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Volume 15 - No. 27 • 3 Sections – 20 Pages

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Bongbong files poll protest vs Robredo

USA

by Edu

Punay Philstar.com

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Census: Asian Americans still fastest-growing racial group in US AsIAN Americans comprise America’s fastest-growing racial group, according to data released by the United states Census Bureau. the Asian American population grew by 19 percent between 2010 and 2015. meanwhile, Native hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NhPIs) are the second fastest-growing group, rising at 13 percent during the same period.

In comparison, the nation’s overall population grew by 4 percent. today, there are an estimated 21 million Asian Americans and 1.5 million NhPIs living in the country.

In 2015, the Census Bureau reported that

Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stands next to his 1,000-page petition questioning the victory of vice president-elect Leni Robredo in the May polls as he filed a protest at the Supreme Court last Wednesday, June 29, which sits at the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.

Photo by Miguel de Guzman / Philstar.com

a press conference after filing the protest. “the cheating was so blatant.

We’re doing this for the millions whose votes were not counted,” he stressed. marcos believes his protest would be resolved by the Pet faster than previous election protests regarding the vice presidential elections.

“I believe the Pet will not take long to resolve this case because we have plenty of evidence and we have taken a different approach,” he stressed. the camp of robredo wel-

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PH envoy to Turkey: All ‘kababayans’ are safe after airport attack

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CA increases education funding, underrepresented students benefitted

mANILA — sen. ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. filed an election protest before the supreme Court on Wednesday, June 29, at the Presidential electoral tribunal (Pet), questioning his loss in the vice presidential race to Leni robredo.

In a 1,000-page petition, marcos asked the Pet to set aside the oath-taking of robredo scheduled this noon and to declare him as the duly elected and rightful vice president. marcos questioned the elec-

tion results in 39,221 clustered precincts in 25 provinces and five cities involving some nine million votes. he lost to robredo by a slim margin of 263,473 votes in the final and official tally. he garnered 14,155,344 votes while robredo got 14,418,817.

Claiming massive cheating, marcos sought the nullification of about a million votes cast in three provinces – Lanao del sur, Basilan and maguindanao. “there were many witnesses and affidavits that came out. We have complete documentary and testimonial evidence,” he said in

by EstrElla

torrEs Inquirer.net

sACrAmeNto — Gov. Jerry Brown approved the 2016-2017 state budget on monday, June 27, which includes historic education legislation that would improve educational opportunity and make college more accessible for all students. the bill’s signing includes a minimum guarantee of $71.9 billion allocated to K-12 schools and the CCC this year, which is the highest level in state history, according to a statement from Brown’s office. the two budget trailer bills, sB 828 and

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PhILIPPINe ambassador to turkey rowena sanchez said “all kababayans” are safe following the triple suicide bombing and gun attack at Istanbul’s Ataturk airport Wednesday, June 29, that killed at least 36 people. turkey’s Prime minister Binali Yildirim has tagged the Islamic state to be behind the attack.

“We are all safe. As per our leaders and our checks, all our kababayans are ok,” sanchez told the Inquirer through an email. she said there are around 3,500 filipinos in turkey, 2,000 of them are in Istanbul. “our kababayans mostly work in households, some are nurses, teachers, entertainers, some are [scholars],” said sanchez.

But Ambassador sanchez said she is concerned about possible filipino tourists who may be affected in the attacks.

Last year, there were around 60,000 filipino tour-

TAPPING OIL AT THE BENHAM RISE. Divers touch and collect data on benthic life from the bottom of Benham Rise, a new Philippine territory off the eastern coast of Aurora province. Noble Blue Falcons Inc., the country’s largest environmental group has called on president-elect Rodrigo Duterte to tap the vast oil deposits of the 13-million hectare Benham Rise. NBFI said the Duterte government should continue where the Aquino administration left off and harness the underwater region for the country’s needs.

File photo/Benham Rise Program

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Transgender lawmaker to Meet with Duterte, US Filipino bishops say push for divorce legalization State chief Kerry urged Church doctrine on homosexuality remains

by Patricia lourdEs Philstar.com

mANILA — United states (Us) secretary of state John Kerry should visit Presidentelect rodrigo Duterte to secure the Philippines-Us relationship, an analyst said.

Center for strategic and International studies fellow John schaus said that Kerry should be the first cabinet official to meet with Duterte when he assumes office and directly hear his objectives. “the first step in securing the Us-Philippine relationship in the next administration is to meet with Duterte, listen to his views, and start that conversation. this is something only secretary Kerry can do, and he should,” schaus said in his article published by the Asia maritime transparency Initiative. schaus added that Kerry should hear what Duterte sees for cooperating with the Us and reassure him of the Us commitment to the mutual defense treaty between the two countries. “the secretary can reinforce the message the United states has delivered to the Philippines throughout the obama administration, emphasizing the im-

said legalizing divorce will help liberate couples trapped in hopeless marriages. community and ask for their formANILA — the first trans“I’m in favor of giving a second giveness for the Church’s mal- gender lawmaker in the country chance (to married couples). We treatment throughout history. said on Wednesday, June 29, she have to face the fact that there are “I believe that the church not would push for the legalization of relationships that already have no only should apologize to the divorce in the country when the hope,” roman told reporters. person who is gay whom it has 17th Congress opens on July 25.

“I want a possible solution for offended,” the pope said, “but Bataan rep. Geraldine roman u PAGE A2 has to apologize to the poor, to exploited women, to children exploited for labor; it has to ask forgiveness for having blessed many weapons.”

But secillano assured that the Pope’s remarks were “not in any way related to the doctrine of the Church on homosexuality,” but rather referenced civilian treatment of the LGBt community.

“What the apology implies is that homosexuals should also be

by Paolo

roMEro Philstar.com

Viray

by KlarizE

MEdEnilla AJPress

Secretary of State John Kerry

portance of partnership and cooperation to enhance the security of both the Philippines and the region as a whole,” schaus said. only Us President Barack obama and Ambassador Philip Goldberg were able to interact with Duterte upon being proclaimed as the incoming Philippine president. obama spoke with Duterte by phone while Goldberg traveled to Davao City earlier this month for a courtesy call.

Duterte said he asked Us Ambassador Philip Goldberg in a recent meeting, “Are you with us or are you not with us?” adding that Goldberg responded, “only if you are attacked.”

Goldberg was referring to the

A filipino Catholic priest said on monday, June 27 that Pope francis’ comments of compassion toward the LGBt community was not a call to change the Church’s doctrine on homosexuality. the comment comes from fr.

Jerome secillano, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) episcopal Commission on Public Affairs, who responded to Pope francis’ comments made on sunday, June 26. the pontiff said that Christians and the roman Catholic Church should apologize to the LGBt

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JULY 1-7, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

Bongbong files poll protest vs…

PAGE A1 t comed yesterday the filing of an election protest against her by Marcos.

“We welcome it. At least, it was filed in the proper forum, instead of being ventilated in the media,” Robredo’s spokesperson Georgina Hernandez said in a television interview.

She said Marcos should present new and strong evidence to support his allegations of cheating.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) was unfazed over the electoral protest filed by Marcos before the PET. Comelec Commissioner Luie Tito Guia said this would resolve Marcos’ allegation that he was cheated of victory by Robredo.

“The filing of the case will give an opportunity for all parties to really prove or disprove the allegation. The filing of the protest is part of the electoral process, questioning the results is part of the electoral process,” he added.

Marcos also asked the PET to order the reopening of ballots and manual recount of about eight million votes in 23 provinces and five cities.

Marcos also sought annulment of the proclamation of Robredo as vice president and his declaration as duly elected vice president.

Accompanied by his son Sandro, lawyers led by George Garcia and hundreds of supporters, Marcos personally filed the protest and submitted before the SC about 20,000 pages of documents and evidence to bolster his protest.

Marcos said he would attend the inauguration of president-elect Rodrigo Duterte today and that he

is also willing to accept appointment to a Cabinet position.

Garcia explained that they have gathered evidence to prove that allies of Robredo resorted to a series of electoral fraud, anomalies and irregularities to reduce votes for Marcos and make sure that the Liberal Party bet would win.

“The votes presumptively obtained by protestee Robredo during the last elections are products of electoral frauds, anomalies and irregularities. Meanwhile, the votes obtained by protestant Marcos were significantly reduced, manipulated and altered to make it appear that he only placed second during the last elections,” read the petition.

Garcia said the alleged poll fraud involved three parts – the flawed system; the traditional modes of cheating like vote buying, pre-shading, intimidation and failure of elections, among others; and the unauthorized introduction by Smartmatic’s Marlon Garcia of a new hash code or script program into the transparency server as well as the effects brought about by the unauthorized change.

Marcos alleged that based on numerous testimonial and documentary evidence, they were able to establish several violations committed by both the Comelec and Smartmatic, service provider of the vote counting machines.

Marcos also pointed out that during the election period the voting public was made to believe that all electoral data were received by three servers from the vote counting machines and this was secured by digital signatures and coded ‘end riptide’.

Roberdo’s spokesperson said Marcos should desist from conditioning the minds of the people that Robredo cheated him.

Hernandez said Robredo won the vice presidency fair and square.

“The counting of votes by the National Board of Canvassers went through the proper process.

The votes were validated. Our own numbers, reflected in our copies of the certificates of canvass and election returns, jibe with the results of the official count by Congress,” she stressed.

The running mate of administration standard-bearer Manuel Roxas II beat Marcos by a narrow margin.

Marcos claims that he was robbed of three million votes.

“These were the under-votes, null votes and voided votes,” he told a recent news conference.

He said the fact that his one million-vote lead over Robredo in the early hours of the unofficial count on May 9 was wiped out in the morning of the next day was proof that he was cheated.

Robredo’s camp retorted that “under-voting” means that a voter votes for a presidential candidate and does not choose a vice president, and vice versa.

In other words, there is no vote, and Marcos has therefore no basis to claim the under-votes as his, it said.

As for the disappearance of Marcos’ early unofficial tabulation lead, it said this happened when votes from Robredo’s bailiwicks were transmitted and included in the tally. (With Perseus Echeminada, Jess Diaz, Helen Flores,and Sheila Crisostomo)

Transgender lawmaker to push for divorce…

PAGE A1 t

people who are totally incompatible so they can remake their lives and pursue their happiness.

I think they also have a right to do that,” she said.

She said the government, through Congress, can help free people in unhappy and even harmful marriages.

The Philippines is the only country in the world, aside from the Vatican, that still does not allow divorce.

It was only recently that Congress was able to enact into law

the Reproductive Health bill that was strongly opposed by the Catholic Church.

The 49-year old Roman earlier said her victory in the congressional race meant Filipinos are now more accepting of lesbian, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT).

She will also push for the AntiDiscrimination Bill that gives equal rights to LGBTs in schools, workplaces, starting a business or getting a professional license.

Moreover, she will file a bill for the civil union of same-sex

partners in loving relationships, as well as a Gender Recognition bill for transgenders to have their birth certificates legally altered to reflect their authentic gender identity.

Roman’s father is the late Bataan Rep. Antonino Roman while her mother, Herminia, is the outgoing representative of her district.

It was her father and her brother who took care of her when she underwent sexual reassignment surgery in New York City when she was 27. n

LINEAR PARK OPENS ALONG PASIG RIVER. The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) opened a 75-meter long linear park along the Pasig River on Barangay Poblacion in Makati City on Monday, June 27. The officials led by Executive Director Ramil Tan, also unveiled solar powered street lamps which would light up the park at night. After opening the linear park for the use of the barangay’s residents and other visitors, the PRRC officials also threw “mudballs” on the river. According to the PRCC, “mudballs” are fist-sized balls whose technology originated from Japan. “Mudballs” are made of dried mud into which effective microorganisms were activated and kneaded with molasses and rice hull.

Philstar.com file photo

Meet with Duterte, US State chief…

PAGE A1 t

two countries’ Mutual Defense Treaty providing that they will “act to meet common dangers” when one is attacked.

Schaus noted that Duterte is not well-known to US foreign policy establishment and might be a difficult leader for Washing-

ton to work with.

“Duterte is not reflexively proAmerican and has expressed serious concerns about both the history of US involvement in the Philippines and the credibility of the US treaty commitment to defend his country,” Schaus said.

However, Duterte had ex-

pressed willingness to engage directly with China to resolve the South China Sea dispute.

The Philippines earlier filed an arbitration case against China before a United Nations tribunal.

The international tribunal is expected to issue a ruling on the case soon. n

Census: Asian Americans still fastest-growing…

PAGE A1 t

for the first time in history, more than half of the children born in the US were minorities. In California, New Mexico, Texas, Hawaii, and the District of Columbia, more than half of the general population come from a minority background.

California and Hawaii house the largest Asian American and NHPI populations. Some of the fastest growing NHAPI communities are in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Montana and Indiana. In the past five years, Arkansas saw a 30 percent increase in its AANHPI population.

Much of the growth from the Asian American and NHPI communities is the result of immigration, according to the Census Bureau.

Asian Americans are more likely to become American citizens than other racial groups.

Fifty-nine percent of Asian immigrants complete the naturalization process, versus 47 percent of the immigrant population at large. China and India are the leading countries of origin for recently sworn citizens. Vietnam and Taiwan have the highest naturalization rates at 76 and 74 percent, respectively. For the

Filipino population, 68 percent of immigrants end up becoming American citizens. There were 1.26 million naturalized Filipinos in the country in 2013.

“Asian Americans are a disproportionately immigrant community,” said Joanna Lee, senior research analyst for Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles (Advancing Justice - LA). “Understanding the incredible social and economic diversity of these growing population groups is critical in understanding how best to address their needs.”

Despite their expanding presence in America, neither of the major political parties have done enough to engage the Asian American and NHAPI community, according to Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC (AAAJ | AAJC) Executive Director Mee Moua. During a panel discussion on Monday, June 20, she said polling performed by the advocacy group suggested that 62 percent of Asian Americans had not been contacted by represen-

tatives of the Democratic Party during this election cycle, while 74 percent said they were yet to hear from the Republican Party.

“That’s not building democracy,” said Moua, challenging elected officials to keep up with the nation’s “changing demographic realities.”

With their growing numbers, Asian Americans will have an influential role in shaping the country’s future political landscape, according to a 2015 study released

by UCLA and the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies. The Asian American electorate is expected to double by 2040, reaching 12.2 million.

“Asian Americans have the potential to be the margin of victory in critical swing votes during the next six presidential election cycles,” according to the authors of the study. (By Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)

Filipino bishops say Church doctrine…

PAGE A1 t

“The question is: If a person who has that condition, who has good will and who looks for God, who are we to judge?” said Pope Francis, whose papacy is considered one of the most socially progressive.

Secillano’s comment comes after the CBCP’s statement following the Orlando gay nightclub shooting on June 12 in which the bishops urged Filipinos to treat the LGBT community with respect and tolerance, denouncing acts of violence toward LGBT PAGE A1 t individuals.

