San Francisco Edition -- July 29 -- August 4, 2016

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Duterte meets with former PH Democratic VP nominee Tim Kaine: presidents at security meeting DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

an AAPI advocate

by nestOr

COrrales Inquirer.net

the announcement of sen. tim Kaine (dVirginia) as hillary Clinton’s running mate was met with mixed reactions.

Critics felt the generally unknown junior senator was an underwhelming pick for the high profile democratic presidential nominee, and numerous headlines called Kaine “boring,” a label which the VP candidate has embraced. meanwhile, proponents felt it was a “safe” choice and the progressive senator’s largely uncontroversial political career would be advantageous for Clinton. his connection with the Asian American and Pacific islander (AAPi) community fits in with Clinton’s campaign and her call for diversity. during his senate race, Kaine garnered nearly 72 percent of Virginia’s AAPi voters, according to exit polls from the Asian American Legal defense and education fund (AALdef).

When Clinton announced Kaine as her running mate, Asian American delegate steven

President rodrigo duterte met with former Philippine presidents in malacañang during the national security Council meeting on Wednesday, July 27. former President Benigno Aquino iii, Pampanga rep. Gloria macapagal Arroyo, fidel ramos, and manila City mayor Joseph estrada were seen in a photo with duterte ahead of the security meeting.

Arroyo returned to malacañang six years after she stepped down from office. in a video release by state-run PtV 4, Aquino shook hands with duterte and ramos upon arriving at the state dining hall. Aquino, however, did not shake hands with Arroyo. in 2011, Arroyo was jailed under the Aquino administration for charges of plunder in connection to the misuse of the multi-million PCso fund.

Aquino has also questioned the decision of the su-

preme Court in acquitting Arroyo. he said his predecessor must be held liable for the PCso mess under her term. “the President will lead the nsC in a multi-partisan dialogue in order to agree on vital policies and strategies on important matters, including the recent ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the West Philippine sea,” malacañang said. the United nations ruling on the Philippines’

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Fil-Am aide of Tim Kaine passes away

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Fil-Ams for Hillary challenges the community to register and vote PhiLAdeLPhiA - members of fil-Ams for hillary has issued a challenge to the filipinoAmerican community to register and vote in the upcoming november elections for the future of their children.

“We are the second largest Asian American population here in the U.s. and it is about time that we exercise our right to vote. Let’s start to organize and be a force in communities where we live,” said Loida nicolas Lewis, challenging the fil-Am community to action. “this election is so important to our lives as Americans and filipino-Americans. on the one hand, we have somebody who is a demagogue, a congenital liar, someone who is just concerned about himself. And on the other, we have hillary, and she has been for children, women, equal pay, disabled and education.”

Lewis was reacting to a discussion that filipino-Americans have had traditionally low voter turnout through the years. “maybe because most of us are first generation, our thoughts mostly are still to the Philippines. We send money through our

RARE ENCOUNTER. Former Presidents Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III went to the Palace on Wednesday, July 27 for a National Security Council meeting with incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte.

Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar

WAshinGton, d.C. – hailed by filipino-American leaders, civil rights advocates and elected officials as a committed public servant and passionate community activist, Jose “Joe” montano passed away peacefully on monday, July 25 in his home in falls Church, Va. he was 47. montano was Us senator and democratic vice presidential nominee tim Jose “Joe” Montano Kaine’s northern Virginia regional representative. in a statement Kaine said, “Joe was an outstanding representative of this office, enthusiastic servant of the people of northern Virginia, and admired colleague by all who worked with him. We will remember him by his positive energy, tireless work ethic, and infectious smile.”

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Clinton’s historic nomination energizes Fil-Am Democrats

by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

PhiLAdeLPhiA – hillary Clinton formally became the democratic Party nominee for president on tuesday, July 26, making history as the first woman to be on the top ticket for a major U.s. political party. in a surprise video message broadcast at the democratic national Convention, Clinton called the nomination “the biggest crack in the glass ceiling yet.”

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“if there are any little girls out there who stayed up late to watch, let me just say: i may become the first woman president, but one of you is next!” she concluded. she will address the convention on thursday night, July 28 to accept the honor and outline why she would make a better president than republican nominee donald J. trump. her husband, former President Bill Clinton, delivered a speech on tuesday, where- Hillary Clinton addresses the Democratic National Convention via video after formally winning the

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party’s nomination for president on Tuesday, July 26.

AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel

Duterte in first SONA: US pledges $32 million to ‘All of us want peace’ Philippine law enforcement by eriC

by alexis

rOMerO Philstar.com

anthOny liCas AJPress

President rodrigo duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire of military operations against communist insurgents while committing the Armed forces of the Philippines (AfP) to the elimination of jihadist rebels during his first state of the nation Address. the president’s speech on monday, July 25, at the Plenary hall of the house of representatives in manila elaborated his intentions on a wide range of is- President Rodrigo Duterte’s speech was sues including a transition to a supposed to last 38 minutes but got extended to

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JULY 29-aUgUst 4, 2016 • NORCaL asIaN JOURNaL

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From the Front Page

Duterte meets with ex-presidents...

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problems on terrorism, drugs, and criminality.

Other officials who attended the event include Vice President Ma.

Leonor “Leni” Robredo, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, and Cabinet secretaries.

Clinton’s historic nomination energizes...

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in he recounted how they both met and highlighted Clinton’s rise in the political field.

“She’s the best darn changemaker I ever met in my entire life,” he said, adding “She wants to move the ball forward. That is just who she is.”

On Tuesday afternoon, the former secretary of state earned 2,838 delegate votes during the roll call vote. Her opponent, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, received 1,843 votes. He called to end the vote early to announce Clinton as the nominee.

Clinton’s nomination angered many Sanders supporters, who exited the Wells Fargo Center and held a protest, alleging that the process was “rigged” in favor of the former secretary of state.

On Wednesday night, Clinton’s running mate Sen. Tim Kaine took the stage to accept his nomination for vice president.

President Barack Obama and Former Presidents Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Arroyo, and Benigno Aquino III went to the Palace on Wednesday, July 27 for a Vice President Joe Biden also deNational Security Council meeting with incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte.

Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar livered remarks, praising Clinton as the right person to continue on the work the current administration has accomplished in the past 7 1/2 years.

For Filipino-Americans here at the convention, witnessing Clinton’s nomination has been an emotional experience.

“For Hillary to be the first woman president, it opens the door and sets an example that Filipinos, minorities and women can have more seats at the decision-making table,” Meriam Reynosa said. “We can be visible, whether it’s in her cabinet or really reaching out and mentoring other young Fil-Ams to continue the good work of our Democratic Party and our leaders like Hillary Clinton.”

The 33-year-old FilipinaAmerican from Dublin, California, called it an “honor” to be a Clinton delegate.

“Hopefully another young Filipina will see me in this role and say, ‘I can do that too and I can represent...and be a voice for the Filipino-American community,” she said.

Grace Barrios, vice president of outreach for the Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD) and also a Clinton delegate, said that it is about time for the U.S. to elect its first woman president.

maritime dispute with China will be discussed in the meeting. Also on the agenda are the country’s

Filipino Americans -- including California Assemblymember Rob Bonta, Jason Tengco, AAPI outreach director of the Clinton campaign, Irene Bueno and Fritz Friedman -- gather at the CAPAC luncheon on Wednesday, July 27.

“The Philippines has had two woman presidents and in our lifetime, the fact that we can have a woman president in the US, [makes me] so proud to be part of this history and contribute to making this happen,” she said.

Fil-Am Republicans last week in Cleveland for the Republican National Convention made their case on how Filipino values align with those of the Republican Party and what a Trump presidency would mean for the community.

Philantropist and community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis, a Clinton delegate from New York, said, “Cleveland was spewing out hate, division and anger against ‘the other.’ They were encouraging violence against Hillary. It is so un-American.”

She said that though many Filipinos admire Trump for being a businessman, they must also look at his record.

“He filed for bankruptcy four times,” she said. “That’s not someone we want running our country.”

Fil-Ams here asserted that the Democratic Party is more inclusive and addresses issues relevant to the community.

“It’s about family, unity, coming together and being really progressive. We stand on the backs of our immigrant parents.

We are there to fight for immigrant rights, equitable pay, education -- that’s what Filipinos and Democrats stand for,” Reynosa said.

Joshua Price, a Fil-Am delegate from Little Rock, Arkansas, said that being a part of the Democratic Party “is the only way to

Former President Bill Clinton took the stage to speak about his wife.

go if you want to have a voice in politics.”

“For Filipinos, [identifying] as a Democrat is the really the only option. I attended an event that said 30 percent of Filipinos said they don’t know if they identify as Democrats or Republicans,” he said. “To me, that just shows that Filipinos need to be educated on the issues, which affect them, and the stances of the parties.”

Leading up to November, members of Fil-Ams for Hillary are mobilizing efforts to get Fil-Am communities across the country to register to vote and look at the issues that affect them, such as the economy, immigration and education.

“The U.S. is where we live and are raising our children, so it’s important for Filipinos here to get involved with politics, not just in the Philippines. Here is where things are happening and that will influence our country back home,” Barrios said.

Another significant win for the Fil-Am community was the mention of labor leader Larry Itliong in the Democratic Party platform.

“And we know that our nation’s long struggle with race is far from over. More than half a century after Rosa Parks sat and Dr. King marched and John Lewis bled, more than half a century after César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, and Larry Itliong organized, race still plays a significant role in determining who gets ahead in America and who gets left behind. We must face that reality and we must fix it,” part of the preamble reads.

AJPress photos by Christina M. Oriel

Fil-Ams for Hillary challenges the community...

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remittances. More than $25 billion was sent last year and of that amount, $25 billion was sent last year and 40% of that amount comes from Filipino-Americans,” Lewis explained. “Our thought then is, ‘It doesn’t matter to me who the President and Vice President are. As long as we have a job, it’s okay.”

But things should no longer be

that way, since America is facing a very important election, every single vote counts.

“We are slowly being recognized as a community, whether it is about organizing or about campaigning for causes and personalities. With our number alone, we can really swing votes,” said Rob Bonta. Bonta is the first Filipino American to be elected to the California State

Legislature.

“We have the talent, the genius, the acumen. We have the willingness to roll up our sleeves and we’ve done that, but we could also do more,” Bonta added. “Let’s continue to bring more impact. It was fantastic when our community broke that glass ceiling in California, but we need more.” (Momar G. Visaya/ AJPress)

US pledges $32 million to Philippine law...

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Rodrigo Duterte and visiting US State Secretary John Kerry during their meeting Wednesday in Malacañan.

“The US committed $32 million in training and services,” presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a press briefing.

It remains unclear as to what specific programs will be funded by the US. There is no information also on whether the training would cover maritime law enforcement in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) and other territorial waters.

Abella confirmed that Duterte had also briefed Kerry about his crackdown on drugs and crimes.

Asked if Kerry, who emphasized the need to uphold human rights in his previous engagements, was alarmed by the spate

of killings in the country, Abella said: “There was no alarm that was mentioned there.”

“Although, President Duterte did mention about the way he has been handling the war against crime and especially the narcotic plague,” he added.

Pressed on what the US state secretary said about Duterte’s anti-crime and drug campaign, Abella replied: “He was listening very intently.”

A total of 239 drug suspects were killed in law enforcement operations as of July 22, data from the Philippine National Police showed. More than 120,000 drug pushers and users, meanwhile, have turned themselves over to authorities.

Human rights advocates are worried that the government’s crackdown on illegal drugs would

result in extrajudicial killings and abusive practices.

In his first State of the Nation Address, Duterte said he would not stop the war against narcotics until the last drug personality is punished.

“There will be no let-up in this campaign. Double your efforts.

Triple them, if need be. We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier and the last pusher have surrendered or put behind bars or below the ground if they so wish,” the president said.

“To our police officers and other officials, do your job and you will have the unwavering support of the Office of the President. I will be with you all the way. Abuse your authority and there will be hell to pay,” he added.

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Dateline USa

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 29-AUgUSt 4, 2016

Democratic VP nominee Tim Kaine...

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Yeung from Virginia told NBC News that he supports the pick and thinks the senator can provide a stark contrast to the current political atmosphere.

“He honestly is a very normal guy, compared to the race that we’re having now with all the drama everywhere,” Yeung said of the senator from Virginia, which touts the ninth largest Filipino-American population in the country.

Kaine was one of the three members of Congress who pushed to award Filipino World War II (WWII) veterans the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor for civilians.

STOP CARDBOARD JUSTICE. A few hours before President Duterte delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 25, “[The] bill awarding Filipino student leaders called for an end to extrajudicial killings and summary executions in front of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) office WWII veterans a Congressioin Quezon City. Around 20 members of UP Alyansa and the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP) lay down on the sidewalk of nal Gold Medal has passed in Commonwealth Avenue, carrying pieces of cardboard bearing the messages “End the Killings,” “Stop Cardboard Justice” and “Batas Hindi the Senate! Glad we are finally Bala (Law, not Bullets).”

Inquirer.net photo by Raffy Lerma honoring their sacrifice,” Kaine tweeted on Friday, July 15 when the bill was passed.

Kaine was also a part of the team that announced the implementation of the long-awaited Filipino WWII Veterans Parole (FWVP) program that allows family members of veterans to come to the U.S. through immigration parole.

The FWVP program was implemented on Thursday, June 9.

“For too many years, Filipino keeping collection centers open. containers recycled in the US.

by Eric Anthony LicAs AJPress An agreement between Senate “If regular California consum- veterans who fought valiantly leaders and Gov. Jerry Brown ad- ers find it too difficult and incon- alongside the United States in OVER 450 out of an estimated dresses concerns by businesses venient to redeem and recycle World War II – including many 2,100 recycling centers in Califor- affected by the closures, but pro- their containers, they may begin who call Virginia home – have nia went out of business over the vides no succour to recyclers at to view the program as a tax,” been waiting for the promise of past year because state subsidies risk of going out of business. said Murray.”Why am I paying reunification with their families Most of the 10 states that col- this CRV (California Redemption to be fulfilled,” Kaine said in a supporting their operation failed to keep up with rapid decreases lect mandatory deposits for re- Value) tax at the grocery store statement.

In 2015, Kaine held a discuscyclables give centers a fixed without a path for me to convein the price of recyclables. sion with Asian American busiThe declining number of re- handling fee, but California and niently get my money back?” ness owners in his home state in cycling centers throughout the Hawaii employ payment formustate has also led to hundreds of las based on a variety of factors layoffs according to the Associ- including market value, and the ated Press. In addition, some volume of material collected.

Calculations built into the proCalifornians must go further out of their way to redeem a manda- gram to account for changes in tory deposit for the purchase of the cost of glass, aluminium and bottles and cans, which some plastic have failed to adequately fear will reduce the amount of compensate center operators, recyclables the state manages to according to Collins. She said the state has underpaid recycling collect.

“The extent that consumers centers by over $50 million.

So far, early statistics suggest give up and put containers in trash or recycling bins, those the wave of closures has not are people who were denied the significantly decreased the total opportunity to get their refund,” volume of recyclables collected, said the President of the nonprof- but recycling rates did fall by it Container Recycling Institute, one percent in the second half Susan Collins. “We know that is of 2015, according to the AP. affecting consumers to the tune Advocates expect that decline to continue into 2016, especially of tens of millions of dollars.”

Legislators and recycling ad- in rural areas that don’t provide vocates say California’s recy- curbside pickup.

The Executive Director of Calicling program will need a major overhaul, but lawmakers are yet fornians Against Waste, Mark to agree on a plan to halt future Murray, said a lack of access to closures. Last month, Califor- recycling centers could sour pubnia’s Senate declined to vote on lic opinion towards California’s a band-aid measure approved recycling program, which generby the State Assembly aimed at ates 2 out of every 11 beverage

Hundreds of CA recycling centers underpaid, shut down Legislators say a massive overhaul of the subsidy program is needed, but no plan proposed

Duterte in first SONA...

PAGE A1 t

federalist system of government, corruption, the war on drugs, regional diplomacy, tax reform and reproductive health.

In addition, Duterte called for an end to hostilities between the the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the New People’s Army (NPA).

Duterte told the Moro people of the Philippines leaning towards secession that they should expect greater independence under his vision of a federalist government. He expressed sympathy for Muslims caught in the middle of conflict in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) “All of us want peace,” said Duterte. “To our Muslim brothers ... let us end the centuries of this mistrust and warfare. To the CPP/NPA/NDF(P), let us end these decades of ambuscades and skirmishes. We are going nowhere.”

