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Volume 16 - No. 23 • 3 Sections – 20 Pages

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JUNE 2-8, 2017

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House, Senate pass resolution supporting Mindanao martial law

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

lamation Number 216, entitled ‘Declaring a State of Martial Law and Suspending the Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus in the whole EXPRESSING its “full support,� both the of Mindanao� the House resolution read.

House of Representatives and the Senate said The House also said it has “determined the it found “no reason� to revoke Philippine Pres- sufficiency of the factual basis for the issuance ident Rodrigo’s recent implementation of mar- of Proclamation Number 216.� tial law and suspension of the privilege of the Earlier on Tuesday, May 30, the Senate likewrit of habeas corpus in Mindanao. wise adopted its amended Resolution No. 388 On Wednesday, May 31, the House adopted which says it has “no compelling reason� to reResolution No. 1050, which supports the Phil- voke Duterte’s Proclamation Number 216. ippine president’s move.

Fifteen senators filed the first version of reso“Resolved by the House of Representatives, lution on Monday, May 29. to express its full support to President Rodrigo They were Senate President Aquilino PiDuterte as it finds no reason to revoke Procu PAGE A2

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Fil-Am nabs Hawaii GOP chairmanship FILIPINOA M E R I C A N Shirlene De La Cruz Ostrov, who recently retired as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force, was elected chairwoman of the Hawaii Republican Party (GOP) at a convention on the island of Kauai on May 13.

Ostrov’s election is significant in a

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Shirlene Ostrov

PARADE OF TANKS. A column of tanks transported by the Philippine Navy gunship BRP Tarlac arrives in Iligan City to support troops in Marawi City.

Government security forces have killed 89 terrorists during more than a week of ďŹ ghting in Marawi City but the gunmen are still offering strong resistance with stolen weapons and ammunition, the military said on Wednesday, May 31.

Inquirer.net photo by Richel Umel

DFA assures int’l community: US embassy notifies citizens of stricter security measures No martial law abuses

by PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com

MANILA - Protection of human rights is guaranteed under martial law proclaimed

by President Duterte in Mindanao, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano told the diplomatic corps. “May I assure you that the President and the government remain steadfast in the commitment to uphold the Philippine Constitution and ensure that efforts to enforce peace and order are done with due regard to the laws and preservation of our people’s constitutional rights,� Cayetano said in his opening remarks at the briefing. “In other words no abuses,� he said.

Cayetano also explained the legal basis for and the objectives of martial law in Mindanao, which Duterte imposed hours after the Maute group took over parts of Marawi City. The terrorists killed several civilians, took hostages and burned buildings.

Duterte himself announced shortly after

returning from Moscow that he would not tolerate abuses as security forces began their operation to retake Marawi, Cayetano stressed.

He also emphasized that despite the martial law, democratic institutions like the courts and Congress remain open. “However due to actual rebellion, terrorism and the presence of ISIS on Philippine soil the declaration of martial law in Mindanao became a necessity,� he added.

Questions raised by representatives of embassies and international organizations during the diplomatic briefing, Cayetano said, were focused on the duration of martial law, its scope, and on the capabilities of the Maute group.

He said many of the inquiries came from representatives of countries with serious problems with terrorism. “So the ISIS group is failing in trying to attract bigger groups that have been fighting for justice or against historical injustice

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

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DETAINED businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles is preparing to file a case against three opposition senators in connection with the multibillion-peso Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) anomaly, according to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II. In an interview with ABSCBN’s “Umagang Kay Ganda,�

Aguirre disclosed that Napoles’ Janet Lim Napoles

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China Sea. “If the Chinese are able to prevent us from exercising freedom AN American senator suggested of navigation then I think that that United States-led multilateral has a profound consequences exercises could be a good way to for the entire region,� Sen. John push back against Beijing’s exces- McCain (R-Arizona) said in a sive claims in the disputed South u PAGE A4 Philstar.com

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Members of Congress DOJ: Napoles tags Trillanes, continue efforts in reuniting families of De Lima, Drilon in pork scam Filipino veterans CONTINUING the effort to honor Filipinos’ efforts during World War II, members of Congress have introduced new legislation to expand immigration for families of Filipino veterans.

The Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act — introduced by Senator Mazie Hirono (DHawaii) and Representative Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii) — sets out to speed up the visa process for children of Filipino WWII veterans.

Similar to the Filipino WWII Veterans Parole program, this bill seeks to bring family members of these veterans to the U.S. after decades of separation. But rather than just provide tem-

embassy said it received information that the Philippine government had placed the Philippine MANILA - The U.S. embassy National Police (PNP) on full alert in Manila has informed Ameri- throughout the metropolis.

It stated that a unit of the can citizens of increased security measures in Metro Manila, Armed Forces of the Philippines including possible checkpoints, (AFP) has been deployed to Quefollowing attacks by the Maute zon City to assist the PNP with security operations such as random group in Marawi City.

In a message to its citizens, the

by PIA LEE-BRAGO

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TIGHT SCREENING. A police ofďŹ cer checks the identity of a resident against a chart with images of “local terroristsâ€? at a checkpoint in Iligan City. The city was placed placed under a temporary lockdown amid fears that members of the Maute Group may enter the city disguised as civilians.

ManilaTimes.net photo

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JUNE 2-8, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

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House, Senate pass...

mentel III, Senators Ralph Recto, Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Richard Gordon, Gregorio Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda, Emmanuel Pacquiao, Vicente “Tito” Castelo Sotto III, Joel Villanueva, Cynthia Villar, and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Senators Francis Escudero and Grace Poe later signed the amended resolution “expressing the sense of the Senate not to revoke, at this time, Proclamation No. 216, series of 2017, entitled ‘Declaring a state of martial law and suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao.’”

All five minority bloc senators, meanwhile, voted against the resolution: Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Senators Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and Risa Hontiveros. The vote was 17-5.

Malacañang, for its part, welcomed the Senate majority’s move.

“The President has acted swiftly and decisively to suppress the ongoing rebellion in Marawi and to prevent its spread in the provinces of Mindanao,” Presidential

Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

Earlier on May 23, a clash sparked between government forces and an Islamic States (IS)linked militant group in Marawi City, prompting Duterte to impose martial law and suspend the writ of habeas corpus in the whole Mindanao later on the same day.

Since last week’s atrocities, the death toll has reached over 100, wherein more than half were from the militant’s side, according to the military. Government officials said clearing operations are still ongoing in the area.

With the approval of House Resolution No. 1050, the separate resolution filed by Makabayan bloc calling for a joint congressional session to revoke Duterte’s declaration was effectively dismissed.

The Makabayan bloc’s resolution, which was filed on Tuesday, May 30, said the declaration of martial law throughout Mindanao “is entirely bereft of factual basis.”

“It is unwarranted, unjustifiable, and wholly out of proportion to the threat posed by the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups,” the bloc added.

Among the signatories of the resolution were Antonio Tinio and France Castro of Alliance of Concerned Teachers; Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas of Gabriela; Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna; Ariel Casilao of Anakpawis; and Sarah Jane Elago of Kabataan.

They bloc warned that the imposition of a state of martial law in Mindanao “could just be a prelude to similar declarations of military rule in other parts of, or the entire country, in the immediate future” if left unchallenged.

Section 18, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution states that the president of the Philippines may place the country under martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in case of invasion or rebellion for not exceeding than 60 days.

The law, however, also gives the Congress the power to revoke or extend such proclamation or suspension for a period.

The Supreme Court may also review the “sufficiency of the factual basis” of the proclamation or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus following an “appropriate proceeding filed by any citizen.” n

ABU SAYYAF VICTIM. President Rodrigo Duterte checks on Corporal Sancho Antipolo who is being treated at the Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Sulu. Antipolo was among those injured in an ambush by the Abu Sayyaf Group on May 25.

Malacañang photo

US embassy notifies citizens...

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checkpoints, security patrols and police visibility operations.

“The PNP advises that this is a precautionary measure in light of the declaration of martial law in Mindanao and not related to any specified terror threat information directed toward Metro Manila,” the embassy said.

The embassy reminded American nationals of the most recent Worldwide Caution, dated March 6, 2017, which indicates there is an ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines.

Extremists have targeted sporting events, theaters, markets,

mass transportation systems like airlines and other public venues where large crowds gather.

Crowded nightclubs, shopping malls, buses and popular restaurants have also been targets.

U.S. citizens are advised to be mindful of the importance of taking measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling and residing in the Philippines, said the embassy. n

DOJ: Napoles tags Trillanes...

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lawyer Stephen David told him that her camp would soon file a complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against “prominent personalities” who allegedly benefitted from the so-called pork barrel scam.

Among the senators Napoles implicated in the scam were Antonio Trillanes IV and Leila de Lima, and Franklin Drilon.

Former budget secretary Butch Abad was also included.

“Ang mga nabanggit niya ay prominent personalities sa naAPPEAL. A screenshot from a video posted on social media shows Catholic priest Fr. Chito Suganob appealing to President Rodrigo Duterte karaang administrasyon—sina to pull out security forces in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur province. Suganob said he and 240 others, including mostly Christian civilians Abad, parang kasama rin si Senator Trillanes, Senator De and children, are being held by local ISIS fighters.

Lima, at Senate [Minority Leader] Drilon (Napoles mentioned prominent personalities from PAGE A1 t the previous administration— ident’s declaration of martial safety. in Mindanao,” Cayetano said but law in the entire Mindanao for The Philippines also assured former budget Abad, and also declined to discuss other details 60 days is necessary to sup- the international community that Senator Trillanes, Senator De on the briefing. press lawless violence and the government is in full control Lima, and [former] Senate President Drilon),” Aguirre said.

The DFA chief said the Pres- rebellion and ensure public of the situation. n

DFA assures int’l community...

Trillanes and De Lima were notably among Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s staunchest critics while Drilon is currently the minority president.

During the previous administration of former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, both Abad and De Lima headed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and DOJ respectively.

“Yun pong kay Janet Napoles ay nakausap ko na po, actually ‘yung kanyang lawyer, at sabi niya in a few days magsasampa sila ng kaukulang habla at ifafile ata nila ‘yun sa DOJ (I talked with Napoles’ lawyer, and he said that they will file a complaint before the DOJ in a few days),” Aguirre said.

Aguirre also denied accusations that the Duterte is taking “revenge” against his critics through the case.

“Ang tingin ko po diyan ay pagpapatupad ng katarungan, sapagkat kapag ikaw po ay nagkasala at alam naman natin na kung ikaw ay namuno sa napakalaking pag-rape sa ating kabang-bayan, wala pong, walang dapat ipaghiganti ang ating Pangulo (I see this as an implementation of justice because if you committed a crime and you plundered our nation’s coffers, there is no need for the President to seek revenge),” he said.

In a what seemed to be a turn of events, Napoles, who has been accused as the mastermind of the scam, is being eyed as a state witness in the DOJ’s planned reinvestigation.

For their part, the three accused senators denied claims of their involvement in the scam.

In a statement, Drilon tagged the allegations against him as

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2-8, 2017

CMS gives states until 2022 to meet medicaid standards of care

The Trump administration has given states three extra years to carry out plans for helping elderly and disabled people receive Medicaid services without being pushed into nursing homes.

Federal standards requiring states to find ways of delivering care to Medicaid enrollees in home and community settings will take effect in 2022 instead of 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced earlier this month. The standards date to an Obama administration rule adopted in 2014 that governs where more than 3 million Medicaid enrollees get care.

Among other things, the rule requires states to provide opportunities for enrollees to engage in community life, control their own money and seek employment in competitive settings. It also ensures that enrollees in group homes and other residential settings get more privacy and housing choices that include places where non-disabled people live.

Matt Salo, executive director of the National Association of Medicaid Directors, applauded the delay.

“We have long been on record saying that the regulation was hopelessly unrealistic in its time frame,” he said. “Delaying it actually helps consumers because the underlying regulation was going to push too many changes too fast into a system that wasn’t ready.”

In California, a lot of work is still needed to bring the state into compliance, said eric Carlson, a directing attorney at Justice in Aging, a

nonprofit advocacy organization.

“The state is going to have to pick up the pace to meet the even more relaxed deadlines,” said Carlson, who is based in Los Angeles. “even the current timeline doesn’t give us much margin for error.”

California health officials said they appreciated the extra time.

“The additional three years will allow time for the state to work with settings to come into compliance, or relocate members if compliance is not achievable,” Anthony Cava, spokesman for the state Department of health Care Services, said in an email.

The health care services department has already developed a survey for home- and community-based providers and started working with other departments throughout the state. The department plans to begin assessing care sites by this fall — work that could last into 2019 because of the “extremely large and diverse number of settings,” Cava said.

Overall, Cava said, implementing the regulation has created unforeseen challenges. Among the biggest: funding.

“Some settings may need to make significant changes to come into compliance, but there is no additional federal funding provided for such changes,” Cava said.

The Obama administration’s 2014 rule was an effort to create a federal standard to improve the quality of care that the disabled receive outside institutions.

Some states had tried — and struggled — to make changes on

Fil-Am nabs Hawaii GOP...

PAGE A1 t number of ways. She is the first Filipino to lead a state organization of one of the major political parties in America.

She was fighting the entrenched establishment of the Republican Party in hawaii who had put up an incumbent state legislator, Andria Tupola, as their candidate. As Ostrov was told, “If this were a beauty contest, you would win hands down.”

She won 265 to 111 because of good strategists, like Miriam hellreich, Republican National Committeewoman for hawaii. They conducted a grassroots operation among the delegates. The majority of the GOP in hawaii also wanted a person with proven leadership qualities and a vision for the party.

More significantly, the GOP sought a leader who could attract non-Caucasians to join, especially Filipinos who are the biggest non-white voting bloc in hawaii.

Ostrov’s only political experience was being a U.S. congressional candidate for the first district of hawaii.