Although the CBCP calls for ists in Turkey, she said.

“We are concerned for pos- respect for the LGBT commusible tourists. Our check with the nity, the organization has generhospitals [had] negative results,” ally denounced homosexuality, staying in line with traditional said Sanchez.

“But it’s not final, I hope there Catholic indoctrination on homoare no (Filipinos) among the ca- sexuality.

In February, the CBCP desualties. n treated with respect, compassion and with high regard for their dignity as human beings,” Secillano told reporters.

The Pope’s comment on Sunday mirrors similar remarks he made earlier in his papacy in which he asked, “Who am I to judge?” when it comes to the judgment of LGBT individuals.

PH envoy to…

fended Manny Pacquiao’s controversial comments in which he referred to homosexuals as “worse than animals.” Secillano told Philstar that Pacquiao was merely quoting a line from the Bible and said it was “unfair” to condemn the boxing icon for the comment and his views on samesex marriage.

In August, CBCP President Socrates Villegas, who is also the archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, stated that homosexual acts are “contrary to the natural” and are to be considered “sins gravely contrary to chastity.”

The statement came at a time when LGBT activists were pushing for the legalization of samesex unions in the Philippines, a country whose religious identity is deeply engrained in its legislation. n

Dateline USa

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 1-7, 2016

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Filipino producer in Guam faces trafficking, visa fraud charges

SAN FRANCISCO – A Filipino entertainment company producer in Guam is facing 29 felony counts of visa fraud, conspiracy to commit visa fraud, alien trafficking and harboring undocumented aliens and using female members of Filipino music bands to sell alcohol at Guam clubs and bars, a violation of a federal immigration program regulating such bands.

Jemuel Luciano, 46, was arrested Saturday, June 18, in Tamuning and appeared Monday at the U.S. District Court of Guam. Luciano was the executive producer of Royal Entertainment Productions, which stages artists and talent for television and concert entertainment in Guam.

Under a federal visa program, foreign performers, artists, bands LONG WAIT ENDS. Shown in photo are farmer beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) at the installation in Barangay Sumangga, Ormoc City. After decades of waiting and more than a year of plans and attempts, 23 farmer beneficiaries in Barangay Sumangga, Ormoc City finally spent Monday night, June 26, camped on land awarded to them. Agrarian reform advocacy group Kaisahan (Kaisahan tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Kanayunan at Repormang Pansakahan), said Tuesday, June 28, the Sumangga farmers were installed on their land on Monday with the help of Department of Agrarian Reform officials and members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Assembly Committee passes bill preventing driver’s license suspensions for minor offenses SB 881 follows 2015 legislation that helped establish a traffic amnesty program

SACRAMENTO – On Tuesday, June 28, the Assembly Public Safety Committee passed legislation by Sen. Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, that stops the automatic suspension of driver’s licenses for people who fail to pay fines for minor traffic offenses.

SB 881 ends an overly harsh punishment that does not fit the offense and sends many people of modest means into a downward spiral that can result in losing a job or even ending up in jail. Presently, 612,000 Californians have a suspended driver’s license due to failure to appear or failure to pay on traffic tickets, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

“It is a sad fact that we have essentially created the modern equivalent of debtors’ prison by taking away people’s driver’s li-

CA increases education funding…

PAGE A1 t

AB 1602, would allocate more of the state’s budget for improving college readiness for K-12 students, increasing enrollment into University of California (UC) schools for the 2017-2018 year and increase graduation rates by expanding student services and outreach programs for lowincome and underrepresented students.

The legislation would allocate $200 million to the College Readiness Block Grant which would grant school districts and charter schools to provide services for high school students to establish a transition to college for the next three years. The grant pays particular attention to underfunded school districts, charter schools and schools with a majority population of low-income students, English learners and foster children, according to the state’s budget summary for 2016-2017.

These schools lack in A-G courses, advanced placement (AP) classes and are scarce in resources for college advising and counseling.

The College for All Coalition, which is comprised of over 50 community organizations including Advancing Justice-California, hailed the state’s legislative efforts to provide a “pipeline of educational opportunity and success” according to a statement released by Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles after Brown signed the bill.

“We’re investing in the most vulnerable and underserved kids who, like their peers from more affluent families, should have an equal chance to go to college,” Chris Punongbayan, executive director for Advancing Justice-

Asian Law Caucus, said in the statement. “This is an investment worth making because we are supporting the potential of every California student.”

According to the Public Policy Institute of California, the state is threatened with a workforce shortage of 1.1 million college graduates by 2030 if the state doesn’t further invest in public education.

“California’s future depends on reinvesting in public education so that every California student has an equal opportunity to attend and graduate from the state’s world-class public universities,” said Stewart Kwoh, president and executive director of Advancing Justice-LA. The increase to the state’s education budget is a part of a requirement from Proposition 98, the overarching legislation that ensures funding for preschool, K-12 education, the California Community Colleges (CCC) and adult education. Proposition 98 requires that K-12 education receive a minimum percentage of the state’s budget and an overall guaranteed increase in educational funding every year.

This year’s spending decisions made on behalf of Proposition 98 were a part of a $171 billion spending plan that also looks to reduce homelessness, increase funding for affordable housing, remove limits on welfare payments, strengthening the state’s infrastructure and reducing the state’s debt.

“The solid budget makes responsible investments in California and sets aside billions of dollars to prepare for the next recession,” Brown said in a statement. (By Klarize Medenilla / AJPress)

ers who entered Guam under the visa program to perform at Chic.

Boy in October 2013 was allegedly told that selling drinks was part of the job.

Luciano allegedly used the money from the drink sales to pay the band members’ monthly salaries and band-related expenses such as apartment rental fees. He could forfeit any property obtained directly or indirectly from the drink sales in addition to at least at least $9,258, if found guilty of the charges, According to the Pacific Daily News, Luciano in January 2015 was to star in Filipino production of “San Pedro Calungsod: The Musical,” about a Filipino martyr killed in Guam while doing missionary work with Father Diego Luis de San Vitores. (Inquirer.net)

SCOTUS rules in favor of affirmative action

THE U.S. Supreme Court unexpectedly ruled in favor of upholding the University of Texas’s race-conscious policies on Thursday, June 23, a ruling that has already been dubbed a landmark case for affirmative action.

The case in question was Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, which centered on Abigail Fisher’s claim that UT Austin censes or throwing them in jail have to sell something or borrow unfairly rejected her because she simply because they are too poor money to cover the cost. Traffic is white. She argued their use of to pay a fine,” Hertzberg said. tickets often cost hundreds of race as a factor for consideration “We must restore common sense dollars and can exceed $400, violated the equal protections to our justice system.” clause of the Fourteenth Amenddepending on the offense.

Across the country, rising u PAGE A4 ment. court fines, fees and penalties for minor offenses have proved especially burdensome to the poor and working poor, who can end up losing their driver’s licenses , jobs and freedom – sometimes going to jail – simply because they could not pay a fine or failed to appear. A New Jersey study found that 42 percent of people whose driver’s licenses were suspended lost their jobs as a result of the suspension.

According to a report last month by the US Federal Reserve, 46 percent of Americans don’t have $400 to pay for an emergency expense and would Photo release from Kaisahan

or national athletes can temporarily work and perform on U.S. soil. From April 2011 through about 2014, Luciano allegedly recruited two bands from the Philippines to work in Guam venues where he told them to perform unauthorized work, violating the visa program, according to the federal indictment.

In 2011, the Gems Band came to Guam under a visa and worked at Stargazer Bar, according to a report by the Pacific Daily News.

Luciano allegedly told female band members to sell drinks at the bar, knowing it violated the band’s visa status, reportedly profiting about $10 from every $30 in drinks sold. The Gems Band did the same at Josie’s Tavern and Club Underpass for over a year. Another group, Faith Cuneta Band, with 11 perform-

The Supreme Court ruled that UT Austin’s use of race as one of many factors of consideration in their admissions process was constitutional and was a “narrowly tailored” means to promote racial diversity in its student body.

“Considerable deference is owed to a university in defining those intangible characteristics, like student body diversity, that are central to its identity and educational mission,” Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote in the Court’s majority opinion.

Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg,

Sonia Sotomayor and Stephen G. Breyer also voted in favor of upholding UT Austin’s affirmative action policies.

President Barack Obama hailed the decision at a White House press conference on Thursday, June 23.

“I’m pleased that the Supreme Court upheld the basic notion that diversity is an important value in our society,” he said. “We are not a country that guarantees equal outcomes, but we do strive to provide an equal shot to everybody.”

Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr.

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JULY 1-7, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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Many eligible for Prop. 47 relief still need to apply

by Viji

Sundaram NewAmericaMedia

OAKLAND, Calif. — California’s Prop. 47 allows many individuals to change certain felonies into misdemeanors on their criminal records – but less than a quarter of those eligible have submitted their requests, and the window of opportunity could expire next year.

Eighteen months into Prop.

47’s enactment, the state has received some 211,000 petitions seeking resentencing or a record change.

The ballot measure, which passed in November 2014 despite heavy opposition from law enforcement associations, gives a three-year window for the estimated 1 million eligible individuals to file for relief.

Prop. 47 converted certain nonviolent felonies into misdemeanors, which translates into little or no jail time for crimes like low-value theft and simple drug possession. The savings generated by the measure are meant to guide people into programs such as drug treatment.

Advocates worry that because the “application process is so complex” – even though the application itself is only a page long – and counties don’t have enough attorneys who can spend adequate time dealing with petitions, the sun may set on the window before all those eligible can apply.

However, in early June, California State Assembly approved AB 2765, a bill that would extend the deadline by five years, from November 2017 to November 2022. It is scheduled to go before the Senate Public Safety Com-

mittee on June 28.

If it is signed into law, “it will give the courts and the judicial system more time to process the applications,” says Marisa Arrona, Prop. 47 implementation director with Californians for Safety and Justice, the non-profit that was at the forefront of the Prop. 47 campaign. Equally importantly, it will give more time for criminal justice advocates to conduct outreach and get more people to submit their requests.

Prop. 47 supporters say that processing petitions is burdensome for the public defenders’ offices that deal with the cases.

And resentencing takes “some coordination,” says Contra Costa County Public Defender Robin Lipetzky. Since the measure is retroactive, and there is no limit on how far back a conviction can go, some rap sheets could go back several decades.

“No sustained funding” The biggest problem, however, is “there’s no sustained funding for the legal services that help eligible individuals file for Prop.

47 relief,” says Eliza Hersh, director of Clean Slate, a project of the East Bay Community Law Center.

In Alameda County, for instance, the Public Defender’s office got no funding at all to take up Prop. 47 cases. Hersh says that Public Defender Brendon Wood assigned an attorney from his staff to deal with Prop.

47 cases full-time, with no additional funding for the increased work.

Contra Costa County also faced the same funding shortage, but the Public Defender’s office was able to get some outside grants – one for $50,000

from the San Francisco Foundation and another for $25,000 from The California Endowment, according to Public Defender Robin Lipetzky.

The money allowed her office to hire one legal support employee to work on Prop. 47 cases.

So far, the county has received about 2,400 petitions.

“We have been processing between 50 and 100 cases a week,” says Deputy Public Defender and Reentry Coordinator Ellen McDonnell.

Kelly Emling, chief deputy with the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, said that despite no additional hires, her office so far has been able to grant about 50,300 petitions.

“Our workload has increased,” Emling says, pointing out that processing applications “looks deceptively simple.”

Thanks to her department’s partnership with a number of community-based organizations, outreach into the community has been good, although not as much as is necessary, she says.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is likely to approve the hiring of a few paralegals to deal with Prop. 47 applications when it meets July 12, she said.

In the meantime, Californians for Safety and Justice, in partnership with other non-profits, is continuing its outreach efforts to increase Prop. 47 applications. She worries that there may be homeless people who are not even aware of the law.

A “Justice Fair” of the kind held last September in South Los Angeles was held in Stockton last Saturday, June 25. Scores of volunteer attorneys were on hand to assist applicants. n

Assembly Committee passes bill preventing…

PAGE A3 t

In California, driver’s license suspensions due to failure to appear or pay have hit minorities and the poor at a disproportionately higher rate, according to a report issued in April by a coalition of civil rights groups.

In Los Angeles County, for instance, African Americans account for 9 percent of the population but made up 32 percent of those arrested for driving with a suspended license over a two-year period ending September 2015.

SB 881 follows Hertzberg’s landmark measure, SB 405, and Gov. Jerry Brown’s related budget proposal that together es-

tablished a new traffic amnesty program on Oct. 1, 2015. The program allows people to talk to a judge if they want to before paying fines, restores driver’s licenses to those with a payment plan and reduces exorbitant fee debts by taking a person’s income into account.

In the first three months of that program, more than 58,000 Californians received amnesty fine and fee reductions and more than 40,000 requested reinstatement of their driver’s licenses, according to the California Judicial Council.

The bill is co-sponsored by the Western Center on Law & Poverty and the American Civil

Liberties Union of California.

“This is good news for hundreds of thousands of Californians who have had their family and work lives disrupted due to a suspended license simply because they were too poor,” said Michael Herald, a legislative advocate for the Western Center on Law & Poverty.

The legislation does not apply to offenses involving reckless driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

SB 881 passed the Assembly Transportation Committee last week, and it has already passed the Senate. The bill goes next to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for consideration. n

PH TOURISM DESTINATIONS ON T-SHIRTS IN RUSSIA. The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) has partnered with Russia’s largest apparel retailer, SELA, on retail fashion advertising of Philippine tourism destinations in Russia!. A t-shirt collection called “Inspired by the Philippines,” features six designs features showing Manila, Cebu, Bohol, and Siargao, and is presently being sold in 400 SELA stores in 200 cities in Russia, Kazakhstan, Kirgistan, Ukraine and Belarus, and on the SELA online shopping website.

Photo from Facebook / Department of Tourism

Filipino care home owners to pay workers $718K in back wages SAN FRANCISCO — Filipino owners of two residential care businesses will pay 32 workers more than $359,000 in back wages and an equal, additional amount in liquidated damages, for violating US fair labor laws.

US Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division investigators found Lorraine Cerezo Lim and Luzviminda Cerezo in violation of the minimum wage, overtime and recordkeeping provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Lorraine Cerezo Lim was doing business as LQC Care Home and Richlee Care Home, and Luzviminda Cerezo was doing business as White Oaks Manor, Cerezo Residential Care Home and Ross Senior Care Home.

Their residential care enterprises are located in the following addresses: 427 Richlee Drive, Campbell, California; 2064 Cherry Ave., San Jose, California; 2991 Faircliff Court, San Jose; 1573 Willow Oaks Drive, San Jose; 1680 White

Oaks Ave., Campbell; 2934 Jessie Court, San Jose.

Specifically, the employers paid most workers a flat rate per day, ranging from $75 to $103, for working at least 12 hours per day, five to six days a week. As a result, the employer violated minimum wage laws when the day rates failed to cover at least $7.25 per hour for all the hours employees worked.