The president told television viewers and the roughly 3,000 people invited to watch his address in person that, effective immediately, the AFP would adhere to a ceasefire prohibiting future assaults against the CPP, NPA, and NDFP. He appealed to communist groups in the Southern Philippines to respond in kind.

However, the unilateral ceasefire did not include protection for elements of the jihadist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) to the terms of the ceasefire.

“Our country continues to be confronted with internal security threats aggravated by the existence and activities of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf,” said Duterte.”The full force of the AFP will be applied to crush these criminals who operate under the guise of religious fervor.”

The president said his administration would work to improve ties with its neighbors, Indonesia and Malaysia, and enact anti-terror and cyber-crime programs to bring an end to ASG kidnappings and attacks that have plagued trading and fishing vessels in the South Pacific for decades.

Duterte also doubled down on promises he made during his campaign to stem corruption, crime and the illegal drug trade

in the Philippines, and said he would establish an inter-agency committee to coordinate efforts against the spread or drug trafficking and addiction.

“The fight against criminality and illegal drugs and corruption will be relentless and sustained,” promised Duterte on Monday. “ We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier, and the last pusher have surrendered or been put behind bars or below the ground, if they so wish,”said the president, eliciting a hail of applause.

He said he would hasten National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) investigations of police officers with alleged links to the drug trade, and warned that there were still “big fish” in the government collaborating with criminals. The president promised increased scrutiny of members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) both on and off duty.

Duterte said his administration would also focus on rehabilitating people suffering from addiction, in addition to punishing those who profit from it. He announced he would convert some AFP military camps into addiction recovery centers and employ reserve soldiers to perform outreach on government services.

While the President laid out plans to help addicts find treatment, he expressed indifference towards widely circulated photographs of a crying woman, Jennelyn Olaires, cradling the body of her partner, Michael Siaron, a pedicab driver and alleged drug dealer who was killed by unidentified gunmen in Pasay on Saturday, July, 23.

“Eh yan yang mga yan magda-dramahan tayo dito (this [just] creates drama for us), said Duterte during an unscripted portion of his address. “We have millions of people to see that they are healthy. It’s a question of drugs, it’s a question of public interest, public order. Kita mo, lesser crime (What you see here is a lesser crime).”

A growing number of alleged drug pushers killed by police, as well as instances of apparent vigilantism following Duterte’s election have drawn concern from human rights groups and PAGE A4

which he listened to their concerns on health care, the economy and immigration, according to the Roanoke Free Press.

At the roundtable, he said that he advocates raising the minimum wage, albeit gradually rather than in large, immediate upturns that negatively affect small businesses.

In January, he spoke at a launching of a super PAC called AAPI Victory Fund, which seeks to improve political engagement and voting among AAPI voters.

Asian Americans have the lowest voter turnout among other ethnic subgroups, according to data from the U.S. Census.

“The AAPI population is growing fast in Virginia and its members are enriching communities all across the Commonwealth,” Kaine said at the event. “I am happy to join this effort to expand AAPI political participation in voting and running for office nationwide.”

Like Clinton, Kaine’s stances on immigration coincide with the ideas that President Barack Obama has put on the table.

A supporter for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), Kaine signed an amicus brief – or an impartial witness’s testimony – with other senators in support of the programs in the recently tied U.S. v. Texas Supreme Court case.

When the Supreme Court tied on the case, Kaine released a statement denouncing the split decision, calling it a “setback” for families across the country. He

A

cited the Republican Party’s “destructive” blockade on President Barack Obama’s nomination of Democrat Merrick Garland to fill the vacant seat on the bench which would have prevented a tie.

“President Obama made a decision to ensure law abiding families will not be torn apart because of Congress’ refusal to address our broken immigration system, and I will continue to do everything I can to support this effort,” he said in the statement released on Thursday, June 23.

“It is a sad day when one branch of government believes it can gain political advantage by undermining another branch.

If nothing else, the Republican blockade on the Court could show all Americans what’s truly at stake in November.”

Apart from countering Clinton’s celebrity stature, Kaine serves the crucial swing state of Virginia which Clinton won by 64.3 percent during the primaries.

Kaine became the junior senator of Virginia in 2012, but before that he served as the chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2009-2011. He served as Virginia’s governor from 20062010 and lieutenant governor from 2002-2006, and before that he was mayor of Richmond from 1998-2001.

However, one significant thing about Kaine is that he has a perfect election record.

“I’ve never lost an election,” he said during Clinton’s VP announcement on Thursday, July 22 in Florida. “I’m not about to let that change.” (Klarize Medenilla / AJPress)

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Dateline USa

JULY 29-aUgUst 4, 2016 • NORCaL asIaN JOURNaL

Filipino in Florida admits int’l credit card and bank fraud SAN FRANCISCO – A Filipino national confessed to running an international cashing operation that monetized stolen credit and debit card information obtained through computer hacking and ATM skimming operations, New Jersey U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Angelo Virtucio, a/k/a “ZaiR,” a/k/a “ZaiRe,” a/k/a “Omega,” a/k/a “Omega10,” 30, of Quezon City, Philippines, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Virtucio was arrested in the Southern District of Florida on January 29, 2015 and was extradited to the District of New Jersey on February 11, 2015.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, Virtucio monetized millions from stolen credit and debit card data using a global network of “cashers” that he employed to enter into unauthorized financial transactions using stolen account information.

The stolen credit card data was primarily obtained through computer hacking. The stolen debit card data was mostly obtained through ATM skimming operations. After purchasing the stolen data from other cybercriminals, Virtucio and his conspirators encoded it onto counterfeit credit and debit cards. The cashers then used the counterfeit cards to make

Angelo Virtucio, arrested in Florida last year, admitted bank and credit card fraud.

Photo courtesy of Essex City Corrections

unauthorized ATM withdrawals and purchases at physical retail locations.

The conspiracy to commit bank fraud charge is punishable by a potential maximum of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 24, 2016.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited the special agents of the U.S. Secret Service, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Mark McKevitt, with the ongoing investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Pak of the Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Section of the Economic Crimes Unit. Virtucio’s defense counsel: Kathleen Theurer Esq. and A. Paul Condon Esq. (Inquirer.net)

Duterte in first SONA...

PAGE A2 t

the Catholic Church. Partly in response to their criticisms, the president said that human rights ought to “uplift human dignity,” rather than act as “shield or excuse to destroy the country.”

In order to improve the welfare and opportunities of Filipinos, Duterte said he would promote reproductive rights so couples could better manage the costs and challenges of starting a family. He also intends to implement policies to entice foreign investment, support entrepreneurship in rural areas, and promote the development of infrastructure and agriculture. In addition, Duterte promised to preserve the Philippines’ natural resources and

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Fil-Am aide of Tim Kaine passes...

“We are all saddened and overcome with grief,” said NaFFAA National Chair JT Mallonga. “Joe personified NaFFAA’s aspirations for community empowerment, which he demonstrated in ways that are admirable and inspiring.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.”

Montano served as NaFFAA’s Executive Director from 20002002. During his tenure, he coordinated NaFFAA’s FilAm Vote, a nationwide voter mobilization program that involved extensive outreach to Filipino American communities and student campuses across the country.

“Joe enjoyed organizing getout-the-vote campaigns, especially among the youth, always reminding them to be engaged and let their voices be heard, loud and clear,” recalled Gloria T. Caoile, NaFFAA’s founding director of FilAm Vote. “In the trenches, one could not help but feel his energy.

He lived his life to empower the disenfranchised and marginalized and to create pathways for many!”

Fighting for Filipino veterans Steven Raga, NaFFAA Regional Youth Director, also recalled how Montano inspired him the first time he attended a Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue (FIND) conference: “Joe patiently broke down the importance of the FilVets Full Equity campaign, how critical it is for students to take part in greater community advocacy, and the principle of fighting for those who fought for you. I’ve forgotten many of my FIND experiences, but I won’t forget that. Joe gave me and countless others that initial clarity and motivation to put community before ourselves.”

Proud of his father who served in the U.S. Navy, Montano took up the cause of Filipino World War II veterans “with dedication and zealous commitment,” said NaFFAA National Chair Emeritus

Loida Nicolas Lewis. “Joe’s enthusiasm was infectious when he walked the halls of Congress or marched with our veterans on the streets. He always knew what was at stake.”

At NaFFAA’s founding conference in August 1997, Montano was among the youth leaders who rallied the community to march to the White House and support the Filipino Veterans’ demand for equity and justice. The Rescission Acts passed by Congress in 1946 stripped them of their rightful benefits.

Because he was “a tireless advocate for issues of concern to both the Filipino American and AAPI communities, we all feel the impact of his loss,” pointed out Sonny Busa, Chairman of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities (PAFC) and a regional director of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP).

Passion for politics Charmaine Manansala, the 2008 Obama Campaign AAPI Vote Director, described Montano as “a giant in the Fil-Am community, a strong organizer in Virginia politics, and a mentor to many young Fil-Am up and comers. Our community shines a little less bright today but let’s continue the work that Joe loved so well.”

As NaFFAA Executive Director, Montano represented the organization in Washington’s policy-making circles, working in coalition with other AAPI leaders on such issues as comprehensive immigration reform, hate crimes, workers rights and other civil rights concerns.

“Joe was among the many young people – a new generation of eager activists – who responded in the early 1990s to a call to form Filipino Civil Rights Advocates (FilCRA), a national civil rights organization,” recalled Lillian Galedo, executive director of Filipino Ad-

Joe Montano was among a group of leaders who convened a youth summit in August 2006 to develop strategies for community engagement.

Photo by Jon Melegrito

vocates for Justice. “He shared his passion for political involvement through hard work and humor. (I loved how funny he could be.) He found his niche in electoral politics – fired up by the election of the first African American President; working tirelessly for liberal and progressive candidates. Joe embodied his generation’s desire to bring the Filipino community to the national political stage.”

Cultural activist During his college days at George Washington University, Montano pursued more than a passing interest in Philippine history, arts and culture. Like many of his contemporaries who were born in the U.S., he wanted to learn as much as he could about his roots and national heritage.

The Philippine Cultural Society at GWU provided a venue for exploring cultural identity and sharing experiences with other students.

He later availed of further opportunities to learn more by performing in various cultural shows for Tanghalang Pilipino ng DC and taking on various dramatic roles in QBD Ink’s theatrical productions.

QBD Ink director Reme Grefalda remembers Montano’s auspicious start, and how he racked up a variety of roles: as a menacing military goon in “Hacienda the Musical,”

as a runaway teen mentored by Rizal in “Oyang Dapitana,” as a member of the firing squad that killed Rizal, and as a member of the tribunal in “In the Matter of Willie Grayson.” Joe the actor also extended to being stage manager, stage hand, and assistant to the producer.

Montano also volunteered with Mabuhay, Inc.’s Camp Mabuhay Project, which endeared him with Filipino children adopted by American parents. “Joe realized early on that the children need to have role models and to be anchored to their birth culture in their ongoing struggle to define who they are and what they bring to the table, especially in the context of being Filipino American,” says Mencie Hairston, a founder of Mabuhay.

“At camp, you saw several kids hanging on to him and competing for his attention. Of course, he always managed to be the ‘coolest’ kuya (big brother) in the room.”

Tribute from elected officials Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe commended his “passion and boundless enthusiasm,” while U.S. Rep. Don Beyer praised him as “a voice for the people of Northern Virginia” who was “committed to achieving progress through public service. We need more like him, and his death at such a young age fills me with sorrow.”

Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va) said in a statement that Montano’s knowledge, energy, and infectious humor and personality were part of his character and charm.

“His engaging style was his strongest quality and he will be missed not only by Team Kaine, as he liked to identify himself as part of, but by my staff who worked closely with him, and the constituency he served,” she said.

Born in Norfolk, VA., Joe is survived by his parents, Lori and Jose Montano, his sister Amy Lopez Posing for a photograph after a White House briefing are (from right) Joe Montano, Mike Reyes, U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), Bing Branigin and brother Ben. (NaFFAA)

environment by cracking down on illegal fishing, mining and logging operations.

Duterte also reiterated his intention to empower Philippine communities at the local level by moving towards a federalist system of government. He announced that the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is currently exploring partnerships and possibilities with a variety of civic and faithbased organizations.

“Punta muna ako dito ha, itong federalism. Ewan ko kung tama.

(I’m the first to go there, this federalism. I don’t know if it’s right),” admitted Duterte. However, “we cannot move forward if we allow the past to pull us back,” accordand Ceritos Mayor Mark Pulido. ing to the President.

Photo by Jon Melegrito

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A

Arroyo: I won’t wish my fate on enemies

by Paolo

RomeRo Philstar.com

ON THE SAME STAGE. Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa is on the stage set up by activists to assure them that the police would not harm or shoo them away hours before the start of President Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address.

Inquirer.net Alexis Corpus

6 in 10 Pinoys believe Duterte will fulfill promises

by Helen

FloRes

Philstar.com

MANILA—Six in 10 Filipinos or 63 percent believe President Duterte will fulfill most, if not all, of his promises, a recent survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) revealed.

The SWS nationwide poll was conducted from June 24 to 27, just days before Duterte took his oath of office on June 30.

Results of the survey were published in the newspaper BusinessWorld, coinciding with Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Of the 63 percent who think the President will make good on his promises, 22 percent said Duterte could fulfill “all or nearly all” and 41 percent said he could fulfill “most” of his promises.

Thirty-two percent of respondents said they expect “a few” of the promises would be fulfilled, while only one percent said “none or almost none.”

Three percent of the respondents did not provide an answer, the SWS said.

Asked to comment on the SWS survey, Palace spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a text message, “Let’s hold it until we hear his deliverables. Great day.”

He was referring to the targets that the President was expected to enumerate in his SONA. Last week when Duterte garnered a 91 percent trust rating in

Filipino activist and supporters of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte clench their fists near the gates of the House of Representatives during a rally in Quezon Cityon Monday July 25. President Duterte delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 25.

a Pulse Asia survey, Abella simply said, “It’s all part of the job.”

Belief that Duterte will fulfill most, if not all, of his promises was “high” in all geographical areas, the pollster said.

It was highest in Mindanao, Duterte’s home region, at 75 percent; followed by 66 percent in Metro Manila; 60 percent in balance Luzon and 54 percent in the Visayas region.

SWS said the Visayas has the highest proportion of respondents saying they expect Duterte to fulfill “a few” as well as “none or almost none” of his promises at 39 percent and six percent, respectively.

Sixty-nine percent of the respondents from Class ABC, 65

percent of those in E and 63 percent of those in D believe the President can fulfill most, if not all, of his promises.

By gender, about 65 percent of female respondents and 62 percent male respondents think Duterte can deliver on his promises.

By age, 66 percent of those aged 25-34 years old as well as those at least 55 years old shared the same view, 62 percent among those 18-24 and those 35-44 years old, and 59 percent among those 45-54 years old.

Such optimism was similarly high among respondents across levels of educational attainment, the SWS noted. (With reports from Christina Mendez, Ding Cervantes)

MANILA—Home at last after four years in detention, former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said she was a “victim of political persecution.”

“Let me be the last victim of political persecution using the justice system,” Arroyo said in her first interview since she was released from detention at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City last Thursday, July 21.

The 69-year-old Arroyo, who is afflicted with a degenerative disease affecting her spine, described her detention as “a lot of injustice to begin with.”

Arroyo, along with several other former officials, was accused of misusing P366 million in funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The Sandiganbayan has dismissed the cases against her alleged coconspirators.

The Supreme Court on July 19 acquitted Arroyo of charges of conspiracy to commit plunder as it granted her petition to drop the case against her before the Sandiganbayan.

Her chief jailer, former president Benigno Aquino III, slammed the ruling while Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales is thinking of filing an appeal.

“What I learned from that is this whole thing of political power to persecute political enemies, that must stop,” Arroyo told The Star in an interview at her home in La Vista, Quezon City.

“I’m not saying that political leaders should be immune from prosecution. What I’m saying is that the process should be fair and evenhanded, so let me be the last victim of political persecution using the justice system,” she added.

She said any rancor she may feel is not personal.

“I don’t wish what happened to me on my worst enemies,” she added.

She also lamented the persecution also included her political allies and even friends in the private sector.

