, Duterte will back out of the presidential race if tells to do so.

“Since the Church did not have a statement asking him to withdraw, I think he will continue with his candidacy,” the senator said.

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december 4-10, 2015 • NOrcAL ASIAN JOUrNAL

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OpiniOn

Features

The season of Advent begins The Christian Church uses the yearly cycle of Masses and prayers, broken up into liturgical seasons, to celebrate the whole mystery of Christ, the Second Person of the holy Trinity who magnanimously decided to share in our humanity to give us human beings the possibility of sharing in his divinity.

The celebration of his life and mission of redeeming mankind begins, of course, with the Incarnation–Christ’s becoming flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Holy Mother Church wisely gives Christians the season of Advent to prepare for Christmas, when we commemorate Christ’s first coming to us.

During the four weeks of Advent, sages and saints tell us, the Church helps us to direct our minds and hearts to make our remembrance of Our Lord’s first coming some 2,000 years ago prayerful moments of joyful waiting and expectation for His Second Coming at the end of time.

Here are words about Advent from Saint Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei. He is about to arrive “Advent is here. What a marvelous time in which to renew your desire, your nostalgia, your real longing for Christ to come — for him to come every day to your soul in the Eucharist.

The Church encourages us: Ecce veniet! He is about to arrive!” (The Forge) Countdown “Look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is at hand (Lk 21:28),” we have just read in the Gospel. This time of Advent is a time for hope. These great horizons of our Christian vocation, this unity of life built on the presence of God our Father, can and ought to be a daily reality.

I don’t wish to go on any longer on this first Sunday of Advent, when we begin to count the days separating us from the birth of the Savior.

We have considered the reality of our Christian vocation: how our Lord has entrusted us with the mission of attracting other souls to sanctity, encouraging them to get close to him, to feel united to the Church, to extend the kingdom of God

to all hearts. Jesus wants to see us dedicated, faithful, responsive. He wants us to love him. It is his desire that we be holy, very much his own.

(Christ is Passing By) The “enemies of the soul” Today marks the beginning of Advent. And it is good for us to consider the wiles of these enemies of the soul: the disorder of sensuality and easy-going superficiality, the folly of reason that rejects God, the cavalier presumption that snuffs out love for both God and creatures. All these obstacles are real enough, and they can indeed cause us a great deal of trouble. For these very reasons the liturgy invites us to implore divine mercy: “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust, let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me,” as we prayed in the Introit. And in the Offertory we shall go back to the same idea: “Let none that wait for you be put to shame.”

Now that the time of our salvation is approaching, it is consoling to hear from the lips of St Paul that “when the goodness and kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not by the works of justice which we have done, but according to his mercy” (Titus 3:5). (Christ is Passing By) Everyone can hope to be saved Iesus Christus, Deus homo: Jesus Christ, Godman. This is one of “the mighty works of God,” which we should reflect upon and thank him for.

He has come to bring “peace on earth to men of good Will,” to all men who want to unite their wills to the holy will of God — not just the rich, not just the poor, but everyone: all the brethren.

We are all brothers in Jesus, children of God, brothers of Christ. His Mother is our mother.

(Christ is Passing By) (ManilaTimes.net)

Guest Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Roxas and Duterte tied as Fil-Ams’ top favorites for president Will this change with the new Duterte controversies?

AFTER previous denials of his intent to join the race to Malacañang, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has finally declared his candidacy for the presidency His supporters who’ve been waiting for this moment rejoiced, saying “the eagle has landed” and pinning hopes that Duterte is the leader the country needs during this page in Philippine history.

Politicians, businessmen, and ordinary Filipinos have jumped ship from the camps of Roxas, Binay, Poe and Santiago to declare their all-out support for the Duterte campaign. They contend that Duterte is the candidate who can bring about real change. Unlike past presidents and his current political rival,

they admire Duterte for being a straight The Fil-Am talker and a strong leader who has been Perspective instrumental to Davao City’s progress, peace and order.

Even some Fil-Ams have been energized Gel SantoS-ReloS

by Duterte’s bid for the presidency. In The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America,” an online poll revealed that Duterte is now tied with Mar Roxas, as the top two candidates kababayans in America would vote for if the elections were held today, surpassing Binay, Poe and Santiago.

But would the dynamics change with the latest controversy about Duterte, whom his critics say has gone too far with his language and style, to the point of using the “P.I.” curse on Pope Francis?

As ABS-CBN News reported, Duterte came under fire for cursing at Pope Francis after he allegedly got caught in a traffic jam during the Catholic leader’s visit in the Philippines in January.

Duterte himself said a friend told him that the traffic jam was caused by the

Pope’s arrival, ”Gusto kong tawagan, ‘Pope p******.”

Duterte reportedly later denied cursing Pope Francis. However, he maintained that he would still not invite the Pope Francis back to the country if he becomes president.

The blunt Davao City mayor was also criticized for flaunting that he has two wives and two mistresses, contending that his possible presidency won’t change that. Worse, he would even give details about his sexcapades with women, offending those who say he sounds like he just sees and treats women as objects.

Others have expressed concern over

his “dictatorial tendencies” in the way he implements changes, without respect and regard to due process and the rule of law.

Amid these criticisms Duterte said, “I don’t crave for ratings, I do not need praises, I will not die if I don’t become the president. If you don’t like my character, the solution is, do not vote for me.”

Would you vote for Duterte? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Searching for heroes? Here’s a compilation Gotcha

JaRiuS Bondoc WHy aren’t enough movies like Heneral Luna being made?

Because, as this book is titled, they’re “Stories Rarely Told.”

Reader C. Soriano must have been so affected by Sat. late night TV to email: “I wonder if you also were watching ANC’s ‘Meet the ‘Presidentiables’.’ Grace Poe was asked if she thought Mar Roxas was a good manager as Secretary of Transportation and then of Interior-Local Governments.

Not answering directly, she said better work could have been done, particularly with the woeful MRT-3 commuter railway. Then Roxas, asked about the same, replied that the MRT-3 maintenance before he came in was full of corruption, blah-blah-blah. If you were there, you could have detailed the anomalies committed by his appointee-GM Vitangcol et al as exposed by the Czech

envoy, and why the railway deteriorated. Roxas wasn’t telling the real story. There should at least have been a video of the thousands of commuters waiting in long lines under sun or rain for trains that never arrive due to frequent breakdowns. Since you or Ted Failon were not around to show the real situation, please refute their lies and cover-ups.”

Thank you po for your trust, M. Soriano. Voters would know what to do with presidential candidates, as a matter of free choice. My focus is to expose the dubious PCOS. Any automated cheating benefits only the administration party. -JB Stuart Alegre, New york City: “The big news here is the conviction of the very powerful state Assembly Speaker on all counts of corruption. The longest sitting state senator also is on trial for sleaze. Back there in Manila we have yet to hear of any Ombudsman action against the 20 past and present lawmakers charged in the third batch of pork barrel plunder: Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Bong Revilla, Edgardo Angara, congressmen Prospero Nograles, Joseph Santiago, Roberto Cajes, Florencio Miraflores,

Niel Tupas, Carol Lopez, Edgar San Luis, Arturo Robes, Joel Villanueva, Rodolfo Antonino, Reno Lim, Julius Ledesma IV, Evita Arago, Rachel Arenas, Alfonso Umali, Francis Bichara, and Marina Clarete. Also the multiple plunder raps long filed against ex-Speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella, well before the pork scandal.

And why no cases against congresswoman Nancy Catamco, allegedly a pork fixer before like Janet Lim Napoles?”

Freddie Basa, Riyadh, KSA: “Here are photos I took last Nov. 22 of us OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) in long lines – more than 30 minutes – at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, for refund of terminal fees charged with our purchase of airline tickets. Note the four tellers servicing more than a hundred of us at the refund kiosk. Those four somehow have jobs. But the NAIA management is paying them taxpayers’ money, to refund us fees that shouldn’t have been collected in the first place, since we OFWs are exempted. Worse, it is us (10 million) OFWs who are made to suffer the long queues and the congestion.” ***

It didn’t have to take required viewing for high school and college history students to make the recent film, “Heneral Luna” a hit.

Word of mouth pricked public interest in the depicted major and minor heroes. Moviegoers invariably asked why there are not enough such historical narratives being produced.

The answer lies in part in the book title, “Stories Rarely Told: Hidden Essays on Philippine History.” Distracted by life’s other concerns, Filipinos seldom talk of heroic persons and deeds. The accounts largely remain buried in archives, so left un-popularized in the mass media. Is this why Filipinos can’t seem to learn from the past, and keep repeating its blunders?

“Stories Rarely Told” compiles 29 decades-old researches on the Spanish, American, and Japanese colonial periods. No boring dissertations, they are actionsuspense dramas of famous and less-known movers and shakers.

Many of them can be our own familiar granduncles and -aunts, to the point of taking them for granted instead of taking pride in their valor and patriotism. As author-editor Augusto de Viana

notes, “many of the manuscripts are glossed over and almost forgotten” – until put together in 2013, and reprinted this 2015 (268 pages).

De Viana explains his selection of the articles: “By going through these stories, one can feel how it is to be in the past. It conveys the humanity of those present, and makes us feel the throb of history. These details are lacking in the narrative of national history. Often the events are simplified, and the actors reduced to stiff entities... Enlivening are the various perspectives from where these stories are told... from the center or the sidelines. Thus, we hear stories from the point of view of the marginalized, such as Macario Sakay when about to meet his fate at the gallows... of Josephine Bracken after the death of Jose Rizal or the life of Emilio Jacinto after he had done his part as the brains of Katipunan.”

The book has multi-versions of the events and dramatis personae. The assassination of Gen. Antonio Luna is told by those in the periphery. There are “Three Views of the Battle of Manila Bay” – by the con-

tending Admirals Montojo and Dewey, and observing Katipunan general Alejandrino. The many facets of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar are presented: as lover boy, inexperienced leader, and sacrificer of life. There are claims of Katipunan atrocities, as told by the enemy.

Particularly intriguing was the chapter, “The Betrayal of Katipunan.” It culls from various firstperson reports by the rebel, the sister whom he told about the movement, the mother superior of the orphanage, and the investigating friar-curate.

Compelling too are the attacks on Spanish forces led by Datu Akadir Akobar, because retold by no less than his childhood playmate and later commander.

The chapter, “The LittleKnown Role of the Cebu Guerrillas in the Return of the Americans to the Philippines,” is long but exciting. It is not only about the secret warriors in Cebu but in Panay and Negros as well. It is not just about the return of the Americans but the cutting short of the Pacific War with the accidental capture of a Japanese general and his valuable documents.

