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Volume 15 - No. 29 • 3 Sections – 20 Pages

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PH wins sovereignty case against China UN ruled Beijing has no legal basis to assert claim on resources, territories by eric

anThony licas AJPress

A LANDMARK ruling from a UN tribunal issued on Tuesday, July 12 overwhelmingly ruled in favor of Manila against Beijing in ongoing territorial disputes in the South China sea.

In a huge victory for the Philippines, the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)

DATELINE

in The Hague, Netherlands ruled that Beijing has no legal basis to assert sovereignty over most of the South China Sea. The court’s five-judge panel found that China’s appropriation of land and resources in its neighbors’ territorial waters violate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) despite historic claims based on centuries-old Chinese maps and guides.

Chinese activity within and near the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) illegally interfered with the island nation’s petroleum exploration and fishing operations, the PCA concluded.

Sovereign rights over Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and Recto (Reed) Bank were awarded to the Philippines.

The PCA ruling also defines the con-

tested Scarborough Shoal as a common traditional fishing ground that no country may claim exclusive fishing rights to.

A standoff at the Shoal between the Philippine and Chinese navies and China’s violation of a subsequent truce prompted former President Benigno Aquino III’s administration to file a complaint with the PCA in 2013.

The Tribunal also unanimously found

that China aggravated the dispute, and said the construction of a large artificial island on top of Mischief Reef caused irreparable harm to its ecosystem.

“It’s an overwhelming victory. We won on every significant point,” said Paul S. Reichler, the Philippines’ chief counsel in the case.

The decision was welcomed by Philip-

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USA

fROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Sanders officially endorses Clinton for president

AfTER a tempestuous primary season, Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont) has officially endorsed Hillary Clinton to secure her position as the sole Democratic presidential candidate.

Sanders and Clinton held a joint rally on the morning of Tuesday, July 12 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a city and state that Sanders had won during the primaries by wide margins.

Sanders opened up the speech celebrating the progress of his own campaign -- his “political revolution” -- touting the 1,900 delegates he garnered during the primaries, which he said was “far more than almost anyone thought we could win.”

He then went on to voice his support for Clinton’s presidential ticket, assuring that she is far more suited for the presidency than pre-

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Asian Americans support Black Lives Matter, respond to recent shootings

IN the wake of the shootings of two black men that reignited the conversation on racial profiling by law enforcement, Asian Americans are standing in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.

BLM was formed in 2013 in response to the wave of police shootings of black individuals across the United States. The movement regularly organizes protests around police shootings of black individuals and speak on broad issues like racial profiling and inequality.

The movement has been received with mixed reactions. Some have hailed it as a modern day civil rights organization. Others have panned it as a racist organization, like former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani, who accused BLM of “isolating” blacks.

New York City-based ethnographer Chris-

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Fishermen from Zambales are preparing to return to their traditional fishing ground in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc, which has been under de facto Chinese control since 2012. Philstar.com file photo

Pinoys raring to fish again in Panatag

TRASH HAUL AFTER BUTCHOY. A street sweeper of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) braves the storm to sweep garbage along Manila Bay. At least 12 truckloads of garbage equivalent to 20 tons were collected by the (MMDA) along Roxas Boulevard during the cleanup of the area in the wake of Typhoon “Butchoy.”

Philstar file photo by JonJon Vicencio

US envoy says goodbye, vows protection for PH

by Michael Joe

T. Delizo

ManilaTimes.net

AfTER nearly two years in one of the top posts in the American foreign service, Ambassador Philip Goldberg is ending his tour of duty with an assurance that the United States will protect the Philippines from any threat.

“Our alliance is firmly invested in protecting the prosperity, security and peace in the region and a partnership between two sover-

eign partners,” Goldberg said in his speech Wednesday night, July 6 during the fourth of July celebrations in Makati City.

Goldberg is exiting as the new administration of President Rodrigo Duterte makes a pivot toward China to try to settle the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) territorial disp ute, in contrast to the pro-US stance of the previous Aquino government.

But Goldberg said the Philip-

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by JaiMe lauDe Philstar.com

MANILA — fishermen from Zambales are preparing to return to their traditional fishing ground in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc, which has been under de facto Chinese control since 2012.

In a radio interview, Masinloc Mayor Arsenia Lim Wednesday, July 13, said the fishermen are now organizing an expedition, not only to fish in Panatag Shoal, but also to test how far the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling could go as far as China is concerned. fishermen planning to return to Panatag will be required to register their names and their number, she said.

Lim will ask for assistance from the Coast Guard and the Bureau of fisheries and Aquatic Resources to oversee the fishermen.

“I will ask help from the Coast Guard to escort our fishermen,” she said. “Those who are going out there to fish will have to register their names, for us to see that they’re all right and no one is missing upon their

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Ambassador Philip Goldberg

SWS: Rody starts presidency with ‘excellent’ trust rating by helen

Flores Philstar.com

MANILA — President Duterte began his term last June 30 with an “excellent” trust rating, the Social Weather Stations (SWS) said in its latest survey.

The Second Quarter 2016 Social Weather Survey, conducted from June 24 to 27, found 84 percent of those surveyed with “much trust,” and only five percent with “little trust,” in Duterte, yielding a net trust rating of +79.

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SC to Robredo: Answer Marcos poll protest

by JoMar

canlas ManilaTimes.net

THE Supreme Court (SC) en banc, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, has ordered Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo to answer the

election protest filed by former senator ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. During deliberations on Tuesday, July 12, the magistrates agreed to require Robredo to file her comment, where she is ex-

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JULY 15-21, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

PH wins sovereignty…

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pine officials, however members of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration remain sensitive to the dispute’s unresolved nature.

“The Philippines strongly affirms its respect for this milestone decision as an important contribution to ongoing efforts in addressing disputes in the South China Sea,” said Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay from Manila in response to the ruling. However, he also recommended “all those concerned to exercise restraint and sobriety.”

Though the tribunal’s decision is final and legally binding for both countries, the PCA has no means to enforce its ruling.

Chinese officials have denied the tribunal’s authority on the matter and had refused to participate in the court’s proceedings. They claim the Philippines violated international law by bringing forth its case without consulting China.

“China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea shall un-

der no circumstances be affected by those awards,” officials from China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement responding to Tuesday’s decision. “China opposes and will never accept any claim or action based on those awards.”

China defines its area of sovereignty according to a “nine-dash line,” which encompasses most of the South China Sea. The demarcation conflicts with territorial and resource claims asserted by the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.

Jonathan London, Leiden University professor of Asian political economy, told the Associated Press the ruling will give involved countries, as well as those concerned with Beijing’s actions “something to point to and to rally around.”

Japan, Vietnam, Australia and the United States have issued comments in support of The Hague’s decision as of Wednesday, July 13.

In a statement released by

spokesman John Kirby on Tuesday, the U.S. State Department called the ruling an “important contribution to the shared goal of a peaceful resolution” and expressed “hope and expectation that both parties will comply with their obligations.”

Though the Philippines has historically been a close ally of the U.S., the latter has not sided with any particular country. Officials in Washington have supported freedom of navigation in the region, as evidenced by joint naval patrols with the Philippines that have earned criticism from Chinese officials.

Ben Cardin, a top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the U.S. should “fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows.”

On Wednesday, China’s Vice Foreign Minister, Liu Zhenmin, said the country reserved the right to monitor and regulate air traffic in the region. During a press conference in Beijing, Liu said China may impose an air defense identification zone (ADIZ) requiring aircraft to notify

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INDONESIAN PEACEKEEPERS. A new team of Indonesian peacekeepers arrived here on Thursday, July 7, to help monitor the enforcement of the now 19-year-old ceasefire accord between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The team led by Col. Gumuroh Winardjatmiko of the Indosian Army, immediately reported to the office here of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT).

Philstar photo by John Unson

Pinoys raring to fish again in…

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return.”

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Navy need not escort fishermen returning to Panatag Shoal as that is the job of the Coast Guard.

“But we are not talking about anybody escorting anybody there. We are still studying our courses of action. The President has yet to decide on the matter.”

Former lawmaker Roilo Golez said yesterday that China cannot prevent Filipinos from fishing in Panatag Shoal based on the ruling of the United Nations arbitration court.

“They should be allowed to fish there, along with the Chinese,” he said. “Panatag is part of our 200-mile exclusive economic zone, which the arbitral court recognized.

“We won back 80 percent of our EEZ when the court junked China’s nine-dash line claim over most of the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea.” Chinese Coast Guard seized control of Panatag Shoal in 2012 after a brief standoff with the Philippine Coast Guard.

Golez also said under the arbitral court ruling, Ayungin (second Thomas) Shoal, Recto (Reed) Bank and Panganiban (Mischief)

Reef belong to the Philippines, as they are part of our EEZ. He said the government should allow the resumption of oil and gas exploration activities in Recto Bank, which is believed to have natural gas deposits larger than those in Malampaya.

“Recto Bank could be an economic windfall for us,” he said.

Golez, who served as national security adviser during the Arroyo administration, decried the “lukewarm” response of the Duterte administration to the arbitral court’s award.

“This is a big win for us,” he said. “We should be celebrating our victory instead of belittling it.”

Golez believes that China, though initially sounding intransigent, would eventually give in to world pressure, give up its claim over the entire West Philippine Sea and recognize its neighbors’ EEZ. Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and even Indonesia benefitted directly from the UN court’s decision, he added.

China’s nine-dash line claim also encroaches on the EEZs of Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei, while Chinese fishermen are straying in waters near Indonesia, Golez said.

In Pangasinan, families of fish-

ermen going to Panatag Shoal hope the decision of the UN tribunal ruling favoring the Philippines would be for real.

Wilma Baoyan, wife of fisherman Gilbert Baoyan, told The Star on Wednesday, July 13, that they learned of the pro-Philippines ruling Tuesday night on television and were very happy about it.

“But is it already sure that the Panatag Shoal really belongs to us? I hope they (Chinese) would no longer disturb us because our fishermen are only trying to earn a living,” she said in Filipino.

Wilma said other fishermen and their families in Barangay Cato, Infanta, Pangasinan welcomed the news.

“I hope this ruling is real,” she said.

Her husband had experienced being shooed away with water canon by the Chinese Coast Guard along Panatag Shoal and their boat was also bumped, Wilma said.

Celine Francisco of Barangay Lipay, Sta. Cruz, Zambales, told The Star in a separate interview that they felt relief after the favorable ruling.

Francisco’s father and brother, Oscar Tabat Sr. and Oscar Tabat

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From the Front Page

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 15-21, 2016

PH wins sovereignty…

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OPAPP TURNOVER. Former Presidential Adviser of the Office of the Peace Process Sec. Teresita Quintos-Deles (left) officially turned over the OPAPP Flag, Transition Report and various OPAPP publications to Secretary Jesus “Jess” Dureza last Monday, July 4, at the Kapayapaan Conference Room, Ortigas.

Photo from OPAPP.gov.ph

US envoy says goodbye, vows…

PAGE A1 t

pines could always count on the US for help, given existing agreements such as the Mutual Defense Treaty and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

“That alliance is based on our shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes. As allies we stand together whenever the other is threatened and we will always continue to do so,” he said.

The 59-year-old US envoy also said goodbye and took pride at

having visited several places in the Philippines.

“This will be my last July 4th in the Philippines so I want to say that I’ve been all around from Ilocos Norte to Tawi Tawi, from the mountains of Benguet to the tuna market in General Santos City, Mindanao,” Goldberg said.

“I’ve seen the awe-inspiring beauty and unique character of your country, but above all, it is the warmth and the welcome of the Filipino people that I will remember most,” he said.

Goldberg was appointed in November 2013 to succeed Har-

SC to Robredo: Answer…

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pected to present her defenses and arguments to dispute the allegations of Marcos that there was massive cheating during the May 2016 elections.

The case was raffled off to Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, who has ties to both parties.

Caguioa is a classmate of former President Benigno Aquino 3rd, Robredo’s Liberal Party mate, from elementary to college. He was also a classmate of the former senator’s wife, Liza Araneta-Marcos, at the Ateneo de Manila University College of Law.

Aquino has a huge stake in the case, having drafted Robredo to run against Marcos. The former President’s sister, actress Kris Aquino, was Robredo’s top campaigner and financier.

Robredo won against Marcos with a margin of 263,473 votes.

Marcos is questioning the accuracy of the poll results and is asking for a probe of reported irregularities during the polls through a judicial revision or recount of the ballots and the examination, system audit and verification of the voter’s receipts, election returns and related election documents. n

President Duterte pads around in slippers during the blessing of Bahay ng Pagbabago, his official residence at the Malacañang complex, last Tuesday, July 12.

Philstar.com photo

SWS: Rody starts presidency…

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Eleven percent of the 1,200 adults respondents nationwide were undecided on the matter, the SWS said.

The SWS classifies net trust ratings of at least +70 as “excellent”; +50 to +69 as “very good”; +30 to +49, “good”; +10 to +29, “moderate”; +9 to -9, “neutral”; -10 to -29, “poor”; -30 to -49, “bad”; -50 to -69, “very bad”; and -70 and below as “execrable.”

Duterte’s latest net trust rating went up by 53 points from the “moderate” +26 (54 percent much trust, 28 percent little trust) in May. His net trust score was a “moderate” +26 just before the national elections last May 9.

The President received “excellent” ratings across all areas and socio-economic classes.

His net trust rating rose by 66 points to +75 in June from +9 in May in balance Luzon, 57 points to +78 from +21 in Metro Manila, 57 points to +74 from +17 in the Visayas, and by 23 points to +90 from +67 in Mindanao.

The President’s net trust rating also improved by two grades to “excellent” from “good” (to +83 from +30) in urban areas, as well as by three grades to “excellent” from “moderate” (to +75 from +21) in rural areas.

Duterte’s net trust rating gained 47 points to +82 from +35 among respondents from class ABC. It rose by three grades to “excellent” from “moderate” (to +79 from +23) among those in class D. It also improved by two grades to “excellent” from “good” (to +79 from +35) in class E. Net trust in Duterte rose to “excellent” in all age groups, with higher scores coming from the youth, the SWS noted.

His rating increased by 46 points to +88 from +42 among respondents aged 18-24 years old.

It likewise rose to +84 from +38 among those aged 2534 years old; to +78 from +27 among those 35-44 years old; to +78 from +22 among those aged 45-54 years old; and to +70 from

+11 among those aged at least 55 years old.

Duterte’s net trust rating also increased to “excellent” across education status, with higher scores among respondents with more formal schooling, the SWS said.

It rose to +76 from +18 among non-elementary graduates; to +74 from +16 among those with some high school education; to +81 from +28 among those with some college education; and to +87 from +44 among college graduates.

The survey has sampling error margins of plus or minus three percentage points for national percentages, and plus or minus six percentage points each for Metro Manila, balance Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

SWS said Duterte’s net score was close to the trust rating received by former president Benigno Aquino III following his election in May 2010.

The SWS poll, taken on June 25-28, 2010, showed 88 percent of Filipinos expressing “much trust” in Aquino, while only four percent had “little trust” in him, yielding an “excellent” +83 net trust rating.

No surveys were conducted on public trust for other past presidents-elect.

Malacañang welcomed the results of the survey as it maintained that Duterte is just performing his duty.

“He (Duterte) would appreciate the trust and he would also say, if I know him, that, trabaho lang yan (it’s my job),” presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said.