She said that she ran against overwhelming odds because she did not want the election to be uncontested. As it turned out, she could not prevail against a well known, wellfunded, and union backed Democrat who had previously served in the house of Representatives – Colleen hanabusa.

Ostrov’s goal for the GOP The hawaii Republican Party is the minority party in hawaii. Ostrov said that she sought the chairmanship because she wants to help build the GOP to become the true opposition party in the state. It is a steep hill to climb, with only five Republicans in the State house of

Representatives and none in the Senate, the party struggles to get their voices heard. The GOP in hawaii is not represented in the U.S. house or Senate.

In an op-ed in the honolulu Star Advertiser on May 4, Ostrov was quoted as saying, “The hawaii Republican Party is not just the party of no, nor are we simply the party of tax cuts. I believe we’re the party of aloha and ohana. We are the party that wants to see every resident thrive so they can build their business, family and community without excessive government interference. That’s the future we see for hawaii.”

Ostrov, who, since her retirement, has become a business executive, and a co-founder of a nonprofit hawaiian Cultural School in the National Capitol Region said, “I think hawaii’s Republicans have an excellent opportunity to rebuild and offer voters a real choice. My intent is pure and simple. I don’t have a private agenda. I am not seeking fame or fortune, I am not pursuing other positions at this time. I simply want to serve the party in a full-time manner to help the Republicans take their rightful place in hawaii.”

She also pointed out that the most critical aspect of building a solid foundation is to get the party on a firm financial footing. “We are supposed to be a sharp contrast to the Democrats, offering viable, workable alternatives that energize the state’s residents to want our solutions and not continue with what we already know doesn’t work. Our financial underpinning helps us speak our message broadly, and I know we are at a critical financial crossroads today. In fact, I believe

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Members of Congress continue...

PAGE A1 t porarily relief as the parole program does, the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act “codifies our nation’s promise to reunite these families,” said hirono.

“When called to serve, Filipino World War II veterans fought and sacrificed alongside American servicemen,” said hirono, who also led the effort to reward these veterans the Congressional Gold Medal last year. “however, as a result of our country’s antiquated immigration system, these brave soldiers have been waiting more than a half century to be reunited with their loved ones,” hirono added. “While the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole program provides temporarily relief for Filipino World War II veterans and their children, this bill codifies our nation’s promise to reunite these families.”

In the 1990s, about 50 years after the war, the U.S. granted Filipino veterans of WWII citizenship as recognition for their services. however, this didn’t include the children or families of the veterans.

If the families of the veterans want to reunite, they have to apply for a family visa, but U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services (USCIS) limits the amount of family visas granted each year. Consequently, many families must wait years for USCIS to review their application.

The Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act places an exemption on veterans’ children from the quota and allows them to bypass the limitation.

Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who has been a long-time advocate for honoring Filipinos’ efforts in WWII, co-sponsored the bill and praised hirono and hanabusa for expanding the benefits for the families of these veterans.

“I’m honored to represent the vibrant Filipino-American communities of Virginia, including those who fought bravely alongside Americans during World War II,” the 2016 vice presidential candidate said in a statement.

“An outdated immigration system has kept these veterans separated from their families, who remain overseas. Their reunion is even more important because of the veterans’ advanced age and health care needs. This bill builds on the progress we made last year by expediting the visa process for children of Filipino World War II veterans. I’m proud to stand alongside Senator hirono once again in this just cause.

The bill has been co-sponsored by more than 20 members of Congress including Sens Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Brian Schatz (D-hawaii), and Representatives Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Tulsi Gabbard (D-hawaii), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Mark Takano (DCalif.).

More than 250,000 Filipinos lent their efforts in the war and there are about 15,000 veterans — all of whom are in their 80s and 90s — that are still alive today. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

their own, partly due to a lack of funding and the political difficulties of changing deeply entrenched relationships with providers.

Some, for instance, had required providers to change longstanding operations at group homes and so-called sheltered workshops, such as Goodwill Industries, where disabled people often work apart from other employees, performing menial tasks for less than minimum wage.

The delay in implementing the federal rule is “a victory for the status quo and for states reluctant to embrace the [new standards],” said Gary Blumenthal, CeO of the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers. helping disabled people find work in places where they are not segregated costs states more money, he said.

States spent several years fighting the new rules during the Obama administration, and that delayed their planning, said elizabeth Priaulx, senior legal specialist with the National Disability Rights Network. She noted that states were under pressure from nursing homes and for-profit group homes to resist the changes.

“It is unfortunate the delay had to occur,” but many states were not ready, she said.

The new rule also directs states and providers to reconfigure existing community settings such as group homes to ensure that people will have more privacy.

“Without these dollars it’s difficult to change the system,” Blumenthal said.

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MEMORIAL. Coinciding with the commemoration of the 34th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, with the theme “Ending AIDS Together,” the 2nd AIDS Hour in the Philippines was observed at the Quezon City Hall lobby with the Quezon City HIV-AIDS Council and various organizations on Sunday, May 28. Lighted candles were arranged to form a red ribbon to pay tribute to Filipinos who have lost their battle against HIV-AIDS. ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

DOJ: Napoles tags Trillanes...

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an “outright black propaganda” and political harassment intended to silence the members of the opposition.”

“The intention is obvious from the personalities being linked. If this is not revenge, I don’t know what it is,” Drilon said, stressing any claims of him misusing public funds is “a blatant lie.”

Trillanes, meanwhile, accused Aguirre of “using his office to persecute and harass members of the opposition by fabricating u PAGE A4 testimonies from dubious con-

victs or detainees.”

“I categorically deny any involvement in any irregularity regarding PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund), DAP (Disbursement Acceleration Program), or any government funds, for that matter. I was never even mentioned in any of the so-called Napoles lists provided during the height of the investigations in 2013,” Trillanes said.

De Lima, for her part remarked that “only fools will believe” Aguirre and Napoles.

“The woman who stole bil-

lions in the PDAF Scam is now being glorified to turn state witness against targeted opposition personalities,” she added.

De Lima further said, “expect a complaint substantiated with nothing but Napoles’s worthless words, and Aguirre’s reputation for fake accusations. Justice in the Philippines now is a joke, the biggest joke since Aguirre was appointed Secretary of Justice. Unfortunately, it’s a joke that imprisons and punishes the innocent and rewards criminals.” n

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Dateline USa

JUNE 2-8, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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Legislators reintroduce bipartisan, bicameral bill to ensure immigration documents reach recipients via secure mail WAShingTon, DC – on Wednesday, May 24, Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA), Congressman Rob Woodall (RgA), and Senator Bob Menendez (D-nJ) reintroduced h.R. 2595, the bipartisan Strengthening the Department of homeland Security Secure Mail initiative Act (Secure Mail initiative Act). if passed, the Secure Mail initiative Act would ensure that sensitive documents, such as green cards, travel documents, and employment authorization forms, are received by their intended recipients. The Act would also update the United States Citizenship and immigration Services Secure Mail initiative (USCiS SMi) so that recipients can choose signature-required delivery for those documents to more reliably guarantee receipt.

The Senate version of this legislation is cosponsored by Senators David Perdue (R-gA) and Kirsten gillibrand (D-nY). “i am proud to be a joint author, along with Congressman Woodall and our Senate counterparts, of the Secure Mail initiative Act. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation will ensure that immigration documents safely reach their intended destination, saving the recipients from suffering massive financial burdens and keeping sensitive documents from the hands of terrorists or human traffickers,” Rep. Speier said. “good public policy can always be traced back to good public service, and that’s certainly true of this bill,” said Rep. Woodall. “on many occasions i’ve worked with constituents in my district who have directly experienced the personal and financial dam-

age that occurs when their requested USCiS documents do not arrive. i’m always happy to help constituents recover these vital documents on a case-by-case basis, but h.R. 2595 addresses the underlying problem by offering applicants a mechanism that prevents them from being lost in the first place. i was proud to partner with Rep. Speier in this effort last Congress – where it was passed unanimously by the house – and i welcome the opportunity to work with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move it to the President’s desk this Congress.”

“From green cards, to travel documents, and employment authorizations, it is imperative we have reliable ways to guarantee that immigration documents from the Department of homeland Security are not only delivered to the correct address but are also safely and timely received by the addressee,” said Sen. Menendez. “At a time when any immigration mix-up may qualify an individual to be prioritized for deportation, this legislation is an important step towards reducing unnecessary disruption in the lives of immigrant families.”

“When sensitive immigration documents such as green cards, travel papers, and employment authorizations wind up in the wrong hands the consequences for families can be dire,” Sen. Perdue said.

“These situations are easily avoidable with simple safety measures like signature confirmation or inperson pick up options. By making these options available within the Secure Mail initiative, DhS and USPS will be able to provide peace of mind and more effective service

to customers.”

“Too many new Yorkers who have gone through the long process of applying for their green cards or work permits have had the rug pulled out from under them when their i.D. card was lost in the mail,” said Senator Kirsten gillibrand. “This bill would make sure that green cards and work permits end up in the right hands and enable new York immigrants to keep their hard-earned i.D. cards safe.” in 2011, USCiS completed implementation of the Secure Mail initiative, which requires permanent resident cards, travel documents, and employment authorization documents to be sent using U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation that monitors delivery via a tracking number. Despite this change, there are reports nationwide that these documents do not always reach their intended recipients, even though the Delivery Confirmation system indicates the items have been delivered. This can result in great costs for the recipients, who are forced to seek copies of these critical documents, and the federal government: For example, people waiting for a green card have no recourse except to re-apply while paying an additional fee of $450.

Meanwhile, USCiS’s immigration processing system is undermined and it is possible for bad actors to steal or misuse the documents in ways that threaten national security. The Secure Mail initiative Act would close that loophole by allowing recipients to elect signature-required delivery at no extra cost to taxpayers. n

MEMORIAL DAY. U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Michael Klecheski and Brigadier General John Jansen, commanding general of the Third Marine Expeditionary Brigade of the U.S. Marine Corps lead the wreath-laying ceremony to honor fallen soldiers at the Manila American Cemetery on Sunday, May 28.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger Rañada

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US senator calls for joint exercises...

speech in Sydney.

McCain, chair of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, stressed that China’s vast territorial claims have no basis in international law.

“The challenge is that as China has grown wealthier and stronger, it seems to be acting more and more like a bully,” McCain said.

McCain’s remarks in Australia comes days before delegates from the US and China are scheduled to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue or the 16th Asia Security Summit in Singapore.

The US senator noted that Australia has become entangled in a strategic competition between America and China.

The senator, however, did not directly urge Sydney to take part in freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea.

“i would not try to tell the Australians what they need to do, but there are exercises where a number of nations join together — we call it RiMPAC [Rim of the Pacific Exercise]— that the Australians participate in. They’re broad naval exercises,” McCain said. hosted by the US navy’s Pacific Fleet, the RiMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise.

Countries that participated in maritime exercises last year were Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, France, germany, india, indonesia, italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the netherlands, new Zealand, norway, China, Peru, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom and the US. McCain added that the joint naval exercises would be an opportunity to exercise freedom of

CMS gives states until 2022...

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Funds already shifting in 2014, for the first time, state Medicaid programs spent more on long-term care in home and community-based settings than on nursing homes. But there was great variation among the states: Mississippi spent about 25 percent of its long-term care dollars on home and community care while oregon and other states spent nearly 80 percent.

Camille Dobson, deputy executive director of the national Association of States United for Aging and Disability, said the extra time is important for states worried about losing federal funding if they don’t meet the new standards. “it was very likely that most of

the states would not have been in compliance by March 2019 and so CMS would [have been] faced with taking money away from programs that help people stay in their homes rather than go to nursing facilities,” Dobson said.

The administration’s delay announcement came less than a week after the house passed the American health Care Act, which would take $880 billion out of the Medicaid program over ten years.

The move was expected after health and human Services Secretary Tom Price in March invited states to apply for waivers from federal Medicaid rules that he said were too onerous to help improve the program.

So far, Tennessee is the only

Fil-Am nabs Hawaii GOP...

PAGE A3 t that this is one of the main reasons why the hawaii Republican Party has been in decline for the last few years and it will be a primary area of focus for me as chairman.” immediately after her election as chairwoman, ostrov went to Washington, D.C. to meet with goP leaders and communicated with them her plans for the party in hawaii.

She said that they expressed their optimism and committed to providing support and resources to rebuild the local party.

Attracting Filipinos to the GOP ostrov stressed that, “Education and outreach in the community is key to our success as a party. not only will we increase transparency and accountability within party leadership, but sharing our points of view will attract more members from the growing ranks of disillusioned or disengaged independents and Democrats looking for a conservative home. We need those numbers in our party and their

votes in the next election, votes that will come from the conservative cultures and people the Democrats have taken for granted.

“Two districts out of 51 are Districts 28 and 29, the Kalihi and Palama areas. Those areas are 78 percent Filipino, and not only are they the largest voting bloc in hawaii, they are also very, very conservative.

They are Democrats now, but they are starting to understand that their voting habits are clashing with their conservative culture. Education in the community will attract people whose family values and cultural background align more naturally with the Republican Party, if they hear us talk with them regularly as we share our message. With a diverse staff that starts with a broad range of ideas, we will articulate a message that covers the values and issues most people in our state care about and that the opposition isn’t even paying attention to.”

Filipino roots ostrov’s father is from Batangas

state that has received final approval from CMS for its implementation plan. States still face a 2019 deadline for approval of their implementation plans.

Kathy Carmody, CEo of the Chicago, illinois-based institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities, said there is concern the Trump administration may not just delay the rule’s implementation but eventually eliminate it altogether.

“We are disappointed,” she said, noting that illinois ranks last or near last on several measures of care for people receiving home and community-based services.

That includes having about half of its disabled Medicaid enrollees in residential care settings with seven or eight other disabled people and and her mother is from Bulacan. her father joined the U.S. navy in the Philippines, became a U.S. citizen in 1962 and settled in hawaii.