(Philstar.com)

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A

Santiago tops Facebook presidential survey 2 ships from US to patrol waters, study Benham Rise

by Christina

by Camille

Diola Philstar.com

menDez

Philstar.com

MANILA—She may be trailing rivals in recent surveys for the 2016 race, but Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago emerged as the netizens’ top choice for president in a poll run by Facebook.

Santiago was elated upon learning the latest result of a survey on Facebook page Pinoy History showing that 48.36 percent of respondents want her as president in 2016.

She was followed by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (42.35 percent), Liberal Party standard-bearer and former interior secretary Mar Roxas (3.86 percent), Sen. Grace Poe (2.15 percent) and Vice President Jejomar Binay (1.28 percent).

The group behind the survey said the results show “the real score of candidates in the upcoming presidential elections,” basing the numbers on 40 million social media users in the Philippines.

In a recent survey on the official Facebook fan page of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Santiago also emerged as the winner. She was chosen by some 64 percent of 135,622 respondents.

Poe was a far second in the poll (14.35 percent) followed by Roxas (11.64 percent), and Binay (7.26 percent). The PUP survey was conducted from Oct. 16, the deadline for filing of certificates of candidacy, to Oct. 25.

Santiago, who has been sidelined by lung cancer, expressed belief that social media have led to an extraordinary change in voting attitude among Filipinos.

“Social media is the key to win-

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago was followed by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (42.35 percent), Liberal Party standard-bearer and former interior secretary Mar Roxas (3.86 percent), Sen. Grace Poe (2.15 percent) and Vice President Jejomar Binay (1.28 percent).

ning the 2016 elections. Traditional politicians can always pay for advertisements, or even preelection surveys, but no amount of money can silence Filipinos on social media,” she said in a statement.

Since announcing her presidential bid in October, Santiago has not tapped traditional media— television, radio, and print—for political advertisements in deference to election laws that intended to limit the campaign period to the weeks spanning from Feb. 9 to May 7, 2016.

No to premature campaigning Santiago decried the “early campaigning” by other presidential contenders who have put up advertisements on prime time slots on television and radio broadcasts.

Santiago is the only presidential aspirant who has yet to release campaign ads.

Santiago also filed Senate

Bill 2445 or the Anti-Premature Campaigning Bill, which seeks to prohibit candidates and even prospective candidates from campaigning a year before the elections.

“A protracted campaign period corrupts elected officials because it allows them to spend more and more money for ads. They are bound to steal that money back when they are in office,” Santiago said.

“In addition, poor candidates always lose their chance to serve the public to richer and more popular candidates. In the absence of a law that will break this cycle, social media is the equalizer,” she added.

In the 2009 case of Peñera v.

Commission on Elections, the Supreme Court ruled that the offense of premature campaigning has been decriminalized by RA 8436 or the New Poll Automation Law, as amended.

NEW OWNER. Emperador Inc. chair Andrew Tan (third from left) visits Bodegas Fundador in Jerez, Spain with son Kevin (second from left) and Emperador president Winston Co after announcing to almost 200 Spanish employees that the Filipino firm is buying Spain’s oldest and largest brandy.

Inquirer.net photo

MANILA—American President Barack Obama earlier this month announced in Manila the United States’ plan to provide two ships to the Philippines, its oldest ally in the region.

The White House revealed that the Philippines will soon receive high-endurance coast guard cutter USCGC Boutwell, formerly the sister ship of Philippine Navy flagship BRP Gregorio del Pilar when it was still in the US Navy’s fleet, and research ship RV Melville, the oldest active vessel in the academic research fleet.

The two vessels will be transferred to the Philippines Navy as excess defense articles aimed “to rapidly enhance capability within limited budgets.”

The Boutwell is the third Hamilton-class cutter sent to be part of the Philippine fleet in the past few years.

“This will provide the Philippines the ability to maintain greater maritime presence and patrols throughout its EEZ,” the White House noted in a fact sheet.

The Melville, meanwhile, will “support naval research and law enforcement capabilities.”

The United States Coast Guard’s cutter USCGC Boutwell is the third Hamilton-class cutter sent to be part of the Philippine fleet in the past few years.

The RV Melville is a research vessel operated

by Scripps Institution of Oceanography for oceanographic research in San Diego, California.

The Philippines remains the largest recipient of maritime security assistance from the US, receiving a record $79 million, or about P3.73 billion, of the funds allocated this year for developing capabilities in the Southeast Asian region.

Philippine Navy spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said the research vessel will most likely be

utilized to further explore Benham Rise, a new potentially oil-rich undersea region east of Luzon.

“The research vessel will not only provide us capability for hydrographic survey, it will also become a platform for interagency collaboration for partners in the academe and thus improve awareness of our sub-surface environment and study of the Benham Rise,” Arevalo said.

The Philippines filed a claim over Benham Rise as part of its continental shelf with the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf on April 8, 2009 and was approved by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in 2012.

Estrada careful not to endorse bet who will be disqualified

by Dexter

Cabalza Inquirer.net

MANILA—Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said he would not want to waste his endorsement by backing a presidential candidate who would eventually get disqualified from the 2016 election.

“Baka yung mapili kong presidente ay madisqualify, sayang (It would be a waste if my chosen candidate for president gets disqualified),” Estrada told reporters after a program at the Liwasang Bonifacio commemorating the 152nd birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio, the Supremo of the revolutionary group Kataastaasan, Kagalang-galang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan or Katipunan.

He, however, did not say who among the presidential candidates he was referring to.

Grace Poe, his goddaughter and the adopted daughter of late fellow actor Fernando Poe Jr., is facing disqualification cases due to issues on her citizenship and residency in the Philippines.

The Senate Electoral Tribunal recently dismissed the disqualification case filed by Rizalito David.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, Estrada’s running mate in 2010 elections, faces graft and corruption charges filed by the Office of the Ombudsman over the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall Building II. Estrada, however, said the perfect President in the 2016 elections would be the one who could put the interest of the masses, and peace and order concerns in his or her priority agenda for the country.

“Ang mapipili ko ay ang makakapag-deliver for the greater good of the greatest number, kung sinong makakapaglingkod sa masang Pilipino dahil sila ang pinakamarami (I will endorse the one who will deliver for the greater good of the greatest number, the one who will serve the Filipino masses, who compose majority of the population),” Estrada said.

“The New Peoples’ Army and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front are still in Mindanao. The economy won’t grow if there’s no peace and order,” he told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in an earlier interview.

Asked if the formal filing of candidacy for president by Davao

City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte would be a threat to other presidential aspirants, Estrada said he could not tell yet. He said he needed to see the complete platforms of government of the candidates.

Duterte, a good friend of Estrada and perceived to have pursued vigilante justice in Davao City, led the recent Pulse Asia survey in the National Capital Region on preferred presidential candidates.

“It gives the voting population more choices to see who of them will be the best President,” he said referring to Duterte’s entry to the presidential race.

Estrada said the quality of platform of governance would prevail over his personal ties to the candidates. “I will forget any kind of relationship I have with any of them,” Estrada added.

Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas, whom Estrada deemed the most qualified as the next leader of the country, was the trade secretary under Estrada’s administration. Miriam Defensor Santiago has been a senator since the time of Estrada’s presidency and has also been a friend of Estrada.

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Roxas ally chides Liberal Party turncoats

by Jess

Diaz Philstar.com

MANILA—Several Liberal Party members in the Davao provinces were chided for abandoning their standard-bearer, former local government secretary Manuel Roxas II, in favor of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

“It is very disheartening to hear that these party mates of Secretary Mar have abandoned him. As party members, they were expected to support the party’s candidates,” Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. of Dasmariñas City in Cavite said.

Barzaga is vice president of the National Unity Party but has declared his support for Roxas.

He said the decision of a group of LP members in the Davao provinces to switch support to Duterte does not speak well of political parties and their members.

“Sad to say, we still have a weak political party system. It is always a party of convenience and personalities and not of principles,” he said.

He said politicians, regard- less of party affiliations, tend to support the more popular presidential candidate.

He added that the same politicians join the political party of the winning candidate after the latter is proclaimed.

Barzaga noted that LP members were just a minority when President Aquino won in 2010.

After Aquino was declared winner, there was a beeline of politicians applying for membership in the new ruling party, he said.

Davao politicians, led by a governor who had expressed his support for Roxas, have report- edly jumped ship and joined Duterte’s camp.

Like Roxas, Vice President Jejomar Binay has lost some followers to the tough-talking Davao City mayor. One of them is businessman Antonio Floirendo Jr., who is seeking to reclaim the congressional seat he held for nine years.

Binay has described political party switching as a “reality” in Philippine politics.

Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo advocated the amendment of the Election Code so that all election-related activities before and during the campaign period would be regulated.

She told a news conference that while the law regulates such activities during the campaign period, there is no such regulation before the official campaign.

Thus, she said presidential, vice presidential and senatorial candidates in the May 9, 2016 polls are now free to place advertisements on radio and television, and go on campaign sorties.

“This situation is anomalous,” she said.

She said the tens of millions spent by candidates before the official campaign would not be counted as part of their allowable election-related expenses.

She added that there are several bills pending in the House that seek to change the law.

As for her exposure strategy, she has asked people helping her to package her as she is.

Militant groups staged a protest to mark the 152nd birthday of national hero Andres Bonifacio on Monday, Nov. 30. They wore red scarves like those worn by members of Bonifacio’s secret revolutionary society Katipunan, saying that it signifies their pledge to continue the hero’s fight for freedom and better conditions for the people.

Inquirer.net photo by Aries Hegina

BBL to stop extremism, say peace negotiators ‘Samal captives Abu Sayyaf’s prize catch’

by JeRRy

e. esPlanaDa Inquirer.net

PASSING the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) would stop the “spread of extremism” in Muslim Mindanao, especially in light of the recent Islamic State (IS) terror attacks in Paris, Beirut and Mali, according to proponents of the BBL. Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Mohagher Iqbal, chief peace negotiators of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), respectively, urged the legislators to “stop wasting time” and work on immediate passage of the BBL. In a joint letter to Congress, the two quoted National Security Council head Cesar Garcia as saying: “Passing the BBL can help curb the spread of extremism. In particular, the Bangsamoro government would be able to help moderate Islamic leaders counter the ideology of radicalism being promoted by IS and

steer the Muslim community away from IS influence.”

According to Ferrer and Iqbal, the Bangsamoro peace process gained the support of the international community by “providing a model where the Islamic movement can find redress for its grievances through a civilized and democratic process, within the country’s territorial integrity and constitutional framework.”

“Time is short, but there is still time. We ask our legislators to work for the immediate passage of the draft law on the Bangsamoro. Time is of the essence and opportunity knocks only once,” the two said.