The employers also failed to pay workers time and one-half their regular rates when they worked more than 40 hours in a week, as overtime laws require, and failed to record the hours actually worked by employees in violation of the FLSA’s provisions.

“Workers in the residential care industry, who work long hours taking care of our loved ones, often struggle to take care of their own families. When they are denied hard and rightfully earned wages, it’s unacceptable,” said Susana Blanco, director of

the Wage and Hour Division’s San Francisco District Office.

“The violations found here are all too common. The resolution of this case sends a strong message that we are committed to making sure that these workers take home every penny they have rightfully earned.”

The department’s Wage and Hour Division continues to find violations in the residential care field, particularly in the Bay Area. In the 2015 fiscal year, the division’s San Francisco District Office concluded more than 100 investigations of residential care facilities and nursing homes, resulting in $3 million in back wages and damages for more than 475 employees.

For more information about federal wage laws administered by the Wage and Hour Division, call the agency’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Information also is available at http:// www.dol.gov/whd. (Inquirer.net)

BIKES FOR HEALTH WORKERS. The Department of Health (DOH) – MIMAROPA (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) provided additional twenty more bicycles to Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in the provinces of Occidental Mindoro and Marinduque.

A total of 45 bicycles were already provided for BHWs in MIMAROPA to be used in their delivery of basic health services in far flung communities where transportation is limited and roads are narrow. “These are the only means of transportation that is fast and efficient which can convey our BHWs to reach distant areas timely,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated.

Photo from DOH.gov.ph

SCOTUS rules in favor of affirmative…

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denounced the decision on the grounds that the University of Texas (UT) has failed to thoroughly explain how the existing race-based policies actually promote racial diversity.

“If UT is truly seeking to expose its students to a diversity of ideas and perspectives, its policy is poorly tailored to serve that end,” the conservative-leaning justice said in his 50-page dissenting opinion.

He argued that the university’s admissions policies actually do a disservice to minority students, particularly Asian American students.

“Perhaps the majority finds discrimination against Asian American students benign, since Asian Americans are ‘overrepresented’ at UT,” Alito said in his dissent.

Alito pointed out that UT’s use of racial and ethnic labels is troubling. For example, all students of Asian descent are lumped into a single “Asian American” label, which is too broad and promotes racial generalizations, according to Alito.

“It would be ludicrous to suggest that all these students have similar backgrounds and similar ideas to share,” said Alito. “And UT makes no effort to ensure that

it has a critical mass of, say, ‘Filipino Americans’ or ‘Cambodian Americans,’” “As long as there are a sufficient number of ‘Asian Americans,’ UT is apparently satisfied.”

The Campaign for College Opportunity (CCO) hailed the ruling in a statement saying that it sends “a clear message that there is no proxy for race when it comes to ensuring a diverse student body that is essential to our nation’s economic future.”

“Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court is a message to California and all states that the consideration of race in college admissions is essential to protecting and ensuring access to higher education,” said Michele Siqueiros, president of CCO. “The ban on affirmative action in California has hurt the ability of Latinos and Blacks to find their rightful spots at our state universities and that hurts our state’s economic future.”

But not everyone is happy with the court’s ruling. A Bostonbased organization called Asian Americans Against Affirmative Action (AAAAA) denounced the ruling, calling the decision “a step backward, not a step forward toward a more just and equal society.

“Race-based [affirmative action] supporters are still indulging in social engineering and self-righteous mindset. The practice will backfire,” AAAAA wrote on their Facebook page.

The case was first brought to the Supreme Court in 2013, but it deferred the case back to the Fifth Circuit court, which they said failed to provide the necessary facts. In 2015, the Supreme Court agreed to hear another challenge to the university’s admissions policies.

Justice Elena Kagan recused herself from the 2016 case because she had been previously working on the 2013 case as solicitor general, leaving seven justices to make the rule in what is now considered a landmark case for affirmative action.

The death of Justice Antonin Scalia, a staunch opposer of affirmative action policy, was monumental in the court’s decision. Before he died in February, he said that he would have dissented, most likely resulting in a tie.

That, however, would have affirmed the lower court’s decision upholding the program; UT Austin’s race-conscious admissions process would likely have been upheld either way. (By Klarize Medenilla / AJPress)

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Belmonte: Zero chance of Rody impeachment

A

Aquino signs 4 new laws before exit by delon

PoRCalla Philstar.com

by Paolo

RomeRo and ChRistina mendez Philstar.com

MANILA—Any impeachment move against president-elect Rodrigo Duterte in the 17th Congress will have zero chance of success, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said.

Belmonte, vice chairman of the Liberal Party (LP), was trying to douse speculations over brewing impeachment efforts against Duterte, saying such talk was divisive and harmful to the nation.

“Let’s face it, the chances of that (impeachment) are zero and nobody would even think of it.

Let’s give the new president a chance to run the country without talk of impeachment or anything like that being uttered by anybody from any political party,” Belmonte told reporters.

He said he was not aware of the sources of reports on the issue.

As a witness to various impeachment processes, including those of former president Joseph Estrada in 2000, the late chief justice Renato Corona in December 2011 and former ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez earlier that year, Belmonte said he can tell conditions for such ouster moves are not present in Duterte’s case.

“Definitely I don’t see any reason whatsoever for the president to fear this, or to even include it in his thinking,” he said.

For incoming senator Panfilo Lacson, Duterte would only have to deliver on his anti-crime and corruption promise to protect himself from any impeachment move.

“He will not be impeached as long as he delivers on his campaign promise to stop crime and corruption,” Lacson told The STAR. He stressed Congress would, however, remain vigilant against possible excesses.

“Minor excesses here and there could be ignored, but if committed with impunity, Congress must provide the check and balance as it is mandated to do,” he added.

Sen. Vicente Sotto III also said he doesn’t think Duterte can be impeached.

“That’s fine,” Sotto said in re-

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 1-7, 2016

Any impeachment move against president-elect Rodrigo Duterte in the 17th Congress will have zero chance of success, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said.

action to Duterte’s declaring he is ready to face any impeachment move. “I do not think he can be or will be impeached. He is a lawyer and a former prosecutor. I think he will act within the bounds of what is allowed by law.”

Belmonte, meanwhile, described as pure intrigue reports the LP is instigating such a move so that vice president-elect Leni Robredo, who is a party official, could replace Duterte.

“That’s a big nonsense,” Belmonte said.

Duterte’s PDP-Laban is now gaining control of the House even as the LP’s ranks in the chamber are dwindling because of defections.

He urged fellow lawmakers and the people to support the incoming Duterte administration as the nation faces serious challenges that must be tackled in unity.

“We should think positively as a people. Let’s look forward to having great achievements instead of talking about negative things like impeachment,” Belmonte said.

He also expects that Duterte and Robredo will have a good working relationship, or “we’re going to be the losers.”

Respect The outgoing speaker also urged leaders of the PDP-Laban to treat the LP and other political parties with respect as the emerging dominant party tries to increase its ranks in the House of Representatives ahead of Congress opening on July 25.

Belmonte recalled that when he was elected Speaker in 2010, the party also saw its member-

ship swelling as it was forming an administration coalition. But the LP undertook its House buildup without running roughshod over other parties.

“My policy then was to have a good relationship with your allies, treat them fairly, treat them equally and give recognition to them,” Belmonte said.

“That’s how I bonded with them rather than forcing them to join the party (LP),” he said.

He made the appeal as talks for an alliance between the PDP-Laban and the LP remain in limbo over the issue of numbers.

He said Davao del Norte representative-elect Pantaleon Alvarez, who is PDP-Laban secretary general and incoming speaker, wants the LP reduced to only 20 members before being allowed to join the majority coalition.

Over 70 LP lawmakers last month signed a manifesto in support of Alvarez and the Duterte administration. The LP members’ gesture meant they intended to join the majority by forging an alliance with PDP-Laban, the emerging ruling party.

Alvarez’s condition meant that many LP lawmakers would have to swear allegiance to the PDPLaban if they wish to join the majority coalition. Otherwise, they will be part of the minority or opposition bloc.

The PDP-Laban had only three members in the House shortly after the elections. It aims to increase the number to over 100 followers. Sources said the new ruling party has so far over 80 members in its roster. Belmonte emphasized he could not allow PAGE A7

MANILA—Two days before he steps down from office, President Aquino signed four new laws, including a measure that gives P100,000 to centenarians.

The Centenarians Act of 2016 (Republic Act 10868) recognizes the centenarians’ rare gift of longevity and their contributions to the country’s communities.

The measure provides that Filipinos who reach the age of 100 years old, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, shall be honored with a Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines congratulating the celebrant for his or her longevity.

But the law “does not carry the provision about 75 percent VAT exemption which was the objectionable feature of the enrolled bill when it was first submitted to the President and vetoed in the 15th Congress,” according to Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. All Filipinos who have turned centenarian in the current fiscal year shall be awarded a plaque of recognition and a cash incentive by their respective city or municipal governments in appropriate

ceremonies.

The LGU concerned shall determine the amount of the cash incentive.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Health and the Commission of Filipinos Overseas will promulgate the necessary guidelines for the new law.

The law also declared Sept.

25 as “National Day of Respect for Centenarians” as part of the annual Family Week celebration from Sept. 19 to 28.

Aquino also signed the Nation-

al Bureau of Investigation Reorganization and Modernization Act (RA 10867) which, according to Coloma is “a SONA-enunciated initiative” and a “product of inter-agency consensus building.”

He also signed the Batanes Responsible Tourism Act (RA 10866) and the Mayor Hilarion Ramiro Sr. Medical Center Act (RA10865).

Sen. Loren Legarda hailed the enactment of the NBI Reorganization and Modernization Act and the Batanes Responsible Tourism Act. PAGE A7

OATH-TAKING. Senators-elect Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Ralph Recto took their oath of office before Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Monday, June 26. Pangilinan, who returns to the Senate after three years, was accompanied by his wife Sharon Cuneta and their children KC Concepcion, Frankie, Miel and Miguel. Recto, who will serve his second term in the Senate, was accompanied by his wife Vilma Santos-Recto and their son Ryan Christian.

A

july 1-7, 2016 • NORCAl ASIAN jOuRNAl

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

Features

OpiniOn

Due process

A FAVORABLE decision is expected soon from the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague to strengthen the Philippines’ maritime case against China over its expansive claim in the disputed water of the South China Sea. The international court is expected to rule over the decades-long conflict on July 12.

Citing peaceful resolution on the jurisdiction over the disputed waters, the Philippines has pleaded its case to the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). It is now awaiting results of the preliminary hearings over the Philippine claim. The ITLOS is an intergovernmental organization created through the directive of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea and established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), signed at Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Dec. 10, 1982.

China and the Philippines have competing claims to some parts of the South China Sea. China claims the largest swathe of the strategic water, which is believed to have significant oil and gas deposits. It has continuously rejected other nations’ claim (including Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei) on the South China Sea. China has also been busy militarizing the strategic water in the last two years through the creation of new outposts by piling sand atop reefs and atolls, and then adding buildings, ports and airstrips big enough to handle bombers and fighter jets.

Despite continuous calls from the international community to halt the construction, China remained adamant over its assertion to the South West Philippine (South China) Sea. It maintained

that its military activities are consistent with its position that the construction of artificial islands was designed to provide public service to the region by helping ships and fishermen and disaster relief efforts.

In a Note Verbale, China rejected the Notification and Statement of Claim made by the Philippines and refused to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the Arbitral Tribunal over the case. It has insisted on resolving the dispute through bilateral negotiations.

Ironically, China is a signatory of the UN charter, which is governed by the rules and principles of general international law. Under the UNCLOS, all parties have agreed to “due regard for the sovereignty of all States, a legal order for the seas and oceans which will facilitate international communication, and will promote the peaceful uses of the seas and oceans, the equitable and efficient utilization of their resources, the conservation of their living resources, and the study, protection and preservation of the marine environment.”

While the international community is waiting for the landmark ruling, the US called on both parties and other claimants of the South China Sea to exercise restraint to avoid further confrontations.

After years of tension-filled relations and regardless of an incoming court order, the Philippines

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

and China must learn to settle their differences, and let diplomacy prevail. Diplomacy is an old art.

But today’s challenges give an opening to effective means of resolving crises. It can never happen

over night, but through a pragmatic approach, the adverse effects of international conflict can be reduced. When a conflict is defused, peace and progress will ensue. (AJPress)

Supreme Court affirms the right of women to have an abortion IF there is a singular issue that makes The Fil-Am many kababayans gravitate toward the Perspective Republican Party, it’s the issue of the right of women to have an abortion—a right traditionally fought for GEl SantoS-rEloS

by Democrats and opposed by Republicans. On Monday, June 27, the Supreme Court (SC) upheld such right of women by striking down Texas’ controversial abortion restriction bill.

With a 5-3 vote, the justices of the highest court in the nation ruled that Texas lawmakers went too far by imposing unnecessary regulations that had forced most of the state’s abortion clinics to go out of business.

This vote would effectively limit the power not only of Texas, but of other states as well, to restrict or shut down abortion clinics.

This is the first major decision on

abortion by the Supreme Court, after passing the landmark decision on Roe v. Wade in 1973, which found that a state law that banned abortions except to save the life of the mother was unconstitutional.

As Balitang America reported, President Barack Obama shared on the social networking site Twitter his reaction to the SC’s decision, saying that “every woman has a constitutional right to make her own reproductive choices,” adding that he is pleased that the Supreme Court affirmed that fact.

Balitang America also reported on the

reaction of the major pro-life group—Susan B. Anthony’s List—which argues that “the abortion industry cannot be trusted to regulate itself,” and that “America should elect a pro-life President to safeguard today’s pro-life majorities in the House and Senate.”

Many conservative Kababayans share the views of Americans who believe abortion is morally wrong.

A recent Gallup Poll reveals that 47 percent of respondents think abortion is morally wrong, while 43 percent say it is morally acceptable. Nine percent contend that it depends on the situation,

while two percent expressed no opinion on the issue.

The same poll further reveals that more Democrats—62 percent—are okay with abortion morally, while only 24 percent of Republicans share that opinion.

Do you agree with the Supreme Court decision? *** 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

Aquino legacy: Turning dreams into achievements Breakthrough

ElfrEn S. Cruz THE PNoy administration’s economic legacies have been much written about even by the international media. In many world economic forums, the Philippines has been cited for its transformation from the being the “sick man of Asia” into one of the world’s rising stars with one of the highest growth rate in Asia.

The legacies that have received less media attention and less appreciated are those that have focused on providing equal opportunities for the poor and to improve the quality of life of every Filipino. These programs have included poverty alleviation and educational reform initiatives.

Perhaps, they have not been as appreciated because their impact on the life of the Filipino may be more meaningful but they are long term. This administration has not indulged in “quick fix” cosmetic programs whose effects disappear after the administration has gone.