She was the fifth of eight children (6 girls and 2 boys), and was born and raised in Mililani, among the pineapple fields of Central oahu, hawaii.

She said that her parents raised a “very tight-knit Catholic, conservative and patriotic family” who taught their children “to defend the institutions and the virtues of character that make the pursuit of happiness possible.”

She served for 23 years and retired as a colonel. As a seasoned Logistics Readiness officer, she held command and staff positions at the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense. She served as the commander of an Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and as the Commander of an Air Mobility Squadron unit in the Pacific.

She commanded the 376th Expeditionary Mission Support group, providing air combat power projection throughout the CEnTCoM Area of Responsibility, and also served as a hub for strategic airlift

navigation.

“But i also wanna emphasize i understand the importance of trade with China and Australia. i understand the importance of their relationship,” the American senator said.

Washington recently launched its first freedom of navigation operation in the South China Sea under the Trump administration. irking Beijing, a US navy warship sailed within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef, one of China’s artificial islands in the Spratly islands.

Mischief or Panganiban Reef, also being claimed by the Philippines, is included in the ruling of a United nations-backed tribunal based in The hague, netherlands.

The tribunal considered Mischief Reef as a low-tide elevation, which gives no entitlement to any exclusive maritime zone under international law. n less than 6 percent of its disabled enrollees in competitive employment, she said.

“We were really hoping the rule would be a push from the federal government to help us evolve into the 21st century and get out of the mid-1980s where we are stuck,” Carmody said.

Carlson, of Justice in Aging, said the implementation of the rule will help ensure California’s Medicaid beneficiaries have “real access to the community and that they are not improperly limited to the four walls of the assisted-living facility or group home or day center.”

(Khn reporter Anna gorman contributed to this report. This story was produced by Kaiser health news, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation.) (Phil Galewitz/California Healthline) operations and as an intermediate staging base for transiting personnel and equipment in support of operations in Afghanistan. ostrov served the U.S. State Department in support of the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan and also served as the Legislative and interagency Liaison for USTRAnSCoM in Washington DC. She likewise served as the Chief of the global Combat Support Division at headquarters, Pacific Air Forces.

Among ostrov’s military awards are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Air Force outstanding Unit Award.

She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Florida, an MBA in Management from Troy State University and a Masters of Arts in organizational Management from george Washington University.

She married her husband Mark Jacob ostrov in 1990 and they have twin daughters, Jessica and Julia who are 16 years old. (Emmanuel Samonte Tipon)

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Dateline PhiliPPines

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2-8, 2017

A5

Marcos tells Duterte: Don’t resign

by Jaime

PilaPil Manilatimes.net

FORMER senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, May 30expressed elation over President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncement that he would have considered resigning had he been the one proclaimed winner in the vice presidential race last year.

Marcos was reacting to Duterte’s statement made before soldiers in Jolo, Sulu last Saturday, May 27 where the president said he would have considered resigning had Marcos won.

But the former senator, in an interview over radio station dzRH on Monday, said while he is honored by such expression of trust, “the President should not resign because the Filipino people need him.”

Such expression of confidence, he added, inspires him to continue “fighting for the truth” in the election protest he filed before the Supreme Court, sitting as the

Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET).

“Kaya naman pinapagpatuloy ang ating paglaban para sa katotohanan at patuloy pa rin ang ating magseserbisyo sa publiko (That is why we continue to fight for the truth and our public service continues),” Marcos said.

According to him, his legal team is raring to present pieces of evidence during his election protest’s preliminary conference scheduled on June 21 at 2 p.m.

He welcomed the move of Sen. Nancy Binay of filing a resolution calling to constitute and convene the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee (JCOC) on the implementation of the Automated Election System (AES) Law in the May 2016 elections.

When asked if he feels there are forces who are against the convening of the JCOC to prevent experts from exposing anomalies in the last elections, Marcos said there may be since

under the law, it should have convened three months after the May elections.

The JCOC is headed by now detained Sen. Leila de Lima.

Marcos pointed out that it is about time that the JCOC convene to enable election and information technology experts to make public their observations on the last elections so that all violations will be rectified and not repeated in future elections.

He said they have in their possession documentary evidence and witnesses who will be able to establish that indeed massive cheating was committed in the May 2016 polls, including the last-minute creation by the ComBAGS OF SHABU. Officials of the National Bureau of Investigation present the 505 kilos of shabu seized in Valenzuela City last week. The mission on Elections of seven drug haul was the second biggest in the country.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr. additional Election Management Systems (EMS), which had been called the “7 Kingdoms.”

These “7 Kingdoms” made it easy for certain groups to create their own elections in seven reMANILA - The Duterte admin- through infrastructure and achiev- ditionality which is standard progions. istration is not “shutting the door” ing peace. But if (the project is) not vision of all our financing agreeor implementing a total ban on our priority then why should we ments with partners, whether it is any assistance from the European accept it?” Dominguez said. in this region or in other regions of Dominguez said ongoing grants the world,” Wiegand said.

Union as long as they are in line with the government’s priorities are not affected by the recent reDevelopment projects currently using EU assistance include a 35ommended that “the Rules of and do not come with condition- jection of that particular offer.

Earlier, presidential spokes- million euro ($39 million) grant to Procedure in Impeachment alities, the Department of Finance person Ernesto Abella said the support the peace process with Proceedings of the House of (DOF) said.

“We’re saying, this one we don’t rejection of new aid would be on Muslim rebels in Mindanao.

Representatives be amended The EU is the largest foreign into explicitly allow the dismissal agree and we will not accept this a “case-to-case” basis. He said of the impeachment complaint one. We will not accept this par- the Philippines would not accept vestor in the Philippines—the only ticular set of conditions, we will further aid if they come with con- member of the 10-member Assobased on insufficiency in form.”

Alejano, for his part, expressed not accept this money because we ditions that allow interference in ciation of Southeast Asian Nations to enjoy duty-free exports under great dismay over the House don’t think we need it for that pur- Philippine affairs.

But European External Action EU’s Generalized Scheme of Prefpose,” Finance Secretary Carlos panel’s decision to junk the bid.

Service managing director Gun- erences or GSP incentives for de“The members of this chamber Dominguez III said.

As example, Dominguez said an nar Wiegand said the provision of veloping countries. have effectively provided a year The Philippine’s duty-free exof immunity to the President to offer from the EU that included an rule of law and guarantee of huhold him accountable to his ac- 80-million euro project was reject- man rights for grants are standard ports to EU were worth around 1.6 ed because it provided “adherence and “nothing special for the Philip- billion euros in 2016, according to tions,” he said. pines.”

EU delegation data. (Mary Grace Section 3, Article XI of the to rule of law” as condition.

“I would like to clarify the con- Padin/Philstar.com) “Our priority is reducing poverty 1987 Constitution states that “no impeachment proceedings shall be initiated against the same official more than once within a period of one year.”

MANILA — Joke or not, Presi- perpetrators will be punished,” Robredo said.

Alejano pointed out that the “Whether it’s a joke or not, it’s dropping of the impeachment dent Duterte’s latest remarks on Robredo said in an interview in improper,” she stressed. case also showed the whole na- rape were improper, Vice Presi- Iligan City.

“Rape is a heinous crime and This was not the first time tion “how the rules were bent” dent Leni Robredo said.

Robredo reminded all the is not a joke,” she said.

Duterte has made a joke about and “how this institution became Duterte on Friday, May 26 rape. an accessory to the countless country’s officials, including Duterte, not to make jokes about joked that he would take the rap During the presidential camdeaths in our streets.” for any soldier who commits up paign last year, Duterte caused He went on to say, “By voting rape.

“All civil servants, law enforc- to three rapes during martial law outrage when he recalled a 1989 to dismiss, this institution effecprison riot in Davao City, wherein tively shied away from showing ers, from the President down to in Mindanao.

“This rape joke is unneces- an Australian missionary was that it is independent, and is a barangay watchmen, we are extrustworthy venue for its people pected to ensure that this won’t sary during this time as many of killed, and that inmates lined up to hold the President accountable happen, and if in case this hap- our countrymen want an assur- to rape her. (Helen Flores/Philpens, we must ensure that the ance that this won’t happen,” star.com) to his actions and policies.” n

Gov’t not closing doors to EU aid

House formally drops Duterte impeachment bid

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 30, officially junked the impeachment complaint filed against Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

With 217 affirmative votes, the House has adopted the Justice Committee’s Resolution 1015 which recommends the dismissal of the impeachment bid filed by Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano against the president.

Apart from Alejano, only three other lawmakers voted against the resolution. They were Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat, and Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin.

No lawmaker abstained from voting.

In March 16, Alejano filed an impeachment complaint against Duterte over the president’s alleged links to the so-called Davao Death Squad (DDS), the massive killings in his war against illegal drugs, and his alleged undeclared wealth worth nearly P2.2 million.

A supplementary complaint against the president was also filed in March 30 for his alleged inaction over territorial issues

concerning Benham Rise and the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).

Article 11, Sec. 2 of the 1987 Constitution states that the president “may be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust.”

On Monday, May 29, the Justice Committee unanimously voted for the dismissal of the impeachment case against the president due to Alejano’s lack of “personal knowledge” in his allegations.

Lawmakers said that Alejano failed to procure “authentic records” and only based his supporting claims on “hearsay.”

“Now, be it resolved by the House of Representatives to dismiss the verified complaint and the supplemental complaint for the impeachment of President Duterte filed by Rep. Gary Alejano for the reason that the complaints, while defective yet sufficient in form, are not sufficient in substance,” the resolution read.

The Committee also rec-

Rape joke not that funny, says Robredo

A6

JUNE 2-8, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

ISIS not a figment of the President’s imagination

Features

IT is easy to misread, misinterpret and misunderstand a leader like President Rodrigo Duterte whose public pronouncements are a mix of jokes and serious allegations regarding the extent of corruption in government, the illegal drugs scourge and the spread of terrorist organizations in the country, especially when his speeches are punctuated by a barrage of crisp profanities.

One thing’s for sure, he is not joking about the deepening infiltration of the southern Philippines by Islamist militants, particularly by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, the global terrorist network that goes by the acronym ISIS or IS. ISIS has big plans for Mindanao, foremost of which is to turn the porous island into an IS nucleus.

But more than that, Mindanao will serve as base of operations for an IS East Asia Division.

It is no fantasy, and definitely not a figment of President Duterte’s imagination, when juxtaposed with images and footages of the raging battle between government troops and Abu Sayyaf and Maute militants in Marawi City, the capital of Lanao del Sur. The militants have taken over government buildings, took civilian hostages and probably killed scores of innocent civilians. They are carrying and raising the monochromatic flag of ISIS that has come to symbolize the brutality of jihad in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and southern Philippines.

The situation now in Marawi City was the very topic of a gathering of security experts last month in

Singapore, the Milipol conference on homeland security.

According to a report by Agence France-Presse, a security expert discussed extensively the creation of a militant base in Mindanao. “Currently, IS is moving towards creating a territory in southern Philippines. The most recent communication issued by IS has announced that they have formally declared an East Asia division of IS in the southern Philippines,” counter-terrorism analyst Rohan Gunaratna said.

“The instability in the southern Philippines and the availability of weapons, internal displacement, refugee flows … create the ripe conditions for foreign terrorists to come,” he told AFP after his speech.

The siege in Marawi prompted Duterte—on May 23—to issue Proclamation No. 216, Declaring a State of Martial Law and Suspending the Writ of Habeas Corpus in the Whole of Mindanao.

His critiques were quick to point out the folly of what the President has done. Human Rights Watch has raised the prospect of abuse of authority by the implementors on the ground. Martial law is not a free pass for abuse, according to HRW.

Guest Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

Former President Fidel Ramos, a veteran of the Marcos regime martial law, noted that Proclamation 216 was ill-timed and “unbecoming” of the Duterte administration. “Those in the Cabinet, in Congress, who are very vocal about martial law being good for Mindanao, may not have experienced being shot by someone. Or being forced to evacuate in a safe place, or to lose a job, livelihood, or a loved member of a family,” Ramos said on Friday. He urged Duterte not to expand the coverage of martial law beyond Mindanao.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan, the president of the op-

position Liberal Party, made it clear he would block any move by Duterte to place Visayas and Luzon under military rule, especially in the absence of circumstances similar to Mindanao.

The criticisms are a healthy expression of the people’s constitutional rights and must not be suppressed even if the ISIS threat is as real as the cracks of gunfire ringing out of Marawi City. The body count tallied so far is 11 government soldiers, 31 militants.

The response must not only be real, but focused and equal to the exigencies of the situation without harming the innocent and truth. (ManilaTimes.net)

Duterte’s martial law in Mindanao: The pros and cons sides among Filipinos in America AFTER the escalating conflict and attack The Fil-Am by the terror group Maute in Marawi City, Perspective President Rodrigo Duterte has declared the much dreaded martial law in the whole of Mindanao to Gel SantoS-ReloS stop the “contamination” of the ISIS-linked terror group in Mindanao, in the whole nation, and in the Southeast Asia region.

Duterte said the terror group has already infiltrated 75 percent of Marawi with the plan of targeting Christian communities while trying to recruit Muslim youth. He feared ISIS would push through with the plan of establishing a caliphate in the Philippines’ Mindanao area, Indonesia and Malaysia and that this must be stopped.

Philippine authorities have warned the Maute group militants to surrender or die. According to ABS-CBN News, more than 100 people have been killed in the conflict which began last week. Twentyone soldiers have reportedly died and the Marines have confirmed they have killed eight terrorists in one day.

Filipinos in America have protested in the streets to demand that Duterte lift martial law, concerned about the president steering the Philippines back to hu-

PeaceMaker FoRmeR SpeakeR JoSe C. de VeneCia, JR. IN Beijing, we said we were honoured to be asked to speak before the great Beijing Forum, for we subscribe to the founding principle of President Xi Jin Ping’s historic revival and expansion of China’s legendary Silk Road—which links today’s Europe, the Middle East, and Asia much as its history and legend had linked them during the classical period.