“We ask you, our legislators, to open your hearts and to give our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters this one good chance to enjoy their right to peace and partake of meaningful reforms and development,” they added.

For her part, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles continued to

Amid frenzied attacks...

push for the passage of the BBL despite persistent delays on its deliberations in the Congress.

“We are not giving up on the BBL. We are asking all the stakeholders to stand firm on the peace process,” she said.

Jasmine Nario-Galace, executive director of Miriam College’s Center for Peace Education, called on the members of Congress to attend plenary sessions and resume discussions on the BBL. “This is a task that lawmakers should fulfill. The BBL is not a simple legislation but a compilation of the Bangsamoro dreams and aspirations for self-determination. Passing the law is a duty of Congress,” she said.

Nario-Galace also appealed to the citizenry to play their part in the peace process by “pushing their representatives to continue the plenary discussions on the BBL and put the Bangsamoro peace process on their agenda before their term ends.”

“Pope Francis is a man of God. He is loved and respected by milPAGE A6 profanities. lions of people, from different According to the senator, Senate Majority Leader Alan religious affiliations worldwide, they have advised Duterte to cut Peter Cayetano, Duterte’s running Mayor Duterte included. But even down on his cursing but there mate, defended the mayor, saying Pope Francis would never allow is no guarantee that the tough- Duterte’s statements were grossly people to suffer at his expense,” talking mayor will stop spewing taken out of context.

Cayetano said.

by Roel

PaReño Philstar.com

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Abu Sayyaf bandits are reportedly regarding the three foreigners and a Filipino woman they seized from a resort on Samal Island off Davao del Norte as their prize catch.

Five bandits are reportedly tightly guarding Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, Canadians John Ridsel and Robert Hall and Maritess Flor, partner of one of the foreigners.

The four were seized from the Holiday Ocean View Resort in Barangay Camudmud on Sept.

21 and were taken to the jungles in Sulu.

“The security is quite tight because this is a prize catch according to them (Abu Sayyaf),” peace advocate Octavio Dinampo said.

Citing ground information obtained by his men, Dinampo said the four hostages are being guarded by the followers of Abu Sayyaf leaders Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, Yasser Igasan, Amamas, Idang Susukan and Radullan Sahiron.

He said the negotiation for the release of the hostages is ongoing.

Dinampo said the negotiators, whom he refused to identify, are talking to only one Abu faction.

Being a former kidnap victim, he said the negotiation could put the lives of the hostages at risk, as he suggested that the negotiation must include all the factions.

He said while the P4-billion ransom demand is too high and impossible to comply with, this could be trimmed down to a reasonable amount.

Dinampo said no kidnap victim had ever been released in Sulu without payment of ransom.

AFP: No jihadist camps in PH

by FRances

Mangosing Inquirer.net

Patikul, Sulu, and Palembang in Sultan Kudarat.

ARMED Forces of the PhilipLast week, eight armed men pines (AFP) chief Gen. Hernan- carrying the flag of extremist Isdo Iriberri on Tuesday, Dec. 1 lamic State led by a certain Andenied the existence of jihadist sar Al Khalifa and Mohd Jaafar camps in Mindanao allegedly Maguid were killed in an ento train Filipino militants who counter with government troops would eventually be recruited to in Sultan Kudarat. The group an international terrorist group. reportedly called themselves as “We have not received any re- Ansar Khilafah Philippines, a port pertaining to the existence group of self-declared terrorists of four jihadist camps as men- supposedly linked with the Isis. tioned in one of the dailies,” he The Indonesian national who told reporters at a press confer- was killed in the encounter was ence at Camp Aguinaldo. reportedly a former member of A news report said the train- the Jemaah Islamiyah and was ing camps were located in a member of the Moro Islamic Sarangani, Cararao in Lanao Liberation Front. province, Barangay Tanum in Iriberri, however, said they

were only a criminal group and not a terrorist one.

“Based on our assessment, they are not a group na sinasabi nilang ISIS sila. They want to be associated with the ISIS but another report that we got is that itong group na ito ay purely criminal group who are engaged in extortion activities in cattle rustling and robbery,” he said.

“Wala po kaming report na sila ay ISIS. We have not established any direct link (with this group and) ISIS,” he said.

Iriberri assured that the AFP was doing its best to prevent this group from committing terror acts in the country.

Expelled INC minister fails to testify before CA by eDu

Punay Philstar.com

MANILA—Expelled minister Lowell Menorca II failed to testify in his case against leaders of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) before the Court of Appeals (CA).

In the continuation of the hearing on his habeas corpus and amparo petitions, Menorca was supposed to take the witness stand to detail his allegations of abduction, harassment and illegal detention against the top INC ministers.

But before he could start his testimony, INC lawyers immediately asked the CA’s Seventh Division to suspend their cross-examination of Menorca due to flaws and questionable entries in his 53-page judicial affidavit.

INC lawyer Patricia-Ann Prodigalidad told the CA that they have found at least 117 items they objected to in the af-

fidavit submitted by Menorca’s lawyers ahead of the hearing.

She argued that the statements submitted were hearsay, speculation and opinions, citing the court’s judicial affidavit rule that requires the affidavit to contain only facts and particulars in a question-and-answer format.

The lawyer cited the claim of Menorca that he was “forcibly taken upon orders of the INC.” Prodigalidad likened this conclusion drawn by Menorca to a telenovela or soap opera since it was not supported by evidence.

She sought the deletion of this portion of the affidavit.

The justices approved the deletion, saying Menorca “has no authority and personal knowledge” to make the claim.

The INC lawyer said they have similar questions to more than a hundred more portions of Menorca’s affidavit.

“If we do not object now, inadmissible evidence will be admitted into the record and we cannot allow that. That would be unfair to the INC,” she explained to the magistrates.

Prodigalidad clarified that they do not intend to delay the proceedings, recalling that they did not raise similar questions to testimonies by witnesses of Menorca during the hearings on Nov. 11 and 12.

In these hearings, INC lawyers cited inconsistencies in the testimonies of Menorca’s wife Jinky, brother Anthony and nanny Abegail Yanson in demonstrating the weaknesses of the case.

The CA then ordered Prodigalidad to put her objections in writing and Menorca’s lawyer to also submit answers before the court resolves the questions.

The court also set the next hearing on Jan. 20, 2016.

Binay unveils plans for Mindanao VICE President Jejomar C. Binay has revealed his agenda for Mindanao, with increased government spending for social services and infrastructure, a bigger share from national taxes, and more foreign investors in agriculture and power.

Binay noted that five of the 10 poorest provinces are in Mindanao, including Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao, both in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

He also cited the Social Weath-

er Stations September 2015 survey indicating that Mindanao’s poverty incidence remained at 70 percent, unchanged since June.

To alleviate poverty in Mindanao, he said, his administration will start by allocating higher share of the internal revenue allotment (IRA) for poor municipalities.

“At present, the 34 percent shared by close to 1,500 municipalities is not sufficient to finance economic activities and social

services in the countryside, especially municipalities that are IRA-dependent,” he added.

Binay also said his administration will strive to create a business environment that will attract investors in agriculture and manufacturing, and generate more jobs in these sectors.

“These sectors absorb lowskilled and less-educated workers,” he said, noting that majority of Mindanaoans are subsistence farmers and landless laborers.

(ManilaTimes.net)

US planes in PH for maritime security training

by FRances

Mangosing Inquirer.net

our forces and the US forces so that’s why they are there,” IribTHE US planes sighted in Clark erri said in a press conference at Air Base recently were part of Camp Aguinaldo.

He was quick to add that it was a bilateral training between the US and the Philippines, Armed part of the activities approved Forces of the Philippines chief by the Mutual Defense BoardGen. Hernando Iriberri said on Security Engagement Board but couldn’t immediately say, howTuesday, Dec. 1.

During the delivery of brand ever, the duration of the training.

The training was also not dinew FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea on Saturday, mem- rected to the South China Sea bers of the media spotted a P- (West Philippine Sea) dispute, he 8A Poseidon, the United States’ said.

“It’s a continuing trianing like most advanced spy plane, and a Balikatan, Phiblex. Marami tayC-130 at the runway.

“It is part of the maritime se- ong special operations forces so curity bilateral training between ito Marsec (maritime security)

training. It is not directed against any country or activity. It is just for the purpose of upgrading and the capability of the Armed Forces,” Iriberri said.

The US Navy conducted surveillance missions in the South China thrice this year that took off from Clark Air Base. The first one was the deployment of the P8A Poseidon, the first in Asia, in February; the second was the secret surveillance mission where the US received warnings from the Chinese Navy, and the third was the visit of US Pacific Fleet commander Adm. Scott Swift in July.

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WAS

$3.99

SAVINGS

SAVINGS

SAVINGS

25%

99 c WAS

WAS

$1.19

SAVINGS

SAVINGS

$1.59

12%

Pinoy Mi Fresh Noodles Asstd Kinds 16oz

Hobe Bihon/ Palabok 16oz

99 c

WAS

$1.99

Super Q Canton 16oz

$1.29

SAVINGS

Bristol Cooked Ham 16oz

$2.49 20%

$4.79

17%

38%

Nestle Table Cream 12.5oz Big

Dairy Girl Evaporated Milk 12oz

Cow & Mill Condensed Milk 13.6oz

SAVINGS

$0.99 49%

$0.99 49%

2

3

2$

for

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WAS

27%

Senor Rey Chorizo de Bilbao 5oz

5

4$

for

WAS

SAVINGS

2$

7

2$

for

$2.39

Island Pacific Jasmine Rice 50#

for

4

WAS

50 LBS

Vacation Packages

...and m any m or

2$

29.99

$

WAS

Presyong Sulit!

Round trip tickets to Manila via Philippine Airlines

CANOGA PARK 20922 ROSCOE BLVD. CANOGA PARK, CA 91304 (818) 857-3400

5

7

2$

2$

for

for

WAS

5

4$

for

WAS

WAS

$2.99

$4.99

$1.49

SAVINGS

SAVINGS

SAVINGS

16%

30%

Argentina Lucheon Meat 12oz

3

2$

for

16%

Kraft Cheese In Can 7.05oz

6

$2.19

WAS

$4.69

SAVINGS

32%

99 c

$6.99

SAVINGS

SAVINGS

14%

99 c

5

2$

for

WAS

$1.29

36%

SAVINGS

SAVINGS

20%

S VERMONT LA 229 S. VERMONT AVE. LOS ANGELES, CA 90004 (213) 674-2980

Del Monte Fruit Cocktail 106oz WEST COVINA 1512 E. AMAR ROAD WEST COVINA, CA 91792 (626) 964-4858

O Tasty Spring Roll Wrapper 10.8oz

le b a il $

WAS

$9.99

SAVINGS

Lucia Frozen Grated Cassava 16oz

23%

SAVINGS

10% Del Monte Spaghetti Sauce Del Monte Fruit Juice (Sweet/Filipino) 1kg Asstd Flavors 1L

7.99

17%

Kopiko Regular Coffee 21.2oz

Kopiko Brown Coffee 26.5oz

$2.79

$1.19

N VERMONT LA 627 N. VERMONT AVE. LOS ANGELES, CA 90004 (323) 671-1020

WAS

$

WAS

WAS

$9.49

WAS

SAVINGS

Pinoy Fiesta Frozen Shredded Young Coconut/Grated Coconut/Coconut Milk 16oz

$

26%

Boy Bawang Nuts Entertainment 100g

2$

for

WAS

5.99

6.99

$

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Presyong Sulit!

