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Trump’s first order of business: Sweeping changes in immigration policy Construction of wall, enhanced border security among items included in executive orders

by ERIC

ANTHONY LICAS AJPress

A PAIR of executive orders issued on Wednesday, January 25 instruct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enact sweeping changes to immigration policy which had been pledged during the campaign of recently sworn-in President Donald Trump.

The documents direct DHS Secretary John F. Kelly to immediately begin planning the construction of a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico and

authorize the allocation of whatever federal funds needed for its design and construction.

Although American tax dollars will fund the initial costs of the border wall, Trump has stood by his assertion that the Mexican government will ultimately foot the bill for the project.

“There will be payment,” Trump told ABC News in an interview on Wednesday. “It will be in a form, perhaps a complicated form.”

The DHS is also under orders to construct additional immigration detention

facilities and hire 10,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and 5,000 border patrol agents in order to effect “complete operational control of the southern border.”

The department must also conduct and submit a study regarding the state of border security within the next 180 days.

The president had previously said that he also plans to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program initiated by former President Barack Obama, which confers protec-

tion from deportation to certain undocumented students who were brought into the country by their families. Wednesday’s directives issued to the DHS, however, did not address the future of that program.

The administration will prioritize the removal of individuals who have been convicted of any criminal offense, defendants in unresolved criminal cases, people who have “abused” public benefits, committed fraud, and those who might otherwise pose a threat to public safety or national security.

“Today’s action fulfills a key promise he made to American families…that their government will protect them, not deportable criminal aliens,” wrote representatives of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), a border control advocacy group, in a statement released on Wednesday.

FAIR and other supporters of the president’s actions say these are the first steps in regaining control over the country’s borders.

Other portions in the executive order

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PH optimistic about Trump admin despite ‘America First’ shift

USA

DATELINE Fil-Am GOPs celebrate inauguration, share expectations for Trump’s first 100 days FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Andanar: Time to move forward with US-PH relations

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

WASHINGTON — On the eve of the inauguration, over 800 Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) gathered at the Mayflower Hotel to celebrate their contributions to the election of incoming President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.

The gala on Thursday night, January 19, which was organized in part by the campaign’s Asian Pacific American Advisory Committee, featured cuisine and entertainment from various Asian cultures, as well as speeches from various elected officials.

“We may all be different in culture, we may come from different regions of the United States and the territories, but I see a similarity: it’s a belief in strong faith, in family, in strong communities,” Eddie Calvo, the governor of Guam, said. “And then at the same time, honest, hard work without a government on our

Real estate billionaire Donald Trump is officially inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States on Friday, January 20 at the Capitol building in Washington, DC. (Inset) Trump takes the oath of office officiated by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.

AJPress photos by Christina M. Oriel

THE administration of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed its willingness to work with United States President Donald Trump and sees a strengthening in the relationship between the two countries.

Philippine Communications Secretary Martin Andanar — who went to Washington to meet with various U.S. officials and to attend Trump’s inauguration last week — made a stop to Los Angeles on Monday, January 23 to meet with members of the FilipinoAmerican community and to discuss a range of issues from U.S.-PH relations to the administration’s campaign against illicit drugs.

“The relationship of the United States and the Philippines go beyond personalities. We have been allies since time immemorial…,” Andanar told the audi-

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PH drug war CIA accused of botching included in Geneva Mamasapano operation summit agenda u PAGE A3

THE Mamasapano operation that killed 44 troopers from the Philippines’ Special Action Force (SAF) was secretly led by the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte claimed on Tuesday, January 24.

“And why was it under wraps? Bakit niyo tinago na (Why did you hide the fact that) actually it was an operation of the CIA?,” Duterte asked, addressing his predecessor, former President Benigno Aquino III, and former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima.

On Tuesday, a day before the second death anniversary of the police commandos, Duterte met with the families of the slain troopers at Malacañang Palace.

In his speech, Duterte alleged that the botched operation in 2015 was also covered up by the previous administration.

“Let it brought out in the open. It was an

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by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE alleged spate of extrajudicial killings related to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs has been included among the topics to be discussed in the upcoming 9th Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy next month.

The annual summit, according to its official website, aims to “shine a spotlight on urgent human rights situations that require global attention.”

Philippines’ Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairman Jose Luis Gascon was invited to speak on behalf of Filipino human rights advocates at this year’s summit, slated on February 21 in Switzerland.

Since its founding in 2009, this is the first time that a Filipino human rights advocate has been invited as one of the its speakers.

“Human rights heroes, activists and former political prisoners from China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Venezuela and other countries testify about their personal struggles for human rights,

Duterte meets Miss Universe candidates

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed the Miss Universe 2016 candidates at the Malacañang Palace on Monday, January 23.

Eighty-four Miss Universe candidates paid a courtesy call on the president, who complimented them for their beauty.

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Miss Finland and Miss Switzerland, however, were unable to attend the event because they were not feeling well.

“Before I proceed, I’d like to make an admission that never in my life I have been with a room full of beautiful women,” the president said before reading his prepared speech. “This is a privilege and an honor and I hope that this day will never

end.”

Duterte, who was known for his tough-talk and profanitylaced speeches, said he was told to “behave” in front of the pageant contestants.

“I usually do not read my speeches. I’m not up to it really.

But this time they told me that I must behave in my language, in the adjectives that I would

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It’s Bishops vs Duterte A RANKING official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Wednesday, January 25 said the Church would continue to criticize President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, after the foulmouthed leader attacked the clergy anew on Tuesday, January 24, saying the Church was “full of shit.”

But the Church would also continue to be “understanding” and “very patient” with Mr. Duterte, who

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From the Front Page

Trump’s first order of business: Sweeping…

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would end the distribution of visas to people from countries that refuse to accept deported residents and place greater government oversight on decisions to admit asylum seekers.

Executive agencies have also been instructed to submit a review of all U.S. aid given to Mexico over the past five years.

Further, the president’s orders call on relevant institutions to “ensure the faithful execution” of immigration laws, and includes provisions to withhold federal funds from local governments that refuse to comply.

Democrats and immigrants right advocates accuse the president of fearmongering by scapegoating people fleeing economic turmoil, political upheaval or violence.

“I think this is the first step in what will be a pattern from the Trump administration of putting tough talk ahead of smart, thoughtful immigration policy,” wrote Senator Catherine CortezMasto (D-Nev.) in a statement responding to the president’s orders on Wednesday.

Trump is expected to issue additional orders later this week that will halt the flow of refu-

It’s Bishops vs…

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also said bishops were “corrupt” and “womanizers” like himself.

“Even before, the Church has been very, very understanding, and very, very patient,” Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP’s Permanent Committee on Public Affairs, told the Inquirer.

“We just need to understand the President. I think [his tirade] was an outburst born out of anger,” Secillano said.

The CBCP desires to end all the bickering between the Church and the President, Secillano said, but added that Church leaders will continue to speak against the methods employed by the Duterte administration in its campaign against illegal drugs.

More than 7,000 people have been killed by police and unknown assailants since Mr. Duterte launched his war on drugs after taking office in June last year.

Church not the enemy “The Church is not the enemy

of the President or of the government,” Secillano said. “We have the same intention to end criminality and the drug problem, but perhaps we differ in strategies.”

The Church also wants to punish criminals, he said.

“We do not condone criminality, but we continue to emphasize that [punishment] must be done in a legal manner,” he said.

Referring to the dialogue with bishops proposed by presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella, Secillano said the decision was in the hands of the majority of the Church’s leaders.

Mr. Duterte’s latest attack on the clergy came at his meeting in Malacañang on Tuesday with families of 44 Philippine National Police Special Action Force commandos who were killed in a clash with Moro rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province, on Jan. 25, 2015.

‘Altar of Secrets’ In a profanity-laden speech, Mr. Duterte encouraged the fam-

gees into the country and place a moratorium on visas issued to people from the predominantly Muslim countries of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, according to the Associated Press.

Proponents of tighter border security say such measures are needed in light of past incidents of jihadist-inspired terrorism.

However, critics of the president’s policies fear that he is normalizing xenophobia.

“It’s apparent that anti-immigrant vitriol from the campaign is now coming to life,” wrote the

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ilies of the slain police commandos to read the book “Altar of Secrets: Sex, Money and Politics in the Philippine Catholic Church” by the late journalist Aries Rufo to discover the sins of Catholic bishops in the Philippines.

“I challenge you now. I challenge the Catholic Church. You are full of shit. You all smell bad, corruption and all,” Mr. Duterte said.

He dared the bishops to resign, saying he would do the same if they stepped down.

Commenting on Mr. Duterte’s attack on Wednesday, Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles said bishops could resign only with the approval of the Pope.

“Bishops are not voted upon by nor chosen by people,” Arguelles said in a text message.

“They are appointed by the Holy See. Resignation of bishops must be submitted to and accepted by the Holy See.” Womanizers According to Mr. Duterte, he and Catholic Church officials have the same sin—womanizing.

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Duterte meets Miss Universe…

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be using to characterize or define your beauty, all of you,” the president said.

In his speech, Duterte urged the candidates that besides “beauty and brains,” to use the pageant to promote their own advocacies and women empowerment.

He then went on, “More importantly, this is chance for you to make an impact, to inspire change, and even be the change

that you wish to see in the world.”

Duterte also said that he hoped the contestants had a good time visiting different destinations in the Philippines during their prepageant activities, such as Cebu, Baguio, Batangas, Davao, and Vigan.

“I am confident that the Department of Tourism and our valuable partners in the private sector for government have prepared well enough to make this

event to remember. And I am equally confident that our host, communities, and the Filipino people would themselves have given and will give each candidate many precious memories to hold on,” he added.

With a glass of water in his hand, Duterte remarked at the end of his speech: “May I just give you a toast, by myself, to your beauty and to your brains.

Mabuhay kayong lahat (Long live all of you).” n

Philippine Communications Secretary Martin Andanar fields questions from members of the Fil-Am media and community at the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles on Monday night, Jan. 23. Andanar discussed a host of issues, from the Duterte administration’s willingness to work with new U.S. president Donald Trump to the government’s war on drugs.

AJPress photo by Ding Carreon

PH optimistic about Trump admin despite…

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ence. “It was unfortunate that President [Barack] Obama and President Duterte had some skirmish, they didn’t see eye to eye but it’s time to move forward.”

Following the inauguration on Friday, Duterte praised Trump for being a wealthy businessman and for having a ‘beautiful’ wife.

Since Duterte won the presidential election last May, many have drawn comparisons between him and Trump, namely for their unfiltered, hardline rhetoric.

“He is a billionaire. His wife is very beautiful. I envy him,” Duterte said during the birthday party of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa on Sunday night, Jan. 22.

The two leaders previously spoke last December when Duterte congratulated Trump for his win in the November election. Duterte said that Trump reportedly lauded the Philippine government’s handling of illegal drugs as the “right way.”

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella added that the government was looking forward to “working closely with the new administration of President Trump anchored on mutual respect, mutual benefit and shared commitment to democratic ideals and the rule of law.”

This sudden shift comes after months of remarks Duterte had made appearing to distance the Philippines from the U.S. and lashing out at former President Barack Obama’s administration for criticizing the anti-drug campaign and the extrajudicial killings associated with it.

Andanar added that while the Philippine government is still awaiting official policies from the new U.S. administration, the similarities between the two leaders suggested that they “hit it off right away.”

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar

“President Trump mentioned in his speech about ‘America First’ policy and the Philippines, President [Duterte] also subscribes to the idea of giving Filipinos first dibs to everything,” the communications secretary said.

In his inaugural speech, the 45th president of the U.S. declared that “it’s going to be America First,” meaning that any decision made by the federal government would be to the benefit of “American workers and American families.”

“We will follow two simple rules: Buy American and hire American,” Trump added.

Despite Trump’s vow to keep jobs in the U.S., Andanar said that wouldn’t affect the BPO industry in the Philippines because businesses “need to be in an environment where they can maximize their investments.”

Later in his speech, Trump

AJPress photo by Ding Carreon

noted issues of poverty, crime and drugs that “have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential.”

“President Trump also mentioned they will not encourage asking other countries to follow their own lifestyle and President Trump also said that he wants to fight illegal drugs in the United States, the same way our president wants to fight illegal drugs.

President Trump believes in non-interference and what’s important here is that we have two presidents who have similar policies,” Andanar said.

Further, during his presidential campaign, Trump gained traction for his promises to curb undocumented immigration. On Monday, the White House said it would prioritize deportations for criminal undocumented im-

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PH drug war included in Geneva summit…

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democracy and freedom, and join hands to plan action strategies,” the summit’s website read.

Since Duterte took office last July, the number of people killed in drug-related cases has reached 7,000, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP), with least 2,250 reportedly killed during police operations.

“Despite all of these positive gains and even greater potential, we have to face the reality of the daily accounts of unsolved killings. Many of them committed brazenly with public warnings against drug pushing or addiction,” Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno said during her speech before the Management Association of the Philippines

on Wednesday, January 25. “It is not surprising, therefore, that the perception of the rule of law in our country has swung from marked improvement to a downgrade.”

Sereno also took note that the country’s recent rank decline in the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index can be attributed to the unsolved extrajudicial killings. From 51 in 2015, the country’s ranking dropped to 70 in 2016.

The WJP Rule of Law Index, which covers 113 countries and jurisdictions, measures “how the rule of law is experienced in practical, everyday situations by the general public worldwide” through surveys.

Sereno said that Philippine ju-

diciary must take the index as an “indicator of the serious erosion of trust in the criminal justice system, in the civil justice system and in regulatory agencies.”

She also called on three branches of government and the independent constitutional bodies to reflect on their performance.

“The government pillars of criminal justice i.e., the Judiciary, the Department of Justice and its attached agencies including the National Prosecution Service and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) must come together to ponder on what kinds of genuine changes are required to bring about real justice,” Sereno added. n

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It’s Bishops vs…

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WHAT A PARTY. President Rodrigo Duterte, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa chat during the latter’s birthday bash in Camp Crame on Monday, Jan. 23. Malacañang assured the public there will be no whitewash or cover-up in the investigation into the abduction and killing of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo. ManilaTimes.net photo

Fil-Am GOPs celebrate inauguration, share…

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backs, rather than a government that will support us. With that, we come to this victory... But the work is not done. Starting tomorrow, this organization and fellow Republicans -- we’re going to move forward, ” The Trump-Pence campaign’s APA advisory committee -which was formally announced just weeks before the November election and was criticized as a last-minute effort -- also featured five Filipino Americans, including Brunswick, Ohio Mayor Ron Falconi.

“The Republican Party has done a tremendous amount of outreach to AAPI communities, particularly to me, and it’s really paid off,” Falconi told the Asian Journal. “I’ve been working with them for the past couple of years and we’ve reached different groups and this party is the culmination of that.”

For the past three years, the Republican National Committee (RNC) has been working on a grassroots level to engage minority and millennial voters, especially AAPIs, noting the population’s fast-growing numbers and potential to swing races.

Being in D.C. for the inauguration, Falconi said, has been “electrifying” and “exciting.”

“This is the dream of every Republican little boy and girl... to attend the inauguration of a Republican president,” Falconi said.

Tina Wenger, a county councilwoman of Elkhart County in Indiana, said a new Republican president is “long overdue.”