From their beginnings—in the glory days of the Han Dynasty in the East and the Roman Empire in the West—the linkages between our countries and even those of parts of Africa had ranged beyond the exchange of material goods.

Commerce, culture, civilization From the beginning, East-West trade transcended the limits of commerce. From the beginning, it was also East-West cultural exchange; and the two-way technology transfer stimulated by that trade has been substantial enough to influence the course of either civilization.

Even long-distance travel on the ‘Silk Road’ had its beneficial effects. Notably, the Venetian Marco Polo’s account of his Silk Road travels inspired the Genoese Christopher Columbus’s voyages to the Americas’ ‘New World.’ Marco Polo started out overland, cross-

man rights abuses of the Marcos dictatorship’s martial law era.

Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno warned in a speech that impunity is on the rise and that fundamental rights are once again under threat.

The motive of Duterte in declaring martial law was all the more questioned because of the reported inaccurate statements he made claiming that the chief if police of Malabang was killed but the police chief himself debunked this saying he is still alive.

On Tuesday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana along with other security officials reportedly told senators in a private briefing that the military could neutralize the Maute Group even without martial law, and that the recommendation to declare it did not come from them.

Many kababayans from back home defended Duterte’s declaration of martial law, arguing that Filipinos in America are not in the position to criticize the president’s decision, especially when all he wanted was to protect the country from being attacked and conquered by ISIS. This defiance has been especially per-

sonal for Filipinos from Mindanao who contend that their lives are the ones under threat and that the Fil-Ams’ opposition is just making the situation worse.

However, there are also Filipinos in America who support Duterte’s decisive action to declare martial law in Mindanao.

Here is the statement of Atty. Arnedo S. Valera, Chairperson of the US Pinoys For Real Change in the Philippines (USPRCP), to express their full support for Duterte’s May 23 declaration of martial law in Mindanao for 60 days, noting the extreme urgency of the crisis in the region.

Valera said: “President Duterte’s bold and decisive action is imperative in quelling the rebellion in the region, halting the escalating inhumane atrocities by the extremists, as well as insuring our national security and the safety of Filipinos, and demonstrating the government’s resolve in combating international terrorism.”

USPRCP, a nonpartisan organization composed of dual citizens based in this U.S. capital, advocates for a better life for Filipinos everywhere. Here is the full statement: 1. We support President Rodrigo Duterte’s May 23 declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao for 60 days to quell the existing rebellion, insure the national se-

curity of our nation and the safety of our people, especially the civilian population, as well as combating international terrorism.

2. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the heinous terrorist acts and unconscionable atrocities perpetrated by the extremist Maute terrorist groups and their cohorts, which resulted in the willful killing of three government troops, one from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and two from the Army. In wanton disregard of human lives, these extremists also attacked civilian facilities, including St. Mary’s Church, Dansalan College and Ninoy Aquino School.

3. We call on all Filipinos and the international community to support the Philippine Government’s war against terrorism and extremist groups which target even non-combatants, the civilian population and cultural property, including places of worship in direct violation of the International Humanitarian Laws on armed conflicts.

4. We urge the Mindanaoans to be vigilant and to extend their assistance to the Philippine troops through relaying vital information, taking into consideration their safety and that of their families as first priority in abiding by their patriotic duty. The civilian population is an important part of the government’s fight against terrorism.

We pray for the families and children of our troops killed in defense and security of our country. Further, that they may find divine strength and spiritual blessings in these trying times. We call on the government and our community to extend all kinds of support to the families of our heroes, especially their children.

5. We salute and express our full support for our troops in their heroic role to fight and eradicate terrorism in Mindanao and elsewhere. This is the time to support our troops and our government to secure the national and territorial integrity of our nation and the safety and security of all Filipinos, as well as to demonstrate our resolve that international terrorism does not flourish.

US Pinoys for Real Change in the Philippines (USPRCP) Chairperson of USPRCP : Rev. Atty.

Arnedo S. Valera , Esquire Dan Jimenez Mike Ocampo Conrad Martinez Elizabeth E. Babiera *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column 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

Joint exploration in South China Sea: Proposal for third silk route ing the Central Asian desert to the court of Kublai Khan, stayed a dozen years, and returned to Venice by sea on the maritime route of the Silk Road. Marco Polo’s voyage took him down the South China coast to Sumatra, southeast India and today’s Sri Lanka.

From there, he crossed the Indian Ocean to the Black Sea, reaching Constantinople and finally, Venice after two years at sea.

China’s rebuilding of the Silk Road The value of China’s rebuilding of the Silk Road—in both its overland and maritime linkages—is obvious; and indeed it would redound to all those nations which gathered in Beijing.

Consider how already the Central Asian states are awakening to the possibilities of modernization—as Silk Road arteries begin to link them, westward, all the way to London and eastward to Beijing, encompassing Budapest, Hamburg, Moscow and Warsaw, yes, freight to 28 European cities, moving them by sea, and by air.

We were privileged to be invited to speak at the “High-Level Dialogue in China’s Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation” in Beijing last May 15, 2017 together with more than 40 heads of state and government and former presidents, former premiers and heads of international congregations, indeed a great achievement for President Xi Jin Ping and the Chinese people. China’s leader launched since 2013

revival of the centuries-old silk route and its 21st Century Maritime Route by sea.

Today modern infrastructure is bringing together Kunming in Yunnan with Phnom Penh and Singapore in the beginnings of a Southeast Asian “Growth Triangle.” And the long-distance trains are moving great cargoes between Asia and Europe, back and forth.

We said that in 2005, the Philippines, China and Vietnam went so far as to venture on a three-way joint seismic survey, which we helped initiate, of disputed areas in the Spratlys chain—to assess the area’s potential for hydrocarbons exploration and development. Scientists of the three nations pronounced the prospects “promising”, and it is obvious as members of the ASEAN family that today, with China, we must now find ways and means to jointly develop the area’s hydrocarbons potential to help lessen our common dependence on distant petroleum sources in the Middle East.

And look at the potential for peace, for economic development in the heartland of the South China Sea, once rid of conflict, a landscape and seascape of small seaports, airports, oil pipelines, small tourism townships, and fishing villages, can rapidly rise in the contested areas once converted into a Zone of Friendship, Commerce, Navigation and Development, and become the pas-

sage way, untrammeld, for all global shipping, carrying more than 50% of the sea freight of the world.

We in the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) representing more than 340 ruling, opposition, and independent political parties in Asia, have held yearly conferences in various capitals in Asia, in Beijing and in other cities of China, to help bring our peoples in Asia closer together in fraternal understanding.

Our newly organized sister organization, the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), representing individual members of parliaments, from all the continents of the world are one with ICAPP in supporting China’s Belt and Road initiative, a historic and inspiring force for peace, friendship and development, encouraging simple, practical people-to-people understanding.

The people-to-people bonds in the Belt-and-Road Initiative are the first and principal keys to achieving good relations among nations, trade facilitation, jointventures, networking, and policy coordination, as we endeavour to connect highways, railways, electricity grids, rivers and lakes to the great arteries of the world.

Indeed, the people-to-people bonds are the first prime catalysts in the forging of trade, tourism, economic and social development and in the framing of peace and

unity among nations.

We said that, inspite of difficulties a durable peace today is not impossible even in some of Asia’s troubled areas. For indeed it is most desirable if we, among ourselves, discard occasional enmity and exaggerated pride, and if we respond to the Sermon on the Mount and the hallowed spirit of China’s storied Silk Road, we could all together embark on a journey that today could lead towards the dream of a thousand years of peace and prosperity for all our nations and for all our peoples.

For the revival of the Silk Road is a vision that reflects the shift of the center of gravity from West to East, a global rebalancing whose time has come. It should help bind peoples and countries to a common future and rekindle the grandeur and glory of the old and new Asian civilization and serve as harbinger of real and expanding growth in the 21st Century.

Global potential of new expanded route And in Beijing, we said that: in order to expand, deepen and strengthen the cultural, geo-political, geo-economic, trade, and people-to-people linkages of the historic Silk Road, we now propose consideration of the development of a “third route,” to complement and extend China’s great “Belt and Road” Initiative.

For from Hainan island off Guangdong province in southern China, the route could also pass

first through the Philippines, then Malaysia, Indonesia and the small island nation of Timor Leste onwards.

Already in Northwestern Philippines, as part of an extended Belt and Maritime Road plan, on the banks of the South China Sea, an agri-tourism belt and large petrochemical and industrial complex, much needed in the region, is being planned for implementation by pioneering Chinese and Philippine groups. And from Timor Leste to Australia’s Gold Coast to Sydney, and New Zealand, the extended route could move across the south Pacific, and enter Latin America: Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and the tourism-rich Caribbean islands, then Mexico, all the way to the U.S. as in the old days of the Galleon Trade from Manila to Acapulco, Mexico, which sailed for 250 years.

It is not far fetch: for there are already multiple large Chinese investments in South America. And at some point, we said the Latinos should also bring their trade to the south Pacific and into Asia.

Yes, our proposal in Beijing for the 21st Century “third route”, hopefully an enlargement of the Silk Route would make China’s celebrated ‘Belt and Road initiative” almost globally inclusive and create a linkage with two more continents—Australia and Latin America—in a new circumnavigation, in a revivable of the Age of Exploration, and new spirit in the Age of Globalization. n

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

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2-8, 2017

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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY OURNAL

Your Immigration Solution Devin M. Connoly anD nanCy Miller WHEN the term “illegal immigrant” is used, some assume that the discussion is about someone who entered the United States without presenting themselves for inspection at the air, sea or land border. However, “illegal immigrant” can also apply to one who entered legally but whose status has expired. In fact, more people become “illegal immigrants” by overstaying visas than by entering without documentation.

Overstay means that a noncitizen violated the terms of the visa issued by remaining in the United States beyond the time permitted. One who overstays her visa is out of status, meaning, she is now here illegally.

While overstaying a single day past the expiration of the visa is unlawful, overstaying becomes even more problematic when the noncitizen stays past 180 days but under one year because she then triggers a bar from returning to the United States for three years when she exits the country.

This unlawful presence penalty increases to a ten-year bar when she leaves after overstaying by more than one year.

Some immigration benefits require the alien to leave the United States to complete processing through the U.S. Consulate in their home country but because they have been here illegally, they invoke the bar as soon as they depart in order to pursue the benefit they seek. A waiver of the bar is possible if one can prove that their U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parent or spouse - NOT child - would suffer extreme hardship if they are not able to return.

With the administration’s expressed intent to step up enforcement to cut down on the violation, there will be a greater focus on those who have overstayed their visas. While fear of being arrested and deported is a reasonable and understandable response, noncitizens should remember

Help! I overstayed my visa!

that they do have due process rights. And even once one has been taken into custody, he may apply for immigration benefits if he is eligible for them.

A noncitizen who is taken into custody by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can expect to be placed in removal proceedings by means of a Notice to Appear (NTA). The notice will set out the reasons why DHS believes the immigrant is ineligible to remain in the United States. Either it or a second document called a Notice of Hearing will set forth when and where the immigrant’s hearing

cedural requirements. In court, the immigrant will be required to plead to the facts and charges contained in the NTA that assert why the alien should be removed. Pleading means either admitting that they are true and legally appropriate or denying because they are factually inaccurate or legally wrong.

If the judge sustains the charges (finds they are factually true and legally accurate), the alien will have the opportunity to apply for any relief for which he may be eligible. He must file the appropriate applications and supporting evidence and present

Overstay means that a noncitizen violated the terms of the visa issued by remaining in the United States beyond the time permitted. One who overstays her visa is out of status, meaning, she is now here illegally. While overstaying a single day past the expiration of the visa is unlawful, overstaying becomes even more problematic when the noncitizen stays past 180 days but under one year because she then triggers a bar from returning to the United States for three years when she exits the country. is to be held. Failure to appear at a hearing in removal court can result in an in-absentia removal order. That means that the alien is ordered removed without ever having appeared in court.

Exceptional circumstances beyond the alien’s control are the only acceptable reason for failure to appear. And, unless the immigration court judge knows of those circumstances in advance, she will issue the in-absentia removal order. In order to then have her day in court, the immigrant will have to timely file a motion to reopen the proceedings. There is no guarantee that the motion will be granted.

It is up to the immigrant to prove that her reason for not appearing meets the legal requirements.

In court, the United States government (DHS) is represented by an attorney from the Office of the Chief Counsel (OCC).

The noncitizen has the right to be represented by an attorney at no cost to the government. If he decides to represent himself, he is expected to comply with the appropriate legal and pro-

World Bnak calls for better policies amid rapid urbanization in PH

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippines should make its cities more competitive, inclusive and better governed to support the rapid increase in the oral testimony to support the ap- number of Filipinos living in urplications. It is the alien’s bur- ban areas today, a joint study by den to prove eligibility. As is the government and the World clear, this is a complicated and Bank said. complex process.

Released on Monday, May 30, One should exercise his or her the “Philippines Urbanization due process rights. One should Review: Fostering Competitive, also apply for all benefits for Sustainable and Inclusive Citwhich they are eligible. But in ies” report said the Philippines order to do so, one must know is one of the fastest urbanizing what they are. Therefore, any- countries in East Asia but it is at one who is not in status should a critical juncture. consult with an experienced and knowledgeable immigration lawyer to discuss their options. *** 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)

About 45 percent of Filipinos live in urban areas today, the report added.

This number is expected to more than double by 2050, to 102 million, generating higher demand for housing, basic services, transportation and jobs.

Currently, Philippine cities generate more than 70 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, more than half of it from Metro Manila (National Capital Region or NCR) alone, it said.

The report added that country’s seven largest cities–NCR, Metro Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Zamboanga–provide 54 per-

cent of formal jobs in the country.