*Above image is for representation purposes only.

Actual unit may vary in color and features from photo.

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OXNARD 4833 S.ROSE AVE. OXNARD, CA 93033 (805) 874-4980

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12.99 WAS

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NATIONAL CITY 2720 E. PLAZA BLVD. NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950 (619) 475-1025

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SAVINGS

24%

Magnolia Queso de Bola 500g

COMMUNITY

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

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 4-10, 2015

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Journal

Your Immigration Solution Atty. RobeRt Reeves MAy ZhAng, DiZA AnD nAncy MilleR COMMITTING a crime can get you into a lot of trouble. But entering into a plea agreement in criminal court may get you into even more trouble. If you don’t know the immigration consequences of the guilty or no-contest plea you enter, your troubles may just be beginning. That great deal that kept you out of jail may also get you removed from the United States. That is why the United States Supreme Court has held that criminal defense attorneys must inform their noncitizen clients of whether the plea they are considering entering into carries a risk of deportation.

The Court recognized that deportation is sometimes the most important part of the penalty that may be imposed on noncitizen defendants who plead guilty to specific crimes. For that reason, a defendant is entitled to the effective assistance of competent counsel before deciding to enter into a plea agreement.

Criminal defense attorneys are not required to become experts in the area of immigration law.

Courts have acknowledged that immigration law can be complex and that there will be numerous situations in which the deportation consequences of a particular plea may be unclear or uncertain.

In those circumstances, the criminal defense attorney’s obligation is to advise the noncitizen that the pending criminal charges may carry a risk of adverse immigration consequences.

This limited obligation may, however, raise more problems than it solves. As Justice Alito said in his concurring decision in Padilla v. Kentucky, “nothing is ever simple with immigration law”. Terms such as “conviction”, “moral turpitude”, “single scheme of criminal misconduct” are terms of art and have different meanings in immigration law than in state law. Other concepts

Why you need an immigration attorney when you have been charged with a crime in the Immigration & Nationality Act are ambiguous or confusing to attorneys not versed in the intricacies of immigration law. Is someone an alien (or are they a citizen without knowing it)?

What is the difference between being inadmissible, removable or ineligible for naturalization? The criminal defense attorney does not need to know the answers to these questions. But the alien trying to avoid deportation does.

The question then for the noncitizen accused of a crime is, how can he best protect himself from a “good” plea bargain that results in his deportation? The immigrant quite plainly must consult an immigration attorney experienced and knowledgeable in the immigration consequences of criminal offenses and convictions and he must do so before he enters into any plea agreement.

Ideally, his criminal defense attorney and his immigration attorney should work together to obtain a “deal” that is beneficial from both a criminal defense and an immigration standpoint.

This “good deal” can take several forms. It may involve convincing the prosecutor to agree to an amended charge that does not render the alien either inadmissible or removable. A noncitizen who is removable may be in the United States in lawful status but be subject to removal because of the conviction. A noncitizen who is not in lawful status may be inadmissible as a result of a criminal conviction, even if they are the beneficiary of an approved, immediately available petition. And a non-citizen who is in lawful status (and whose specific conviction does not render him removable) who leaves the United States for a temporary purpose may be charged with being inadmissible upon their return. Each of these instances can end the non-citizen’s ability to remain in the United States. So

it is best if the charge to which the non-citizen pleads does not result in his being either inadmissible or removable.

Unfortunately, many prosecutors take the position that the immigration ramification of the plea is not their concern and will not agree to a charge amendment that will keep the alien safe from all negative immigration consequences. However, the criminal conviction with immigration consequences may be subject to a waiver that would allow the alien to either obtain status, if she is otherwise eligible, or keep her green card and, potentially, apply for US citizenship at a later time.

And “crimmigration” (the interaction of criminal and immigration law) changes all the time. Last year, Governor Brown signed a bill that lowered all sentences for misdemeanors to no more than 364 days. A recent court ruling held that a greencard-holder who adjusted status may still be eligible for a waiver of an aggravated felony conviction. Other court rulings have addressed immigration consequences of burglary and crime of violence convictions.

To the alien who says “why do I need two attorneys to deal with one criminal problem?” the answer is “because you have two problems and you want to be able to legally stay in the United States.” *** Atty. Reeves has represented clients in numerous landmark immigration cases that have set new policies regarding INS action and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City.

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)

Nutrition programs for older adults in San Mateo County SAN MATEO County’s Nutrition Programs for Older Adults provide nutritious meals at group dining sites, such as senior centers, and through home delivery to people who are homebound.

There are a number of group dining sites throughout the County, and current sites are listed below.

Older Americans Act (OAA) funded sites are indicated with an asterisk (*). Contact the San Mateo County TIES Line (1-800-675-8437) for information regarding home-delivered meals.

Where seniors can go for nutritious meals in San Mateo County *OAA funded sites (marked with an *asterisk below) follow specific service delivery guidelines.

The menus at the OAA sites are approved by Registered Dietitians to meet the US Dietary Reference Intakes and are low in fat, sodium and cholesterol.

Services are available to individuals who are age 60 or over and the spouse of an eligible participant regardless of age. Services may be available to a limited number of individuals who are: 1) individuals with disabilities under the age of 60 who reside in housing facilities occupied primarily by older individuals at which congregate nutrition services are provided, 2) a volunteer under the age of 60, if doing so will not deprive an older individual of a meal, and a disabled individual who resides at home with and accompanies an older individual who participates in the program.

The sites identified with an asterisk (*) are fund-

ed in part by the OAA, voluntary donations from program participants, fees from non-participants, and funding support from the host organization.

Suggested donation amounts for participants and guest fees are posted at each OAA site.

Contact each location for an up-to-date menu, days and hours of service, and general information about their programs.

Belmont Twin Pines Senior Center* 20 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont (650) 595-7441 Daly City Doelger Senior Center* 101 Lake Merced Boulevard, Daly City (650) 991-8012 Lincoln Park Community Center* 901 Brunswick Street, Daly City (650) 991-8018 East Palo Alto East Palo Alto Senior Center* 560 Bell Street, East Palo Alto (650) 329-5900 Foster City Foster City Recreation Program 650 Shell Boulevard, Foster City (650) 286-2585 Half Moon Bay Senior Coastsiders* 925 Main Street, Half Moon Bay

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Silver tsunami: Maintaining the health of an aging San Mateo County BY the year 2030, nearly one out of four San Mateo County residents will be over the age of 65.

The number of adults over age 65 in the county will increase by 72 percent; and the number of people over the age of 85 will increase to two and a half times the current number. This is mirrored across the United States with the aging of the baby boomer generation (people born between 1946 and 1964). Locally, San Mateo County will have a greater proportion of older adults than the state average.

Unless we make significant changes, this population will need healthcare and community-

based services far beyond what our public and private systems can provide. According to the San Mateo County Projection Model, if we do nothing, by the year 2030, the county will experience a: • 50 percent increase in demand for physicians, and as great as a 108% increase in demand for treatment in various sub-specialty areas • 34 percent increase in acute hospital days among older adults • 59 percent increase in demand for hospital beds These projections are driven by an increase in the number of older adults, coupled with high rates of chronic diseases and cog-

nitive impairments among aging baby boomers. Combined, these factors will result in a dramatic increase in demand for services, which may prove unsustainable for many providers.

We must prepare for the aging baby boomer population by developing communities that prevent diseases today and support healthy aging for tomorrow.

These are communities where people of all ages, including our older adult population, can live long and healthy lives. Learn what can be done to make San Mateo County communities safe and supportive places for older adults to live and thrive by visiting www.smchealth.org/aging. n

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DECEMBER 4-10, 2015 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

The CTV Files AurorA VegA-Buzon, esq.

VICTIMS of domestic violence or certain crimes are granted immigration benefits so they can remain in the United States to reside and work here.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994 was enacted

by Congress to allow immigrant victims of domestic violence to file a self-petition to become lawful permanent residents (LPR) without having to rely on their abusers who are either their spouse or relatives. In 2000, Congress created two (2) other visas - for immigrant victims of violent crime (“U” visas) and victims of sexual assault or trafficking (“T” visas) - under The Battered Immigrant Women Protection Act of 2000. In 2005, the protections were expanded to include victims of elder abuse. In 2013, Congress extended the VAWA provisions which expired in 2011 and, at the same time, (1) added “stalking” as a qualifying criminal activity under the U visa; (2)

Community Journal

Visa options for victims of domestic violence or crime extended VAWA coverage to children of deceased self-petitioning parents; (3) prevented the “aging-out” of children who are included in their parents’ U visa petitions but who turned 21 before their parents’ petitions have been adjudicated; and (4) extended protections to same sex partners who are victims of domestic violence.

VAWA “Self-Petition”. Under VAWA, victims of domestic violence, child abuse, or elder abuse may “self-petition” for lawful permanent resident status without the participation of the abusive spouse, parent, or adult child. The victim - man or woman - can immediately leave his/her abuser, and file a selfpetition to get lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. Wouldbe immigrants who are eligible include (1) Spouses and former spouses of abusive U.S. citizens or LPRs; (2) An immigrant parent of an abused immigrant child, even if the immigrant parent is not herself abused; and (3) Noncitizen spouses whose children

are abused by the child’s other U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parent.

The “U” Visa.

The U Visa provides temporary immigration benefits - permission to live and work in the United States, and relief in deportation proceedings - for certain victims of qualifying criminal activity who: (1) have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse as a result of having been a victim of “qualifying criminal activity;” (2) possess credible and reliable information establishing that s/he has knowledge of the details concerning the qualifying criminal activity upon which his/her petition is based; and (3) have been helpful, is being helpful, or is likely to be helpful to a certifying agency in the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity; and (4) the qualifying criminal activity occurred in the United States, in United States territories or possessions, or violated a federal law that provides for extraterritorial jurisdiction.