“We are celebrating because the last eight years have been a load on our shoulders and all of a sudden it’s been lifted,” Wenger said. “It’s really a relief knowing a new dawn, a new hope and good changes are coming.

Trump really loves America and Americans.”

She added that the 45th president’s inaugural address would be “inspiring” and would “really speak to the people, not talk down to them.”

Marlene Cagatao, a realtor from Burbank was among over 20 Fil-Ams from Southern California who traveled in a group to witness Friday’s ceremony.

“This is my first inauguration experience and I’m very excited to end eight years of the Obama administration, the corruption and hypocrisy of liberals,” she opined.

Herman Martir — a pastor from Dallas, Texas who was a member of the Trump campaign’s APA committee and its national diversity coalition — said the real estate billionaire wasn’t his first candidate choice early in the primary race. However, he threw his support after realizing

“Trump would give power back to the people.”

“I have met with him personally and he has become a friend,” Martir said. “Mr. Trump has shared with me his love for Filipino Americans. He has said, ‘we need more hardworking people like you in America.’”

First 100 days The Fil-Ams interviewed by the Asian Journal also expressed their optimism for Trump’s first 100 days, as this period will set the tone for his administration.

“He actually has great compassion for the poor and minorities,” Martir remarked. “People characterize him as racist because they don’t know him. He prioritizes family and safety. He needs to prioritize keeping our nation secure -- that’s something that is important to him.”

These Fil-Ams also agreed that the economy and job creation are imperative to address since Trump has vowed on the campaign trail to return more opportunities to Americans.

“We need laws that will make businesses prosper in America.

Number 1 is to bring back jobs and then strengthen our presence abroad because America is not respected right now,” Falconi said.

Martir added, “Fil-Ams have worked so hard and are the fabric of this country. We need those opportunities back.”

Wenger, who has lived in the U.S. for over 30 years, went on to remark that the immigration system needs to be overhauled.

“We have spent so much on [undocumented] immigrants to house, feed and educate them,” Wenger said. “Immigration has to be reformed to not separate families; usually the parents get deported and we end up taking care of the kids. Why should we do that when they belong with the mother and father?”

Message to other Fil-Ams Following the election of Trump, many in the Fil-Am community have vocalized their opposition for him and have joined in on protests against the divisive rhetoric.

However, these Fil-Am Republicans said others should wait and see what the new president does once in office.

“They should educate themselves better and open their eyes to realize that Americans didn’t want a third Obama term,” Fely Quitevis, a realtor from Pahrump, Nevada, said.

It was Quitevis’s second time to witness a presidential inauguration in person on Friday.

“It’s time to unite around the president and give him a chance,” Falconi said. “See what are some of the good things he can do for not only the United States, but also for our Fil-Am community. A

PH optimistic about Trump…

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migrants first. It has yet to announce any moves to remove any past policies implemented

by Obama.

The Duterte administration will be monitoring these incoming policies, given the sheer size of undocumented Filipinos in the U.S. However, Andanar said the Philippine government would not interfere or try to sway any decisions.

“I can tell you right now that our president cares for any Filipino, not only in the Philippines, but around the world -- he cares for them. If you’re asking me what our policy is right now, we have to respect the new administration, they are still in a transition,” Andanar said. “We have to wait and see which policies they will push forward, which policies they announced during the campaign...we respect the political and democratic process here in the U.S. and as I mentioned, noninterference.”

Earlier on Monday, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), one of Obama’s signature efforts to pivot toward the Asia-Pacific

region. The Philippines, however, is not one of the 12 nations that signed onto the deal. Duterte had yet to respond to his American counterpart’s actions, as of press time.

Andanar also took the community meeting to clarify the Duterte administration’s relationship with the press and the president’s colorful remarks. He said that the president employs “language that most Visayans would understand.”

“How does it get misquoted?…

In this day and age of internet and social media, it is a fact, my friends, that the majority of us no longer read the inner pages of the newspaper...just the headline,” he said. “The majority of people don’t read the inner pages of the newspaper anymore. If we’re talking about journalistic responsibility and nation building, we have to keep in mind that we no longer live in the 1950s. If we want to be responsible journalists, we should think about how people read these days.”

When asked if Duterte would be visiting the U.S. anytime soon, Andanar simply said “it will happen.” n

lot of people have underestimated him, but he has proven them all wrong. You’ll see he’s going to make America great again.”

Martir echoed the sentiment that Trump deserves some respect from those who didn’t vote for him.

“It’s unfair to not hear him out. If you are elected president, you are not just president of one group -- you’re president for all,” he said. “That’s part of our democracy and that’s what makes us Americans.” (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)

He singled out Bishop Teodoro Bacani, who he said had two wives like him.

Bacani, bishop emeritus of Novaliches, responded on Wednesday, denying he had two wives.

“If he [said] that, I pity him. It sounded crazy. I pray for him,” Bacani said in a text message.

“I do not have even one wife.

I hope anyone who says I have two will produce even one. Poor guys who can only use lies versus truth,” he said.

But he added that if Mr. Duterte did not have immunity from suit, he would bring defamation and libel charges against him.

“There is no proof yet of the accusations against Bishop Bacani,” Arguelles said. “Besides he has already resigned.”

Bacani resigned in 2003 after being accused of sexual harassment by his personal secretary.

Pope John Paul II accepted Bacani’s resignation.

During the World Apostolic Congress on Mercy held in Manila recently, Bacani bewailed the spate of extrajudicial killings in Mr. Duterte’s war on drugs, calling the Philippine National Police a “bringer of death.”

Mr. Duterte said that unlike the bishops, he was not corrupt.

He chided the bishops for asking for vehicles, including Pajeros, from the government during the time of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“Shouldn’t you be ashamed of yourselves? That’s so expensive and so many people have nothing to eat,” he said.

Mr. Duterte said the bishops knew they were not supposed to receive anything from the government, and yet they asked for Pajeros.

“Son of a bitch, the fools accepted it,” he said.

“It was pure graft and corruption,” he added.

No one found guilty Arguelles said none of the bishops had been found guilty of soliciting vehicles from the Arroyo administration.

He said the vehicles given to the bishops were intended for the Church’s social action for the poor.

The bishops returned the vehicles amid a Senate inquiry into the controversy.

Mr. Duterte said he had been aware of clerical indiscretions since he was a young boy, and he railed against priests who refused to serve the poor.

He said he just might write a book about Church officials and he would title it “Hypocrisy.”

Mr. Duterte noted that Church officials call politicians corrupt.

“How about you?” he asked.

Most politicians are afraid of offending Catholic Church officials, but not him, Mr. Duterte said.

Despite Church officials “politicking” and warning people against voting for him during the campaign, he still won the election, he said.

Guilty should resign Arguelles acknowledged that clergy guilty of serious offenses should resign.

“A bishop or priest who is guilty

A

of a serious offense should indeed resign if their continued stay in their position harms the Church and the faithful,” he said.

Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga, Bataan province, shared Arguelles’ sentiments.

“We bishops have a mandate from God, appointed by the Holy Father. We can resign only to the Pope, not to anyone, even to the President,” Santos said.

“We have our shortcomings and sometimes we fail but we are contrite and rise up. And God forgives and trusts us again and again. God will never resort to our past. Let God be our judge. Let our people decide for us,” he said.

But Bishops Arturo Bastes of Sorsogon and Honesto Ongtico of Cubao just shrugged off Mr. Duterte’s attack.

“He is entitled to his opinion.

Doctors should not stop healing people just because they get sick.

Nobody is perfect,” Ongtico said.

“These are mere words uttered thoughtlessly, not worthy of consideration,” Bastes said.

“When insulted, the Lord Jesus has taught us not to retaliate.

We should rather respond with prayer,” said Msgr. Joseph Tan, media liaison officer of the Archdiocese of Cebu.

While bishops, priests and a number of lay people were hurt

by Mr. Duterte’s attack, Tan said it was improper to be angry.

“Let us not be carried away by emotions and react negatively. That is not fruitful,” he said. (With reports from Tina G. Santos in Manila; Maricar Cinco, Inquirer Southern Luzon; and Ador Vincent S. Mayol, Inquiret Visayas/Inquirer.net)

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US vows to defend ‘international territories’ from China

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

BRIBERY INVESTIGATION. Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, Alan Peter Cayetano, and Joel Villanueva hold a discussion during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing looking into the alleged bribery of two officials of the Bureau of Immigration by casino owner Jack Lam on Monday, January 23. The two officials, former Deputy Commissioners Al Argosino and Michael Robles, were allegedly offered P50 million for the release of Chinese nationals illegally working at the Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino in Pampanga.

Senate photo by Albert Calvelo

CIA accused of botching Mamasapano…

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American adventure with the cooperation of some and apparently with your blessing,” Duterte remarked, referring to Aquino.

During the raid, the police commandos successfully killed Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Abdhir, also known as Marwan, in the southern Philippines where various separatist rebel groups are based.

Marwan’s allies reportedly started to attack the police commandos after being alerted by the exchange of gunshots that killed him. Unable to carry the body, the SAF troopers cut Marwan’s finger to show proof of his death.

It was later sent to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for DNA identification.

Marwan had been included on the U.S. government’s “Most Wanted Terrorists” list.

“Kaya far from the highway, nandoon ang chopper and you had to delude the nation that after the Marwan finger was cut, it was delivered dito sa Crame for the forensics, when as a matter of fact, ang helicopter, ang nagdala doon sa just for validation, to confirm that it was indeed Marwan (That’s why far from the highway, your chopper was there and you had to delude the nation that after the Marwan finger was cut, it was delivered here in Crame for

the forensics, when as a matter of fact, your helicopter was the one that brought it just for validation, to confirm that it was indeed Marwan),” Duterte said.

The elite soldiers, however, were ambushed by rebel groups, including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Duterte argued that if the government wanted to arrest a criminal not connected with the rebellion, they should have informed the MILF. The government had a peace pact with the Muslim insurgent groups based in the southern Philippines during that time.

“At bakit kayo pumasok (Why did you enter [the militant’s territory])? Because under the agreement, if you want to arrest a criminal, not rebellion connected, you have to inform the MILF. Eh kung pumasok kayo doon (but you went there), it was really a violation. That is why na-stymie kayo (That’s why you were stymied),” Duterte said.

Duterte also accused former presidential peace adviser Teresita Quintos-Deles of stopping then-President Aquino from ordering the military to send men to rescue the ambushed troops in order to not risk the peace talks.

Addressing Deles, Duterte said,

“I do not want to, you know, belabor. Ikaw ‘yung peace negotiator. And para sa akin, ikaw ‘yung nagpigil kay PNoy na huwag (I do not want to, you know, belabor.

You were the peace negotiator.

And for me, you were the one who stopped [Aquino] in sending reinforcements because war will break out), because then you have violated the agreement that you should not enter MILF territory?”

Duterte also argued that military support from Davao City was just 40 minutes away from Mamasapano, Maguindanao. He went on to remark that he would form a commission to investigate the Mamasapano tragedy.

“I will create a commission of seven. I will appoint men of integrity and honor. Kung tanggapin nila (If they would accept), I will choose mostly justices of the Supreme Court and few of the civilian sector, maybe a lawyer,” Duterte said.

According to the president, the commission will be similar to the Agrava commission that investigated the assassination of former Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. in 1983.

“They will be independent in all aspects. They are free to summon and as president, the executive department, I will order you to honor the process,” Duterte added. (Dana Sioson / AJPress)

THE United States, under the new administration of President Donald Trump, has vowed to prevent China from claiming ‘international territories’ along the contested waters in the South China Sea. “The U.S. is going to make sure that we protect our interests there,” White House spokesman Sean Spicer said in a news briefing on Monday, January 23.

Spicer made the remarks when asked if Trump agrees with Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson’s earlier statement that China should be denied of access to the disputed islands in the sea.

“If those islands are, in fact, in international waters and not part of China proper, yeah, we’ll make sure we defend international interests from being taken over by one country,” Spicer added.

Last January 11, Tillerson was asked if he supported a more aggressive posture against China.

Tillerson then replied, “We’re going to have to send China a clear signal that, first, the islandbuilding stops and, second, your access to those islands also is not going to be allowed.”

Responding to Tillerson’s statement, China warned that the U.S. would need to “wage a large-scale war” if it wants to bar Beijing’s access in the South China Sea. The Senate is expected to vote on Tillerson’s nomination by early next week. This comes after he won approval of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Monday.

China to protect its ‘rights’ Following the United States’ recent pronouncement, China insisted that it would be firm in safeguarding its “rights” over the disputed waters.

“Regardless changes in relevant countries, what they say

or want to do, China will stay as resolute as always in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said during a press briefing on Tuesday, Jan. 24.

China stressed that although it “upholds the freedom of navigation enjoyed by countries under international law in the South China Sea,” it opposes the “intruding navigation that undermines sovereignty and security of coastal countries.”

The Chinese government also called on the U.S. to stop meddling in the Asian territorial affairs since the latter is ‘not a party’ to the South China Sea disputes.

“We urge the US side to respect the facts and be prudent in words and actions to avoid causing disruptions to peace and stability of the South China Sea,” Hua added. n

Trump’s first order of business: Sweeping…

PAGE A2 t

director of programs for the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, Melissa Rodgers. “These executive orders go against traditional American values of welcoming new immigrants and do considerable harm to our country and the people who call America home.”

In anticipation of such directives, a number of Democratic lawmakers at all levels

of government have publicly vowed to resist the President’s efforts to ramp up deportation efforts.

Some of the most vocal opposition has come from legislators in California, which is home to over 3 million of the nation’s roughly 11 million undocumented residents.

Prior to Trump’s signing of the executive orders, Governor Jerry Brown has insisted that

the staunchly Democratic state would continue to shield immigrants from deportation, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

“Let me be clear, we will defend everybody, every man, woman and child who’s come here for a better life and contributed to the well-being of the state,” said Brown during his state of the State address on Tuesday, January 24. n

LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM. Senator Cynthia A. Villar leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the introduction of coconet weaving livelihood project at the Baseco Livelihood Training Center. This is a joint project of the senator, who has been known for providing livelihood projects to our people, together with the the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Social Welfare and Development and Kabalikat sa Kaunlaran. Senate photo

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A

Bato: This is me, I don’t need to change my style

by AJ

BolAdno Philstar.com

MANILA – After lawmakers advise him to be more serious and stop clowning around, Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa insisted that he will not change his style.

Speaking to reporters at Camp Crame, Dela Rosa said on Tuesday, Jan. 24 that he only shows a different side of himself in public.

“Ano mabait ba ako? Wala pa kayong narinig na binugbog ko?

Wala pa kayong narinig na sinaktan ko? Wala pa kayong narinig na binaril ko? Ganito naman ako, this is me. I don’t need to change my style,” the PNP chief, who is known for his jolly personality, said.

“Akala ni’yo mabait ako sa inyo, mabait ako sa camera. Hindi ni’yo alam kung ano (ang) pinaggagagawa ko kung hindi ko kaharap ang camera,” he added.

Party-list representatives Alfredo Garbin Jr. (Ako Bicol), Sherwin Tugna (CIBAC), Harry Roque

Philippine National Police Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa gestures during his birthday celebration at Camp Crame on Sunday, Jan. 22.