“That’s just part of the job and that we will continue to do our part,” he added.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar called the result of the survey “a positive sign.” “(It is) very encouraging to know that the people trust the judgment, decisions and actions of the President. The mandate is clear, the government cannot stop what it has started,” he added. (With Alexis Romero)

ry Thomas. He will be replaced

by Sung Kim, Washington’s special representative for North Korea policy and a former envoy to South Korea.

Kim, who will be the first Asian-American appointed to the Manila post, was nominated as the new US ambassador to the Philippines by President Barack Obama in May. Ties between the Philippines and the US have grown closer in recent years in terms of people-to-people exchanges, economic relations and security, Goldberg said.

But the warm ties should continue amid new challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, he said. n

China before flying through the South China Sea “if our security is threatened.”

China had established an ADIZ in the East China Sea in 2013, however it has not been consistently enforced according to a report from the Us-China Security Economic Review Commission. Chinese jets intercepted and escorted an American plane flying over the South China Sea on May 17 for flying too close to Hainan Island.

Meanwhile, in a rare instance of agreement with China, Taiwanese officials condemned the tribunal’s decision. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), asserts the same historic rights as Beijing.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the ruling “completely unacceptable,” and said their “rights over the South China Sea islands and their relevant waters is beyond dispute,” in a statement released on Tuesday.

Liu also blamed the Philippines on Wednesday for stirring up trouble in the region ahead of the release of a policy statement alleging the Philippines of breaking an agreement to engage in one-onone negotiations. The paper went on to accuse Manila of presenting “distorted facts and a concocted pack of lies” to the PCA. Taiwan’s President, Tsai Ingwen, dispatched a patrol ship into the South China Sea, according to the Inquirer on Wednesday. Tsai said the move was an expression of “Taiwanese people’s determination to defend the country’s interests,” while speak-

ing to sailors before the frigate’s departure.

Most of the 70 countries that support China are outside the Pacific Rim, however, a bloc of smaller Southeast Asian countries have been stifling efforts to mobilize unified opposition to Beijing’s claims.

China would prefer to hash out disputes between individual countries separately in bilateral talks in which the regional powerhouse might be able to exert greater influence.

However, despite fiery rhetoric from Chinese spokespersons, Liu said his country was still committed to direct bilateral negotiations with the Philippines. He suggested the “early removal of obstacles posed by the arbitration case,” in order to improve relations between Manila and Beijing.

In May, Philstar reported that President Rodrigo Duterte told US President Barack Obama he was open to bilateral talks with China if the PCA decision fails to de-escalate tension in the region.

However, has said his administration would closely study the award before moving forward with either bilateral, or multilateral negotiations.

“We shall wait for SolGen’s (Solicitor General Jose Calida) interpretation of the ruling” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar told the Inquirer on Tuesday. “The SolGen shall provide the President a synopsis of the ruling [Wednesday] morning and a complete and thorough interpretation in 5 days.”

On Tuesday morning, about 50 Filipino-American community

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members in New York organized a rally outside the United Nations headquarters and carried placards urging China to “not be a rogue state” and proclaiming that the “West Philippine Sea belongs to Filipinos.”

“We as Filipinos are peace-loving,” Filipino philanthropist and community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis said outside the UN. “The Chinese have all the warships. All we have is worship.”

In Los Angeles, Fil-Ams held similar signs outside the Chinese Consulate.

“It’s a victory for the Filipino people. We are vindicated and a proof that a small nation can win over a big nation by reason,” Arturo P. Garcia of the Alliance Philippines said.

China’s official response to Tuesday’s ruling makes an immediate resolution of tensions unlikely, but Reichler said that added international pressure could erode the defiant stance China has taken.

“What China may ultimately do in six months, or a year or two years, may be different than what it says on July 12 or July 13,” Reichler told the AP. “I think a lot will depend on the reaction to the award (ruling) of the international community as a whole, particularly China’s neighbors.”

International pressure is on China to comply with Tuesday’s decision. However, the military and economic powerhouse still wields significant leverage in the region, and President Duterte has publicly committed to avoiding armed conflict. The exact nature of future negotiations between the Philippines, China and other potential claimants remains uncertain. (With reports from Momar G. Visaya / AJPress)

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JULY 15-21, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Asian Americans support…

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tina Xu wanted to respond to negative reactions to the police shootings of black individuals, particularly those of Asian Americans. She started a Google Doc page and allowed contributors from all over the country to share research, perspectives and thoughts in a collective open letter.

“In fact, let’s draft letters in our native languages to our parents and our communities.

Get it passed around WhatsApp, WeChat, LINE, etc,” Wu tweeted on Thursday, July 7 to launch the letter.

She started the Google Doc at 11 a.m. that day, and hundreds of Asian Americans contributed to the letter. Filipino Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas assisted in editing the final drafts of the letter.

“Mom, Dad, Uncle, Auntie, Grandfather, Grandmother: We need to talk,” the letter opens up. “You may not have grown up around people who are Black, but I have. Black people are a fundamental part of my life: they are my friends, my classmates and teammates, my roommates, my family. Today,

I’m scared for them.”

The letter encourages Asian Americans everywhere to empathize with the movement to stand up to racial inequality in America. The writers reference the nation’s history of black and Asian persecution to encourage solidarity between the two communities together today.

“Black people have been beaten, jailed, even killed fighting for many of the rights that Asian Americans enjoy today,” the letter said. “We owe them so much in return. We are all fighting against the same unfair system that prefers we compete against each other.”

The letter has been translated — and is continuing to be translated — in multiple languages.

The letter came in the wake of the shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, who were shot and killed by police officers just one day apart.

On July 5, Sterling, 37, was selling CDs outside a convenience store in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. When police officers discovered he had a gun on his person, Sterling was shot multiple times at point-blank range.

Louisiana is one of 31 states that

Dateline USa permits open carry of firearms.

Several bystanders had filmed the encounter and the shooting.

One day later, 32-year-old Castile, a nutrition services supervisor in Minnesota, was stopped by police for a broken rear light.

When reaching for his license and registration, Castile told the officer he had a licensed concealed weapon in the car. As he put his hands up, the police shot him four times.

Castile’s girlfriend Diamond Reynolds and her 4-year-old daughter were in the car. Reynolds live-streamed the aftermath of the shooting on Facebook.

Legal and civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice has also come out in support for BLM in the wake of the killings of Sterling and Castile.

“As the nation’s leading legal and civil rights voice rooted in Asian American communities, we stand together with communities of color in the fight to end systemic police brutality,” the organization said in a statement.

“As the facts of each case surface, we ask the U.S. Department of Justice to not only investigate the fatal shooting of Mr. Sterling but also to investigate the shooting and death of Mr. Castile.” (By Klarize Medenilla / AJPress)

Redwood ancestors nurture the next generation of young trees Redwoods, perhaps the most spectacular resident of the Bay Area, are also one of the most family-oriented.

If one of these giant trees is cut or burned down, a “fairy ring” of genetically matching baby trees will often grow from the root system of the parent tree. This redwood family circle gives young redwood trees a better shot at life as they draw nutrients and stability from the dead tree.

This is just one of the unique qualities of the coast redwood, says Steve Abbors, general manager of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, an agency that manages over 12,000 acres of redwood preserves in a 63,000-acre green swath stretching up and down the Peninsula.

“Redwoods are a fascinating plant. I often compare them to whales,” he says. “Both

are huge, important life forms that have been here for eons.

They deserve a lot of respect because they do some very important things as part of our life support system.”

This “life support system” includes everything our natural spaces do for us city dwellers, says Abbors, from turning carbon dioxide into oxygen, to providing us with cleaner air and water.

And the older and larger these iconic trees get – which can be longer than 2,000 years – the more they help us.

Abbors invites Peninsula residents to “become acquainted with these trees.”

“There are so many opportunities for families to visit our preserves and walk out into the redwoods,” he says. “Your jaw will just drop. They are just so different from what’s around them. Our redwoods are only a short distance from where people live.”

M i d p e n offers free, weekly activities ranging from Tai Chi to kid-friendly hikes and docent-led nature and

history walks in the redwoods.

Check out their calendar at openspace.org/what-to-do.

“We want to people to come and interact with open space, so they can help us take care of it,” says Abbors.

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District invites our neighbors to get to know our local redwood forests. Visit openspace.org for more information. Bay Area residents can also watch scenes from the Redwood Preserves (see map) and other local parks on NBC Open Road with Doug McConnell, Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on Channel 11, or visit nbcbayarea.com/openroad.

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

Filipina in Vallejo, Calif. kidnapped for ransom, still missing

SAN FRANCISCO – Police arrested four suspects in the kidnapping for ransom of a Filipina American resident of Vallejo, California more than a week ago. The 57-year-old victim remains missing, according to police.

Elvira Babb was last seen around 3 p.m. June 29 at the Seafood City market in Vallejo. She lived on Daniels Avenue in Vallejo. Her dog was found dead inside her vacant home.

A kidnapper texted the victim’s son, John Babb, 36, of San Francisco, demanding a ransom of around $100,000 or his mother would be killed.

The texter also threatened to kill the victim if John Babb went to the police.

Several law enforcement agencies are helping with the investigation, including the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, the Fairfield Police Department, the Sacramento Police Department, the FBI and the US Marshals.

Police arrested Emmanuel Espinoza, 26, of Stockton Friday night, July 8, in Sacramento, but he has not cooperated in locating the victim. Espinoza has a previous arrest record for drug and robbery related offenses.

Missing kidnap victim, Elvira Babb, was last seen June 29.

The same night, police also arrested Jalon Brown 32, and Larry Young, 23, both of Sacramento, and Lovely Rauzol, 27, of Vallejo. Rauzol has a previous arrest for prostitution. (Inquirer.net)

Pinoys raring to fish again in…

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Jr., are among those who go fishing in Panatag Shoal. They were not around during the interview as they went to Subic to fish.

The Tabats had also experienced harassment in the past by Chinese Coast Guard manning the shoal.

Francisco said they still feel unsure if the Chinese would leave Panatag Shoal following the ruling.

“Yes we won, but what if they (Chinese) remain in that place?” she said in Filipino.

Francisco said fishermen in their area converged Tuesday, July 12, night as soon as they learned the good news.

“Some of them were clapping their hands but there is still a felling of uncertainty,” she said.

“We are not yet sure. They might become more aggressive and would not accept the decision.”

They are praying the next time they hear news about Panatag Shoal, the Chinese would have left the place, Francisco said.

In Aurora, the country’s largest environmental group is deploying a rescue mission to the South China Sea following the

decision of the UN tribunal.

The 444,000-strong Noble Blue Falcons Inc. is sending the rescue units to protect people flocking to Panganiban Reef, Ayungin Shoal and Recto Bank off Palawan. (With Jess Diaz, Eva Visperas, Manny Galvez)

Sanders officially endorses Clinton for…

PAGE A1 t

sumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Despite his previous statement in April when he deemed Clinton unqualified for the presidency, Sanders said on Tuesday that her stances and plans on a myriad of issues, like immigration and the economy, will lead the country in the right direction.

“It is no secret that Hillary Clinton and I disagree on a number of issues. That’s what this campaign has been about. That’s what democracy is about,” Sanders said standing next to Clinton, who received 389 more delegates than Sanders.

“Secretary Clinton has won the Democratic nominating process, and I congratulate her for that,” Sanders said. “She will be the Democratic nominee for president, and I intend to do everything I can to make certain she will be the next president of the United States.”

Sanders has not formally suspended his campaign due to “procedural reasons” related to the Democratic National Convention later this month. Although the two are not particularly close, Sanders and Clinton have a history of fighting on the same side.

In the 1990s, Sanders, as a congressman, backed Clinton’s health reform plan.

Both had overlapped two years in the Senate while Clinton was a New York senator. In the Senate, both served on the Health Committee where they co-authored legislation including the successful “Sanders-Clinton amendment,” which guaranteed training for “green collar jobs” in renewable energy technologies.

In 2006, Clinton donated $10,000 to a political action committee (PAC) to help get Sanders elected to the Senate. In 2009, Sanders voiced his support for President Barack Obama’s appointment of Clinton as secretary of state, calling her “one of the brightest people in Congress.”

The Sanders and Clinton teams are undergoing discussions on Sanders’ role in the Democratic presidential campaign.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) responded to the endorsement, suggesting that Sanders, a firm critic of “Establishment” politics, has “sold out” by supporting Clinton, who is considered an eminent Establishment politician.

“This hollow display of leftwing solidarity flies in the face of Bernie Sanders’ months-long crusade against Hillary Clinton’s judgment, character, and fitness to serve as president,” RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said in a statement released on Tuesday.

“Voters won’t forget Sanders’ blistering criticisms of Clinton’s paid speeches to Wall Street banks, her reliance on big-money special interests to fund her campaign, or her support for overseas military interventions.

While Sanders may have pushed the Democrat Party even further to the extreme left, his supporters must rightly be wondering if their candidate has all of a sudden sold out to the same rigged system he so strongly campaigned against.”

Trump took to Twitter to voice his opinion on the endorsement, which parallelled the RNC’s statement suggesting Sanders had abandoned his principles as

an anti-Establishment leader.

“Bernie Sanders, who has lost most of his leverage, has totally sold out to Crooked Hillary Clinton. He will endorse her today - fans angry!” Trump tweeted on Tuesday morning.

Sanders’ campaign responded with a tweet of its own.

“Big talk from the same guy who was too afraid to debate Bernie in California,” the Sanders camp tweeted to Trump.

Following the endorsement, Sanders’ campaign team sent out an email to Sanders supporters assuring Clinton’s suitability for the presidency.

The tension that had culminated between the two caused a divide in the Democratic Party between progressives and Establishment Democrats, but Sanders assured supporters that his decision was the right one.

“Today, I endorsed Hillary Clinton to be our next president,” Sanders said in the email.

“I know that some of you will be disappointed with that decision.

But I believe that, at this moment, our country, our values, and our common vision for a transformed America, are best served by the defeat of Donald Trump and the election of Hillary Clinton.”

The endorsement represents the final solidifying of the Democratic Party during this election cycle.

On the Republican side, Trump has yet to receive endorsements from several of his primary challengers like former Republican presidential nominees Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Gov. John Kasich of Ohio and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. (By Klarize Medenilla / AJPress)

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 15-21, 2016

A

SC upholds ruling on bail grant to JPE by edu

Punay Philstar.com

CABINET MEETING. Members of the Cabinet meet for the second meeting presided by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in Malacañang Palace on Monday, July 11.

Malacañang photo by Kiwi Bulaclac

Duterte preparing ‘explosive’ SONA

by Joel

M. Sy egco Manilatimes.net

YOU haven’t seen (or heard) anything yet.

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to deliver the most explosive State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the country will ever hear, administration sources said.

In his first SONA, scheduled on July 25, the President is expected to drop a number of bombshells, including the identities of all local government officials, members of the media and other personalities believed to be involved in illegal drugs.

“We expect it to be a no-holds barred type of speech. Already, he is gathering up all the information he [needs]. You want to know the real state of the nation?

We will hear it from him that day,” a highly placed administration source, who spoke on condition that he not be named, said.

“We saw it during the anniversary of the [Philippine] Air Force.

We were all caught off-guard,” the source added.

He was referring to the Air Force anniversary rites on July 4, when Duterte accused five police officials of protecting illegal drug traffickers.