Among the best examples of these social legacies are the K to 12 education programs; the Conditional Cash Transfer; and, the expansion of a universal health care program.

Looking back, it is difficult to believe that there was such vocal opposition to the introduction of the K to 12 program in this country. The one common path for

providing the poor with the opportunity to succeed and improve their quality of life is through education. Almost every OFW will tell you that one of their principal incentive to sacrifice and work in foreign countries is the desire to be able to afford to give their child a decent education.

According to PNoy, enhancing the quality of basic education in the Philippines is urgent and urgent “ ...for our public school children in order to give them an even chance of succeeding.” At the beginning of his administration, the Philippines was the only country in Asia with ten years of basic education. It was only one of three countries with ten years of basic education. The other two were Angola and Djibouti.

Internationally, the 12-year basic education has also become a requirement for professionals.

In the United States, the 12 years basic education is prescribed as an entry to recognition of engineering professionals. The Bologna Accord requires 12 years of basic education for university admission and practice of profession in European countries.

President Aquino and DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro had the political will to pursue the vision of a Philippine public school whose graduates would have the opportunity to be competitive on a worldwide basis. Fortunately the incoming DepEd Secretary Briones and President-elect Duterte have publicly stated that they will support the implementation of the K to 12 educational reform program.

For the record, under DepEd Secretary Luistro, 89,720 classrooms were constructed from 2010 to March 2016 with another 95,429 scheduled for con-

struction. This is coming from a shortage of 66,800 classrooms in 2010 and more than double the classrooms built from 2005 to 2009. The targeted ratio of 1:1 textbooks to students was also achieved. An additional 170,000 teachers were hired.

Brother Armin Luistro FSC may yet be named by history as the most effective Education Secretary the Philippines has had at this time in its history. One of his greatest asset was that he has dedicated his life to the mission of education. He became a La Salle Brother, a religious congregation whose single mission is education. Born in Lipa, Batangas on December 24, 1961, he entered the De La Salle Scholasticate in 1979.

He co-founded the De La Salle University-Manado in Indonesia.

In 2004 he became president of the De La Salle University System and President and Chancellor of De La Salle University ( (Manila) in 2005 until his appointment as DepEd Secretary in 2010.

The three main pillars for realizing the vision of giving the poor equal economic opportunity are education, health care and a social assistance that will help families prepare their children for a future that will allow them to break the cycle of poverty. It is this last pillar that is the aim of the Conditional Cash Transfer Program ( CCTP).

The program is better understood if called by its Filipino name – Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program ( PPPP). The English translation is Bridging Program for the Filipino Family.

The main purpose is to provide cash transfers to families living in extreme poverty in exchange for commitments in education

Outgoing Pres. Benigno Aquino III

and health care.

Poor families are selected by the DSWD from the poorest municipalities. The program offers a monthly cash subsidy per child.

In return, the family must agree to certain conditions. Among them are: “Pregnant women must avail of pre and post natal care; parents must attend family development sessions; children 3-5 years must attend day care or preschool classes at least 85 percent of the time; children up to 5 years old must receive regular preventive health check ups and vaccines; 6-14 years old children must enrol in elementary or high school and must attend at least 85 percent of the time; and 6-14 years children must receive de worming pills twice a year.

This type of social assistance originated in Mexico and Bra-

zil. It has now been launched in many developing countries. But the World Bank has said: “ the poor and the vulnerable in the Philippines benefit from what is today one of the largest and best-targeted social safety net programs in the world.” The PPPP success is also a tribute to the energy and leadership of the DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky Soliman.”

Other achievements of the PNoy administration are the dramatic improvements in weather forecasting, hazard mapping and information dissemination through PAGASA’s modernization and Department of Science’s Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment Hazards) which has saved thousands of lives through effective communication of early warnings during emergencies.

One time our Philippine weather bureau had a more accurate weather forecast than CNN which was using international weather forecast agencies.

President Noynoy Aquino will leave legacies in the area of economic development, education, health care, poverty alleviation foreign policy, climate change, national defense, and many other areas. But the one intangible Aquino legacy which history will recognize was expressed by PNoy himself when he said: “ I would like to think I was part of that movement that changed people’s attitude from one of cynicism and defeat to one of perhaps, unbounded optimism – that the Filipino is really capable and special and we can achieve all our dreams.” (ManilaTimes.net)

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 1-7, 2016

A

Duterte seeks balance between Comelec rift widens; Bautista belies charges US and China, experts say

by Sheila

CriSoStomo Philstar.com

by Charmaine

DeograCiaS

Philstar.com

INCOMING Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is not expected to swing to China’s side opposite of the United States but will instead place the country in between the two big powers, foreign policy and defense experts said in an Asia Pacific Foreign Policy and Defense Seminar at the East West Center last week.

Dr. Evelyn Goh, Shedden professor of Strategic Policy Studies, Australian National University said,“The Philippines right now is very much on the side of the US but it will come back closer to the midpoint. It doesn’t mean Duterte is going to move the Philippines from the US’s to China’s side. It will just bring the Philippines back to where it was kind of before, more along the mainstream where some Southeast Asian countries have thrived to keep the relations close to both US and China.”

Goh believes that the positioning by Duterte will make China back off a little and lower the tension in Philippine-China relations.

She said the commonly expressed regional concern had been “how the Philippines has stuck its neck quite far from the regional mainstream to the extent of endangering everyone else.”

During his campaign for the presidency, Duterte said he would engage in bilateral talks with China, a departure from the pro-US policy undertaken by his predecessor President Benigno Aquino III,, that the Philippines will only negotiate with China on the conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea with other claim-

In this photo released by the Office of the City Mayor of Davao City, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, right, receives a copy of the book on Chinese President Xi Jinping from Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua during a courtesy call in Davao City in the southern Philippines, Monday, May 16, 2016.

Photo from the Office of the City Mayor Davao City

ants namely Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan.

Duterte has also said he will set aside the issue of sovereignty over the disputed islands if China would build trains around the country.

The Philippines has filed a case against China over maritime claims in the South China Sea before the United National Arbitral Court. A decision is expected in the first week of July.

On the other hand, Duterte slammed US Ambassador Philip Goldberg for agreeing with the Australian ambassador who expressed dismay over the vulgar remarks of the Davao City mayor about an Australian missionary who was raped and killed by prisoners in a Davao jail.

Dr. Evan Medeiros, managing director for Asia, Eurasia Group, said that the US would not see a better Philippine-China relationship “in a zero-sum framework.”

GIANT MURAL. Tourists often visit the town of La Trinidad in Benguet to see the strawberry and flower farms and buy fresh vegetables. But now, there is another reason to make the trip from Baguio City. The STOBOSA Hillside Homes Artwork was unveiled. It is the first and largest community artwork in the Philippines. The project is a component of the Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region’s Rev-Bloom (Rev-Up, Revive, Revisit, Revitalize) Urban Redevelopment Tourism project supported by Davies Paints. STOBOSA stands for Stonehill, Botiwtiw and Sadjap—the three sitios on which the artwork now stands.

Belmonte: Zero chance...

PAGE A5

the LP to be reduced to a small group.

Other parties like the Nacionalista Party (NP), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), the National Unity Party (NUP) and Lakas-CMD and the Party-List Coalition have already forged alliances with PDP-Laban.

The pacts meant the PDP-Laban couldn’t raid the allied parties’ ranks to increase its membership as it is doing now to the LP. Alvarez has reportedly asked allied parties to stop raiding the LP for members to allow it to achieve its target membership.

Impact in first 100 days Lacson, meanwhile, expressed belief Duterte can really make a dent on criminality – particularly drug-related offenses – in his first 100 days in office.

In a statement, Lacson cited

significant strides made by law enforcers, particularly against the illegal drug trade, with suspected drug users and pushers turning themselves in to police weeks before Duterte formally assumed office.

“Even before president-elect Duterte formally assumes the presidency, we have seen how suspected drug users and pushers turned themselves in to police in past weeks out of fear,” said Lacson, former chief of the Philippine National Police during the Estrada administration.

“Never in the history of criminality in the Philippines have we seen drug users, pushers and the like surrender in this manner,” he added.

Lacson also expressed hope the incoming administration would be able to maintain such momentum and arrest or eliminate more pushers starting July 1. g

Aquino signs 4 new laws...

PAGE A5 Legarda is a co-author of RA 10867, which mandates the modernization of the NBI through acquisition of state-of-the-art intelligence and forensic equipment, and maintaining an elite and competent personnel through the provision of competitive compensation packages, including training, insurance benefits and scholarship grants for NBI agents and employees.

“Amid increasing demands upon the NBI in the investigation of high profile and complex cases such as human trafficking, cyber pornography, drug cartels and rice smuggling, among many others, we really need to modernize and reorganize the agency,” she said.

Legarda also sponsored RA 10866, which seeks to promote

and protect Batanes’ natural and cultural heritage.

RA 10866 declares the province of Batanes as a responsible, community-based, ecotourism zone and shall be accorded priority development by the national government in promoting and protecting the integrity of its ecology and environment, the richness of its natural and cultural heritage, and the resilience of its indigenous social institutions and its people.

However, 20 bills are still waiting for Aquino’s signature.

Among the pending bills are measures for the creation of national high schools and medical centers, renewing franchises of broadcasting companies and requiring students to undergo age-appropriate basic life support training. g

Zero-sum is a situation in game theory in which one person’s gain is equivalent to another’s loss, so the net change in wealth or benefit is zero.

He said, the more tensions are reduced in the region, the more flexibility the Philippines or the United States has, the more space there is in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), within the ASEAN Regional Forum or the East Asia Summit (EAS) to work on other issues.

“I would be encouraging Duterte to find a way to strike the right balance among these multiple and competing interests but not in a way that would cost him to compromise what he believes are Philippine security interests,” Medeiros said. g

MANILA—The trip to Japan of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista may have been unauthorized and should be investigated, one of the poll body’s commissioners said.

In an interview over the weekend, Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said she has asked the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to investigate how Bautista was able to leave for Japan last week without travel authority from the Comelec.

Guanzon said civil servants traveling overseas are required to present a travel authority to BID personnel at the airport. “I have been wondering how the chairman was able to leave the country.

“I think this should be investigated. In case he used his personal passport, still the immigration should have not allowed him to leave if he did not have a travel authority,” she pointed out.

Last Thursday, Bautista took his “privilege leave” to accompany his son to Tokyo from June 23 to 26.

In a June 21 memorandum, Bautista assured acting Commission secretary Consuelo Diola that his was “a personal trip that will entail no cost to the commission.”

According to Guanzon, Commissioner Christian Robert Lim – being the most senior commissioner – used to sign Bautista’s travel authority but he sought to be relieved of this task in May. With such responsibility no longer Lim’s, all commissioners should be signing Bautista’s travel authority as was the practice during the term of former Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr., Guanzon said.

In an interview over the weekend, Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said she has asked the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to investigate how Bautista was able to leave for Japan last week without travel authority from the Comelec.

She also accused Bautista of leaving without appointing any acting chairman. “So what’s the implication of that? No one is signing important transactions like the salary.”

Not true For his part, Bautista belied Guanzon’s accusation in text messages from Japan.

“I have travel authority issued pursuant to Executive Orders (EOs) 459 and 477. (The) Commission on Audit chair and the ombudsman, as head of agency, also issue their own travel authorities,” he said.

The poll chief took note of this in his Jan. 21 memorandum to Diola.

The memorandum read: “I, as head of agency, will be issuing my travel authority pursuant to Sec. 3 of EO No. 447 series of 1991 which, among others, states that ‘the members, officials and employees of aforementioned con-

stitutional bodies shall henceforth submit their requests for permission to travel abroad to the heads of the commissions/office concerned.’”

The same memorandum said “this authority is further confirmed

by Section 2 of Executive Order No. 459 series of 2005 which states ‘all other government officials and employees seeking authority to travel abroad shall seek approval from their respective heads of agency.’”

Bautista also denied that there was no acting Comelec chairman while he was in Japan. “I referred to existing memos so senior commissioner is acting chair in my absence.”

He added, “for matters that demand immediate and urgent action, relevant commission resolutions authorize certain officials to sign for and on behalf of the commission.” (With Evelyn Macairan)

A

july 1-7, 2016 • NORCAl ASIAN jOuRNAl

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COMMUNITY

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

Your Immigration Solution GreGory J. Boult and nancy Miller THE popularity of the H-1B visa has reached historic levels with approximately three petitions being filed for the 2017 fiscal year for every available visa.

The result has been the implementation of a lottery system

by USCIS which is designed to randomly select which petitions will be processed and which will be summarily rejected. For many professionals, the H-1B visa serves as a viable means to live and work in the United States. And for those fortunate enough to secure an H-1B visa, its corresponding status often leads to lawful permanent residence if the petitioning employer files an immigrant visa petition on behalf of its H-1B employee.

However, with the dramatic rise in the number of H-1B petitions being filed each year, and the fact that the majority of these petitions will be rejected due to the immovable H-1B Cap, other avenues of pursuing status in the United States must be explored by employers and employees alike. Fortunately, for many of those individuals who are unable to pursue or secure H-1B status, options may still remain.

Two potential alternatives to H-1B status are E-1 and E-2 visas. Controlled by treaties of commerce between the United States and select foreign governments, individuals from certain countries can apply for nonimmigrant visas which permit them to live and work in the United States. Individuals can apply for an E-1 visa if their company is engaged in ‘substantial trade’ with the United States. Substantial trade is defined as at least 50% of all international trade. Alternatively, E-2 visas can be sought by individuals who actively invest in an ongoing business concern in the United States. The specific facts of each case dictate what is reasonable and necessary but

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 1-7, 2016

CJ

Journal Confronting the cap — alternatives to H-1B status

larger investments are typically deemed more viable. While E1 and E-2 visas are available to individual traders and investors, these visas are equally available to employees of a qualifying trading or investing business entity as well.

For some, an L visa serves as an excellent alternative to H-1B status. L visas may be available to certain individuals employed abroad who will relocate to the United States to work for a branch, affiliate, subsidiary, or the parent organization of their overseas employer. In order to qualify, the petitioned employee must relocate to the United States in the capacity of an executive or manger (L-1A), or an individual with specialized knowledge (L-1B).

Another alternative to H-1B status is specifically available to citizens of Canada and Mexico – the TN visa. The TN visa is very similar to an H-1B visa, yet it is distinguishable in two significant ways. First, it is the product of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Therefore, it is only available to citizens of Canada and Mexico. Second, while being available to professionals – just like the H-1B visa – the TN visa category more broadly defines who is a professional and thus is more inclusive than the H-1B category. As a result, some individuals who would not be deemed qualified for H-1B status could qualify for a TN visa.

While E, L, and TN visas can serve as a suitable alternative to H-1B status, none of these statuses lead directly to lawful permanent residence. However, an individual can pursue an immigrant visa through an employment-based immigrant visa petition filed by a current or prospective employer. While more appealing to many than nonimmigrant status, the process of securing an employment-based immigrant visa can take years.