(Kabayan) and Benhur Lopez (YACAP) called out Dela Rosa on Monday and told him to stop his publicity stunts and instead quietly do his job as his subordinates are losing respect from him.

A “pakenkoy-kenkoy” Dela Rosa should be feared by other cops since he is the head of the PNP, Garbin said.

On Friday, Jan. 20, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez also hit Dela Rosa for his “booboos” and accused him of being more

interested in having a showbiz career. He called on the PNP chief to resign, a call that he withdrew after attending the police chief’s birthday party on Sunday.

He now says Dela Rosa should be given a second chance.

Dela Rosa was in hot water after it was found that the Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo was abducted and later killed by police inside the PNP national headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City.

PH, China to collaborate on anti-poverty projects worth $3.7-B by dAnA

M. SioSon

AJPress

THE Philippines and China have agreed to collaborate on 30 projects worth $3.7 billion that focus on poverty reduction, the two countries announced following a bilateral meeting on Monday, January 23.

According to Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng, the deal is expected to be signed before the Philippine delegates return to Manila.

“The cooperation projects, which are the first batch, on improving people’s living standards now only need a series of bankrelated procedures,” Gao said, as quoted by Xinhua News Agency.

On Monday, the two countries had a meeting in Beijing to finalize the economic and investment deals discussed during

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s trip to China last October. The Philippines’ Department of Finance (DOF) previously said that Beijing pledged $15 billion worth of investments to Manila.

In a press briefing on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that the ties between the Philippines and China “fully recovered” after Duterte’s visit.

“China supports President Duterte to lead the Philippines people in developing their economy,” she added.

On the other hand, DOF Secretary Carlos Dominguez said he had a “very productive” meeting with the Chinese officials.

Among the Philippine officials who accompanied Dominguez in China were Budget Sec. Benjamin

Diokno, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Ernesto Pernia, Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar.

Sought for comments if new U.S. President Donald Trump’s economic policies would affect the relationship between China and the Philippines, Dominguez replied, “It’s better to be with good friends.”

Duterte previously announced that the Philippines would shift away from Washington to build closer ties with China, Russia, and other Asian countries.

“I’m not sure at this moment exactly what the new U.S. policies, but I believe that the reorientation of our president to our neighbors really was very smart,” Dominguez added. n

OPLAN TOPHANG. The Philippine National Police on Monday, Jan. 23 has taken its anti-drug and anti-criminality campaign, Oplan Taphang, to the military’s main headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. “Taphang” means “tapok” (gather) and hangyo (request), and is implemented nationwide. It is a modified version of the Tokhang, which meant to knock and plead, police said.

Inquirer.net photo by Frances Mangosing

De Lima asks court to dismiss House case against her

by PAolo

RoMeRo

Philstar.com

MANILA – Sen. Leila De Lima has asked the Metropolitan Trial Court to dismiss the case filed by the leadership of the House of Representatives against her for alleged disobedience when it was conducting an inquiry into the illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

In a 15-page counter-affidavit filed before the MTC Branch 34 in Quezon City last Jan. 13, De Lima laid four arguments to quash the case filed by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas and Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali against her last December.

In their complaint, the House leaders accused the senator of violation of Article 150 of the Revised Penal Code or “disobedience to summons” of Congress with the Department of Justice, which elevated the matter to the court.

Violation of a provision of the article is punishable either by imprisonment or a fine, or both.

The House leaders alleged that De Lima induced her former

driver and bodyguard Ronnie Dayan—via text message last Oct. 1 through his daughter—to hide and not testify before the hearing of the House justice committee chaired by Umali.

They filed a similar complaint before the Senate ethics committee, which is expected to convene today to tackle the various complaints against De Lima.

“It is respectfully submitted that the filing of the (case) against me is clearly a form of persecution rather than prosecution. I am being forced to answer for an act of commission which is flagrantly negated by the evidence on record,” De Lima said in her affidavit obtained by The Star.

The senator said the charge was assuming that she knew the committee subpoenaed Dayan when resource persons in legislative inquiries are usually just invited not summoned.

She said she was not legally required to be informed of any subpoena to be issued to Dayan nor was she obligated to find out for herself.

De Lima stressed Article 150 only penalizes “inducing dis-

Sen. Leila De Lima

obedience to a summons,” not inducing refusal to accept an invitation.

De Lima also accused the DOJ of not including portions of Dayan’s testimony or “exculpatory statements” during the House hearing last Nov. 24 that would clear her of the allegation.

She said based on Dayan’s testimony, he asked his daughter to seek her “opinion” on the summons and only decided to hide when he could no longer contact the senator.

During the same hearing, Dayan also testified he went into hiding because he feared that local politicians in Pangasinan would get back at him as they thought he included them in the supposed matrix of drug lords.

A

january 27-february 2, 2017 • nOrCaL aSIan jOurnaL

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OpiniOn

Features

Fresh start

A NEW dawn awaits as the United States is perceived to undergo dramatic changes in its political, economic and social arenas under Donald Trump’s presidency. The coming change is also expected to impact not just its people, but America’s relationship with other nations, including with the Philippines.

Under the rapprochement between the U.S. and the Philippines initiated by former Presidents Barack Obama and Benigno Aquino III, economic partnerships and remittances have generated billions of dollars in revenue.

The last few months saw this relationship turn sour when Pres. Rodrigo Duterte berated the U.S. for continuously criticizing his governance over “concerns around rule of law and civil liberties” in his administration.

In December last year, Washington removed the Philippines from the roster of eligible countries for development assistance under the United States’ Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) fund. The country received a total of $434 million in MCC funding from 2010 to 2016.

Irked by the criticisms on his brutal war against illegal drugs and criminality in the country, Duterte warned that he would review all military agreements with the Americans and scrap joint drills that, he claimed, were only beneficial to Americans.

Upon the inauguration of Trump as the 45th U.S.

president on Friday, Jan. 20, Filipino officials recognized the turnover of power to improve Manila-Washington relations.

“We view transitions as opportunities to further relations. The U.S. and the Philippines are treaty allies and we are ready to work on bolstering this alliance on the basis of sovereign equality and mutual respect,” declared Patrick Chuasoto, chargé d’affaires ad interim of the Philippine embassy, in a statement.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that the Philippines and the U.S. can have a “placid and mutually beneficial relationship” as longtime allies.

“Our diplomatic ties need to reflect our longstanding relationship but under terms and conditions that protect our people’s interests,” Abella said.

Duterte assured that after their seven-minute In early December, Duterte made a congratulatory phone call to Trump, where both leaders conversation, he felt a rapport with his American said that they are looking forward to seeing each counterpart and that bilateral ties were intact.

May this renewed partnership not reverse the other at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations concessions made by their predecessors. May it fa(ASEAN) Summit this year.

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

cilitate more dynamic and stable domestic economies, both addressing the needs of both their people. May it bring more bring political, economic, and strategic benefits to both Filipinos and Americans. (AJPress)

‘ALTERNATIVE FACT’: More Americans voted for Trump than Clinton to be the 45th President of the United States DONALD J. Trump won the presidency because more Americans voted for him is an “alternative fact”. A lie.

A misrepresentation of the will of the citizens of America who casted their sacred vote in the November 8 presidential election.

The truth as substantiated by election results data verified and confirmed by both Republicans and Democrats in all states is that Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton defeated Donald Trump.

Nearly three million people more people elected her to succeed Pres. Barack Obama. She won the popular vote by this big margin.

But because of the Electoral College, Donald Trump was proclaimed and sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. The electoral college appropriated certain number of “electors” per congressional districts and states instead of just using the popular votes.

It is a FACT that the Democratic Party had been very graceful in acknowledging that this is the law as stipulated in

idea that he could not the Constitution and have possibly lost the so they paved the way The Fil-Am popular vote without for the peaceful and orcheating and fraud. derly transfer of power. Perspective So I would urge the Donald Trump was president to knock sworn in as president this off….People are on January 20. going to start doubtHowever, despite his ing you as a person victory he maintained Gel SantoS-ReloS if you keep making that he believes he was cheated of the popular vote, alleging accusations against our electoral system that about 3 to 5 million “illegals” voted without justification. This is going to that was why election results revealed erode his ability to govern this country if he does not stop it.” that Clinton won more votes than him.

Many kababayans unfamiliar with This continued allegations of conspiracy from Trump himself has been U.S. history would ask why and how the troubling not only Democrats but even use of Electoral College came about. members of the Republican Party. One This is how TIME explained it: Standard civics-class accounts of the outspoken Republican Party leader Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina Electoral College rarely mention the voiced out the concerns of his party in real demon dooming direct national election in 1787 and 1803: slavery. an interview. He told CNN: At the Philadelphia convention, the “It is the most inappropriate thing for the president to say without proof…We’re visionary Pennsylvanian James Wilson talking about a man who won the elec- proposed direct national election of tion and seems to be obsessed with the the president. But the savvy Virginian

James Madison responded that such a system would prove unacceptable to the South: “The right of suffrage was much more diffusive [i.e., extensive] in the Northern than the Southern States; and the latter could have no influence in the election on the score of Negroes.”

In other words, in a direct election system, the North would outnumber the South, whose many slaves (more than half a million in all) of course could not vote. But the Electoral College—a prototype of which Madison proposed in this same speech—instead let each southern state count its slaves, albeit with a twofifths discount, in computing its share of the overall count.

Virginia emerged as the big winner— the California of the Founding era—with 12 out of a total of 91 electoral votes allocated by the Philadelphia Constitution, more than a quarter of the 46 needed to win an election in the first round.

After the 1800 census, Wilson’s free state of Pennsylvania had 10% more free persons than Virginia, but got 20%

fewer electoral votes. Perversely, the more slaves Virginia (or any other slave state) bought or bred, the more electoral votes it would receive. Were a slave state to free any blacks who then moved North, the state could actually lose electoral votes.

If the system’s pro-slavery tilt was not overwhelmingly obvious when the Constitution was ratified, it quickly became so. For 32 of the Constitution’s first 36 years, a white slaveholding Virginian occupied the presidency.

THE QUESTION: Why has the Electoral College not yet been abolished?

When will the Constitution be amended so that elections will truly reflect the will of the people? *** 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

Why President Duterte needs the Catholic Church Commentary

RicaRdo Saludo “OF all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.

In vain would that man claim the tributeof patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, thesefirmest props of the duties of men and citizens.” — George Washington “[W]hile I am a stickler for the principle of separation between Church and State, I believe quite strongly that there should never be a separation between God and State.” — Rodrigo Duterte The founding father of the United States of America and the leading political thinker of the Renaissance believed it was indispensable for nationhood. So does the current Chief Executive of the Philippines, as he said in his State of the Nation Address last July.

In the history of nations, religion not only shapes a people’s identity and culture. Its moral discipline, enforced by belief in divine justice in this life or the next, helps immensely in keeping citizens obedient to law and

respectful of authority.

So why is President Rodrigo Duterte lambasting Catholic bishops and priests, whose stern admonitions on four-fifths of Filipinos under their sway do much to fight lawlessness and the lure of wanton living, including narcotics, on which he wages war?

Whatever the reason, it’s really not good for law enforcement if people lose respect for the Church and faith in its preachings.

What if Filipinos discard their faith?

As this column argued in our May 30 article last year, speaking of then-President-elect Duterte: “He can’t deliver on his winning pledge to eradicate crime and corruption if the Catholic Church ever lost its moral authority over the great majority of Filipinos.

“Imagine if most of the 85 million baptized Catholics in the country water down the religion’s key tenets, and pick and choose which of the Ten Commandments to follow.

“Indeed, millions already discard the Sixth and Ninth Commandments, while countless others break the Fifth and the Seventh. (If people don’t know that the first two prohibit illicit sex, while the latter ban killing and stealing, that only underscores the problem.)

“What if Duterte actually succeeds in convincing tens of millions of Filipino Catholics that they don’t have to listen to

bishops and priests because of abuses and hypocrisy by some clerics? Would that lead to more or fewer people killing, stealing, and deviating from traditional family values?

“Would eroding Catholicism’s influence increase or decrease lawlessness, sleaze, drug addiction, violence, family breakups, juvenile delinquency, and all the other social ills Duterte rails against? Or does religiosity advance lawful, virtuous living?

“And which would help win the battle against lawlessness—quarreling with the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, or persuading the CBCP to issue pastoral letters and institute sermons, prayers, and parish programs enjoining tens of millions of believers across the archipelago to abide by the law, support law enforcement, eschew corruption, and strengthen family values as a bulwark against delinquency and drugs?”

Indeed, the Church certainly commands far more credibility and respect than the government. The Philippine Trust Index of 2015, the latest nationwide survey done by public relations company EON, counted nearly three-quarters of Filipinos (73 percent) trusting the Catholic Church, far ahead of the academe (51 percent), media (32 percent), and the government (12 percent).

Sure, President Duterte enjoys an excellent trust rating of

President Rodrigo Duterte

more than 80 percent. But that’s an argument not for bashing the Church, but working with it, so that their combined high public credibility would mobilize the people to fight crime and drugs, instead of eroding each other’s lofty trust ratings In short, Mr. President, you need the Filipino people’s centuries-old adherence to Catholic faith, morals and authority to fight the scourge of lawlessness and drugs.

The bishops also need Digong At the same time, the Church needs President Duterte’s rough campaign against drugs and lawlessness.

Crime incidence tripled in the past administration, to more than 1 million a year starting 2013, from 324,083 in 2010. Imagine

how many grave sins are committed every day, endangering the souls of millions of people.

Thankfully, after six months under Duterte, crime is down by one-third to one-half, depending on the type of offense. That means at least 3,000 murders prevented, along with 3,000 rapes, 20,000 robberies, and 75,000 physical injuries, based on 2014 data.

As for drug addiction, which enslaves souls to the demands of body and psyche, between 1 million and 3 million users are in narco-chains, their free will and consciences rendered largely incapable of exercising the moral choices which affirms the faithful’s faith, hope and love toward the Lord.

Even worse, millions of fami-

lies are torn apart, hugely burdened, and even bloodied and beaten, as loved ones are driven to anger, depression, crime, and violence.

Except in a few families graced

by God, can virtue flourish amid such entrenched vice?

And while killing outside of self-defense violates God’s law and can never be justified, the sad reality is that if the government relied solely on strict due process to fight drugs and crime, the syndicates and their protectors in government would just laugh, and more than a million drug users and pushers would still be sniffing and shooting, plus stealing, kidnapping, raping and killing under narco-influence or in hopes of getting cash for their habit.

But thank God, Church and State may be moving toward talking and walking together.

Just recently, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said of the Church: “Let’s try to reach out to one another and have a real dialogue and real conversation.”

“That is always the better solution to anything,” agreed Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos. “You listen to them, present everything, and let’s observe what are the things that we can work together and things that we are going to avoid.”

May Church and State find common cause for our nation’s sake. So help them God. n

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

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A

Purisima, Napeñas charged; Aquino spared in Mamasapano operation

WHERE IS THE STO. NINO. As the Dinagyang festival in Iloilo enters its 50th year, there have been increasing calls to re-affirm the festival’s supposed religious roots, temper the visually stunning but increasingly extravagant Ati tribe competition, and veer away from unhampered commercialism. In previous years, festival organizers drew flak after it was observed that the festival mascot “Dagoy” and images of alcoholic beverages appeared more prominent than the Sto. Niño in promotional materials. Inquirer.net photo by Jay Gadong

THE Office of the Ombudsman on Tuesday, Jan. 24 filed charges against former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima and former PNP Special Action Force (SAF) director Getulio Napeñas over the botched Mamasapano anti-terrorist operation.