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA HAVE you ever felt sometimes that nothing ever changes?

It feels like the same ‘ol, same ‘ol, each and every single day, doing the same thing over and over again from sunrise to sunset.

We are like the mythical Greek figure Sisyphus destined to roll a rock uphill. When we reach the topmost point, the rock rolls down to the bottom of the hill and we have to roll that rock again uphill over and over again until the end of our days. The tedium is enough to drive us out of our wit’s end.

But although it may sometimes feel like it, human life is not meant to evolve that way. Human life wasn’t meant to move in half cycles or in flat lines. The best of human life was intended to go through seasons and complete one cycle – hopefully, happily in one glorious cycle until the end game, until it is time to cross over and to finally come home.

But while alive, we have to fight the tedium of our days.

The grease that puts the ease in cycling through the rough and tough seasons in one’s life with grace and equanimity is that wonderful thing called JOY. JOY is that magical, mystical potion from which loving and appreciating one’s life, with all its countless heartbreaks, comes. Seasons come. Seasons go. They move in cycles and circles.

A circle is perhaps the perfect geometric structure there is.

Although some would claim the triangle or a square to be better structures because of their stable

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

Circles, cycles and movement “Life is like riding a bicycle.

To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

— Albert Eistein

nature, the circle and all its derivatives — the orb, the sphere, the globe and every structure on earth and in the universe with a core, circumference and radii emanating from the core — can teach and even help us to understand much about nature, our very own human life story and its cycles and seasons.

From the micro to the macro levels, every creative urge in every level, in the intellectual and the physical realms, begins as a thought and if tenaciously pursued and fleshed out by one’s strength of will, proceeds from concept to completion as a circle.

Even in the mundane reality of living an ordinary life from day to day, circles and cycles mark the patterns of our lives.

Note nature’s seasons and cycles of birth and death, of sleep and wakefulness, of sunrise and sunset, of the waxing and waning of the moon and of the quarter million year rotation of the solar system around the core of our home galaxy, the Milky Way and in the grandest of levels, the movement of a nearly infinite number of galaxies in the universe, the edge of which only the Creator knows.

On the minutest level, the astounding movement of electrons around a nucleus and the wondrous flow of the human bloodstream from and to the heart are cyclical.

As science has found out, blockages, either man-made or natural to the flow or movement in the processes existing in nature at all levels, can create anomalies, abnormalities and mutations, resulting in pain and illnesses in the human body and if uncorrected, result in diseases, debilitation and ultimately, death.

This presents a strong argument for regular exercise and movement, which pumps the movement of blood flow down to the capillaries and strengthens the muscles of the heart.

Nature moves in cycles. While the earth’s atmospheric cloak adheres to the surface because of the gravitational pull of the earth’s mass, the hydrologic cycle will continue to maintain our seas and give us rain to sustain all planetary life — that is, for the time being —unless something unforeseen and catastrophic upsets and upends this delicate homeostatic-like balance.

In a way, the life of our living, breathing planet is reflective of human life itself.

“Life,” according to Einstein, “is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

And on that point, we are finding out he is absolutely right. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Menard Leelin pays courtesy visit to Philippine Embassy

THE Republic the Philippines Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., received a courtesy visit from Mr. Menard L. Leelin at the Philippine Embassy diplomatic mission in Washington, D.C. on November 25, 2015.

Mr. Leelin, a long-time Cerritos, California resident, successful Filipino-American businessman, and owner of Leelin Bakery and Cafe, had a warm, pleasant, and friendly conversation with Ambassador Cuisia during his recent business and family vacation trip to the Nation’s capital in Washington, D.C. They discussed various business and current issues concerning the Philippines and the United States, among many others. Mr. Leelin expressed his appreciation to Ambassador Cuisia for the warm hospitality he received during his courtesy visit.

Leelin Bakery and Cafe operates five store chains in Los Angeles, Cerritos, Eagle Rock, North Hills, Panorama City and West Covina in Southern California. Additionally, Menard’s family owns four Yojie Shabu Shabu Japanese Fondue Restaurants in Artesia, Diamond Bar and Los Angeles, California, and one in Menard L. Leelin with Ambassador to the US, Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. Las Vegas Nevada. n

Downtown Concord holiday event is December 5 TODOS Santos Plaza will have a new look this year as families gather on Saturday, December 5, for the annual Mayor’s Sing Along and Official Tree Lighting.

Over the summer, the lights in the trees surrounding the plaza were replaced after serving the community well for over 15 years.

In addition, two new archways were installed on the Willow Pass Road side of the park. The archways feature lit signage at the top which says “Todos Santos Plaza” on the side facing the street and “City of Concord” on the side facing the park. The new features compliment the traditional clock located on the Salvio Street side of the park that was installed to commemorate the City’s Centennial in 2005.

The December 5 holiday event begins at 4pm with Santa’s Grand

Arrival. Santa and his elves will hear children’s holiday wishes from 4 to 6pm after making a colorful entrance on a bright red fire truck. Parents are welcome to bring a camera and take photos of their children with Santa.

Numerous community and school choirs will entertain families from the Todos Santos stage from 5 to 6:30pm, followed by the Mayor’s Sing Along and the countdown to the tree lighting.

ABC 7 news anchor Dan Ashley will act as emcee for the evening.

Free holiday buttons, treats and songbooks will be available while supplies last. The holiday button was designed by Kennedy Kissack, a fourth grade student at Highland Elementary. The Todos Santos Business Association will sponsor carriage rides

from 4:30-7:30pm for a nominal fee with boarding at Salvio and Grant streets.

The event will be televised live, weather permitting, on Concord Government TV Cable channel 28 (Comcast), channel 29 (Astound) and AT&T U-verse channel 99, and will be streamed on the City’s website, www.cityofconcord.org.

Todos Santos Plaza is located in downtown Concord on Willow Pass Road between Mt. Diablo and Grant streets. Free parking is available in two municipal garages with entrances on Salvio Street between Colfax and Galindo streets.

For more information about downtown events, visit www. concordfirst.org or call the downtown hotline at (925) 6713464. n

Nutrition programs for older adults…

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(650) 726-9056 Menlo Park Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. Little House 800 Middle Avenue, Menlo Park (650) 326-2025 Menlo Park Senior Center 110 Terminal Avenue, Menlo Park (650) 330-2280 Pacifica Pacifica Senior Services* 540 Crespi Drive, Highway 1, Pacifica (650) 738-7350 Redwood City Fair Oaks Adult Activities Center* 2600 Middlefield Road, Redwood City (650) 780-7525 Redwood City Veterans Memorial Senior Center 1455 Madison Avenue, Redwood City (650) 780-7259 San Bruno

San Bruno Senior Center* 1555 Crystal Springs Road, San Bruno (650) 616-7150 San Carlos San Carlos Adult Community Center 601 Chestnut Street, San Carlos (650) 802-4384 San Mateo City of San Mateo Senior Center 2645 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo (650) 522-7490 City of San Mateo Martin Luther King Center* 725 Monte Diablo, San Mateo (650) 522-7490 Self Help for the Elderly* 50 East 5th Avenue, San Mateo (650) 342-0822 South San Francisco Magnolia Senior Center 601 Grand Avenue, South San Francisco (650) 829-3820 n

Community Journal

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

Immigration Corner atty. Michael Gurfinkel, eSQ ORDINARILY, when a person commits fraud or makes a misrepresentation in connection with applying for an immigration benefit, the person is required to file a fraud waiver (Form I – 601). However, in some cases, even when a person does make a misrepresentation, a fraud waiver may not necessarily be required.

In one of our recent cases, our client was charged with fraud but, on appeal, the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) in Washington DC agreed with us that no fraud waiver should be required because the alleged misrepresentation was not “material.”

In many cases, people automatically accept USCIS’s determination that they committed fraud, and that a fraud waiver is required. But that is not always the case. In this particular case, the client was petitioned by her US citizen husband, but the USCIS Field Office Director denied her fraud waiver, concluding she had made a misrepresentation, and her husband (her “qualifying relative”) would not suffer “extreme hardship” if she were not allowed to remain in the US. We appealed the denial to the AAO, arguing that while her misrepresentation was intentional, it was harmless and not material. The AAO agreed, noting that while she made a misrepresentation, the “true facts” would not have rendered her inadmissible. In other words, even if a person makes a misrepresentation, the misrepresentation must be material, meaning the person would be ineligible for the immigration benefit based

Dr. Val’s Dental Views Dr. Valerie

De leon

FOR both children and adults with special needs, dental care can be challenging. In some cases, limited coordination can make brushing and flossing tricky. In other cases there may be less access to professional care. Some patients may experience high anxiety levels too.

Medications that lead to dry mouth can also contribute to dental care challenges.

But despite these challenges, everyone deserves a healthy smile. Here are three tips for helping patients and caregivers: 1. Let us help A dental office can feel overwhelming to those with special needs. But you know that regular preventative care training is essential—especially for patients and caregivers who may need instructions about specialized home care. Let us know what we can do to help.

2. Utilize special tools if needed

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 4-10, 2015

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No fraud waiver needed, despite fraud on the “true facts,” or the misrepresentation tends to “shut off a line of inquiry” which would be relevant to the person’s eligibility.

The AAO concluded the misrepresentation was not material, because “the applicant would not have been inadmissible, removable or ineligible on the true facts”. Moreover, “her misrepresentation did not cut off a line of inquiry, which would have been relevant to her eligibility and which might well have resulted in a proper determination that she was inadmissible.” In other words, even though she made a misrepresentation, she was still eligible for her immigration benefit, whether that misrepresentation was true or not, because it was not material. Accordingly, the AAO agreed that her waiver application was unnecessary and she was eligible for a green card without any fraud waiver being required.

I know many people are accused of making a misrepresentation, and are required to submit a fraud waiver. Certainly, if the misrepresentation was “material”, then a fraud waiver would be necessary. However, as this case points out, perhaps the misrepresentation was not material, and therefore would not constitute fraud or misrepresentation, requiring a fraud waiver. (Please note that this “success story” does not mean your case is guaranteed or you will have a similar outcome.)

Each case to be analyzed on case-by-case basis.

If you are accused of committing fraud or misrepresentation, you should seek the advice of an immigration attorney, who can evaluate your situation, including whether or not your misrep-

resentation was material according to the legal definition, such that a fraud waiver should not be even be required. Don’t just blindly accept USCIS’s finding, if it is not in accordance with the legal requirements or definitions.

Instead, you should fight!

Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars 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. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

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

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

Considerations for dental patients with special needs The average toothbrush may not be ideal. Look into alternative options that can help.