The exact amount of time an

individual must wait to obtain an immigrant visa through an employer is directly related to the proposed position of employment, and the education and relevant work experience of the employee. While the long waiting periods to secure an employment-based immigrant visa often render this option unappealing or impractical, not all individuals are subject to a protracted wait. As such, for some, pursuing an immigrant visa can prove an inviting alternative to H-1B status.

With the odds being stacked against anyone seeking H-1B status in the United States, alternative options should be thoroughly explored by those seriously seeking to live and work in the United States. While everyone’s circumstances are unique, H-1B status may not be the only option available. In fact, in some instances, it may not be the best option for either the petitioning employer or the petitioned, prospective employee. Examining all options prior to filing an H-1B petition is therefore in the best interests of the petitioning employer and the prospective employee – not just to ensure a proper fit between intent and form, but also to ensure that a viable alternative can be planned should the petitioning employer learn that its H-1B filing has been rejected due to the now notorious H-1B Cap. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila. For more Information please call (800) 795-8009 or visit www.rreeves.com.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

by Kristyn

niKa M. ManilaTimes.net

Lazo

THE Philippine logistics sector tumbled 14 spots from 57th to 71st in the World Bank’s bi-annual Logistics Performance Index (LPI) due to the impact of the Manila truck ban that affected the country’s transportation of goods and services last year, the chief of the National Competitiveness Council said.

According to WB’s 2016 LPI data, the Philippines scored 2.86

points in logistics performance — out of a possible score of 5 points — ranking the country 71st out of 160 economies studied.

In the previous LPI in 2014, the Philippines stood at 57th place with a score of 3.0.

WB’s bi-annual LPI data ranks an economy’s logistics performance based on six indicators, including the customs department, infrastructure, quality of services, international shipments, tracking and tracing, and timeliness of shipments.

According to the performance scores, the economies are classified in five “quintiles”: Top quintile or “logistics friendly” economies with scores of 4.25 points to 3.50 points; second quintile or “consistent performers” with scores between 3.50 points and 3 points; third and fourth quintiles or “partial performers” scoring between 3 points to 2.50 points; and the bottom quintile or “logistics unfriendly” economies with scores 2 points and below.

u PAGE CJ2

Retail spending seen to hike share in GDP by richMond

s. Mercurio

Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippine retail industry is poised to expand and account for more than a fifth of the country’s total economic output this year as Filipino consumer spending remains on the rise, a retail industry executive said.

Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) president Lorenzo Formoso said the local retail sector is expected to increase its share to the country’s Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) president Lorenzo Formoso said the local retail gross domestic product (GDP) by ansector is expected to increase its share to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) other five percent to at least 23 perby another five percent to at least 23 percent this year after growing to 18 percent cent this year after growing to 18 perlast year.

u PAGE CJ2

CJ

JULY 1-7, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

The CTV Files Atty. Dennis ChuA, esq.

INDIVIDUALS may be put in removal (deportation) proceedings for a number of reasons.

Some of them may have been put in removal proceedings for committing certain crimes. Others are in removal proceedings because they may have filed applications with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and have had their applications denied by the USCIS. Once in removal proceedings, the Immigration Judge will ask these individuals if they have any form of relief which would allow them to continue staying in the United States.

Some of these individuals may have married their US citizen spouses while in removal proceedings. By marrying their US citizen spouses, these individuals may now have obtained a form of relief for them to stay in the United States. An immigrant petition can be filed with the USCIS even though these individuals are in removal proceedings. Since

Community Journal

Marriage while in removal proceedings these individuals are now in removal proceedings, they could no longer file an adjustment application concurrently with the immigrant petition. Once an individual is put in removal proceeding, the immigration court retains jurisdiction to adjudicate the adjustment application. They would have to wait for the immigrant petition to be approved by the USCIS before they could proceed with the adjustment application in court.

Once the immigrant petition is filed, the USCIS will schedule an interview date for the parties to be interviewed regarding the bona fides of the relationship.

Since the parties were married while in removal proceedings, the USCIS will conduct a more heightened scrutiny of the parties’ marriage. More often than not, the parties will be separated when the interview is conducted.

The USCIS will be interviewing each spouse separately and then compare if their answers match.

Such interviews may take as long as four hours.

After the immigrant petition

is approved, the individual may either file the corresponding adjustment application in court or request that the case be administratively closed by the immigration judge to allow the individual to file the adjustment application with the USCIS. Since each case is different, there are instances where marrying your US citizen spouse will not make you eligible to file for an adjustment application in Court. However, some other forms of relief or defense may be available to an individual in removal proceedings. *** Atty. Dennis E. Chua is a partner in The Law Firm of Chua Tinsay and Vega (CTV), a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego and Manila. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship.

Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (415) 495-8088; (619) 955-6277; Dchua@ ctvattys.com. The CTV Attorneys will be at Max’s Restaurant in Vallejo on October 19, 2009 from 5pm to 7pm to hold a FREE legal clinic.

(Advertising Supplement)

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

Prioritize or perish

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette ADevA MAglAyA THE demands on the new immigrant will be overwhelming.

Whether you are a nurse, an engineer, a teacher, a salesperson or a worker in any profession in any capacity for that matter, as long as you are thrust into a totally new and strange environment, there will be times when you might be tempted to think and feel that you are less than equal to the task, particularly in the beginning years.

One of the things that will take a back seat will be the time, energy and attention he will give to his own health. Trying to make sense of his new social climate, straddling two cultures with different values and ways of doing things, the load can be a bit too much at times. Caring for oneself can easily be put in the back burner particularly for those who are still young. The human body is remarkably resilient but try not to cross its limits.

The immigrant, if he is to enjoy true success for a long time must put his physical well-being on top of his priorities. He must acquire the discipline and chutzpah to do most, if not all of the important things, that will help him live a full and rewarding immigrant life.

Time is equated with the value of money. Americans have found that to get the most out of time, one can have several “pots simmering all at the same time.”

Multitasking is expected both at work and at home to maximize

“Get your priorities straight.

No one ever said on his deathbed, “Gee, if only I’d spent more time at the office.”

— H. Jackson Brown, Jr. results and to cover as much ground as possible in the shortest possible time to be able to save enough time to allow us to do other things—purportedly to get more out of life. Thus, you do the laundry while you pay the bills while something simmers in the stove or is broiling in the oven. And even with modern conveniences, the most common excuse we use in not being able to take care of our health is that we simply do not have the time, the energy, or the motivation.

Which gives rise to the question: What happened to all that time we saved by multitasking?

If you are turning night into day by taking on part time jobs apart from your full time occupation to make more money, it stands to reason that you will neither have the time nor the energy to take care of your health.

Those who attempt to do the extraordinary by taking on double jobs in 16 hour stretches in the beginning years, day in and day out, will be able to jumpstart and achieve their financial goals faster than most. You may be able to acquire real estate properties easier than the average American. And while it is not apparent in the beginning, the trade-off for having more money in exchange for a bigger chunk of our time can come at a very steep price.

More money will come at the expense of sleep, well-being and in many cases, the welfare of his own family. The question that must be answered by those who choose a harried lifestyle is this: Is it all worth it? At one point, the younger, more energetic, ambitious immigrant will equate work with his sense of self worth.

The truth — lest we forget — is this. Work, while an important part of life, is not the total essence of life itself. The key, as the fortunate few have discovered early enough, is to find work that gives inner joy in a state of grace where doing and being have become inseparable.

When that happens, work ceases to be work but becomes a joyful part of life itself, along with all the elements that make life worth living. As in all things essential, balance is the key. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. Read her book, “The Complete Success Guide for the Immigrant Life: How to Survive, How to Thrive, How to be Fully Alive.” She also edited its companion book of quotations. Your local public library might have these books available or you can request your librarian to purchase copies. These are also available at amazon. com or immigrantsuccess.com Past articles are on the internet at www.asianjournal.com To ask questions, send feedback and requests, e-mail monettemaglaya@sbcglobal.net or monette@asianjournal.com

Business News

‘Brexit impact on PH not substantial’

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

on solid footing given its strong macroeconomic fundamentals,” said outgoing Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Emmanuel THE National Economic Esguerra. and Development AuthorNEDA noted that the UK econity (NEDA) on Tuesday, June omy accounts for 2.4 percent of 28, said the Brexit will have world gross domestic product in minimal direct effect on the purchasing power parity terms Philippine economy, but that in 2015, and direct Philippine the country would have to be exposure to the UK economy is watchful for indirect effects minimal. coming from the impact on the Merchandise exports and imEuropean Union (EU) and the ports between the UK and the wider global economy.

Philippines is small, accountIn a statement, NEDA downing for only 0.9 percent and 0.5 played the impact on the Philippercent of the total from 2010 to pines of the exit of the United 2015, respectively.

Kingdom (UK) from the EU, cit“However, the indirect effects ing the country’s strong macro- NEDA Director General Emmanuel F. Esguerra via its impact on the EU bloc economic fundamentals.

“The direct effect of Brexit tility and huge swings in capital and the knock-on effects on the does not seem substantial, even flows in the short term due to un- rest of the global economy bear as we expect that domestic finan- certainty. Despite this knee-jerk watching. Diversification of excial markets will experience vola- reaction, the economy stands u PAGE CJ3

PH banks urged: Seize benefits of AEC

positive things in integration,” said Angelica Reyes, senior vice president at Metropolitan Bank LOCAL lenders must seize the and Trust Co. (Metrobank).

Reyes, one of the reactors durbenefits of a more competitive and integrated regional bank- ing The Manila Times 4th Busiing industry under the Asean ness Forum held at the Marriott Economic Community (AEC) by Hotel in Pasay City on Wednescapitalizing on their strengths, day, June 22, agreed with ADB a private bank official said in re- principal economist Thiam Hee sponse to an Asian Development Ng’s point that the Asean inteBank (ADB) presentation at the gration opens opportunities for recent Manila Times business local banks in the Philippines, as well as regional banks. To realize forum.

“We have to look beyond what the vision of One Asean Commuis happening now and [see] the nity, qualified banks will be used

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

as vehicles for maximizing the vast trade and investment potential of the region.

Reyes said that for Philippine banks, one of the positive benefits of the integration is that it will widen the market of bank customers.

“It is a source of growth for our traditional customers because they can actually benefit as well by widening the scope of their businesses,” she said.

With the Philippines said to be entering its demographic sweet

u PAGE CJ3

PH drops 14 places in World…

PAGE CJ1 t

Based on the 2016 logistics index, the Philippines is a “partial performer.”

Guillermo Luz, co-chairman of the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), said there is “no surprise” in the downgrade of the country’s logistics sector due to the effects of the Manila truck ban in 2015 in which the flow of goods and services were affected, also taking a toll on businesses’ cost effectiveness.

“In the two years, what really hurt, what we saw in the trading across borders indicator last year, was when there was the truck ban installed that triggered all the Manila port congestion.

And once that got started, it took so long to fix the backlog, only by the decision of one LGU [lo-

cal government unit which is Manila] and that hurt,” Luz said.

“So in a way, we shouldn’t be surprised [with the downgrade],” he added.

The 160 economies studied were classified into five groups in the WB survey: the top 10 LPI economies, the bottom 10 LPI economies, the lower-middleincome economies, the uppermiddle-income economies, and the low-income economies.

The Philippines is the seventh top logistics performer in the lower-middle-income category, which was led by India (35th, 3.42 points), Kenya (42nd, 3.33 points), Egypt (49th, 3.18 points), Indonesia (63rd, 2.98 points), and Vietnam (64th, 2.98 points).

Germany remains the leader

in the world’s logistics sector, maintaining its 1st place and improving its score to 4.23 points from 4.12 points in 2014.

Aside from Germany, the rest of the top economies in terms of logistics are Luxembourg (4.22 points), Sweden (4.20 points), Netherlands (4.19 points), and Singapore (4.14 points).

WB’s 2016 LPI data—now the fifth edition—retains the methodology and indicators of the 2014 LPI. The Philippines is expecting to earn higher spot in the next LPI rankings in 2018 as the next administration pushes to improve the country’s logistics sector and infrastructure, which are included in the 10-point economic agenda of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, Luz said. n

Retail spending seen to hike share in…

PAGE CJ1 t

cent last year.

“Data by the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that retail trade contributed 18 percent to the national output in 2015, a significant increase of five percent from the year 2014. With the 6.9 percent GDP growth in the first quarter of the year, we can expect a brighter future ahead with the rising retail sales growth to be buoyed by the strong private consumption and election spending,” he said.

“So this year we hope we will have the same pace of growth, at least. So from 18 percent

(contribution to GDP in 2015) hopefully we get to the levels of 23 to 24 percent this year,” he added.

Last year, the PRA said the retail industry got a big lift from major economic and tourism events such as country’s hosting of the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting, the Asia Pacific Retailers Convention and Exhibition and the Philippine Shopping Festival.

Major local retail players such as the SM Group of the Sy family, Lucio Co’s Puregold, Robinsons Retail of the Gokongwei Group, and Metro Gaisano have also

continued with their expansion nationwide.

According to Formoso, the influx of more foreign retail players in the country has likewise been providing a huge boost to the industry.

“The retail scene in the Philippines continues to be dynamically expanding and growing. Since the year 2000, we have opened up the retail sector to foreign investors. Now we see a growing number of foreign brands coming to the country. This creates a dynamic and healthy competition among our homegrown local brands,” he said. n

Community Journal

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

Immigration law can be complex, and subject to several possible interpretations concerning Atty. MichAel eligibility. If a visa refusal was Gurfinkel, eSQ based on an incorrect application ORDINARILY, there is no ap- or interpretation of immigration peal process for visa refusals. law, the State Department has Under the doctrine of “consular the ability to clarify the legal issue non- reviewability”, a person with the Embassy, possibly clearcannot even sue or appeal their ing the way for visa issuance. visa refusals in US federal courts.

Not all visa refusals involve The US Supreme Court ruled last legal issues. For example, deciyear that the Embassy is not even sions made by a consular officer required to provide a “detailed about a person’s eligibility for a explanation” of the reason for visitor visa is NOT a legal issue; the visa refusal. it is a factual determination, and So what can a person do not subject to review by the State if their visa was refused, and Department. they believe the consul’s deciHowever, interpretation and a sion was wrong? There could child’s eligibility under the Child be hope. It is possible, in some Status Protection Act (CSPA), or limited situations, to “appeal” other types of situations, could a visa refusal to the US State involve “legal questions”, and if Department in Washington DC. a child’s visa is refused because The limited situations deal with a consul determined the child is whether the consul’s “interpre- not CSPA eligible, the case could tation or application of immigra- be “appealed” to Washington’s tion law” was correct. The State DC if the refusal involves legal Department will only entertain issues or legal interpretations of requests for reconsideration in- the law. volving legal issues, not factual Again, most visa refusals are determinations. final, and cannot be appealed,

especially if based on factual determinations. However, if you, or someone you know, had their visa refused, and it involved a legal issue, you may want to seek the advice of an attorney, who can evaluate if your case can be submitted to Washington DC for reconsideration. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

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

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

DUE to the wonderful reception and hundreds of positive feedback on the first ever live telecast of “Citizen Pinoy” last June 5, 2016, your favorite immigration program will go live once more on July 17, Sunday, on TFC. Many of you shared similar reactions and feedback: “This is a blessing. Please continue doing this.” – Teodocia M. “Looking forward to another live show. Very informative.” – Gag

M. “Wow, this is exciting! Love you!” – Suzanne M. Host and leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, revealed that “It was really rewarding to be able to answer viewers’ questions live! The instant feedback from viewers is the ultimate interactive show. And the time flew by. I hope viewers enjoyed TFC’s first live show as much as I did.”