But it spared former president Benigno Aquino III, who allowed Purisima’s involvement in Oplan “Exodus” despite the fact that the latter was suspended over a graft case.

Purisima and Napeñas are facing charges of graft and usurpation of official functions before the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court.

The Ombudsman said Purisima caused, with Napeñas’ consent, violations of the PNP chain of command, Purisima’s preventive suspension order

dated Dec. 10, 2014, and then PNP officer in charge Leonardo Espina’s order dated Dec. 16, 2014 directing Purisima and other suspended PNP officers to cease and desist from performing their duties.

Purisima, the Ombudsman said, gave instructions to, received reports and recommendations from, and approved the actions of Napeñas in connection with the operation in Mamasapa-

no, Maguindanao that killed 44 SAF men in January 2015.

As a result, Purisima and Napeñas eased out Espina and then Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas from Oplan Exodus.

The operation, known as Oplan Exodus, resulted in the killing of international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir. But over 60 people, including 44 members of the SAF, were killed in a gun battle with Muslim rebels. (ManilaTimes.net)

PH calls for strong, resilient ASEAN PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, Jan. 24 urged member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) to work together for a stronger and more resilient community.

In his speech during the launching of ASEAN 2017 Committee in Business and Investment Promotion in Malacañang, Duterte called for unity as he vowed to work with the 10 ASEAN member-states and its dialogue partners to ensure a collective success.

“ASEAN needs to sustain its momentum towards inclusive growth, ensure that businesses and industries continue to thrive and secure a policy environment that supports meaningful economic change and reform,”

the President said.

“In upholding our region’s common interest and advancing towards our collective goals, know that the Philippines will work closely with the ASEAN member states and will engage our partners constructively to fully realize the positive changes we desire and aspire for our region. Let us together work for an ASEAN that is even stronger, more resilient and ready to do business,” he added.

Under the Philippines’ chairmanship, Duterte said ASEAN will continue on the road towards “greater progress and prosperity” and will work tirelessly “to ensure that ASEAN’s economic integration as an object and instrument of policy are fully harnessed.”

“We will work together with ASEAN member states and partners to ensure that the trajectory of inclusive growth remains always on the upswing,” the President said.

To do this, the Philippines will focus on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that form the backbone of the ASEAN’s collective economy.

“The objective is to build the capacities of MSMEs to make them active and competitive players in the national, regional, and global economies.

I encourage business leaders and the enterprises here to tap the MSMEs and help them integrate into the national, regional valued chain,” the President said.

“If we’re able to evolve toward

AFP told: Neutralize Sayyaf in 6 months

by Michael

Punongbayan Philstar.com

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Año has ordered military troops in Mindanao to follow President Duterte’s desire to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf within the next six months.

“Train all your thoughts, focus your efforts, muster all your courage, summon all your energy and give it all to this fight. So that once

and for all, we will neutralize the Abu Sayyaf, the other terrorist groups, and their infrastructures,” Año said.

Año gave the instructions as he presided over the change of command ceremony for the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief in Zamboanga City from Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo de la Cruz to Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. last Jan. 17.

He asked members of the Phil-

ippine Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines to always look at the big picture and see where each of them would fit.

AFP Public Affairs Office chief Marine Col. Edgard Arevalo, who was with the group, said Año told the troops in the area that he “is satisfied” with their preparations, especially the personnel and equipment readiness of the combat, intelligence, psychological operations and support units.

becoming smart economies, we have to be intelligent about investments, which includes investment not just in the areas of science and research and development but equally important is our precious human resources,” he said.

The President also mentioned the empowerment of women so that “they can take on the greater economic roles and participate even more broadly in nation and region-building.”

“The objective is to achieve the full economic potentials of women and to bridge the gender gap… In ASEAN, we will go beyond that and focus on achieving the equity and justice that all our women deserve,” he said. (Catherine S. Valente/ManilaTimes.net) “We are advancing in our campaign to finish the Abu Sayyaf group within six months with renewed and modified plans derived from the strength of our past operational plans and the renewed vigor of the defense and AFP leaderships,” Año told the troops.

“You are privileged to be part of this fight in pursuit of the mission that our commander-in-chief, President Duterte has given us. I challenge you (field commanders) to exercise the highest degree of commandership. Give your utmost best.”

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JANUARY 27-FEBRUARY 2, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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Your Immigration Solution Devin Connolly & nanCy Miller A PERSON born outside of the United States will only be granted permanent resident status (“green card”) if they are able to show that they are admissible to the U.S. If the applicant is found to be inadmissible for any reason, they will only be issued a green card if they are granted a waiver of their inadmissibility.

One ground of inadmissibility results from telling a lie in order to obtain an immigration benefit. Using an assumed name or misrepresenting marital status generally results in a finding of inadmissibility.

Committing a material misrepresentation triggers a lifetime bar from the U.S. Fortunately an alien who has previously committed a material misrepresentation may be eligible for a waiver of their prior conduct. And if their requested waiver is granted, their prior actions are forgiven and they are permitted to lawfully reside in the U.S. as a permanent resident. An applicant will only be issued a waiver of their inadmissibility if they are able to demonstrate they are eligible for the waiver as a matter of fact and law, and that they deserve a waiver as a matter of discretion.

In order to be statutorily eligible for a waiver of a prior misrepresentation, the applicant must have a requisite qualifying relative. The only possible qualifying relatives for this type of waiver are the applicant’s U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or parents. An applicant’s U.S. citizen or permanent resident child is not a qualifying relative for purposes of this waiver.

If the applicant does have the required qualifying relative, they must demonstrate that their qualifying relative will suffer “extreme hardship” if they are not granted a waiver of their inad-

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 27-febRUARY 2, 2017

CJ

Journal Permanent resident status despite a prior misrepresentation

missibility. As stated above, any potential hardship experienced by the applicant’s child is not directly applicable.

In determining whether the alien has met the “extreme hardship” standard, the adjudicator will consider the following factors: (1) the presence of lawful permanent resident or United States citizen family ties to the United States; (2) the qualifying relative’s family ties outside the United States; (3) the country conditions in the country of relocation and the qualifying relative’s ties to that country; (4) the financial impact of departure from the United States; and (5) significant health conditions, particularly when tied to the unavailability of suitable medical care in the country of relocation. The “extreme hardship” standard is to be viewed under a totality of the circumstances approach.

This standard is difficult to meet; an applicant’s waiver will not be granted solely because their qualifying relative(s) would miss them.

An applicant’s request for a waiver must include objective evidence that establishes “extreme hardship.” It is crucial that the applicant submits a welldocumented request for a waiver because this evidence must sufficiently convince the adjudicating officer or Immigration Judge that the applicant’s qualifying relative will indeed suffer “extreme hardship” if the waiver is not granted.

The adjudicating officer will not assume anything. Every claim of hardship must be supported.

The submission of thorough and persuasive evidence is vital since the applicant has the burden of proving that that she is eligible for the waiver, that the qualifying relative would suffer extreme hardship and that she is deserving of the requested

waiver of inadmissibility in the exercise of discretion. Preparation of the waiver is both an art and a science. For that reason, an experienced immigration attorney is essential because, in addition to knowing the required elements, a knowledgeable attorney will also be able to present the evidence in a manner that emphasizes the hardship on a qualifying relative, highlights the alien’s rehabilitation and good moral character, and couches the negative information (which must be discussed) in a way that will cause the least harm.

Obtaining a waiver of inadmissibility for prior conduct is not easy. But it is still very possible to obtain if the request is properly prepared. It is always advisable for applicants to retain the services of an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who is dedicated solely to the practice of immigration law. Having an experienced immigration attorney on one’s side will maximize the applicant’s chances of being granted a waiver. Hiring the right attorney may be the difference between obtaining a green card and being deported. It is therefore one of the most significant decisions that a person will make. ***

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

INCOME and social inequalities still persist in the country even as the economy shows brisk growth, with out-of-pocket spending for health care remaining a major portion of household expenditure, state-think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said.

Given this, the government

services whose primary intent is to contribute to the restoration or enhancement of the health status of individuals or population groups. It is a part of private health expenditure.

The level of OOP is an important indicator of an effective health-care system, it said.

“Ideally, an optimal healthcare system should pacify irrational growth in health expen-

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Duterte pivot to China may result in more investments by iris

Gonzales Philstar.com

Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila.

For more Information please call (800) 7958009 or visit www.rreeves.com.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

must expand its health benefit package for households, which should also include non-poor informal workers, PIDS said in a policy note.

PIDS said that operationally, out-of-pocket spending, or OOP, is defined as “any direct outlay by households, including gratuities and in-kind payments, to health practitioners and suppliers of pharmaceuticals, therapeutic appliances, and other goods and

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — The Duterte administration’s pivot to China, which has resulted in better relations between Manila and Beijing, is expected to attract more Chinese investments to the Philippines, HSBC Philippines said.

“The Duterte administration’s foreign policy pivot toward China gives a big push to its own Philippine Development Plan as it puts together plans, reforms, policies, and targets to build a more sus-

tainable economy. This sends strong signals to businesses in both nations that the Philippines is now a promising participant in China’s grant, trade and infrastructure plan,” said HSBC Philippines president and CEO Wick Veloso in a paper on normalizing relations between the Philippines and China.

The Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year would also allow the country to normalize relations with China faster with economic relations

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JANUARY 27-febRUARY 2, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

The CTV Files aurora Vega-Buzon, eSq. WITH the incoming Trump presidency, there is a lot of fear and a lot of questions and uncertainties on what happens to immigration policies and enforcement when he takes office in January 2017. Mr. Trump’s campaign promises include banning Muslims; building a wall along the US-Mexico border; and immediately detaining and deporting all the 11 million or so undocumented aliens.

For those of you who wish to know what immigration-related applications or benefits maybe available, get the facts and know your rights. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) strongly urges you to consult only with qualified immigration attorneys and stay away from scammers or notarios who will capitalize on the post-election fears and uncertainties.

More recent pronouncements made by President-elect Trump and/or his advisers indicate modified versions of his

Community Journal

The Trump presidency – What happens next? campaign promises: instead of deporting all the 11 million undocumented aliens, he will now focus on detaining and deporting 2-3 million “criminal aliens”.

But the Obama Administration has been detaining and deporting criminal aliens for so many years now. During Obama’s 1st term of office, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) enforcement priorities focused on removing both aliens and legal permanent residents - who are threats to national security, border security, and public safety.

There are 3 groups prioritized for removal: (1) Suspected terrorists, convicted felons (including aggravated felonies), convicted gang members, and persons apprehended on the border; (2) Persons convicted of significant misdemeanors (including DUIs, domestic violence, sexual abuse, unlawful possession or use of a firearm, drug offenses, etc.) or multiple misdemeanors; and recent border crossers (those who entered after January 1, 2014); and (3) Other immigration violators like those who, after January

1, 2014, failed to leave under a removal order or returned after removal. It remains to be seen whether Mr. Trump will include those with convictions for minor offenses as part of the so-called “criminal aliens.”

The San Diego Union Tribune reported that in the past 2 months alone before the November elections, DHS’ immigrant detainees (aliens and permanent residents combined) jumped from 33,957 in August to 41,037 detainees (November 22, 2016 article).

And it’s costing the government $5 Million per day to house these detainees. The Tribune also published the statement of 12 former immigration judges regarding the increased detention: “On the basis of our experiences as immigration jurists, this comes at the expense of basic rights and due process. 86% of detained immigrants do not have lawyers representing them, and due to the complexities of the immigration system, it is extremely difficult to win a case without a lawyer. It’s virtually impossible for someone

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette aDeVa Maglaya (Last of 4 Installments)

AN angel is an invisible presence that must be acknowledged to become ever stronger. God sends angels to keep watch over human beings and help them in every human challenge. There is, however, the element of free will in humans.

You can acknowledge the presence of angels or deny it.

It is your choice ultimately. The more angels are acknowledged and become a conduit to heaven, they become a hovering, guiding reality in one’s life growing ever stronger in their influence to shape every thought, word and deed in one’s life.

On the other hand, if the dark side prevails repeatedly in one’s soul that is made progressively weak by severe addictions of any kind, whether chemical, sexual or the human inclination towards pride, disobedience and evil, then the angel’s influence becomes weak. The human u PAGE CJ4 protectee is like a a cell phone that is not receiving signals and becomes dead on a skip zone.

Only a direct divine intervention wrought by the most powerful force of intercessory, un-

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS ALMOST every home has Vaseline jelly or some other items with petroleum in it, like lip stick, lip moisturizer, other cosmetics, paint, shoe/leather polish, nylons, ink, roof shingles, etc. One of its famous forms is Vaseline jelly: a skin protector (shield), a very effective skin softener for flaky foot callouses and as protection against diaper rash.

Petroleum jelly is a derivative, a “byproduct” of oil refining. The components which are filtered out from oil as a part of the refining process of petroleum jelly is suspected by some to be possibly carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Not the petroleum jelly itself, but the ingredi-

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

Angels among us “All God’s angels come to us disguised.”

– James Russell Lowell

ceasing prayers by one or more prayer warriors can avert the cosmic disaster of a soul lost forever to darkness, death and nothingness.

There is a study of angels called angelology. In it, it is claimed that there is a hierarchy of celestial beings grouped into three spheres. According to Wikipedia, there is a First Sphere, the highest ranking of all because they are closest to God. This includes Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. The Second Sphere includes Dominions, Virtues and Powers. In the Third Sphere can be found Principalities, Archangels and Angels.

Our personal guardian angels fall in the last group. Each human being is believed to be assigned a personal guardian angel, Christian or not. The angels that keep watch over human beings belong to the lowest order of celestial beings and they are the ones concerned with the affairs of human beings. They are holy celestial beings who are agents of God intended as a help to mere mortals. They are powerful but we ourselves need to connect to that power to take effect.

If you acknowledge that you as a child of God was given a personal guardian angel from the time God conceived you in His thoughts, there should be no fear in our hearts to face even the unknown. An angelic relationship can be nurtured daily and can grow wonderfully through time until the end of human life.

Who knows? In the end, we might be able to see this yet unseen godly presence, link up face to face, do a high-five, even dance a jig and thank our personal guardian angel, whether you gave him a name or not, whether he revealed his name to you or not, when we transition out to a celestial realm ourselves — finally free of ALL heavy worldly concerns and ALL constraints of time, space and gravity.

Just perhaps, that light at the end of a long dark tunnel might give us a glimpse of the face of God himself. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Vaseline: Is it safe? ents being filtered out. Vaseline, as a brand, is respected as one that is highly-refined and triplepurified, minus all those toxic components, and is considered non-carcinogenic. There are many brands of the jelly in the market.

The biggest contaminant in petroleum jelly (if not fully purified) is called PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). The other is 1,3-butadiene and ethylene oxide, which is also suspected to increase the risk for breast cancer.