In his speech during the event at Clark Air Base in Pampanga,

the President named two former and three active officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as the top five coddlers of illegal drug rings: retired deputy director general Marcelo Garbo Jr., retired chief superintendent Vicente Loot, Director Joel Pagdilao, Chief Supt. Bernardo Diaz and Chief Supt. Edgardo Tinio.

All five have vehemently denied the President’s accusation.

Subsequently, the PNP chief, Director General Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa, claimed that other police officers with the rank of senior superintendent down to Police Officer 1 were on a list held by the President.

De la Rosa also claimed a number of media personalities were involved in illegal drugs as users, pushers or protectors of drug traders.

Duterte has set a six-month deadline to crack down on illegal drugs, criminality and graft and corruption, a key campaign pledge that helped sweep him to power.

The President may already be “itching” to release the names of the individuals to publicly humiliate them, but doing so will be “anti-climactic,” The Manila Times source said.

“Where else and when would be the best time for him to do this? The SONA is just a few days

away,” the source added.

But Duterte may still opt to release the names of the drug personalities in his “drug matrix” anytime he wishes, before or after the SONA, the source said.

The Manila Times called Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar to verify the information but the official said he still had no idea on the contents of the President’s speech.

Former military chief Dionisio Santiago, a former head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency who ran for senator under Duterte’s ticket, said he does not know when Duterte would make public the names of personalities linked to drugs.

“To be honest, I have no idea,” he said in a text message.

The annual SONA is held every fourth Monday of July, coinciding with the regular opening of Congress. There, the President also submits the general appropriations bill to the legislature for scrutiny.

Besides the state of “narcopolitics” in the country, Duterte is also anticipated to disclose his administration’s plans for the country’s future.

Cabinet officials have been asked to submit their plans of action based on the Duterte administration’s agenda.

MANILA—The Supreme Court has affirmed its ruling granting bail to former senator Juan Ponce Enrile in the plunder and other cases filed against him before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the pork barrel scam.

In a close 7-6 vote in session on Monday, July 11, the SC justices decided to deny the motion for reconsideration filed by the Office of the Solicitor General on the court’s Aug. 18, 2015 decision granting the petition of the 92-year-old veteran lawmaker seeking temporary release from detention while facing plunder trial.

The majority dismissed the argument of the OSG that the bail grant was a preferential treatment to Enrile, reiterating their basis that the grant was due to his health condition.

“The imputation of ‘preferential treatment’ in ‘undue favor’ of (Enrile) is absolutely bereft of basis,” SC spokesman Theodore Te explained in a press conference, reading portions of the latest ruling.

The high court also stood firm in its findings that Enrile is not a flight risk considering his advanced age, poor health as well as his past and present disposition of respect for the legal process, length of public service and private reputation.

In a close 7-6 vote in session on Monday, July 11, the SC justices decided to deny the motion for reconsideration filed by the Office of the Solicitor General on the court’s Aug. 18, 2015 decision granting the petition of the 92-year-old veteran lawmaker seeking temporary release from detention while facing plunder trial.

Philstar.com photo by Joven Cagande

“There was really no reasonable way for the Court to deny bail to him simply because his situation of being 92 years of age when he was first charged for the very serious crime in court was quite unique and very rare,” it stressed.

“To ignore his advanced age and unstable health condition in order to deny his right to bail on the basis alone of the judicial discretion to deny bail would be probably unjust,” the SC added.

The seven justices who voted to deny the government’s appeal were Associate Justices Lucas Bersamin, Presbitero Velasco Jr., Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Arturo Brion, Diosdado Peralta, Jose Perez and Bienvenido Reyes.

The six in the dissenting vote were Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Associate Justices Marvic Leonen, Mariano del Castillo, Estela Perlas-Bernabe and Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.

They reiterated the bail grant was a “special accommodation for (Enrile).”

Del Castillo was previously in the majority vote, while Caguioa was not yet a justice when the Court first decided on this case last year.

Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza took no part in the proceedings due to previous involvement in the case as former solicitor general, while Associate Justice Jose Mendoza was on leave.

De Lima, Drilon to SolGen: What is he afraid of?

by RoSette

adel

Philstar.com

MANILA—Sens. Leila de Lima and Franklin Drilon on Monday, July 11 questioned Solicitor General Jose Calida’s statements defending the Philippine National Police and not welcoming a planned probe against policeperpetrated killings of drug suspects.

De Lima, who proposed a Senate inquiry into the alleged extrajudicial killings, said she does not know Calida personally and was only aware that he formerly served as an undersecretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ) prior to her term as the Justice secretary. She said she was wondering why the solicitor general was acting “hostile.”

She added that if the police operations against illegal drugs were

In this July 11, 2016 photo, Solicitor General Jose Calida reaffirmed the commitment of President Rodrigo Duterte to fully support the campaign of the PNP against illegal drugs.

clean and all “aboveboard” they yan ang reaction?” De Lima said have nothing to worried about. in a press briefing.

“Why is there such a reaction?

Meanwhile, in a separate If they are confident na sinusunod statement, Drilon expressed lahat ng dapat sundin, bakit ganPAGE A7

A

july 15-21, 2016 • NORCAl ASIAN jOuRNAl

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

Features

OpiniOn

War on drugs

A FORMER agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported that the illegal drug trade in the country is thriving, and has become a P200-billion “industry.”

An even more alarming report is that the Philippines has turned into a global hub for the distribution and increased production of illegal drugs for international syndicates.

According to the PDEA, 20.51 percent or 8,629 barangays (villages) out of the 42,065 nationwide are plagued with the drug-related cases.

Metro Manila has the highest rate of being drugaffected with 92.10 percent of the region’s barangays involved. Methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, and marijuana remain the most abused illegal drugs in the country.

PDEA Director General Arturo Cacdac Jr. revealed that barangays are considered slightly affected if there are identified drug users in the community but no known drug pushers or traffickers are operating in the area while moderately affected if at least a suspected drug pusher or trafficker is operating in the barangay. A barangay is seriously affected if at least a drug laboratory, den, dive or resort is suspected to exist in the community.

Perhaps this is why Pres. Rodrigo Duterte stayed true to his word that when elected, he would launch a bloody war on drugs.

In recent weeks, the nation saw a spike in drugrelated killings. Reports show that there have been more than 100 reported cases of drug-related killings in less than a month.

Amid this intensified anti-drug campaign, there has also been a spate of surrenders from thousands of drug users and peddlers across the country. They have pledged to not do or sell drugs again and cooperate with the government’s drive against drugs.

While the government is gaining momentum in its campaign against drugs, some senators have questioned its efficacy and raised concerns over the rising number of extrajudicial killings.

“We have to look into that in aid of legislation.

The killings are on the rise, and there are just telltale signs of summary executions in a number of them,” said Sen. Leila De Lima, who was the former chair of the Philippine Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

Sen. Franklin Drilon echoed De Lima’s sentiments and agreed to conduct the Senate inquiry.

“While we laud and support the campaign against illegal drugs of the Philippine National Police, the Senate cannot sit idly on allegations of extrajudicial killings that saw a spike in recent months,” Drilon said.

Even Vice Pres. Leni Robredo agrees. She encouraged authorities “to look into these cases. If there is really culpability, then justice requires that appropriate cases be filed and that those proven to be accountable be punished.”

“While we are one with the fight against drugs, we are concerned with the growing culture of vig-

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

ilantism and violence. We hope that the war is not done at the expense of the innocent and defenseless,” Robredo said.

Recognizing the rampancy of the drug problem in the country is only the first step. Instead of inflicting fear among the citizenry, the national gov-

ernment must initiate a cohesive effort in dealing with the drug problem.

Engaging in an all-out war against drugs is beyond the power of the government alone. This campaign can only be deemed successful with the engagement of the public. (AJPress)

Fil-Am leaders speak up on the Philippines’ victory over China in UN tribunal decision ing” and intrusion in KUDOS to former the West Philippines Philippine Pres. Benig- The Fil-Am Sea. Manny rallies no Aquino III, former and five years after, DFA Sec. Albert del Perspective these Fil-Ams are Rosario and the whole back, but this time it team which, on behalf was to celebrate the of the Filipino people, victory of the Philipfiled, argued, and won pines with the trithe case against China Gel SantoS-ReloS bunal decision that before the United Nafavored the Philippines. tions Arbitral Tribunal.

“The rule of law. The United Nations The court found China’s claims illegal in its territorial dispute in the West has fulfilled its existence, not war but Philippine Sea (South China Sea), an peace through the rule of law, so this area rich in seafood and other resourc- is the triumph of the Philippines because we have followed the regular es.

As ABS-CBN News reported, this process of settling disputes,” said US landmark ruling was the first case Pinoys for Good Governance Chairagainst China’s expansive claims, man Loida Nicolas Lewis in a report which has sparked international alarm by The Filipino Channel’s “Balitang and prompted the United States to send America” New York Correspondent warships on “freedom of navigation” Don Tagala.

Bobby del Rosario, the son forpatrols.

Kababayans in the United States mer DFA Sec. Albert del Rosario, was gave their all-out support to the Phil- among those who celebrated this vicippine government in this fight, with tory in front of the United Nations in Fil-Ams in the East Coast spearheading New York.

“I’m gonna quote a couple of words protest rallies against China’s “bully-

from what my father said: China’s a great superpower, and to be a great superpower you have to follow the laws and the rules of the land…and International Law is a great equalizer,” del Rosario said in the report.

Fil-Am leaders, however, acknowledge that this victory is just a moral and legal victory, which cannot be enforced against China. The biggest question and challenge remains: will China now exit the disputed area and leave the West Philippine sea to the Philippines, pursuant to the provisions United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) that were upheld by the tribunal ruling?

China boycotted the hearings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague and has repeatedly vowed to ignore the ruling, saying its armed forces would defend its sovereignty and maritime interests.

After the ruling was announced, Cui Tiankai — Beijing’s Ambassador to the U.S. — said the tribunal’s decision denying China’s claims in the South China Sea will “intensify conflict and even

confrontation,” as reported by Reuters.

The Chinese ambassador, however, also said that Beijing remains committed to negotiations with other parties in disputes over the South China Sea waters that have some of the world’s most promising oil and gas fields and fishing areas.

The Philippines’ newly sworn-in President Rodrigo Duterte had said that he was seeking a “soft landing” with China after the decision. ABS-CBN News reported that Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said he would seek negotiations with Beijing, mindful that the tribunal had no powers to enforce its decision.

In response to the reaction of the Duterte administration to the UN tribunal ruling, Fil-Am community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis further said on Balitang America, “Para sa akin…We negotiate according to our constitution.

We keep 60 percent, you [China] get 40 percent. If they don’t want to accept that, then they are a rogue state. Because it is very clear from the tribunal we have 100 percent ownership, but

that doesn’t mean we cannot share 40 percent.”

According to Balitang America Correspondent Don Tagala, the US Pinoys for Good Governance are amenable to President Duterte’s negotiation with China, but with pre-conditions.

How do you think the Duterte administration should handle the negotiation with China?

Kababayans in the United States gave their all-out support to the Philippine government in this fight, with Fil-Ams in the East Coast spearheading protest rallies against China’s “bullying” and intrusion in the West Philippines Sea. Many rallies and five years after, these Fil-Ams are back, but this time it was to celebrate the victory of the Philippines with the tribunal decision that favored the Philippines. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Of crying generals and the bravest Filipinos soldiers From A Distance CaRmen n. PedRoSa I DON’T know what you make of it but I was repelled by the story of crying generals. To my mind, generals whether good or bad do not cry. We would never have known who these generals were until we had a brave leader, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte came along to expose them. He gave them ample warning to resign and surrender but still they refused, relying instead on our ignorance.

They could have continued with their alleged criminal lives under the protection of a government that did not care. Duterte cared.

Yet when they were apprehended for alleged crimes committed during their tenure they broke down and cried. One would expect that they were made of sterner stuff and strong enough to accept they had been wrong. But to cry? Geez. I have only read the story in the newspapers. But I can imagine how they thought that crying on the shoulder of the newly appoint-

ed Gen. Bato de la Rosa would have pity on them, as it would have been in past uncaring Philippine governments.

These self-centered men who are supposed to defend us have been utterly disgraced. It is not they who should be pitied. Instead we do need to cry and feel pity for their victims – the men, women and children who were victims of the drug cartels they protected. No crying can right the wrongs that were done to them.

If we did not have a Duterte, these crying generals would have continued with the evil trade and the damage it did to our countrymen and country. It is what we should cry for.

Duterte named Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo Jr. (retired), Chief Superintendent Vicente Loot (retired), Chief Superintendent Bernardo Diaz, Director Joel Pagdilao, and Chief Superintendent Edgardo Tinio as the police officials involved in the illegal drug trade. *** My cousin. Rose Adea Sarte whose father, Gen Luis Adea, was also a military man and who in the Bataan March was so moved by this incongruity of crying generals. She sent me this post that we should not despair. It told that crying generals are not what the Philippine

military is all about. The post comes from the blog Filipknow.

It is entitled “The Ten Most Fearsome One Man Filipino Armies.” It tells of men who fought bravely till their dying day. I have never heard their names until I read the post. She wanted to console me that there there are Filipino generals and soldiers whom we can be proud of and it is a good antidote to compare with the crying generals.

These men can inspire us not to lose hope. We do have good and brave generals.

Douglas MacArthur was so moved by their bravery and heroism he said, “Give me ten thousand Filipinos and we will conquer the world.” He knew some of them first hand. They should not be forgotten in the scandal of crying generals accused of protecting drug lords and crooked politicians.

“Filipinos are warrior race, often fighting with the odds stacked against them. A glance at the different battles and wars Filipinos fought throughout history prove that,” adds the post.

It also talked of the unbelievable display of fighting prowess and near-reckless abandon by these Filipinos who were literal one-man armies, MacArthur’s praise for ten thousand able to conquer the world is some-

thing to be reminded of in these days.

Among the one-man armies MacArthur was referred to were Jesus Villamor, Narciso Ortilano, Jose Nespiros, Jose Bandong Jr., Romualdo Rubi, Julius Javier, Ramon Alcaraz, Jose Ignacio Paua. And Rodelio Caballes.

Here are some excerpts on their bravery.

“Arguably one of the greatest Filipino pilots ever, Villamor led a squadron (read: six) of P-26 fighters against 54 Japanese enemy planes consisting of dozens of Mitsubishi Zeros over the skies of Batangas during the opening stages of the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in December 1941.

Where many of us would probably falter at the sight of bayonet-wielding Japanese screaming “Banzai” at the top of their lungs, Ortilano did the exact opposite. Guarding his machine gun nest in the wee hours of the morning on January 12, 1942 in his sector of Bataan, Ortilano was suddenly greeted by gunfire and the screams of 11 heavily-armed Japanese soldiers who broke out of a nearby sugarcane field and who were quickly charging towards his position.

With his fellow machine-gunner killed by the initial hail of

bullets, Ortilano alone manned his machine gun and took out four of them until it finally jammed. Undeterred, Ortilano took out his pistol and shot another five dead.

A native of La Union, Nisperos earned his colors when as a Philippine Scout he fought off a huge number of Moro insurgents who ambushed his unit in Lapurap, Basilan on Sept. 24, 1911.

Barely able to stand due to bleeding from several stab wounds and having his left arm broken with a gunshot wound, Nisperos nevertheless kept firing his rifle with his right hand at the assailants until they finally withdrew.