• Electric toothbrushes can sometimes do more with less effort.

• Modifying a toothbrush with a gripping tool is often very helpful.

• A water pik can be more comfortable and a fun alternative to flossing.

• If you’re cleaning someone else’s mouth, a floss pik can make it much easier.

3. Simple preventative habits Certain simple habits can curtail dental risks, especially when thorough, daily dental care is difficult.

• Minimize snacks, especially starchy, sugary ones. Opt for crisp fruits and veggies.

• Reduce soft drinks, energy drinks, and sports drinks. These have lots of acid and sugar that can harm teeth.

• Drink water regularly, and rinse after each meal or snack.

We know that each patient is unique

When we talk about special needs, we recognize we’re addressing a very diverse group from elderly men and women with Alzheimer’s disease, to children with developmental disabilities. We know each patient who comes through our door has different challenges.

Please consider us your go-to resource. If we can’t accommodate your exact needs, we will do everything we can to advise you and point you in the right direction. Please call to visit with us about your specific needs. Or, if you know someone who could benefit from this post, please pass this information along.

Thanks for the trust you place in us. We appreciate you. *** If you have questions, pls call Dr. Valerie de Leon at (650) 697–9000 or visit our website at www.millbraesmiles.com.

She is with Millbrae Smile Center located at 15 El Camino Real, Millbrae 94030. She is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, ADA, CDA and SMCDS. Please call for a free consultation.

(Advertising Supplement)

PG&E helps customers save on energy bills through their CARE program Representatives will be present in special events for the community this December PACIFIC Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has helped customers save more than $7 billion on their energy bills through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program.

PG&E also wants to help you save on your energy bill. With special events happening in the month of December, it’s easier than ever to save on your gas and energy bill.

During December 5 and 6, December 12 and 13, and December 19 and 20 bring your gas and energy bill to enroll on-site at participating Island Pacific Supermarkets and start saving!

There you will find the PG&E booth where both English and Tagalog-speaking representatives will be available to help you understand and enroll in the benefits of the CARE Program. Plus, there will be fun activities and free gifts for the whole family. (Limited quantities are available while supplies last).

The events are only happening for a limited amount of time. See below for the list of participating stores and event dates to find the store closest to you!

• 12/05 - 12/06: Union City Store on 122 Dyer Street from 9am – 5pm • 12/12 - 12/13: American Canyon Store on 5201 Sonoma Blvd, #7 Rancho Square from 9am – 5pm • 12/19 - 12/20: San Jose Store on 2115 Morrill Ave from 9am – 5pm There are already 1.4 million Californians who are saving with the CARE Program and you can too! The application process is simple and convenient: just bring your energy bill to one of the events listed above and enroll on-site!

When you qualify for the CARE Program, you can save up to 30 percent on your gas and electricity bill every month.

To learn more about the CARE Program visit, pge.com/care.

If you already participate in the CARE Pro-

gram, you can save even more energy and money through the Energy Savings Assistance Program. If you qualify for the Energy Savings Assistance Program, you might even receive free energy-saving improvements to help make your home more energy efficient, like a refrigerator or a water heater replacement.

The CARE Program will help you save for two years. After that, simply reapply to continue to receive monthly discounts on your gas and energy bill all year round.

Remember, PG&E wants to help you save this season by making enrollment more convenient for you with special events in the month of December. Simply bring your PG&E bill and apply on-site at participating Island Pacific Supermarkets this month.

Share the benefits of the PG&E Programs with your friends, family and neighbors; after all, everyone could use a little bit of savings.

Mark your calendars and find out where you can visit the PG&E booth this December.

Join PG&E and start saving soon!

Together, Building a Better California.

About PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com and www.pge. com/en/about/newsroom/index.page. http:// www.pgecurrents.com/ http://www.facebook. com/pacificgasandelectric https://twitter.com/ pge4me http://www.linkedin.com/company/ pacific-gas-and-electric-company http://www. youtube.com/user/pgevideo (Advertising Supplement)

CREWMAN WENT HOME TO MANILA ON PROVISIONAL WAIVER AND CAME BACK TO THE US WITH A GREEN CARD – ON A SPECIAL EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY”! Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel obtained a Provisional Waiver for Jerome, a crewman who jumped ship. Jerome had filed for Adjustment of Status on his own, but was denied, because he was not eligible. With the approved Provisional Waiver, Jerome returned to the Philippines for visa processing at the US Embassy in Manila. His wife and children wondered and prayed if Jerome could make it back to the US. Watch to see the outcome of this Provisional Waiver case on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday, December 6 at 6:1 pm (PST) on TFC.

Calendar of Events across

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS D EC E M B E R 4

Filipinotown Christmas Festival and Parade

This holiday season, the Historic Filipinotown Christmas Festival kicks off on Friday, December 4th with a Christmas Parade along the streets of Temple, Beverly, and Alvarado.

Participants in the parade come from various community organizations and businesses, and include Fil-Am community leaders and humanitarian advocates. A reception will follow after the parade with live entertainment, vendor booths, and delicious food. The crowning of Miss/Mrs. Filipinotown will be presented on December 11th at Casa Italiana in downtown Los Angeles. Join us as we celebrate the holidays in Historic Filipinotown! Please email Project Manager Lou Razon at lou.filipinotown@gmail.com for sponsorship inquiries, or visit www.historicfilipinotown.org for more details.

D EC E M B E R 5

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

Pasigueñans of Northern California 30th Annual Fiesta Celebration The Pasigueñans of Northern California invites all Pasigueñans, families, and friends to its 30th Annual Fiesta in honor of its patroness, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The annual fiesta will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 1:00pm to 8:00pm at Joseph A. Fernekes Building, in Orange Memorial Park (781 Tennis Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080). Celebration of the Holy Mass will be at 3:00pm, which will be followed by a sumptuous dinner, dancing, entertainment, and raffle drawing. For more information, please contact Flery Santos-Panganiban (707-567-4779), Polly Santiago-Cortez (925-876-7695), Edna Balido-Reyes (925-260-9764), Edith Balido (925-681-9770), Chit Santos-Dalangin (707-704-7887), Marico Enriquez (650-483-8306), Oscar Rosales (707-332-4991), Jerry Field (925-681-0974), Marivic Beltran-Tuazon (707-656-1081), or Pete Saguisag (650-994-0701).

D EC E M B E R 9

St. Joseph School presents WRAPPING ALL THE WAY What: Annual Christmas Presentation Featuring TK through 4th Grade and Parish When: Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 7:00 pm Where: St. Joseph Parish (1150 W. Holt Avenue Pomona, CA 91768) The St. Joseph School Annual Christmas program serves as an opportunity for all students and parishioners to come together to celebrate the joyful season. All are welcome to come and be merry. Donations are welcome. For more information, please call: Director Ning Manahan at (909) 629-4101 or (909) 622-3365

D EC E M B E R 1 5

LA Archdiocesan SIMBANG GABI 2015 WHAT: LA Archdiocesan SIMBANG GABI 2015 WHEN: Tuesday, December 15, at 6:30pm WHERE: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels (555 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012) Principal Celebrant: Most Rev. Jose H. Gomez, D.D., Archbishop of Los Angeles The Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, San Fernando Pastoral Region, will sponsor the first day of the Archdiocesan Simbang Gabi. Pre-liturgy/Parol Procession will begin at 6:30 pm, followed by the Mass celebrated by Archbishop Rev. Jose H. Gomez. Filipiniana attire is requested to be worn by organizers and participants. This year’s theme is “Jesus Our Savior, Empower Our Families to be Better Stewards of Your Creation.” For the Parol Procession Guidelines and other information, contact any Chairperson: Patty Santiago – email: piesan@hotmail.com; Phone: (818) 472-4288 or Raymond de Guzman- email: rdeguzman1317@verizon.net; Phone: (818) 634-8664.

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

Visa options for victims of domestic…

PAGE CJ2 t

Qualifying criminal activity includes one or more of the following, or any other similar activities in violation of federal, state, or local criminal laws: abduction; blackmail; domestic violence; extortion; false imprisonment; felonious assault; female genital mutilation; being held as a hostage; incest; involuntary servitude; kidnapping; manslaughter; murder; obstruction of justice; peonage; perjury; prostitution; rape; sexual assault; (abusive) sexual contact; sexual exploitation; slave trade; stalking; torture; trafficking; unlawful criminal restraint; witness tampering; or attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of these crimes.

The “T” Visa. The T Visa is also a relief from deportation for foreign nationals who are victims of “severe trafficking” defined

as (1) sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by fraud, force, coercion, or in which the victim is younger than 18 years of age, or (2) the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude or slavery. To be eligible, (i) you must be physically present in the United States; (ii) assist in the investigation or prosecution of such trafficking or in the investigation of crimes where acts of trafficking are at least one central reason for the crime; or you are unable to cooperate in the investigation or prosecution due to a physical or psychological trauma; or you are under 18; and (iii) you will “suffer extreme hardship” involving unusual and severe harm upon removal.

Benefits. A VAWA, T or U visa beneficiary is eligible for employment authorization and may further be eligible to adjust status to that of a Lawful Permanent Resident, upon meeting certain criteria and requirements. Other non-immigration benefits include housing assistance, food stamps, and job training. *** Atty. Aurora Vega-Buzon is a partner in Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego and Philippines. 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 attorneyclient relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 495-8088; auvega@ctvattys.com (Advertising Supplement)

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cover story

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - December 4, 2015

Interdisciplinary artist Kimberly Arteche creates remarkable things to connect art, history and culture

by Malou liwanag-Bledsoe/AJPress

NO matter how much one diverts his or her path, the call to art is strong and will most likely take you to the road to creativity. For interdisciplinary artist Kimberly Arteche, she realized that after she got really restless while she was pursuing a medical/nursing route. She eventually ended up getting a degree in Visual Arts/Photography from the University in Maryland in Baltimore County and is currently in her final year for her MFA at San Francisco State University.

“I don’t think my family is aware, but I think I was born with creative genes,” she shared. “As I’m learning more about my parents, I’m starting to uncover more and more about the legacy of creatives in

my family.”

Arteche related that her father worked as a chef/cook on the Holland America Cruise line during the late 70s and early 80s, and learned how to do ice carvings. Since he was also travelling a lot, he also carried a 35mm Canon camera around him. This, she realized, is how she was introduced to photography.

“He always had a film camera or VHS camera around to document all of our birthdays, road trips, and family memories,” she added.

Trained as a photographer, she works mainly with images and considers her pieces as “portraits.” However, she transitioned into being an interdisciplinary artist because she felt

that her ideas are not conveyed fully with just a photo in a frame.