Petroleum jelly (a mineral oil), like Vaseline, is not really a skin moisturizer. It is more like a protective sealant, a barrier against water and dirt. As such, it also plugs skin pores and reduces the skin’s ability to “breathe” and eliminate toxic body waste through sweat. If applied to an unwashed face, petroleum jelly seals in the dirt and could cause

acne. When applied to hair, it induces dandruff formation.

When used on the nose often or inhaled frequently, it goes to the lungs and could cause lipid (oil) pneumonia.

For skin moisturizers, the following safe items may be considered: shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, beeswax, and cocoa butter.

ACETA, NSAID and hearing loss Long-term use of acetaminophen (paracetamol) and NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) has been found to elevate the risk of hearing loss in women, according to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. The research was done on over 55,000 women aged 44-69 in a Nurses’ Health Study. Those who took them two or more days per week for more than 6 years had mod-

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Community Journal

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 27-febRUARY 2, 2017

Sometimes, you must admit fraud to get a green card

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ DEAR Atty. Gurfinkel: I entered the US in 2005 under a different name on my passport and visitor’s visa. I recently married a US citizen, who petitioned me. This was the first time that any petition had ever been filed for either my family or me.

When I filed for adjustment of status (Form I-485), and the form asked for how I “entered” the US, I was told by an immigration consultant I should put down I entered without inspection, or EWI. I just received a denial of my adjustment, where the USCIS stated that because I entered without inspection and did not have the benefit of Section 245(i), I am not eligible to adjust status, or get a green card, in the US. Now, I’m being told I have to go back to Manila to be processed for my green card, but I’m scared. Is there any hope?

Very truly yours, R.P. Dear RP.: Ordinarily, for a person to adjust status, or get a green card, in the US, he or she must prove they were “inspected” by an immigration officer at their port of entry (the airport or border). This means the person presented his or her passport and visa, and the immigration officer stamped them in. The only way a person who entered the US without inspection can get a green card in the US is if he or she has the benefit of Section 245(i). (That law allowed people who entered the US without inspection to get a green card in the US provided, among other things, that they were petitioned before April 30, 2001. USCIS allows adjustment for EWI relatives of members

of the military, called “parole in place”. however, this would not apply to you, because you are not EWI.) In your case, you apparently were not petitioned before April 30, 2001, and do not have the benefit of Section 245(i). Therefore, if you file for adjustment and indicate you entered the US without inspection, it would almost guarantee your adjustment application will be denied.

The better (or only) approach is to admit to the fraud (of an assumed name entry), and file for a fraud waiver. however, if a person entered under an assumed name, it is still considered that he or she has been “inspected,” and at least the person would have the chance or opportunity to apply for a fraud waiver, where they ask for “forgiveness” based on the “extreme hardship” their U.S.citizen spouse or parent and/or legal permanent resident spouse/parents would suffer (“Qualifying Relatives”).

I know it is a difficult concept to accept that admitting fraud could be more beneficial than lying. however, even if a person lies about entering the US without inspection, they could still be questioned as to which border they crossed (Canada or Mexico)? how did they get into Canada or Mexico? Where is their Mexican or Canadian visa?

Where at the border did they cross? Did they climb over a fence, or were they in the trunk of a car? As you see, you almost have to be a FAMAS awardee actor to answer all of these questions about how you crossed the border “without inspection.”

And it will do no good, because if you do not have the benefit

of Section 245(i), and entered without inspection, you will be denied.

In fact, my office has handled numerous cases involving assumed name entries, where the client was previously told by other attorneys, consultants, or paralegals to put down they “entered without inspection”.

We pointed out it would be a guaranteed denial. We instead admitted the fraud and filed a fraud waiver, which was granted. This does not mean we can warrant or guarantee approval in all cases. It depends on the extreme hardship suffered by your Qualifying Relatives. however, if you entered the US under an assumed name, and are married to a US citizen, definitely seek the advice of an attorney who can analyze your situation and determine the best course of action for you to obtain a green card in the US. *** 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)

Business News

AFTER 13 YEARS OF WAITING FOR THE FAMILY TO BE REUNITED, THE U.S. EMBASSY STILL DENIED THE RELEASE OF THEIR VISAS. MISERY AND REDEMPTION ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF ‘CITIZEN PINOY!’ Tatay Lando (2nd from right) went to the US to provide a better life for his family. After 13 years, the petition became current in 2016. However, when his son, Allan (left), and his grandson, Chean (2nd from right) went to the U.S. Embassy for their interview, some doubtful details came up in Allanís paperwork that caused the Embassy to deny their visas. Father and son left the Embassy heartbroken and traumatized over the incident. Immediately, Tatay Lando sought the help of leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. Watch how hope was renewed, and a family was happily reunited after many, many years on a encore episode of ‘Citizen Pinoy!’ on Sunday Jan. 29 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

Diversity as the Disruptor: How US demographics are changing business dynamics NEW YORK, NY — More than 50 speakers of diverse cultural background, representing four dozen major corporations, prominent business and community organizations and leading universities and over 300 conference participants attended the second annual Asian American Business Roundtable (AABR) “The New Majority: Igniting the Future through Inclusion and Partnerships,” held at the Venetian, Las Vegas from Jan. 11-13.

The coming together of a multicultural community comprising of African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asians to form a “New Majority” in America means changes, challenges and new collaboration strategies for businesses and organizations that seek to thrive in the coming decades.

The AABR Summit’s mission is to harness the strengths and encourage the strategic partnership as the ethnic communities in the USA continues to grow into a demographic majority of the United States.

Many of the keynote speakers delivered profound and authentic messages about their companies and the economy and how the New Majority must work to-

HEART-TO-HEART. President Rodrigo Duterte hosts a dinner for the country’s top businessmen in Malacañang on Tuesday, Jan. 17. Presidential Adviser on Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said the gathering cleared the air of the tycoons’ misconceptions on Duterte.

Malacañang photo

Duterte hosts dinner for Philippine tycoons

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

PhILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte hosted a dinner for some of the country’s top businessmen at the Malacañang Palace on Tuesday night, January 17.

“The President reiterated that he was all for job creation to uplift the people’s well-being. The one-hour meeting was extended to three and in the words of Joey Concepcion, everybody walked out extremely, extremely happy,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a news briefing on Wednesday, January 18.

During the meetup, which was facilitated by Joey Concepcion, Duterte’s adviser in entrepreneurship, various topics were tackled, including federalism, contractualization, graft, job creation, tax reform, and graft and corruption.

“Basically, they were being brought on board to help address the issue of how to create a more inclusive economy, especially addressing work and investments in areas of conflict,” Abella said.

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According to Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, the tycoons “expressed support for the President’s call for big business to create opportunities to alleviate the economic conditions in poor communities.”

“In fact, they have already sent their people to Sulu to look for opportunities to help the local communities, but because of security problems, the President asked them to focus in other areas in ARMM (the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao),” Dominguez added.

Among the business tycoons who attended the event were Aboitiz Equity Ventures President Erramon Aboitiz, Ayala Corp. Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, International Container Terminal Services Inc. Chairman Enrique Razon Jr., Lucio Tan Group President Michael Tan, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. chairman Manuel Pangilinan, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President George Barcelon, and SM Prime holdings, Inc. board member hans Sy. “They are engaged in conver-

sation with the DOLE Sec. Bello.

And they’re try — they are working out a win-win situation. In the words of Sec. Dominguez, that they are trying to work out a win-win situation,” Abella said.

Former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo also attended the event.

Abea added that the businessmen were there to “show their support especially for improvement in areas of poverty and crisis and the conflicts.”

In a television interview, Concepcion took note that the businessmen’s preconceptions about Duterte were clarified after the dinner.

“Everyone in that room was able to clear their minds on wrong perceptions that they had with the President,” Concepcion told the ABS-CBN. Last August, Duterte described influential business leaders as “monsters” for allegedly using their power solely for their own interests.

“I am fighting a monster. I am just two months (into the presidency) but believe me, I will destroy their clutches in our country,” Duterte previously said. n

Vaseline: Is it…

erate hearing loss. Occasional use did not have that side effect.

Taking aspirin did not show any effect on hearing.

Caution on headphones Today, there are headphones that are labeled “noise-limiting,” but many of them are still delivering dangerous volumes that could damage our hearing, more especially so among children.

A test conducted by The Wirecutter, a firm owned by the New York Times, revealed that “of 30 sets of volume-limiting headphones and earbuds tested for the product recommendations website, 15 had noise greater than 85 decibels, which is the 8-hour limit for adults in the

workplace….The loudest headphones hit 108 decibels, a level described as safe for only 3 minutes…and half of children’s noise-restricting headphones didn’t limit volume as advertised.”

The recommendation of audiologists is to “set the volume of the device at or below 60 percent...and taking a break every hour to prevent damage to the inner ear.”

Let’s heed this warning. It would be devastating to go deaf.

Visual symptoms after LASIK A study published in the Journal of American Medical Association Ophthalmology on 240 active Navy personnel

and 300 civilians who had LASIK (Laser in Situ Keratomileusis) had improved vision but “among participants with no visual symptoms before surgery, over 40 percent reported new symptoms 3 months afterward — most commonly, halo and starbursts… Such symptoms about a third of participants at 6 months… In addition, nearly 30 percent of participants reported new dry eye symptoms at 3 months.” LASIK is a popular, safe, and beneficial procedure when performed within the standard of care for eye surgery. Those contemplating to have LASIK should have a pre-op conference with their ophthalmologist for the details

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Making the Keynote address at the Asian American Business Roundtable Summit was Bernard J. Tyson, Chairman and CEO of Kaiser Permanente. Mr. Tyson delivered a profound and authentic message about his company and the economy and how the New Majority must work together.

Making Opening Remarks at the 2017 Asian American Business Roundtable Summit II were Mehmood Khan, Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer, Global R&D, PepsiCo and John Wang, President, Asian American Business Development Center

Lunch Keynote Speaker Solomon D. Trujillo, Chairman of Trujillo Group, LLC and CoFounder and Chairman of the Latino Donor Collaborative (LDC) discussed The New Mainstream Economy: Driving our Economy’s Growth Today and Accelerating for Tomorrow.

gether; including Bernard J. Tyson, CEO of Kaiser Permanente; Dr. Mehmood Khan, PepsiCo’s Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific and co-sponsor; Solomon D. (“Sol”) Trujillo, Chairman of Trujillo Group, LLC and; Pamela G. Carlton, President of Springboard-Partners in Cross Cultural Leadership.

In addition, powerhouse companies such as Cisco Systems, JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, and Univision, all, made their mark at the Summit.

The Asian American Business

Development Center was established in New York City in 1994

by John Wang, to promote greater recognition of Asian American businesses’ contributions to the general economy. AABDC encourages Asian American businesses to be more actively involved in issues and policies that directly affect them at the federal, state and city levels and provides capacity-building assistance to business entities that enables them to compete in the mainstream marketplace and expand business opportunities. n

How Three Ethnic Groups Build Sustainable Parnerships for future collaboration - this panel discussion included Dr. Dario A. Cortes (Pictured Far Right) Senior Vice President , Strategic Alliance of Berkeley College; (L to R)Josè Calderòn, President of the Hispanic Federation, Kamesh Nagarajan, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management; Fred S. Teng, President of the America China Public Affairs Institute and Michael J. Garner, President of One Hundred Black Men, Inc. Photos by Traci Coulter

‘Income inequality high despite robust…

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ditures. It should also have the capacity to provide equitable financial protection, substantially reducing the amount that people pay for medical expenses,” it explained.

PIDS stressed that heavy reliance on OOP may lead the population to forgo or delay seeking care, or at worst, impoverishment.

It found out that basic social provisions, such as health care, remain generally inaccessible among the vulnerable segments of the population.

“Although social safety nets are in place to facilitate access (e.g., social health insurance and supply-side financing mechanisms), out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures remain to be the major source of financing during health-care episodes,” it said.

Health expenditure rising PIDS also noted total health expenditure in the Philippines is increasing both in nominal and constant terms.

In constant terms, there has been an increase by more than two folds in the last 12 years, from P159 billion to P347 billion,

with rapid increases noticeable especially in the latter years of the decade, it said.

“Despite the significant rise in government and social insurance spending, OOP health expenditure remains the major source, which accounts for more than 50 percent of the total health expenditures,” it said.

The think tank pointed out that from 1991 to 2011, the average annual growth rates for government, social insurance, OOP and private insurance were 3.9 percent, 8.5 percent, 6.3 percent, and 9.5 percent, respectively.

“According to the Department of health, the country targets to decrease the share of OOP by less than 50 percent and increase the share of social health insurance by 2016,” it said.

In the extreme, OOP payments could lead to poverty, it added.

For instance, it explained that about 18 percent of the population still live in poverty, and if OOP payments for health care are netted out, this percentage rises to 19.4 percent.

“Thus, 1 percent of the population become poor once health expenditure occurs,” it said.

‘Expand PhilHealth” Going forward, the think tank recommends the expansion of the benefit packages of Philippine health Insurance Corp.

(Philhealth), especially on outpatient medicines.

“The expansion should not be limited to the Sponsored Program, as selective benefit coverage losses the power of Philhealth as the main purchaser. however, it should ensure that bene ts are cost effective and necessary,” it said.

Policymakers must also strengthen the provider payment mechanisms (PPM) of Philhealth, it said.

“PPM is a powerful tool in controlling and stimulating the behaviors of consumers (patients) and health-care providers. Strategic PPM can optimize health-care utilization; therefore rational growth in health care expenditures is expected,” it explained.

Lastly, PIDS said policymakers should continue the movement to expand coverage, especially of non-poor informal workers, now the battleground sector in achieving full coverage. n

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JANUARY 27-febRUARY 2, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Business news

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

may fall past P50:$1 by March SCE files plan for expanding Peso Think tank sees peso weakening faster than year-end forecast earlier electric transportation

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

Plan aims to reduce emissions from goods movement industry, passenger vehicles

ROSEMEAD, Calif. — Southern California Edison, a leader in the transformation of the energy sector, has filed with the California Public Utilities Commission a wide-ranging plan for expanding electric transportation in its service area.

Consistent with SCE’s longstanding role in supporting electric transportation, the plan aims to increase electrification of cars, buses, medium- and heavy-duty trucks and industrial vehicles and equipment.

“This filing lays out a clear plan to accelerate the adoption of electric transportation, which is critical to California achieving its climate change and environmental goals,” said SCE President Ron Nichols.

“The benefits of electric vehicles are growing, but barriers to their adoption still exist — and utilities and other market participants have a clear role to play in overcoming those barriers.”

In addition to innovative programs for passenger vehicle adoption, the plan is tailored to Southern California, where 40 percent of the goods entering the nation are moved through the region’s ports and over its highways. This immense goods movement industry is crucial to the state and local economy, but it is also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from heavy commercial and industrial vehicles at ports, warehouses and along freeway corridors.

These projects will benefit all SCE customers, with a particular focus on “disadvantaged communities” — areas that are disproportionately affected by pollution and economic hardship, often located along transportation corridors.

“Transitioning to zero- and near-zero emissions modes of transportation is essential to achieving air quality goals in this region,” said Wayne Nastri, executive officer of the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

“We are pleased and encouraged

by SCE’s plans that complement our efforts to accelerate this transition, including a focus on disadvantaged communities that are disproportionately impacted

EMPLOYMENT

by air pollution.”