But Arroyo thanked her police guards, doctors, nurses, nursing aides, and utility personnel at the

Former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo poses with grandsons Diosdado Miguel (right), 9, and Ignacio, 4, during an interview with The Star at her home in La Vista Subdivision, Quezon City yesterday. The boys are the children of her third and youngest child, former Camarines Sur congressman Diosdado Arroyo. Philstar.com photo by Boy Santos

VMMC who attended to her “I can’t say enough how gracious they are,” she said. “My faith was very strong and when some (visiting) friends ask ‘would you want to pray with us for your pain?’ I would ask that we pray for my freedom because as far as my physical suffering, I offer it to Him.” Another surgery?

While the VMMC doctors took very good care of her, Arroyo said there were new medical conditions that arose during her detention, including hypertension and possible liver trouble, and the constant pain in her arms and back refused to go away.

When she first entered the VMMC, she could not raise her left arm but with tedious physical therapy, she could now move it but the pain remains – which doctors attribute to degeneration of nerves.

Arroyo underwent three critical surgeries on her cervical spine in 2011 at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City, the last two being to correct the placement of titanium screws.

She was set to leave for abroad in 2011 for treatment after getting a nod from the SC but a tug-ofwar ensued at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport where the Bureau of Immigration stopped her, claiming it needed to get the official hard copy of the high tribunal’s permission.

Over the years, one of the screws moved and was progressively pressing on her spinal cord that one specialist from the Makati Medical Center warned that she could succumb to “sudden death.”

“I hope to get a second opinion abroad,” Arroyo said.

Fair weather allies Arroyo also said she was not surprised that her political allies started to leave her when she stepped down from the presidency, especially when the political persecution began.

She recalled the same thing happened to her father, the late president Diosdado Macapagal, when the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos succeeded him in 1965.

She said her father’s former allies renewed their ties with her when she became a senator and president.

Pet bills enacted into law Despite being detained, Arroyo saw at least six of her bills enacted into law.

These include agricultural mechanization; rights of overseas Filipino workers and Filipinos with dual citizenships; ban on shark fishing and coral poaching; anti-drunk driving law; and Kasambahay law, which she co-authored with her son, then Camarines Sur congressman Diosdado Arroyo.

She credited her son for pushing for the passage of their bills.

A

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Features

OpiniOn

Promises

IN his 98-minute speech on Monday, July 25, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte made his administration’s agenda clear in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the joint session of the 17th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City.

What was supposed to be a rehearsed 38-minute delivery in english, extended as Duterte opened his speech with informality at the outset. he congratulated fellow Mindanaoans, Senate President Koko Pimentel and Speaker of the house Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, for securing the top seats in Congress. This makes all three of the country’s top elected officials from Mindanao—a first in Philippine history.

“We cannot move forward if we allow the past to pull us back. Finger-pointing is not the way.

That is why I will not waste precious time dwelling on the sins of the past or blaming those who are perceived to be responsible for the mess that we are in and suffering from,” the President said as he proceeded with his SONA. Duterte vowed to “extract a lesson or two from its errors, we will not tarry because it is the present that we are concerned with and the future that we should be prepared for.”

Prior to his first SONA, Duterte was already facing political roadblocks and jeers from his critics following a recent spate of killings in relation to his government’s anti-drug campaign.

“During my inauguration last June 30, 2016, I said that the fight against criminality and illegal drugs and corruption will be relentless and sustained,” Duterte reiterated. “We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier and the last pusher have surrendered or are put, either behind bars or below the ground, if they so wish.”

The President also promised a “a human approach to development and governance” to improve the “people’s welfare in the areas of health, education, adequate food and water, housing, environmental preservation, and respect for culture.”

Duterte then proceeded to deliver a detailed report on how intends to deliver the change he has promised, a positive transformation for the country within his administration. he also gave a stern warning to intransigent government officials and erring agencies to not hamper his goal of an inclusive growth: until his regime is over, more heads will roll and will be held accountable.

The President has prepared the groundwork.

But, there is more to be done. The lasting solution for this country’s problems must come from within. From an individual’s sense of responsibility, each family’s structure, and the community’s sense of togetherness.

“While the government is always ready to help you, you must first help yourself. We cannot legislate financial and economic progress for you. It is you and you alone who can do that. You can chart your fate, but do it within constitutional and legal means,” Duterte said.

“We are imbued with resiliency that has been tested and proven. More difficult times As in the past. We have a bond to act together. We have to help each other. For then and only then can we truly prevail. And the Filipino, disciplined, in-

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

formed, involved, shall rise from the rubbles of sorrow and pain. So that all the mirrors in the world will reflect the face of a passion that has changed this land,” Duterte said as he ended his speech.

In the past administrations, Filipinos were generally disappointed when most promises comprised in the past leaders’ SONA, never saw the light. But in the current government assessment, the nation achieved within the first month: intensified anti-drug campaign, reforms in budget processes, reduced prospects for corruption, in-

creased public vigilance to daunt and defy commission of graft, and improved meritocracy in the public service.

By utilizing this opportunity to speak to the nation and the world, Duterte has captured the real essence of SONA. he was able to go beyond political party divides by highlighting predicaments challenging the country, and instigating policy initiatives to tackle such challenges.

With six years still ahead for Duterte’s presidency, more tangible and reliable results of his leadership are yet to be seen. (AJPress)

Post-convention goal: How to unite the parties after a contentious primary election The fierce and contentious debates, criticisms and attacks among candidates of both parties and their supporters in the age of a 24/7 news and social media cycle present a very real challenge for both the Democratic and Republican parties: how to unite their voters who supported different candidates during the primary season and rally behind the party’s nominee.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has found himself embroiled in this problem, with no less than the party bigwigs like the Bushes, former presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, former presidential candidates Ted Cruz and John Kasich, among many others — refusing to give in and endorse him.

The same is the challenge faced by the Democratic Party, after the heated battle

ing the Sanders between hillary Clinton and campaign and faBernie Sanders. After the The Fil-Am voring Clinton.

Republican National ConDuring the first vention, Trump overtook Perspective day of the DemoClinton in the polls, and cratic National this just underscores how Convention, Sandmuch the Democratic nomers talked to his inee needs the help of the followers, many of party, and especially of her Gel SantoS-ReloS whom were crying rival Sanders, to make sure the supporters of his political movement/ as he spoke, and made his case as to why revolution — all very passionate about they should rally behind Clinton. With Sanders — unite together with Clinton the powerful convention speeches of supporters, campaign for her and make First Lady Michelle Obama, Sen. elizabeth Warren, Pres. Barack Obama, and sure she defeats Trump in November.

The task to persuade his supporters former Pres. Bill Clinton, Sanders combecame even more challenging after the municated this message to help unite Wikileaks report revealed what Sanders’ the party and elect Clinton to be the next camp felt all along — that the Democratic president of the United States.

Here are the excepts: Party establishment had been undermin-

“We have begun a political revolution to transform America and that revolution – our revolution – continues. Election days come and go...But the struggle of the people to create a government which represents all of us and not just the one percent – a government based on the principles of economic, social, racial and environmental justice – that struggle continues. And I look forward to being part of that struggle with you.

This election is not about, and has never been about, Hillary Clinton, or Donald Trump, or Bernie Sanders or any of the other candidates who sought the presidency...

This election is about – and must be about – the needs of the American people and the kind of future we create for our children and grandchildren....

We need leadership in this country which will improve the lives of working families, the children, the elderly, the sick and the poor. We need leadership which brings our people together and makes us stronger – not leadership which insults Latinos, Muslims, women, African-Americans and veterans – and divides us up...

By these measures, Hillary Clinton must become the next president of the United States. The choice is not even close.” *** 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

Winning the South China Sea Battle The final nail in Daang Matuwid’s coffin Community Voice Faith BautiSta and JeFF “nino” lim MORe than two weeks have elapsed since the international tribunal from the hague unanimously decided in favor of the Philippines in the South China sea dispute with China.

Much credit for the Philippine victory goes to former President Benigno Aquino who initiated the dispute at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2013. Recent developments in China, including from its President Xi Jinping, demonstrate that this victory could be meaningless and possibly counterproductive. however, President Rodrigo Duterte, in reaching out to the communist rebels in Mindano, and in urging alternatives to military action could pave the way for a bloodless military victory As Filipino American nonprofit and business leaders who are deeply concerned about the economic, military, and political future of the Philippines, we believe that there is strong and growing sentiment for alternative peaceful solutions. Specifically, President Duterte should continue reaching out to China while avoiding a non-ultimatum effort to achieve what no international judicial decision is likely to achieve.

In negotiating with China, President Duterte’s objectives should be to develop long-term economic and political relationships with China that minimize the importance of the South China Sea disputes. For example, the Philippines and China theoretically should be strong economic and trade partners. China wishes, for example, to readily maintain its position as the second largest economic power in the world, and possibly within a generation to be as powerful as the U.S. The Philippines, in contrast, wishes to move from near the bottom of Asian nations in economic power to near the top, as befits an increasingly welleducated population.

Therefore, both nations should develop a list of mutually beneficial economic objectives, including preferential trade agreements that can achieve these mutual objectives only through peaceful measures.

Some argue that the U.S. would prefer that the Philippines rely solely on the U.S. for military protection and primarily on the U.S. for economic relationships. This is a strategy that could backfire, specifically for 110 million Filipinos who no longer wish to be pawns in a “cold war” stand-off between the two largest military giants in the world, China and the U.S. Increasingly Filipinos want their great nation to be able to effectively compete in the near future with China, Japan, Vietnam, and other increasingly strong and independent Asian nations.

They want to compete in eco-

nomic development, job creation, international trade, and in independence from the agenda of any other nation, even when its agenda appears benign.

To support President Duterte in his efforts for long-term peaceful resolutions with China, we urge as a first step that America’s four million Filipino Americans follow in part the longstanding principles of America’s five million Jews in generally supporting Israel’s independence. Specifically, we urge the formation of a Committee of 25 representative Filipino Americans who will generate support for President Duterte’s peaceful efforts. This is essential despite the clamor of some that he declare a legal victory over China and seek to enforce what we believe to be an elusive gambit.

Our dream and expectations are that under President Duterte’s leadership that we follow peaceful and patient practices while maintaining both the U.S. and China as major allies who strongly compete for our allegiance and respect. Should this occur, the Philippines will no longer be faced with being ignored, both in Asia and throughout the world.

We have the ability and the potential, particularly in a world where both China and Japan are desperately seeking to find new workers in the future, to be one of Asia’s strongest nations and economies. And we can do so without military aggression or engaging in unnecessary verbal assaults and challenges.

Commentary

atty. dodo dulay The recent decision of the Supreme Court (SC) acquitting former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of plunder charges over the alleged misuse of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) intelligence funds has erased one of the last vestiges of the “daang matuwid” administration from our political system.

We recall how during his administration, former President Benigno Aquino III kept harping on the success of his administration’s anti-corruption campaign, frequently citing the hospital arrest of his predecessor. Obviously, Aquino relished Arroyo’s incarceration as a major achievement of his “daang matuwid” government.

With the past administration making Arroyo the poster child for all the ills that befell our country, the SC’s junking of the only remaining plunder charge against her is a slap on the face of Aquino. It also confirms what many have suspected all along—that Arroyo had been illegally and hastily detained on trumped-up charges.

First off, the SC noted in its ruling that all of the alleged conspirators (except for Arroyo and PCSO Budget Officer Benigno

Aguas) have been granted bail by the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan after finding that the evidence of guilt against them was not strong.

The SC also said: “To start with, its conclusion that GMA [Gloria Macapagal Arroyo] had been the mastermind of plunder was plainly conjectural and outrightly unfounded considering that the Information [i.e., charge sheet] did not aver at all that she had been the mastermind… The law on plunder requires that a particular public officer must be identified as the one who amassed, acquired or accumulated ill-gotten wealth.”

The SC stated that “the (plunder) law requires in the [Information] for plunder against several individuals that there must be a main plunderer and her co-conspirators … but that fact must be properly alleged and duly proven by the Prosecution”—which they never did.

Since 10 persons have been accused of amassing, accumulating and/or acquiring ill-gotten wealth aggregating P365,997,915, the SC explained that “it would be improbable that the crime charged was plunder if none of them was alleged to be the main plunderer [since] each of the 10 accused would account for the aliquot amount of only P36,599,791.50, or exactly [one-tenth] of the alleged aggregate ill-gotten wealth, which is far below the [P50-million] threshold value of ill-gotten wealth required for plunder.”

As expected, Arroyo’s acquit-

tal didn’t go down well with exPresident Aquino.

“Reviewing RA 1169 [i.e., the PCSO Charter] and the actions approved by Mrs. Arroyo, one may wonder: were such acts allowable under the law? To answer this question, we can actually glean the spirit of the law in the same Charter, which has penalties for those who utilize PCSO funds beyond what is enumerated,” Aquino said.

“Section 8 of the PCSO Charter states: “The following shall be punished by imprisonment of not less than one month and not more than three years… Any officer or employee of a hospital or other charitable or hygienic institution or organization who uses funds obtained from the Office under this Act for purposes other than those herein authorized,” Aquino added.

But following Aquino’s line of reasoning, the worst offense that can be imputed against Arroyo would be the “unauthorized use of funds” under the PCSO Charter, which carries a penalty of just one month to three years imprisonment. That’s a far cry from the non-bailable plunder charges that Aquino’s allies brought against Arroyo.

Aquino’s response also seems to indicate that he knew very well that the plunder charge against Arroyo would not stick but he nonetheless used the vast powers and influence of his office to ensure that Arroyo would be jailed during his term, by hook or by crook.

“Now I ask: by ordering the PAGE A7

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A

ASEAN fails to reach compromise on South China Sea ruling

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

On Sunday, July 24, the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAn) failed to come to a consensus on conflicts in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) during a conference in the Laotian capital of Vientiane.

Foreign ministers of the Philippines and Vietnam urged their ASEAn counterparts to cite the July 12 ruling in favor of the Philippines and the importance of abiding by international law in each of their statements, which are issued after each meeting.

Cambodia, China’s closest ally, failed to mention the ruling against China in their statements, according to the diplomats. Before the meeting, Cambodia argued against the wording in the statement which established a deadlock in the dispute.

This is ASEAn’s first deadlock since 2012, which was also had to do with Cambodia’s opposi-

tion to language regarding the South China Sea. “We have been here before, and I hope they can solve it,” an official from the Indonesian ASEAn Secretariat told Reuters.

“It is the same story again, a repeat of the meeting in 2012.”

This was the first time the foreign ministers from ASEAn – which is comprised of 10 nations – have met since the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines on July 12. The ruling denied Beijing’s argument that it has sole possession of the waters. In response to the ruling, Beijing said it made no difference to its rights to the sea and its resources.

An ASEAn diplomat told Reuters that the group has until Tuesday, July 26, to come to a compromise on the statement.

If not, it would be the second time the group has been unable to send out a statement in its 49-

year existence.

On Monday, July 25, the ASEAn and China said they agreed to avoid actions that would escalate the conflicts with the waters. This includes from eschewing from attempts to take over uninhabited features in the South China Sea, according to a joint statement released.

ASEAn will meet with Wang Yi, foreign minister of China and United States Secretary John Kerry to discuss the South China Sea. Kerry was in Vientiane on July 25 to participate in the ASEAn talks and urge the divisive Southeast Asian nations to come to an agreement.

On Tuesday, Kerry said he would urge the Philippines to continue talks with China regarding the sea. He added that it was time for the U.S. to “move away from public tensions and turn the page” over the disputes and handle conflicts with peace and diplomacy.

T. PanTi ManilaTimes.net

THE existence of an additional server won’t nullify the victory of Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo in the May 2016 elections, her camp said on Tuesday, July 26.

Lawyer Romulo Macalintal, Robredo’s counsel, noted that servers have nothing to do with results of the elections for any position because servers have no means of changing the results, either to add to or deduct from the votes of any candidate.

Macalintal was responding to claims of the camp of defeated vice presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that there is a breakthrough in Marcos’ protest because of the fourth server, whose existence was not disclosed to the public prior to the conduct of the May polls.

“Former Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos and his supporters are dreaming if they believe Marcos would win in his election protest against Vice President Robredo on the basis of alleged ‘secret servers’ used by the Smartmatic and the Comelec in the May 9,

2016 elections. All he has to do is present even just one of the 94,000 election returns generated by the Vote Counting Machines (VCMs) that does not tally with the 30 other authentic copies of the election returns,” Macalintal said in a statement, referring to the Commission on Elections.

Under Section 22 of Republic Act 9369 or the Automated Election Law, 30 copies of Election Returns (ERs) are printed per precinct by the VCMs and distributed to all political parties, candidates and accredited citizens arms and additional 30 copies of same ERs could be requested by any candidate.

