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Volume 15 - No. 23 • 3 Sections – 22 Pages

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JUNE 3-9, 2016

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEw YORk/NEw JERSEY

Duterte’s remark on corrupt journalists triggers outrage Media groups fear his remarks will incite more killings PresIDeNt-elect rodrigo Duterte’s endorsement of killing corrupt journalists has sparked public outrage, fueling fears that it could incite more murders in a nation already listed as one of the world’s most dangerous for reporters. “even if you’re a journalist, you are not exempted from assassination if you’re a son of a bitch,” Duterte told reporters in Davao City on tuesday, may 31, when asked how he would address the problem of media killings in the

Philippines after a reporter was shot dead in manila last week. he said there was justification for killing journalists who took bribes or engaged in other corrupt activities, but “if you are an upright journalist, nothing will happen to you.” the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said it was appalled by the Davao mayor’s comments justifying media assassinations by “playing the corruption card.”

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Hundreds of journalists march to demand justice for 32 media workers slain by members of a political clan in Maguindanao province in 2009. Presidentelect Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, May 31, said corrupt journalists were legitimate targets of assassination.

Inquirer file photo by Rem Zamora

RSF condemns Philippines ‘Rody comment on media killings taken out of context’ president-elect’s DATELINE USA comments about journalists Fil-Am on FBI’s Most from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

by aLexis

romero Philstar.com

Wanted list caught at Mexico border

mANILA — An aide of president-elect rodrigo Duterte claimed on tuesday, may 31, that the next chief executive’s muchcriticized statement on media killings was “taken out of context.”

Duterte drew flak from media groups after saying that some of the slain journalists had received pay-offs or had criticized excessively. he also scored corruption in media, adding that being a journalist does not exempt one from assassination.

“You want the truth? that’s the truth.

Less than two weeks after he was put on the federal Bureau of Investigation’s (fBI) 10 most Wanted list, fil-Am Philip Patrick Policarpio, 39, was arrested by agents of the Us Customs Border Protection on sunday night, may 29.

According to the fBI spokeswoman Laura eimiller, Policarpio was apprehended at the border, while he was crossing into the Us from tijuana, mexico, as reported by fox News. A convicted felon, Policarpio — whose aliases include “Damon hiromi tanaka,” “Paul Policarpio,” “Bugsy,” “sinister,” and “sins” — was taken into custody at the san Ysidro Port of entry.

Policarpio was on parole for a 2001 con-

there is still corruption on your side,” Duterte said in a press conference last tuesday, may 31. the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines condemned the incoming president’s statement, saying it was an effort to silence the media. the group maintained that nothing, not even corruption, could justify murder.

Peter Laviña, spokesman for Duterte’s transition team, defended the presidentelect’s statement, saying it should be viewed as a reminder that there is also corruption in the media.

“Again and as usual, rody Duterte was

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by eric

anthony Licas AJPress

PresIDeNt-elect rodrigo Duterte believes most journalists killed in the Philippines must have done something to warrant their murders, according to statements made in Davao on tuesday, may 31.

During a news conference held in the mayor Duterte’s hometown, attendees asked what his administration would do to stem

Philstar.com

Gov. Brown, AAPI elected officials endorse Clinton

Viray

mANILA — President-elect rodrigo Duterte on tuesday night, may 31, announced the members of his Cabinet following a meeting in Davao City.

Duterte and his incoming Cabinet members met at the De-

hILLArY Clinton’s bid for the Democratic presidential nomination now has the support of California Governor Jerry Brown and 47 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) elected officials.

Both Brown and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) announced their endorsements for the former secretary of state’s candidacy on tuesday, may 31, one week ahead of the California Democratic presidential primary.

During a press conference announcing CAPAC’s endorsement, rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), said Clinton’s position on the topics of immigration, education and voting rights were in

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Duterte bares new Cabinet members

by Patricia Lourdes

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violence against members of the media in the Philippines. In response, the incoming president suggested no form protection to news gatherers, and said they must have been guilty of some type of wrongdoing. “[Journalists] are not exempted from assassination…You won’t be killed if you don’t do anything wrong,” said Duterte at the conference. the international non-profit

partment of social Welfare and Development guest house in Panaca, Davao City.

After the meeting, the incoming leader emerged to hold a news conference to name those whom he chose to be part of his official family. executive secretary - salvador

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In this photo provided by the Office of the City Mayor, Davao City, presumptive president-elect Rodrigo Duterte, seated right, answers questions from the media during a news conference at dawn Thursday, May 26, 2016 at his hometown of Davao city, southern Philippines. Philippine lawmakers say Rodrigo Duterte has been elected president and Leni Robredo elected vice president in official vote count.

Photo by King Rodriguez, Office of the City Mayor Davao via AP

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Miriam Santiago in ICU

by Jefferson

antiPorda ManilaTimes.net

seNAtor miriam Defensor-santiago has been rushed to the makati medical Center (mmC) and is getting treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for pneumonia, a complication of her lung cancer, her husband Narciso “Jun” santiago said on

Wednesday, June 1 A press statement released by her office said santiago, who is battling stage-four lung cancer, was confined in a private room three days ago but was transferred to the ICU on tuesday, may 31.

Although the senator is already in a stable condition, she is not

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JUNE 3-9, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

Duterte’s remark on corrupt journalists…

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Ryan Rosauro, NUJP chair, said in a statement that while the group recognized corruption as one of the most pressing problems facing the Philippine press, “it is one thing to recognize a possible reason for murder; it is a totally different thing to present this as a justification for taking life.”

“Duterte tries to explain his thesis by claiming assassination is retribution from private individuals unjustly pilloried by errant journalists. He could not be farther from the truth,” Rosauro said.

Accused from gov’t “While there may be instances where private individuals may have sought revenge against journalists for soiling their reputations, the data show that of the handful of media killings that have actually made it to the courts, the accused are invariably from the government—elected officials, government executives or members of the security ser-

vices—and invariably accused of corruption,” he said.

“We also stress that journalists were killed because of their work in exposing corruption and malfeasance in the government.

Hence, no matter the weaknesses of Philippine media, it will be a major factor in any effort to cleanse the government of the scourge of graft and corruption,” he added.

The NUJP cited some of the most prominent cases, such as the murders of Edgar Damalerio of Pagadian City, Marlene Esperat of Tacurong City, and Gerry Ortega of Puerto Princesa City, and, the “most heinous of all,” the Nov. 23, 2009, massacre in Maguindanao province, where 32 of the 58 victims were media workers.

At least 75 journalists have been killed since 1992, making the Philippines the second-deadliest country for journalists, according to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

“What he (Duterte) has done with these irresponsible comments is give security officials the right to kill for acts that they consider defamation,” the CPJ’s Southeast Asian representative, Shawn Crispin, told Agence France-Presse from Bangkok.

“This is one of the most outrageous statements we have ever heard from a president in the Philippines,” Crispin said.

Malacañang reminded Duterte that “it is the duty of the government to arrest, prosecute and punish those responsible for violence against members of the media.”

“We recognize the vital role played by journalists as purveyors of information in a democratic society. As citizens, they have a fundamental right to due process and equal protection of the laws of the land,” Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

“Hence, we deplore the proposition that some journalists may

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CCT IN REVIEW. Incoming social welfare secretary Judy Taguiwalo will undertake a review of the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program, the flagship anti-poverty program of the Aquino administration. Under the CCT, the country’s poorest are given a monthly cash handout as long as children are kept in school and mothers undergo regular health checkups.

Photo courtesy of PIA-Western Mindanao

‘Rody comment on media killings…

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taken out of context, misinterpreted and misunderstood,” Laviña said in a Facebook post.

Laviña said Duterte’s pronouncement that most slain journalists are corrupt or involved in shady deals was “based on his own assessment of those killed in Davao City and not on the national scale.”

“Certainly, Duterte has no personal knowledge on each and every case of media killings in many parts of the country,” Laviña declared.

He said Duterte has vowed to create a task force to address media killings, and is also planning to tap a special prosecutor to focus on cases involving the killings of media workers.

“In the context of Duterte’s campaign against corruption, his remarks indeed should be seen to mean a reminder or a message that there is also corruption in mass media,” Laviña said.

He said Duterte saw the corruption during the recent election, “when headlines, for instance, were being bumped off

to give way to paid black propaganda masquerading as news items.”

Media watchdog Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) said it is taking exception to Duterte’s statement, noting that journalists have been killed for other reasons, including exposing corruption in the government.

“Because a significant number of those accused of killing journalists are local officials, as well as police and military personnel,

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RSF condemns Philippines president-elect’s…

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group Journalists Without Borders (RSF) ranks the Philippines as the 7th most dangerous country for members of news organizations. On average, more than 8 journalists have died there each year since 2016. That number of deaths spiked in 2009. That year, 34 Journalists died in the Maguindanao massacre, a politically motivated attack against then mayoral candidate for the town of Buluan, Esmael Mangudadatu. Since 1992, 77 Filipino journalists have been murdered in connection to their work.

A press release issued by RSF

on Wednesday, June 1, condemns Duterte’s statements and calls upon the Philippine media to boycott his appearances until a formal apology is issued.

“We urge organizations that represent the media to not to overlook comments of these kind and to bring lawsuits. We also urge the media to boycott the Duterte’s administration’s news conferences until the media community gets a public apology,” the statement said.

The head of the non-profit’s Asia-Pacific desk, Benjamin Isma’il, said Duterte’s comments were “unworthy of a president,”

and possible “violations of the law on defamation, or even the law on inciting violence.”

Duterte has faced both praise and criticism for taking a tough on crime stance that expresses support for summary executions and the re-institution of the death penalty. Duterte is alleged to have been connected to the deaths of more than 1000 presumed criminals at the hands of “death squads” in the City of Davao. Although the president elect has seemed to advocate extrajudicial executions, he has not been charge with any crimes and denies any connection to vigilantism. n

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From the Front Page

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 3-9, 2016

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Duterte bares new Cabinet…

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PENSION HIKE. President-elect Rodrigo Duterte said he would grant the P2,000 increase in the pension of retired Social Security System (SSS) members after President Aquino vetoed last January the bill that would have increased it. Duterte said he does not need congressional action to give the proposed increase in the monthly pension of SSS retirees.

Photo by Michael Varcas / Philstar.com

Duterte’s remark on corrupt journalists…

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have been assaulted or killed in view of their alleged involvement in media corruption,” Coloma said.

The Center for International Law (Centerlaw), a nonprofit dedicated to the promotion and free expression in the Philippines and Asia, said Duterte’s remark “will only serve to embolden, rather than deter, those who kill without compunction.”