This early, viewers are already encouraged to send in their ques-

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 and 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 Sunday, July 17 at 6:15 pm (EST/PST) on TFC.

(Advertising Supplement)

‘Immigration 101’ happens live on ‘Citizen Pinoy’ this July 17! tions via Facebook at www.facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw. Once more, Atty. Gurfinkel invites everyone to join in with this message – “We hope the audience will find this more exciting, as the whole purpose is to provide not only the best public service, but a more interactive one.”

Save the date, and be sure to catch us when “Citizen Pinoy” goes live on July 17, Sunday at 6:15 PM (Eastern/Pacific) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Silicon Valley Community Foundation searchable grants catalog shows ‘where the giving goes’

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Silicon Valley Community Foundation has created a searchable catalog of all the grants made to nonprofit organizations in 2015 from its donor advised funds and discretionary grantmaking programs, SVCF executives announced on June 10.

SVCF makes grants to nonprofit organizations that are large and small, old and new, local, regional, national and international. Earlier this year, SVCF reported it had distributed more than $800 million in grants from all types of funds held at SVCF – from donor advised funds and corporate advised funds to supporting organizations and discretionary funds directed by SVCF staff and approved by the board of directors. That level of giving is unprecedented among comtransit, but this role soon evolved munity foundations and exceeds to include the complete conduct the giving of all but a small handof trade and business both inside ful of the largest private foundaand outside the country. tions in the United States.

With recent developments, SVCF is frequently asked, SBMA said Subic Bay Freeport “Where do all those grants go?” has emerged as the main logistics Because the organization places hub for business and industries in Northern and Central Luzon.

“We’ve consistently provided cost-effective logistics for foreign and local industries in Central and Northern Luzon. That is THE Santiago City (Formerly: necessary for the country’s com- Santiago, Isabela) Association, petitiveness so that we can at- USA (SCAUSA)-Northern Calitract more foreign direct invest- fornia Chapter is cordially invitments and propel the Philippines ing All Santiaguenos to come and SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia towards continued growth. More join us on our Annual Reunion medium and large industries than that, we want to provide the and Picnic (Potluck) on July 23, through seamless logistics so- necessary support to all compalutions. These are the same so- nies in the Philippines that need lutions available now in Subic access to the rest of the world,” and we expect more and more Garcia said.

Located in Olongapo, Zamcompanies to come here to take advantage of what we can offer bales, the Subic Bay Freeport is the largest in the country and is them,” he said.

According to SBMA, freeports supported by the Subic Bay Interwere originally intended only to national Terminal Corp. (SBITC), provide space to store goods in u PAGE CJ4

Business News

Subic now most advanced logistics hub in PH S. meRcuRio

Philstar.com

MANILA — The Subic Bay Freeport Zone is ready to accommodate rising demand in local and international trade with recent facility upgrades and enhanced logistics solutions, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said.

SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia said Subic’s facilities now stand as the most advanced of its type in the country.

Garcia said the freeport’s available services likewise give locators in Asia and around the world the perfect venue for exports and imports while offering dealers, institutions, and companies a stable and secure location to store and trade products.

“Some of the best-known and biggest freeports like those located in Geneva, Singapore and Luxembourg have effectively attracted investments from small,

tributed from those funds.

“By exploring this catalog, those in nonprofit organizations, government, academia and media, among others, will be able to see the thousands of specific nonprofit organizations and causes in Silicon Valley and beyond whose important work is supported, in part, through the incredible generosity of SVCF’s donors,” said Emmett D. Carson, CEO and president of Silicon Valley Community Foundation.

The data provided in the searchable catalog represents approximately $479.7 million in grants made by Silicon Valley Community Foundation in 2015 from donor advised funds and committee advised funds, as well as from SVCF’s strategic grantmaking programs. The data does not include approximately $341 million in grants from SVCF supporting organizations, employee matching gift funds and a variety of other fund types. Grant amounts shown as negative numbers represent adjustments to prior years’ grants. n

@ (408) 505-0361; Celia @ (408) 799-4947; Chato @ (954) 2924928; Dolly @ (408) 439-7095; Carol @ (831) 456-5221. Come and reminisce, renew old acquaintances and meet again your classmates and old neighbors. n

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 9

FEU Sword Fraternity

nies here, they will need the services of a local bank that has the footprint, the network, and the local expertise to comply with the regulations.

To realize these gains, Reyes said banks in the Philippines have to be focused on what they compete in.

“We have to work on capitalizing on our own strengths,” she said, while also adding that local banks really have to work on improving their processes and technology.

“How can we compete if we do not scale up because of our lim-

ited technology?” she asked.

Reyes said Philippine banks are behind on technology as an industry and that is something that should be revisited.

She also said Philippine banks should learn more about their neighbors in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

“We need to know about their credit [portfolios] if we want to expand and diversify our portfolios into other markets in Asean.

We have to have the capability of learning about their credits and their culture,” she concluded. n

‘Brexit impact on PH not substantial’ port markets and products, increasing competitiveness, and strengthening domestic demand would therefore be important,” Esguerra, who is also the NEDA director general, said.

In terms of external debt, the agency said borrowings from EU countries, primarily the UK,

2016, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm at Cardoza Park, 1358 Kennedy Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035.

Registration starts at 10 am.

For more information, please contact: Alice @ (510) 305-6504; Pabs @ (415) 225-3545; Vingin

Calendar of Events across

PAGE CJ2 t

spot, the Filipino workforce will have more job opportunities moving forward which, in turn, is good for banks because they can ramp up their consumer lending and source growth not just from corporate lending, the Metrobank executive added.

Banks can also create growth by expanding their credit portfolio to sectors that they do not tap traditionally like the micro, small and medium enterprises, she stressed.

“In a situation where the markets are wider and these types of companies are forced to actually compete and be strong, banks can have more opportunities in lending to these types of institutions,” she said.

Reyes further said the integration can also open opportunities to foreign and local banks to forge partnerships to serve multinationals that may expand their businesses here in the Philippines.

“We are expecting the entry of foreign multinationals and we are prepared to serve those.

There is room for partnerships,” she said.

The bank executive explained that when a foreign bank brings in a corporate customer to set up a subsidiary or buy into compa-

importance on transparency, integrity, responsiveness and public accountability, it for many years has included a list of grantees on its website. Historically, this was a static, alphabetical list of all the nonprofits that had received grants from a donor advised fund or from one of SVCF’s strategic grantmaking programs.

But in listing the 2015 data, SVCF has for the first time compiled a “Where the Giving Goes” tool, a searchable catalog of the thousands of nonprofit organizations to which it awarded grants.

There continues to be discussion locally and nationally about whether people who contribute money to donor advised funds and other charitable vehicles actively put their philanthropic dollars to work to tackle societal problems and support charitable causes. By exploring the catalog of SVCF’s 2015 giving, SVCF leaders hope people will be struck by the wide variety of causes supported by SVCF’s donor advised funds, as well as the impressive volume of grants dis-

Santiago City Association, USA (Northern California Chapter) annual reunion and picnic

PH banks urged: Seize benefits of…

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Appealing a visa denial

Immigration Corner

by Richmond

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 1-7, 2016

France, and Germany amounted to $6.8 billion, which made up only 8.8 percent of the country’s total external debt.

The country’s debt stock remains largely denominated in US dollars (63.0 percent) and Japanese yen (12.4 percent).

“As such, the depreciation of the euro and UK pound is not ex-

pected to have significant positive effects on debt service,” said Esguerra.

In terms of investments, NEDA said net equity placements from the UK accounted for 4.9 percent, on average, from 2010-2015. But he also said it was worth noting the jump to a 20.2-percent share in 2015. n

Alumni International Assn. also known as SANDUGO with a Facebook page of “feusfi (Abroad) is holding their 30th Anniversary of its founding. Its members are graduates of the FEU ROTC/WATC Advance course in Manila. Phil. . This group is based in Los Angeles, CA. The celebration/Reunion will be attended by other Frat Members from the Philippines, other States of the US, Canada, Australia and Tokyo. It will be held in the residence of one of the Founders at 1341 Montezuma Way, West Covina, CA, 91791 on July 9, 2016 starting at 1600H. After the 9th, Tour of Los Angeles, trip to San Diego and Las Vegas are being arranged. We are enjoining Frat members who are “Abroad” that we have no (or have changed) contact info to please get in touch to “reconnect”, or at least let us know you are still OK and/or update your data. Contact person and for more information - Frat Cmdr Romy Calderon 626 826 2745, e-mail “feusfi@gmail.com” and Brod Ted Bautista, Tel no.626 392 5024, e-mail -”samba1341@gmail.com”

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.

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

CJ

JULY 1-7, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

PeoPle & events

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

HHS awards $24,127,657 to health centers in California to expand oral health services

Supervisor Tissier speaks at Elder Abuse Awareness Day vigil

San Mateo County marks 10th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

COUNTY of San Mateo leaders marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, by urging the public to help them shine a light on the growing problem of physical and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults that crosses all socio-economic barriers and often occurs quietly.

“If you see something, say something,” District Five Supervisor Adrienne Tissier said to a purple-clad audience at the County Center vigil.

Purple is the color designated for elder abuse awareness by the International Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.

Tissier shared a sentiment echoed by several at the event — that elder abuse in all its forms is everyone’s business and the solution is public awareness and a collaboration of several entities including law enforcement, health and social services.

“This crime is one of the most underreported crimes that can exist,” District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.

For every reported case of elder abuse, studies show another 24 go unreported. Last year alone, San Mateo County fielded 1,384 elder abuse reports and to date has 1,424 calls of reported abuse, said Lisa Mancini, director of San

Mateo County Health System Aging and Adult Services.

The numbers are a 12 percent increase from last year, Mancini said.

“So we know we have so much work to do,” she said, adding that we must all adopt a “community-wide village mentality” to look out for one another.

Funded by voter-approved Measure A half-cent sales tax revenue, the County of San Mateo launched the Elder and Dependent Adult Protection Team (EDAPT), a partnership between the Health System’s Aging and Adult Services, District Attorney’s Office and County Counsel’s Office. n

TODAY, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced $24,127,657 in funding to support 65 health centers in California. The funding will increase access to integrated oral health care services and improve oral health outcomes for Health Center Program patients. Nationwide, today’s announcement includes nearly $156 million in funding to support 420 health centers in 47 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. This funding enables health centers to expand integrated oral health care services and increase the number of patients served.

With these awards from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), health centers across the country will increase their oral health service capacity by hiring approximately 1,600 new dentists, dental hygienists, assistants, aides, and technicians to treat nearly

EMPLOYMENT

centers operate approximately 9,800 service delivery sites in every U.S. state, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the Pacific Basin; these health centers employ more than 170,000 staff who provides care to nearly 23 million patients. In 2014, health centers employed over 3,700 dentists, more than 1,600 dental hygienists, and over 7,400 dental assistants, technicians and aides. They served about 4.7 million dental patients and provided nearly 12 million oral health visits.

To view the list of the awardees, visit http://bphc.hrsa.gov/ programopportunities/fundingopportunities/oralhealth/fy16awards.html To learn more about HRSA’s Health Center Program, visit http://bphc.hrsa.gov/about/index.html To find a health center in your area, visit http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/ n

Newark Police Department Citizen Police Academy – Class #18 Now accepting applications for Fall 2016

OUR philosophy of Community Oriented Policing in the City of Newark is producing many positive results. One of the most important outcomes is an increased awareness of the importance of an effective police – community partnership that includes open and honest communication. One of the goals of the Citizen Police Academy is to facilitate this partnership and to improve communication by developing a better understanding of each other’s role in the community.

Your participation in the Citizen Police Academy will not only be a positive learning experience for you, but it will also give us the opportunity to listen to your concerns and ideas. During the Academy, you will be exposed to many aspects of your police department and you will learn about the laws, procedures and policies that govern law enforcement. Our hope is that this course curriculum, coupled with the experiences of the students, • Donations of prizes to bring (stickers, t-shirts, will lead to lively and informative discussions about issues facing wax, art/school supplies suggested) Email to RSVP at info@returningwave.org to the City of Newark.

The Newark Police Department join! n

Surf to School & Returning Wave volunteer trip to Leyte, PH JOIN Returning Wave in their first Philippines collaboration event with Surf to School Org to host a youth surf competition where the prizes are scholarships & school supplies. The event is community focused with beach clean-up and planting activities. As part of this trip you will be volunteering with the locals for 2 days. The remainder of time we will explore island-hopping, camping, waterfalls, caves, fun climb, major climb, beaches, boating. Renting an entire surf camp house and staying family style so space is limited.

Requirements for volunteers: • A $200 donation to secure their spot and sponsor as an event host • Purchase their own international & domestic ticket to meet in Tacloban on August 6th • Price for lodging per head (TBD on headcount) • Budget for own food costs and extra activities of interest

785,000 new patients.

“Oral health is an important part of our overall physical health and well-being,” said Secretary Burwell. “The funding we are awarding will reduce barriers to quality dental care for hundreds of thousands of Americans by bringing new oral health providers to health centers across the country.”

Oral health problems can be a sign of illness elsewhere in the body. Additionally, lack of access to preventive and routine dental care for underserved populations can result in dental conditions requiring more costly emergency dental treatment.

“HRSA will continue to explore ways to further integrate oral health services within primary care settings, and increase awareness of the connection between oral health and overall health,” said HRSA Acting Administrator Jim Macrae.

Today, nearly 1,400 health

EMPLOYMENT

FOSTER HOMECARE

is your police department. By working together, we can solve many of the problems facing us today. Your participation in the Citizen Police Academy is one of the many ways that you can get involved in your community and contribute towards making a safer living environment.

The upcoming 2016 Fall Citizen Police Academy will be an eleven week course. Classes will meet on Wednesday evenings from 5:30pm until 9pm from August 17, 2016 through October 26, 2016, Applicants MUST: 1. Have no prior felony or serious misdemeanor convictions 2. Be willing to have a background check completed 3. Attend all scheduled ses-

sions 4. Be at least 21 years old 5. Live or work in the City of Newark 6. Not a prior Newark CPA graduate You may apply Online - CPA Fall 2016 or Download the Newark Citizen Police Academy application from www.Newark.org - CPA and drop it off at: City of Newark Attn: Beverly Ryans - CPA 37101 Newark Blvd Newark, CA 94560.