But inadequate investments in urban infrastructure, it said, have led to traffic congestion, lack of basic services and rising risk from natural hazards.

These factors undermine efficiency of the city network and exacerbates economic and social inequalities, the report pointed out.

It called for more affordable mass transport, such as metro rail transit and bus rapid transit systems, to raise productivity and improve the welfare of commuters.

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IMF keeps Philippines growth forecasts by lawrenCe

agCaoili Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines - Multilateral lender International Monetary Fund (IMF) is keeping its economic growth forecasts for the Philippines for the meantime despite the disappointing gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the first quarter.

Shanaka Jayanath Peiris, resident representative to the Philippines of the IMF, said the agency is holding on to its cur-

rent GDP growth forecasts for this year and next year until the release of the next World Economic Outlook (WEO) in July.

“We will do an assessment of the outlook and risks for the July WEO release so unlikely to revise anything before that,” Peiris said.

In its latest WEO released in April, the IMF said the country’s GDP would expand 6.8 percent this year and 6.9 percent in 2018. This is well within the tar-

gets of 6.5 to 7.5 percent for this year and seven to eight percent for next year set by economic managers.

The Philippine emerged as the fastest growing economy in the region after its GDP expansion accelerated to 6.9 percent last year from 5.9 percent in 2015 as election related spending boosted private consumption.

However, GDP growth eased

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JUNE 2-8, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

The CTV Files atty. DenniS Chua, eSq. INDIVIDUALS may be put in removal (deportation) proceedings for a number of reasons.

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

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

Community Journal

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

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

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

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

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

Such interviews may take as long as four hours.

After the immigrant petition

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

Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (415) 495-8088; (619) 955-6277; Dchua@ctvattys.com.

The CTV Attorneys will be at Max’s Restaurant in Vallejo on October 19, 2009 from 5pm to 7pm to hold a FREE legal clinic. (Advertising Supplement)

A NEW year ushers in new beginnings.

What a better way to symbolize this new beginning but with a calendar that denotes the days we look forward to. That is why LBC USA and Canada have come up with a competition that will preserve their customers’ artistry and vision with the 2018 calendar as their canvass.

The LBC Calendar Design competition was launched with the theme, “The Way We Move It in the Philippines”. Artwork must be able to clearly depict the unique ways Filipinos move, may it be through cultural activities like traditional or modern dancing or way of life like transportation.

According to Patricia Garcia, VP for Sales and Operations in the Region, “We are extremely excited that our customers and their families can now participate in a nationwide contest where their artwork can be appreciated by their kababayans.

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette aDeva Maglaya

More than that, we are happy that these artworks will all be showcased through a calendar, which is what our customers look forward to every turn of the year.”

The art tilt is open to all LBC Customers and non-customers and their families. Submission of entries will be from June 1 to July 31, 2017. Other details of the contest can be viewed at www. lbcexpress.com. Twelve winners will be chosen, each to take home $500 with their artwork to be featured in LBC’s 2018 Collectible Calendar. Winners will be announced mid-August and calendar will be released by Thanksgiving.

Through the contest, LBC hopes to celebrate the winning masterpieces as a means of bridging the love of their Filipino customers in USA and Canada to their families and countrymen back home.

LBC is the Philippines’ market leader in retail and corporate

courier & cargo, money remittance, and logistics services. With a growing network of over 6,400 branches, hubs & amp; warehouses, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, LBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world. Listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange through LBC Express Holdings, Inc., LBC aims to deliver value to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 60 years. Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC pioneered time-sensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-todoor delivery in the Philippines.

Today, it is the most trusted logistics brand of the Global Filipino. LBC can move it for you: visit www.LBCexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1-800-10 8585999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 (Solutions) and follow LBCExpress (Facebook and Twitter).

(Advertising supplement)

Acres of diamonds “Your diamonds are not in far distant mountians or in yonder seas; they are in your own backyard, if you but dig fro them.”

- Russell H. Conwell, Acres of Diamonds

A FARMER in Africa heard glowing stories of other farmers who have become rich by discovering diamond mines in the continent. Filled with excitement and visions of sparkling diamonds, he sold his farm quickly and set out to become a diamond prospector himself. He wandered far and wide for many years crisscrossing the huge continent hoping to strike it rich. Hope and change however proved to be a lame strategy. Alas and alack, the years took their toll and finally, having grown old, tired and despondent over his failures, he ended his life.

Meanwhile, the man who bought his farm settled in and one bright day, while fording a stream on the land he now owned, was attracted to a gleam of colored rock at the bottom of the shallow water.

He picked it up out of curiosity and displayed it on his mantel as décor.

One day a visitor noticed the rock and almost fainted. He asked the farmer what he thought it was and the farmer innocently said, it was a pretty crystal. The visitor told him that it was probably one of the biggest diamonds he had ever seen.

It turns out that the stream had many more such diamonds at its bottom.

The first farmer never knew he was standing on his own acres of diamonds. He already owned the land free and clear which he had sold practically for a song and a dance. If he only took stock of what he had, surveyed his surroundings and explored and worked on his own acres, his story might have had a happy ending.

This story is a staple used by noted motivational speakers and writers to bring home a point. And for good reason… The “Acres of Diamond” Story is a powerful metaphor to inspire people to explore

and harness their own potential as human beings striving to reach their goal of achieving the riches they seek, whether tangible, intangible or a hybrid of both.

In the most obvious terms, riches could mean physical wealth like money in the bank, a comfortable retirement, celebrity status and the perks that come with it.

However, there are also those parameters that are harder to achieve and can’t be bought outright by money, like inner peace, contentment, serenity, a healthy mind in a healthy body filled with good spirit and well being or a long, happy, meaningful life. The wisest ones go for a mix of both the tangible and the intangible.

You get to choose your very own definition of wealth.

Oftentimes, staying the course and having the wisdom and the patience to use the resources found directly right under our noses and the neurons firing in the brain between our ears offer better odds than seeking out those greener pastures.

As one smart aleck pointed out, the other pasture is always greener simply because it has a gardener that waters, fertilizes and fusses over it all the time. (And used often as a multilevel marketing ploy to recruit people for get-rich quickschemes. But I digress.)

Staying the course and mining your own acres of diamonds could also apply to married couples going through tough times. There are always critical moments that would require partners to fight for their marriage and stay committed no matter the struggle. There

Health@Heart

Anti-cervical cancer

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is malignant tumor of the cervix (mouth of the womb). It is the second most cancer in women and the third most common gynecologic cancer, the second being cancer of the ovary.

The most common gynecologic malignancy is endometrial (inner wall of womb) cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer in women. The first being cancer of the breasts, followed by colorectal cancer and lung cancer. Cervical cancer develops in women at the mean age of 50 years old, although it can occur in women as young as 20. In the Philippines it is the number 2 most common form of cancer among women. In the United States it accounts for least 3000 mortality, and globally, about 300,000, annually.

How prevalent is cervical cancer?

In the Philippines, there are about 5,000 new cases of cervical cancer each year. However, more alarming than that is the fact that there are between 10,000 to 25,000 women walking around (not seen by physician) who have undiagnosed pre-invasive lesions in their cervix. If diagnosed early, these women could be saved. For every four survivors of breasts cancer, there are less than 3 women who survive cervical cancer, which shows how virulent cervical cancer is.

What causes cervical cancer?

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV, also known as genital herpes virus) accounts for most, if not all,

cervical cancers. At least 50% of sexually active men and women are infected with genital HPV, especially those with multiple partners. There are about 20 million American men and women infected with HPV, many linked with abnormal pap tests, genital warts and cervical cancer. It is estimated that 10,370 new cases of cervical cancers will be discovered in 2005. Between half a million to a million Americans have genital warts, transmitted thru sexual contacts.

Is there cure for cervical cancer?

Better than the cure! A vaccine that prevents cervical cancer has just been discovered, and was found to be “effective 100%, in the short term, at blocking the cancer and lesions likely to turn to cancer” (like the pre-invasive lesions), according to drug manufacturer, Merck & Co. What is this “new” wonder drug?

The vaccine, which is genetically engineered, is Gardasil, which blocks infection caused by two of the more than 100 types of human papilloma virus (HPV), strains 16 and 18. These two sexually transmitted viruses are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancers.

HPV, in one form or the other, afflicts about 20 million Americans. The other strains of the virus cause painful genital warts, and sometimes, cervical cancers too.

Part III clinical trials in 225,000 women worldwide are underway How good is the study?

Excellent. The final stage investigation on Gardasil involved 10,559 sexually active women (ages 16 to 26 in the United States and in 12 other countries) who did NOT have HPV 16 or 18 in-

is the struggle of the infidelity of one partner attracted to another, maybe a young spring chicken or a hunk with washboard abs waiting in the wings, the struggle to rise above health issues or the struggle to keep their heads above financial waters or the struggle to stay as a family despite the discord brought about by various debilitating addictions.

Many seem to think they can hit the reset button by trading up to another partner. They think that if they can only find the right one, find Ms. or Mr. Perfect, life would be better. Oftentimes, that route simply leads to more troubles ahead, more complications, more heartaches and crushing disappointments.

If one treasures the intangible acres of diamonds built by years of being together in the form of happy memories and achievements, scrapping the negativity, overlooking irritations or editing out the heartaches through genuine forgiveness brought about by unceasing prayers, perhaps staying the course and loving the one you’re with, might not be too difficult. With faith and determination, you can mine your own acres of diamonds right in your own marriage, right in your own backyard.

The question is, are we mining our own acres of diamonds in every area of our lives right now?

And if not, why not? *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

fection. One half of the subjects were given 3 vaccine shots over 6 months, while the other half (control group) received the placebo (dummy) shots. Among those who got Gardasil were still virusfree after 6 months and none of them developed cervical cancer or precancerous lesions over the 2 year follow-up. Twenty one in the control group had precancerous lesions and cervical cancers.” To have 100 percent efficacy is something that you have very rarely,” Dr. Eliav Barr, Merck’s head of clinical development for Gardasil, told The Associated Press.

How early should the vaccine be given?

Students in grammar school, middle school and high school should be vaccinated before they become sexually active, because once they catch HPV infection, there is no cure; herpes is for life.

This was the recommendation of Dr. Gloria Bachmann, director of The Women’s Health Institute at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Brunswick, NJ., who said this vaccine is a “phenomenal breakthrough.” Prophylaxis Gardasil vaccination comprehensively eliminates HPV 16 and 18 associated non-invasive and invasive cervical cancer. The vaccine also cuts down infection with HPV 6 and 11, the causes of 90% of genital warts.

Is Gardasil limited to cervical cancer prevention?

No. The US Food and Drug Administration approved Merck’s application for the distribution and sale of Gardasil on June 8, 2006 for ages 9 to 26 for the prevention of cervical cancer and other HPV related diseases. On September 15, 2008, the US FDA approved

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Community Journal

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

Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

Your marriage petition could be in trouble if USCIS visits your home

MARRYING a U.S. citizen is one of the fastest and most commonly known ways to obtain a green card. It is also subject to much fraud and abuse, where people will enter into a marriage of convenience with a U.S. citizen solely for immigration benefits. The U.S. citizen might be a friend willing to do the person a “favor,” or demands the payment of money to go through with the marriage and marital interview.

There may be cases where a couple is truly in love, but because of miscommunications, misunderstandings, confusion, anxiety, nervousness, answers that don’t match, age or cultural difference, or not providing sufficient documentation, the immigration officer becomes suspicious it is a fixed marriage.

The couple may be asked to come back for a second or third interview. Their case could also be referred to USCIS’s Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) unit to make a site visit to the couple’s home.

If you are called back for a second or third interview, or USCIS visits your home, there can be no clearer sign that USCIS suspects you are in a fixed marriage, even if yours is a bona fide, love marriage. If that is your case, rather than trying to “repair” your marriage case on your own, have an attorney evaluate and salvage your case.

If FDNS comes to your house, it is typically an unannounced visit, usually early in the morning. During the visit, they want to observe and confirm both spouses are living in the same house. If you put down in your papers that both of you are living at the same address, but in reality one of the spouses is

living elsewhere, this will only increase USCIS’s suspicions it’s a fixed marriage. (In fact, there may be a legitimate reason for not living together, such as work or school. But still, it creates the suspicion of a fixed marriage).

They will also be checking sleeping arrangements. Are both spouses sleeping in the same room and/or bed? Or, is one spouse sleeping in the bedroom, while the other sleeps on the living room couch? Does the couple have roommates living under the same roof, such as the U.S. citizen’s ex-boyfriend or girlfriend? Are there pictures on the wall of the US citizen’s ex-boyfriend or girlfriend or ex-spouse? Or are their pictures of the married couple together?

FDNS could also check your closets and medicine cabinets, to see if both your clothes are in the closet and if the medicine cabinet contains men’s and women’s care products, such as cologne for men and perfume for woman, shaver, etc.

If the closets contain only one spouse’s articles of clothing, and the medicine cabinet contains only that spouse’s medications as well, it looks like you’re not living together.

FDNS could also knock on neighbors’ doors, and ask your neighbors if they are aware you are husband and wife. They may even be shown a picture of the couple. If the neighbors say they saw only one person living there alone, and they never saw the other person, it could also be a sign of a fixed marriage, and that you’re not really living together.

I want to emphasize that people should never enter into

Immigration Corner

Calendar of Events across

a fixed marriage. I know that there are stories of people who “got away with it,” but USCIS has become more sophisticated and their databases provide far more information than in the past. If you’re found in a fixed marriage, you are blacklisted for life, and no future petition can be approved on your behalf.