“He only shows a cynical attitude toward what is a serious concern to the international community and a scourge to any society founded on democratic ideals,” said Centerlaw executive director Romel Regalado Bagares.

Still a crime In a statement, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility said Duterte “was correct in saying that irresponsible, biased, paid-for reporting and comment do lead to a journalist’s being killed. But the killing of anyone is nevertheless still a crime, and it doesn’t matter whether the victim is a journalist or not.”

Francis Allan Angelo, president of the Iloilo Press Club, described the mayor’s statement as “crass and irresponsible, to a point that it could be interpreted as an overt approval of media harassment and killings.”

“Many of the slain journalists were only doing their jobs

and died fighting for just cause.

And even if they did something wrong, they do not deserve to be killed,” said Glenda Sologastoa, NUJP-Iloilo president.

Silencing media Vicky Arnaiz, vice president of NUJP-Leyte, said the statement was shocking and could be used as a license to silence and kill members of the media.

“We are in for silencing the media. President-elect Duterte’s statement could incite more murders. Any assassination is not justified. It’s an atrocious statement coming from a president against the media,” Arnaiz said.

In Puerto Princesa City in Palawan province, relatives of a slain broadcaster said they were “shocked” by the statement.

“Doc Gerry Ortega was killed for his courage and integrity. He was murdered precisely because he was honorable,” his daughter, Michaella, said in a statement issued by his family.

Reynafe Momay-Castillo, whose father was one of the 32 journalists killed in the Maguindanao massacre in 2009, said on a Facebook post: “My dad was not a corrupt journalist. He was killed along with 31 other journalists by just merely covering an election-related [activity]. It is unfair to be branded as such.

They were brutally killed.”

Duterte should “be pleased by the existence of these laws

Miriam Santiago in…

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allowed to receive visitors. Santiago will also not accept flowers.

“Miriam is bearing well with her trademark sense of humor,” the statement said.

“Only my body is sick, not my brain. I am not yet physically fit to attend plenary sessions.

However, I have managed to discharge my duties as chair of certain Senate committees and I continue to file bills and resolutions on a weekly basis,” Santiago said earlier.

The senator ran for President in the recently concluded elections with Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as her running mate.

She was diagnosed with stagefour lung cancer in July 2014 and went on a medical leave for her treatment.

Although she could not attend Senate sessions, Santiago managed to perform her duties as a lawmaker.

Heading the Senate committees on Foreign Relations and Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, she held several committee hearings in connection with the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and even came out with a committee report stating that Malacanang’s version of the proposed measure is unconstitutional.

In the 16th Congress, she coauthored several bills approved into law, including the Open Learning and Distance Education Act; the Youth Entrepreneurship Act; the Student-Athletes Protection Act; the Open High School System Act; and the Fair Competition Act. Her third and final term as a senator will end on June 30.

Last week, Santiago told Senate President Franklin Drilon that she was extending her medical leave because her cancer treatment left her physically weak.

“One of the medications [for cancer] has produced as a side effect anorexia, which renders me physically weak,” she said in her letter to Drilon.

Praying for Miriam News about Santiago’s health condition quickly spread on social media and netizens took to Facebook to express their concern.

Marcos was among the first to send his prayers for her immediate recovery.

In a statement, he said he joins the whole nation in praying for the immediate recovery of Santiago.

“Senator Santiago has proven to be a relentless fighter against corruption and incompetence in government all throughout her career,” Marcos noted.

He also expressed hope that Santiago would again win the fight and be on her way to full recovery.

Santiago thanked her family, friends, supporters, fans and others who prayed for her recovery and sent their good wishes on the social media.

Santiago’s official Facebook page was flooded with messages from her supporters.

One Facebook user posted a message saying that she went to MMC to bring something to the senator but was not allowed to give it to Santiago.

“At MMC right now, Senator Miriam. Tried to send something, but it’s not allowed. Praying that you’ll get well soon. I belong to the one million plus voters who proudly voted for you. God bless you. Hugs, kisses, and prayers!” the message read.

Another Facebook user expressed confidence that Santiago will overcome her condition because the senator is strong and brave.

“Madam, we are not yet ready to lose a gem, rare treasure of the gov’t and academics. The gold standard for excellence.

Prayers for you and we hope you get well soon enough. We miss your “banat” and “hugot” and your banter,” said Facebook user Xydian Aki Ferra Lycanus.

“Get well soon madam Senator #Meriam Defensor Santiago…I pray and claim the victory for your fast recovery. Be strong, God will give you the strength to overcome your illnesses,” said Shawie Irene.

Nems Saceda posted, “Please fight for ur health madam. Philippines and Filipino needs u. We will pray for ur health and fast recovery. We love u. God bless u madam… ur my PRESIDENT forever…”

“Mam please get well. You are still needed in this confused and often chaotic world. We pray for your health,” posted Facebook user Paul Jonathan Sia Tio. n

because without them he would also be exposed to violent repercussions, according to his own words,” he added. (With reports from Nikko Dizon, DJ Yap and Marlon Ramos; Germelina Lacorte, Inquirer Mindanao; Redempto D. Anda, Inquirer Southern Luzon; Nestor P. Burgos Jr. and Joey A. Gabieta, Inquirer Visayas; and AFP)

Medialdea Cabinet Secretary - Leoncio Evasco Secretary of Agrarian Reform - Rafael Mariano Secretary of Agriculture - Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol Secretary of the Budget & Management - Benjamin Diokno Secretary of Education - Leonor Briones Secretary of Energy - Alfonso Cusi Secretary of Finance - Carlos Dominguez Secretary of Foreign Affairs Perfecto Yasay Secretary of Interior and Local Government - Mike Sueno Secretary of Justice - Vitaliano Aguirre Secretary of National Defense - Delfin Lorenzana Secretary of Public Works and Highways - Mark Villar Secretary of Science and Technology - Fortunato dela Pena Secretary of Social Welfare and Development - Judy Taguiwalo Secretary of Transportation and Communications - Arthur Tugade National Security Adviser Germogenes Esperon

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo Armed Forces of the Philippines - Ricardo Visaya Bureau of Customs - Nicanor Faeldon Bureau of Immigration and Deportation? - Jaime Morente Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board - Martin Delgra Land Transportation Office Edgar Galvante National Bureau of Investigation - Dante Gierran National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council - Ricardo Jalad National Economic and Development Authority - Ernesto Pernia National Intelligence Coordinating Agency - Alex Monteagudo Peace Process - Jesus Dureza Peace process (communist side) - Silvestre Bello III Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation - Andrea Domingo Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency - Isidro Lapena Philippine National Police Ronald dela Rosa

Presidential Assistant for Visayas - Michael Dino Solicitor General - Jose Calida The following posts have no appointees yet: Department of Health Department of Tourism Department of Trade and Industry Climate Change Commission Commission on Filipinos Overseas Commission on Higher Education Governance Commission for Government Owned and Controlled Corporations National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Metro Manila Development Authority National Anti-Poverty Commission Presidential Management Staff Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Duterte admitted that it took him some time to form his Cabinet, saying it was no simply job to look for “honest” men.

“I can assure you that they are all men of integrity and honesty,” he said. (With Rosette Adel)

‘Rody comment on media killings…

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the killings also suggest that the slain had been successful in exposing official wrongdoing and collusion with criminal groups,” CMFR said in a statement.

“Nevertheless, CMFR has never discounted the possibility that some of the journalists killed since 1986 were corrupt, or had been irresponsible. But we have

always held that no one deserves to be killed for either offense,” it added.

CMFR noted that there are ways to address abuses by members of the media like reporting them to media organizations.

“President-elect Duterte was correct in saying that irresponsible, biased, paid-for reporting and comment do lead to a

journalist’s being killed. But the killing of anyone is nevertheless still a crime, and it doesn’t matter whether the victim is a journalist or not,” CMFR said.

“As president of the Philippines, Mayor Duterte would hopefully be more circumspect.

The killing of journalists is after all not something to be made light of,” it added. n

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JUNE 3-9, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Filipino American leaders across California are supporting Hillary Clinton. She understands our community’s needs and embraces our diversity.

As First Lady, she led the fight for quality, affordable health care.

As Senator from New York, she fought for Filipino World War II veterans.

As Secretary of State, she strengthened our ties with the Philippines.

As President, she’ll work to: • Provide tax relief for working families • Make public college debt free • Fix our broken immigration system to reunite families

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

Vote for Hillary in the California Democratic Primary on Tuesday, June 7 Polls are open from 7:00am to 8:00pm

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Dateline USa

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 3-9, 2016

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AAPI elected officials announced their endorsement of Hillary Clinton for president on Tuesday, May 31 at San Gabriel Hilton. Front row (L-R): Chen Ho Liao, Robert Gin, Peter Chan, Hans Liang, Henry Lo, Mike Fong, Stephen Lam and Victor Manalo; Second row (L-R): Shelley Ryan, Doris Matsui, Judy Chu, Mike Eng, Michelle Kwan, Jason Tengco AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel

Gov. Brown, AAPI elected officials endorse…

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line with the AAPI community’s interest. She cited Clinton’s intention to re-institute the Voting Rights Act, improve college affordability and enact comprehensive immigration reform as factors in the Caucus’s move to support her.

“She’s been fighting for AAPI issues her whole career,” Filipino-American Jason Tengco, who serves as AAPI outreach director for Clinton’s campaign, told the Asian Journal.

If elected, Tengco said, the former secretary of state would seek to reunite families by introducing comprehensive immigration reform legislation within her first 100 days in office. 40 percent of the backlog of familybased immigration visa applications come from Asian countries

and some applicants, especially from the Philippines, wait for as long as 23 years to be approved, according to Tengco. He added that Clinton would preserve the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and other existing pathways to citizenship.

“It’s really about the next generation,” said Rep. Doris O. Matsui (D-CA).

She referred to Clinton as a forward-thinking candidate, in contrast to the presumptive Republican nominee, Donald Trump, who has campaigned on the notion of recapturing the strengths and values of past generations.

“This is a great country, and we can make it greater,” said Matsui. “We don’t want a throwback.”

Matsui went on to call Clinton “the most qualified person to

ever run for us.”

After the press conference, City of Artesia Mayor Victor Manalo said he agrees with Clinton’s priorities. He would like to see the potential Democratic nominee continue her focus on poverty issues, especially as they apply to women and children.

“We have a significant number of children that are going hungry, and suffering from abuse and neglect,” Manalo told the Asian Journal. “We can do better as a country to take care of those who are most vulnerable.”