“If Marcos could show even just one genuine ER of one precinct in his possession that does not match with the genuine ER of same precinct issued to other parties, then that would be the time for him to claim a ‘major breakthrough’ in his case,” Macalintal pointed out.

“There were 50 million ballots cast into the VCMs in the last elections. If Marcos could show just one ballot from just one precinct where the VCM credited his vote in favor of

Senators vow to support Duterte priority measures

by Paolo

roMero Philstar.com

since all tax measures must originate from them under our ConstiMAnILA—Senators said they tution,” Angara said.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian supwould support legislation pushed

by President Duterte in his State ported Duterte’s plan to help of the nation Address (SOnA) on 4Ps beneficiaries graduate from the program while still providing Robredo, then that would be a Monday, July 25. ‘good day’ for him,” he said.

Senate President Aquilino other essential social services to Robredo of the Liberal Party Pimentel III cited in particular ensure that they would be able to beat Marcos in the nail-bit- Duterte’s call for rebracketing sustain the gains they made while ing vice presidential race by personal income taxes to make it enrolled in the program.

Senate Minority Leader Ralph 263,473 votes. more equitable.

Macalintal then cited that to Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara, Recto said Duterte’s SOnA promthis day, Marcos’ camp failed who chairs the Senate ways and ises should find expression in the to show a single ER or ballot to means committee, said pursuing 2017 national budget “because prove any discrepancy in any tax reforms could foster invest- without funding, they will remain as empty pledges.”

ER generated by the VCMS or ments and job creation.

Recto reminded Cabinet memany ballot inaccurately read “I am 101 percent behind him by the machines. on this. These should give mo- bers to check whether Duterte’s “If Marcos insists on proving mentum to the push to reform pronouncements are part of their said alleged election anomalies our tax system. We will prioritize priorities.

While not all programs the through these ‘secret servers,’ these but we will need the help then the Presidential Electoral of the House (of Representatives) President spelled out in his maidTribunal should suspend proceedings because Marcos also claimed that he was ‘cheated’ due to vote-buying, terrorsufficient to establish the guilt of ism and pre-shading of bal- PAGE A6 lots. These are inconsistent release and exoneration of Mrs. Arroyo for the crime of plunder. grounds because the alleged Arroyo, what is the Supreme This is based on the principle in frauds through ‘secret servers’ Court saying: that nothing criminal law that the burden of would appear to be machine- anomalous transpired? That no proving the defendant’s guilt lies generated while the others are crime happened? That no one with the prosecution, and they supposed to be man-made ir- should be held to account? That must establish that fact beyond the funds were used properly?” a reasonable doubt. In fact, the regularities,” he said.

“Indeed, Marcos should Aquino argued in his press defendant does not even have to present any evidence to prove wake up to reality. Said ‘se- statement.

Apparently, Aquino and his his or her innocence. cret servers’ have nothing The truth is Aquino has noto do with the results of the advisers don’t get the point.

What the SC ruling merely body to blame for the outcome elections. Marcos did not and could not even say that Ro- said was that the evidence that of the PCSO plunder case but bredo benefited from that,” the prosecution (i.e., the Om- himself. In his overzealousness budsman) had produced was not to put his arch nemesis behind Macalintal added.

Fourth server ‘can’t overturn’ VP victory by lanesca

SENATE OFFICERS: Newly installed Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (right) shakes the hand of former Senate President Franklin M. Drilon who was elected as Senate President Pro Tempore during the opening of the first regular session of the 17th Congress, Monday, July 25. Also in photo is Drilon’s wife, Mila.

Senate photo by Romeo Bugante

en SOnA may require funding, “some must be attached to peso signs,” Recto said.

He cited, as one example, Duterte’s promise to help Filipinos in distress abroad.

Duterte’s pledge to provide rice subsidy to poor families must also be funded, Recto said.

One of Duterte’s flagship programs – the war on illegal drugs – has triggered “this large exodus of drug users to a new life,” he said.

“The President said the government would help addicts reform.

There is a national shortage of rehab centers. I hope there will be funding to address this in the 2017 budget. For the campaign against drugs to succeed, it must have a rehabilitative component,” Recto said.

The final nail in Daang Matuwid’s...

bars, Aquino tolerated, if not encouraged, the indiscriminate filing of several non-bailable cases against Arroyo, no matter how flimsy, inadequate or flawed the evidence may be. And despite having all the resources of government behind him, Aquino never bothered to look for the one key player—PCSO General Manager Rosario Uriarte.

Many of our countrymen are now hoping that those filing cases (this time) against Aquino and his allies can do a much better job. (ManilaTimes.net)

A

july 29-august 4, 2016 • NORCal asIaN jOuRNal

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CJ

Journal

Your Immigration Solution Devin Connolly & nanCy Miller BEIng granted United States citizenship is a dream-come-true for countless people from around the world. Though the dream is the same, the paths to actually obtaining US citizenship can vary greatly because there are many different ways that a person may become a US citizen.

The most common way a person is granted US citizenship is by birth in the US or one of its territories. This automatic granting of citizenship is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution and applies to almost everyone, regardless of the immigration status of the child’s parents.

The next most-common way a person may obtain US citizenship is through the process known as naturalization. This is how those who immigrated to the United States become citizens. It begins with the filing of an application and ends at a swearing-in ceremony. It is the steps in between that can trip many up. Some may not be eligible and not know it. Some may have unresolved issues of removability that will become apparent when they file their application. Some may be eligible but not provide the necessary documentation.

The wise applicant makes it his or her business to be educated and informed before filing for the benefit.

Most applicants for naturalization must be a lawful permanent resident of the US for five years before they may apply for US citizenship. However, this fiveyear requirement is lowered to three years if the applicant has been residing in “marital union” with their US citizen spouse for the prior three years. This is true even if the applicant did not obtain their green card through the marriage. “Marital union” means that the parties actually resided

The many ways of becoming a US citizen together, so even an informal separation would disqualify an applicant from applying after only three years. In an attempt to ameliorate the delays in processing, the regulations allow the applicant to file 90 days before the three or five year period is reached.

The applicant must have been physically present in the US for at least half of the three or five year period. And an absence of one full-year breaks the residency and the clock must start again.

Each applicant for naturalization must show good moral character for the requisite period of time. Several past events in one’s life may not only preclude a person from showing good moral character and, thereby, prevent a grant of citizenship but may also cause the applicant to be placed into removal proceedings. These actions include misrepresentations made to obtain an immigration benefit or convictions for certain crimes. And CIS is entitled to look outside the prescribed period to determine the applicant’s good moral character.

Some of these requirements for naturalization are eliminated for one who is applying based on military service, especially military service during a time of conflict.

A child of a US citizen who is born outside the US may acquire US citizenship without going through naturalization if they meet certain conditions. Specifically, the child must be under the age of 18, must already be a permanent resident of the US, at least one of their parents must be a US citizen either by birth or naturalization, and the child must be residing in the US in the legal and physical custody of their US citizen parent. Upon the satisfaction of the last of these four requirements, the child au-

tomatically becomes US citizens and may apply for a certificate of citizenship or a US passport.

This provision applies to adopted children, but not to step-children of US citizens. Also, this law only applies to children who were under the age of 18 on February 27, 2001. There are more complex requirements for a person that turned 18-years-old before February 27, 2001.

Finally, a person may also acquire US citizenship by being born abroad to a US citizen parent. Whether the child acquired US citizenship at birth will be determined based on the law that it was in effect at the time of the child’s birth. This aspect of US citizenship laws has changed many times over the years, so each applicant’s case is different. However, a common theme has been requiring the US citizen parent to have acquired a certain amount of physical presence in the US prior to the child’s birth.

The laws regarding citizenship in the United States are extremely complex. One may be a citizen and not know it. Alternatively, one may think they are going through a simple process and wind up fighting to keep their green card. Be informed.

Consult a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney when you start to think about citizenship. *** 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

purchase, delivery, and support of a product or service.

MOrE than half of the conThe SAP report said 54 persumers in the Philippines are cent of Filipino consumers were “delighted” with the digital ex- “delighted” with their digital experiences they had with local periences from local companies, brands, indicating a relatively while 25 percent categorized high trust from consumers in their experience as ambivalent, sharing their personal informa- and 21 percent were unsatisfied tion just to avail of digital inter- with their experience. actions among these companies.

These consumers factored in The SAP Digital Experience “safety and security” as a top report for the Philippines re- priority in engaging in digital leased on Tuesday, July 26 sur- experiences, with 77 percent of veyed 500 consumers in the them rating it as 9 to 10 in terms country and over 1,200 digital of importance. interactions with local brands The study showed strong corduring the April to June period relation between satisfaction of of this year. digital experience and the willIn the report, “digital experi- ingness of consumers to disclose ence” is defined as how a brand personal information. SAP found digitally interacts with its cus- out that the delighted consumers tomers during the discovery, “were nearly three times more

likely to provide brands with personal data than those who were unsatisfied.” This information included personal finances, health records, educational level and buying preferences, among others.

Including safety and security, the SAP study asked respondents about 14 attributes that make up a consumer’s digital experience, which are: available anytime on my terms; cohesive, integrated and simple; fits in with my life, and is effortless; timely and dedicated to my needs; responsive and interactive; relevant offers without infringing on privacy; customized and tailored to my preferences; makes me feel important; predicts my preferences; associates

u PAGE CJ2

Deadline for applications to the 5th FYLPro extended SAn FrAnCISCO – Calling all Fil-Am youth! The search for the fifth batch of delegates for the Filipino American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPro) has been extended!

Launched in 2012, the FYLPro is a project conceptualized by former Philippine Ambassador to the United Sates Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., in partnership with the Ayala Foundation, as a way to reach out to the youth, tap their talents and skills, and hone their potential as future leaders, movers and shakers of the Filipino American community.

The FYLPro is an immersion program held in Manila, where delegates are given the opportunity

u PAGE CJ2

CJ

JULY 29-aUgUst 4, 2016 • NORCaL asIaN JOURNaL

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA Long ago in the island of Crete, there lived a man named Daedalus, who was famed for his skills as an inventor. He worked for King Minos. Foremost among his many achievements was building the labyrinth in which the king kept the Minotaur, a fearsome, legendary beast which was half-man and half-bull that fed on human flesh. It was said that anyone who went into the labyrinth never came out of it again because of its complex, undecipherable winding walls and corridors.

Daedalus was brilliant and this was a problem for the king.

Although Daedalus had been giving the king great and loyal service all his life, Minos was deeply insecure and feared that Daedalus who was wise, celebrated and ingenious would, one day challenge him to become king.

As a preemptive move, Minos imprisoned Daedalus and his son, Icarus in a prison tower.

The king underestimated Daedalus, for one dark night, father and son escaped from their prison tower. They found out however that it was well nigh impossible to escape the island with the paranoid King Minos sending out an all points bulletin to his mindless minions. Minos’ soldiers carefully searched every boat that left the island.

Father and son took cover in a remote cave along the shore hidden from the watchful eyes of Minos’ soldiers while Daedalus figured out a way to escape.

Watching the seagulls for hours soaring and diving for food on the shore, Daedalus was struck with the idea of flight as an escape route. He caught one bird and studied the structure and form of its wings and after careful thought, decided to copy how a wing is made. He instructed Icarus to catch seagulls and pluck their feathers. When there were enough feathers, he sewed them together and used melted wax to bind the feathers on a wooden framework. He created the contraption so skillfully that they looked like a giant replica of a bird’s wings. He customized two pairs of wings for himself and for his son, careful to take each of their individual body weights into consideration.

But having wings was one thing, knowing how to use those wings to fly was another.

So Daedalus strapped his wings and still taking his cue from the seagulls on how to soar, swoop, dive and glide, he proceeded

Hubris

Community Journal

“The deepest definition of youth is life as yet untouched by tragedy.”

— Alfred North Whitehead

to learn how to fly so that the wings felt like a seamless part of his arms and his body. He studied wind currents, the waters of the sea and the heat of the sun.

Having gained the skill, he proceeded to teach his son patiently. At first, Icarus stumbled and fell and when he got past the first few fumbles, the youth learned quickly, his lithe, svelte form seemingly destined for flight. He learned to fly like a bird, swooping and diving, gliding and circling about, looking down below at the blue waters and their island prison, now a mere speck from above, and frolicking about overhead, chasing the seagulls and rolling in the clouds. Freedom was a heady drink. Icarus felt complete elation, knew the incredible lightness of being and tasted the sweet freedom of flight.

Then came the day when Daedalus and Icarus were to fly out of Crete. The sun was up, and the wind was mild and Daedalus decided it was an auspicious day to make the great escape.

Daedalus sat his son down and looked him in the eyes for serious pre-flight instructions knowing that once in the air, there would be little chance for communication. “Pay attention, Icarus. Stick close behind me and watch your altitude. Fly too low and the sea with its moisture will make your wings too heavy. Fly too high and the heat of the sun will melt the wax in your wings. Take heed and stay close.” Icarus nodded agreement but he was far too excited and his mind was already in the sky.

Daedalus took off flapping his wings faster and faster to get vertical lift-off and escape gravity. Icarus followed suit and took off shortly after. As they flew, the people on the ground in Crete watched in amazement wondering whether the winged creatures are the gods themselves flying.

Icarus trailed his father closely at first, following his flight pattern and struggling to take heed of his father’s admonitions. But feeling an overwhelming sense of growing power in his ability to fly, reveling in his freedom and giving in to his impetuous, youthful nature, Icarus deviated a little at first, taking little swoops and side trips and catching up with his father who was intently flying on a steady speed and altitude. As Icarus swooped, dived and indulged frivolously in his aerial acro-

batics, Icarus soon forgot his father’s words and flew higher and higher towards the noonday sun. Then the wax in his wings melted, the wooden framework broke apart and the feathers blew away. Wingless and panicking, Icarus plunged headlong like deadweight into the blue waters. Daedalus swooped down in hot pursuit to save his son but it was much too late.

All he saw were a few feathers floating on the surface.

Daedalus, with a heavy heart at the tragic loss of his beloved Icarus, managed to fly to Sicily.

In his grief, Daedalus retired his wings, lost his love for life and never flew again. over and over again through the generations, we see this tendency of some of the young ones to “forget” the things they have been taught and allow hubris and folly to rule.

Some throw away everything they have learned and painstakingly worked for in one impetuous decision or action. It is as if their overwhelming sense of freedom, newly-attained independence and sense of power goads them to “fly close to the sun.”

Humility gets torpedoed and overweening pride rules. They feel they no longer need guidance from anyone. Sometimes a good scare or a tiny thorn of bad experience can be humbling and worth more than a lifetime of warnings, advice and admonitions to nudge prideful youth back to reality and on the straight and narrow.

While we may think that this tendency of the youth today is unique to our times, we only have to look back several thousand years to know that the scenario may have changed, the cast of characters in every generation in every nation may be different, but the predilection for hubris and folly in some of the youth remains the same.

We need to be reminded too that as adults, we were once just as young and just as foolish, perhaps even more so. But we were lucky and got a pass because life was magnanimous enough to let us get past this harrowing stage with barely a scratch and live long enough to see the cycle repeated in our children.

And on and on until the sun dies, the cycle goes. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Deadline for applications to the 5th FYLPro...

PAGE CJ1 t to meet and dialogue with high officials and policymakers in the Philippine government, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, artists and cultural experts, as well as innovators in various fields. It aims to magnify the voice of the FilAm youth, increase their appreciation for Philippine culture, customs and values, and develop their understanding and empathy towards the Filipino community both in the Philippines and in the United States.

According to FYLPro Alumni, the Program has enabled them to gain invaluable insights on Philippine and Filipino American issues, maintain a global network of innovative and influential individuals, and realize a life changing perspective. Previous delegates have

organized themselves into an organization that is focused on initiatives geared towards promoting the social, educational, economic and political development of the Philippines and the Filipino communities in the US. Projects such as Teach for the Philippines, Panalo Partnership with the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), next Day Better and dual citizenship promotion are the brainchild of FYLPro Alumni.

This year’s FYLPro will be held on november 24 to December 2, 2016. All Filipino Americans who meet the following criteria are highly encouraged to join: • no younger than 25 years old and no older than 40 years old by november 24, 2016; • Ready and capable of trav-

eling to the Philippines (arriving in Manila by Wednesday, november 23, 2016 and departing no earlier than Friday, December 2, 2016); • Have potential or demonstrated leadership skills within their school, community, workplace or other areas of involvement; and • Have potential or demonstrated involvement in the Filipino American community, or in issues and/or activities that align with the interests of the Filipino American community or the Philippines.