SCE also released a white paper, “Transportation Electrification: Reducing Emissions, Driving Innovation,” showing the central role transportation electrification must play if California is to succeed in reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases. Electric vehicles currently reduce greenhouse gases by more than 70 percent and smogproducing air pollutants by 85 percent compared to gas-powered cars. As more renewable resources are added to the grid, electric vehicles will increasingly benefit the environment.

The proposed projects in the commission filing complement and expand on SCE’s Charge Ready pilot program, which focuses on installation of EV charging stations in parking lots where passenger vehicles are parked for extended periods of time.

The Charge Ready model, which involves SCE installing all of the electrical infrastructure on a customer’s site to support charging stations and providing a rebate toward the purchase of those charging stations, would be applied to new vehicle segments, including plug-in trucks, electric buses, cargo-handling port equipment and forklifts.

If approved, the overall package in today’s filing would mean more than $570 million in programs and infrastructure to help grow the transportation electrification market over a five-year

A private think tank said the expected weakening of the Philippine peso past the P50:$1 level may occur before the end of the first quarter, much earlier than the end of the year, forecast previously by another group of private financial analysts.

First Metro Investments Corp.

(FMIC) and the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) said their joint study considered pressures on the Philippine currency from the impending Federal Reserve interest rate hikes in the US. “While there may be periods of peso appreciation, the overall trend of a depreciation will likely continue in 2017, albeit at a slower pace than 2016,” FMIC and UA&P said in the latest joint issue of The Market Call.

“We think that the US/PHP rate will remain under pressure… especially now that the Fed has period and stimulate greenhouse set the stage for more hikes in gas reductions to support mov- 2017,” it added.

Given this, the think tank said ing California closer to its 2030 climate change goal of 40 per- the peso-dollar rate may drop cent below 1990 levels. Support- from P49.99:$1 in January to ing the shift to electrification will P50.18:$1 in February, before help reduce tailpipe emissions further weakening to P50.49:$1 that contribute to violations of in March.

The report recalled that the federal health-based ozone standards in Southern California. peso took a further beating after Many of these projects may have the US Fed raised interest rate by future applicability in other parts of California, supporting progress toward the state’s emission reduction targets.

Proposals include: BELOVED dentist, tenor and • Funding for medium- and community leader Dr. Narciso heavy-duty vehicle charging “Tito” Yusi, passed away peaceinfrastructure. As in the Charge fully on January 3, 2017 at the Ready program, SCE would Kaiser Hospital in Redwood City, install infrastructure on a cus- California. He was 73. tomer’s site and provide a reDr. Yusi is survived by his wife bate toward the purchase of the Priscilla; son Michael and daughcharging station. In addition to ter-in-law Jennifer, daughter Viktrucks, this program would sup- ki and son-in-law Lucas Verbish, port plug-in buses, forklifts and daughter Theresa and son-in-law other off-road equipment. While Randy Tanega; only surviving and it is not part of the current filing, twin brother Proceso; grandchilSCE will be exploring options with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and other stakeholders for a zero-emission freight movement program PAGE CJ2 t for transporting freight from the who doesn’t understand the sysPort of Long Beach to inland dis- tem and isn’t a lawyer to successtribution hubs. fully represent themselves. “ • Rates designed to incentivBe informed about the law and ize EV adoption. This attractive available relief, get the facts and rate option for EV owners would know your rights. eliminate demand charges dur*** ing an introductory period and Atty. Aurora Vega-Buzon is a partner in stimulate charging during peri- Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal

25 basis points on December 14 last year.

Expectations for three rate hikes in 2017, based on indications made by US Fed chair Janet Yellen in a speech last month, added further weakness to the Philippine currency.

The peso closed at P49.72 against the greenback at the end of last year. For the entire 2016, the peso depreciated by 5.35 percent from the year earlier.

The currencies of emerging markets, still dampened by fund outflows amid the rate hike and possible further increases in Fed rates this 2017, remain on a depreciation mode, the FMIC and UA&P said in the report.

Earlier, other private financial institutions forecast the peso to weaken to a range of P50:$1 to P52:$1 toward the end of the year, with the most pessimistic view seeing a scenario of worsening risk sentiment in case of a hardline trade stance between China and the United States.

The government has an exchange rate assumption of P48 to P50 per US dollar in 2017 to 2018.

The Philippine peso last touched the P50:$1 mark on Thursday last week as the market refocused on the US after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen expressed a positive view of the US economy. n

Dr. Narciso ‘Tito’ Yusi, 73 dren Ryan Joseph (RJ), Jayden, Ava and Maxwell; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Dr. Yusi, who was born on February 27, 1943, was laid to rest at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park’s Pine Garden on January 25.

Family, relatives and friends attended viewing services on January 23 and 24 at Cypress Lawn Funeral Home in Colma prior to the burial.

Dr. Yusi, who was kind-heart-

The Trump presidency…

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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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ed, generous and had a humble spirit, was loved by everyone around him.

For over 40 years, he had a dental practice in San Francisco.

He was also an avid golfer and bowler who won several trophies while in his league.

A talented Tenor, he was known as the “Singing Dentist” and was one of three Filipino Tenors in the Bay Area. His breathtaking performances wowed audiences, blessed as Dr. Yusi was with a powerful and distinctive voice.

A parishioner at St. Bartholomew’s Church in San Mateo, Dr. Yusi was also an active member of the Filipino Dental Practitioners of California, American Federation of Foreign Graduates, California Dental Society, South San Francisco Golden Gate Lions Club and Our Lady of Compassion and Protection Ministries in Union City.

The family is asking for prayers for the repose of his soul. n

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

Community Journal

Vaseline: Is it…

PAGE CJ3 t of the procedure and post-op expectations.

HPV Throat cancer on the rise There are several risks factors for the development of throat cancer. Among them are: a diet low in vegetables and fruits; tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes); alcohol in excess; Epstein-Barr virus; GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease; and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).

The concern is that HPVcaused throat cancers in the United States are on the rise between 2000 and 2009, a period when overall cancer death rates in the US were going down, with more people surviving cancers of the breast, prostate, lung, colon and rectum.

The incidences of HPV-related oropharyngeal (mouth-throat), anal, and vaginal cancers are increasing. HPV is the most common sexually-transmitted disease; there are more than 40 types of HPV. Oral-sex obviously is risky and best avoided. The tip on the internet that suggests the use of Saran Wrap film as a protective “condom for the mouth and tongue,” as ridiculous as it might sound, could be a useful barrier, so long as it is intact, to prevent HPV contamination. But why take the risk?

While many misinformed or uninformed parents refuse

HPV vaccine (Gardasil) their sons and daughters for fear of complications, the vaccine has been found to be safe and very effective in preventing HPV and the infections and cancers it causes.

The vaccine is recommended for both girls and boys 9 and 12 years old and also for girls and women who are 13 to 26 who have not had the vaccine or completed series. The boys are considered potential “spreader” of HVP to girls.

Reports from the CDC, American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute and North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (co-author) have shown that “HPV infections cause virtually all cervical cancers, 90 percent of anal cancers, more than 60 percent of certain oropharyngeal cancers (including the base of the tongue, tonsils and throat) and 40 percent of vagina, vulvar, and penile cancers.”

Pre-diabetic range lowered Pre-diabetes is the stage immediately before the development of a full-blown type-2 diabetes mellitus and is characterized by “impaired fasting glucose according to World Health Organization criteria (110–124 mg/dL) or the American Diabetes Association’s lower cutoffs (100–124 mg/dL), and elevated hemoglobin A1c according to U.K. criteria (6.0–6.4 percent) or

lower ADA cutoffs (5.7–6.4 percent).”

The British Medical Journal report on this meta-analysis on 1.6 million adults from 53 cohort studies (median follow-up years of more than 9 years) stated that “adults with fasting glucose concentrations as low as 100 mg/dL or hemoglobin A1c levels of 5.7 percent could face increased risk for cardiovascular events.”

Mortality appears not to be impacted.

Compared to those with normal blood sugar and AIC level, pre-diabetics have been found to (already) have significant increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. In view of this, the cutoff for blood sugar and AIC level should be lower than those stated above as our current guide in defining pre-diabetics.

Consult your attending physician for more details and advice. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States.

For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

SCE files plan for expanding…

PAGE CJ4 t

ods of the day that benefit both customers and the grid (i.e., lowcost periods during the day to support integration of renewable energy).

A number of short-term pilot programs are also part of the package: • Customer rebate for residential charging station installation. SCE would provide a rebate to residential customers living in single-family residences or smaller multi-unit dwellings not covered in the Charge Ready program to install a “makeready,” which is the electrical infrastructure required in a garage or at a parking space to support EV charging. The rebates would alleviate the cost of installing a new circuit and, for some customers, the cost of a new panel.

• Building vehicle charging infrastructure for electric transit

buses. Similar to the mediumand heavy-duty vehicle program, SCE is proposing a one-year pilot to install infrastructure and provide a rebate toward the purchase of the charging stations for buses. This project will focus specifically on progressive transit agencies that are already preparing to receive electric buses and will provide charging infrastructure to speed adoption of electric transit buses.

• Port electrification projects.

At the Port of Long Beach, SCE would install charging infrastructure for the electrification of equipment used to unload and move goods containers from ships to off-port transportation vehicles currently powered by diesel engines.

• Building urban DC Fast Charger (DCFC) clusters. SCE would install five DC fast-charge sites in urban areas. Each site

would have up to five dual-port charging stations for a total of 50 DCFC ports. The sites would be located in publicly accessible urban locations — for example, near a corridor, downtown or in high-density apartments.

• Bonus reward to rideshare/ taxi drivers who use EVs. SCE proposes a monetary reward to rideshare and taxi drivers who use an EV and exceed a specified number of rides during a given time period. The pilot promotes the use of EVs in rideshare services, increases EV miles traveled and introduces more passengers to the experience of riding in an EV. The filing’s proposed capital investments are subject to CPUC review and approval and will not be included in SCE’s capital spending and rate base forecasts currently provided through 2020 in its SEC disclosures. n

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 27-febRUARY 2, 2017

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QUIAPO: Blood, sweat, hope, and Rodallie S. Rosende’s story A photo essay by Rick Rocamora, with an introduction by Rene Ciria-Cruz

QUIAPO is a photo essay by award-winning photojournalist Rick Rocamora. Quiapo, is actually two interrelated photo essays, in one book. The first story is about the people who live in and about Quiapo, a commercial district in the heart of Manila, many of whom are street/ sidewalk vendors whose makeshift stalls are weighted down with all sorts of goods.

Most of these vendors are forced to sleep inside or beside these stalls to safeguard their wares at night. And an economy has thus sprung up to service their needs, from portable sleeping cots, to food, water, and what not. Rick Rocamora’s camera captures tender portraits of these folk and documents their living conditions.

The second story focuses on one of Quiapo’s residents, a young woman, Rodallie Rosende, who, despite the hard scrabble life of vendors in Quiapo, has struggled to pursue a college education, thanks in part to an anonymous donor who helps with her college fees and some living expenses. Rocamora’s early photographs of Rodallie in Quiapo, helped bring this anonymous donor forward.

As with his previous photo documentary projects, Rocamora visits and re-visits his subjects over a long period of time, developing a deep empathy for their struggles, their dreams, and their hopes. This is evident, not just in his photographs (which are in black and white), but in the spare captions that accompany them. As Ed Kashi notes in his promotional review on the back cover to the

book, Quiapo exemplifies “the very best of what documentary photography can and should be.”

Rocamora’s Quiapo, dignifies the lives of Quiapo’s street vendors; it invites empathy for their struggles and admiration for their grit. His portraits are compelling, but gentle, revealing his subject’s sense of hope. His street scenes, on the other hand, are multilayered revealing Rocamora’s sense of humor and creative eye.

For the many Filipinos and Filipino Americans who have not been to Quiapo, Rene Ciria-Cruz’s introduction is instructive and provides historical context for the photographs. Dan Amosin’s personal story demonstrates that even in the most hard-scrabble of circumstances, hope, grit, and self-reliance trumps (no pun intended) despair.

For those familiar with Rocamora’s body of work, this is a very special collection. The last time Rocamora decided to collect his work into a book (America’s Second Class Veterans, 2009), a film (Second Class Veterans) aired over PBS stations during 2003-4 documenting his efforts. These, together, inspired many to join Filipino veterans of World War II, in their struggle for recognition and justice. Rocamora’s Quiapo shines a much-needed light on the lives of Manila’s urban poor and homeless, and of their grit to remain self-reliant, and dignified. *Copies of Quiapo are available through the photographer: rbrocamora@gmail.com.

Enrique de la Cruz, is Professor Emeritus of Asian American Studies and an avid amateur photographer. (Enrique de la Cruz)

Duterte pivot to China may result…

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between the ASEAN and the world’s second largest economy growing stronger.

The two-way investment between China and the ASEAN had exceeded $160 billion as of May 2016, with ASEAN remaining a major destination for Chinese companies.

“ASEAN and China are seeking to double their trade value, setting a target of $1 trillion by the end of 2020,” Veloso said.

China’s Belt and Road initiative – an initiative to increase China’s trade and infrastructure investments to the Southeast Asian region – will bring the two closer together, the study said.

For ASEAN member countries, this initiative will offer further integration by developing physical infrastructure and a robust trade regime. The region will be ideally positioned to sit at the center of global value chains. For China, it will provide an ideal platform

to develop ties with neighboring Asian countries while fostering the development of its own extensive high-speed rail network as a means to export high-end technology and services, Veloso said.

Veloso said for the Philippines, China’s Belt and Road initiative presents opportunities for government-backed funds looking for investments in big infrastructure projects and private equity funds looking for better returns abroad. n

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JANUARY 27-febRUARY 2, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Friday, January 27, 2017

SF2

cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - January 27, 2017

Families gather worldwide to ring in the Year of the Fire Rooster by

THe beginning of the next Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, January 28, inspiring celebrations in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community during the surrounding days and weeks.

The exact date of the occasion varies because the Lunar schedule has 13 months that are a few days shorter than those of the Gregorian (Western) calendar. The holiday marks a transition from the year of the Ram into the year of the Rooster in the Chinese zodiac.

Fortune People can typically expect bad luck during the years associated with their astrological symbol. However, the next few months might spell even worse misfortune for those born under the sign of the rabbit, according to an expert in the practice of Feng Shui, Master Sean Shono.

2017 would be characterized by the elements of fire and, to a lesser extent, metal, Shono told the Asian Journal. That combination is normally a “symbol of optimism, innovation and progress,” but clashes with the sign of the rabbit.

Shono added that the Year of the Fire Rooster would be a potentially prosperous one for business and industry, especially those associated with aviation, energy, entertainment and finance.

Eric Anthony LicAs /AJPress

He also warned that disharmony in international relations might persist. However, the influence of the elements fire and metal could promote openmindedness and inspire people to find innovative solutions.

He went on to predict that 2017 would be a good year to travel or relocate, but warned people born under the sign of the tiger to avoid heading west, the direction of the Grand Duke.

People whose birthdays are associated with the astrological symbols of the dragon, snake and ox are entering a “year of harmony,” according to Shono.

Festivities No matter what stars people were born under, whatever their ethnicity might be and wherever they are in the world, the Lunar New Year is an occasion to appreciate the past year with the company of loved ones while enjoying a variety of traditional customs and festivities.