He added that CAPAC’s endorsement comes at a pivotal point in the contest between Clinton and her opponent, Bernie Sanders. The former secretary of state holds a significant lead in the Democratic race, but the 475 delegates up for grabs in the

NO CYCLONE YET. State weather forecasters said the country has not yet been visited by a cyclone this year due to the lingering effects of El Niño. The start of the rainy season, however, was declared by the weather bureau last May 24. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) records the highest number of tropical cyclones during the months of August and September.

Philstar file photo

upcoming primaries could upset the front-runner’s momentum.

In an open letter to Democratic and Independent voters, Governor Jerry Brown said he sympathized with Sanders’s campaign message of empowering of the average American against the influence of the “top one percent.”

However, Brown said that Clinton’s nomination would be “the only path forward to win the presidency,” and added that her lead over Sanders by “millions of votes” signifies that Democrats want her to be the nominee.

The AAPI community is the fastest-growing ethnic group in the country, and its voting power has doubled from 2 million to 4 million voters in the past decade.

In addition to Chu and Matsui, who represented CAPAC, other AAPI elected officials were also present at the event, including Monterey Council Member Stephen Lam, San Gabriel Mayor Chin Ho Liao, and Garvey Elementary School Boardmember Henry Lo. They made note of the presidential hopeful’s history of dialogue with not just AAPIs, but all communities of color. Lo recalled the first time he saw Clinton speak when she visited his high school in 1992, just after the LA riots. Lo said that Clinton held an hours-long session with young community members discussing social inequality and racism.

“One of the first things [Clinton] did after kicking off her campaign was to meet with members

of CAPAC,” said Chu. “She listened to every point we raised.”

Earlier this month Clinton was the only presidential candidate to speak at the Annual Asian Pacific American Institute of Congressional Studies’ gala in Washington DC. She is also the only presidential candidate to host an outreach event directed specifically toward the AAPI community.

Clinton will continue her campaign in California with a series of appearances at Get Out The Vote events from June 2 through June 6. Sanders is scheduled to appear at events in Palo Alto, Santa Cruz and Monterey. Donald Trump has scheduled an appearance at a rally in Sacramento at the International Jet Center on Wednesday, June 1. (Eric Licas / AJPress)

Fil-Am on FBI’s Most Wanted list caught…

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Chen Ho Liao, Michelle Kwan, Jason Tengco, Judy Chu, Victor Manalo, Mary Grace Barrios, Hans Liang, Peter Chan, Mike Fong and Stephen Lam AJPress photo by Eric Licas

viction for assault with a firearm and other violations when he allegedly killed his pregnant girlfriend and unborn child, Lauren Olguin, last April.

FBI reports said that he and his 32-year-old girlfriend were visiting a friend in the Rampart area of Los Angeles last April 12 when the crime was committed.

Policarpio allegedly became angry with Olguin and started to beat her face, and then shot her in the forehead with a handgun.

Prior to his 2001 conviction, Policarpio fled to the Philippines

in 2000 due to a case involving a dispute in Burbank, California, in which he was suspected to have fired nine shots into another car.

He was deported back to the US the following year, convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

He was released on parole in May 2015.

The 39-year-old convicted felon has numerous ties to Las Vegas, Florida and the Philippines.

According to investigators, Policarpio’s family members include multiple wives and children.

“His pattern is one of violence, and he is always armed,” FBI

Special Agent Scott Garriola said in a statement earlier this month, NBC News reported. “He is the definition of a continuing threat to the community.”

Olguin’s mother, Jerilyn Olguin was relieved when she found out that her daughter’s suspected killer has been caught.

“Although my daughter’s gone, my biggest fear was, ‘God, I hope he doesn’t do this to someone else,’” Olguin said, in an interview with NBC Los Angeles.

Policarpio’s arraignment is expected to happen this week. (Malou Liwanag-Bledsoe / AJPress)

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june 3-9, 2016 • nORCAL ASIAn jOuRnAL

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

Features

OpiniOn

Turncoats

CHANGE is indeed coming. The transition of power to Presidentelect Rodrigo Duterte’s administration has become more apparent even in the incoming 17th Congress.

In the House of Representatives, a Congress shake-up is currently ongoing after several members of the ruling Liberal Party have decided to curtail its “Tuwid na Daan” (Straight Path) engagement for Duterte’s PDP-Laban Coalition. Several elected congressmen and congresswomen have also decided to jump ship from their respective parties to support the incoming president.

According to Inquirer.net, other parties have gravitated towards PDP-Laban, namely the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Nacionalista Party, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, National Unity Party and the 45-member party-list coalition. They are expected to enforce Duterte’s platforms with laws to rein corruption and criminality in the country.

Quezon City Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr., who led the House speakership in the 15th and 16th Congress under the Liberal Party, has conceded and joined the minority.

“I will join the minority, I have no idea how many are joining it,” he said after at least 80 of the the 116 elected Liberal Party members have decided to transfer to PDP-Laban.

“He was elected by the people and the expectations are high. We will give the new President all

the chances to make good on what he has been saying, as along as it is within the Constitution and legal limits,” Belmonte said referring to the incoming administration.

Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice, who have chosen to remain with the minority, vowed to oppose any radical change that Duterte wants to impose, namely death penalty and the federal form of government.

“Being in the minority will be difficult and lonely but this is the course that I must take towards the path of improving the political consciousness of our people,” Erice said.

The Philippines has three branches of government: the executive (President), the legislative (Congress consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives) and the judiciary (Supreme Court and all other courts). Each department has a distinct and essential role in the function of the government, and was established under the Constitution.

The separation of powers was created to ensure cohesive central government supported by three integral and independent divisions with divergent powers and responsibilities. They work together to make the country run smoothly and to assure that the rights of citizens are not ignored or disallowed.

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

Even with the luxury of their independence, these three departments operate with built-in checks and balances to prevent concentration of power in any one branch, to protect the rights and liberties of citizens, and to avoid Constitutional crisis.

Filipinos expect these three great departments to

work together to solve the country’s much bigger problems. Enhancing such cooperation among the branches may be achieved by meeting regularly to discuss issues and be involved in addressing key problems facing the nation. For the benefit of their people, a compromise is mandatory. (AJPress)

Best advice to those getting married (& those who want to stay married) JUNE is here! The season of weddings The Fil-Am and new beginnings unfold as the days get Perspective warmer and longer. It is unfortunate, though, that half of the marriages these days end in divorce. It does not Gel SantoS-ReloS have to be that way. It should not be that way.

I just attended a beautiful wedding in New York where my husband and I were privileged to be Ninong and Ninang. The priest left a message that will forever play beautiful music to my ears to remind me about two things we need to say to our spouse as we renew our marriage vows each new day we are blessed to share together: “ I love you.” “I need to be loved by you.”

I also came across this article online via Discipleship Nation. Let me share the gem of this piece. May it be a blessing to you wherever you may be in your relationship: The best marriage advice ever

Choose to love each other even in those moments when you struggle to like each other. Love is a commitment, not a feeling.

Always answer the phone when your husband/wife is calling and when possible, try to keep your phone off when you’re together with your spouse.

Make time together a priority. Budget for a consistent date night. Time is the “currency of relationships” so consistently invest time into your marriage.

Surround yourself with friends who will strengthen your marriage and remove yourself from people who may tempt you to compromise your character.

Make laughter the soundtrack of your marriage. Share moments of joy, and even in the hard times, find reasons to laugh.

In every argument, remember that there won’t be a “winner” and a “loser.”

You are partners in everything so you’ll

FOUR YEARS after he lost Scarborough (Panatag) shoal to China and three weeks after he was accused of treason for it, President Noynoy Aquino is explaining why he abandoned to Chinese poachers the rich Filipino fishing ground off the Zambales coast.

Clearing himself of liability for surrendering that shoal 120 miles west of Subic Bay, well within the country’s 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone, Mr. Aquino accused Beijing of reneging on an agreement for Chinese and Filipino vessels to simultaneously leave the area in 2012.

The agreement for withdrawal was brokered by the United States to ease the tension and enable the Asian neighbors to save face, the President told newsmen covering his inauguration last week of the Balog-balog dam-irrigation project in San Jose, Tarlac.

The issue was raised another notch last May 6 when the camp of President-elect Rody Duterte filed treason and espionage charges against President Aquino and Sen. Antonio Trillanes for holding “back channel talks” to resolve the 10-week standoff.

The secret talks allegedly conducted in violation of protocol saw the disclosure of state secrets to the Chinese side, according to Duterte’s lawyers.

While the crime of treason may

Never keep secrets from each other.

Secrecy is the enemy of intimacy.

Never lie to each other. Lies break trust and trust is the foundation of a strong marriage.

When you’ve made a mistake, admit it and humbly seek forgiveness. You should be quick to say, “I was wrong. I’m sorry.

Please forgive me.”

When your husband/wife breaks your trust, give them your forgiveness instantly which will promote healing and create the opportunity for trust to be rebuilt.

You should be quick to say, “I love you. I forgive you. Let’s move forward.”

Be patient with each other. Your spouse is always more important that your schedule.

Model the kind of marriage that will make your sons want to grow up to be good husbands and your daughters want to grow up to be good wives.

Learn from other people, but don’t feel the need to compare your life or your marriage to anyone Else. God’s plan for your life is masterfully unique!

Never talk badly about your spouse to

other people or vent about them online.

Protect your spouse at all times and in all places.

Always wear your wedding ring. It will remind you that you’re always connected to your spouse and it will remind the rest of the world that you’re off limits!

Connect into a community of faith. A good church can make a world of difference in your marriage and family.

Pray together. Every marriage is stronger with God in the middle of it.

When you have to choose between saying nothing or saying something mean to your spouse, say nothing every time!

Never consider divorce as an option.

Remember that a “perfect marriage” is just two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other.

(Writer: Unknown) *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Aquino: US brokered failed Panatag deal

Commentary

Federico d. Pascual Jr.

either win together or lose together.

Work together to find a solution.

Remember that a strong marriage rarely has two strong people at the same time. It’s usually a husband and wife taking turns being strong for each other in the moments when the other feels weak.

Prioritize what happens in the bedroom.

It takes more than sex to build a strong marriage, but it’s nearly impossible to build a strong marriage without it!

Remember that marriage isn’t 50-50, divorce is 50-50. Marriage has to be 100-100. It’s not splitting everything in half, but both partners giving everything they’ve got!

Give your best to each other, not your leftovers after you’ve given your best to everyone else.

Learn from other people, but don’t feel the need to compare your life or your marriage to anyone else’s. God’s plan for your life is masterfully unique!

Don’t put your marriage on hold while you’re raising your kids or else you’ll end up with an empty nest and an empty marriage.

not hold eventually, its filing highlights the vulnerability of President Aquino, after he steps down on June 30, to serious charges – including his constitutionally challenged use of funds under his Disbursement Acceleration Program.