In the six-hour gunfight, Bandong was hit with a bullet to the left shoulder. Seeing they were about to be overwhelmed, Bandong heroically ordered his men to withdraw and took it upon himself to make a last stand.

His supreme sacrifice of which he earned a posthumous Medal of Valor no doubt saved the lives of his men. Legend has it he also ordered artillery to be fired on his position to wipe out the enemy.

Julius Javier was also deemed to be “unkillable” as he survived his armed encounters and at least three attempts on his life

without injury, leaving some to believe he wore an amulet that protected him from harm. However, two of Javier’s greatest accomplishments involved him defeating the enemy without firing a single shot.

The namesake of one of our warships, Ramon Alcaraz was one of the naval heroes of World War II. Then an officer of the Offshore Patrol (the predecessor to the Philippine Navy), Alcaraz commanded the torpedo boat Q-112.

During the war, he and his men engaged nine Japanese Zeros and destroyed three of them in battle on January 17, 1942, earning him a Silver Star in the process. Earlier, he had also successfully sunk 15 ships in the Pasig River to prevent the Japanese from using them.

Paua was the only full-blooded Chinese who fought as a general on the side of the Filipino revolutionaries in their struggle against the Spanish and later the Americans. We didn’t mention that aside from being a noted blacksmith and untiring fund-seeker for his compatriots, Paua was also a badass martial artist who used his skills in actual combat.”

I was indeed consoled Rosemary, daughter of a military general with this post. (Philstar. com)

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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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 15-21, 2016

A

Government may run out of contraceptives by 2018 Arroyo asks Sandigan to dismiss ZTE graft case M J by

ayen ayMalin Philstar.com

MANILA—The government will run out of contraceptives for Filipino women within the next two years if the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court (SC) on reproductive health products is not lifted, the Commission on Population (Popcom) said.

Around P248 million worth of contraceptive implants procured by the government could go to waste unless the SC lifts the TRO on family planning products, according to Popcom Southern Tagalog regional director Lydio EspaĂąol.

EspaĂąol said the certificates of registration for most family planning products sold in the market, including the sub-dermal implants purchased by the Department of Health (DOH) for its family planning campaign, have lapsed or are nearing expiration. “If the TRO on contraceptives is not lifted, it would be impossible for these brands now available in the market to renew certification, which means the sale would no longer be allowed,â€? he said.

If the TRO is not lifted, EspaĂąol estimated that about 90 percent of contraceptive brands would no longer be available by 2017. By

by Michael

Punongbayan Philstar.com

through the trial.

The demurrer to evidence was MANILA—Former president filed on the ground that there and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria is no need for Arroyo’s camp to Macapagal-Arroyo has filed a de- present its defense considering murrer to evidence to the graft that the prosecution, after comcharges filed against her before pleting its presentation of evithe Sandiganbayan in connec- dence and witnesses, has failed tion with the botched $329-mil- to prove its case. “This is a clear case of perselion national broadband network (NBN) deal with China’s ZTE cution rather than prosecution,�

Arroyo’s lawyers argued, noting “Filipino women will be left with limited and expensive contraceptive products as the more Corp. in 2007. that it was the National EconomThrough her lawyers, Araffordable will lose their certificates. This will make the important elements of the Reproductive Health Law ineffective,â€? Popcom Southern Tagalog regional director Lydio EspaĂąol explained. royo asked the anti-graft court’s ic and Development Authority Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban Fourth Division to dismiss the (NEDA) board that approved the Elizabeth Angsioco, Democratic charges for failure of the Office allegedly overpriced NBN proj2020, only natural and permanent methods of contraception are left Socialist Women of the Philip- of the Ombudsman to prove that ect.

Defense counsels said prospines Inc. president, said the TRO she committed a crime halfway for Filipino women, he said. “Filipino women will be left against contraceptive implants was with limited and expensive con- anti-poor since it deprives women traceptive products as the more of the choice to space the number affordable will lose their certifi- of their children. not “in aid of legislationâ€? but “in She said lifting the TRO would PAGE A5 cates. This will make the imporaid of media mileage.â€? He added tant elements of the Reproductive be best for young Filipino women alarm over Calida’s remarks. “I am alarmed by the remarks that the Office of the Solicitor GenHealth Law ineffective,â€? EspaĂąol and for the country’s economy.

According to Popcom and made by Calida. His remarks eral would “not allow anybody to explained.

He belied allegations that con- DSWD, it has been more than a were uncalled for and reek of ar- derail� the implementation of the traceptives are abortifacient as year since the High Court issued rogance, unbecoming of a solici- president’s order to stop the drug menace in the country. years of studies have shown that the TRO stopping the DOH from tor general,� Drilon said. “What is he afraid of?� he addDe Lima said she was not inthe different family planning meth- offering implanon and Implanon ed. timidated and would still push for NXT in its family planning proods are safe for use of women.

In a press briefing, Calida her proposal to conduct a Senate With cheaper contraceptives gram.

EspaĂąol said the TRO covers claimed that the planned probe inquiry unless overruled by her out of the market, family planning advocates said unplanned and the granting of any and all pend- against extrajudicial killings was colleagues. unwanted pregnancies would in- ing applications for reproductive products. crease.

De Lima, Drilon to SolGen...

PH to benefit from population of young people

by Sheila

criSoStoMo

Philstar.com

MANILA—The Philippines stands to benefit from its large population of young people, but to realize the demographic dividends, teenage girls must have access to quality education and youth-friendly health services as they prepare for working age, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said.

According to UNFPA country representative Klaus Beck, adolescent girls aged 10-19 currently make up 10 percent of the Philippines’ 100 million population. “They hold enormous opportunity to transform the future of the Philippines but this can only happen if they have the right information and skills and are healthy and empowered to make informed decisions in life,� he said.

He issued the statement as World Population Day was celebrated on Tuesday, July 12.

Beck underscored the need to take action, citing a study spearheaded by the National Economic and Development Authority and supported by UNFPA, called the

ecution witness NEDA Director IV Fortunato Abrenilla admitted that the NEDA board approved the deal.

Arroyo’s camp cited that Abrenilla told the Sandiganbayan that the NBN deal between the government and China’s ZTE Corp. was advantageous to the government.

Arroyo’s lawyers reiterated that the prosecution failed to prove that she had knowledge of the alleged attempt of former elections chief Benjamin Abalos Sr. to bribe then NEDA director general Romulo Neri with P200 million.

Both De Lima and Drilon said they know the Senate’s jurisdiction and authority to conduct inquiries on important matters. De Lima said she reviewed the rules and it includes “inquiry of re-examination of existing laws and formulating future legislation.�

The senators said the Supreme Court upheld the power of Senate or any of its committees to conduct inquiries. Drilon said Calida “should not interfere nor impede any legislative inquiry of the Senate.�

PAUNAWA TUNGKOL SA MGA NAKATALAGANG LUGAR NG BOTOHAN SA AGOSTO 16, 2016 ESPESYAL NA HALALANG MUNISIPAL

IPINAGBIBIGAY ALAM SA PAMAMAGITAN NITO na, alinsunod sa Seksiyon 12105 ng Kodigo ng mga Halalan ng California, ang Tagapagrehistro ng mga Botante ng County ng Santa Clara ay itinalaga ang mga sumusunod bilang mga lugar ng botohan sa bawat presinto ng halalan para sa Lunsod ng Sunnyvale na Espesyal na Halalang Munisipal na gaganapin sa County ng Santa Clara, sa Martes, Agosto 16, 2016. Ang mga lugar ng botohan ay bukas mula ika-7 ng umaga hanggang ika-8 ng gabi.

Ang sumusunod na impormasyon ay maaaring magbago.

Sa hanay ng Presintong Botohan (Voting Precinct), ang sumusunod na mga inisyal ay nangangahulugan na mayroong tulong sa dalawang wika: C = Intsik H = Hindi J = Hapon K = Koreano M = Khmer S = Espanyol T = Tagalog V = Biyetnamis

MGA LUGAR NG BOTOHAN

Students and volunteers take a selfie after placing their pledges on the commitment wall during the observance of World Population Day with the theme ‘Investing in Teenage Girls’ at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on Monday, July 11.

Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman

“Demographic Sweet Spot and Dividend in the Philippines: The Window of Opportunity is Closing Fast.�

The study showed the “high probability that the Philippines will miss the rare opportunity of additional economic growth.�

This is due to the relatively high fertility rate, or the average number of children by women, especially the poorest, and the relatively high unemployment rate, particularly among the youth sector.

Beck said this year’s theme

about investing in adolescent girls is particularly relevant and urgent because teenage girls are among the marginalized sectors of society in terms of accessing social services that respond to their real needs.

He added that based on a new study of the UNFPA, adolescent fertility has gone down in all countries in the Asia-Pacific region, except for the Philippines.

Among the Filipino girls aged 15-19, about one in 10 has given birth.

VOTING PRECINCT POLLING PLACE-NAME POLLING PLACE-ADDRESS POLLING PLACE-CITY/STATE/ZIP PCT 4001 C/S/V Plaza Del Rey Mobile Home Park - Main Hall 1225 Vienna Dr Sunnyvale, CA 94089 PCT 4002 C/S St. Marks Lutheran Church - Main Hall 125 E Arques Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94085 PCT 4004 C/H/S/T/V Adobe Wells Mobile Home - Club House 2 1220 Tasman Dr Sunnyvale , CA 94089 PCT 4006 C/S/V Casa De Amigos - Phase 1 1085 Tasman Dr Sunnyvale, CA 94089 PCT 4010 C/H/S/V Willow Ranch Mobile Home Park 1111 Morse Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94089 PCT 4011 C/H/S/T Sunnyvale Elks Lodge - Meeting Room 375 N Pastoria Sunnyvale, CA 94085 PCT 4012 C/H/S/T Congregational Christian Church Of Samoa 1028 Ahwanee Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94085 PCT 4013 C/H/S Sunnyvale Fire Station # 01 171 N Mathilda Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94086 PCT 4016 C/H/S City Hall Of Sunnyvale - Garden Conference Room 456 W Olive Ave. Sunnyvale, CA 94086 PCT 4017 C/H/S St. Johns Trinity Joint Venture - Hall 581 E Fremont Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94087 PCT 4019 C/H/S Balderas Residence 949 Aster Ct. Sunnyvale, CA 94086 PCT 4020 C/S/T Plaza De Flores - Dining Hall 233 Carroll St. Sunnyvale, CA 94086 PCT 4034 C/S Orthodox Presbyterian Church %URRNÂżHOG $YH

6XQQ\YDOH &$ PCT 4035 C/H/S Balboa Apartments - Rec. Room 151 S. Bernardo Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94086 PCT 4039 C/S The Salvation Army Corps - Multi-use Room 1161 S Bernardo Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94087 PCT 4041 C/K/S St. Thomas Episcopal Church - Fellowship Hall 231 Sunset Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94086 PCT 4043 C/H/K/S Newswanger Residence 1401 Belleville Way Sunnyvale, CA 94087 PCT 4045 C Sunnyvale Fire Station # 04 996 Wolfe Rd Sunnyvale, CA 94086 PCT 4048 C/H/S/T/V Congregational Christian Church Of Samoa 1028 Ahwanee Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94085 PCT 4050 C/H/S/T Fair Oaks Park 540 N Fair Oaks Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94085 PCT 4051 C/H/K/S Chateau West Improvement Assn. - Clubhouse 852 Shetland Pl. Sunnyvale, CA 94087 PCT 4053 C/S Fil-Am UCC Of Sunnyvale (formerly Raynor Park Christian Church 1515 Partridge Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94087 PCT 4059 C/H/S Thunderbird Mobile Estates - Rec. Room 954 Henderson Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94086 PCT 4086 C Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church - Fellowship Hall 728 W Fremont Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94087 PCT 4087 C/H/K/S Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church - Fellowship Hall 728 W Fremont Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94087 PCT 4101 C/H/S Atria Sunnyvale - Living Room 175 E Remington Dr Sunnyvale, CA 94087 PCT 4122 C/H Villa Camino Apartments 140 Locksunart Way Sunnyvale, CA 94087 PCT 4126 C/H/J/S Cedar Crest Health Care - Small Dining Room 797 E Fremont Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94087 IPINAGBIBIGAY ALAM PA SA PAMAMAGITAN NITO na, alinsunod sa Kodigo ng mga Halalan 12109, ang mga binotohang balota sa nasabing Halalan ay hayagang bibilangin sa Opisina ng Tagapagrehistro ng mga Botante ng County ng Santa Clara (1555 Berger Drive, Building 2, San Jose, California) at ang mga resulta ay ipalalabas mula sa Opisina ng Tagapagrehistro ng mga Botante.

IPINAGBIBIGAY ALAM PA SA PAMAMAGITAN NITO na, alinsunod sa Kodigo ng mga Halalan 15101(b), ang mga balota ng Pagboto sa Pamamagitan ng Koreo ay bubuksan at ihahanda para sa bilangan simula sa Martes, Agosto 2, 2016, sa Opisina ng Tagapagrehistro ng mga Botante ng County ng Santa Clara, 1555 Berger Drive, Building 2, San Jose, California.

Shannon Bushey Tagapagrehistro ng mga Botante, County ng Santa Clara

CNS-2902848#

A

july 15-21, 2016 • NORCAl ASIAN jOuRNAl

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 15-21, 2016

CJ

Journal

Your Immigration Solution Devin Connolly & nanCy Miller A NON-citizen who is granted lawful resident status based on marriage will receive conditional permanent residence if the marriage on which the green card is based is less than two years old at the time the application is approved. Conditional resident status is nearly identical to permanent resident status. The major distinction is that the conditional resident’s status is only granted for two years. It automatically expires on the second anniversary of the application’s approval.

In order to prevent the automatic termination of status, the conditional resident and the petitioning spouse are required to file a joint petition in the 90-day period preceding the second anniversary of the date the non-citizen became a conditional resident. A joint petition requires the conditional resident and spouse to prove that their marriage is bonafide or real. This is not the same as legal. A marriage may be legal but not bona fide.

Bonafide refers to a marriage between two people who had the intent to establish a life together when they entered the marriage.

The opposite is a sham marriage, which is entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit. The former is valid. The latter is not. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will obviously only remove the conditions on a person’s residency when that person has sufficiently demonstrated they are in a bonafide marriage. The conditional resident and spouse must therefore provide sufficient documentation to support their claim that their marriage was bonafide. The joint petition must also prove that the parties are still living together as a married couple.

It is a sad reality that marriages sometimes end before they reach their second anniversary.

Removing the conditions on your green card In some cases, the marriages end due to the death of a spouse.

In other instances, they end due to irreconcilable differences between the parties. In both cases, joint petitions are no longer possible. Thankfully, the USCIS allows the conditional resident to request a waiver of the joint filing requirement.

The Immigration and Nationality Act permits requests for waivers to be granted in the following situations: (1) the marriage was entered into in good faith but the qualifying marriage has been terminated; (2) the non-citizen will suffer extreme hardship if removed to their native country; and (3) the marriage was entered into good faith but the non-citizen was subject to battery or extreme cruelty during the marriage.

A good faith waiver requires the conditional resident to demonstrate that the marriage was not entered into solely for immigration benefits. Rather, they must prove that they entered into the marriage with the intention of creating a life together with their ex-spouse. An alien is not eligible for the waiver until the marriage is legally terminated. Separation is not enough. The divorce must be final. While waivers of the joint petition do not have the same two year filing requirement, failure to file will open the non-citizen to the possibility of being placed in removal proceedings. However, being placed into proceedings does not preclude the possibility of seeking the good faith waiver.