However, if you are truly in a bona fide, love marriage, and USCIS suspects it’s fixed, you should definitely seek the assistance of an attorney. Multiple interviews and site visits are clear signs of USCIS’s concerns over a fixed marriage. Having an attorney handle your case from the outset could greatly reduce the chances of suspicion, because the attorney could help you properly gather and package the relevant documentation, and clear up any confusion or miscommunication that may arise at your interview or in the processing of your case or petition. *** 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)

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 JUNE 3

5th annual Kalayaan Parade in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown The 5th Kalayaan Parade in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown will be held on Saturday, June 3, beginning at 9 a.m. to celebrate the 119th Philippine Independence Day. LA Councilmember Mitch O’ Farrell of District 13 will be the guest speaker of the program. The assembly area is in front of the Silverlake Medical Center (SLMC) at Temple Street at 8:00 a.m. The parade starts at 9:00 a.m. and will end at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) compound. For more information please call Art at (213) 318-9065 or visit www.jfavusa.org.

Kalayaan Incorporated’s Philippine Independence Gala Night in Garden Grove, CA Kalayaan Incorporated Southern California, with the cooperation of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, invites you to its Gala Night in commemoration of the 119th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on Saturday, June 3. It will be held at the Hyatt Regency Orange County (11999 Harbor Blvd. Garden Grove, California 92840). Doors open at 5 p.m. with the program beginning at 6:15 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m.

It is $75 / per ticket (pre-paid). Attire is formal/barong/Filipinana. For more information, please visit https://www.kalayaanincorporatedsocal.com/.

Pista sa Nayon in Vallejo, CA Come and experience the celebration of Philippine Independence Day in Vallejo, California on Saturday, June 3. It will be held at the Vallejo Waterfront from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The festivities will kick-off with a grand parade beginning at the corner of Marin Street and Capitol Street in Vallejo. Then they will continue with non-stop entertainment and ending on two stages at the renowned Vallejo Waterfront. This annual event is one of Vallejo’s largest FREE outdoor festivals that draws crowds wanting to sample Philippine cuisine, soak up Filipino hospitality and enjoy entertainment that crosses all ages, cultures and ethnicities. This year’s entertainment — presented by GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV — will be Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera and Kuh Ledesma, among others. Come and experience the Philippine culture firsthand & bring the whole family! Pista sa Nayon is the highlight of the City of Vallejo’s Philippine Cultural Month celebrated throughout the month of June. Vallejo Pista Sa Nayon will be held at 301 Mare Island Way, Vallejo, California 94590. For more information, please visit http://www.vallejopistasanayon.com/.

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2-8, 2017

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A MOTHER’S AND HER ATTORNEY’S PERSISTENCE RESULT IN HER DAUGHTERS FINALLY BEING ISSUED CSPA VISAS BASED ON “EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES” — ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Lolita left her two daughters in the Philippines to seek a better life in the U.S., with the dream that she would eventually have them join her. However, her previous attorney missed the one year “sought to acquire” filing deadline for CSPA eligibility, resulting in the Embassy refusing to issue their immigrant visas.

Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel was her beacon of hope, as he did not give up in trying to convince the Embassy that the daughters should be entitled to visas, despite missing the one-year deadline. Find out how Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel was able to prove extraordinary circumstances, have the two “aged-out” daughters be issued visas, and reunite this family on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday, June 4 at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC.

San Miguel to build beer brewery in US $500M PH expansion also planned

by Doris

Dumlao-abaDilla Inquirer.net

BEER giant San Miguel Brewery plans to set up a beer brewery in Los Angeles, California to cater to growing demand for its beer products in North America.

SMB is also investing $500 million in the next 2.5 years to expand its domestic beer busi-

ness. The company is set to build one new brewery in Iloilo and another in Cagayan de Oro, each with an annual production capacity of two million hectoliters, SMB chair and San Miguel Corp. president Ramon S. Ang told reporters after SMB’s stockholders meeting on Tuesday, May 30.

SMB, which has been operating in the last 126 years, wants

to increase its export volume to the Middle East and supply more to America.

“I think soon, America will have a bigger potential. Our intention right now is to have a brewery in the West Coast,” Ang said, adding that the site should be close to the critical mass of migrant Filipino community in the U.S. n

WB calls for better policies amid rapid...

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The report recommends that the government simplify licensing requirements to attract more investment, improve infrastructure, focus on affordable housing and the delivery of basic services and encourage poor children to finish secondary education for better job opportunities.

It said decisions made now will affect how cities grow and how people benefit from urbanization through economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said central to development is the role of cities.

“Cities drive growth and are providers of knowledge and innovation. To enable cities to per-

form that role, we are investing heavily on infrastructure and human capital or health and education,” NEDA Undersecretary Rolando Tungpalan said.

The government targets to spend P847 billion on infrastructure development this year, covering projects in all regions, including small-, medium- and large-scale ventures.

In the six years to 2022, the government intends to spend P8.4 trillion on infrastructure.

Mara Warwick, World Bank country director, said city competitiveness is an important part of successful urbanization, because it creates jobs, raises productivity and increases people’s wages.

“But that is not enough. Cities

need to be inclusive and sustainable. They should have good land use management and strong institutions,” she added.

Meanwhile, strong institutions and good governance are important for ensuring better management of cities, delivery of social services and a good environment for job creation, according to Abhas Jha, a World Bank Practice Manager for Urban and Disaster Risk Management for East Asia and the Pacific.

“A good starting point for this policy conversation can be a comprehensive national urban policy that establishes a lead agency for urban development and housing, and clearly defines the roles of national and local governments,” Jha said. n

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HIRING Asian Journal Publications is now looking for:

Customer Sales and Service Representative

Walk for Mom in Teaneck, NJ The Filipino Medical Program invites members of the Filipino-American community to Holy Name Medical Center’s Walk for Mom, a breast cancer awareness walkathon on Saturday, June 3. Participate in a fun-filled celebration including music, snacks, prizes, FREE T-shirts and other exciting events. It will be held at 718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ (south parking lot), with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. The walk begins at 10:30 a.m. and is 1.5 miles. Suggested donation is $10. Proceeds fund free mammogram screenings for up to 100 women. For more information, please call (201) 833-3336 or email walkformom@ holyname.org.

Fax résumé to:

JUNE 11

Filipino Medical Program hosts community health screening in Passaic, NJ Holy Name Medical Center’s Filipino Medical Program will have a health screening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 11 at the Philippine Independence Day Festival in Passaic, New Jersey. It will be held at 3rd Ward Park, 350 Passaic Ave (cor. Van Houten), Passaic, NJ 07055. For more information, please call the FMP at (201) 833-3355 or email lavarro@ holyname.org

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

info@asianjournalinc.com

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People & Events

Philippine Independence Day festivities to PG&E urges grads to celebrate be held at Alameda City Hall on June 3 safely with weighted balloons

ALAMEDA, CA — A flag ceremony, entertainment, spoken word, and Filipino food will mark the 5th year that Alameda marks Araw Ng Kalayaan – Philippine Independence Day at Alameda City Hall on Saturday, June 3, beginning at 10 a.m.

Throughout the world, Philippine Independence Day ceremonies mark the date of June 12, 1898 when Spanish rule of the Philippines ended.

This year, the event will mark the 75th anniversary of the Bataan Death March in which over 100,000 American and Filipino soldiers were forced to walk 60 miles to a prisoner of war camp after surrendering to the Japanese Imperial Army– a largely

unreported chapter of American WWII history. Over 10 percent of the soldiers perished during this march. Cecilia Gaerlan, Executive Director of the Bataan Legacy Historical Society will provide an update on efforts to include this history in public school curriculum.

The Philippine Independence Day event will also mark the 2nd anniversary of the AlamedaDumaguete Sister City relationship, and introduce the three new committees formed to begin the process of a sister city relationship – Yeongdong-gun, Korea; Varazze, Italy; and Wadi Foquin, Palestine.

Emcee of the event is Alameda resident Benjamin Reyes who was

Anti-cervical cancer PAGE CJ2 t the expanded use of Gardasil for the prevention of certain vulvar and vaginal cancers. This vaccine is in head-to-head competition with a rival (Cervarix) from GlaxoSmithKline, a UK-based company.

As the good old cliché goes “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”

Is Gardasil also used for boys?

Yes, since boys are potential spreader of sexually transmitted diseases, the FDA recommendation includes giving the Gardasil 9 vaccine to boys and young men (ages 9-26) since October 16, 2009. On December 22, 2010, the FDA recommended its use to prevent genital warts and anal cancer.

There are some parents who objected to having their young

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sons be vaccinated with this vaccine, fearing its potential complication, in spite of clinical evidence showing the vaccine’s medically accepted standard level of safety. This unfortunate controversy has left many of these boys and young men exposed to the these venereal diseases and their potential role as carriers and spreaders of sexually-transmitted illnesses. It is indeed a big waste of billions of dollars and manpower, time, and resources spent in the laboratory experiments and researches that led to the discovery of this wonderful life-saving vaccine that has been clinically proven to be very effective (at least 99.9 percent) in preventing cervical, vulvar, anal, cancers. This is as foolish as the refusal of some people in Paki-

recently appointed to the Contra Costa Superior Court and the first American of Filipino ancestry to be appointed to the superior court in 30 years.

The event is sponsored by the Philippine Independence Day Organizing Committee-Alameda and co-sponsored by Alameda Sister City Association, Filipino Advocates for Justice, and the American Center of Philippine Arts. The community partners are: Bohol Circle, Inc.; Bayanihan Youth Group of Encinal HS; and the Bataan Legacy Historical Society Alameda’s other active sister city is Jiangyin, China.

ASCA Website: http://alamedasistercity.weebly.com/ Facebook Page: https:// www.facebook.com/Alameda-Sister-City-Association1640170049589165/ Alameda Sister City Association is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to global friendship, multicultural understanding, and economic growth by developing lasting relationships between the Alameda area and Sister Cities around the world. ASCA’s mission is to build our community as an international citizen diplomacy network by establishing people-to-people connections between our citizens and sister cities. n stan, Nigeria, and even some in the United States to allow their children to get polio vaccine, resulting in the expected outcome.

Let us all be proactive and preemptive advocates and take advantage of the great state-of-theart advances in medical science and technology for disease prevention, health, and longevity.

Visit philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.

— With graduation season in full swing, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is warning customers about the public safety risks associated with helium-filled metallic balloons: If your graduation celebration involves balloons, make sure they are secured with a weight.

Otherwise they can float away and come into contact with overhead power lines, causing a public safety risk.

In the first five months of 2017, metallic balloons striking electric lines have caused nearly 132 power outages in PG&E’s service area alone, disrupting service to more than 76,000 customers. These power outages can interrupt electric service to critical facilities such as hospitals, schools and traffic lights.

PG&E typically sees a spike in the number of outages caused by metallic balloons during the graduation season.

“It may look fun and festive to release balloons in the air during graduation ceremonies, but when helium-filled metallic balloons come into contact with overhead lines they can cause a widespread power outage. PG&E encourages grads to celebrate safely by keeping

doors, when possible. For everyone’s safety, never permit metallic balloons to be released outside.

Do not bundle metallic balloons together.

Never attempt to retrieve any type of balloon, kite or toy that becomes caught in a power line.

Leave it alone, and immediately call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to report the problem.

Never go near a power line that has fallen to the ground or is dangling in the air. Always assume downed electric lines are energized and extremely dangerous. Stay far away, keep others away and immediately call 911 to alert the police and fire departments.

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

IMF keeps Philippines growth...

PAGE CJ1 t

to 6.4 percent in the first quarter from 6.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016 as weak private consumption dragged domestic demand.

IMF deputy director for Asia and the Pacific Department Kenneth Kang said during the Spring Meetings of the IMF and *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac the World Bank in Washington Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and in April the country’s economic chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 growth is expected to remain at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he robust at around seven percent holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, this year and next year led priis based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of marily by domestic demand and the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine a recovery in exports.

Kang pointed out investors’ College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the confidence remain strong as chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a shown by the investment grade 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United rating as well as positive and States. For more data, visit philipSchua.com; stable outllooks from S&P Global Ratings, Moodys Investor SerEmail: scalpelpen@gmail.com

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metallic balloons secured with weights,” said Pat Hogan, senior vice president, PG&E Electric Operations.

Metallic balloons have a silvery coating, which is a conductor for electricity. If the balloons float away and make contact with power lines, they can short transformers, cause power outages and melt electrical wires, causing public safety risks. Last year, a homecoming parade in the North Coast turned dark after a group of metallic balloons slipped away from a float and hit a power line, which came down energized. More than 2,700 customers lost power for most of the day and the homecoming dance was cancelled.

To help ensure that graduation balloon celebrations are enjoyed responsibly, PG&E reminds customers to follow these important balloon safety tips: “Look Up and Live!” Use caution and avoid celebrating with metallic balloons near overhead electric lines.

Make sure helium-filled metallic balloons are securely tied to a weight that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating away. Never remove the weight.

Keep metallic balloons in-

Shanaka Jayanath Peiris, resident representative to the Philippines of the IMF, said the agency is holding on to its current GDP growth forecasts for this year and next year until the release of the next World Economic Outlook (WEO) in July.

Philstar file photo

vice and Fitch Ratings.

External shocks arising from the normalization of interest rates in the US and the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union or Brexit,

SERVICES

as well as domestic political noise primarily from the all-out illegal drugs campaign of the Duterte administration have led to volatile financial and capital markets. n

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JUNE 2-8, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 2, 2017

HOW MADRID FUSION MANILA IS PUTTING PH ON THE MAP AS A GASTRONOMIC DESTINATION IN ASIA

by MoMar

MADRID Fusion Manila, the global gastronomic gathering is back for a third serving and it is larger than ever, and along with it is the more long-term goal of establishing the Philippines as an important and vibrant culinary destination in the region.

Held for three days at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Madrid Fusion this year focused on sustainability in the culinary industry as the awardwinning and Michelin-starred chefs invited to deliver their talks discussed ways in which they run their respective kitchens where they showcase innovations and cutting-edge techniques in creating exquisite dishes.

“The whole world now gets to see the Philippines as a culinary destination. We really want to promote the Philippines this way,” Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo told the Asian Journal.