The Scarborough standoff with China began on April 8, 2012, when Philippine Navy flagship BRP Gregorio del Pilar caught eight Chinese fishing vessels poaching in the shoal.

When inspected, some of the boats yielded endangered marine species such as corals, baby sharks and giant clams whose capture and possession are illegal under Philippine law and international conventions.

“So a standoff occurred,” Mr. Aquino said. “We replaced the Navy ship with a vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.” (Use of Navy ships has a war-like color to it, so Coast Guard cutters and other vessels, such as the one of the BFAR, are deployed instead.)

He continued: “How was the standoff resolved? America brokered and there was an agreement for all parties to depart the shoal and finish (the standoff). There was this concept of ‘saving face’ by everybody.

“What should we have done there? Engage in hostilities? If we engage in hostilities, can we win?

Obviously not. But even in that aspect, are we endangering lives unnecessarily?”

• US readies PR program for

Duterte WHILE President Aquino may have been disappointed that the US-brokered agreement did not hold, we see no indications how his successor Duterte views American good offices and avowals of pure intentions.

Meantime, Washington is reportedly preparing events calculated to win the goodwill of incoming President Duterte and convince him that the fate of the Philippines lies nowhere but with its historical ally the US. One PR extravaganza mentioned is a Duterte state visit soon after the inauguration of a new US president. It is anybody’s guess if all that razzle-dazzle would impress the simple mayor from Davao, but the courtship continues.

The Panatag embarrassment has raised questions on how effective are US moves in moderating Philippine-Chinese disputes, and how firm are American commitments such as those in the 1951 Phl-US Mutual Defense Treaty.

Mr. Aquino’s disclosure of US involvement in the standoff dramatizes how ineffectual could be some diplomatic initiatives of the great US of A now pivoting its military might to the Asia-Pacific area.

• China boasts of ‘cabbage’ capture of Panatag Way back on June 4, 2013, we reported in Postscript how a Chinese general went around boasting how they did it in Scarborough, and holding up the strategy as a model of their “cabbage” capture

Scarborough (Panatag) shoal

of other areas in the South China Sea. One would think Beijing was deliberately shaming Filipinos and their leaders. After President Aquino declared that we would defend “what is ours” to the last man, China responded by sending a swarm of fishing boats escorted by warships.

In a TV interview then, Major Gen. Zhang Zhaozhong said that China’s navy wrapped Panatag like a “cabbage” with their warships, barring Filipino naval ships and fishing boats. He said they secured Panatag by constant surveillance and the posting of fishing vessels and warships.

“If the Philippines wants to go

in, in the outermost area, it has first to ask whether our navy will allow it,” he said. “Then it has to ask whether our fishery administration ships and marine surveillance ships will allow it.”

The TV host said: “Let’s look at the big screen that shows the Chinese islands and reefs illegally occupied by the Philippines. What one has stolen has to be returned.

What shall we do to counter those rude and barbarian acts of the Philippines?”

Last Thursday, meanwhile, China’s ministries of foreign affairs and national defense announced four “bottom lines” on South China Sea issues. The People’s Daily Online said these are:

1. China will never accept nor recognize the arbitration on the SCS question initiated by the Philippines no matter what kind of ruling the arbitral tribunal at The Hague makes.

2. The US should stop close-in reconnaissance in China’s coastal areas by American military ships and aircraft.

3. South China Sea disputes are not the business of G7 and its members. (The European Council president has said that G7 should make a clear statement on SCS disputes.)

4. Any attempt to undermine China’s sovereign rights through intimidation or other means is doomed to fail. (Philstar.com)

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Dateline PhiliPPines

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNe 3-9, 2016

A

Palace: Lies on DAP must stop by aurea

CaLiCa Philstar.com

MANILA—Malacañang scored the “lies and deception” being spread with regard to the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), saying only parts of the Supreme Court (SC) decision on the matter were being highlighted, apparently to put the administration in a bad light.

While the next administration could look into the DAP, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said there seemed to be a “disinformation” going on because the SC ruling on the government’s motion for reconsideration upheld the operative fact doctrine that governed the DAP implementation.

“In that decision, the high court categorically ruled on and upheld the presumption of regularity in the implementation of DAP,” Coloma said.

“In other words, the program’s authors, sponsors and implementers must be presumed to have acted in good faith and with regularity in the performance of their official duties,” he added.

The Integrated Bar of the Phil-

Leaders of Group of Seven nations (L-R) British Prime Minister David Cameron, French President Francois Hollande, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, European Council President Donald Tusk, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel look to media as they gather to participate in a G-7 Working Session in Shima, Japan, Friday, May 27, 2016, during the G-7 Summit.

While the next administration could look into the DAP, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said there seemed to be a “disinformation” going on because the SC ruling on the government’s motion for reconsideration upheld the operative fact doctrine that governed the DAP implementation.

ippines or IBP has expressed support for the plan of incoming justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to look into the liabilities of officials of the outgoing administration for the alleged unconstitutional acts under the DAP. Coloma said over radio dzRB that as Chief Executive, Aquino faithfully followed the Constitution and the laws of the land.

“When we say President Aquino, of course that includes the whole of the executive depart-

ment,” Coloma said.

The Palace official said the SC also recognized the positive impacts of DAP after it helped boost public spending and propped up the economy.

“Maybe we should reiterate that fact, because it is quite obvious that when this issue is discussed, we only hear one side, only those against the DAP, those who continue to destroy the government despite the decision of the high court,” Coloma said.

PH welcomes G7 statement on territorial disputes

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA—The Philippines welcomed the statement of the Group of Seven (G7) airing concern over maritime territorial disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea as the world awaits the ruling on the case filed by Philippines against China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines has taken note of the G7 Leaders’ Declaration issued following the G7 Summit in Ise-Shima, Japan.

The declaration addressed major global economic and political challenges, including maritime security.

The G7 – composed of the United States, Japan, Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Canada – also reiterated that settlement of disputes should be “peaceful” and “freedom of navigation and overflight” should be respected.

“The Philippines welcomes the statement as it underlines the G7’s abiding commitment to support efforts to peacefully manage and settle the disputes in the South China Sea in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), through mechanisms recognized by international law, including legal procedures such as arbitration,” the DFA said in a statement.

The Philippines “considers

the G7’s position to be of critical significance as the international community awaits the outcome of the arbitral process that was initiated in 2013 with respect to the South China Sea,” it added.

The G7 also expressed strong opposition to any intimidating, coercive or provocative unilateral actions that could alter the status quo and increase tensions, and urged all states to refrain from such actions as land reclamations including large scale ones, building of outposts, as well as their use for military purposes, and tto act in accordance with international law, including the principles of freedom of navigation and overflight.

PAGE A8

Over 400,000 Pinoys living in modern slavery

by HeLen

FLores Philstar.com

OVERSEAS FRENCH WORKER. Foreigners are not unusual sights in Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines. Surfers from different parts of the world troop to this side of the Philippine archipelago to enjoy the waves. But a Frenchman waiting tables at a resort will definitely elicit curious gazes. Julien Charlier is a 25-year-old adventure traveler who takes odd jobs in-between living his life as a citizen of the world. Surfing is what brought Julien to the island and made him decide to stay until the end of June. Since money is running low, he sought employment and was advised by some locals to try Siargao Bleu Resort and Spa because it just recently opened and might need reinforcement because it’s peak season.

Inquirer.net photo by Marlet Salazar

MANILA—The number of Filipinos trapped in modern slavery significantly increased in the last two years, a majority of them in forced labor, according to the 2016 Global Slavery Index released yesterday by the Australian-based Walk Free Foundation.

The Philippines ranked 33rd among 167 countries covered in the survey, with an estimated 401,000 Filipinos living in modern slavery.

It ranked 103rd among 167 countries in the 2014 Global Slavery Index, with 261,200 individuals.

The 2016 report showed that many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are suffering from exploitation in various parts of the world, especially those in domes-

tic service.

“Modern slavery exists in the Philippines. The issue of forced labor for Filipinos working abroad is a significant concern,” the report said.

In terms of vulnerability, the Philippines obtained a score of 47.67 percent.

The country continues to receive a rating of BB, which means that it has taken steps to address the issue including short term victim support services, a criminal justice framework that criminalizes some forms of modern slavery, a body to coordinate the responses and protection for those who are vulnerable.

In 2015, the Philippines partnered with the Netherlands to combat human trafficking, indicating strong political will in fighting transnational modern slavery,

the report said.

The group has urged the Philippine government to intensify law enforcement efforts and prosecute all forms of modern slavery, especially those involving the youth.

An estimated 45.8 million men, women and children around the world are trapped in modern slavery. The figure is 28 percent more than previous estimates.

The report said India has the highest number of people trapped in slavery with 18.35 million, while North Korea had the highest incidence and the weakest government response.

The group explained that while the prevalence and absolute numbers of modern slavery have increased, this was due to enhanced data collection and research methods.

Anunsiyo ng Awtoridad ng Pabahay ng Lungsod ng Alameda Ukol sa Pagbubukas ng mga Site-Based Wait List