Apply now space is limited. All applications must be received by July 29, 2016. For more information please contact Beverly Ryans via e-mail at beverly.ryans@ newark.org or via telephone at (510) 578-4352. n

Subic now most advanced…

PAGE CJ3 t

a subsidiary of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. which operates New Container Terminals 1 and 2.

SBITC has terminals with a combined area of 28 hectares and an annual capacity of 600,000 twenty-foot equivalent

SERVICES

units or the total number of container vans ships can carry in the terminal.

SBITC’s New Container Terminals 1 and 2 have a combined 11.14-hectare container yard with a modern fleet of mobile container handling units for moving and hauling duties. n

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

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 1-7, 2016

CJ

Davao conference brings biz leaders for consultation with Duterte’s economic team Two-day workshop discussed new administration’s 10-point agenda ABOUT 800 business leaders, government officials and other guests lauded “Sulong Pilipinas: Hakbang Tungo sa Kaunlaran” Consultation Workshop held last June 20-21 at the SMX 2, SM Lanang Premier in Davao City.

Spearheaded by incoming Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez with the help of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Mindanao Business Council (MBC), the conference aimed to gather suggestions from the business community regarding the new administration’s proposed 10point socio-economic agenda.

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s proposed 10-pont socio-economic agenda includes: 1. Continue and maintain current macroeconomic policies, including fiscal, monetary, and trade policies.

2. Institute progressive tax IfY\ikf ;\ M\e\Z`X# :_X`idXe f] k_\ G_`c`gg`e\$Iljj`X 9lj`e\jj :fleZ`c Xe[ M`Z\ :_X`idXe reform and more effective tax f] k_\ G_`c`gg`e\j$:XdYf[`X 9lj`e\jj :fleZ`c n`k_ `eZfd`e^ Jg\Xb\i f] k_\ ?flj\ f] collection, indexing taxes to I\gi\j\ekXk`m\j I\g% GXekXc\fe Ê9\YfkË 8cmXi\q% inflation. A tax reform package will be submitted to Congress and education systems, and reform,” stressing the need for

by September 2016. match skills and training to 3. Increase competitiveness meet the demand of business- good governance outside the public sector. and the ease of doing busies and the private sector.

Explaining that “coaliness. This effort will draw upon 8. Promote science, techtions for reform” will prevent successful models used to nology, and the creative arts economic growth from only attract business to local cities to enhance innovation and “further entrenching the (e.g., Davao), and pursue the creative capacity towards selfoligarchy,” Dominguez also relaxation of the Constitutional sustaining, inclusive developadded that “when government restrictions on foreign ownerment. performs better, the consumer ship, except as regards land 9. Improve social protecGi\j`[\ek$\c\Zk If[i`^f ;lk\ik\ [li`e^ _`j jg\\Z_ Xk k_\ Zcfj`e^ f] ÈJlcfe^ G`c`g`eXjÉ cXjk Kl\j[Xp# Ale\ )( `e ;XmXf :`kp% benefits in the end.” ownership, in order to attract tion programs, including the “Enough of the political foreign direct investment. government’s Conditional Cash coalitions. Those have been 4. Accelerate annual infraTransfer program, to protect structure spending to account the poor against instability and done. Today, I challenge the business community to build for 5 percent of gross domestic economic shocks. product, with public-private 10. Strengthen implementa- coalitions for change in every partnerships playing a key role. tion of the Responsible Parent- sphere of our social life,” the 5. Promote rural and value hood and Reproductive Health Finance Secretary said. “Let us build public-private partchain development toward Law to enable especially poor nerships not just for projects increasing agricultural and rural couples to make informed but to transform our national enterprise productivity and choices on financial and family community into a cooperative rural tourism. planning. enterprise that brings out the 6. Ensure security of land Challenge to business best in everyone and delivers tenure to encourage investowners: Build coalitions for the best for all,” he added. ments, and address bottlereform In his speech, Domiguez necks in land management and On the first day of Sulong also mentioned that the DOF titling agencies.

Pilipinas, the Duterte adminwill be focusing in three tasks.

7. Invest in human capital istration challenged businessFirst, to raise money governdevelopment, including health men to build “coalitions for ment requires so that it can operate and invest in social IfY\ikf ;\ M\e\Z`X n`k_ n`k_ `eZfd`e^ Kfli`jd J\Zi\kXip NXe[X K\f Xe[ I\g% :Xicf Ef^iXc\j f] ;XmXf :`kp% goods such as infrastructure, health facilities and quality educational institutions. matter of just doing it and ation system to build a robust “Raising the means for gov- middle class, and; reinventing implementing it right away,” ernment to do what it must, he said. our trade and tariff policies so however, ought to avoid deep- that we may take advantage One of the top recommenening inequality and denying dations was a comprehensive of free trade without sacrificIfY\ikf ;\ M\e\Z`X n`k_ `eZfd`e^ =`eXeZ\ J\Zi\kXip :Xicfj ;fd`e^l\q% our citizens their right to make ing the development of our overhaul of the taxation syseconomic decisions their own tem. The president said that industries.” include the ease of doing busibenefit,” he said. this issue will be studied, but Getting down to business ness, improvement of Internet Second, he stressed the imIncoming President Duterte cautioned that he had been and telecom services, support portance of ensuring the susadvised not to immediately went down to business on the services for farmers, valuetainability of the government’s second day of the workshop “agree on anything when it added and responsible mining, financial affairs. He said, “While when he addressed business comes to taxation.” development of regional induswe might seek financing to Another concern was the leaders about their pitches on secure economic opportunities ways to improve the country’s institutionalization of a nation- tries, improvement of transport networks, review of transport for our people, we must also al ID system. Business leaders economy during the closing of manage the national debt so agreed that there is a pressing networks, review of the Conworkshop. In attendance were ditional Cash Transfer (CCT) that it does not become a drag top executives from Manilaneed for this as it will allow program and, the reduction of on our growth.” government agencies to probased corporations including PPP bottlenecks and respect Lastly, Dominguez said vide more targeted social serJaime Agusto Zobel de Ayala explained how the DOF plays a of Ayala Corporation, Bobby vices, prevent double-counting for contracts.

Photo credits: key role in making the counor leakage. The system is also Dy of Ayala Land and Nestor Roberto De Venecia try’s economic growth more expected to improve access to Tan of BDO Unibank.

Philstar.com inclusive. healthcare, education, food, “I assure we will study and Facebook: Danilo “This can be achieved by shelter and conditional cash review it and for now I see Dayanghirang / Carl E. Balita rethinking our investments intransfer programs. nothing wrong with these.

Gi\j`[\ek$\c\Zk If[i`^f ;lk\ik\% / 25th Mindanao Business centives, reconfiguring our tax- These are all doable. It’s a Other recommendations

CJ

JULY 1-7, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Friday, July 1, 2016

SF2

cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 1, 2016

Myla RaMos, PResident of seaRchPRos solutions

Starting small to making it big by

hARD work and dedication definitely pays, and FilipinoAmerican businesswoman Myla Ramos is living proof of it.

From humble beginnings as a housekeeper, Ramos and her company, SearchPros Solutions (with co-founders heather Kocina and Rayna Pearson), is now one of the most successful and fastest-growing companies in the United States.

A national human resource and staffing company, SearchPros in 2010 won a 10-year, $250 million annual contract to provide labor for national technology defense and aerospace giant, Lockheed Martin Corp. In 2011, the company was named Small Business of the year for California and Small Business Subcontractor of the year in the district of Sacramento.

Fast forward to 2016, Ramos and SearchPros are still flying high. The company was awarded by the US Chamber of Commerce as the 2016 DReAM BIG Small Business of the year last month and became a finalist for entrepreneur of the year. They were also recently featured in Forbes magazine’s Women Business Leaders issue.

Working hard toward her dreams Ramos was only seven years when she and her family migrated to the US to follow the American dream. Growing up as an immigrant, she watched her parents struggle to make ends meet.

“I remember living in a onebedroom flat with my grandparents, parents and my other siblings,” she shared in a past interview with the Asian Journal. “I thought to myself, I don’t want to live like this all my life. I don’t want to live just to get by.

So I began working hard.”

“I got tired of being the poor immigrant,” she added.

“Being in the US is a blessing. If you work hard, no one will put any labels on you. The only way

Malou liwanag-bledsoe / AJPress

Myla Ramos (in front) at seven years old, with her mother Angela Espino Mendoza from Pulilan, Bulacan; father Tito “Boy” Santiago Mendoza from Marilao, Bulacan; and brothers Angelo (baby) and Ireneo Mendoza; getting ready to leave for the US.

At the Entrepreneur of the Year awards in San Jose.

to succeed is to educate myself and work hard.”

From there on, Ramos started worked in a hotel as a housekeeper while attending high school and college at San Francisco State University (SFSU). When she was promoted to Assistant General Manager, she worked 12-hour shifts from 7 am to 7 pm and then would go to her classes after. her perseverance paid off and she graduated from SFSU with honors in Industrial Psychology and a minor in Business Administration.

Relationships built on success After college, Ramos was hire by one of the top staffing agencies in the world to help open their office in San Mateo, California. Because she loved helping people, she knew it was the perfect job for her. however, the idea of SearchPros came out on Christmas eve in 2004. Ramos, along with co-founders heather Kocina and Rayna Pearson were all working at staffing agency,

Ramos and her family, parents, brothers and their families.

surrounded by contractors who were waiting to be paid. however, they found out late in the day that the checks were not coming — ruining Christmas for many.

That was when Ramos, Kocina and Pearson created a plan to build a business of their own.

“We made a decision that night to follow our big dream — start and run a business of our own, be the role models we never had, provide a better life for our families and contribute to our community,” Ramos said in an interview with the US Chamber of Commerce.

Adding that it was never “just a job,” Ramos said that SearchPros is their legacy for their families and the community.

“We didn’t get a paycheck for the first couple of years,” she said. “every dollar we received was reinvested back to SearchPros.”

Today, SearchPros has its own corporate-owned headquarters — a far cry from the

120 square feet rental space they had when the company first started. The Citrus heights-based business now also has 30 recruiters placing thousands of employees in 28 states and 8 countries.

And though SearchPros did not win entrepreneur of the year, Ramos still has a lot to be proud of.

“The winner was FitBit — and honestly I don’t even know how we got nominated in the same category since he has a $2 billion company, and this was only regional,” she shared.

“We did WIN the National US Chamber of Commerce Company of the year! That was an amazing honor and [a] prestigious award.”

Giving back and holding on to her filipino heritage As successful as she is now, Ramos clings to her Filipino heritage and believes in the importance of giving back to the community. Today, SearchPros supports the PCDh19 Alliance to help families affected by epilepsy, sponsored the 2015 St. Johns Program that

Ramos taken last year in the Philippines, where they brought Christmas to a village by giving gifts for all the kids, as well as serving spaghetti and chicken to the people.

Myla Ramos and her family: husband of 20 years, Pernell Ramos with kids Mikayla (12) and Perrin (16).

offers shelter and self-sustainability readiness for women and children, provided resume workshops for job seekers through the Sacramento Area human Resources Association, “adopted” a village to support typhoon relief to the Philippines, and raised money for the Women’s empowerment Shelter.

“I am a first generation Filipina-American from Abangan Sur, Marilao, Bulacan; led by my devout Catholic grandparents in a traditional Filipino household,” she shared. “My family has always been the center the center of the universe with my extended Titas, Lolos and Lolas always in the peripheral.

“Like many immigrants, we started with humble beginnings, living with relatives and

taking whatever menial jobs were available to survive. Always an outcast as a product of two worlds I struggled to find the balance of the competitive, extroverted and aggressive US tendencies and the religious, respectful, introverted Filipina way,” she said.

Realizing that these two worlds were complementary in the business world, Ramos used that to her advantage and is harvesting the fruits of her labor.

“I attribute a lot of our success because I have been able to incorporate the positive American values and the rich Filipino heritage,” she shared and then added, “I find that timing, family support, perseverance, ten years of trying and little prayer will help anyone succeed.”

JaDine gets ‘real’ in new book Kiray Celis gets her moment James Reid, Nadine Lustre open up their lives behind the scenes

By Christina

alpad ManilaTimes.net

They may have already proven their blockbuster pull among moviegoers with such hits as “Diary ng Panget,” “Talk Back and you’re Dead” and “This Time;” on televiewers with the top-rated ABSCBN prime time drama “On the Wings of Love;” and on concertgoers with the sold out series JaDine in “Love and high on Love,” but James Reid and Nadine Lustre have so much more to give. In fact, the reel and real life couple has just tapped a new platform with which to reach out to their ever-growing fan base around the world.

On June 23, Reid and Lustre officially launched their first non-tie-in book Team Real under VRJ Books, the publishing arm of Viva Group of Companies. [The term “non-tie-in” means that the book is being published on its own, and not as a supplement to any other project of the actors].

The idea of publishing this title came from Viva’s big boss, Vic del Rosario in the latter part of 2015 when the star-maker himself was surprised over the public’s insatiable interest in these young talents. all-access pass Team Real, which carries the tagline, “your all-access pass into James and Nadine’s world,” boasts of 120 full-colored pages of exclusive photos and texts from the couple’s point of view.

The title came from their love team’s latest moniker, #TeamReal, which fans coined after the reveal of their true

By tessa

MauriCio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

IN show business, very few comics end up as stars. The large majority through history, no matter their gender, are relegated to supporting roles, generally as sidekicks to the movie’s protagonist.

Among male comedians, the late Comedy King Dolphy heads the very exclusive huddle of stars, among them Tito, Vic and Joey, Ogie Alacasid, Michael V. and Vice Ganda.

Funny women considered as major stars on the other hand are even less, with Ai-Ai delas Alas and Pokwang getting top billing. happily, a new name can ‘The pictures came from us and the words from our mouths. We were completely involved,’ the reel and be added to the list of top real-life couple said. comediennes in Philippine pop culture favorites, including off-cam relationship status in showbiz as 20-year-old Kiray books, music and films.

February.

Celis gets her second starring But what fans would most “What we have in the book role in Regal Film’s upcoming likely spend a lot of time on is are unseen photos, untold stohorror-comedy “I Love you To the “tell-all” chapter. ries, tips on fashion, and beauDeath.”

Without spoiling it for futy tips,” Reid said, describing Proving her worth in hit ture readers, one of the stories Team Real to the press during included is how they fell in love Valentine movie “Love is Blind” their official media launch. with each other, which is surLustre, on the other hand, with Derek Ramsay and Solenn prisingly not exactly what they highlighted the exclusive travel heussaff (also from Regal first revealed in their earlier photos, which they took themFilms), Celis was quickly given interviews. selves. a follow-up movie, this time The youngest couple in “Dito po kasi sa book nashowbiz went as far as to open with dream boy enchong Dee glagay po kami ng mga travel as her leading man. up about a tiff they had at photos from our first tour, pho“For me, she is the day’s the premiere of “Wang Fam,” tos na hindi po namin inupload most beautiful actress,” Regal which was caught on camera sa social media,” Lustre noted. matriarch and showbiz pillar and caused the love team’s Moreover, Team Real inbreak up rumors. cludes chapters devoted even Mother Lily Monteverde said fully involved to budgeting tips, and even of her new box office star.