Families typically kick off more than two weeks of revelry with a reunion dinner on the eve of the holiday. Traditional dishes include noodles or mustard

What the Year of the Fire Rooster mean for your sign

By AJPress 2017 is the Year of the Fire Rooster, which is 10th out of the 12 animals in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. The Rooster comes after a Monkey year (2016) and before a Dog year (2018).

According to China Highlights, each zodiac year bears an animal sign mixed with one of the five elements (gold/metal, wood, water, fire or earth). The Fire Rooster is known to be trustworthy, responsible, hardworking and time conscious.

RoosteR 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

greens, which are good omens for a long lifespan, and fish, or yu, which is a homophone for prosperity in Mandarin.

It is also customary to thoroughly clean one’s home before the New Year in order to clear out bad energy. However, preparations ought to be finished before merrymaking begins in order to allow good fortune to enter a house.

Various cities in Southern California — which boasts one of the largest Chinese populations in the country — will have a host of celebrations.

On Saturday, January 28, the city of Santa Monica will put on a Lunar New Year celebration at the 3rd Street Promenade showcasing dragon and ribbon dancers, stilt walkers, glutinous rice sculptures and more.

The city of Los Angeles will host one of Chinatown’s oldest traditions, the 118th annual Golden Dragon Parade beginning at 12 pm on Saturday, February 4. The iconic festival will feature attractions for all ages including a craft beer garden, street food, as well as storytelling, face-painting and paperfolding activities for children.

A street fair in Alhambra on Saturday, February 11 will have 250 food and craft booths as

AJPress photos by Eric Anthony Licas

well as musicians, dancers, and kung fu demonstrations on two stages. The event takes place on Valley Boulevard, between Almansor and Vega streets.

In the Philippines, revelers will steam and eat immeasurable amounts of tikoy, the Filipino interpretation of a sticky rice cake called nian gao in Mandarin, or nin gou in Cantonese, that is popular during the Lunar New Year. The Pinoy version of the dish is often infused with regional flavors like ube (purple yam).

Filipinos take the event as an opportunity to honor one’s ancestors in celebrations akin to those of All Saint’s Day. Manila’s Binondo enclave is set to lead other locales across the island nation in welcoming the Year of the Fire Rooster Filipino-Chinese and non-Chinese revelers are also expected to flock to the world’s oldest Chinatown on Saturday to join the festive celebration filled with elaborate dragon and lion costumes manned by multiple people that will parade through the streets and the sounds of drums, cymbals and firecrackers that will fill the air.

Those who fall under the Rooster sign are said to expect a not-so-lucky year in 2017, facing misfortune in various aspects of life, such as career, assets and personal relationships. According to China Highlights, Roosters will have to try harder to be financially stable; it is advised to budget and save money instead of pursuing risky investments. Additionally, safety and health for Roosters are important to pay close attention to. Those in relationships may experience conflicts with their significant others, which may affect your mutual affection. For those who are single, there is minimal luck with attracting the opposite sex.

Roosters should avoid red, the direction of east, and the numbers 1, 3 and 9. Roosters are compatible with ox and snake, while they should avoid other roosters, as well as rat, rabbit, horse and dog signs.

Dog 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 Dogs are characterized as loyal, prudent and amiable. However, they can sometimes come across as stubborn and bad communicators.

In 2017, dogs may need to put in additional effort in order to gain more wealth and should be wary of treacherous individuals. For their professional lives, they may come up with creative ideas that will help with advancing in their careers. They are also advised to keep learning new skills. Dogs should pay attention to their respiratory and urinary systems, and should seek medical attention if any discomfort arises. In terms of their love lives, there is no significant shift and should remember to pay attention to their relationship if they are in one. Dogs pair well with rabbit signs, while they are worst with the dragon, sheep and rooster.

Continued on Page SF3

What the Year of the Fire Rooster...

From Page SF2

Boar/Pig 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

entertainment SF3 The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – January 27, 2017

Jonas Gaffud: The queenmaker

by IrIsh

ChrIstIanne DIzon Philstar.com

Those who are born in the year of the boar (pig) are said to be compassionate, energetic and generous. For 2017, it is projected that the boar will not experience huge transformations, but it will be a unlucky year in the areas of fortune (little improvement), health and love. However, boars can expect a shift in their career if they work hard and seek help in personal development. In terms of health, China Highlights advises that boars be careful with their bones, spleen, stomach and urinary system. They are reminded to not be excessive in eating, drinking and smoking in order to ensure good health throughout their lives. Boars are best matched with sheep, tiger and rabbit signs, while they are not compatible with monkey or snake signs.

WHEN you think of tearjerker movies, “The Devil Wears Prada”—a film about an assistant’s traumatic year working for an editor-in-chief from hell—doesn’t usually come up. But 38-year-old Jonas Gaffud, head of Aces and Queens, the country’s top training camp for beauty queens, is not ashamed to admit one particular scene in this blockbuster comedy unexpectedly made him weep.

“You think this is just a magazine, hmm? This is not just a magazine,” said the Nigel character, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 creative director of the fictitious Runway magazine, as he scolded Rats are intuitive, sharp, resourceful and can adapt to any setAndrea, the whining assistant. ting they are placed in. The Year of the Rooster will bring rela“This is a shining beacon of hope tively good fortune for those born with the rat sign. They are said for... oh, I don’t know... let’s say a to expect some wealth if they exert more effort in their respective young boy growing up in Rhode jobs and seek mentorship from a superior. As always, they should Island with six brothers pretendbe cautious when investing as there may be individuals trying to ing to go to soccer practice when undermine them. Rats should watch out for stomach trouble and he was really going to sewing class and reading Runway under indigestion this year, China Highlights wrote. In order to prevent this, maintaining a well-balthe covers at night with a flashanced diet and exercise routine, and getting rest are advised. Rats will experience a lucky love light.” “That’s a line that made life — it’s a good year to have children or get married. However, rats that are single shouldn’t me cry,” Jonas says with a wistful move too fast into a relationship. Rats work well with ox, dragon and rabbit, while they are not smile. “I feel for them…” He trails so compatible with horse and rooster signs. off. “I feel for them.”

That line hit a nerve because once upon a time, Jonas Gaffud was that young boy, except he was living in Isabela, not Rhode Is1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 land; except he was reading Mod and Woman Today instead of Those who are born with the ox sign have strong, dependable, Runway. “I’d cut out the figures of patient, and motivated personalities. This year, oxen may be presented with several opportunities in terms of love and wealth. Their the girls in print ads or I’d get the glossy pages and make gowns,” financial situations will improve as there will be chances to expand he recalls. He hid his creations their businesses or get promoted at their jobs. Despite generally beneath their book shelf, but his being healthy, 2017 may bring about some accidents so it is advised mom always discovered his stash not to participate in any dangerous activities. For relationships, they and gave him hell him for it. Jocan expect meeting new people or get married if they are in stable relationships. Ox signs match nas is the third son in a brood of with the rat, monkey or rooster, however, they should avoid the tiger, dragon, horse or sheep. five, born to a military man and a school principal. He knew he was different early on, preferring to play with his sister’s Barbie dolls over toy guns. His family knew as well, but they thought it was just 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 a “phase.” “They thought, ‘In the future, mag-a-asawa rin yan,’ but Stubborn, judgmental, brave and self-confident are some here I am.” ways to describe someone born in the year of a tiger. They are Even as a kid, Jonas had a said to be prosperous if they are in sales or consumer-driven clear, burning desire in his heart. businesses. To acquire more good luck, China Highlights “My family is okay. I don’t need to be a breadwinner or something,” advises donating to charity and minimizing investments. Tigers he qualifies. “But I wanted to go may be unlucky in health and be prone to accidents. Tigers pair to Manila. Makipagsapalaran. well with a dragon, horse or boar (pig), but should steer clear I dreamed big. I wanted to do from an ox, snake or monkey. something with my life, but I didn’t know how.” When he was Continued on Page SF4 eight years old, around the time People Power won our country

rat

ox

tiger

Jonas Gaffud with PIa Wurtzbach (Miss Universe 2015), Megan Young (Miss World 2013) and Kylie Verzosa (Miss International 2016).

its freedom, he stumbled upon a passion that would open up his world and eventually become his ticket out of that little town.

UP Diliman became both Jonas’ teacher and playground. Up until sophomore year, the probinsyano was scared of what could happen to him in that big school in the big city. Every day, without fail for two years, he would sing “I Have Confidence” in his head (a song from The Sound of Music, his mother’s favorite film) and attended his classes and tried to survive. Things got better when he made friends with members of the ROTC. Jonas was invited to join Babaylan, an LGBT student organization, as well as Sigma Rho, a fraternity which his brother was a member of. He declined both. “Ang ginawa ko, nagtayo ako ng sariling org. Binuhay ko yung org namin: Geographical Society of UP. That’s my interest.

That’s what I want to do.” Their org’s agenda was to educate people about how to take care of the environment. “Meron kaming mga exhibits about saving the ocean. Geography encompasses everything. It’s very holistic.”

On his third year, they spent an entire semester just drawing maps, and he fell in love with the Mercator projection, which, several years down the line,

would end up being the name of his own modeling agency. Where the Mercator map was used by European voyagers to discover lands, Mercator modeling agency became Jonas’ way of discovering potential stars.

Venus Raj’s 4th runner-up finish in Miss Universe 2010 heralded the beginning of a series of almost-wins. Shamcey Supsup was declared 3rd runner-up in 2011, while Janine Tugonon was this close to becoming Miss Universe 2012, except Miss Universe Olivia Culpo ultimately won. In the years that followed, Jonas continued to scout for and train girls who had potential, and one of them was a certain Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. He had seen her twice prior to an encounter in Greenbelt, but it was that night that he convinced Pia to do it.

The fairy godmothers of Aces and Queens worked on Pia. She underwent training for the seven core areas beauty queens must ace: makeup, Q&A, posture, personality, walking, dancing, and fitness. But the most crucial of all, the one that spells the difference between a winner and a runnerup, says Jonas, is the aura.

She followed his advice from start to end. And she ended up winning Miss Universe 2015.

Jonas initially said he would Continued on Page SF4

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celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - January 27, 2017

celebrity world

Disney legend awardee Lea Salonga heads February birthday celebrants

By Ferdie Villar INTERNATIONALLY-known stage actress Lea Salonga will celebrate her 46th birthday on Wednesday, February 22. She heads the list of prominent celebrities who will celebrate their birthdays in the month of love, February.

Lea Salonga, born in 1971, starred in the West End and Broadway runs of Miss Saigon where she essayed the role of Kim. She won the Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics and Theatre World awards for her portrayal the musical’s lead role.

Lea is the first Filipino artist to be signed by an international recording label (Atlantic Records in 1992) and was also the first Philippine-based artist to have a major album released and distributed in the United States [the second being Charice Pempengco with the 2010 album Charice].

She is one of the best-selling Filipino artists of all time, having sold over five million copies of her albums worldwide.

Salonga is the first Asian actress to play the roles of Eponine and Fantine in the musical Les Miserables on Broadway. She portrayed both roles in the musical’s 10th and 25th anniversary shows in London, respectively.

She has also provided the singing voice of two official Disney princesses: Jasmine in Aladdin (1992) and Fa Mulan in Mulan (1998) and Mulan II (2004).

Lea Salonga was named as a Disney Legend in 2011 for her work with the Walt Disney Company.

Lea is the daughter of Feliciano Genuino Salonga and Ligaya Alcantara Imutan. She spent the first six years of her childhood in Angeles City before moving to Manila. She has a brother, Gerard Salonga, who is an orchestral conductor.

Other prominent celebrities celebrating their birthdays in February are: February 1: Famous hairstyl-

ist and make-up artist Fanny Serrano; February 2: Kaiser Permanente Hospital (SSF) nurse Alma Bernabe Roxas; February 3: ABS-CBN Managing Director for Star Cinema Malou Santos; February 4: Senior Vice President of ABS-CBN Channel 2 and Star Magic Manager Johnny Manahan; February 5: Concert King Martin Nieera, Kapuso Channel 7 actor Luis Alandy, and Daly City political/community leader Mario Panoringan; February 6: LuzViMin of the Bay Area president Ora Seyler, actor Eddie Gutierrez, and entertainment producer/actress Daisy Romualdez; February 7: Former Mr. RPUSA Willard Torres of Hayward; February 8: Dr. John Gabordo of Gilroy; February 9: Kapuso Channel 7 actress Heart Evangelista, and Star Cinema actor-dancer John Prats; February 10: Ballroom dancer Jose (Joe) de Guzman, San Francisco tailor Gil Rivera, and former medical assistant Ricky Umali; February 11: Kapuso-Channel 7 multi-awarded actress Lovi Poe, and actress/TV host Jackielou Blanco; February 13: Daly City real estate broker Lita Celimen; February 14: Queen of All Media/TV host Kris Aquino, Mr. Total Entertainer Rico J. Puno, and actress Roxanne Ginoo; February 15: PBA basketball star James Yap; February 17: Movie actress/ TV host Anne Curtis; February 18: Hollywood stage actress/commercial model Glenda Kennedy, and Channel 2 TV host Bernadette Sambrano; February 20: Channel 2-Kapamilya actress/dancer Christine Reyes; February 21: Fil-Am business

Lovi Poe, daughter of the late King of Philippine Movies Fernando Poe Jr. and one of the brilliant actresses in the Philippine silver screen, will celebrate her birthday on Saturday, February 11.

Concert King Martin Nevera will celebrate his birthday on Sunday, February 5. If plans push through, he will celebrate his natal day on A.S.A.P, which is televised all over the world.

World famous Broadway singer and actress Lea Salonga heads the list of February birthday celebrants. She will celebrate her 46th birthday on Wednesday, February 22.

Johnny Manahan, Senior Vice President of ABS-CBN and Manager of Star Magic (formerly Talent Center), will celebrate his birthday on Saturday, February 4.

Former Hollywood stage actress and movie actress in Philippine cinema Glenda Kennedy will celebrate her birthday on Saturday, February 18.

Navy pilot of San Jose Michael Back will celebrate his birthday on February 27.

agent Ramon (Monching) Bunag; February 25: Asia’s Fashion Czar Jose (Pitoy) Moreno; February 26: Actress Assunta de Rossi, actress Chanda Romero, and equestrian champion Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski;

February 27: World-renowned recording star Josh Groban, well-liked dentist and singing tenor the late Dr. Narcisco (Tito) Yusi, Alameda religious/civic leader & Roco Medical Clinic administrator Bernadette Munoz Roco, and Navy

pilot Michael Back; February 28: San Francisco community leader Jun Jun Villegas.

To all February celebrants, Happy Birthday! And to all my readers, advanced Happy Valentine’s Day!

Ramon “Monching” Bunag, a successful businessman in California, will celebrate his birthday on Thursday, February 23.