S

a petsang ika-22 ng Hunyo, 2016 ang Awtoridad ng Pabahay ng Lungsod ng Alameda (Housing Authority of Alameda o AHA) ay magbubukas ng pitong listahan ng paghihintay (o Wait List). Magsisimulang tumanggap ng mga aplikasyon ang AHA sa ika-22 ng Hunyo, 2016 ng alas-diyes ng umaga (10am), PST. Titigil ang AHA ng pagtanggap ng mga aplikasyon sa ika-27 ng Hunyo, 2016, isang minuto bago mag-alas-diyes ng umaga (9:59am), PST. Ang mga Wait Lists na ito ay para sa mga tiyak na yunit sa Lungsod ng Alameda, at lahat ng mga piniling aplikante ay dapat manirahan sa mga yunit na ito sa Lungsod ng Alameda. Hindi lahat ng yunit ay makapagbibigay ng tulong sa mga may kapansanan. ANG MGA APLIKANTE AY DAPAT PUWEDE AT PAYAG MANIRAHAN SA LUNGSOD NG ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA KAPAG SILA AY NAPILI. ITO AY HINDI ISANG PROGRAMA NG HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER. Dahil sa limitadong pondo na puwedeng gamitin, ang mga aplikante ay pipiliin at aayusin gamit ang isang random na sistema ng lottery. Hindi makakaapekto kung kailan ka nag-apply sa panahon na bukas ang Wait List dahil ang mga aplikasyon na mapipili para sa listahan ay pipiliin gamit ang random lottery. Hindi lahat ng aplikante ay mailalagay sa Wait List. Kapag napili na ang mga aplikasyon gamit ang random lottery, ang inyong mga angkin na kahilingan ay i-a-apply. Ang sumusunod ay isang maikling paglalarawn ng mga Wait List na bubuksan sa ika27 ng Hunyo, 2016. Walang tenant-based na tulong ang nakakabit sa mga yunit na ito. Sa karamihan ng kaso, ang pamilya ay hindi kumukuha ng anumang tipo ng tulong kapag sila ay lilipat. Ang mga yunit na ito ay limitado sa mga pamilya na ubod ng baba (very-low) o mababa (low) ang kita.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV Wait Lists): Mayroong limang (5) PBV Wait Lists na bubuksan. Karamihan ng mga bagong yunit na tatanggap ng PBV na tulong sa hinaharap ay pupunuin galling sa mga Wait List. Inaasahan ng AHA na magdadagdag ito ng tatlong bagong kompleks sa kanilang portpolyo sa mga susunod na taon. Ang pinakauna sa mga Wait List ay para sa sero (zero) hanggang dalawang silid tulugan na yunit. Dalawampung (20) sambahayan na karapat-dapat sa 1-silid tulugan na yunit at dalawang daang (200) sambahayan na karapat-dapat sa 2-silid tulugan na yunit ay pipiliin gamit ang random lottery at ilalagay sa Wait List. Ang pangalawang PBV Wait List na bubuksan ay para sa mga yunit na may higit sa tatlong (3) silid tulugan. Dalawang daan at limampung (250) sambahayan na karapat-dapat para sa 3-silid tulugan na yunit at isang daan (100) na sambahayan na karapat-dapat para sa 4-silid tulugan na yunit ay pipiliin gamit ang random lottery at ilalagay sa Wait List. Ang pangatlong PBV Wait List na bubuksan ay para sa mga yunit na itinalaga para sa mga matatandang kabahayan (elderly households). Para sa ikatlong listah-

an, ang pinuno ng bahay (head of household) o asawa ay kinakailangan na animnapu’t dalawa (62) ang edad o pataas. Tatlong daan at limampung (350) sambahayan ay pipiliin gamit ang random lottery at ilalagay sa Wait List para sa istudyo at 1-silid tulugan na mga yunit. Ang pang-apat na PBV Wait List na bubuksan ay para sa mga yunit sa Alameda Point Collaborative (APC). Para sa ikaapat na listahan, ang sambahayan ay dapat walang tirahan (homeless) at nangangailan ng mga suportadong serbisyo na iniaalok kasama ng yunit. Animnapu (60) na sambahayan na karapat-dapat para sa 3-silid tulugan na yunit at animnapu (60) na sambahayan na karapat-dapat para sa 4-silid tulugan na yunit ay pipiliin gamit ang random lottery at ilalagay sa Wait List. Ang panlimang PBV Wait List na bubuksan ay para sa The Park Alameda Apartments. Isang daan (100) na sambahayan na karapat-dapat para sa mga istudyo na tirahan ay ilalagay sa Wait List para sa mga yunit na may mga suportadong serbisyo, kasama na ang siyam na unit na inilaan para sa mga tao na may kapansanan.

HOME Wait List: Limampu (50) na sambahayan na karapat-dapat para sa 1-silid tulugan na yunit at limampu (50) na sambahayan na karapat-dapat para sa 2-silid tulugan na yunit ay pipiliin gamit ang random lottery at ilalagay sa Wait List. Ang Wait List ay para sa mga yunit na pinondohan ng pera ng HOME na pinapatakbo ng AHA at ang renta para sa mga yunit na ito ay limitado ng renta ng HOME. Wait List ng Independence Plaza: Ang Wait List na bubuksan para sa kompleks na ito ay para sa mga yunit na mas mababa ang renta sa market dahil sa Redevelopment Funds. Ang mga yunit na ito ay limitado sa mga pamilya na ubod ng baba o mababa ang kita.

Para mas mahusay na mapaglingkuran ang mga aplikante at para ang proseso ng aplikasyon ay maging bukas para sa lahat, ang kabuuan ng proseso ng aplikasyon ay makikita online sa www.waitlistcheck.com/CA955. Isang link sa website ay makikita sa www.alamedahsg.com. Ang mga aplikasyon ay maari lamang i-sabmit online. Kaluwagan para sa mga taong may kapansanan ay ipagkakaloob, ngunit ito ay dapat hilingin ng maaga sa pag-email sa RA@ alamedahsg.org o magpadala ng kasulatan sa P.O. Box 3199, 1415 Webster Street, Alameda, CA 94501. Ang mga kahilingan ay dapat matanggap sa petsang ika-18 ng Hunyo, 2016. Ang mga aplikante ay puwede lamang mag-apply sa panahon na ang listahan ay bukas para sa mga aplikasyon. Ang ahensiya (AHA) ay hindi diretsong tatanggap ng mga aplikasyon.

Ang mga aplikante ay puwedeng gumamit ng anumang instrumento na may internet access para kumpletuhin ang aplikasyon, kasama na ang mga mobile phones at tablets.

Isang linya ng impormasyon sa iba’t ibang wika ay magbibigay ng impormasyon na pre-recorded tungkol sa proseso ng aplikasyon habang ito ay bukas. Ang toll-free na numero ay (888) 366-9510. Ang kaparehong impormasyon ay makikita sa www.alamedahsg.org. Ang mga aplikante ay hindi dapat tumawag sa pangunahing telepono ng ahensiya upang humingi ng tulong sa proseso online.

Para masigurado ang kakayahan sa paggamit at ang daan sa sistema online, ang AHA ay nakisama sa mga or-

ganisasyon sa komunidad. Habang bukas ang mga Wait List, ang mga ahensiya na ito ay magkakaroon ng mga estasyon na may internet access para makapag-apply ang mga aplikante online. May mga bolunteer na nakatalaga sa ilan sa mga lokasyon na ito para tulungan ang mga aplikante na nangangailan ng tulong sa proseso online. Ang kumpletong listahan ng mga sentro at ang mga oras na bukas ang mga ito ay makikita sa www.alamedahsg.org.

Ang pagsa-sabmit ng aplikasyon ay hindi ginagarantiya ang pagkakalagay sa Wait List, pagiging karapat-dapat, o isang alok ng pabahay.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa anuman sa mga Wait List, bumisita sa www.alamedahsg.org.

Ang AHA ay hindi magpapadala ng sulat o abiso sa mga sambahayan tungkol sa resulta ng random lottery.

Dapat mag-tsek ang mga sambahayan ng kanilang estado sa www.waitlistcheck.com/CA955 o sa pagtawag sa numero (844) 451-1756. Ang AHA ay hindi sasagot ng mga tawag sa ibang mga linya tungkol sa kinalabasan ng random lottery.

Kapag kulang ang mga aplikasyon na natanggap, maaaring iwan na bukas ng AHA ang isa o higit pa sa mga Wait List sa itaas ng karagdagang oras hanggang ang tina-target na kabuuan ng Wait List ay makuha. Ang anunsiyo para sa pinahabang pagbubukas ng Wait List ay ilalagay sa www.alamedahsg.org.

Ang mga pamilya na makakatupad sa mga iniatas na kinakailangang tulong na salapi (subsidy requirements) sa bawat Wait List ang mailalagay lamang sa naturang Wait List. Upang mapayagan ang posibilidad ng makatuwirang kaluwagan (Reasonable Accommodations), ang mga sambahayan na hindi bababa sa isang tao bawat silid tulugan ay ilalagay sa random lottery. Matapos ang proseso ng randomization, titingnan ng AHA ang mga pamilya para sa pagiging karapat-dapat base sa edad, kita at kinakailangang tulong na salapi. Sa oras na ito, anumang makatuwirang kaluwagan na humihingi ng ekstra na silid tulugan ay sisiguraduhin at ang pagiging karapat-dapat ng pamilya na mailagay sa Wait List para sa isang yunit na bukas ang sukat (open size unit) ay papasiyahin. Kapag napagpasiyahan na hindi maaari ang isang sambahayan dahil sa edad, kita o kinakailangang tulong na salapi, patuloy na tatabingan ng AHA ang mga sambahayan sa randomized order hanggang ang kinakailangang bilang ng sambahayan ay naidagdag sa Wait List, o ang lahat ng mga aplikante ay naitabing.

Kapag nailagay ng AHA ang mga nasa itaas na sambahayan sa Wait List, at lahat ng sambahayan sa Wait List ay nabigyan ng pabahay o natanggal sa Wait List sa loob ng tatlong taon sa pagsarado ng Wait List, ang AHA ay gagawa ng outreach sa mga tinukoy na bilang ng sambahayan sa listahan na randomized. Ang outreach na ito ay ihahayag sa website ng AHA.

A

june 3-9, 2016 • nORCAL ASIAn jOuRnAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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The Philippines slipped one notch to 42nd in this year’s World Competitiveness Yearbook rankings of the International Institute of Management Development.

Philstar.com photo

PH slips a notch in global competitiveness

by Richmond

meRcuRio Philstar.com

FIRST CABINET MEETING. The camp of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday night announced the members of the Cabinet of the incoming administration during a press conference at the presidential guest house in Barangay Panacan, Davao City.

Photo courtesy of Davao City Mayor’s Office

Pacquiao targets 100% attendance DAVAO CITY—Boxing icon and incoming senator Manny Pacquiao is aiming for a perfect attendance at the Senate after posting the worst attendance record at the House of Representatives.

Pacquiao barely attended sessions at the House because of his boxing training. The representative of the lone district of Sarangani province attended sessions only four times in 2014.

Pacquiao, who is here to meet with incoming president Rodrigo Duterte, said he has decided not to join the Philippine contingent to the Rio Olympics to focus on his job as senator.

“I did not accept the offer to join the Olympics. I am about to start (my stint as senator). I am excited to work and then I won’t show up again. It would be embarrassing to those who elected me if I don’t show up in the first month of my service,” Pacquiao said.

“The responsibility (at the Senate) is different from the one in Congress, which only covers districts. In the Senate, it’s nationwide.

“If I can achieve a perfect (attendance), why not? There’s no problem,” he added.

Despite his absenteeism, Pacquiao managed to get the seventh highest number of votes in the senatorial race with 16.05 million.

Pacquiao could not say though if

his fight with Bradley was his last.

“We’re not thinking of that yet.

For now, my focus is my work,” he said when asked if he still plans to have one more bout before he really retires from boxing.

Pacquiao has authored and coauthored four laws in his six-year stint as Sarangani representative.

He is the author of a law creating a regular district office of the Land Transportation Office in his province.