“More than just a celebration of gastronomy of the highest order, Madrid Fusion is instrumental in spreading the word that Filipino chefs are world-class and that the Philippines is poised to be the center of gastronomy in Asia.”

More than 1,400 Filipino

G. Visaya/AJPress

foodies from around the world, people with passionate love for food and cooking and industry professionals gathered under one venue to celebrate yet another year of gastronomic experience and thereby giving Filipino cuisine the international prestige it deserves. This year’s delegates come from China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Taiwan, Denmark, Kazakhstan, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“Today, food forecasts for 2017 have predicted the Philippines as the place where the next big food trend will start, and many articles have been written worldwide about how the food scene in the Philippines is heating up,” said Tourism director Verna Covar-Buensuceso earlier this year at the Madrid Fusion 2017 held at the Palacio Municipal de Congresos in Madrid.

Among this year’s featured chefs for International Gastronomy Congress were 19 celebrated Filipino culinary chefs and Michelin-starred culinary chefs from Asia, Europe and the Americas led by Gert de Mangeeler (Hertog Jan, Belgium), Jordi Roca

#EATSMOREFUNINTHEPHILIPPINES with more than 1,400 attendees at the recently-concluded Madrid Fusion Manila 2017.

Filipino-British Chef Josh Boutwood

Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo, Foru de Debati president Jose Carlos Capel, Tourism Promotion Board chief Cesar Montano and Spanish Ambassador Luis Calvo led the opening of Madrid Fusion Manila 2017 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

and Alejandra Rivas Gomez (El Celler de Can Roca, Spain) and Pedro Subijana (Akelare, Spain), all of whom have three Michelin stars each, one of the toughest achievements in the restaurant industry.

Two Michelin star holders Paco Perez (Miramar, Spain), Julien Royer (Odette, Singapore) and Magnus Ek (Oaxen Krog & Slip, Sweden) and Simon Rogan (L’Enclume, England) joined the aforementioned chefs as presenters.

The half-Filipino, half-French sisters Tatiana and Katia Levha (Le Servan, France), FilipinoAmerican Sally Camacho-Mueller (Top Chef: Just Desserts Season 2 runner up) and Filipino-British Josh Boutwood (The Test Kitchen, Philippines) talked about their respective journeys and how they practice sustainability in their respective kitchens.

The Levha sisters talked about cooking from stem to stern and explained their enthusiasm when they learned about Madrid Fusion’s theme this year.

“Sustainability is a major concern for us in the restaurant,” Tatiana, who trained in both L’Arpege and L’Astrance shared.

“We choose what’s seasonal, healthy and sustainably grown.

And that also applies to our wine selection.”

Filipino chefs Gene Gonzalez (Café Ysabel) and Robby Goco (Green Pastures), delivered the opening and closing plenaries, respectively. Gonzalez talked about the evolution of Filipino cuisine and told the audience to watch out for artisanal and Philippinemade chocolates.

The past two years have been an incredible journey for the food industry with the chefs from the different parts of the world coming together, discussing their knowledge about their food and cuisine and sharing best practices that chefs from this part of the world could emulate.

Madrid Fusion is divided into three components: the International Gastronomy Congress, where award-winning chefs

Chef Pedro Subijana is the man behind Akelarre, a restaurant in San Sebastian, Spain that has been open since 1974 and has three Michelin stars.

Regional Lunches: Showcasing the Diversity of Filipino Cuisine FOR a couple of hours, congress attendees and guests take a break to eat a carefully curated themed ad festive lunch showcasing the diversity of Filipino cuisine and the sustainability of the native ingredients.

This is where seasoned Filipino chefs such as Margarita Fores, JP Anglo and Claude Tayag prepare their dishes based on a specific theme. For Day 1, it was Rice, Day 2 was Nose to Tail and Day 3 was Corn.

Day 1, curated by Angelo Comsti, was all about rice. Some chefs focused on heirloom rice, grown and harvested in various provinces in the Philippines, from balatinaw of Mountain Province to the innawi of Banaue. Day 2 highlighted the nose-to-tail concept and was curated by Nina DazaPuyat, Sasha Lim-Uy Mariposa, and Idge Mendiola. The term did not just apply to the pigs and cows, it also applied to other ingredients such as the coconut and cacao. The third day, curated by Alicia Sy, focused on the flexibility of the corn.

Among the unforgettable dishes we had to partake were the following – Mike Tatung Sarthou and his Tausug Junay with Utakutak, which is sticky rice cooked with pamapa (Mindanao spice) and spiced fish nuggets.

Kiddo Cosio of El Union who served Dirty White Horchata made with Tinawon white rice and Bukidnon espresso.

JP Anglo’s Next Generation Adobo, a nose-to-tail adobo made with chicken heart, intestine, gizzard, tail and skin.

Pam Cinco (Risa Chocolate) and her A Toast to Chocolate, a nose-to-tail dish using different parts of cacao, from the white chocolate disc topped with cacao nibs to the cacao dessert wine and the white chocolate truffle with dark chocolate ganache and carabao’s milk butter.

Tina Legarda (Bamba Bistro) who served Tindahan ni Maria Salad of pechay, chorizo-charred corn, kesong puti, tuyopineapple vinaigrette and pork skin crumbs.

Dedet de la Fuente (Pepita’s Kitchen) and her Nilasing na Lechon with corn and guinataan mais mousse Margarita Fores and her purple corn ukoy, seared bagaybay with chorizo cream

meant to reach out to the trade and tourism buyers and decisionshared their views and techniques makers. Destination and lifestyle in cooking; the International stands showcased the culinary Gastronomy Expo, which featured tourism attractions of the country, the finest food products and along with their respective and gourmet food, ingredients and iconic food, beverages and technologies from Asia and Spain; ingredients. and Flavors of the Philippines, There were also “food and a month-long festival across the beverage tunnels” which became country featuring the finest delia venue for delectable tasting cacies from every region. sessions of wines and spirits, heirThe expo had anchor booths loom rice and grains, fresh farm from both the Department of produce, artisanal chocolates, Agriculture and Department of various coffee varieties and other Tourism, featuring various forms products. Food seminars were of culinary tourism, farm and agri- also held throughout the threetourism models, along with other day affair. exhibitors involved in sustainable With Madrid Fusion Manila farming and fishing in keeping up on its third edition, the culinary with this year’s theme. industry of the Philippines is From fine food to gourmet beginning to expand and grow products and new ingredients, as it serves to challenge the from equipment and services to country’s aspiring chefs to bring culinary and farm tourism primeout the best in their crafts and movers, the gastronomy expo is how to make Manila the center of culinary excellence in all of Asia.

Madrid Fusion Manila is the first and only Asian edition of Madrid Fusion, the most important international gastronomy congress in the world, organized annually in Madrid since 2003.

When it was first staged in Manila in 2015, the theme Pig’s Head Skewer with Brown rice Porridge focused around the 300-year gastronomic journey between the Philippines and Spain, and the celebration of the 450th anniverFilipino Chef Gene Gonzalez

Fil-Am pastry chef and Top Chef Just Desserts finalist Sally Camacho Mueller

Le Servan’s take on pork belly adobo

Half-Filipino/French Levha Sisters of Le Servan in Paris

Pepita’s Lechon showcased their specialties: stuffed lechon

At the expo, various regional specialties and native Filipino ingredients were on full display.

Sampinit Tres Leches Cake

Kare Kare

Kilawin Kambing Terrine

Kinunot

sary then of the Manila Galleon that opened up trade routes between Asia, Europe and the Americas.

“There’s a lot of interest in the event now. We have Fil-Ams coming in from the United States and foreigners signing up for the congress. We also have the tourism buyers program and we have tour operators specializing in gastronomy and food tours from different parts of the world here,” Buensuceso added.

The Tourism department is pushing culinary tourism further and they are encouraging these global tour operators to meet with their local travel trade counterparts and develop packages to the Philippines that are centered on food and gastronomy tours.

This year’s theme, according to Buensuceso, aligns well because this is also the International Year of Sustainable Tourism, one of the advocacies of the many chefs in the world and many of the chefs speaking at the congress are pushing for sustainability.

“We are on the right track because we have so far generated a lot of buzz about the Philippines as a food hub and many of the publications in the world are already saying that Filipino cuisine is the next big food trend. We also have enclaves of Filipinos living abroad where Filipino restaurants are now coming out and they’re getting to be very popular so it also creates that awareness and helps build the awareness about the Philippines as a center of food and gastronomy,” Ms. Buensuceso explained.

“I think all these elements are conspiring together to push the Philippines into the limelight,” she added.

AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya

San FranciSco

By Monet

Lu

HE followed the footsteps of his father who sang for the group S.O.S. (A Society of Seven) in Hawaii. He went back to his birthplace in 1982 to pursue his musical career and released his first album that went platinum in a span of five months.

Thus, began the journey of the man who would be called ‘The Concert King.’

Martin Nievera (Ramon Razon Nievera) was born on February 5, 1962, in Manila, Philippines to Bert Nievera and Conchita Razon. The Nievera family took up residence in the Bay Area in California in the late ’70s. Martin graduated from Clayton Valley High School in Concord, California in 1980.

Martin and I met almost 30 years ago at his first concert with then wife Pops Fernandez. We’ve been friends since then but that did not keep me get from getting star stricken each time.

The guy is my all time favorite performer! I would forever be a fan. Until now, he still amazes me with his performance. And like his music, so timeless: it never gets old – if possible, it gets better with time.

He is both an amazing songwriter and singer – a combo that solidified the trappings of a legendary performer that he is to become. His first album, “Take One,” achieved such a feat that is not common for a neophyte in the industry. And his talent opened another door to his impending stardom; it started his career in TV hosting. Martin co-hosted the TV variety show “Penthouse Live!” with (then) future wife Pops Fernandez, the Philippines’ “Concert Queen.”

His second live performance in 1984’s “The Best Gift” was also certified platinum. In 1987, “Penthouse Live!” was changed to “Martin and Pops Twogether,” reflecting the duo’s marriage.

While he is an exceptional singer in his own right, it is mostly his jovial on-stage personality that

entertainment SF3

Martin Nievera: The man who would be ‘king’

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – June 2, 2017

Gerald Anderson and Arci Muñoz star in the new romantic comedy “Can We Still Be Friends?”

Arci Muñoz on being friends with her ex

by Deni

The author with Martin Nivera

makes him a hit across generations. His mass appeal spread throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s as his albums and live performances were fanatically devoured.

Martin’s 1997 album Journey was a hit in Hawaii, most especially in the Philippines. The track “You Are My Song” earned him Awit and Katha Awards for Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist.

“I was actually discovered while singing at the shower in our locker room. I was part of the basketball team, but not a very good one at that, and I intentionally take a shower after everybody else has so it would seem like I had a tough game when I was actually a bench warmer… As I was singing, the wrestling coach passed by and heard me, called out loud and said he should see me at the choir auditions the next day. So I joined the choir and next thing I know I am singing back up (in a choir) for Barry Manilow for his three-day concert, and that’s where I realized that this is what I want to do.” Martin recalls in an interview.

Even in the darkest moments of his life, specifically the dissolution of his marriage, the ‘concert king’ turned to music.

He wrote and recorded a song, entitled “Forever” to win back

roSe a. BernarDo Philstar.com

CAN you still be friends with your ex?

Such is the premise of Arci Muñoz and Gerald Anderson’s new romantic comedy, “Can We his wife. Though the song didn’t Still Be Friends?” achieve its main goal, it effort“When they told me that it’s lessly achieved double platinum, going to be with him again, sobra moved up to triple platinum in a akong happy kasi the first movie few months, and later soared to (“Always Be My Maybe”) was a quadruple status. Martin and his success,” Arci told Philstar.com in music were warmly embraced by a recent interview. his adoring public, and “ForArci is happy that though not ever” has become an all-time a permanent love team, she and bestseller. The two sequels, Gerald have been tagged “Team “Forever Forever” (platinum Relate” and she assured that their to double platinum to triple second Star Cinema movie toplatinum within the same year) gether is something the audience and “Return to Forever,” both can affirm with. alluded to the couple’s heartShe, for one, can greatly breaking split. They however, relate to the movie since in real decided to be civil (and be good life, she is also friends with her ex, friends) throughout the years.

Badi del Rosario, a Brunei prince’s Martin’s success in the field son who is also a rock star like her. of music carried over to his “With the (movie’s) title alone, acting career. He has appeared you can tell it’s my life’s story,” in eleven movies and seven Arci gushed. television series and specials.

The actress shared that she His television show, “Martin and Badi are “still friends and after Dark” lasted for almost a still talking to each other,” after decade (1988-1998) and won four years of being together. She Best Celebrity Talk Show. It gardescribed their current relationnered him his Star Awards’ Best ship as “casual and civil.”

Celebrity Talk Show Host award “Ang daming naging factors consecutively from 1989 to 1991 ng breakup, but mostly, it’s time,” and then again in 1993, 1994, she revealed. and 1996.

Her doors are still open just in In 2006, the Aliw Awards case Badi decides to come back.

Foundation Hall of Fame distin“S’ya nga ang nag-friend guished Martin as Entertainer zone sa’kin!” Arci said, stressing of the Year and Recipient of the that the breakup was not her Lifetime Achievement Award. idea.

The Honolulu Adviser likewise There was a time when Badi, Continued on Page SF4 who is younger than her, asked

for her hand in marriage. She regretted not accepting the proposal as she was still enjoying her showbiz career. She admitted that she is still up to it if the proposal still stands.

But if the actress and rock star would have her way, she would like to do the proposal than the traditional other way around.

“Lagi po akong ganon! Ako nga ang lalaki sa relasyon e,” she said. “Ayoko lang ng double standard. Isipin nila lalaki lang. Si Tessa Prieto nga, s’ya nag-propose sa asawa n’ya. Underwater pa ‘yung ginawa n’yang proposal.”