Reid and Lustre claimed their respective struggles in Asked by The Manila that they were fully involved in Times whether she consciously finances when they were just the making of Team Real. starting out. They futher give planned her career to land her “The pictures came from a peek into their respective major roles the 4-feet-nineus, and the words from our homes—and how they expect inches spitfire honestly replied: mouths. Nadine and I were people to behave whenever they visit—and their individual Continued on Page 4 “Hindi ko po ito pinlano.

Kiray Celis gets her second major movie starrer.

The lucky and talented lass is paired with dream boy Enchong Dee in ‘I Love You To Death.’

Actually, nakakagulat nga po na pag shooting [in these last two films], ako yung huling nakaka-uwi from the set kasi ako yung bida!” she added laughing.“Dati kasi support lang ako lagi kaya konti lang ang scenes ko. Masarap pala ang feeling pag hindi mo inexpect.”

Celis’ first TV exposure was when she joined the ‘Munting Miss U’ contest of ABS-CBN’s former noontime show MTB at the age of 4. Blessed with a knack for comedy even as a little girl, she was quickly asked to join the program as the youngest cast member, and soon after became part of the long running children’s comedy gag show “Goin’ Bulilit.”

As she got better in the very difficult and challenging craft of making people laugh, she hopped from one supporting role to another until

her big break came in “Love is Blind.”

“Besides being a natural in comedy, what makes Kiray a true star is her professionalism,” shared her co-star Dee. “Never siyang na-late, alam niya lagi ang gagawin niya sa eksena, and natutulungan pa niya ang mga co-stars niya.”

In “I Love you To Death,” Celis and Dee play Gwen and Tonton, childhood sweethearts who promise each other to be together “until death.”

Fate separates them as Gwen pursues her studies in Manila. having forgotten Tonton as she starts a new life, time comes when all her friends get married and she is left as the only singleton in the group.

On her birthday, she wishes to meet a man who would “die for her,” and again comes Tonton but in very eerie circumstances.

features SF3 The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – July 1, 2016

Philippine Department of Tourism-LA and Majestic Vacations launch ‘Philippine Travel Gems’ Facebook Photo Contest Philippine Airlines participates as Major Sponsor LOS ANGELES—Beginning July 1 through November 30, 2016, the Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles and Majestic Vacations are holding an exciting online promotional campaign: “Philippine Travel Gems” Facebook Photo Contest.

These travel and tourism industry partners are teaming up with Philippine Airlines to get Facebook users and travelers to the Philippines dig into and master their photography skills for a chance to win a Round Trip Ticket to the Philippines plus two (2) nights accommodation in a 5-star hotel in the Philippines, a brand new iPad

Air, or a two (2) nights accommodation in a 5-star hotel in Manila.

“Philippine Travel Gems” Facebook Photo Contest is all about creating an opportunity for everyone to share their beautiful photos of their favorite travel destinations in the Philippines and promoting the country as one of the premier tour destinations in the world.

There is no registration fee to enter the contest, but the participant must be able to provide proof that he or she has traveled to the Philippines at anytime from December 1, 2015 to November 30, 2016.

Each participant may sub-

mit up to five entries of original photos that are not digitally altered or enhanced, must not bear any watermarks, signatures or other markings.

Each entry should have a title and a caption of at least 3 to 5 sentences describing when and where the photo was taken and what makes the place an exceptional tourist destination. Together with this, the following information must be submitted with each entry: name of the entrant, complete address, contact number and email address, and a copy of the entrant’s proof of travel to the Philippines during the specified period. Proof of travel could be copies of stamp on the passport upon entry to the Philippines, hotel registration, receipts, reservations, etc.

Screenings and final judging will be conducted by a panel appointed by the Philippine Department of Tourism-LA, Majestic Vacations, and Philippine Airlines. The winners will be chosen based on the following criteria: Substance, impact and creativity: 50% Composition, clarity and technical quality: 50% The Most Popular Entry will be the one garnering the highest number of votes on Facebook (based on “likes” and “shares”).

The prizes include: First Prize – Philippine Airlines Round Trip ticket to the Philippines plus two (2) nights accommodation in a 5-star hotel; 2nd Prize: a brand new iPad Air; and the Most Popular Entry will win a 2 nights accommodation in a 5-star hotel in Manila.

Entries will be accepted beginning July 1, 2016 and should be emailed to: dotmajestic. photocontest@gmail.com Deadline of submission of entries is November 30, 2016.

For the complete set of rules and mechanics of the contest visit: www.facebook. com/philippinetourismla. *Advertising Supplement

By Monet

Lu

JUST a little over two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Maxine Medina, our lovely candidate for Ms. Universe. Maxine is in LA for a short vacation and to spend some time with her family over here.

We had a private party at my friends, Hydee and (her husband) Akima Abrahan’s pad.

It was a night of fun with some of our friends, Jonas Gaffud of Aces & Queens (whom I also featured in my column some months ago) and Janine Tugonon, who also competed for Miss Universe in 2012.

Watching Maxine charmed everyone in the room, I was stunned at how this lady carries herself and how beautiful she is even without makeup. I am pretty confident that we have a great chance at grabbing the crown again.

I got to talk to Maxine that night and she shared with me the pressure she’s under for being the next Filipina to try to win the Ms. Universe pageant after just having won the crown last year.

She said there’s much pressure especially when some are hoping—or even betting—that it’s going to be a back-to-back win for the Philippines.

And I definitely understand where she is coming from, because not only did we (Philippines) win last year, Philippines has held a terrific record at Miss Universe pageant for the last six years. Since 2010, we placed four times in the Top 5 finalists, once in Top 10 semi-finalists and has won its third crown after 42 years through the courtesy of Pia Wurtzbach.

I asked her how she handles the pressure and she said she just wants to do her best and try not to prove anything but do what she can to make the country proud. I couldn’t agree more.

I told her that when I was watched in the Binibing Pilipinas competition, she was actually my bet for Ms. Universe. I knew from the start that she will make it to top 5. I am sure it wasn’t only I who had the same thought. I’m pretty sure a lot of

Getting to know Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, Ms. Maxine Medina

people saw the potential in her.

Maxine hopes that she will also get the same support the the country gave Pia when she competed. “Sana full heart po kayo to support me. Hindi n’yo po alam ang feeling ng first timer, talking to everyone, thousands of people. Yung time na iyon super nervous ako and I admit that,”(I hope you’ll support me with a full heart. You don’t know what the feeling of a first timer is, talking to everyone, thousands of people. At that time I was super nervous and I admit that.), she said during an interview on TV Patrol.

Maxine has a background in interior design and graduated from the Philippine School of Interior Design and De La SalleCollege of St. Benilde. She designs residential condominiums.

She started modeling since the age of 18, and is a member the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP). Like her 2016 batchmates Kylie Verzosa (Bb Pilipinas International) and Jennifer Ruth Hammond (Bb Pilipinas Intercontinental).

Members of the organization include models Kelsey Merritt, Katarina Rodriguez, Miss World Philippines 2014 Valerie Weigmann, and more.

Long before joining Bb Pilipinas, Maxine made her way to the limelight through numerous product endorsements, TV commercials, and print and runway modeling gigs. This gorgeous

lady who stands 5’8 tall came from a family of models and beauty title-holders. Her father, Maximo Guillermo Medina, is a former commercial model and a flight attendant, whilst her mother, Maria Fe Medina, is a former model and a senior bank manager. Her aunt, model Gem Padilla-Thomas, was also a former Bb Pilipinas title-holder as Miss Universe Philippines 1990.

Maxine also told us that she tried to join Binibing PIlipinas in 2012 due to contractual obligations, it didn’t push true. This was also confirmed her mentor, Jonas Gaffud.

“Third time’s a charm” may have worked for most of the Binibining Pilipinas candidates, yet it wasn’t the same for Maxine. While she has a lot of things in common with former candidates as far as wit, poise and beauty are concerned, unlike Janine Tugonon and Pia Wurtbach, Maxine won the pageant in her first try (not including the one in 2012).

Maxine is in a steady relationship with actor and model Marx Topacio, who is also part of PMAP. They have been together for 5 years.

Well, to our beautiful candidate, Maxine Medina, it was a pleasure getting to know you.

You can rest assured that I, along with your friends and Kababayan from this side of the world, will support and cheer for you when Continued on Page 4

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celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 1, 2016

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar SuSan Roces, the original and legendary Queen of Philippine Movies, heads the roster of July birthday celebrants. Inday Susan, as she is called by her close relatives and friends, will celebrate her 75th birthday on Thursday, July 28. Madam Roces is the widow of the late undisputed King of Philippine Movies, Fernando Poe Jr. Other July birthday celebrants are the following: July 1 - Former Miss RP-uSa Rea Oblea, former beauty queen Violet Recinto, singer Vivian arcega; July 2 - former First Lady and Ilocos norte Congresswoman Imelda Romualdez Marcos, movie actress Vilma Valera, movie actress Sunshine Cruz, former Mutya ng Mindanao Vicky San Diego Rufino; July 3 - Duggan’s Serra Mortuary Special assistant to the President Teresa Proano; July 4 - aBS-CBn Channel

2 auditing Head Millet Santos Mortiz, singer Pam Serrano; July 6 - former Vice President and TV Patrol host noli de Castro, asian Journal office manager Greg Michael nitro, movie actress Liberty Ilagan; July 8 - San Jose religious leader Maria Cruz Back; July 11 - San Jose fashionable lady Susan Pacifico, former Miss universe 3rd runner up Venus Raj, Dr. Jun Sison; July 12 - Fil-am Star Vice President for marketing and operations Edwina aniag, former banker Gilbert Picache (who now resides in Danville, Ca); July 13 - Ma Mom Luk noodle House owner Tonette Wong arce; July 14 - Regal Films President Roselle Monteverde Teo, Channel 2 TV host Julius Babao; July 15 - Former Miss RPuSa Theresa Burch; July 16 - Well-loved nurse Rachel Forneas Satorre, and former

Legendary movie queen Susan Roces heads list of glorious July celebrity birthday celebrants

Comedienne-actress Eugene Domingo will celebrate her birthday on Saturday, July 23.

Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo will celebrate her birthday on Monday, July 25.

San Jose fashionable lady Susan Pacifico will celebrate her birthday on Monday, July 11.

GMA 7 talent, singer/actor Mark Bautista will celebrate his birthday on Wednesday, July 27.

Miss International and fashion model Melanie Marquez; July 18 - asian Journal Publisher and Chairman of the Board Roger Lagmay Oriel; July 19 - Oracle Development Manager Walter Back, Star Cinema actor Diether Ocampo; July 20 - French-Filipino actress Solenn Heussaff of GMa Pinoy TV, movie actor Raymart

Santiago, movie actress Claudine Barretto; July 22 - Star Cinema actor Zanjoe Marudo, ballerina nickie Munoz Roco; July 23 - California State Commissioner Ray Benitez Satorre, actress-TV host Eugene Domingo of Kapuso Channel 7, Star Cinema actor and aSaP dancer-actor Rayver Cruz; July 25 - Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo; July 27 - actor-singer Mark Bautista of GMa-7; July 28 - Senator Cynthia aguilar Villar, Dr. Celso Espiritu, and Miss Philippines Earth beauty pageant Executive Director Loraine Schuck; July 29 - asian Journal northern California Bureau Chief Joseph Peralta; July 30 - actor Troy Montero, Philippine airlines former Sales Manager Herminia Lavarias, actorsinger andrew E;

Movie Queen Susan Roces, one of the lead stars of the teleserye “Ang Probinsyano,” will celebrate her 75th birthday on Thursday, July 28.

Handsome actor and commercial model Troy Montero will celebrate his birthday on Saturday, July 30.

Rachel Forneas Satorre, well-loved nurse in the Fil-Am community, will celebrate her birthday on Saturday, July 16.

Rey Benitez Satorre, California State Commissioner and President of Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center in Daly City, will celebrate his birthday on Saturday, July 23.

Former Philippine Airlines sales manager Herminia Revilla Lavarias will celebrate her birthday on Saturday, July 30.

July 31 - aBS-CBn movie/ television reporter Mario Dumawal, movie entertainment writer

and artist manager Ethel Ramos.

To all July celebrants, a very happy birthday!

aljur abenica comes to terms with showbiz reality

by Boy

Villasanta ManilaTimes.net

WHO says youth is wasted on aljur abrenica? although there was a time his career hit a lull, it’s never too late for him to make up for lost time. after clinching an important spot in GMa network’s reality talent search “StarStruck,” his home studio’s management arm GMa artist Center finally signed him up, opening up many opportunities.

Back when his career was unproductive, I simply saw aljur as someone who was in no hurry but would nonetheless grab any golden moment thrown his way. He was no rebel even if he was misguided to challenge his mother studio that he was always made second fiddle to fellow artists and forced to go sexy against his will. He was labeled unprofessional and irresponsible during this time.

Indeed, he seemed to forget the Filipino value of “utang na loob,” and took in upon himself to go on hiatus and search his soul.

Aljur Abrenica

Eventually, he met life coach couple Benjamin and Gloria Cuaresma from Davao City through his talent scout nelia Muñoz. There was trust at first

JaDine gets ‘real’...

From Page 2 completely involved,” the 23year old Reid revealed.

Finally, asked why they

came out with another medium to reach out to their avid supporters when they are both very active on Instagram already—with 5 million followers

sight.

The Cuaresmas advocate Ikepono, a Japanese concept on self-discovery, enlightenment and self-empowerment toward a search for inner peace and happiness.

Ikepono helped aljur a lot, said the Cuaresmas. This new wave oriental philosophy, according to Benjie, guided aljur in charting his own destiny.

Soon enough, GMa network and its prodigal talent slowly patched up and renewed their ties even with pending court cases.

Today, besides getting his career back on track, aljur went to join social organizations like the Rotary Club International District 3830 and World Vision.

He has since actively participated in feeding and outreach programs for the less fortunate.

He is also affiliated with Lyoness Foundation, which espouses the holy alliance of child and family and the preservation of environment. all in all, aljur abrenica has gotten his groove back, and for him we are truly happy. combined—Lustre replied that the book is their way to allow fans to know them even more.

“Gusto lang din po namin mas maging close sa amin yung fans at mas makilala po kami,” the 22-year-old singer actress said.

Getting to know Bb. Pilipinas-Universe...

From Page 3 you walk on that stage. Good luck and stay as humble and charming as you are. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-

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

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

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 1, 2016

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