Pacquiao is also the co-author of a law that expands the coverage of incentives given to national coaches and athletes; a measure that promotes entrepreneurship and financial literacy program among the youth; and a law declaring Sept. 1, the founding anniversary of North Cotabato, a special non-working holiday in the province.

Pacquiao said he is trying to learn the ropes of legislation. He would take a course on the legislature in June. He has been attending a course on legislation and governance at the state-run Development Academy of the Philippines since 2010.

Pacquiao said he would focus on legislation that would benefit the poor, including the giving of free education to students with financial constraints.

Pacquiao also said he wants to be the chairman of the Senate committee on games, amusements and sports.

Pacman to meet Rody When asked why he is meeting Duterte, Pacquiao said he would like to express support to the incoming president.

“I will convey my support to his advocacies that seek to promote change in the country,” he said.

Pacquiao was part of the senatorial ticket of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), the party of Vice President Jejomar Binay who lost to Duterte in the presidential race.

Asked if he would move to Duterte’s party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), Pacquiao said “I am originally from PDP.” “If that would be the way to express support for Digong (Duterte’s nickname) why not?

But why would we think of parties? What is important is to think of change, to support the new administration,” he explained.

Pacquiao also said he is not worried about being called a political butterfly. He said while he was one of those who encouraged Duterte to run, he did not leave the camp of Binay because he had already promised to support the Vice President.

Pacquiao supported Binay after Duterte had declared that he was not running for president.

Pacquiao had already joined UNA when Duterte changed his mind and decided to run for president.

(Philstar.com)

MANILA—The Philippines slipped one notch to 42nd in this year’s World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) rankings of the International Institute of Management Development (IMD) as the country weakened in the economic performance criteria of the report The lower ranking positioned the Philippines in 12th place among 14 Asia-Pacific economies, one notch down from last year’s 11th place.

“The Philippines’ fall in the rankings reflects a general decline in the competitiveness of most Asian countries in the 2016 WCY. The rankings of Taiwan, Malaysia, Korea Republic and Indonesia also dropped markedly over the last year,” said the AIM RSN Policy Center for Competitiveness, IMD’s Philippine partner institute.

The WCY ranked 61 economies based on 342 criteria which are clustered under four broad categories, namely economic performance, government effi-

ciency, business efficiency and infrastructure.

Among the four broad categories used in measuring a country’s competitiveness, the Philippines fared well in government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure but fell to 38th from 34th last year in terms of economic performance “Ranking second in terms of resilience to external shocks and third in forecasted real GDP growth was not enough to make up for decreases in sub-factor rankings for prices – the country ranked 57th in food costs, and 42nd in international trade,” the AIM RSN Policy Center for Competitiveness said.

Meanwhile, the Philippines’ business efficiency ranking improved two notches to 24th this year on the back of improvements in the productivity and efficiency, management practices and attitudes and values sub-categories.

The country also went up two notches to 55th this year in the infrastructure criteria, which included physical, technological,

scientific and social infrastructure.

The report, however, indicated that the country received very poor marks in infrastructure subcategories such as human development, pupil-teacher ratios, communications technology and pollution management.?

Government efficiency in the Philippines remained unchanged at 36th place in 2016 as the country performed well in exchange rate stability and in total general government debt relative to gross domestic product.

The country’s skilled workforce emerged as the Philippine economy’s most attractive feature based on an executive opinion survey that formed part of the 2016 WCY rankings.

This was followed by dynamism of the economy, open and positive attitudes, high educational level and cost competitiveness.

On the other hand, effective legal environment, reliable infrastructure and competitiveness tax regime were identified as the least attractive factors of the country.

PH welcomes G7 statement on territorial...

PAGE A7 They also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a maritime order based on the universally recognized principles of international law, including those reflected in the UNCLOS. Meanwhile, incoming foreign secretary Perfecto Yasay said policy recommendations would be presented to president-elect Rodrigo Duterte after a series of policy briefings being given by the DFA are completed on June 9.

Yasay said he is open to bilat-

eral talks with China as it is necessary to resolve the disputes in the oil-rich South China Sea. “I don’t think that there is another way of resolving this dispute except talking to each other,” Yasay told reporters at the DFA after attending a policy briefing where the West Philippine Sea was discussed as an urgent and priority issue.

“We certainly would like to make sure that we are able to resume bilateral talks because these are necessary,” he added.

The Philippines is the first coun-

try to question China’s nine-dash line claim to almost the entire South China Sea. Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, dismissing claims to parts of it from Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.

The Chinese government boycotted the proceedings at the UN arbitration court and rejected the tribunal’s authority in the case.

China repeatedly stated that “it will neither accept nor participate in the arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines.”

City and County of San Francisco

Department of Elections

Araw ng Eleksyon Martes

Hunyo 7

Primarya para sa Pagka-pangulo

Bumoto sa City Hall

Lunes - Biyernes 8 am—5pm, Sabado—Linggo 10 am—4 pm

Ang mga “Drop-Off Stations” ay bukas sa mga araw na ito

Sabado - Linggo 10 am—4 pm, Lunes 8 am—5 pm, Araw ng Eleksyon 8am—5 pm

Bumoto sa inyong lugar ng botohan sa Araw ng Eleksyon

Tingnan ang inyong lugar ng Botohan: sfelections.org/tools/pollsite

sfelections.org (415) 554-4310 (Filipino)

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CJ

Journal

Your Immigration Solution AndA C. Kwong And nAnCy Miller WHEN it comes to minors, the judicial system takes cautious steps to ensure that any decision made is in the best interests of the children involved. For immigration purposes, the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) provides three routes for internationally-adopted children to be petitioned as children in the United States. Once the requirements to be considered a child have been met, the process to petition the children is exactly the same as any other family-based parent-child petition. After the immediate relative petition is approved, the children may apply to adjust their status and obtain their green cards.

The first way is where an adopting parent adopts a nonorphan. In order for an adopted non-orphan child to qualify as a child for immigration purposes, the adoptive parent must adopt the child “while under the age of sixteen years if the child has been in the legal custody of, and has resided with, the adopting parent or parents for at least two years.” The two-year residency with the child may occur before or after legal custody or adoption. Where the adopted child continues to reside with the biological parent(s) and adoptive parent, the burden is on the adoptive parent to establish that she exercised primary parental control. Evidence of parental control may include ownership or maintenance of the property where the child resides; financial support and day-to-day supervision of the child; passport entry and exit stamps to show physical presence; medical, school, religious, tax, or insurance documents that establish relationship; and affidavits from knowledgeable individuals attesting to Petitioner’s relationship to the child.

However, the mere fact of ongo-

Is it possible to immigrate an adopted child? Yes! ing contact with the birth parents (as in ‘open adoptions’) does not mean that the legal parent-child relationship with the prior legal parents was not terminated.

Another way for adopted children to be considered children is through Hague Convention adoptions. The Hague Adoption Convention is an international agreement that establishes safeguards to ensure that intercountry adoptions take place in the best interests of the child. It was designed to wealthy or powerful persons from using undue influence in order to facilitate an adoption.

However, it has resulted in making adoptions under Hague extremely difficult and, thus, rare.

Only when both countries involved have signed and entered the Convention is the adoption governed by these procedures.

Generally, only a married US citizen whose spouse also adopts the child or an unmarried US citizen who is over 25 years old may adopt. The adoption must occur abroad. The visa petition must be filed before the child turns 16.

The two year legal custody and joint residency requirements do not apply in non-orphan cases.Finally, the adopting parents must habitually reside in the US, and the child must be a habitual resident of the Convention country.

Finally, where the parent has adopted an orphan from a country that has not ratified the Hague Convention, the parent must have adopted the child abroad before the age of 16, and show that the child is an orphan by reason of death, disappearance, abandonment and/or desertion, separation, or loss of both parents.

With limited exception, the parent must follow the non-orphan adoption rules if the orphan is in the US either illegally or already present as a nonimmigrant. If the orphan has one natural parent, that parent must be incapable of

providing proper care and irrevocably release the child in writing.

The release also means that the natural parent is precluded from immigration benefits through the child that was adopted. There is no minimum or maximum number of orphans one can adopt.

The adoption-means of immigrating a child should not be confused with the procedure form Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). Under SIJS, an unmarried and parentless minor under the age of 21 who is inside the US petitions herself. She can only self-petition after obtaining an official judicial decree establishing that she is a dependent of the state juvenile or probate court, that it is not in her best interests to return to her home country, and that she cannot be reunited with a parent due to abuse, abandonment, neglect, or similar reason under state law.

An adoption that complies with individual state or country requirements but not with immigration law requirements, including Hague where necessary, may end the possibility of immigrating that child. For that reason, anyone interested in bringing a foreign-national minor to the United States should contact an experienced and knowledgeable immigration lawyer before taking any steps in that direction. ***

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

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

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

(Advertising Supplement)

this administration and the continuing reforms we institutionalize in the bureau,” Customs MANILA — Travelers and commissioner Alberto Lina was overseas Filipino workers quoted as saying.

(OFWs) are top beneficiaries of Included is a new provision a newly signed law updating the that allows OFWs to send in country’s customs regulations balikbayan boxes, contents of that were last tweaked nearly 30 which amounting to not more years ago. than P150,000 shall be tax-free.

President Benigno Aquino III The privilege may be availed signed Republic Act 10863, or three times a year. the Customs Modernization and For travelers, shopping just got Tariff Act (CMTA), last Friday, a boost as the law allows bringMay 27, amending the Customs ing in personal valuables worth a and Tariff Code last touched in minimum of P150,000 to a maxi1987, the Bureau of Customs mum of P350,000, depending on said in a statement. length of stay abroad.

“This is truly a milestone for Returning OFWs get an adby Prinz

P. Magtulis Philstar.com

ditional P150,000 allowance.

The original cap was pegged at P10,000.

Values may now also be adjusted by the Department of Finance.

Last year, Customs drew flak when it ordered the opening of balikbayan boxes it claimed were being used to smuggle undervalued and illegal goods.

It later on withdrew the rule on Aquino’s orders.

Aside from this, a returning Filipino martial arts fighter also cried foul when she was charged P6,000 for her championship belt. Lina said the duties on the

u PAGE CJ3

PH banks among ‘most resilient,’ says Moody’s

by Ben

O. de Vera Inquirer.net

PHILIPPINE banks would be among the most resilient from shocks caused by loan exposure to commodity-related industries such as oil, given local lenders’ low lending activity to such sectors.