“I wanted my ideas to blow up and be large. I want my work to envelope my audience and create atmospheres that might shift their perspectives for a moment,” she said. “I realized

that a two-dimensional image just wouldn’t communicate what I wanted. Interdisciplinary art is a way to say that you work across traditional mediums, or for example, you may not just be a painter, but you work your paintings into sculpture as well.

For me, I’m still image-based, but have been applying them to architecture or fabric.”

Among the exhibits and shows she has participated this year include Now Is It-Epekto Arts Projects at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center for the Filipino American Heritage Month and as a featured artist at eh APAture 2015 with Kearny Street Workshop.

Sharing that her family is always a major influence in her creations, Arteche there is a wealth of ideas and concepts around her family’s history.

“I spent a lot of time really questioning why I decided to go into art, and many times felt ashamed because I felt I was the only one in family that decided to go with a career that was ‘non-traditional.’ Once I started delving more into my family history, I started to see more con-

nections that it’s in my blood.

A majority of my mother’s side works with their hands—they have farms and pig farms—my Nanay and Mamay made and sold kulambo (mosquito nets).”

Connecting through one’s culture through art Although her work is a reflection of her experience as a Filipino-American, Arteche noted that we should not generalize the Filipinos, Fil-Ams and our heritage, as the Philippines is a country with different islands, dialects and cultures.

“The Filipino people are multi-faceted, and I think it’s

important for all of us to be proud of the provinces or cities we come from, and the different traditions we all bring,” she said and then added, “My work is very personal, and the experience that I have is quite different from my neighbors who just moved here from Manila. It’s important for people to understand that there are so many different perspectives and experiences with the diasporic population.

“The other thing is that I try not to make my work so Filipino specific that other folks don’t Continued on Page SF4

features SF3 The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – December 4, 2015

Thank you for ‘A Second Chance’ San FranciSco

By Monet

Lu

In light of Thanksgiving last week, I begin my article with a message of thanks to all the things—good and not so good—that I went through. I believe they made me who I am today, and gave me a reason to be grateful for my life. I thank God that “a second chance” is always possible as long as we are living.

Such is the reminder that people are getting from the blockbuster movie-sequel, A Second Chance, top-billed

by John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo. The title itself evokes the truth that second chances are what make the past worthy of recollection.

To say that the movie was a hit is an understatement.

Having earned a whooping P43.3 million on its opening day proved more than just the movie’s consistent treatment and storyline, among others.

It has proven, once again, that the masses still favor optimism over cynicism; reconciliation over separation, another chance versus a final straw.

As we gush over the ticket sales that placed the sequel to One More Chance to being the highest grossing non-Metro Manila Film Festival Filipino movie on its opening day, we instinctively repeat all the “hugot” lines that were birthed by this iconic movie. Lines such as “’I promise to love you even if it hurts. I love you more even when it hurts,’ “Poy, you made me feel like I’m your life’s biggest mistake.” And my favorite: “And I’m also saying goodbye to all of my what ifs.

That it’s brave to ask ‘what if,’ that I think it’s braver to ask ‘what is’—and Bash, I know— you’re my ‘what is.”

Some movie critics claim that no love team can give

John Llyod Cruz and Bea Alonzo in “A Second Chance”

justice to these lines but John Lloyd Cruz, who played Popoy, and Bea Alonzo who played Basha. Apart from these roles, I credit their chemistry to their professionalism and them being individually great artists.

A Rappler.com article released a very promising preview of what the audience will see of the movie: “The film is set in 2013. Popoy and Basha (John Lloyd and Bea) are now married and juggling a business together. Popoy is an engineer, while Basha is an architect. Fans will be happy to see the appearance of the friends from the previous movie. The couple’s friends Krizzy and Kenneth (Dimples Romana and James Blanco) are still together and have one child.

Anj (Bea Saw) is still single and cynical about love. Chinno (Janus del Prado) meanwhile is now a single father. JP (Ahron Villena) on the other hand, is engaged to be married.”

A Second Chance is the sequel to One More Chance but more importantly, it is the realistic evolution of a really good love story. Fashioned in the same rom-com style and memorable lines that are hauntingly relatable. Director, Cathy Garcia-Molina has once again and—unsurprisingly—turned another film into a genre.

As one writer says, “The success of One More Chance therefore allowed GarciaMolina and writers Vanessa Valdez and Carmi Raymundo to explore Popoy and Basha’s marital woes within a more definite social context, one that has economic failures as a dominant root of domestic conflict, and

not narrative contrivances like sudden mistresses or other accidental debacles.

The film’s most sympathetic scenes are actually not the ones where the characters dramatically wail and whine about their misfortunes. They are the ones that quietly depict the delicate collapse of all the promises of the introduction’s hopeful wedding, the ones that show Popoy nonchalantly preferring the random noise of his television to the constant nagging of his wife, or the ones that reveal Basha conspicuously checking the price tags of glassware. “ I rarely recommend movies that I haven’t seen yet (but will definitely do when the schedule permits), but when I recommend a movie, it is because its content is worth lining up and contributing to the P43.3 million ticket sales. To my readers, I believe we owe it to ourselves to give this movie a chance to win our hearts.

To the cast and the people behind A Second Chance, congratulations for a well-deserved success. Thank you for producing an honest depiction of a “love story.” May you continue to make movies like this. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns.

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

4th Impact after ‘X Factor UK’ exit: Let’s keep believing by chuck

Smith Philstar.com

MAnILA — All-Filipino girl group 4th Impact remains grateful for their X Factor UK journey despite being eliminated from the British reality talent show on Sunday, nov.

29.

A few hours after their exit from the show, sisters Almira, Mylene, Celina and Irene Cercado took to Twitter to thank Pinoy group 4th Impact thanks their fans for support them on “X Factor UK.” their fans for voting for them on the competition.

4th Impact, previously lapsed on stage after their 4th Impact was eliminated group was eliminated from the known on the show as 4th for having the lowest number Power, was among the competition. of public votes. The group early favorites to do well in the Their mentor Cheryl went on a sing-off with Lauren Fernandez-Versini and X Faccompetition following their Murray for being in the bottom tor UK judge Rita Ora also well-received performance two. expressed their well-wishes for of the hit Bang Bang for their Reports say Celina colaudition. the group on Twitter.

Let’s grow, right now.

Charo Santos Concio, Piolo Pascual shine in International emmy Awards

When it comes to business, timing is everything.

THe Philippines may not be a major player in the world television content market yet but ABS-CBn president and CeO Charo Santos Concio believes that local shows can be appreciated by foreign audiences as proven by ABSCBn shows already present in several territories.

This, Concio expressed at the 43rd International emmy Awards (iemmys) held on november 23 at the Hilton Hotel new York. She shared, “We are grateful that through our content, we can show the world the real wealth of our country.

These are our strong family values and our resilience as a people. We see no better way of achieving it than through television.”

Charo served as the gala chair of the iemmys, the awards organized by International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for television programs outside the US. She delivered her speech before the world’s best producers, creatives, and talents.

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iEmmys Gala chair Charo Santos-Concio delivers her speech before the world’s best producers, creatives, and talents

Award-winning Filipino actor Piolo Pascual presents the award for Best Telenovela alongside American actress Karla Mosley of ‘Bold and the Beautiful’

As the first Filipino gala chair invited to participate in the prestigious event, she expressed that the International emmys does not only celebrate television excellence all over the globe, but also demonstrates the power of television as a medium of empathy, connection, and understanding among all peoples of the world.

“The more we care, the less we fight. During dark days of terror, we come together in

prayer. So, the world, far from falling part, is even inspired to unite,” she said.

She added that when content producers begin to know and care about people and things, “we begin to care about other people’s quest for love, pursuit of dreams, cry for justice, celebration of triumph, and struggle for survival.

Meanwhile, award-winning actor Piolo Pascual also had his shining moment when he Continued on Page SF5

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SF4

celebrityworld

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - December 4, 2015

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar

There is no question that one way to attract people to vote for a particular candidate, is to have a big star to endorse him. In next year’s Philippine election, candidates have started to bring in some star power to their campaign.

Of course, there are those who are already in show business—like Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos, who is the Star for All Seasons, and mother to actor/host Luis Manzano, and the former wife of actor edu Manzano (who is also running for senator).

In the presidential race, the Liberal Party’s candidate Mar roxas, got the endorsement of one of the hottest love teams today—Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo—

who are currently the main stars of ABS-CBN’s remake of Pangako Sa ‘Yo. The young stars’ endorsement is seen as a move to attract the youth, but has gotten some criticisms from their fans. Netizens were dismayed by their choice of candidate, while others feel that their endorsement may have little impact since majority of their fans are not yet voters.

The biggest criticism is that the stars (or their management team) probably could not resist the huge endorsement fee offered by the roxas camp.

Another candidate who has big stars behind her is Grace Poe. Poe’s ties to the Philippine entertainment industry is strong, being the

The stars behind political candidates

California State Commissioner Rey Satorre and his wife Rachel Forneas Satorre will be the Hermano and Hermana Mayors for this year’s 37th Annual Fiesta of Nuestro Senor Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo.

There will be a nine-day Novena prayer, Holy Rosary and Holy Mass to be held at the Villar residence in South San Francisco.

daughter of showbiz legends Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan roces. She also has the support of big names like Superstar Nora Aunor and veteran actor eddie Garcia. however, the Commission on elections recently disqualified her candidacy for failing to prove her residency requirements, as well her being a natural born Filipino. *** Congratulations to Popoy and Basha, or should I say John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, for another box office hit! Their latest movie, A Second Chance (which is the sequel to their other hit, One More Chance), earned P43.3 million in its opening day last November 25. By November 29, the Star Cinema offering hit P200 million after its first screenings.

Currently, the film already

Congratulations to certified box office champions John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo for their newest movie, “A Second Chance,” which has been drawing theater goers in the Philippines and internationally. The unbeatable love team is shown with beauty impresario Ferdie Villar during their past visit to San Francisco.

Tess Gregorio, Filipina singer for all occasions, recently celebrated her 74th birthday. She is shown with her guests during her party (seated, L-R)) Lambert and Dory Paniza, Daly City Councilman David Canepa, California State Commissioner Rey Satorre and beauty impresario Ferdie Villar, (standing, L-R)) Edwina Aniag, the celebrant Ms. Gregorio and Shirley Castro.

Rev. Father Abraham Alonzo, Associate Pastor of Saint Catherine’s Church in Vallejo, will officiate the Holy Masses for the 37th Annual Fiesta of the Nuestro Senor Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo on January 1 and January 9 at the Villar residence in South San Francisco.