The process is more complicated but, certainly, do-able.

An extreme hardship waiver requires the conditional resident to establish that they would suffer extreme hardship if deported from the U.S. The USCIS will only consider hardship to the conditional resident that arose during the conditional status period. USCIS assumes that returning home will have difficulties. Therefore, the conditional resident must show

that the hardship would be beyond the norm. Examples of hardship include separation of family members, inability to treat medical conditions in the home country, lack of employment opportunities, political unrest, repercussions of natural disasters and more. Identifying the hardship is Step 1. Showing why the effect is extreme is the essential Step 2.

Finally, a conditional resident may also request a waiver of the joint filing requirement based on the extreme cruelty they were subjected to by their spouse. Extreme cruelty may, but does have to, refer to physical violence.

Psychological and emotional abuse are also forms of extreme cruelty. Emotional abuse can be very subtle. That makes it harder to prove. Often, expert evaluations are helpful in this regard.

We briefly mentioned the possibility of the marriage ending due to the death of the U.S. spouse. The full extent of relief available to widows and widowers is beyond the scope of this article. Suffice it today to say that there is relief for non-citizens in this situation as well.

Removing the conditions on a person’s residency is a difficult process. It becomes ever more challenging when a request for a waiver is required. Conditional residents should therefore consult knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorneys. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila. For more Information please call (800) 795-8009 or visit www.rreeves.com.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said increased use of solar power in business centers would help reduce the country’s power requirements.

Philstar file photo

creased use of solar power in business centers would help reduce the country’s power reMANILA — The National Eco- quirements. nomic and Development Author“Solar power and renewables ity (NEDA) is in discussions with are faster to implement than coal the Department of Energy (DOE) fired power plants but also has on the possibility of making it limited power capacity and are attractive for building owners space intensive,” he said. in business districts to use solar “But solar panels can be power. strapped on rooftops. So if soSocioeconomic Planning Sec- lar panels are installed in buildretary Ernesto Pernia said in- ings in Makati and Manila, that

by Czeriza

ValenCia Philstar.com

would be a lot of relief on our power supply requirements,” he added.

He said Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has not opposed the idea.

“I’ve been talking to the DOE secretary already and he does not seem to be averse toward it,” said Pernia.

This still being a plan, Pernia said there are no identified fi-

u PAGE CJ3

Despite growing global competition PH remains top call center destination by riChmond

S. merCurio

Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines remains the world’s top call center destination despite growing challenge from other countries, the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) said.

“The Philippines continues to be the most preferred offshore destination worldwide. Despite the challenges, the preference is still the Philippines for voice, as a compelling value proposition differentiated from any other market out there,” CCAP president Benedict Hernandez said.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), countries such as Vietnam, Turkey, Egypt and CCAP president Benedict Hernandez

u PAGE CJ3

CJ

JULY 15-21, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

The CTV Files Atty. LiLLi B. BAcuLi SUMMER is here, and it’s time for summer barbecues and bonfires by the beach! Before partaking in summer fun, however, know where you stand: If you are a non-U.S. citizen, read this article carefully. What Uncle Sam giveth, Uncle Sam can just as easily take away. Whatever you do, try not to get deported.

A DUI can result in revocation of your non-immigrant visa.

If you remember nothing else from this article, remember this: a DUI can result in the revocation of your non-immigrant visa.

Word to the wise: if you have even had just one drink, stay put.

Ask a friend to drive you back home. Take a cab. Take Uber or Lyft. There are no more excuses for drinking and driving.

Note that a DUI can mean either: under the influence of alcohol, or under the influence of a controlled substance. If you find yourself in a situation where you are about to be convicted of a DUI and you are forced to sign

Community Journal

A DUI can get you deported or have your visa revoked and other friendly reminders for the summer a plea agreement, consult with a criminal attorney AND an immigration attorney before signing anything. It is important that you are fully apprised of the full impact of a DUI conviction on your immigration situation.

A DUI is included in the Priority 2 of the Enforcement Priorities Memorandum.

On November 20, 2014, Department of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson issued new guidance on the Department’s civil immigration enforcement priorities.

The Enforcement Memo, which went into effect in January 2015 specifies the categories of noncitizens at greatest risk of deportation, provides guidance on the exercise of prosecutorial discretion by immigration officers.

Priority Two of the Enforcement Memo focuses on “misdemeanants and new immigration violators.” These individuals include – persons convicted a significant misdemeanor. A significant misdemeanor is defined as an offense of domestic violence,

unlawful possession or use of a firearm, driving under the influence, or any misdemeanor for which the person was sentence to serve 90 days or more in jail, excluding suspended sentences.

Other ways to get deported: It’s Fourth of July long weekend and Shawn went out with his friends for a barbecue by the lake. They drank, ate hot dogs and burgers, and had an amazing time. The following morning, Gilbert woke up in holding cell. He finds out that he is being charged with “trespassing” and being “under the influence of a controlled substance.”

Shawn has no recollection of what happened, but when he was prompted to “plead guilty” by the public defender, he did so “because it was just a misdemeanor anyway.”

Shawn is a lawful permanent resident. He had just been served with a Notice to Appear by the Department of Homeland

u PAGE CJ3

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAgLAyA

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

Tales of entitlement “…I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled…”

-Tiger Woods

(Part 1 of 2)

SOME stories are cautionary tales. If we approach our own lives with a smidgen of humility, stories do teach and show us the way. In 2010, these stories illustrated supreme ego and an overblown sense of personal entitlement.

What do Tiger, Amy and Joe have in common? Yup, you guessed it. All three of them felt entitled.

Amy Bishop of Alabama gunned down a number of his colleagues. Joe Stack chose the murder suicide route. The last sad tale is that of the once-upona-time golf legend,Tiger Woods.

It looks like in the postcript to Tiger’s Tale, big, bad karma will have the last say on the remainder of his life story.

On February 2010, Amy Bishop, a Harvard-trained neuroscientist killed 3 of her colleagues with a 9 mm gun in cold blood and wounded three others, in a faculty meeting in the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).

Bishop’s rampage may have been motivated by the fact that she was denied tenure and will have to look for work elsewhere by the end of the spring semester of that year. She is married with 4 kids and appears to be the sole family provider. With her action, she decimated half the Biology Department and two of the wounded, were hit in the head.

She went target shooting at the range prior to this.

The second story is that of the pilot Joe Stack who flew and rammed his small Piper Cherokee plane in an IRS office that houses close to 200 IRS staff in Austin, Texas, causing a huge explosion and a massive fire, killing himself and another person and injuring 2 others in the process. He torched his own home before taking off from a nearby airport, leaving his second wife and daughter homeless and to pick up the pieces in tears. He had a massive bone to pick with the taxman.

And who has not heard of Tiger Woods’ blazing fall from grace?

Amy Bishop felt entitled. So did Joe Stack. Tiger Woods himself admitted, “I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and

deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled…”

Let’s go over the stories.

Amy Bishop, who was perceived as a brilliant inventor and scientist but a social oddball strongly, obsessively felt entitled to be given tenure at UAH. She had a secret, troubled past beginning with the death of her own 18 year old brother whom she shot in the heart 24 years ago with a shotgun, a case that was ruled accidental in Braintree, Massachusetts.

Well past the statute of limitation, that case was never logged in the national database because she was never charged in that incident. In hindsight police officials now believe there was probable cause to charge her for what she did after the incident when she held a man at gunpoint in a nearby dealership demanding a get-away car and holding officers in a stand-off. There are talks that because her mother, who had some clout, intervened and that there were some slip-ups in the chain of command, Bishop was effectively exonerated and nothing more was heard of this case until now. This important piece of information could have prevented the university from hiring her in the first place.

Her husband, who appears delusional as she is, paints a pleasant picture of her as a mother and wife, in stark contrast from those who felt she was aloof and arrogant in her perceived superiority. She herself said she was arrogant because she is superior.

She frequently mentioned Harvard in class and that she was a cousin of the author John Irving who wrote “The Cider House Rules” and “The World According to Garp.”

Former neighbors in Massachusetts sighed in relief and held a pizza party when her family moved to Alabama. She and her husband had called the cops on their neighbors in excess of a dozen times over perceived slights to the point that the cops felt they could not do enough for them. She prevented the ice

cream truck from coming to their street because her children were lactose intolerant. Nor did she want her children to play with her neighborhood kids.

Students at the UAH petitioned that she be removed from the classroom since she taught by reading from the textbook, didn’t make eye contact and was just plain ineffective in a classroom setting. There are other troubling incidents in her past life, such as, when she punched a woman at the local IHOP all because of a child booster seat while ranting profanities, raving and screaming, “I am Dr. Amy Bishop.” She and her husband were among those investigated but never charged in a mail bombing incident of Professor Paul Rosenberg of Harvard. It appears the professor was giving her a negative review of her postdoctoral work. That case remains unresolved.

No one could have predicted that Amy Bishop’s very vocal ranting and internal raging over something she felt entitled to would result in tragedy. Her appeal for tenure was denied last October. Sadly, one of her victims, the Biology Department head, Dr. Gopi Podila, a wellliked academic who immigrated from India, and who supported her appeal for tenure and even dismissed the students’ petition against her, was the first Amy Bishop shot dead. The other 2 are Dr. Maria Ragland Davis and Dr. Adriel Johnson, all in their early fifties and by all accounts, great human beings. She fired repeatedly at her friend, Dr. Debra Moriarity despite her pleas for mercy but the gun jammed and her friend lived to tell the gruesome details of the carnage.

On April 2011, the Alabama Madison County District Attorney Robert Broussard said during a court proceeding that he would seek the death penalty for Amy Bishop. (Conclusion next week) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Community Journal

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 15-21, 2016

CJ

The August 2016 priority dates

Immigration Corner

The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: FAMILY CATEGORY:

Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below.

If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.

Beginning last October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that month).

This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

December 22, 2005

March 22, 2005

First Preference

Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)

Second Preference

(2A) Spouse and minor children (below November 22, 21 years old) of green 2015 card holder

November 15, 2014

(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder

February 1, 2006

September 15, 2005

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

August 1, 1995

March 15, 1994

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

July 15, 1993

February 1, 1993

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Application Filing Date

Second Preference

Advanced Degree (Masters)

Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

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

Visa Issuance Date

Current

February 1, 2014

January 1, 2013

May 15, 2009

January 1, 2013

May 15, 2009

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

YOU ASKED FOR IT, SO WE ARE BRINGING YOU ONCE MORE — “Citizen Pinoy, Live” on July 17. Kapamilya, we heard you. We read all your positive, wonderful messages and feedback on www.facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw. Most of you considered the show very informative and are looking forward to more live telecasts. That is why, on July 17, “Citizen Pinoy” goes live once again. Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel found it “really rewarding to be able to answer viewers’ questions live.” This early, audiences are already encouraged to send in your questions at www.facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw. The live telecast of “Citizen Pinoy” will be seen on July 17, Sunday at 6:15 pm (EST/PST) on TFC.

Calendar of Events across

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS J U LY 1 5

Magsingal Organization of America Annual Camping Members and town mates of the Magsingal Organization of America (MOA) are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting/Picnic & Camping on July 15-17, 2016 at the Brannan Island State Recreational Park in Rio Vista, CA. Group campsite costs are shouldered by MOA and so does for supplies, water and basic foods. For further inquiries and details, visit the Facebook page or call the following: Tereso (209) 603-8440, Lanie (209) 814-8004 or Grace (209) 817-5674.

J U LY 1 6

UBSCI to celebrate 28th Anniversary The United Batanguenos of Southern California Inc. (UBSCI) will celebrate their 28th Anniversary & Coronation Night on July 16, 2016 at The Odyssey Restaurant - 15600 Odyssey Dr., Granada Hills. Music will be provided by Willie Manacsa & The Midnight Motion Band. For other related questions, please call Romy Elepano, Governor ( 323) 498-9333; Carmel Gonzales, Vice-Gov. (818) 785-2078 or Tony Lina, Vice-Gov. (323) 474-5877.

J U LY 3 0

Cainta Catholic College 3rd Bi-annual Global Alumni Reunion

INTERNET ACCESS. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and PLDT and Smart chairman, president, and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the initiative for better customer experience and to bring internet access to more Filipinos nationwide on Tuesday, July 12. Under the MOU, Smart Wi-Fi will be strengthened in major airports across the country, and deployed at seaports and bus terminals to serve millions of users.

Philstar.com

MVP makes pitch for tourism, mining

by IrIs

Gonzales Philstar.com

MANILA — Businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan yesterday made a pitch for tourism and mining, saying the business sector can help achieve inclusive growth for the Philippines through these two industries.

In his keynote speech at the BusinessWorld Economic Forum Tuesday, July 12, Pangilinan, chairman of Philex Mining Corp. said the business sector could be the government’s partner in nation building especially in spurring growth in the countryside.

One way to do this he said, is to invest in tourism and mining.

“There are many soft parts of our economy begging to be addressed. The good news is that these gaping deficits represent investment opportunities. Since most are job-creating and situated in rural areas, they would help in promoting inclusive growth. What are these opportunities? First, businesses unique to their geographic and resource advantages such as tourism and mining. Most of these are located in rural areas where poverty incidence is the highest. At around 40 percent, this is higher

than the national average of 26 percent,” Pangilinan said.

He said progress is best achieved when the public and private sector appreciate each other’s mandate and work together in fulfilling the one and same purpose — improvement of people’s welfare.

However, he said poverty must be addressed.

“The optimum approach to poverty, in our view is jobs — not just the quantum of jobs created but jobs that lift families up from the bottom of the pyramid,” he said.

Elaborating on the issue of mining, Pangilinan said that even with the premise that mining is bad, the need for mining products would not stop.

“We will import the metal sand minerals we refuse to mine ourselves. We would then be paying the Indonesians, Malaysians, Australians – everybody else – for their riches. We’d be paying not only their profit but also the cost of protecting their environment. This makes no sense at all – paying somebody else to do the job we ourselves can and should do,” Pangilinan said.

He said the country could choose to develop its abundance

of natural resources so it could benefit people or just let these resources “lie fallow.”

In power, Pangilinan called for a national policy on fuel mix for the country’s generation plants.

“This fuel allocation will impact both the cost of power and our environment in the long run. The recent heightened interest in renewables is understandable. But let me say this – for now, renewables cost more than conventional power which means higher power prices.

There’s a cost to protecting our environment – no such thing as a free lunch,” he said.

During the forum attended by some of the country’s biggest businessmen, Vice President Leni Robredo, meanwhile, urged businesses to participate in achieving inclusive growth.

“Progress that benefits only the elite is not progress at all,” Robredo said.

She urged businesses to change their mindsets so it’s no longer business as usual anymore where growing profits is the main driver.

“Let us now be business unusual. Let’s celebrate disruption and innovation and create wealth and profit shared by both top and bottom,” she said. n

Despite growing global competition…

PAGE CJ1 t

Canada are emerging to give the Philippines’ voice services a run for its money.

CCAP, however, said the local industry’s sustained growth in terms of employees and revenue continued to tighten the country’s grip as the global leader in the voice segment.

By 2017, the Philippine information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector is projected to be the country’s largest source of income.