In a report titled “Commodity Exposure Will Add to Asset Quality and Profitability Pressure” released Monday, May 30, debt watcher Moody’s Investors Service said that in general,

u PAGE CJ3

CJ

JUNE 3-9, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

The CTV Files Atty. LiLLi B. BAcuLi BEGINNING June 8, 2016, USCIS will allow certain Filipino World War II veteran family members who are beneficiaries of approved family-based immigrant visa petitions an opportunity to receive a discretionary grant of parole on a case-by-case basis, so that they may come to the United States as they wait for their immigrant visa to become available.

Individuals eligible for the FWVP Policy are those who: • are the beneficiaries of I-130 Petition, including any accompanying or following-to-join spouse and children who were approved on or before the filing date of the parole requested; • whose qualifying relationship with the petitioning relative existed on or before May 9, 2016; • whose petitioning relative is residing in the US; • whose immigrant visas are not authorized for issuance per the Application Final Action Dates

Community Journal

New immigration policy for Filipino World War II veterans chart for family-sponsored preference cases on the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin; and • whose petitioning relative has established that they are either Filipino World War II veterans or are the surviving spouse of such individual.

The Filipino veteran’s qualifying WWII military service must have previously been recognized by the Dept of Defense and must fall within one of three categories: • Individuals who are listed on the final roster prepared by the recovered Personnel Division of the US Army of those who served honorably in an active duty status with the Philippine Army during WWII occupation and liberation of the Philippines; • Individuals who are listed on the final roster prepared by the Guerilla Affairs Division of the US Army of those who served honorably in an active duty status with the Philippine Army during WWII occupation and liberation

of the Philippines; • Individuals who served honorably in an active duty status within the Philippine Scouts or within any other component of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East at any time during the period beginning 9/1/1939 and ending 12/31/1946.

USCIS or DOS consular officers will interview all individuals considered for parole under the FWVP policy to determine whether parole is appropriate on a case-by-case basis. If USCIS favorably exercises its discretion to issue parole under the FWVP policy by approving the Form I-131, USCIS or the Dept of State will issue the necessary travel documents to the beneficiary in the location he or she was interviewed. These travel documents generally will enable the beneficiary to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry and request parole from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to join his or

u PAGE CJ3

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The curious case of Stephen C. Davis: A ghost story

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAgLAyA (Part 1 of 2)

THAT scene in one of the Harry Potter books where eerie sounds and strange occurrences caused by a ghost in residence were coming from — of all places— the toilet stalls, in Hogwarts is not all that original. Because it happened years ago, not as fiction but as part of reality — my reality, that is.

Just for kicks during my halcyon days as a full-time working /full-time grad student at the University of the Philippines long ago, I had agreed to act as medium for a séance or a hypnotic session to conjure or call the spirit or spirits that were causing a disturbance. I took over from another medium in a previous session weeks earlier conducted by a Jesuit priest from the Ateneo, Fr. Bulatao. There were repeated paranormal disturbances at the old building where I worked, a stone’s throw from the Institute of Mass Communication (now called by another name) where I was a grad student at night while working during the day as a full time research associate of what was then the Institute of Environmental Planning, now called the School of Urban & Regional Planning. That haunted building has been razed and there stands a newer multi-story building.

At night, the custodian claimed that when all the rooms were locked up and no one was inside, there were eerie noises that would make the hair on the back of one’s neck stand on end. The occurrences were so frequent and so disruptive, ignoring them and pretending life was normal was no longer an option. Someone finally did something about it and called on Fr. Bulatao to help shed light on the mysterious goings-on at the institute. I simply avoided the rest rooms and

“…In memory of one American soldier …” steered away from isolated areas of the building and never stayed in the building past sundown.

Professor Cynthia Turingan was the first medium. Under hypnosis, she revealed that an American soldier, an enlisted man, by the name of Stephen Davies (his name was spelled with an e in the surname) was murdered at the location right smack dab where the building stood.

Details of a murder story flowed out of her like a gusher. But then it came to an abrupt halt when the door to the room where the session was being held, for no apparent reason, suddenly burst open. The medium snapped out of the hypnotic trance feeling extremely limp and exhausted as though she had traveled many miles across a desert. I stood up and with a nonchalant shrug of my shoulders calmly closed the door.

Dissatisfied with the aborted session, the group decided to hold another. Professor Turingan was unavailable for the next session and I was drafted to act as medium, a role which I accepted on a lark and a dare.

There was a thunderstorm raging outside but I don’t remember much of what I said when I went on a trance. I do remember feeling very light, as though weightless, while someone gently whispered things to my ear. Later, I learned that under hypnotic suggestion, I was instructed to go back to 1945, the year that the medium revealed when the alleged murder of the American soldier occurred.

I described the place as I saw it — an open field, a moonless night, quonset huts and a heavy sense of foreboding in the air.

During the session, the same Stephen Davies revealed the name of his murderer. He said he was hit on the head by a piece of wood while he was out on patrol one night and was robbed of his money. The ghost revealed details about his murderer: his assailant’s name, the exact address where he lived, describing him as an old man by that time, languishing in jail for other crimes he committed and that the house where the murderer used to live on J.P. Rizal Street in Makati was eventually destroyed by fire.

He was asked about the name of his wife and where she lived, questions upon questions which the ghost said were “not important” but pressed further, he said that his wife had remarried and pleaded not to bother his wife anymore. He said that he was not the only spirit hovering in the area and that there were many others. Asked about how he felt, he said that he was lonely and that he just wants to be remembered.

Over and over again, he said he wanted to be remembered. He ignored questions about his past brushing them aside for the one thing he wanted — that he be remembered. His bones, he said, lay scattered and mixed with the soil in the same area which was leveled years earlier by a bulldozer. The ghost of the dead soldier requested that a mass be said on a sunny day in his remembrance — a request the group readily granted him. Shortly after, the eerie occurrences seemed to stop. (To be continued) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Business News

29M Filipinos covered by microinsurance – IC

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

THE Insurance Commission (IC) said it has already surpassed its 2016 target number of Filipinos to be covered by microinsurance.

In a statement on Tuesday, May 31, the regulator said it has a commitment to cover 27 million Filipinos by 2016.

“Through our initiatives in fostering inclusive insurance markets, we have again emerged as a model for microinsurance promotion in Asia with 29.03 million Filipinos covered with microinsurance as of the third quarter of 2015, surpassing our own commitment to cover 27 million Filipinos by 2016,” Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc said.

As of the third quarter of 2015, the IC noted that the microinsurance penetration rate hit 28.52 percent.

This means that 28.52 percent or 29.03 million individuals of the 101.80 million population are covered by microinsurance, it added.

“As the Philippines continue to take pride for being at the forefront of promoting microinsurance as an effective vehicle for financial inclusion and as a benchmark for other Asian countries in terms of microinsurance market development, we are fueled to keeping our markets strong, stable and sustainable,” Dooc said.

Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc

This announcement was made during the 3rd South Asian Regulators’ Meet and International Insurance Conference held on May 12 to 13 in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The conference was attended by delegates from the international insurance regulators, insurers, reinsurers, brokers, donors, bankers and other relevant senior officials from Asia and Middle East.

Dooc mentioned that new product lines are hitting the Philippine market with the new microinsurance frameworks for agriculture, health and pre-need.

Adopted in October 2015, the Micro-Agri Framework formally introduced a parametric-based or index-based microinsurance wherein benefits shall be facilitated by microinsurance providers when predefined parameters or indices are breached.

The Micro Pre-Need Frame-

work, also adopted in October last year, aims to provide the low-income sector access to preneed products—memorial, education and pension plans.

As a means of achieving the objectives of the National Health Insurance Act of 2013, Microhealth Framework, on the other hand, was adopted to address the health needs of the general population, particularly the lowincome and informal sectors.

“The Philippines remains aggressive in its campaign for inclusive economic growth as greater efforts and genuine programs should be delivered to those who have not yet risen from poverty,” Dooc said.

Dooc concluded his speech by stressing the importance of regulator-industry dialogue and cooperation.

The Commissioner announced the creation of the Mutual Exchange Forum on Inclusive Insurance or the MEFIN Network which brings together the insurance regulators and private sectors from six jurisdictions: the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Mongolia, Pakistan and Nepal to share views and pick out specific lessons that are relevant for the development of inclusive insurance in the country context.

Meanwhile, Dooc was elected to serve as the first chairman of the MEFIN Network, which will hold its first Regional Steering Committee meeting in July in Manila. n

Diokno: 3 percent deficit-toGDP ‘manageable, appropriate’

by Prinz

P. MagtUlis Philstar.com

MANILA — Higher spending and a wider deficit could be expected from the Duterte administration under a budget chief who had criticized the outgoing government for five years of belowtarget expenditures.

A budget deficit equivalent to three percent of gross domestic product (GDP) is “manageable and appropriate,” incoming Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno told The STAR Wednesday, June 1.

“This is as long as the additional deficit is spent for public infrastructure,” he added.

For the past five years, the Aquino government has consistently fallen below its budget gap targets on the back of underspending despite steady growth in revenues.

This will not happen under the next government, Duterte said in

A budget deficit equivalent to three percent of gross domestic product is “manageable and appropriate,” incoming Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno says.

Crissa Tenorio/CC BY-NC-ND

an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel on Wednesday. He said separately that President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s eight-point economic agenda is “doable and comprehensive.”

Part of Duterte’s plan is to

boost infrastructure spending to five percent of GDP every year from 3.3 percent last year.

He also vowed to “continue and maintain” Aquino’s macroeconomic policies.

u PAGE CJ3

Community Journal

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

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ DEAR Atty. Gurfinkel: When I filed for adjustment of status, USCIS said I committed fraud when I entered the US under an assumed name.

They required me to file a Form I – 601 (Waiver of Inadmissibility), which they denied, stating that my spouse would not suffer enough “extreme hardship”. My lawyer appealed my case to the Administrative Appeals Office in Washington DC (AAO), which dismissed my appeal.

When I asked my lawyer what I should do now, he said “just wait for an amnesty or to be put in deportation/removal proceedings, and then try again for the waiver in front of an immigration judge.”

Is there anything else I can do, aside from waiting for an amnesty or to be deported?

Very truly yours, E.S. Dear E.S.: You may want to consider repackaging and refiling your hardship waiver with USCIS. There is no immigration law which prohibits a person from filing a second or new hardship waiver.

However, you have to provide new evidence, or you make a better showing of extreme hardship.

Our office has done this many times for people, who came to us with a previous denial. We were able to refile the waiver and the case got approved.

There are several situations where a hardship waiver may be required, such as when a person commits fraud, is subject to the 3/10 year bar, or is pursuing a provisional waiver, to name a few.

In order for a person to prevail on a hardship waiver, they must demonstrate “extreme hardship” on a spouse or parent who is a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (“qualifying relative”).