The online application and list of required documentation may be found at fylpro.org/apply. The deadline for submission is on August 1, 2016, midnight of Hawaii Standard Time.

For more information, please check the website fylpro.org.

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 583-6818

Business News Cacao industry to get P49 M to rehab, boost production

by Louise

Maureen Philstar.com

siMeon

MAnILA - The Department of Agriculture (DA) is allotting P49 million this year to rehabilitate and boost cacao production in the Davao region in line with efforts to sustain the region as the leading producer of quality cacao beans in the country.

The DA said the rehabilitation of senile cacao trees and plantations is one of the strategies to address the decline in cacao output. of the total budget, P42 million will be utilized for fertilizers while the remaining will be used for agricultural equipment.

“The DA will offer rehabilitation for cacao areas that already exist for at least 10 years which include a package technical assistance and training and provision of pruning equipment and fertilizers,” DA-High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) coordinator Melani Provido said.

The DA-HVCDP also tapped industry experts from the Kennemer Foods International Inc., the country’s leading buyer of

cacao beans for domestic and export markets, in establishing techno-demo sites for cacao rehabilitation.

The rehabilitation process will involve the identification of old trees; formative pruning on cacao trees; execution of chupon grafting or side grafting using selected scion or budstick; and fertilizer application using the recommended rate of cacao experts. “one year after rehabilitation, farmers can expect increase in yield and improved quality cacao beans,”Provido said.

The world market has projected that cacao would be in demand for the production of cocoa butter and chocolate in the next five years.

It is also predicted that there would be a global shortage of one million metric tons (MT) of cacao by 2020.

In the Philippines alone, current production is not enough to meet the local demand of 30,000 MT yearly.

The DA aims to raise local production from 12,000 MT of dried cacao beans to 100,000 MT by 2020. n

DOT eyes removal of travel tax MAnILA - The Department of Tourism (DoT) is looking into the possibility of removing or at least reducing the travel tax to make traveling more affordable and convenient for Filipinos.

Tourism Undersecretary for Advocacy and Public Affairs Katherine De Castro told The STAR over the weekend that the DoT is reviewing the country’s travel tax system to determine if it could scrap or lower the travel tax imposed on individuals who are leaving the country.

“It still needs a lot of review. not right now, definitely, you know it’s an ambitious part from the end of the DoT,” De Castro said in a phone interview.

“Traveling in the Philippines is not cheap. If we can’t remove it (travel tax) totally, we want to at least lower it,” she added.

Airline passengers departing from the Philippines are levied a travel tax of P1,620 for economy class passage and P2,700 for first class passage.

Half of the proceeds from travel tax collections go to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), 40 percent to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and 10 percent to the national Commission for Culture and

Airline passengers departing from the Philippines are levied a travel tax of P1,620 for economy class passage and P2,700 for first class passage.

Arts (nCCA).

“We’re looking at the fact that a percentage of the travel tax goes to CHED, which is in no way connected to traveling at all,” De Castro said.

The DoT’s review of the travel tax system has so far led to the removal of the P200 processing fee charged for the issuance of certificates of Travel Tax Exemption and Reduced Travel Tax, which is effective today, July 25.

In the meantime, De Castro said the DoT and its attached agency, TIEZA, are also working on how the travel tax can be in-

corporated in airline tickets.

“Basically, that’s what we’re doing right now, to have it (travel tax) incorporated in all airline tickets regardless if you are a national carrier or a low cost airline,” she said.

According to De Castro, some airlines still have not included the travel tax within their ticket charges.

“It’s inconvenient in such a way that you think you’re already checked in, but in fact, you are not, so you would still have to line up in another booth to pay for your travel tax,” she said.

(MGP/Philstar.com)

PH sugar millers join ASEAN sugar alliance

by JaMes

Konstantin Manilatimes.net

GaLvez

PHILIPPInE sugar millers forged an alliance with their Asean counterparts to promote and support the regional sugar industry and make it more competitive globally.

Representatives from seven sugar producing industries from the Asean region met in Bangkok, Thailand last Friday, July 15, and signed a memorandum of understanding creating the Asean Sugar Alliance (ASA).

Sugar industries of Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam signed the MoU. The representative of the sugar industry of Malaysia agreed in principle to join the ASA but requested time to seek authorization to sign the agreement.

The Philippine Sugar Millers Association Inc. (PSMA) represented the Philippine sugar industry.

ASA is a private international organization composed of sugar industries of countries in the Asean region. It will serve as a venue for member industries to exchange information on the latest technology and researches on sugarcane farming, sugar production, and by-product diversification.

Initially, ASA was formed by only three members of Asean Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia in november 2012 to strengthen the sugar sector

ahead of the launch of the Asean Economic Community or AEC in 2015.

Membership is on a “no commitment basis,” meaning sugar industries do not have to attain or retain a certain production, export or import volume to be a member.

PSMA was invited by the Thailand Sugar Millers Corp. Ltd. to join the ASA, and was represented by Pedro Roxas, Francisco Varua, and Atty. Jesus Barrera.

Ma. Regina Bautista-Martin, head of the Sugar Regulatory Administration, was invited as guest to the event.

During the meeting, an election was held with the sugar industry of Thailand elected as chairperson and industries of the Philippines and Indonesia

as co-chairperson. It was agreed that ASA shall meet once a year and PSMA signified that it shall host the meeting in 2017.

With a population of 600 million, the Asean region is seen by ASA as its priority market, and Europe as a secondary option should the European Union allow the entry of locally produced sweetener.

At present, the region produces about 17 million tons of sugar and consumes 14 million tons per year. on average, each person in the region consumes about 23 kilograms of sugar per year, according to the International Sugar organization.

Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines produce about 15 million tons of sugar per year

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PH consumers give high marks...

PAGE CJ1 t with my identity; makes me love the brand; excites and engages me; and makes me feel unique.

Ryan Poggi, managing director of SAP Philippines, said the results of the study bodes well with the profile of “increasingly sophisticated Filipino consumers who are always on the go and are tech savvy.”

“A recent ITU Facts and Figures Report for 2015 on the percentage of individuals using internet stated that 41 percent of individuals in the Philippines leverage the internet for various

uses. This highlights the explosive potential growth of digital in the Philippines in the near future,” Poggi said.

“However, with all the complexity brought on by multiple device usage and digital apps to choose from, today’s customers demand simple, seamless and personalized experiences across any channel, anytime, anywhere, and on any device. As evident in SAP’s Digital Experience Report, brands that fail to realize this will see a drop in share of consumers’ wallet,” he added.

The SAP chief said brands can bridge the digital experi-

ence gap by “adopting a clear strategy that brings together marketing, sales, services, and commerce” that will ensure seamless digitization for the entire consumer experience not only in the Philippines, but also for brands across the globe.

In the Southeast Asian space, an identical study was conducted with more than 3,600 consumers who rated 240 brands through their 9,375 digital interactions against the 14 attributes. The covered countries include the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

Community Journal

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Conditional green card holders can petition certain family members even while still a conditional resident

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ Dear Attorney Gurfinkel: I married a US citizen after my child’s 18th birthday and am now a conditional resident. I know my husband and I need to file a joint – petition to remove conditions within 90 days of the expiration of my two – year conditional green card.

I had hoped my husband could petition my child as a stepchild, but since we married after my child’s 18th birthday, that is not possible. Do I need to wait until the conditions are removed on my green card before I can petition my child, or can I already petition him now, and hopefully his visa will be available before his 21st birthday?

Very truly yours, GS Dear GS: The law allows you to file a petition for your child now, while you’re still a conditional resident. 8 CFR 216.1 provides in relevant part: “Unless otherwise specified, the rights, privileges, responsibilities and duties which apply to all other lawful permanent residents apply equally to conditional permanent residents, including but not limited to the

right to apply for naturalization (if otherwise eligible), the right to file petitions on behalf of qualifying relatives, the privilege of residing permanently in the United States as an immigrant in accordance with the immigration laws, such status not having changed; . . .”

In your case, you could, therefore, petition your single minor child in the F – 2A category. At present, the backlog for such petitions is approximately 1-1/2 years. Hopefully, if you act immediately, your child may still qualify as a “minor” child because the priority date could become current before his 21st birthday and/or he could possibly be eligible for benefits under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA).

If you wait to file your child’s F-2A petition until after your conditions are removed and you’re given a 10 – year green card, there may not be enough time to process your child’s petition (and the priority date to become current) before his 21st birthday. He would then be automatically reclassified into the F-2B category, where the waiting time could be an additional 10-12 years.

If you are a conditional resi-

dent and are considering petitioning certain family members, such as unmarried children, whether under or over the age of 21, you should seek the advice of an attorney, who can evaluate your situation. Naturally, your marriage to the US citizen (through whom you received conditional status) must be bona fide and for love. If USCIS concludes you entered into a fixed marriage, not only would your status be in jeopardy, but also any petition you filed. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

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

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

Business News

Real estate leads industrial revenue growth in Q1

by Catherine

C. talaVera ManilaTimes.net

INDUSTRIAL revenue grew 6.9 percent in the first quarter of this year from a year earlier, with the biggest increase logged by the real estate sector, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The PSA said the Total Gross Revenue Index of Industries—a measure of revenues generated by all industries from the shipment of goods produced, resale of goods and services rendered—grew 6.9 percent in the first quarter of this year.

Revenues from real estate sector grew 13.2 percent, the fastest among all sub-indices, but it was slightly slower than last year’s 13.7-percent growth.

This was followed by transportation and communication with revenue growth of 9.4 percent, also slower than the 12.3 percent posted in the previous year.

“Trade accelerated to 8.8 percent from 6.1 percent, Finance registered a growth of 6.1 percent from 3.9 percent, Manufacturing at 2.0 percent from 10.1 percent, and Private Services at 0.5 percent from 7.4 percent,” the PSA said.

Employment growth in the real estate sector decelerated in the first quarter to 8.1 percent

The PSA said the Total Gross Revenue Index of Industries—a measure of revenues generated by all industries from the shipment of goods produced, resale of goods and services rendered—grew 6.9 percent in the first quarter of this year.

from 15.3 percent posted in the previous year.

The overall Total Employment Index slipped by 0.04 percent in the first quarter after growing by 3.8 percent in the previous year. The decline was driven by contractions in industries such as mining and quarrying and manufacturing, which declined by 6.3 percent and 0.9 percent from growth rates of 3.3 percent and 3.7 percent in the previous year, respectively, and in Finance, which decelerated by 1.8 percent from growth of 7.9 percent.

The employment index in Electricity and Water turned around to growth of 1.3 percent from a contraction of 0.3 percent, while Private Services slowed to 1.1 percent from 8.0 percent in the same quarter last year.

Only Trade accelerated in

the employment index by 1.1 percent from 0.1 percent in the same period last year.

Compensation in the real estate industry grew by 10.4 percent, though at a slower pace than the 20.1 percent posted in the previous year.

The overall Total Compensation Index posted growth of 4.5 percent, slower than compensation growth of 6.0 percent last year. Under this, “Mining and Quarrying dipped further by 15.4 percent from a 2.0 percent contraction and Manufacturing declined by 3.4 percent from an expansion of 11.2 percent,” the PSA said.

Electricity and Water was the only industry to post an accelerated growth in the first quarter of the year at 16.3 percent from the 1.4 percent last year, it said. n

PH likely to remain world’s contact center capital by riChmond

merCurio Philstar.com

MANILA - Sorry India, but the Philippines is likely to keep its crown as the world’s contact center capital for more years to come.

Industry experts told The Star there is a very slim chance the Philippines would be dethroned as the global leader in call center operations over the next five years.

“The Philippines at least for the foreseeable future will continue to be leader in the voice segment.

I don’t see that going anywhere.

Five years definitely, but 10 to 15 years I don’t want to bet on that because you don’t know how technologies will change and how the new generation of people will use communication,” said Nitin Bhat, senior partner at Frost and Sullivan, the consultancy firm crafting the roadmap with Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP).

“That’s our intention (to sustain our number one spot) and I think it’s not unrealistic,” Contact Center Association of the Philippines president and IBPAP executive

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 29-AUgUSt 4, 2016

committee chairman Benedict Hernandez added.

Hernandez said the Philippines snatched the world’s biggest call center title from India in 2010 and the country has not let go of it since.

At present, India remains second behind the Philippines while other market are also growing.

“You have India and the Philippines, but Philippines is positioned much better because of English language skills, the customer service orientation that they see in the Philippines, as well as the English accent which is a bit more familiar to that which the US customers have been looking at,” said Bhat, noting that some call center companies in India are now moving to the Philippines.

“There is a requirement from Asian countries for certain language skills like Japanese, Korean, and they are looking at locations which can offer that, but I don’t think that’s something the Philippines cannot also do.

So with that I will say it would continue to be the leading destination for voice. I don’t see any other competition coming up,” he added.

According to Hernandez, sev-

eral smaller destinations in Asia, Latin America, and parts of Africa are currently on the rise offering their unique value propositions.

The Department of Trade and Industry, for its part, has identified countries like Vietnam, Turkey, Egypt, and Canada as emerging destinations that may give the Philippines’ voice services sector a run for its money in the future.

“When you look across the board, each has a different positioning but from a scale perspective who can actually deliver to the volume required, Philippines and India are quite unique. The other destinations will grow but only to a certain extent. India and the Philippines are always going to be the two bigger ones,” Hernandez said.

“When you look at what’s uniquely to the Philippines, it’s our service orientation or service authenticity. English speaking and education, not easy to replicate but the most difficult is the service culture that we have unique to the Philippines,” he added.

For this year, CCAP sees call center revenues growing to $16 billion and employment at about one million. n

PH sugar millers join Asean...

combined with 10 million tons from Thailand, 2.5 million from Indonesia and 2.5 million from the Philippines.

Cambodia imports roughly about 500,000 to 600,000 tons of sugar a year. Local consumption is only about 100,000 to 150,000 tons a year and the rest is re-exported.

Notwithstanding the challenges, all speakers at the Bangkok Sugar Conference were bullish on sugar, projecting the deficit in world production to last for two more years or until 2018, with world sugar prices reaching $0.25 cents/lb.

The deficit is driven by the drop in production in Thailand to below 10 million metric tons

for a second consecutive year, deficit in India with the unresolved non-payment issue for canes by millers and planters, and projected insufficient sugar allocation in Brazil due to sugar and ethanol sharing. However, there are not enough greenfield areas for expansion to immediately address global consumption requirements. n

FATHER AND DAUGHTER REUNITE AFTER 40 YEARS OF LIFE-CHANGING CHOICES AND “MISFORTUNES” ON A BRAND NEW EPISODE OF CITIZEN PINOY! Decades ago, Tatay Rolando left his wife and daughters in the Philippines to seek a better life in the US. After getting his green card, he petitioned his family, except for Anna Lyn (center) who had turned 21, and was left behind. The years that followed became a series of rough twists and turns for Anna Lyn, including being caught attempting to enter the US on a fraudulent visa.

After a fraud waiver prepared by another attorney was denied, leading US immigration attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL put together a convincing fraud waiver package that was quickly approved, paving the way for the much-awaited, happy reunion of this family on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – JULY 31, Sunday at 6:15 PM (EST/PST) on TFC.

Imports rise to 3-month high in May

by Czeriza

ValenCia Philstar.com

MANILA – Heightened demand for capital and consumer goods pushed imports to grow at the fastest pace in three months, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported Tuesday, July 26.

The PSA said imports rose 39.3 percent to $6.74 billion in May, from $4.83 billion in the same period last year.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said the sustained increase in imports shows favorable economic conditions for the country amid weakness in the global economy.

“The bullish performance of imports is a clear signal that our domestic economic conditions remain robust despite the weak global economy. With its current upward trend, we expect investments and consumption to drive growth for the rest of the year,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA director general Ernesto M. Pernia.

He said among 11 selected Asian countries, only the Philippines registered growth in imports during the month while all others declined.

Pernia said the country must take advantage of this economic momentum to bridge the country’s infrastructure gap.

“With the sluggish import activities in the region, we must focus

The PSA said imports rose 39.3 percent to $6.74 billion in May, from $4.83 billion in the same period last year.

Philstar.com photo by NC/Sodaro K

on fasttracking the country’s infrastructure development to support the growth of our economy and improve our absorptive capacity for investments,” he said.

In May, growth were recorded in nine major imported commodity groups, most of which are classified as capital and consumer goods.