She might be a vixen on TV

and a head-banging vocalist of heavy-metal band Philia, but Arci is really a Disney princess inside.

“My dream kasi akong proposal ng guy. E baka ‘di kasi n’ya gawin kaya ako na lang ang gagawa! Gusto ko sa fireworks ng Disneyland!” she shared.

She assured that Gerald’s girlfriend, Bea Alonzo, has nothing to worry.

“Close kami ni Bea,” Arci claimed. “Alam ni Bea na ano ako, lalaki!”

Arci stressed, however, that she is not a lesbian and dreams to work with other leading men such as Xian Lim, Daniel Padilla, Enrique Gil, Piolo Pascual and John Lloyd Cruz.

SF4

celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 2, 2017

celebrityworld

By Ferdie Villar JOHN Lloyd Cruz, one of the most successful actors in the Philippines today, heads the roster of June birthday celebrants. Born John “Juward” Lloyd Espidol Cruz on June 24, 1983 to parents Luisito Llora and Aida Espidol Cruz, he finished his grade school at Marikina Catholic School in 1995. He was discovered by a talent scout in a mall while he was hanging out with his friends.

Other personalities who are celebrating their birthdays this June are: June 2 - Manila’s First Lady Dr. Loi Ejercito; June 3 - Christine “Tin Tin” Garcia; June 4 - Kundiman Queen Sylvia La Torre, and veteran actress Pacita Aranas; June 5 - Former Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr., and choreographer Anna Feliciano; June 8 - Former Mr. United Nations-World Scott Ancheta; June 9 - Hotel executive Ben Carian; June 11 - Former Mrs. United Nations-International Estela Bejar who will be celebrating her birthday in her hometown in Los Baños,

Laguna, Philippines; June 12 - Sexy singer/ actress and host Rufa Mae Quinto; June 13 - Veteran writer/ columnist Julie Yap Daza; June 14 - Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago and former presidential aspirant Gilbert Teodoro; June 15 - Philippine News owner and publisher Francis Espiritu; June 19 - Fiesta Filipina Cuisine in Las Vegas owner Ernie Guevarra; June 20 - Ballroom dancing king Louie Rubio; June 21 - Actress Andi Eigenmann, and former Miss RP-US Tourism and Miss Philippines runner-up Krystle Ann Dizon Grant; June 22 - Colma community leader Aida Viray; June 23 - Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson; June 24 - Burlingame business executive Mightor Garcia; June 26 - Singer/actor Gab Valencia, and former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo; June 30 - Bank executive Bernie de Barrio.

Happy birthday to all celebrants!

Sexy singer/actress and new mother Rufa Mae Quinto will celebrate her birthday on June 12.

Actor John Lloyd Cruz heads list of June birthday celebrants

Singer and dancer Gab Valenciano will be celebrating his birthday on June 26.

John Lloyd Cruz heads the list of June birthday celebrants. He will celebrate his birthday on Sunday, June 24.

Megastar Sharon Cuneta will be having a show in Union City on Saturday, June 17. Joining her is handsome actor Ian Veneracion.

Young actress Andi Eigenmann, daughter of Jacklyn Jose and the late actor Mark Gil, will be celebrating her birthday on June 21.

Handsome actor Ian Veneracion will be in the Bay Area for a show with Megastar Sharon Cuneta on Saturday, June 17.

Kateleen Santos, 12 years old, a PBRC Youth volunteer, loves to play volleyball and basketball. She loves to sing and act and dreams to be in broadway someday. Kay and Arlene Santos are the proud parents of Kateleen.

Ian Veneracion in his own words

by Ricky Lo

the sense that he is rich and I am not, hahahaha!!! Anton falls for a girl younger than he is.

IAN Veneracion (42, last • My wife (Pam Gallardo) Feb. 7, 1975) is hands-down and I have three children — Drithe hottest TV romantic actor co, 18; Deirdre, 16; and Duccio, today, thanks to “A Love To 11. I am basically a family perLast,” the Kapamilya soap in son. I’m fortunate to have this which Ian plays Anton, the head job na kapag busy, busy talaga. of his own company, with Bea Pag wala, wala talaga. There’s Alonzo as Andeng as the events a lot of time between projects, organizer he falls for. The role, may mga months na wala akong far removed from those that ginagawa, and I spend it with he played as an action star, has my family. I set aside weekends catapulted Ian to the top of for my family. Being a father the ratings game and spawned is my priority. My career just a legion of fans composed complements my family life. mostly of, yes, matrons, earning • How do I cope with being him the title “Kilabot ng Mga a Kilabot Ng Mga Matrona?

Matrona.”

I’m proud of it, hahahaha!!! I People remember Ian as the meet a woman in her 60s and little son of Joey de Leon in the she swoons, and that makes me early ‘80s sitcom “Joey & Son” happy that I am able to bring which also starred Eileen Macaout the youth in her. I would say pagal (as Ian’s tutor) who would it’s easier magpakilig ng isang eventually become Joey’s wife. woman in her 20s, kumbaga Did you know that Ian is a nanliligaw ka madaling mambodocumented pilot (graduated la ng bagets, and a bit harder to from Airlinks) and also a painter do the same with older women. like his father, Roy Veneracion • Yes, I am a one-woman (with whom Ian has done a few man. Yes, I am faithful. My exhibits)? wife knows that, that’s why she Here’s the Kilabot in his own doesn’t get jealous. Everything words: is just work, nothing personal.

• When I’m in love, it’s a With Bea and me, everybody love to last because for me knows that Bea is dating love is a habit that constantly Ian Veneracion someone and I’m married, and reminds not only the other na sa amin. Magic happens dur- everything is just make-believe. person but also myself to keep • What I learned from my ing the shoot. We would think that habit. of some lines and we say, “Saan parents is respect. At home, we • Did I ever imagine that respect each other’s privacy. If galing yon? OK yan, a.”’ And “A Love To Last” would be a my phone rings, hindi pinakikibig hit? Honestly, no! I’ve never we work on that. It’s also the sincerity and the honesty. Hindi alaman ng wife ko. She doesn’t stopped working as an actor. ask, “Sino ang nagti-text na aktingan. What you see is what It’s a job and I just have to do the best that I can. I’m flattered you get. When we cry, we shed ‘yan? Sino ang tumatawag na ‘yan?” And vice-versa. Malaking real tears. that a lot of people follow the • So they say that men don’t bagay sa akin ang respect. teleserye at talagang kumakapit • I like the fact that I have cry? So what? It shows vulnersila like they did for me and so much passion for so many ability. Gender doesn’t matter.

Jodi (Santamaria) in “Pangako Sa’yo” (with Daniel Padilla and We are human and some things things. Kung gagawin ko lahat ng gusto kong gawin, it would Kathryn Bernardo). I’m way, way make us cry. There’s nothing take a thousand lifetimes. I want wrong with that. As an actor, past the peak age as an actor to fly an airplane, I want to go and I’m now into father roles, so kelangan mong humugot from scuba-diving, I want to rockyour personal experience. natutuwa naman ako. climb, I paint, I want to climb • I’m very much like An• To what do I would atthe Himalayas. What I hate ton in so many ways. Family is tribute the success of “A Love important to Anton. I can relate about myself is that one passion To Last?” Well, the story is lasts for six months and I’m on to Anton as a father, especially very good, thanks to the good to another passion. But I go script, and the narrative is solid. how he puts importance on back to it. Like I collect guitars his children. Sometimes, there We have a good director, Jerry and they are just there. Binabaare lines that make me think, Lopez Sineneng, who trusts his lik-balikan ko na lang every now “Si Ian ba ang nagsabi nito o si actors. For example, with me and then.

Anton?” Kasi they are close to and Bea, the script is more like a guide. Some scenes are galing real life. But I’m unlike Anton in Continued on Page SF5 Philstar.com

ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com.

And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event.

To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice.

The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.

features

Camille Prats finds her perfect partner Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera to in husband John celebrate Philippine Independence

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 2, 2017

Day with Filipinos in California

by Tessa

Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

IT is such a joy to see Camille Prats glowing both as a new bride and expectant mom after the incredible heartbreak she had gone through in her young life.

It will be remembered that Camille became the youngest widow in showbiz, when in 2011, her first husband Anthony Linsangan succumbed to cancer. She was only 26 years old, and their son Nathan was three.

Friends in showbiz and her fans therefore rejoiced when she found love again in grade school classmate John “VJ” Yambao years later whom she finally married in January this year.

Devoted as she was to her late husband—taking care of him throughout his entire and difficult illness—it is good that Camille decided to move on as she deserves to find happiness like all women her age, and a partner in raising Nathan.

Thankfully, her son is just as in love with his new father figure when the T-Zone asked him what it is like to have VJ around the house.

“It’s cool! He plays with me and takes good care of me,” replied the handsome boy who already had a stint in showbiz via ABS-CBN’s “Going Bulilit” for a time. “When I was sick just a few weeks ago, he was the one who took care of me because Mommy wasn’t allowed to come near me.”

“I felt so terrible I couldn’t go near him but it was great that John was there for Nathan,” related the 31-year-old actress who hardly looks she is with child.

“I’m not a panicky mom when it comes to Nathan getting sick—except when his allergic rhinitis hits since his dad had nasopharyngeal cancer— but of course I’m a very hands on in all his needs,” she added.

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The 31-year-old actress and her 9-year-old son, Nathan Linsangan.

Assuring the celebrity mom she does not need to answer what may be such a personal question if she so decides, The T-Zone asked after the possibility of VJ—being the doting dad that he is to Nathan—offering to adopt the boy and giving him his and Camille’s new surname.

“We’re now a happy and healthy little family,” smiled the ever-sweet faced actress. “But we talked about it and we will be keeping Nathan’s surname Linsangan especially since he is the only grandchild in his late dad’s family who’s a boy. Kailangan ipagpatuloy ang pangalan di’ba?” she chuckled.

Indeed, what is truly important is that VJ and Nathan forge a strong father and son bond despite their last names.

Which of course makes Camille even happier than happy, knowing that all will be well now for Nathan, herself, and the coming little one in their lives.

THIS year’s Pista sa Nayon: Philippine Independence Day in Vallejo, California promises to be grander and more memorable, with the participation of Kapuso primetime king and queen Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera made possible by GMA Pinoy TV. Dingdong and Marian expressed how thrilled they are to be with their kababayans during a very special occasion. “We’re excited to celebrate a very important event in Philippine history with our Kapuso abroad!,” said Dingdong.

“Isang karangalan po na makasama sa Pista sa Nayon sa Vallejo, California para magbigay ng saya sa ating mga kababayan doon,” Marian added.

The Kapuso couple will join forces to provide entertainment to their Kapuso abroad, who will attend the event this June 3 at the Vallejo Waterfront, Mare Island Way. DongYan’s performance will be the highlight of the whole-day affair, alongside a string of cultural presentations courtesy of talented Fil-Am artists. There will also be a parade led by Filipino-American leaders, dignitaries, and other VIPs. GMA Network’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV, will reprise its role as exclusive media sponsor for Pista sa Nayon. This is in keeping with GMA Pinoy TV’s aim of bringing Filipinos abroad closer to home through highquality TV programs and meaningful interna-

tional events.

Pista sa Nayon is organized by the Philippine Cultural Committee (PCC), a non-profit organization comprised of Filipino-American organizations based in the Solano and Napa counties of California.

On their partnership with GMA Pinoy TV, PCC’s President Norma Placido has this to say: “We are grateful to GMA Pinoy TV for supporting us in this endeavour. With Dingdong and Marian as part of Pista sa Nayon, we look forward to a successful event that will highlight the beauty of Philippine culture and strengthen the bonds that tie Filipinos here in the US with their heritage.”

Entrance to the event is free, and everyone who has a deep appreciation for the Filipino culture is welcome.

For more information on international events sponsored and organized

by GMA Pinoy TV, visit the official website, www.gmapinoytv.com, or follow GMA Pinoy TV on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram via the handle @GMAPinoyTV. *Advertising Supplement

Ian Veneracion in his own... Martin Nievera: The man...

From Page SF4 • I have a private pilot’s license but it’s not current because you have to keep on flying for it to be current. I have tried sky-diving. I’m also into paragliding which is cheaper, less hassle, and all you need is a pair of wings, you jump off a cliff and you fly.

• If I were to fly a plane with only one passenger, who would it be? Of course, my wife. I wouldn’t mind being stranded on an island with my wife for a year.

• What do I remember most from my days as a child actor (Joey & Son)? Tito Joey’s sense of humor, his green jokes, hahahaha!!!! Tito Joey and direk Al Quinn were fond

of cracking green jokes on the set and they probably thought I wasn’t listening or I didn’t understand. The next day, bida ako sa school because I would repeat their green jokes.

(Asked what he remembers about the child Ian, Joey said, “The way he would roll his ‘r’s’ when he talked.”)

• When all this is over, I would tell myself, “What a wonderful ride! It’s like a rollercoaster ride and I’m here to enjoy it.” Even my life, when it ends, I already made bilin to my children to put this epitaph on my tombstone: HERE LIES A MAN WHO LIVED LIFE TO THE FULLEST. AND LAST WORDS WERE: LIFE IS TOO F_____G SHORT.

From Page SF3 named him Best Male Singer and Star of the Year in 1988.

He also won at the Abu Golden Kite Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as Best Interpreter for a Composition in 1990.

Martin’s transfer to the rival network in 1998 to 2002 gave the public “Martin Late@ Nite” as well as a television show with Gary Valenciano in July 2010, Twist & Shout. Martin’s film credits include dramas, romance, science fiction, comedy, and action.

Right now, Martin is busy with concert tours around the U.S.. His upcoming one will be in Las Vegas. I am pretty sure this is going to be a memorable

one. His songs will always have the same force and appeal as it did the first time I saw him on stage. And for someone who is dubbed as ‘Concert King,’ there’s no doubt, the man has set himself for greatness anywhere he goes. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

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