From 525,000 employees in 2010 and $8.9 billion in revenue, the industry is expected to generate 1.3 million jobs and over $25 billion in revenue this year.

To further accelerate the industry’s growth trajectory,

CCAP said over 150 foreign investors are being invited to explore opportunities in the local market as it holds the International Contact Center Conference and Expo in September.

“We are bringing, for the first time, around 150 investors from Europe, US, Japan, Australia and more, to come to the country to see first-hand and see for themselves, why the Philippines has become the ultimate customer experience paradise,” Hernandez said.

“For the first time, delegates from different parts of the world will meet each other and see for themselves how innovation and excellence come together with our warm and genuine service,” he added.

CCAP said one of the primary goals of the upcoming International Contact Center Conference is to equip contact center professionals with the proper knowledge and skills set for the evermoving trends in the industry as well as innovations and new technologies they can apply to the workplace.

The IT and Business Process Association Philippines earlier said it is confident the country would maintain or even improve its position globally as an IT-BPM destination on the back of continued government support.

The group, however, cited the country’s need to address the quality of talents coming in to the industry to sustain its global leadership. n

Cainta Catholic College, formerly Cainta Catholic School, of Cainta, Rizal Philippines will hold its 3rd bi-annual global alumni reunion with Fiesta Filipiniana Theme on Saturday, July 30, 2016 in Anaheim, California. The Anaheim alumni reunion reconnects alumni from USA, Canada, Australia and Philippines. It is a reunion of high school alumni from the ’50s, ’60s, 70s, 80s, ’90s and 2000s. The global alumni reunion started in 2012 in Toronto, Ontario Canada. In 2014, the second reunion was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. It takes place every two years. The Anaheim Reunion will begin on Saturday morning, Meet and Greet Event, from 9 am to 12 pm at Pearson Park in Anaheim, California. The Reception, Dinner and Dance will start at 6 pm at Embassy Suites-Anaheim South, 11767 Harbor Blvd.

Garden Grove, California. Santacruzan festival parade participated by alumni will open the evening’s reunion and gala events. For information, contact the Reunion Planning Committee at ccs.ccc.international@gmail.com.

S E P T E M B E R 8 -1 7

42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia United Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA) invites everyone, Bicolanos, devotees and friends to come and celebrate the 42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol Region. The festivities will start on Sept. 9, with the translacion at 5pm at the Immaculate of Mary Church (4954 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029. A nightly novena Mass follows from Sept. 9 to Sept. 16 at 6 PM except on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 3:30 PM and Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2;30 PM and culminates on Saturday, Sept.

17, with the ninth day novena at 8am, foot & fluvial procession at 9 AM, and a Concelebrated Mass at 10 am at Lincoln Park, 3501 Valley Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90031. Main celebrant will be HE Most Rev Arturo Bastes, Bishop of Sorsogon. For details, please call Lanie Berrei (818) 281-3169 or Gene Leano (818) 439-6896.

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

A DUI can get you deported or have your…

PAGE CJ2 t

Security, and would like to know why he is being deported.

The Notice to Appear. The Notice to Appear (NTA) is the charging document issued by an authorized agent of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to noncitizens who the government believes are inadmissible or removable. The NTA is issued to place a noncitizen in a full removal proceeding before an immigration judge, who will determine whether the noncitizen is to be removed or allowed to remain in the United States.

A criminal conviction’s negative impact on immigration status. The Record of Conviction (ROC) details an individual’s criminal history – his/her arrest, what s/he plead to, and the final judgment/sentence.

The relief(s) available to an individual facing removal/deportation proceedings will depend largely on that individual’s record of conviction.

If you are a non-citizen, know that you are not on equal footing as those who are U.S. citizens.

Even if you have been a green card holder for 20 years, you can still be deported by a single DUI conviction. Do not plead guilty unless you have a firm grasp of the possible immigration consequences. An individual should act quickly and before pleading to anything in criminal court consult both with a criminal attorney and with an experienced criminal immigration attorney who handles deportation defense, to mitigate the negative consequences of a criminal conviction to his/her immigration status.

It is important to be informed and know your options. An experienced immigration firm or attorney will be able to help you understand what immigration terms mean and what options might be available to you under the evolving immigration laws. *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento 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 attorney-client 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) 4958088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ctvattys. com. For general information visit www. chuatinsayvega.com.

Government pushes solar power…

PAGE CJ1 t

nancing mechanisms for the program yet.

The DOE, however, has an existing program for providing solar power for at least 100,000 households in the country.

In September last year, the

NEDA board approved the Access to Sustainable Energy Program of the DOE which would provide households electricity and energy services through a grant assistance of solar home systems and rural power generation facilities.

The project cost of P4.89 billion is financed through official development assistance.

Pernia, however, said it would be more feasible if this would be done for commercial buildings whose owners could afford the cost. n

CJ

Community Journal

JULY 15-21, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

GMC leads industry with new rear seat reminder All-new 2017 GMC Acadia introduces industry-first feature to help busy drivers

The Metamorphosis

ErniE D. DElfin

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

Profits for doing nothing What one does when he reaches his emotional cul-de-sac

ed out, “the Philippine Islands.”

Flummoxed by my seemingly smart-alecky-instant answer, they were speechless for a few moments. To ease the tension that engulfed them, I smiled and added, “But I now live in nearby Fountain Valley over 30 years!”

I could see them regaining their composure with their instant smiles and responded, “We live just across the bay, enjoy this beautiful 4th of July in our city!”

Thereafter, they left me alone to continue my metaphysical excursion in solitude.

Why is it that during a long holiday like this weekend and throughout the summer months, our culture expects that you are to be somewhere else, to be on your “vacation?” Of course, it fuels our economy, especially the tourist and entertainment industry. For instance, the popular but very expensive Newport Beach Bed & Breakfast, just a stone’s throw from the centuryold Dory Fishermen Historic Wharf at the foot of Newport Beach Pier, is always sold out during the summer months when out-of-town tourists flock to Orange County where the “Happiest Place on Earth” aka Disneyland is located.

One can easily distinguish who the tourists are, as they are always taking dozens of pictures and/or selfies to send to their friends and relatives with “wishyou-were-here-too” comment, as if they take joy and pride to rub some “touristy” salt into a wound of their friends who do not leave home during their “vacations.”

(To be continued) ***

THE electric vehicle (EV) industry needs more battery producers in the absence of a major supplier to meet the growing demand.

Rommel Juan, president of Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), said there is a growing demand for batteries in the country.

“For deep cycle lead acid batteries, we already have our world-class Motolite batteries which are proudly Philippinemade. Trojan batteries from the USA are also very much active in the Philippines already.

“But for lithium ion batteries tric vehicle players, there is still which are now increasingly gain- no major supplier, much more ing popularity among local elec- manufacturer, who has come in,”

A FEW days ago was Independence Day in the United States.

It is also the day when I first saw the light of day in the Philippines many decades ago.

It was a very unusual Monday, when no else but me was in our house. When I woke up very early, I was attacked by some kind of “emotional cul-de-sac virus” that caused a metaphysical stagnation, as if injected with a powerful dose of anesthesia that numbed my spirit to do anything. I felt like a robot. Then, I just hopped into my Toyota and drove towards the ocean cruising along Pacific Coast Highway.

In about 15 minutes I reached the Huntington Beach pier.

But there was no more parking available, as hundreds of people have arrived for the annual Independence Day parade. So I kept driving south, and before I knew it, I was at the Balboa Island Fun Zone in Newport Beach where there were fewer people. I ordered breakfast from this quaint restaurant overlooking the bay, just several yards from the ferryboats, that transport people, bikes and cars to the other side every 15 minutes. For just a dollar fare, I rode that ferry too to go to the other side of the bay for lunch.

On this rare solitary excursion, with just my pen, journal and phone as my company, I was on my way to my “do-nothingescapade.” The weather was quite pleasant that the seagulls and other birds in this part of Southern California were having a great time, probably mesmerized at those crazy, huge, color-

ful advertising banners pulled by helicopters. My mind just flew away aimlessly with the birds’ gracious flight. After a few hours of doing nothing, the emotional-cul-de-sac that made me ephemerally and mentally paralyzed. I seem to have magically faded gradually like the silent disappearance of the early morning fog once the heat of summer sun chased them away.

Soon, I was scribbling my thoughts, manifesting that I am still human and alive. I observed that there exists an interesting and tangible harmonic convergence of local residents and out of town tourists enjoying common things like nature, the bay, the ocean and all the manmade amenities of this local island paradise. Many people are simply enjoying their strolls, playing, biking and engaging in animated conversations. And here I am, appearing like a “misplaced” tourist, sitting down just observing, watching, doing nothing except to write a few “notes to myself” in my journal.

Unlike many tourist attractions like Disneyland or Universal Studios, this relatively unknown Balboa Peninsula is a ritzy, beautiful fun place of many boats big and small, where people of color are still a distant minority.

Being an Asian in the predominantly WASP crowd is like being a duhat or guayabano among a truckload of American apples.

Wearing just sandals, shorts and a Hawaiian shirt, I was casually approached by a white couple and struck a conversation, by inquiring if I were a writer from Hawaii and inquired what island did I come from. Without even thinking, I instantaneously blurt-

shop and even do local assembly in the Philippines,” he added.

EVAP members are looking for partners that can further grow the industry and spread the use of electric vehicles.

“We are actively pushing for the adoption of electric vehicles for public transport… such as EVs to replace the smoke-belching jeepneys and the tricycles.

We are also the primary group actively pushing for the passing of the Alternative Fuel Vehicle bill into law to provide us with Juan said.

“We badly need a major lithi- both fiscal and non-fiscal incenum ion battery provider to set up tives,” Juan said.

The EV industry may reach its full potential if there are more options for batteries in the country, particularly for the superior lithium ion batteries.

“These batteries are the cornerstone of one of the most important EV infrastructure, the battery charging and swapping stations. We need these to make EV fleet operations more viable,” Juan said.

This year, the association said seven foreign EV companies have set up shop in the Philippines to take advantage of the EV market potential.

Among the companies are Hong Kong’s Kyto Green Technologies, Kuwait’s PrimeGreen Power and Technology Inc., Canada’s SunEtrike, Singapore’s Clean Air Transport Solutions (CATS), Japan’s GMS and Prozza Hirose, and BEMAC Motors.

EVs are primarily used in mass transport in Makati, Muntinlupa, Filinvest City Alabang, Las Piñas, De La Salle University, Ateneo University, and University of the Philippines, as well as in the provinces of Cebu, Naga, Palawan, Boracay, Iloilo, and Bacolod. n

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

PERSONAL

DETROIT — Life moves fast.

There are a million things on everyone’s mind, and sometimes even the most organized among us need a little help remembering everything. The all-new 2017 GMC Acadia is helping to address this issue with the Rear Seat Reminder, a new, industryfirst feature designed to remind drivers to check the back seat as they exit their vehicle under certain circumstances.

Each year in the U.S., about half of the children under age 14 who die of in-vehicle heatstroke do so as a result of being forgotten. Also, items left in the back seat are a target for theft. Nearly 23 percent of larceny in 2014 was from a motor vehicle, according to the FBI. “Acadia drivers live busy lives with demanding schedules, and the Rear Seat Reminder helps protect the things we care about most,” said Tricia Morrow, GM global safety strategy engineer.

“Whether it’s your lunch, laptop, pet or most importantly, your child, it’s easier than it seems to forget what’s in the back seat when moving between life’s events. With this new feature, we

are leading the charge to address this ongoing problem.”

The Rear Seat Reminder works by monitoring the Acadia’s rear doors. The feature is intended to activate when either rear door is opened and closed within 10 minutes before the vehicle is started, or if they are opened and closed while the vehicle is running. Under these circumstances, the next time the vehicle is turned off after a door activation, the Acadia is designed to sound five audible chimes and display a message in the driver information center that reads, “Rear Seat Reminder / Look in Rear Seat.”

“General Motors has developed a new technology for the GMC Acadia, the Rear Seat Reminder, to give busy parents an important reminder to check the back seat before leaving the car,” said Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide.

“Technology alone cannot solve the issue of heatstroke when it comes to young children, but this new Acadia reminder can help.

We must always remember that the safest way to protect a child from heatstroke is to never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.”

The feature cannot detect items in the backseat, so it is always important to check the rear seat prior to exiting the vehicle.

The industry-first feature is a standard feature on the allnew 2017 Acadia, a reimagined crossover aimed at the heart of the midsize segment. *Not available on the 2017 Acadia Limited.

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first fullsize pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http:// www.facebook.com/gmc. n

EV industry needs more battery makers – EVAP

by Kristyn

niKa M. ManilaTimes.net

Lazo

(Part 1 of 2)

PSYCHIC

FOSTER HOMECARE

Email: ernie.delfin@gmail.com Visit: www.gkerc.org

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

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 15-21, 2016

CJ

We’re working together to St. James the Apostle Church in secure today and tomorrow Fremont to hold 8th annual festival

YOUR first job is a landmark occasion. You’re meeting new people, making professional connections, and probably cashing that first paycheck. You might be a little surprised when you see a portion of your earnings go to a tax called “FICA” for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. This deduction goes to Social Security and is your way of helping us secure your today and tomorrow. It’s our job to keep the safety net of Social Security strong through your incremental contributions.

Understanding how important your contribution is takes some of the sting away because your taxes are helping millions of Americans. By law, employers must withhold Social Security taxes from workers’ paychecks.

While referred to as “Social Security taxes” on an employee’s pay statement, sometimes the deduction is labeled as “FICA.” This stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act, a reference to the original Social Security Act. Sometimes, you will see “OASDI,” which stands for Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance, the official name for the Social Security Insurance program.

The taxes you pay now mean a lifetime of protection — for retirement in old age or in the event of disability. And when you die, your family (or future family) may be able to receive survivors benefits based on your work.

You probably have family members — grandparents, for

example — who already enjoy benefits that your Social Security taxes help provide. Social Security is completely solvent through 2033. At that point, retirement benefits will be reduced to 75 percent, unless changes are made to the law. In the past, Social Security has evolved to meet the needs of a changing population — and you can count on Social Security in the future.

Because you’re a long way from retirement, you may have a tough time seeing the value of benefit payments that could be many decades in the future. But keep in mind the Social Security taxes you’re paying can provide valuable disability or survivors benefits, if the unexpected happens. Studies show that of today’s 20-year-olds, about one in four will become disabled, and about one in eight will die before

UST Action Singers to represent PH at Idaho International Choral Festival THE University of Santo Tomas (UST) Action Singers is a university-wide student organization of the University of Santo Tomas–Manila since 1972. And at present has enjoined some selected graduates and students of UST. Representing UST in various performances and competitions, the UST Action Singers have garnered awards and distinctions locally as well as abroad.

The repertoire of the group is a kaleidoscope of music genres ranging from classical, pop, jazz, soul, folk, ethnic,contemporary, new age to world music. This truly showed the versatility of the vocal talents possessed by the members of the group.

In keeping with its tradition of musical and academic excellence, the UST Action Singers has produced a number of alumni that have made their mark in their respective fields of endeavour. Not only is the UST Action Singers another run-of-the-mill singing group, the group also strives to be socially aware of the plight of our less fortunate brethren as well as other social issues that burden our society.

It is this awareness that has prompted the UST Action Singers to participate in various socio-civic projects both within UST and with the community-atlarge.