These include transport equipment, power generating and specialized machinery, industrial machinery and equipment, plastics in primary and non-primary forms, telecommunication equipment and electrical machinery, miscellaneous manufactured articles, electronic products, other food and live animals, and iron and

Calendar of Events across

steel.

Payments for inbound shipments of capital goods – used for manufacturing – practically doubled to $2.17 billion in May from $1.08 billion in the same month last year, continuing on its double-digit growth path for the ninth consecutive month and the 16th consecutive month of growth.

Purchases of consumer goods, valued at $1.20 billion in May, went up 47.2 percent from $817.98 million in May 2015, driven by higher demand for passenger cars and motorcycles.

Pernia said the high demand for cars and motorcycles serves both as an indicator of an energetic

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America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS J U LY 3 0

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

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

SEPtEMBER 5-9

2016 PICPA International (US-RP Global Convention The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) International proudly presents the “2016 PICPA International (US-RP) MRA Global Convention” on Sept. 5-9 at the Orleans Hotel & Casino (located at 4500 West Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, Nevada, 89103). All Philippine accountants are invited! For more information, please contact Danilo Abuan (President): (702) 401-5118 or Chito Lopez (Vice Pres. Las Vegas Chapter): (702) 767-1099.

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

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JULY 29-aUgUst 4, 2016 • NORCaL asIaN JOURNaL

PeoPle & events

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 583-6818

Join fellow residents for the Mission Street Clean Up Day on July 30 PleAse join us on saturday, July 30, to clean up Mission street from Templeton Ave to John Daly Blvd. This is a great opportunity to get some exercise, get to know your neighbors and local businesses, prevent litter and debris from entering nearby waterways, and more

than anything, beautify your neighborhood. Tasks include garbage pickup, pulling weeds, and set up and take down of base and reception area.

Meet at the Bepler street Municipal parking lot. Clean up runs 9:30 am to 12noon. Beverages and light lunch to be served fol-

lowing the clean up from 12noon to 1PM. Contact Clyde stormont for more info on how to volunteer at clyde.stormont@evusa.com or (415) 377-8580.

Hope you can come out and help make a difference in Daly City! n

PH on digital spotlight at Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX Asia) THe Philippines is on the digital spotlight as it won the bid to host to the 2016 Travel Blog exchange (TBeX Asia) to be held on October 13 - 16, 2016 at the Philippines International Convention Center, Manila, Philippines.

TBeX is the largest gathering of travel bloggers, writers, new media content creators, social media savvy and other industry professionals, drawing over

participation of distinguished international experts, social media influencers and celebrities.

TBeX Asia 2016 will also conduct various activities, tours, and events featuring the Philippines’ unique offerings, as well as provide a platform for a business networking with local industry members. This undertaking is sANTA CRUZ - Members expected to generate media mileage and further promote the of the santa Cruz Fire Department, local 1716 are set to kick country. n off the fire fighter’s annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) find urgently for the year to P10.4 billion to fur- the planned new stores will rise in needed treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, Als and reVisayas and Mindanao. ther expand its network.

For its international expansion, lated diseases that severely limit “We plan to build 200 new stores (in the Philippines) in the company is on the lookout for strength and mobility.

More than 20 fire fighters from 2016,” said JFC chief executive acquisition opportunities in China santa Cruz Fire Department, loand the Us. officer ernesto Tanmantiong.

Tan Caktiong said they are in- cal 1716 will fan out across the To support the fast growing business, the company also plans terested in brands that have a po- city with boots in hand for this year’s drive on July 15th from 9 to build three new commissary tential to grow.“ In China, JFC is targeting to am to 5 pm, in front of the santa facilities and expand its existing commissary in Canlubang, la- add around 20 to 40 stores this Cruz Beach Boardwalk “For more than sixty years, fire year to its network of 400 stores. guna.

As of the end of April, JFC had fighters have stood on the front Of the P10.4 billion capex, P7.5 billion will be for stores, of which 652 stores outside the country. It lines with MDA in the fight to free P5 billion will be used for new has a 50 percent interest in several individuals — and the families stores while the remaining P2.5 joint ventures such as Highlands who love them — from the harm billion will be used for new com- Coffee, Ph 24, Hotpot and a 40 of these life-threatening muscle percent interest in Us burger gi- diseases,” said executive Direcmissaries. tor, Camron shelton. “each year, Tanmantiong said 70 percent of ant smashburger. (Philstar.com) santa Cruz fire fighters dedicate countless hours of their time participating in Fill the Boot drives riod last year.

In terms of destination, China and at MDA summer Camp. port systems must be improved remained the country’s biggest We’re grateful for their steadto expand people’s transport op- source of imports, comprising fast drive and uncommon caring tions, while we foster economic 20.4 percent of total import bill in toward the kids and adults we development in the countryside. May. Payments were recorded at serve and look forward to worksince these strategies take time to $1.37 billion, an increase of 65.7 ing together once again to make implement, we need everyone’s percent from $828.66 million in this Fill the Boot season a huge success.” full cooperation towards efficient May 2015.

MDA’s spirited Fill the Boot The Philippines also more than traffic management and strict enforcement of regulations,” he doubled its imports from Japan campaign is an honored tradidue to the growing demand for tion in which thousands of dediadded.

Cumulative imports in the five power-generating machines, tele- cated fire fighters in hometowns months to May this year amounted communication equipment and across America hit the streets or to $31.89 billion, up 18.2 percent electrical machinery, and other storefronts asking pedestrians, motorists, customers and other from $26.98 billion in the same pe- mineral fuels and lubricants. n a thousand participants from North America, europe and Asia.

The conference is expected to draw about 1,000 delegates worldwide enabling travel and tour-related companies and organizations, marketing/PR firms and their clients to connect with the top digital travel influencers and experts.

The three-day event will include various seminars, meetings and presentations with the

Santa Cruz fire fighters fill the boot to support kids and adults with muscle-debilitating diseases

Jollibee plans more US stores

HOMegROWN Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC), now the largest food company in Asia, will continue to expand outside the region with plans to establish stores in Chicago in the Us, its top official said.

“We are going to Chicago in July. We are also in Canada,” JFC chairman Tony Tan Caktiong said in a briefing following the company’s annual stockholders meeting yesterday.

The goal is to put up 200 new stores in the Philippines this year and around 80 to 100 stores abroad.

The company has more than doubled its capital expenditures

Imports rise to 3-month3...

PAGE CJ3 t consumption trend and a potential source of growth if car manufacturers in the country can manufacture more parts and complete models.

“This is consistent with the findings of AmBisyon Natin 2040, which listed car ownership as among the aspirations of the Filipino people. But infrastructure, especially roads, must keep up.

At the same time, public trans-

EMPLOYMENT

HERCULES CYCLING CLUB. Want to get into cycling or looking to ride with a group? Established in August 2013, The Hercules Cycling Club was organized to promote the enjoyment of cycling in our local community. We are a collection of cyclists from different backgrounds and skill levels that organize fun group rides open to everyone, and support events and activities that encourage cycling. Membership is not limited to Hercules City residents, we have members all over the Bay Area including San Francisco, Fremont in the south and Fairfield up north. Safety comes first on our rides, and no one gets dropped nor left behind! For more information on the club and ride schedules, go to www.herculescyclingclub.net or email herculescyclingclub@gmail.com.

EMPLOYMENT

passersby to make a donation to MDA, using their collective strength to help kids and adults live longer and grow stronger.

Funds raised through 2016 santa Cruz Fill the Boot event empower families with life-enhancing resources and support that open new possibilities and maximize independence so they can experience the world without any limits.

In addition to Fill the Boot drives, fire fighter contributions from year-round local events, help support MDA’s efforts to raise awareness and provide professional and public education about neuromuscular diseases.

Contributions also help MDA’s efforts to fund groundbreaking research and life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and Care Centers, including the MDA Care Center at stanford, UCsF and CPMC at Forbes Norris. They also help send more than 85 local kids to “the best week of the year” at MDA summer camp at no cost to their families at Westminster Woods in Occidental, CA. MDA and IAFF partnership As MDA’s largest national partner, the IAFF fuels MDA’s mission to find research breakthroughs across diseases; care for kids and adults from day one; and provide families with services and support.

IAFF support for MDA began in 1954 when the organiza-

tion committed by proclamation to support MDA until a cure is found, and the organization’s unwavering commitment to MDA has remained strong to this day.

The IAFF raised $100,000 for MDA in 1955, and $1 million in 1970, and fire fighters continue to raise the bar in their fundraising efforts. In 2015, more than 100,000 fire fighters participated in Fill the Boot events across the country and raised $25.5 million.

To date the IAFF has raised $583 million for MDA. IAFF The International Association of Fire Fighters represents more than 300,000 professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect 85 percent of the nation’s population. More than 3,200 affiliates and their members protect communities in every state in the United states and in Canada.

MDA MDA is leading the fight to free individuals — and the families who love them — from the harm of muscular dystrophy, Als and related muscle-debilitating diseases that take away physical strength, independence and life.

We use our collective strength to help kids and adults live longer and grow stronger by finding research breakthroughs across diseases; caring for individuals from day one; and empowering families with services and support in hometowns across America. learn how you can fund cures, find care and champion the cause at mda.org. n

EMPLOYMENT

FOSTER HOMECARE

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JULY 29-aUgUst 4, 2016 • NORCaL asIaN JOURNaL

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Friday, July 29, 2016

SF2

cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 29, 2016

Diversity matters: Filipino-Americans in the Obama Administration

By AJPress

L

(Part 2 of 2)

AST week, the Asian Journal featured part one of Filipino-Americans who are part of the current administration. We are now publishing the second half of this two-part series.

The Obama administration has been touted as the most diverse in American history, according to a study made by UC Berkeley. Of the many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in President Barack Obama’s administration, there are fifteen (15) Filipino-Americans who serve in different capacities. These Fil-Am appointees have brought not only their skills and expertise to serve the public, but their Filipino heritage as well.

Eddie Angeles Associate Administrator for Airports DOT/FAA Headquarters U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Aviation Administration Hometown: Los Angeles, CA What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

As an immigrant from the Philippines, I have always wanted to give back to what this great country has given to me. Therefore, I wanted to dedicate my professional career to public service. I had the great honor to work in the airport industry in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Obama Administration gave me the unique opportunity and honor to serve the American people as the FAA’s Associate Administrator for Airports.

What challenges have you faced as a Filipino American working in government?

I believe combating the preconceived prejudices that people have about immigrant Filipinos is always challenging. We are traditionally not perceived as leaders but workers in health care, domestic helpers, and other non-leadership role jobs. Therefore, we lack representation in top management positions and lack representation in the elected ranks of government. We lack the kind of “political clout” that many other minority communities possess in government.

What do you see as a large issue facing the Filipino-American community? How is your department working to address it?

It is vital to increase the numbers of Filipino-Americans in top management jobs in government and corporate America. We must strive to advocate for greater representation and elect more Filipino-Americans into key government elected offices around the country. As a department Senior Executive Service professional, I personally try to provide mentorship to others to seek top management positions not only in the federal government but also aviation industry wide.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of while working in the Obama administration?

It is impossible to point to a single matter I am most proud of accomplishing while working for the Obama Administration. But, every time a plane takes off and lands safely at an airport in our country it is the result of the great work of the men and women at the FAA. I am deeply proud and honored to have contributed to that great record of aviation safety during my tenure. However, I want to highlight that it was during the Obama Administration that we invested nearly $3 billion in the infrastructure improvements of runway safety areas, and now we have embarked upon a new Runway Incursion Mitigation program to further improve the safety of our nation’s airports.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

You should dream big because in this great country of the United States of America anything is possible.

How can more Filipinos and minorities become involved in government (on all levels) and be more civically engaged?

Start getting involved at the local level in terms of advocacy in schools, city, and state government. Then, begin to serve in government with commission appointments, school board elections, and progressively move into higher profile elected offices. It does not take much effort to be civilly engaged. The first step is to make sure to vote in the upcoming November election.

Lelaine Bigelow Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislative Relations Federal Housing Administration U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Hometown: Pensacola, FL What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

My family taught me how government and the political process can influence our everyday lives. From an early age I remember volunteering on campaigns with my family and discussing with family members how to make things better at schools and around our city. These may not have been sophisticated debates, but I can see now how important it was in showing me that government matters and it is our responsibility to speak up.

When it came down to choosing a career, I looked around at government and political leaders and I didn’t see many Filipinos.

I wasn’t sure if that meant my voice and my concerns were being represented.

I felt a responsibility to contribute to the dialogue for people like me who might not have a voice. I didn’t have a concrete plan, but I knew that understanding government and how it works was critical to making an impact. If you don’t understand the process you can’t influence it.

What challenges have you faced as a Filipino American working in government?

I’m grateful that I have not faced many challenges as a FilipinoAmerican and I am standing on the shoulders of those that have paved the way for me. My one challenge to name would be my maiden Spanish surname of Valdez.

More than once, I was picked to be interviewed because organizations thought I was Hispanic and then I was summarily dismissed after the in-person interview once I was not the “right minority.”

It is a shame that some organizations would support tokenism over implementing true diversity in their hiring practices.

When you are starting out and trying to get your foot in the door

Cezar A. B. Lopez

American communities and services such as healthcare and health insurance. I’ve always felt comfortable talking about my health because I’ve been lucky to have a personal physician (my dad) all Senior Advisor my life. I’ve come to believe that you shouldn’t have to get lucky Office for Civil Rights to get good healthcare, so it has been a privilege to serve at the U.S. Department of Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which and Human Services protects the health and well-being of all Americans. My agency, Hometown: Silver Spring, MD the HHS Office for Civil Rights, promulgates regulations, develops policy, provides technical assistance and education, and works What influenced you to with healthcare providers to ensure they understand and comply pursue a career in governwith civil rights and health information privacy laws. ment?

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of while workMy parents. My mom was ing in the Obama administration? a social worker and my dad is a On a personal level, since joining the Obama administration in retired physician. Despite fac2012, I became a husband, a father, a first-time homeowner, and ing cultural barriers as new immigrants in the 1960s, they empha- my band has recorded and performed our music. Professionally, sized the importance of helping people. When I was growing up, I am proud to have made contributions to the Affordable Care my parents talked a lot about perseverance, faith, history, and cur- Act, which put in place comprehensive health insurance reforms rent events. I remember my parents reading social justice books that have improved access, affordability, and quality in health care to me when I was a kid. I saw by their examples that principled for Americans. And I am proud to have been part of the team at actions and leadership were ways I could help people, particularly the HHS Office for Civil Rights that issued the Nondiscrimination someone starting over or in need of a hand or a voice. in Health Programs and Activities final rule implementing Section What challenges have you faced as a Filipino American 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which prohibits discrimination working in government? based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. I am It can be intimidating when government doesn’t look like very blessed, and I have so much to feel proud about personally America and sometimes it’s scary to speak out against wrongs. and professionally!

Luckily, when I was in school and when I started working, I was What is your biggest takeaway from working in this adminmentored by visionary people who nurtured and emboldened me. istration?

And I’ve seen it as a motivation to find something in common with Transformational change has been possible with preparedother people, and an opportunity to surprise people, hopefully in ness, dedication, and team work. a good way, by being a better version of myself each day.

How can more Filipinos and minorities become involved in What do you see as a large issue facing the Filipino-Amerigovernment (on all levels) and be more civically engaged? can community? How is your department working to address Register and vote in every election. I’d also say, be well-init? formed about your community and take on leadership and orgaOne issue is how to better integrate into and navigate nizing opportunities in your neighborhood.

Jian Zapata Kim

Associate Director of Legislative Affairs Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs U.S. Department of Commerce Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

I grew up in Virginia Beach, VA, one of the largest military communities in the country and subsequently home to a large and vibrant Filipino American community. Though I went on to college right outside of DC, I had never really considered a career in government and was initially more interested in the nonprofit sector.

However, my first job out of undergrad was working on a political campaign. Afterwards I had a wonderful opportunity to work on Capitol Hill and to work on a policy portfolio near and dear to me, veterans issues. Of most significance, I had the chance to work on and help pass legislation to honor our Filipino World War II veterans, a bill that I had organized around years before as a college student. I served on the Hill for nearly seven years and then moved into a political appointment at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where I have been for almost three years now.

Having worked in politics, policy, and public service for nearly a decade, I’ve come to learn how each of these areas intercon-

Paulo Palugod Senior Sustainability Officer for Resilience White House Council on Environmental Quality Hometown: Galloway, NJ (born in Quezon City, Philippines) What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

My parents worked for the National Economic Development Authority in the Philippines and have always encouraged public service and giving to others. In high school, my mom brought me to the Philippines to sell our house finally. It was my first experience with real poverty and the impacts of industry on third world developing countries. Because of that experience, I dedicated my college years and law school electives to international development and environmental issues. I went to work for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and

this practice it can seem hurtful, but now I see this as true test of whether or not this organization is a place that is a good to place to work.