Bernadette Munoz Roco, a religious advocate in Alameda County and administrator of the Roco Medical Office in San Francisco, will celebrate her birthday on Monday, February 27.

executive Sean Rennock; February 22: Kapatid TV5 Vice President for Entertainment Wilma Galvante; February 23: Real estate

why ORGANIC? Organic products meet stringent standards Healthier for you & kids Organic food tastes better Organic farming respects natural resources Avoids pesticides & are artificial-fertilizer-free Non-GMO, no synthetic pesticides, no growth-promoting antibiotics There are many, many more reasons to go Organic. But in short: You’ll leave the world a better place than when you found it

McDonald’s announces participating restaurants where 10,000 limited edition bottles of Big Mac special sauce will be available FOLLOWING the nationwide introduction of the Mac Jr. and Grand Mac burgers, McDonald’s USA will be giving away 10,000 limited edition bottles of beloved Big Mac Special Sauce on January 26 at participating restaurants nationwide. Customers can find Big Mac Special Sauce bottles in their market by downloading the Big Mac Special Sauce Finder iMessage app that highlights the nearest restaurant where the limited edition bottles will be available.

When in restaurant, customers must share the secret code “There’s a Big Mac for that” to a crew member or designated representative for a chance to get their hands on one of the exclusive bottles that will be handed out on a first come, first serve basis.** Those who aren’t in a location where the bottles are being given away will have a chance to win a bottle on January 26 by following and participating in McDonald’s live giveaway on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. For the first time ever, McDonald’s will be hosting a live giveaway across each of these channels.

The first bottle of Big Mac Special Sauce given away in the U.S. was gifted to the Delligatti

family in memory of Michael “Jim” Delligatti. Jim shared McDonald’s commitment to listening to customers and changing expectations by doing something never done before – creating a bigger burger and introducing the Big Mac in his Uniontown, Penn. restaurant.

As a sign of that commitment, McDonald’s gifted bottle #1 of 10,000 to the Delligatti family – four generations of family members who run restaurants in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The bottle will join the permanent collection at the Big Mac museum Jim Delligatti founded in North Huntingdon, PA. “Speaking on behalf of the entire Delligatti family, we’re pleased to accept this first bottle of limited edition Big Mac Special Sauce in honor of my father Jim Delligatti.

Though he’s no longer with us, we know his legacy will live on with the Big Mac sandwich. He knew customers wanted a bigger burger, so he spent weeks developing the new burger, experimenting with different buns and creating the Special Sauce,” said Michael Delligatti.

“He was all about giving the customer what they wanted,

so we were glad to hear McDonald’s is continuing that tradition by giving away bottles of the iconic Big Mac Special Sauce. It’s definitely one of the ingredients that sets the burger apart from others and I know how excited some McDonald’s customers will be when they receive their own bottle.”

Locations in California where the limited edition bottles of Big Mac Special Sauce will be available on a first come, first serve basis are the following: • 201 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015 • 2699 Union Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124 • 235 Front Street, San Francisco, CA 94111 • 2320 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95667 • 320 N. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454 • 2705 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014-1905 • 2320 Roll Dr., San Diego, CA 92154-7237. **Awarded on a first come, first served basis. Must tell McDonald’s crewperson or designated representative the secret code phrase “There’s a Big Mac for that.” Quantities are limited and may vary by restaurant.

(Advertising Supplement)

Joshua Garcia: Boy meets world

by BaBy

Garcia Philstar.com

JOSHUA Garcia is gamely sitting down on the floor of the studio, putting on his best swoonworthy faces for the camera.

It’s clear right away that he’s got that charming teenybopper appeal; the kind that translates to pabebe if a male equivalent of the word even existed. It’s the silent kind of cute that’s easy on the eyes — the kind that causes you to either keep staring or to look away shyly.

This is the guy who’s been dubbed by fans as “the baby Alden Richards” (thanks to his cheeky smile) and by critics and industry leaders as “the next John Lloyd Cruz” (thanks to his impressive acting skills). We witnessed his first major leading role as Vince, the mostly torpe Cyrano de Bergerac (minus the long nose), semi-guy-next-door type in Star Cinema’s Vince & Kath & James.

Sure, Joshua’s a pretty face. But a quick assessment of his performance as Vince says so much

Joshua Garcia

more: the depth he brought to the character and the ease in which he effortlessly handled all those kilig moments was what made him stand out.

He’s been in the business for over two years, but it seems like he’s still warming up to the daily hustle — the back-to-back shoots and interviews, the taping for his

Jonas Gaffud: The...

From Page SF3

retire from training beauty queens the moment one of his girls wins the Miss Universe crown. But

he has changed his mind, and will continue to do the work pro bono.

His purpose is now clear to him: “I want a beauty queen to

afternoon serye The Greatest Love, the high-energy mall shows, and the promo tour for “Vince & Kath & James.”

Since his performance as Vince, Joshua’s been quite indemand. With TV show guestings and magazine and newspaper shoots happening left and right, he reveals that he hasn’t had any time to take a break.

Joshua wants to take on more roles that challenge him to be a character completely different from what he’s like in real life. He explains that taking on a variety of roles will help him grow as an actor, especially since he can use different aspects of the characters to mix things up. “Mahahasa ka, maensayo — mahohone (ang skills),” he explains.

Once the shoot wraps, he thanks us all, making sure to give all the ladies in the room a kiss on the cheek before leaving for his mall show in Navotas. It’s a simple gesture, one we imagine would get lots of girls doubling down from the kilig. be recognized as someone who is really aware of things; someone who wants to make a difference in her community or in her sphere of influence. I want to help them become better women of our society,” Jonas stresses.

An open letter of gratefulness to the Obama Family

By Monet

Lu

Nov. 4, 2008 was the day President obama was elected president of the United States.

He entered humbly into the ‘land of milk and honey’ where he would later bring about the change that he envisioned for this promising country.

He took over the presidency after eight years of the Bush administration and managed to save the banking and automobile industry during his time. one article says,“he managed to create 109,000 jobs per month and decrease unemployment to 4.7 percent. The average hourly wage has increased by 2.9 percent, and the stock market has reached record highs under his administration.”

Despite of all of these, many are still not as thrilled as he had hoped.

It wasn’t easy being an AfricanAmerican president, let alone be a leader to people who back then, did not even know his name, nor understand the impact he would have on the world in the years that followed.

And there’s his lovely wife, Michelle obama. This amazing woman, who in her poignant and touching words,‘left everyone in tears’ when she bid farewell to her staff a few days ago.

The epitome of class and ‘calm under pressure’ – that is Michelle obama for me. She is one of the most genuine persons who ever lived in the White House. And she certainly has a way with words. A skill she displayed when she campaigned for Hillary Clinton earlier this year (as my readers and my friends know, I

wanted Hilary to win the elections).

Mrs. obama served as a fashion icon. She has propelled designers including Peter Pilotto, Jason Wu, Isabel Toledo, Thakoon and St Erasmus into the limelight.

Washington Post writes,“obama has celebrated a distinctly contemporary version of American style — a sensibility rooted in comfort and practicality, wholly removed from the old World formality that still percolates within French fashion and apart from the flashy sex appeal and bella figura tailoring that are the twin pillars of Italian aesthetics.”

The First Lady recently appeared on the cover of the December issue of vogue magazine, and in the accompanying interview, she told the magazine,“You know, there are little ...moments. Even today I was looking out at this view here.

Looking out on the South Lawn and the Washington Monument and it had just rained and the grass was really green and everything popped a little bit more. It’s soooo beautiful.

And for that moment I thought, I’m going to miss waking up to this, having access to this anytime I want.

But on the flip side … it’s time,” Now here we are, looking back at those eight good years, and just like ‘all good things – they (eventually) come to an end’ – whether you are ready for it or not.

I wasn’t. I didn’t want to – at least not yet – not now.

But, if I could say a few words to our former president and his family, this is what I would tell them: To President obama: As you leave the life of presidency to welcome a much less-complicated one, I can imagine how eight years could feel so fleeting.

My heart is filled with gratitude

and appreciation; not only for the things you helped bring to light, but also for the many things we still have yet to realize.

You have fought to keep this nation from the very thing we have now become. You gave us the Affordable Care Act, which isn’t perfect, but insures millions of American citizens who previously did not have access to health care.

You made sure that that children could remain on their parents’ health care policies until the age of 26 and that people who had preexisting conditions could not be denied health care.

You gave us the Defense of Marriage Act. Now, LGBT citizens finally got what they have been fighting for all these years – the right to marry the person they love. In doing so, you did not only make an impact to a nation, but you defined a culture and you shook up and woke up a generation.

You worked tirelessly on climate change laws and put areas of open space and ocean under federal protection from developers.

You wanted to and could have created more jobs, but the Republican-led Congress had other plans.

What the Year of the Fire Rooster...

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Rabbit 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Characterized as gentle, quiet, patient and responsible, 2017 will be a tough, tumultuous year for rabbits. For fortune, they are advised to plan and budget and to not participate in any joint financial ventures as they may turn out unsuccessful. They will be stressed out at work, however, they may be lucky in finding another job opportunity.

Like other animals, this year will bring about accidents if they are not careful in driving or following signs while crossing the street. Additionally, they should follow a healthy routine of rest, diet and exercise. For relationships, rabbits may find luck in getting married or having children. They may encounter problems with their loved ones so they are advised to communicate and talk through their issues. Rabbits are best matched with a rat, goat, monkey or dog, but do not work well with a rooster or snake.

DRagon 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 Dragons are known for being courageous, intelligent, and risk takers. 2017 will be a relatively lucky year for them. In terms of fortune, they are encouraged to start their own businesses or a new project. According to China Highlights, dragons who are working in sales, insurance or beauty will be fortunate this year. There will also be opportunities to develop their careers or change jobs.

Since dragons are social people, they will attend a lot of social gatherings, but should limit them as to not deteriorate their health. This year will be good to get married if you are in a stable relationship. Dragons go well with a rat, tiger or snake, but are not so compatible with ox, sheep or dog.

Snake 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 Snakes embody wisdom, intelligence and privacy. This year will be especially lucky for them, seeing expansions in business, making large purchases and success at work and investments. However, they are advised to take care of themselves, as they are prone to bouts of different moods, poor sleep, and pressure. Their love lives won’t experience too much transformation; if they are in serious relationships or married, they need to take care of their partners and not let work or other parties interfere. Those who are single may find someone, but it will generally be an uneventful year. Snakes are well-suited with a dragon or rooster, and should avoid a tiger, rabbit or sheep.

hoRSe 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 Horses are energetic, active and love to be the center of attention. The fortune for a horse in 2017 will be mixed, but overall good luck will be experienced. For finances, they can expect getting promoted or a raise or expanding their businesses. At work, horses will thrive by developing strong personal relationships with their peers or clients. However, they should steer clear from any competition from colleagues. Horses should take extra caution when it comes to their respiratory and urinary system, their heart and blood vessels and stomachs, according to China Highlights. In order to do this, they should regularly exercise and go to the doctor. Further, horses will be lucky when it comes to love — they may meet the “right one” and enter a relationship or start a family if they are married. Horses are best with a sheep or tiger, but they don’t work well with a rat, ox or rooster.

Sheep (goat) 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 Gentle, shy, kindhearted and creative are some of the attributes of a sheep. Overall, they may have a bad year. For wealth, they should prepare, budget and avoid spending too much money because there may be some financial problems underway. Their careers will be somewhat luckier, however, if they work hard to improve their circumstances. They should be diligent with monitoring their health as there may be some problems caused by negative moods. There will be no significant improvement for their love lives, unless they work hard to attract a partner or maintain their current relationship. Sheep work best with a rabbit, horse or boar, but should stay away from an ox, dragon, snake or dog.

Monkey 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 Monkeys are clever, quick-witted, gentle and honest. 2016 was the Year of the Monkey, which was a relatively unlucky year for monkeys. However, that bad luck is said to transition out this year in favor of more good luck. In 2017, they will reap benefits from their hard work. Those who work in creative fields will be lucky, especially. At work, they may be promoted, have opportunities to travel, or seek a job change, though it is recommended to seek advice from a mentor. They should do more exercise, eat more fruits and vegetables and not argue with their family members. For their love lives, single women may have a good shot at entering a relationship this year, but they should get to know their prospect well beforehand. For men, they will also be lucky in finding a relationship, but it may not be stable.

Monkeys are most compatible with ox or rabbit, but don’t work too well with tigers or boars.

entertainment

SF5

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - January 27, 2017

I thank you, Mr. President, for those eight years of showing us that, “Yes, we (certainly) can.”We want you to know your legacy will live on long after your presidency.

I want to thank you for everything that you did and tried to do for this country, despite the hatred, the opposition, and those roadblocks that you and Mrs. obama have encountered along the way.

Your family is one of the most wonderful families who have ever lived in the White House. I will miss you all beyond words can express.

I have to accept – now, even more than ever – the foreboding reality that you and Mrs. obama, who are the smartest, kindest, classiest, most dignified and caring couple to live in the White House is ‘handing over the keys’ to a couple who has yet to learn how to carry themselves with the qualities (I mentioned above) you both have effortlessly displayed.

As you transition out of office, and out of The ‘House’ that you made into a home to ‘US,’ we want you to know that we will do our best to carry on the legacy that the obama family has instilled in our hearts.

We will forever be grateful to you, the graceful intelligent and compassionate first lady, Mrs. obama, as well as your beautiful daughters Sasha and Malia for their collective sacrifices for this nation.

You will remain in our hearts as you have ‘US’ in yours. Good luck and may you continue to bring out the best in one another and in everyone. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Miss Haiti Raquel Pelissier and Miss Mexico Kristal Silva comforting a Smile Train beneficiary, who shared her story.

Philstar.com photo by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo

Miss Universe share their own struggles

by Deni

Rose M. AfiniDAD-BeRnARDo Philstar.com

IT was a very emotional morning last Friday, Jan. 20 as some Miss Universe candidates shed tears together with the patients of child charity group Smile Train.

Moved by stories of men and women with cleft and lip palate abnormalities, the bets also relayed their own tales of struggles and hope during their meet-and-greet with the patients in Manila and at Our Lady of Peace Hospital in Parañaque City.

Miss Mexico Kristal Silva “A lot of people think that we’re perfect, that we have a perfect life, but in my case, when I was a child, I didn’t have confidence in myself, with my appearance, my figure. I tried to be skinny all the time, but it only gave me problems because I wanted to be perfect, but it’s just impossible, especially during this moment. We always have to take care of our outside appearance to be acceptable,” shared a teary-eyed 24-yearold Latin beauty. “People might think that we’re happy all the time, but they don’t know us. They don’t realize that we’re just like everybody else.”

Miss Haiti Raquel Pelissier Upon hearing the beneficiaries’ stories of being bullied for

their condition, Raquel cryingly shared her own tale of survival.

“Seven years ago, I survived the earthquake and it’s really hard to overcome,” the 25-year-old disclosed. “So, I’m really proud of you guys because I see you guys smiling despite of what you’ve been through, and that inspires me and I would like to inspire others.”

Miss Myanmar Htet Htet Htun “Since I was young, I wanted to become a beauty queen, an actress, but everyone in my family doesn’t approve of it,” bared the 24-year-old model.

Miss China Li Zhenying “Before I joined Miss Universe, I was not really confident. I just have to believe in myself,” remarked the 23-yearold from Shanghai.

According to her, the gap between men and women in China has become narrower and narrower “because we’re now more developed and there are now more balanced opportunities for men and women.”

“As a woman, you should believe that you can do the same as men can do and that we have the same place in the world. If a woman has more confidence, you can make your heart stronger in facing difficulties,” she espoused.