Also from UST Action Singers came forth other outstanding choirs like Kammekor Manila, The Core Group, and the world renowned University of Santo Tomas Singers.

Come July 19-24, 2016, the UST Action Singers will represent the Philippines in the most prestigious international choral festival in america, the Idaho International Choral Festival.

It is the group’s main objective to foster the ‘AS spirit’ by having an open invitation to all the alumni of the UST Action Singers and UST and selected students of UST to participate in the activities organized by the group. In this way, we may maintain the bond that has held us together through all these years. It is in this regard that we proudly present to you our group, the UST Action Singers - a group with a heritage of musical and academic excellence and an unbridled sense of what is good of the Filipino people and its culture. n

Rizaldy San Juan Castro, Sr. (December 30, 1958 - July 11, 2016)

RIZALDY San Juan Castro, Sr. passed away peacefully on July 11, 2016, with his wife, Shirley, of 40 years at his side, in Walnut Creek, CA. He will be remembered for his fun, carefree, loveable and youthful personality. As well as for his kindness, great sense of humor, humility, and unwavering devotion to his family and to God. Zaldy was born on December 30, 1958 in Manila, Philippines. He was the youngest of four children. He grew up in San Francisco where he met his lovely wife, Shirley, at Galileo High School in North Beach. They had six beautiful children: Shondy Michelle, Rizaldy, Jr., Shaun Michael, Rizaley Joy, Shaina Marie and Rommel Jonathan. He proudly served the United States Army and received several military honors along the way.

He also worked at the United States Mint for 23 years. He was the band leader of The

Centsation Band.

The band is known for their old school R&B funk music covers and outstanding performances.

In 1996, he moved his family to Pittsburg, CA where they live to this day.

Rizaldy is survived by his wife, Shirley; children: Shondy Michelle Castro Mendoza (Joseph Mendoza), Rizaldy Castro, Jr. (Erica Castro), Shaun Michael Castro (Claire Castro), Rizaley Joy Castro-Blanc (David Blanc), Shaina Marie CastroYbona (Redmond Ybona, Jr.) and Rommel Jonathan Castro; grandchildren: Shonalyn Jonai, Jolina Sharlene, Jared Mychael, Jerik Anfernee, Kayanna Jeane, Jorel Jaydin, Kyla Joy, Kariza Jenelle, Kyleah Fate, Julissa Love, Keilani Jayce, Shayla Marie, Vienna Simone, Ryder Jalen and Kalissi Jade; father: Laurence Castro (Marilyn Castro); sister: Margie Castro and many other cherished extended family members. n

reaching retirement.

To learn more about Social Security and exactly what you’re earning for yourself by paying Social Security taxes, take a look at our online booklet, How You Earn Credits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10072.html.

We’re doing this job together.

The small amount you contribute with every paycheck allows us to help millions of retired workers, disabled people, and veterans.

You can learn more about how we’re with you through life’s journey at www.socialsecurity. gov. (Anne Parker / Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Sacramento, CA)

ST. James the Apostle Catholic Church of Fremont, California will be holding their 8th annual festival on the weekend of July 23-24, 2016.

The 8th annual festival features food, games, music and entertainment with international flavors. Sweet and savory food will be served representing cuisines from the church’s diverse parishioners.

Music and entertainment is a must-see as the St. James community has a pool of talents from its parishioners and neighboring communities. An addition of popular local bands showcasing R&B, jazz & pop music, ethnic and praise songs and dances from different cultures complete the ensemble of total entertainment.

Pass by the business booths promoting a wide-array of offerings of products and services, and don’t miss the arts & crafts booths.

The festival’s highlight with the raffling of a 2016 Mercedes Benz C300 and other exciting prizes!

Raffle tickets are sold at $25 each.

Admission is free!

The festival will be held at the church grounds located at 34700 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, Calfornia 94555.

For more information, please call the church office at (510) 792-1962 (M-F 9am to 12noon) or email us at office@sjapostle.net .

We’ll see you at the festival! n

CJ

JULY 15-21, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Friday, July 15, 2016

SF2

cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 15, 2016

All boxed up:

Things you need to know about the balikbayan box

Top 5 things overseas Filipinos send back to the Philippines

AS of 2014, there were around 10.5 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), a number that is only increasing. Many Filipinos living abroad ship their families back home balikbayan boxes, large cardboard boxes filled with items from the foreign country that the sender believes the recipients would enjoy.

There are many things overseas Filipinos are allowed to put in their balikbayan box, but

by Malou liwanag-bledsoe / AJPress there are a number of favorites and staple items that they include. Though there are no statistics available on what Filipinos send back home, IT could be because of colonial mentality that here are five things commonly found in balikoverseas Filipinos are just as excited to fill up and bayan boxes: send a balikbayan box home as those receiving it back (1) Food in the Philippines. “Balikbayan” means returning to Non-perishone’s country, and I guess sending balikbayan box is able goods are the Filipino way of staying connected to friends and particularly on families back home. top of the list, It’s the simple tradition of giving pasalubongs particularly — gifts — only that it has been raised to unprecedentcanned goods ed levels because of the sheer number of Filipinos like spam, now live and/or work overseas. In the early days, only corned beef, the very rich can go abroad. and Vienna Today, there is an estimated 10 million Filipinos sausages for the abroad due to their migration to the United States, reason that they Canada and Australia, and the demand for OFWs all can last the long journey over the home.

Biscuits and chocolates What not to send are also sent, for the same reason that they Senders should keep in mind that since the shipcontain preservatives that would avoid spoilage. ping of a balikbayan box is consolidated, it means that One thing to note, though, that not many know one prohibited item caught will affect ALL the packthat coffee —decaf or not, instant or for brewages inside the container. In the past, a lot of individuing — is prohibited. als have abused the tax-free privilege by smuggling (2) Clothes and shoes commercial items or contrabands.

Filipinos back home are somewhat inclined For this reason, cargo companies, as well as US to US brand names, specifically shoes and and Philippine Customs offices always inform senders clothes. American brands like Nike, Adidas, and not to send the following prohibited items: Northface are some of the • Alcohol/alcoholic drinks favorites. There is said • Automobile/motorcycle, parts or whole to be a decline in • Ceramic tableware sending cloth• Cultural artifacts and pottery ing brands like • Defense articles or items with military or prolifGap or Old eration applications Navy for the • Products containing dog or cat fur, as well as reason that animal hide most of these • Drug paraphernalia (unless prescribed for mediproducts are cal conditions) now mostly • Firearms, explosives (including parts) or in bales) manufactured • Cheese, Meat, fruits and vegetables (unless • Pornographic materials in Asia. Shoes, canned) • Fluids and perishable food items although a number • Pets, plants, seeds, soil *Please check with your trusted balikbayan of brands are already made in • Used clothing of commercial quantity (ukay-ukay cargo company for other items that may not be China, are still in demand. on the list.

On average, a pair of shoes may be slightly The Customs Modernization and Tariff Act cheaper in the United States. Also, Filipinos (CMTA) abroad tend to have access to betIn May of this year, former president Benigno ter quality clothing and shoes and Aquino III signed into law the Customs Modcan obtain them more easily at ernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) or Republic Act less cost than in the Philippines, 10863 in response to the growing concern of overseas Filipinos about the continued corruption especially when they buy them and additional taxes and duties being planned by at outlet stores. Plus, they make great gifts for relatives. the Bureau of Customs on all balikbayan boxes.

(3) Personal and hygiene Prior to signing R.A 10863, the existing law products was outdated because it was still following the Personal and hygiene 1987 tax-exempt value of only up to P10,000 products such as soap, shampoo, (about $200). Many lawmakers feel that it would lotion, toothpaste, cologne and be unfair to tax overseas Filipinos since the Automobiles and motorcycles parts are prohibited inside a balikbayan box.

Continued on Page SF4 even perfume are also sent home.

Soap and hair products aren’t very expensive in the Philippines, but most people rarely buy imported brands.

Although these are not restricted items, many cargo companies do not encourage their clients to send bottled liquids as they may break and leak, causing to damage not only to the other items where they are packed into, but also to other boxes as well. This is why that they remind Filipinos to make sure liquids are sealed tightly, so they don’t spill in transit. Bottles can be placed in resealable bags or wrapped around the opening with tape to ensure they do not leak. For bottles made of fragile material like glass, cover them with bubble wrap.

(4) Toys Like shoes and clothes, most toys in the US are made in China.

Still, young children enjoy seeing new toys when they open a balikbayan box. Be sure not to send toy guns though, for they will be confiscated by customs.

(5) Electronics Electronics like TVs, computers, cameras and game consoles are sent by overseas Filipinos to their families in the Philippines, as these tend to be cheaper in the US and have a wider selection. Although it is not advisable to send electronic items such as big screen TVs, laptops or desk top computers; balikbayans or returning Filipinos who wish to retire in the homeland try to ship these items.

The good news is that just last May, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) was signed by former President Benigno Aquino III, increasing the tax-exempt value of items sent by overseas Filipinos from P10,000 to P150,000.

Furthermore, Filipinos who have stayed in a foreign country for at least 10 years and are returning to the Philippines, will also be granted a tax exemption for the personal and household effects, not exceeding P350,000.

As always, cargo companies remind their clients to carefully pack fragile items, declare their cargo truthfully in their packing list and to consider paying additional insurance to cover any damages that may happen while in transit. (AJPress)

features SF3 The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – July 15, 2016

Sagada

AJPress photo by Raphael John Oriel

Sarangani is one of the south’s best-kept secrets and more and more people are discovering other lovely features of the province aside from its pretty beaches.

Sarangani is unlike anything you have visited before, yet it has everything to love — beyond and above your usual getaway.

Philstar.com photo

Your next best destination: the Philippines These places less traveled are yet to be discovered

Lately, many tourists (foreign and local) have been going to AJPress Sagada since the location has been featured more in television WITH over 7,100 distinctly shows and movies. However, the beautiful islands, the Philippines has a huge variety of breathtaking difficulty of getting there still has destinations to offer. Whether you kept the area less crowded compared to other tourist spots. are a history geek, beach bum, How to get there: adventure seeker or travel hardOption 1 — Direct bus ride core, you’ve got everything. The to Sagada at Coda Lines Terminal country harbors a multitude of attractions that will make you feel in Quezon City. The ticket cost is P720/$17. like you’re in paradise. Here are Option 2 — You can take a the top 5 less traveled, yet jawdropping destinations to unleash side trip to Banaue before going to Sagada by bus via Ohayami the best out of your trip.

Bus in Manila. Ticket from Manila 5. Sagada: Surviving the ridges of the Mountain Province to Banaue is about P450/$11.

Upon arriving in Banaue, Location: Sagada, Mountain take passenger jeep bound for Province, CAR The town of Sagada is one of Bontoc then transfer to another for Sagada. There are also comthe most adventurous destinamuter vans available in Banaue tions in the Philippines. Located bound for Sagada. The fare is behind the mountains of the Cordillera Region, Sagada can be about P200/$5.

Option 3 — Coming from reached by bus and takes roughly 12 hours to get there from Manila Baguio City, take a bus bound for Sagada at Dangwa Terminal because of the bumpy and, literStation near St. Mary’s Church. ally, cliff-hanging roads.

Buses start to depart by 5 pm.

Sagada is perfect for adTips: venture seekers. It offers the • Respect the culture by Sumaguing and Lumiang Cave connection, which gives guests an refraining from making insensitive comments about the natives’ adrenaline rush. Brimmed with rituals or traditions. slippery rocks, ragged surface, • Keep the environment safe bats’ feces, and minor cliffs, the and clean. Don’t leave trash and caves are perfect for risk takers. dispose of it properly.

However, if you are not into • Avoid bringing outside too much adventure, you can take food. The locals serve food with an hour trek to Bomod-Ok Falls. love. They do it the best they can.

Other options are the Hanging There are some restaurants that Coffins, a traditional way of the locals to bury the deceased, Echo charge food and drinks if taken from the outside.

Valley, watching Sagada weav• Pack lightly and wear ers, Lake Danum, and witnessing comfortable clothes for trekking, the sunrise and sea of clouds in hiking, spelunking and walking.

Kiltepan Peak.

4. Sarangani: Tremendous To restore your energy, the serenity locals also offer their famous Location: Sarangani Province pinikpikan, arabica coffee, yogurt Often ignored, the province and lemon pie that are perfect for of Sarangani boasts natural the near freezing temperature.

By Joseph

Almer pedrAJAs

tourist attractions that can be at par with Palawan in the battle of the Philippines’ most preserved sanctuaries. Beaches, falls, diving spots and corals are abundant in the area. The serenity of the place is one of the reasons why tourists flock to the area.

You can find the Small Boracay of the South at Gumasa Beach, Glan; while scuba diving in Maasim, Tino Reef is satisfying as the locals are working hard to preserve and protect the marine life.

You could also meet the endangered pawikans, and enjoy other activities such as food trips, museum visits, paragliding and ziplining.

How to get there: From Manila, take a flight bound for General Santos City. There, you can ride a van that will take you to Sarangani.

Airfare costs around P6,000– P8,000/$143-$190.

Tips: • Pack clothes and necessities for swimming and walking around, such as comfortable, cool clothes, sunblock and sandals/ slippers. Don’t forget to bring a camera to take pictures of the beautiful sights!

• Sarangani is one of the Philippines’ preserved paradises, so maintain cleanliness by leaving no trash behind and keeping the endangered sea turtles safe.

3. Siargao Island: Playing with crystal-clear waters of Mindanao Location: Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte Off the coast of Surigao del Norte is the island of Siargao, home of world-class waves that surfers from around the world visit. Unlike La Union in Luzon, Siargao is less visited because of Continued on Page SF5

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celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 15, 2016

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar

The new 2016 Miss World America is a Fil-Am from North Dakota!

Twenty-year-old Audra Mari, a dean’s lister at the North Dakota State University taking up Public Relations and Communications, was crowned last Friday, July 8, in Maryland, beating 27 other finalists. She will represent the United States at the 2016 Miss World pageant to be held in Washington, DC in December.

Prior to winning Miss World America, Audra was also crowned Miss Dakota Teen USA and was a first runner-up in the national pageant in 2011. In 2014, she won the title as Miss North Dakota USA and placed first runner-up in the Miss USA pageant. her Filipino connection is through her father, and her grandfather was a medical doctor from Pangasinan. her

2016 Miss World America Audra Mari is part Filipina

mother is Caucausian.

During her free time, Audra enjoys visiting her family’s lake cabin, wake surfing and riding snow mobiles.

Congratulations Audra Mari! *** LizQuen fans are probably screaming in delight in the recent admission of actor enrique Gil about the current status of his relationship with love team Liza Soberano.

In a recent interview on “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” enrique admitted that there is more to 2016 Miss World America Audra Mari of North Dakota with the other top 5, 1st runner-up Shivali Patel friendship between him and Liza. (North Carolina), 2nd runnerup: Sasha Perea (Virginia), Michelle Pierrot (District of Columbia) and “Well, para sa akin (for me), Photo courtesy of Miss World America Andrea Hightower (Mississippi). we treat each other like boy-

Fil-Am Audra Mari of North Dakota was crowned 2016 Miss World America last Friday, July 8, in Maryland. Audra’s grandfather hails from Photo courtesy of Miss World America Pangasinan.