What do you see as a large issue facing the Filipino-American community? How is your department working to address it?

I would like to see more Filipino-Americans engaged, educated and active on civic issues because that translates into power for our communities.

I know it is hard work among a number of other family, work and other life commitments. That is why at HUD, we are trying to do our part to simplify access to information. We’ve translated over a hundred documents; we meet with community leaders and groups to let them know how HUD can be helpful to their constituencies and we practice diversity in hiring, so that our voice is at the table.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of while working in the Obama administration?

I am most proud of the work I have done to disaggregate HUD data for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Sometimes the work you do is very short-term—working on events or rollouts.

Data collection is a long-term and lasting impact that will serve our community beyond the Obama Administration. It is a necessary and hard first-step to moving our community forward.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

My biggest takeaway is how powerful individuals can be, even in a large organization. Most people feel like cogs in a wheel, but that is not true in the Obama Administration. Every person can have an impact and it reverberates through meetings, policy and impactful decisions. It cuts both ways—positive and negative—but that underscores to me the importance of hiring the right people with diverse backgrounds that share the same vision. That doesn’t mean everyone needs to agree all the time, but that does mean we should share the same values.

How can more Filipinos and minorities become involved in government (on all levels) and be more civically engaged?

Read a good paper or news site. Listen to reliable news radio.

Follow a respected journalist on twitter. We have the responsibility to be informed. We don’t need to be experts, but we should know what is going on in our world and how it affects us. That knowledge will drive the desire to be involved and be a more powerful engagement.

nect and affect us all. I’ve also come to see how underrepresented Filipino Americans, and Asian Americans overall, are in these policy-shaping and decision-making spaces-- not only in sheer staff numbers but more importantly in viewpoints and voices. Because of this, I pursued opportunities in the Administration knowing that government has the ability to vastly impact the lives of so many, and I remain committed to continuing a career in public service.

What do you see as a large issue facing the Filipino-American community? How is your department working to address it?

Each and every one of our families left the Philippines for a chance at better opportunities. The largest issue facing Filipino Americans (and our country in general) continues to be reaching for The American Dream: from being able to live in safe communities, to affording our children with the best education and care, to making an honest living in order to provide for our families.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s focus is strengthening the economy by supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and trade.

When the economy is growing, businesses are thriving, and workers are treated with dignity and respect, our communities can prosper.

How can more Filipinos and minorities become involved in government (on all levels) and be more civically engaged?

Civic engagement is more than just running for office, voting, or working in government, though these things are also incredibly important. It includes lending your energy to causes that speak to you, dialoguing with and educating others about pressing issues, organizing yourselves at the grassroots as well as at the grass tops, holding elected officials accountable, creating space for and supporting new leadership, reaching back and guiding those who need help navigating the bureaucracy, and building capacity at all these levels to increase political power.

Natural Resources Division, where I worked in environmental and natural resources law, and then came to CEQ to work on climate change adaptation issues.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of while working in the Obama administration?

Working on the Deepwater Horizon Gulf Oil Spill litigation and moving forward Administration initiatives for Tribes and environmental justice communities.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

It’s important to show leadership even when people say no.

You shouldn’t be afraid to push priorities or ideas that you believe in and you should be persistent in making them happen.

How can more Filipinos and minorities become involved in government (on all levels) and be more civically engaged?

Working in government is not the end result, but an opportunity to drive social change. Always be on the lookout for how you can make something better and contribute in your communities.

It can help you support initiatives, policy, or legislation that you believe in, or meet people that are doing the very work that you would want to do in the government. You can work on campaigns at the local, state, or Federal level, or participate in civic organizations that support causes about which you feel passionate that represent communities to the government.

Francey Lim Youngberg Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Engagement U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Hometown: King of Prussia, PA What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

I had worked at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as a young attorney and I saw the impact that government can have on public policy that affects the larger society in ways that the private sector seldom can. I also worked as a consultant to federal and city agencies for 10 years prior to joining HUD. Fortunately, I was recruited to join the Obama Administration in 2010 as a political appointee. I saw it as an opportunity to represent constituencies that are often overlooked and to apply what I learned being an advocate to the work of being on the other side of the table—responding to the needs of a diverse group of stakeholders. It was also an opportunity to make government more accessible—opening doors to external stakeholders so they can have a dialogue with policymakers.

What challenges have you faced as a Filipino American working in government?

From my personal experience, government is one of the better working environments for minorities and women. When I graduated from Harvard Law School in 1988, women were only 40% of the class and AAPIs were less than 3%. When I started working for the largest law firm in PA, I was the only AAPI attorney in a firm with over 300 lawyers and the only woman tax attorney. When I came to DC in 1990 to work for one of the largest firms in DC, I was still the only AAPI working in the firm. So, those environments posed a far greater challenge in terms of inclusion and advancement.

What do you see as a large issue facing the Filipino-American community? How is your department working to address it?

The Filipino American community is one of the largest among the AAPI communities but they don’t come together as a cohesive voice. They can be a much stronger voice if they focus on common ground and building a sustainable and strong presence in public policy making and politics. I was born in Sara, Iloilo and speak Visayan which is a dialect and later I learned Tagalog when I entered Continued on Page SF3

How to be Gerald Anderson

By Monet

Lu

Being one of Philippine television’s finest actors with countless awards, endorsements and awards under his belt begs the question, “How to be gerald Anderson?”

And quite coincidentally (but with pun intended), his new movie with Bea Alonzo – and their first movie team-up is entitled, “How to be Yours.” But before we get into the details of their movie, let’s talk about this Fil-Am hottie.

Anderson has undoubtedly mastered the art of “having it all.” He is a film and television actor, producer, brand ambassador and a philanthropist. He has established himself as the sought-after leading man of his generation while at the same time dabbling with socio-economic affairs. it’s true what they say about having so much experience in life – you also have to lot to give.

Born in Subic Bay, Zambales in the Philippines, gerald Randolph Opsima Anderson Jr. is son to evangeline Opsima and gerald Randy Anderson. He has a younger brother named Kenneth and two older sisters named Jen and Darling, from his mother’s first marriage. When he was three years old he and

Gerald Anderson

his family moved to San Antonio, Texas, and later moved to Missouri when he was six. At 14, he and his family moved back to the Philippines in general Santos City.

Anderson’s entry to show business was set in place through his connection with fellow actor, friend and “discoverer” Joross gamboa, whom he worked with as the latter’s backup dancer in provincial shows. gamboa introduced Anderson to his manager Jun Reyes who brought him to ABS-CBn, where the “gen-San Amboy” then joined “Pinoy Big Brother: Teen edition.”

He was partnered up with his fellow house mate, Kim Chiu, who later became his “love team” for shows, movies, and

endorsements and took the Philippines by storm, as the next big thing – and apparently one of the strongest love teams in showbiz. Fans dubbed the pair as “Kimerald.”

He and Kim starred in a number of hit series such as as “Sana Maulit Muli” in 2006 and films i’ve “Fallen For You” in 2007, “Paano na Kaya” in 2010 and “Till My Heartaches end” in 2010.

The dashing actor also teamed up with Sarah geronimo in the films, “Catch Me, i’m in Love” and “Won’t Last the Day Without You”; Jessy Mendiola in their hit TV series, “Budoy”; and with Cristine Reyes in their teleserye, “Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin.” His amazing performances in these and his

Diversity matters: Filipino-Americans...

From Page SF2 school but because my grandfather(my grandmother is Filipina/Spanish) was Chinese, i also went to Chinese school. Divisions continue to exist among Americans of Filipino descent based on immigration pattern, original home province, dialect spoken and socio- economic status. i represent HUD at the AAPi White House initiative (WHiAAPi) interagency group and this is a good working model of holding agencies accountable to be responsive to the AAPi community in terms of language access, data disaggregation, workforce diversity and capacity building.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of while working in the Obama administration?

Through the work of HUD in the WHiAAPi

Katarina Mayers Deputy Press Secretary Office of the Secretary U.S. Department of Commerce (through June 2016) Hometown: San Marino, CA

What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

My mother grew up in ilocus Sur in the Philippines with not much. She overcame many chal-

working group, we have been able to translate essential HUD documents into the major Asian languages including Tagalog, the national language of the Philippines. We have been able to change the American Housing Survey which is an important data collection point used for policy making so that now it will include subgroups of AAPis including Filipinos.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

Representation matters, holding agencies accountable is critical and making the needs of the community known to decision makers is essential.

More AAPis should enter the Administration either as career staff or political appointees to make a difference.

lenges and made her way to the United States after getting herself through college and graduating at the top of her class. My parents did everything to give me every opportunity they didn’t have. They also instilled in me the value of service above self. i am blessed to have been born in the United States and feel it is my duty to make the world a better place.

What challenges have you faced as a Filipino American working in government?

There are very few Filipinos in government, let alone Asian Americans. When we are a tiny portion of the political community, it is difficult to make sure our people are equally represented.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of while working in the Obama administration?

Working with Secretary Pritzker and the Commerce Department to get the American economy back on track

Melanie Garunay Associate Director of Digital Outbound Office of Digital Strategy, The White House U.S. Department of Commerce (through June 2016) Hometown: San Marino, CA working in government?

The biggest challenge about working as a Filipino American What influenced you to in government is that there are pursue a career in governnot that many of us. it can be ment? hard to navigate your career After graduating college, path without seeing people who i joined the 2012 Obama for share your background in your America digital team in Chicago, field. There just aren’t enough illinois. By that time, most people minority women in leadership i knew had begun to use social positions in government in any media as a way to show their sector, let alone in government. support for a cause or debate What do you see as a political issues with their friends large issue facing the Filipinoand families. it had become a American community? How is way for people who might have your department working to never attended a protest or a address it? rally or a town hall discussion to Filipino Americans make develop a political identity and up the second largest group of build relationships with others Asian Americans in the United who shared their views. i was States -- but you wouldn’t know really inspired by the idea of that from the way we’re undersocial media as a tool for political represented in politics. if more empowerment. So it was through Filipino Americans felt invested my work on that campaign that in the outcome of our elections i became interested in how and thought of the political digital communications can help realm as a place where they broaden civic participation in could make their voice heard, politics and government -- and we could have an incredible inthat’s been the underlying thread fluence in the issues that matter in my work ever since. to us, whether it’s immigration What challenges have you reform or worker’s rights or colfaced as a Filipino American lege affordability.

has truly been a privilege.

Our issues vary widely including everything from helping implement economic development initiatives in communities across the country to running the Census. Specifically, i loved working with our entrepreneurs to promote more innovation including the establishment of the Presidential Ambassadors for global entrepreneurship (PAge) initiative.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration? i’ve been surrounded by so many who are working hard to ensure all Americans receive equal opportunities. i also leave with a humble reminder that the hard work never ends.

How can more Filipinos and minorities become involved in government (on all levels) and be more civically engaged?

Your voice matters, and you have a responsibility to make your voice heard. Participate and vote!

The work we do in the Office of Digital Strategy is about creating opportunities for people to engage with their government, especially young people. getting someone to share a Facebook post or sign a petition on WhiteHouse.gov is an important first step when it comes to participating in the process.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration? i think anyone who works in this administration is driven by a sense of optimism -- and that comes from the President himself. it’s easy for people, especially in my generation, to get turned off by the divisiveness in American politics and not participate at all. But in working for this President, both on his re-election campaign and in his administration, i’ve always been surrounded by people who believe that anyone, not just the wealthy or the powerful, can be an agent for change.

That’s something i hope to take with me through the rest of my career.

How can more Filipinos and minorities become involved in government (on all levels) and be more civically engaged? i would encourage Filipino Americans to volunteer for local political campaigns. it’s a good way to understand and advocate for the issues facing your community. And if other Filipino Americans or people of color see you volunteering, it might inspire them to get involved as well.

entertainment SF3

other films reaped a number of accomplishments such as Best Single performance by an Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actor, to name the least.

The young talented actor may have poured so much in his acting career but he is also wasting no time in giving back to the community. He has recently launched the gerald Anderson Foundation which is a volunteer search dog unit and man-tracking unit on call 24 hours a day to assist law enforcement and other official agencies. They also provide service, assistance and therapy dogs to deserving individuals.

According to the website: “The Anderson Foundation is a non-profit volunteer organization based in the Philippines whose mission is two-fold: (1) to help save lives and to assist in the recovery of missing persons by providing highly-trained canines, skilled personnel and specialized equipment during calamities and other emergencies and (2) to help enrich the lives of veterans and persons with disabilities by providing them with task-trained service dogs that can assist them with their daily tasks.”

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – July 29, 2016

in his most recent interview with Boy Abunda, Anderson announced that he is now officially a Coast guard Auxiliary Lieutenant, having passed all training and certifications required. indeed, there is no stopping gerald Anderson from being… well… being gerard Anderson!

He seems to have done it all and still expanding his horizon. i am certain that i am not only one who’ve asked the question i posted as the title of this piece. in the meantime, Anderson is busy promoting his first movie with his longtime crush and rumored old flame, Bea Alonzo.

This is Anderson’s second collaboration with award-winning director Dan Villegas, after their successful hit in “Always Be My Maybe” with lead actress Arci Munoz. in an interview, Anderson expressed his excitement for the project. “First time namin magsasama ni Bea which makes everything more exciting kasi you know, pangarap ko iyon.

Pangarap ko pa lang iyon nung bata ako nung pinapanood ko siya,” gerald said.

The teaser trailer of “How To Be Yours” was released Wednesday, July 6. The trailer shows niño (Anderson), being

teased by his best friend about being too uptight and choosy when it comes to women. They were strolling in Chinatown when niño saw Anj (Alonzo) for the first time. Anj is a cook whose ambition is to work in a high-end restaurant. The two fell in love and vowed to support each other but struggle found its way to their relationship as they preserve other priorities in their life while being together. “How To Be Yours” is directed by Dan Villegas and is produced by Star Cinema. in an interview, Anderson was asked how he’s able to do what he does and he said, “i love what i do and when you love what you do, you give your best.”

LOVe – That is how to be “gerald Anderson.” *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns.

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

Maine Mendoza: ‘We are not born to please everybody’

by Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com

“We are not born to please everybody.”

This is the Maine Mendoza’s sentiments about the showbiz world, in her first year in it, which

Maine Mendoza aired her sentiments about pleasing everybody in the showbiz world.

she expressed on her blog. in her blog entry, the Kapuso star said that “pleasing people” is something she does not aim for. “i do not need and want to pretend to be someone i am not and do something i am not willing to do just to be loved and ‘accepted’ by the people in this ‘barbie world,’” the Kalye-serye star said.

The “Barbie World” she was referring to is the entertainment industry.

Maine said that she would rather not be like the people who “have really mastered the art of pretension.”

Rather than follow what other people want her to do, Maine said she would rather be real with herself.

“i would never change who i am just to conform to the norms of this industry,” she said. “Sure, ‘that’s how it works’, but i am who i am; and it’s up to people if they will like me or not.” in the end, she reminded everyone that it is okay to be true to oneself, even if others will criticize.

“As long as you know that you have done nothing wrong to anyone then i don’t think there’s something for you to be worried about,” she explained. “Live your life the way you want to be and stop seeking for people’s approval in everything you do.”

“Remember that there will always be people who will love you; but it’s best to be loved for who you really are than who you are trying to be,” she added.

SF4

celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 29, 2016

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar PhiliPPine’s real life couple, GMA 7’s Primetime King and Queen Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, who are now proud parents to daughter letizia, heads the list of birthday celebrants for this summer month of August.

Dingdong, will celebrate his birthday on Tuesday, August 2, while his wife Marian will turn another year on Friday, August 12.