Bicolana leader Raquel Imperial recently celebrated her birthday with a luncheon party held at Moonstar Buffet Restaurant in Daly City. Shown in photo are her family and friends who attended the celebration.

holds the record of being the highest grossing non-Metro Manila Film Festival Filipino movie on its opening day.

Directed by Cathy GarciaMolina, A Second Chance revisits the lives of Popoy and Basha, as they go through the highs and lows of married life.

Lelith Adriano of San Francisco, has designed the invitation for the 37th Annual Fiesta of the Nuestro Senor Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo.

Daly City Councilman David Canepa is shown presenting Tess Gregorio a Certificate of Recognition for her contribution in the field of music to the Fil-Am community here in Northern California.

Interdisciplinary artist Kimberly Arteche...

From Page SF2 understand it. Yes, the work is about my Filipina heritage, and there are visual cues that are clearly Filipino, but the experience of wanting to know and understand my family that lives so far away is not only limited to Filipinos. The condition of feeling in-between or disconnected is common for any second generation American; which is a majority of Americans today. This sentiment is also not limited to Filipino families who have moved all over the world for opportunities, but any immigrant family who has done the same. “ Adding that although it’s important to know and preserve our heritage, it’s also just as critical to know why we are here in the US and why we many of our fellow Filipinos leave the country to settle in different countries. “Why are there so many Filipina nurses and caregivers all over the world?

Why does the Philippines have such a unique relationship with America, and what laws were put in place that brought us here?,” she said. “It’s important to know our Filipino culture, and just as important

to know our history as Filipino Americans. There’s a legacy of Filipina/o pioneers that we often forget when honoring our culture and heritage.”

As an educator with Pin@y Educational Partnerships When not creating art, Arteche also teaches at Skyline College as part of Pin@y educational Partnerships (PeP). PeP is an educational pipeline that creates critical spaces in the educational system and in the community where students and teachers study the struggle and survival of Filipinos in America and around the world.

Currently, there are about 60 volunteer teachers who teach at different sites including Longfellow elementary, Denman Middle School, Burton high School, Balboa high School, Skyline College and USF. “Our teachers are from different Bay Area colleges and are given rigorous training in critical pedagogy and doctorate level teaching education,” she said. “The classes are focused on counter-narratives; being able to place ourselves into history, when regular American history classes don’t teach us

about our contribution to the country/world. “ Arteche also wants to impart that if a person is creative and artistic, he or she should embrace it.

“As a Filipina-American who grew up in a family full of nurses, it was confusing for me to come to grips with wanting to make a career out of being creative. Knowing how to create remarkable things with our hands, communicating through singing and rhythm, performing and writing...Filipino ingenuity is what makes our cultures so rich,” she pointed out. “If you feel like you can’t go a day without expressing yourself, don’t be ashamed of it. If you want to go into the arts as a career, don’t let family pressures scare you from being successful.

Just work ridiculously hard, and don’t make excuses.”

At present, Arteche has no upcoming exhibits or show. her next project will be in April 2016 for the San Francisco State University MFA Thesis Show at the SFSU Fine Arts Gallery. To know more about her and her work, you can find her online at www.kimarteche.com or on instagram.com/kimbr.

entertainment Marian Rivera considers daughter Letizia ‘priceless’ Rachel Ann Go bags

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - Deccember 4, 2015

MANILA—Marian Rivera is happy with her new role as a mother to her first child with Dingdong Dantes.

Marian gave birth to their daughter Maria Letizia on November 23.

“Alam mo ‘yong pakiramdam na hindi mo maipaliwanag na ‘pag tinititigan ko ‘yong anak ko parang, ‘Wow, thank you Lord. Binigyan n’yo ako ng napakasayang biyaya na walang kapantay talaga,” she said Marian Rivera considers her daughter Letizia during her phone patch during “priceless” after she gave birth to her on Novemthe Sunday, Nov. 29 episode ber 23.

of GMA-7 variety show Sunday PinaSaya.

The Kapuso “Primetime Queen” had an 18-hour labor, but said it was all worth it.

“Kahit anong hirap pag nakita mo na siya talagang priceless talaga,” she said.

Marian thanked her fans who prayed for her, adding that “napakalaking tulong talaga na nakaya ko ang pagle-labor.”

She also promised them that she’ll soon be back in the show, but didn’t confirm when it will be. (Philstar.com)

PH tops Europop singing contest

by Bayani

San Diego Inquirer.net

Jr.

FILIPINO Ryan Richard Tamondong won the grand prix at the Europop singing tilt held in Berlin, Germany on Sunday, Nov. 29.

Tamondong bested contestants from 17 European countries.

Another Filipino contestant, Gyver Jude Concon, placed fourth in the 18-to-24 age category. Other Filipino contestants, Princess Faith Priel and Mikee Micosa, received a diploma and a medal.

The Philippines is the only Asian country invited to join Europop. This is the second year for

Ryan Richard Tamondong, Europop grand prix winner.

the Philippines to join Europop.

Last year, Ana Katrina Ramsey won first place in the 18-

to-24 age category, while Gian Marla Gloria placed 4th place and Glee Nette Gaddi third in the 14-to-17 age group.

Also last year, Goin’ Bulilit mainstay Cha Cha Cañete placed second in the 10-to-13 age category, while Natalie Erin Martinez received a diploma and a medal.

“There is no doubt that the Philippines is blessed with so much talent. Filipino talent is truly world-class.” Viktor Leis, managing director of Leider Leis Musik Production (Europop organizer), said that the Filipinos have set the standard for other countries in future competitions.

Charo Santos Concio, Piolo...

From Page SF3 presented the award for Best Telenovela alongside Karla Mosley of The Bold and the Beautiful.

Before the awards proper, Charo and Piolo both graced the red carpet and granted media interviews. Charo looked elegant in her Cary Santiago terno gown, while Pascual looked dashing in a black suit.

Their participation in iEmmys marks a new milestone in Philippine broadcasting history.

It serves as a recognition of how Filipino content can be at

par with global standards.

The International Emmy Awards recognize excellence in global television programming.

This year, Special Awards were presented to Julian Fellowes, creator and writer of Downton Abbey (Founders Award) and Richard Plepler, Chairman & CEO of HBO (Directorate Award).

The event was attended by actor Michael Douglas, Elizabeth McGovern of Downton Abbey, Tovah Feldshuh of The Walking Dead, Patina Miller of The Hunger Games, and Lea DeLaria of Orange is the New

Black, who were among this year’s presenters.

Over the years, ABS-CBN has also earned several International Emmy nominations for its shows and actors such as MMK (Best Drama Series, 2013), Jane Oineza for MMK (Best Actress, 2013), Precious Hearts Romances presents Impostor (Best Telenovela, 2011), Dahil May Isang Ikaw (Best Telenovela, 2010), Sid Lucero for Dahil May Isang Ikaw (Best Actor, 2010), Kahit Isang Saglit (Best Telenovela, 2009), and Angel Locsin for Lobo (Best Actress, 2009). (ManilaTimes.net)

theater award anew

by ChriStina

alpaD ManilaTimes.net

AFTER winning Broadway World UK’s “Best Featured Actress” award for her first international theater exposure as Gigi in Miss Saigon’s 2014 revival, Rachel Ann Go has bagged another award from the same theater site for the “Best Performance in a Long-Running West End Show (Female)” as Fantine in Les Miserables.

Rachel Ann’s home studio in the Philippines, GMA Network first reported the happy news Thursday night on their news website.

Broadway World UK, on the other hand, is apparently touted as the world’s biggest theater website to cover and review productions from around the globe, most especially from the renowned stages of New

York’s Broadway and London’s West End. In her Twitter account, the latest Filipina to successfully make it in the international theater scene said of her win, “Thank you so much @BroadwayWorldUK, especially to all those who voted for me! Means a lot. Maraming salamat po.” In a separate tweet, after receiving all the congratulatory messages, Rachel added, “Thank you for sending all your love. To God be the glory! Thank You po Lord!”

Fortunately, the Filipino audience will get to see Rachel Ann’s Broadway World awardwinning performance as Fantine when Les Mis comes to Manila in March 2016.

While there seems to be no fancy awards night set for Broadway World UK’s annual

Rachel Ann Go poses as Fantine for her Instagram followers.

voter’s choice awards, several theater based groups and publications have also picked up the news about Rachel Ann’s win, among them, the London Theater Workshop and West End Frame. Of the long list of winners, the reports especially mention the 29-year-old singer, as well as Hollywood star Benedict Cumberbatch (Black Mass, 2015; The Imitation Game, 2014; Sherlock, 2010) who earned the Best Leading Actor in A New Production of a Play for Hamlet.

Paulo Avelino: Happy with career & personal life

by Boy

aBunDa Philstar.com

IN real life and off-screen, he is soft-spoken and can strike you as a bit shy. Even when he faces the press, his answers are measured, and he’s not as talkative or as gregarious as other actors.

But put him onscreen and Paulo Avelino seems to instantly transform. He will get another chance to do this when he joins the cast of On The Wings Of Love (OTWOL) as advertising executive Simon, the new boss of Nadine Lustre’s character Leah. Based on the show’s official character description, Simon will come in as a sort of third wheel that will shake up the relationship of Clark and Leah a bit.

As an actor, he has done mostly dramatic and intense roles, so for OTWOL he needs to make some adjustments. But that is something that he has come to expect with every role that he takes on.

“Siyempre, laging may adjustment,” he says. “Bawat adjustment, medyo iba, but for me,

that’s never-ending. As an actor, you always adjust. Maraming nadadagdag sa alam mo, pero mas maganda ‘yon kasi parang continuous ang learning.”

Right now, his priority is his career. He wants to seize all the opportunities coming his way to the point that he’s willing to let his private life take the backseat.

Paulo was formerly linked to mega-daughter KC Concepcion, but their relationship fizzled out before it could go the distance.

Since then, there have not been any reports of Paulo getting into a new relationship, or seeing someone. He’d rather spend his time studying the characters he plays instead of getting into a relationship right now. What he is in a relationship with right now is his career. Paulo sees every role as a challenge because it forces him to tap into his creative juices.

He likes three-dimensional characters, or those that stretch him as an actor.

He is excited to be working with James and Nadine. “Medyo late na ako papasok sa show, but

Paulo Avelino is now part of ABS-CBN’s “On the Wings of Love.”

it’s an honor dahil alam naman nating hit ang OTWOL,” he says.

Paulo is very happy with the way his career and life are going. On a scale of 1 to 10, he’d rate things as they are now as a 9. Why not a perfect 10?

Paulo quips: “Para may room for improvement.”

What is his Christmas wish?

“Hindi showbiz pero ngayon ang daming terror attacks, and not just in Paris. I just wish it would stop, and that everything would be peaceful for humanity’s sake.”

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