Daly City Chief of Police Manny Martinez was one of the distinguished guests who attended the Fil-Am friendship anniversary celebration last weekend at Buri-Buri Social Hall in South San Francisco. Shown in photo with him are Daly City home care proprietor Lambert Paniza and his wife, Dorie Cachuela Paniza, president of the Fil-Am Democratic Club of San Mateo.

Actress Liza Soberano, the other half of the LizQuen loveteam, has always kept mum about her relationship status with actor Enrique Gil. However, the actor recently confirmed on national television that they are now “boyfriend-girlfriend.”

The Mary Johnston School of Nursing International Alumni recently hosted the convention meeting at Vancouver, Canada with Deputy Consul General Anthony Mendoza as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. Other guests include (L-R) Treenee Lopez of the organizing group; Rachel Satorre, Consul Mendoza; officers of the organizing committee and Planning Commissioner, Ray Satorre of Daly City, CA.

friend and girlfriend, so yeah, we’re boyfirend and girlfriend,” he shared. enrique also explained their situation with respect to Liza’s parents.

“That’s how we treat each other. her parents never really said na, ‘Okay. Pwede na kayong maging boyfriend/girl-

Actor Enrique Gil recently admitted on national TV via “Tonight with Boy Abunda” that he and actress Liza Soberano are now in a relationship.

friend.’ Walang ganoon. Pero we treat each other like we really are talaga so parang ganoon na rin (Her parents never really said that, ‘Okay. You can be boyfriend/girlfriend now. It wasn’t like that. But that’s how we treat each other so we really are like that).” he also added that Liza “balances him out.”

His Excellency, Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is shown with his friend and supporter, Dr. Herminigildo Valle during a photo taking before the national election last May. Dr. Valle heads the Chiefs of Staff at Seton Medical Hospital in Daly City.

Like more than the previous girls that my mom has met.

Feel ko she’s like my mom. Yung whatever na ayaw ng (Those things my mom doesn’t like me to do) mom ko that I do, Liza’s in the same page as my mom.

Minsan people say that it’s good to have similarities with your loved one, pero it’s also good to have somebody that balances you and makes you a better version of yourself. That’s what she is.”

Alden & Maine: Stronger, happier together

by Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com

MAINe Mendoza and Alden Richards preferred to remain mum about their relationship.

“Basta po masaya kami, ‘yon lang,” Maine replied when asked about their relationship, when they were revealed as the cover of YeS! 100 Most Beautiful Stars on Monday, July 11.

“Masaya po kami sa relationship namin.”

Alden added, “Kumbaga what you see is what you get po.”

Since their love team started July last year, the two have grown fond of each other and many have noticed the blossoming romance between them.

Meanwhile, the two revealed that they haven’t slept well for two days when they shot the cover of the magazine.

They were finishing their movie “Imagine You & Me” that time, which will be in cinemas on July 13. however, they don’t seem tired on the cover since accord-

Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza celebrate the first anniversary of their love team AlDub via the film “Imagine You & Me.”

ing to Maine, they are happy doing the photo shoot. “happy kasi tayo kaya nag-radiate ‘yong happiness natin,” she said.

Alden described being on the cover as an “opportunity of a lifetime” while Maine said that it came to her as a shock.

“Shocking talaga kasi kaka-

start pa lang po ng AlDub, one year pa lang po kami pero nabigyan kami ng opportunity na maging cover ng 100 Most Beautiful,” she explained.

“For my first year in showbiz, isang malaking bagay na mapabilang dito, lalo na maging cover po,” she concluded.

Marian Rivera to take a quick break from showbiz to prioritize Baby Zia by iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net

MARIAN Rivera has decided to take a break from television projects to focus on being mom to her eldest child with husband Dingdong Dantes, the adorable baby Zia. her break will begin after the four-week extension of her morning show, “Yan Ang Morning,” wraps up.

“Nag-extend ako ng four weeks pero after nun sabi ko, ire-rest ko na muna kasi ang hirap magka-soap. Lumalaki kasi ‘yung anak ko. Sa stage na ito, hindi ko kayang iwan. Aalis ako ng bahay, tulog si Zia. Pag-uwi ko, tulog.

Ang sakit sa akin so sabi ko palakihin ko muna anak ko and then after niyan siguro pwede nang sumabak sa trabaho.”

Rivera also shared that while she is a first time mom, she is very hands-on when it comes to nurturing her seven-month old daughter, adding that she never asks any assistance from her helpers at home to take care of Zia. “Sabi ko nga walang susuko, walang titigil at very proud ako na seven months na ako nagpapa

breastfeed na walang formula.

Seven months na ang anak ko, seven months din akong puyat!

Yun yung totoo. hands on ako eh. Katabi ko siya, wala akong yaya na, ‘Ate gawin mo ‘to.’ Pag nasa bahay ako, ako lahat sa anak ko, pati paligo, sa pag-dede, sa pag tulog ako lahat yan–kaming mag asawa. Ang sarap naman eh; priceless naman eh. Kaya kahit mapuyat ako ok lang,” the young mother enthused.

In describing Baby Zia, Rivera said she inherited different personalities from her mom and dad.

From her, Zia is very cheerful, and from Dantes, she is ver observant.

“Si Zia bungisngisera siya eh.

Nakikita niyo sa mga posts ko sa Instagram mahilig siya tumawa.

Pag sinabi mong dance, sumasayaw siya. So ‘yun ata yung nakuha sa amin. Tapos hindi siya iyakin na bata pag pamilyar siya sa ibang bagay. Observant siya eh, ‘yun minana niya sa tatay niya. Yung pagiging bungisngisera, yung personality sa akin,” the doting mom said. every so often, Rivera said she and her husband also take time to go on dates, which she believes is important in a marriage. She

Dad Dingdong Dantes wanted to attend his wife and daughter’s first public appearance but his flight from London was delayed

proudly said that Dantes is so supportive of her and calls her “Super Mom,” as she balances work and raising Zia. When asked if she will allow Baby Zia to go into showbiz when she’s older, the celebrity mom laughed and said, “Napakamot ako ng ulo.”

After pausing to gather her thoughts on the matter, Rivera shared, “Siguro hanggang ganyan na lang muna ang anak ko, siyempre gusto pa rin namin na mamuhay siya nang normal na bata. Siguro ito muna ang endorsement, saka na muna yung iba.”

Things you need to know...

country for at least 10 years From Page SF2 and are returning to the Philipamount has not been adjusted ac- pines, will also be granted tax cording to inflation and increasing exemption for the personal and commodity rates. household effects, not exceeding With the new law in place, Fili- P350,000, they will be bringing pinos can now send up to three with them when they return to P150,000-worth (about $3,500) the country. of tax- and duty-free balikbayan As for Filipinos who have lived boxes in a year, given that the overseas for at least five years, they goods are not in commercial would be entitled to tax- and dutyquantities nor intended for barter, free personal and household efsale or for hire. fects amounting to P250,000, while on top of the tax- and dutythose who have stayed abroad for free balikbayan boxes, Filipinos, less than five years could enjoy who have stayed in a foreign P150,000 tax-free ceiling.

Your next best destination... commonly underrated destination. You will be amazed by how its almost secluded location. god protected the place after Siargao produces huge waves Typhoon Yolanda (international that will make your heart beat, name: Haiyan), as well as how the while its white sand beaches people bounced back from the also add to the island’s beauty. destruction.

However, if you are not into surfThe Leyte Landing Memoing, there are still other things you rial, or MacArthur Park located in can do. other activities to do in Palo, is one of the must-visit desits three main islands are kayaktinations. The memorial sculpture ing, diving, fishing, bird watching, represents an important piece of swimming, spelunking, star gazPhilippine history when general ing and sports.

Douglas MacArthur came back to How to get there: our shores to win our fight against option 1 — getting to Suthe Japanese in WWii. rigao City, the capital of Surigao one can walk on 2.16-kilomedel norte, is the jump-off point to ter San Juanico Bridge that conSiargao islands if you are coming nects Samar and Leyte and enjoy from Manila. Philippine Airlines the picturesque islands and islets (PAL) and Cebu Pacific Airlines of the Philippine archipelago. have daily flights to this city. A There three stunning lakes in roundtrip flight is about P7,000ormoc — kasudkuran, Janagdan P8,000/$167-$190. and Danao —which are perfect in Surigao, catch a multi-cab for kayaking and swimming. or tricycle bound for Dapa Port Aside from its history and (P250/$), to Dapa Port of Siargao bodies of water, you can climb dock. At Dapa Port, hire a tricycle Eastern Visayas’ highest mounor habal-habal to take you to gen- tain, the Alto Peak. eral Luna. From there, you can Another spot to visit is find many people to assist you. kalanggaman island. its bird-like option 2 — Siargao has its shape and thin sandbars will own airport and the easiest way make you visualize that you are is to fly direct. However, only walking in the water. To wrap up Cebu Pacific flies there and the your day at the beach, you can fares may be costly. From the savor Leyte’s Binagol and Suman airport, you will still need to go to Moron delicacies. general Luna, which is a 45-minHow to get there: ute van ride. option 1 — To get to ormoc, Tips: take a flight bound to Cebu, • Siargao has ATM machines then take the fast craft to ormoc at Dapa Port.

City. Airfare may cost P4,000– • Major mobile phone service P5,000/$95-$119. providers deliver strong signals. option 2 — You can also get • The Best time to go is from there by flying to Tacloban City July to november and then take a two-hour car ride 2. Leyte: Home of the most to ormoc City. beautiful sandbars kalanggaman island: Location: Leyte, Eastern Fly to Tacloban City and take Visayas a three-hour bus ride at Tacloban The resiliency of the province new Bus Terminal to Palomof Leyte and its people is the pon. Then ride a pump boat to reason why you should visit this kalanggaman island.

From Page SF2

As someone who has been on both the sending and receiving side, i realized that the balikbayan box is more than a piece of corrugated box filled with clothes, canned goods and chocolates, or that whiff of the “stateside” scent — it is a symbol of the hard work, generosity and love for family. it’s true that our families back home could probably buy most of the items in the Philippines, but i believe it the anticipation of what’s coming to their doorstep and the idea that every item has been carefully chosen and packed is what makes them appreciate it more.

entertainment

SF5

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 15, 2016

Fil-Am news producer wins Emmy

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

Working as a producer for a daily broadcast news team requires attention to detail, organizational skill and the ability to adapt to unpredictable circumstances.

So when the San Bernardino attack happened on the morning of Dec. 2, 2015, Anthony Leong, a Fil-Am news producer for the Tips: Bay Area’s nBC station knTV, • Don’t forget to coordinate knew he had to act quickly and with the Palompon Ecotours ofutilize everything he has learned fice to be more guided. working as a local news producer • if you are not in a hurry, take the longer bus route to enjoy for the past 10 years.

And that he did. Along with the scenery.

1. Batanes: Home away from his diligent production team, Leong won a northern California home Emmy Award for their 24-hour Location: Batanes Group of continuous coverage of on the Islands, Cagayan Valley San Bernardino attack.

Although the northernmost The Emmy Award-winning province in the Philippines, team included executive proBatanes’ natural beauty, culture and people can still make you feel ducer Dan Pyryt; producers Alison Holeyman, Eric rich and Leong; at home.

Comprised of 10 unpopulated anchors raj Mathai and Janelle Wang; reporters Peggy Bunker islands (only three are habitable), the Batanes island group is proud and Cheryl Hurd; photojournalists of its virgin, infinitely green island. robert Beasom and Mykie Vang and assignment editor gonzalo There are many things to do rojas. in Batanes that are in line with Upon learning of the ateither nature or culture. You just tack, the team had decided by have to choose which among noon whom to send and by that the three islands to visit: Batan, afternoon, sent their own reportSabtang and itbayat. ers from the Bay Area to San Meanwhile, the traditional ivatan houses will give you the ex- Bernardino. By the time Leong’s 6 perience of their culture. They are p.m. newscast was set for broadcast, the nBC Bay Area team was made up of limestone walls and cogon roofs, intended to strength- able to gather their own information and report their own stories. en the structure and protect it “When you cover a story as against possible earthquakes.

The remarkable lion mane-like big as this, you can’t just look at how you can cover it for one hour, wigs are the trademarks of the you have to see how to cover it ivatans. They call it Vakul, worn for the next 24 hours,” Leong, 33, by farmers in the field. While the told the Asian Journal. vests worn by men are named as Leong said that covering the kanayi, paired with Talugong, or a attack held a lot of significance to hat (salakot in Filipino). the team because of the proximHow to get there: ity of the attacks to their home There is only one way to reach Batanes — by air. But there base.

“Attacks like this don’t hapare at least three airlines that fly pen very often, thank god. This there and land in Basco Airport. was a big story for us because it’s Because of its location, airfare to Batanes can be expensive – from so close to home and because so many people here in the Bay Area as low as P7,000/$167 to as high know exactly where San Bernardias P18,000/$429. no is,” Leong said, adding that Tip: the connection between the Bay • There are many hotels Area and the LA area prompted and lodgings to stay when in Batanes. Hotels may cost P1,200 the station to send three separate ($29)/night and any other regular crews to San Bernardino.

After covering the initial shock lodgings may P35–P600 (-$1of the attack, the station began $14)/night.

Fil-Am news producer Anthony Leong with his Emmy. producing the reaction stories.

The team produced “reality Check” stories, which investigated the perpetrators’ backgrounds and provided in-depth analysis on the attack itself.

Leong was also a part of the news team that was nominated for breaking news coverage of the massive Valley Fire that consumed large portions of Lake County and affected Sonoma and napa counties in September 2015. knTV covered the second fire that broke out and had crews broadcast live from the fire line.

While fires frequent the local news cycle in California, Leong said the Valley Fire was an entirely different animal.

“Fires aren’t easy to cover, but you know what to do. But this wasn’t in the playbook or anything like we’ve done before,” said Leong.

With 10 years of experience in of producing news, it isn’t a surprise that the seasoned news producer is receiving praise for his work.

But broadcast journalism wasn’t always Leong’s the dream.

Leong, who is half-Filipino and half-Chinese, knew he wanted to work in television but didn’t know exactly what he wanted to do. The Eagle rock and Burbank native studied at California State University, northridge where he majored in television production.

He then landed an internship at ABC/7 in Burbank during his senior year, which helped in establishing his place in the news industry.

“That’s when i fell in love with it,” Leong said, who took up a minor in journalism shortly after realizing he wanted to work in

news.

The internship experience helped him get his first producing job at a kESQ, the local CBS station in Palm Springs’. He then spent three years as a news producer in Portland, oregon. in late 2013, Leong started working as a news producer for nBC Bay Area. “i love what i do and whenever i get asked why i like it, i say it’s the one job i’ve ever had that lets me watch television and go on the internet all day long,” Leong quipped.

After a decade ten years of news producing, Leong doesn’t see himself slowing down anytime soon. A newsman at heart, he remarked at on the fast-paced world of daily broadcast journalism.

Although he does little writing now, he leads a team of writers and producers under him that produce the scripts, which he then copyedits before broadcast.

As one of the team’s producers, he makes major editorial decisions on news stories, pitches and develops stories and marshalls breaking news.

The next natural step in his career, Leong said, would to become an executive producer of news.

“There’s no other job where people are so well-informed and know what’s going on, and it blows my mind,” Leong said. “it’s never been the most high-paying job, but it’s always been the most interesting job i can ever think about. You start at square one everyday. Whatever you did yesterday, you can’t rest on your laurels.”

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