Other celebrities who will be celebrating their birthdays are: August 1 - Actor Cesar Montano, san Francisco political leader Vilma Guinto Peroro and former Club Royale Queen Maria Clara Mendoza Viray; August 4 - United states President Barack Obama, and Filipina choreographer Maribeth Bichara; August 6 - Mr. Pure energy and host Gary Valenciano; August 8 - news anchor Mel Tiangco of GMA 7; August 9 - TV host Mariel Rodriguez Padilla; August 10 – Asia’s nightingale lani Misalucha; August 11 - ABs-CBn2 CeO and Chairman of the Board Gabby lopez; August 12 - Actor Aga Muhlach and actress iza Calzado;

August 13 - insurance agent Ramon Petros; August 15 - Filipina caregiver elaine estabrooks, and former restaurateur Gwen Diaz; August 17 - songwritersinger-actor Ogie Alcasid, and Broadway star Rachelle Ann Go; August 19 - Filipina commercial and fashion model Jessica V. Apolinario, and Regal Films grand dame lily Monteverde; August 20 - Former beauty queen and actress Jean saburit, the late undisputed King of Philippine Movies Fernando Poe Jr., and real estate agent Raquel Mapote; August 22 - Actress Jean Garcia, airline employee Jose Marquez, and Asia’s Queen of songs Pilita Corrales,; August 24 - senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, who is also the husband of Megastar sharon Cuneta; August 27 - Former Movie Queen Amalia Fuentes; August 28 - Daly City Vice Mayor David Canepa; August 30 - TV director edgar “Bobot” Mortiz, and comedienne Pokwang; August 31 - Veteran actor Karim Kiram.

To all celebrants, a very happy birthday!

Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera head list of August birthday celebrants

Broadway star Rachelle Ann Go will be celebrating her 40th birthday on Wednesday, August 17.

Real life couple Marian Rivera (born August 12, 1984 in Madrid, Spain) and Dingdong Dantes (born August 2, 1980) are now proud parents of daughter Letizia.

Daly City Vice Mayor David Canepa will celebrate his birthday on Sunday, August 28.

Bea Alonzo & Gerald Anderson uncensored

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

shORT but sweet.

That sums up the romance between Bea Alonzo and Gerald Anderson rudely interrupted by career moves that brought them away from each other. “i was young then, immature,” admitted Gerald, now 27, who let himself be swayed by people against the relationship.

“Maraming intriga.” (Gerald has just been named squadron lieutenant of the Philippine Coast Guard, and his dad Gerald sr., Captain of the Philippine Coast Guard, and Gerald’s brother Ken lieutenant of the Philippine Coast Guard.) “it was so short that i didn’t have time to discover more about him, to know him better,” said Bea with a tone of undisguised regret. “i was also young then, carefree. i wish we could go back to those carefree years.”

They didn’t even have time for closure. But since then, they would cross paths and get wind of each other’s affairs of the heart. Gerald has been linked to other actresses (Kim Chiu, sarah Geronimo and Maja salvador among them) and so was Bea (Mico Palanca, John lloyd Cruz and Zanjoe Marudo, among them).

Art seems to imitate life in their first movie together, star Cinema’s “how To Be Yours.”

Gerald plays niño who initially chooses career over love until he meets Bea’s character Anj whose choice is career over love.

Reel life takes up where real life has left off. niño and Anj

The first time I said ‘I love you’ to somebody was when I was 19. And the last time I said ‘I love you’ to somebody was before the breakup.

The first time I kissed a girl was when I was 12. And the last time I kissed a girl was nung isang araw lang dito sa shooting.

journey through the various stages of loving and living, and all the ups and downs of falling in love, something they didn’t have a chance to experience during their “short but sweet” romance.

Asked by the press if they didn’t feel awkward working together, Gerald admitted that it felt “surreal” and that he never thought this kind of team-up would come up. “even before

i entered showbiz,” added Gerald, “i had a crush on Bea. she’s a very good actress. Being paired with her is a blessing.”

Bea said that being together on the set gave her the chance to do what she had failed... to bond with Gerald. “We are okay so we were comfortable working together, no awkwardness at all.

Gerald and i could talk about the past without being conscious about it.”

Brillante Mendoza ‘stressed’ over directing Duterte’s sOnA iT was a stressful moment for director Brillante Mendoza to direct the first state of the nation Address (sOnA) by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Masaya ko. Medyo nakakastress lang kapag maraming [adlib], kasi hindi mo na alam, ‘di ba? Lahat gumagalaw na, marami kasi siyang mga adlib,” he said in an interview with saleema Refran aired in “Unang Balita” on Tuesday, July 26.

They were not able to rehearse with the president, and he had to look over a total of 18 cameras that day. not everyone favored how he handled the shots during Duterte’s sOnA. however, the award-winning director explained that those shots were made to show power. “it shows power, and we want to show power,” he explained.

Brillante Mendoza admitted that he got stressed directing President Rodrigo Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address.

“Ang mensahe na he’s in control [and] he knows what he’s doing.” he explained that he captured the movements and nuances of the president because “‘yon ang kanyang expression, e. Doon mo nakikita ang sincer-

ity ng tao, e.” he then told the bashers of his works to appreciate more the message of the president, which he believes was supported by the shots used. (Joyce Jimenez/Philstar.com)

Singer Gary Valenciano, known as Mr. Pure Energy in Philippine showbiz, will celebrate his birthday on Sunday, August 6.

Comedienne Pokwang will celebrate her birthday on Tuesday, August 30.

Airline employee Jose Marquez will celebrate his birthday on Monday, August 22.

Successful State Farm insurance agent Ramon Petros will celebrate his birthday on Saturday, August 13.

Alden Richards: In his own words As one-half of the wildly popular showbiz love team AlDub with Maine Mendoza, Alden Richards has been conquering television screens, magazine covers, and billboards all over the country since the tandem’s meteoric rise to fame in July 2015. A year after the birth of their phenomenal love pairing, fans will finally get an intimate look into the life of the ubiquitous heartthrob who has earned the title “Pambansang Bae.” Out now from summit Books is “Alden: in My Own Words,” a book that reveals everything there is to know about the reluctant celebrity who was born Richard Faulkerson, Jr. like AlDub’s first solo starrer “imagine You & Me,” which hit theaters on July 13, “Alden: in My Own Words” is an anniversary gift to loyal fans who have been following AlDub since the romantic pairing first debuted in the July 16, 2015 episode of the “eat Bulaga!” segment “Juan for All, All for Juan.”

“Alden: in My Own Words” recounts the path the 24-year old actor, singer, and TV host took before hitting showbiz gold with Aldub—a history that includes male pageants and failed auditions. The book then delves deeper into Richards’ life as an ordinary guy by spilling revealing truths and endearing facts about the down-

The book cover of Alden Richard’s latest ‘gift to fans’

to-earth star. Richards, an old-fashioned romantic, also sets readers’ hearts aflutter by candidly letting his views on love and dating be known.

True-blue fans can then test how well they know their beloved “bae” by taking on the ultimate “Alden quiz.”

Finally, a whole chapter devoted to Richards and

Maine Mendoza’s bond finds its way to “Alden: in My Own Words.” Through quotes about each other, it traces the onscreen couple’s beginnings from the moment their palpable chemistry first captured Filipino viewers’ attention to the massive success and deep friendship they share today.

(ManilaTimes.net)

luis and Jessy react to bashers

by ERic John

SaLut ManilaTimes.net

UnliKe most celebrities, luis Manzano is not one to remain passive when it comes to his bashers on social media.

“The Minute to Win it” host has been posting screen grabs of hate tweets referring to his relationship with Jessy Mendiola. in a series of screen grabbed profiles of the bashers, luis also questioned the use of God and Bible quotes in their profiles despite their rampant trolling. “if you are rude to me, i’ll be rude to you,” he warned.

The barrage of hate tweets started when luis became vocal that Jessy Mendiola is someone special in his life right now.

What added fuel to the fire was also a recent interview where Jessy defended herself after being accused as the reason behind luis and Angel locsin split earlier this year. in an interview after the story conference for new movie extra service under star Cin-

Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola

ema, Jessy bravely answered all the issues and accusations.

But during the latter part of the interview, she could no longer hide her emotions. Jessy for the most part just wanted to clarify that luis was already single when they started going out.

“My heart is pure. i would never, ever destroy a relation-

ship,” she swore. it’s been months since the luis and Angel break up but it seems that both their fans and haters have yet to move on from the issue. Can’t we all just get along and be happy for luis and Jessy? luis’s ex, Angel, is known to be a brave lady so we are sure she has moved on as well.

entertainment

Julie Anne San Jose gets candid Singer openly talks about new album, rumored beau

by Iza IglesIas

by alIxandra

Caole Philstar.com

Julie Anne San Jose

me to not pursue it because it might ruin my time for school and family. i was just starting out then, so our expenses were bigger than the income i got from the competition,” the young singer said.

“But then, he eventually agreed right after he saw that i really loved what i was doing, because i am really passionate about music, i am passionate about my singing. Before, i was just singing in a choir at the church but when i joined the competition, it became my platform to share with others what i could do. i wanted to inspire people,” San Jose added.

Fruits of perseverance To prove her father wrong, San Jose decided to pursue her studies despite the pressure from her career.

her efforts did not go to waste, as she was able to graduate last May with a degree in communication Arts.

She said she is planning to take a master’s degree next year in the same school while teaching Theater Arts.

Adding to her recent achievements, she was able to release her third album under gMA Records, “chasing The Light.”

The album’s carrier single “naririnig Mo Ba”—and one of her compositions—topped the iTunes digital sales charts even before the release of the actual album.

“The song is about faith in love and the hope of falling in love again, which i think anyone can relate to,” San Jose explained.

Will Piolo & Juday work on a movie again?

by Boy

aBunda Philstar.com

iT’S been a decade since Piolo Pascual and Judy Ann Santos had their last big-screen outing.

That’s why, everyone was eager to know the possibility of them working together again in an acting project during the presscon-cum-grand launch of Sun Life Philippines’ latest campaign dubbed as Money for Life where Judy Ann was introduced as one of its newest ambassadors. The event saw Judy Ann reunited with Piolo, who is a long-time Sun Life ambassador, to promote financial security among Pinoys. in separate interviews, Judy Ann and Piolo expressed willingness to do an acting project in the future. “if given a project with the right story at the right time, why not? Kung hindi ako mukhang mascot pwedeng ngayon na (laughs). i always say nothing is impossible but give me time,” said Juday.

The actress cleared that there was no truth to the rumor about her and Piolo’s meeting for a movie project, saying, “i don’t understand where the issue came from but in all honesty, there was no meeting about any movie and there was no story con for a movie. no such thing took place. if it will happen, it will happen.”

Besides, Judy Ann doesn’t find any reason why she would turn down a project with Piolo, saying loud and clear that everything is fine between them. The Sun Life campaign is their first

With Judy Ann and Piolo are Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. marketing head Gerry Tirona and Sun Life Philippines chief marketing officer Mylene Lopa.

project together after a long time.

“Our project with a cause,” said Juday, adding, “We’re okay.

Whenever we see each other, we never fail to greet each other.

We talked na casual lang when we met in ASAP. Perhaps, people just don’t see us na nagbabatian.

We’re older now; we’re more mature.”

Piolo, for his part said, “Tawa lang kami ng tawa at walang ilangan whenever we see each other although we never get to communicate that much but we communicate through other people. Okay naman; we’re good and i’m excited because Sun Life got her to be part of the team, we get to work together.

“Juday and i have always been okay. if there was a problem before, we were able to address and talk about it. Of course, you cannot just set aside your relationship; ‘yung pinagsamahan n’yo.”

Piolo also said that Juday is a big part of his showbiz career.

“We did a lot of movies and Tv shows together so, napakalaki ng utang na loob ko kay Juday. “i am happy seeing her today, it felt like before when i was just starting; nakakatuwa din because she’s still active in the business and so am i. Sana we get a chance to work together sometime soon.”

Asked if he is willing to act alongside Juday in either film or Tv one of these days, Piolo answered in the positive and said he prefers doing a movie with Juday. in fact, he had already pitched a concept for it. “i actually pitched it to her already through direk Joyce (Bernal) and i learned that she (Juday) liked it. Siguro yung time lang po.” even Juday cannot exactly tell yet when she will make an “official comeback” on Tv and just said, “Maybe next year.”

vice ganda launches new book AFTeR establishing himself with high-rating Tv shows, sold-out concerts and recordbreaking movies, vice ganda has once again added another milestone in his career after setting the record for biggest book launch by a Filipino celebrity author last July 15. vice ganda had a grand meet-and-greet event and book launch of his debut book titled, “President vice: Ang Bagong Panggulo ng Pilipinas,” under ABS-cBn Publishing, inc. (APi) at the Skydome of SM city north edsa. it was attended by thousands of fans of the “it’s Showtime!” and “gandang gabi” vice host. in the book, vice ganda gives his answers on how to solve the country’s problems — from new traffic management rules to mandates on cheating beaus. he said the book was partly inspired by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and his message of change. it is a wacky look into

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 29, 2016

heart evangelista takes her own hand-painted clutch bag to SOnA

ManilaTimes.net

Achieving success could be a difficult one because it may require a lot of hard work, patience and courage. At 22, Julie Anne San Jose had had to overcome hurdles in her journey before being tagged as “Asia’s Pop Sweetheart.”

According to the gMA star, two things make her feel at her worst but said she uses both of them as an inspiration to do better to advance her singing career. She added that she even uses those experiences in writing her own songs.

“There are two memories that drag me to my lowest point, one is when people try to bring me down, as if i did not do anything right, especially when i was just starting out. Of course you cannot please them, but for me i am just doing my job,” San Jose told the media during an interview. “i take it as a challenge and i am just thrilled to do better and i always believe that i can do better,” she said.

Despite people’s doubts on her capabilities since she started her career in 2005, San Jose proved them all wrong when she received the “Diamond Record Award” from the Philippine Association of the Record industry. This was for her album “Julie Anne San Jose” that sold more than 150,000 units. her second album, entitled “Deeper,” also gave her a Triple Platinum Award for reaching sales of more than 45,000 units in the country.

Another thing that makes her sullen is the memory of her father disapproving of her participation in the television singing competition “Popstar Kids,” where eventually she became a finalist.

“Papa wouldn’t allow me to join Popstar Kids because he didn’t like showbiz, maybe because i was still little then, i think 12 or 13 years old. he told

SF5

From left: ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. managing director Mark Yambot, Vice Ganda and ABS-CBN Publishing president Ernie Lopez.

a world where vice ganda becomes the next president of the country.

Readers can find vice ganda’s fictional cabinet members, his new national bird and his punishment for cheaters. The book is jam-packed with vice ganda’s straightforward solutions that are hilariously witty.

Also included in President

vice is his State of the nation Address (SOnA), part of which was also performed during the book launch. The audience in the Skydome was laughing out loud as vice ganda delivered punchline after punchline during his SOnA. Joining him in the event were Pooh, Mc and Lassy, DJ Jai ho of MOR 101.9 and Ryan Bang. (Philstar.com)

VIla

heART evangelista showed her love for fashion and art by bringing her own hand-painted bag at the first State of the nation Address (SOnA) of President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, July 25.

Proving that she can kill the red carpet with any attire, the spouse of Sen. Francis “chiz” escudero opted for a simple knee-length ivarluski Aseron terno and minimal accessories.

Topping of her sleek look is her fringed clutch that sparkled with gold paint which she did herself. netizens praised the “Juan happy Love Story” star for being able to bring elegance and class despite toning down her outfit. in the afternoon, heart ditched the traditional terno and wore an off-the-rack white coat and pants. heart has been painting designer bags since last year, after she was inspired by baby north West who splattered paint on the designer bag of her mother Kim Kar-

Heart Evangelista wears knee-length Ivarluski Aseron white lace terno paired with minimal accessories and her hand-painted clutch bag.

dashian.

With her artistic way to breathe new life into handbags, heart has gained a growing number of elite clientele including Regine

velasquez, carla Abellana and Jinkee Pacquiao. heart will be putting up 40 hand-painted hermes bags in an exhibit this September.

Kris Aquino meets with T.A.P.e exec The netizens were abuzz after Kris Aquino was spotted having a meeting with T.A.P.e. executive Tony Tuviera and his son Michael Tuviera.

The photo of the meeting was first posted by instagram user “iamphildada,” and eventually made rounds in different social media sites.

All she revealed was they met that afternoon. “Sa sobrang daming napagusapan umabot kami sa dinner,” Kris said.

Some of her followers assumed that the Queen of All Media will move to the Kapuso network despite her recent meeting with ABS-cBn executives. While some of them think that she’s planning to do

Kris Aquino was spotted having a meeting with T.A.P.E. executive Tony Tuviera on Sunday, although both parties didn’t reveal the purpose.

a movie with the love team of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza.

This was after Kris watched

the love team’s film “imagine You & Me” and was all praises for their performance. (Philstar. com)

SF6

The As ian Jour na l SF M A G A Z I NE - J ul y 29 , 2 0 1 6 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL A JULY 27-29,

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