In many cases, the qualifying relative is truly suffering extreme hardship, but the case is not properly packaged or presented, and is therefore denied. I have featured stories of several people on Citizen Pinoy, where the qualifying relative was truly suffering extreme hardship, but the case was denied because their attorney submitted a short, two page declaration from the qualifying relative that really did not bring out the true story and full picture of the qualifying relative’s situation, stress, ailments, anxiety depression, etc. While there are a number of factors that are considered in evaluating extreme hardship, it really boils down to making the qualifying relative’s situation into a tearful teleserye.

You almost have to make the officer cry over the qualifying relative’s trials and tribulations.

In those cases, rather than filing an appeal on the very skeletal presentation of extreme hardship, we filed a new fraud waiver, with a lengthy and detailed affidavit from the qualifying relative (whether it was the person’s spouse, parent, or both), fully bringing out the extent of the extreme hardship the qualifying relative was suffering. As a result, the case was approved.

In addition, maybe there are NEW hardships the qualifying relative is now suffering, that were not present when the original hardship waiver was filed.

Maybe the qualifying relative was recently diagnosed with a new medical issue, has been

IN its 11th year of unparalleled public service to the community, ‘Citizen Pinoy’ goes the extra mile by doing a real-time live telecast this Sunday, June 5 at 6:15pm on TFC. This is the very first time a local show from TFC North America is broadcasting live. According to leading US immigration attorney, and host of ‘Citizen Pinoy,’ Michael J. Gurfinkel, “Our goal is to always look for innovative ways to make the show better and more entertaining for TFC viewers.”

Atty. Gurfinkel and the staff behind the awardwinning public service program are excited about TFC’s first ever live telecast, and have been working really hard to put this show together. Atty.

Gurfinkel emphasized that, “The whole purpose is to provide not only the best public service, but a more interactive one.”

hospitalized, or a previous ailment has gotten worse. Those sort of changes in circumstance could possibly justify the filing of a new hardship waiver, provided it is properly packaged and presented.

I want to be clear that I am not guaranteeing a second hardship waiver will be approved. It certainly depends on the hardship being suffered by the qualifying relative and the discretion of the officer who adjudicates the waiver: is the officer tough and strict, or compassionate and understanding?

However, if your hardship waiver was denied, and you are being told to “just wait”, you may want to seek the advice of another attorney, who can evaluate your qualifying relative’s hardship situation, and determine if a hardship waiver can be repackaged and better presented, or if there are new hardships to be presented. Don’t give up hope! *** 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)

This attempt makes ‘Citizen Pinoy’ readily available to its core audience across North America.

Atty. Gurfinkel’s responses to your immigration concerns will also be immediate. As Atty. Gurfinkel underlines, “People will get the feeling of an actual ‘live’ consultation right in the comfort of their homes.”

Viewers can send in their questions via Facebook at www.facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw or by calling these numbers: 1-650-569-1774 or 1-650569-1835. On the actual day of the live telecast, the same phone lines will also be set up so viewers can call in live!. Questions can be sent via Facebook, twitter, phone patch and Skype.

Be sure to catch us this Sunday at 6:15 pm (EST/PST) when ‘Citizen Pinoy’ goes live on June 5 — on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Diokno: 3 percent deficit-to-GDP… “The operative word is ‘good’.

What are these good policies?...

Is underspending which resulted in the deterioration of public infrastructure good?” Diokno pointed out.

According to Treasury data, deficit has fallen below the goal of two percent of GDP since 2013. That year, the gap was 1.4 percent, only to go down to 0.6 percent in 2014 and bounce back to 0.9 percent last year.

This was in stark contrast with Diokno’s first term at the Budget department during the Estrada

administration. That time, deficit rose from 1.7 percent of GDP in 1998 to 3.7 percent in 2000 after a 26.6-percent increase in spending.

Estrada’s term was cut short after he was toppled by a popular revolt in January 2001.

“During Estrada’s time, we spend what we appropriate,” Diokno said in his TV interview.

Outgoing Budget Secretary Florencio Abad declined to comment, saying he will wait until Diokno becomes “officially” part of the Cabinet.

Meanwhile, Nicholas Antonio

Mapa, economist at Bank of the Philippine Islands, agreed with Diokno, an economics professor at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

“Credit rating agencies (which) laud the solid fiscal numbers are quick also to point out that improved debt ratios at the expense of lack of investment in productive capacity will hamper their ability to grant further ratings upgrades,” Mapa said in an e-mail.

“We need Duterte to spend the way Aquino should have spent in 2010,” he added. n

PH banks among ‘most resilient,’ says…

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“banks in Asia-Pacific show moderate loan exposure to borrowers in commodity-related industries,” with such loans accounting for an average of only about 7 percent of gross loans.

“We expect that the quality of some of this exposure will continue to deteriorate, based on our assessment that energy and most other commodity prices will remain lower for longer.

Such price dynamics will further dampen corporate earnings and weaken the debt repayment capacity of many commodity firms, creating pressure on or delaying the recovery of asset quality and profitability of banks in the region,” Moody’s said.

Moody’s sees bad loans continuously increasing in oil and gasrelated industries amid cheaper global oil prices, as well as metals and mining sectors, which have been “under pressure for

many years and some Asia-Pacific banks have large legacy problem loans in this industry.”

The debt watcher nonetheless pointed out that most banks in the Asia-Pacific region have buffers against rising commodity risks.

“In most Asia-Pacific markets, we do not expect negative bank rating actions related to commodity exposures, because the banks in general have either good financial buffers, moderate commodity exposures, or their ratings capture asset quality weakness,” Moody’s said.

According to the report, Philippine banks, alongside those in Australia, Hong Kong and Taiwan were “less exposed” to the commodity sectors than their peers in the region.

Moody’s said that across AsiaPacific, banks in Mongolia were the most vulnerable to low commodity prices “because of their

outsized exposure to the vulnerable mining industry; a key contributor to the 14.4 percent of nonperforming loans and overdue loans at end-2015.”

“Banks in Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia and India are also exposed to the more vulnerable parts of the energy/commodity sectors such as oil services, shipping and shipbuilders, offshore marine, metals and coal. This exposure will lead to further asset quality and profitability pressure for the banks in these countries or, like in the case of India, to the delayed recovery of large legacy problem loans,” it added.

On the other hand, “the least affected will be banks in Hong Kong, Australia, Taiwan and the Philippines, because of either the banks’ low exposure to the energy/commodity sectors, the low reliance of these economies on commodities exports, or both,” Moody’s said. n

OFWs, travelers gain in new Customs…

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Re-packaging and re-filing a hardship/fraud waiver

Atty. Gurfinkel is ‘thrilled about live broadcast, with real-time interaction with viewers’ when ‘Citizen Pinoy’ goes live this Sunday!

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 3-9, 2016

rience with the BOC,” he said in prize were properly computed. a separate statement.

Finance Secretary Cesar PuriLina said Customs began insima said CMTA also modernizes vesting on its Information TechCustoms to promote faster trade nology systems ahead of the law’s facilitation, including advance signing. For one, it launched a clearance procedures and mini- partnership with Microsoft to mal discretion given to customs fight hacking on its systems two officers. weeks ago.

“Embracing technology and “The CMTA will establish the updating regulatory frameworks requisite foundation for a cashreduces opportunities for corrup- less, faceless and paperless envition and streamlines client expe- ronment in Customs,” he said.

Sought for comment, Sergio Ortiz-Luis, president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc., said CMTA could assist the country on its bid to become part of US-led trade pact Trans-Pacific Partnership.

“This streamlines our processes with other countries, which could help facilitate more trade with our neighbors,” Ortiz-Luis said in a phone interview. n

“CITIZEN PINOY” GOES LIVE on JUNE 5. “People will get the feeling of an actual “live” consultation right in the comfort of their homes,” is how Atty. Gurfinkel describes the ground breaking live broadcast show. In its never-ending desire to bring public service to Kapamilya across the US, “Citizen Pinoy” expands its reach by going LIVE in order to reach more of our core audience and provide immediate replies to their questions.

Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel is “very excited about going live. Now, it will be ‘real time’ and more interaction with viewers.” The host and the staff are looking forward to the show’s innovation for Sunday, June 5 when CP goes live. Audiences are encouraged to already send in your questions at www.facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw or by calling 1-650-569-1774 or 1-650-569-1835. The live telecast of “Citizen Pinoy” will be seen this Sunday, June 5, at 6:15 pm (Eastern and Pacific) on TFC.

Calendar of Events across

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS JUNE 4

Piyesta Pinoy Bolingbrook Please join us on Saturday, June 4 for the 3rd Philippine Fest Celebration (Piyesta Pinoy sa Bolingbrook) at the beautiful Bolingbrook Performing Arts Center (375 W. Briarcliff Rd. Bolingbrook, IL). This year’s event will include a variety of food vendors, business, merchandise, and non-profit organizations, as well as hours of dance, games, and musical entertainment, including special guest performances. The Philippine American Cultural Foundation (PACF) is proud to promote and share our rich Filipino cultural heritage and traditions in America. Your participation and support are always valuable and critical to the survival of PACF and its programs. For more information, or to volunteer, perform, exhibit, or donate, please visit www.piyestapinoy.net, or email Piyestpinoy@gmail.com.

Missionary Society of St. Columban Dinner-Dance The Missionary Society of St. Columban will hold its annual dinner dance event on June 4th, 6pm, at the Friendship Auditorium (3201 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90941).

Organized by the Dancing for the World, an affiliate of the Columbans, will celebrate the “Year of Mercy” to echo and emphatically support the call of Pope Francis’s Jubilee Year.

This year is very important to be responsive to the call of the church and be faithful to the mission of God because God is by nature merciful. Thanks to the many dedicated missionaries, priests, sisters and lay missionaries who responded to the call of God and live among the poor to make a difference and allow God’s mercy to flow into the hearts of those they minister. For more information, please visit www.columban.org. The Dancing for the World event on June 4 is also an opportunity to meet supporters, donors and friends to thank them for their valuable contribution to the Columban mission. Event will include delicious food, ballroom dancing, and fabulous raffle prizes. (For this year, the first prize will be a cruise for two to Mexican Riviera. The second prize is a Flat screen TV. The third prize is a Tablet.) There are many amazing prizes available for all lucky winners. The dinner dance ticket is $40.Reserve your tickets now or before May 15. For information and tickets please contact Carmencita Enriquez (213) 880-5075 or Ariel Presbitero (323) 691-5262, or at: 2919 Moss Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90065. Thank you in advance on behalf of the Missionary Society of St. Columban and the Dancing for the World committee members. Please continue praying for all Columban Missionaries all over the world and the success of this event.

Pechanga Bus trip The Filipino American Law Enforcement Officers Association (FALEO), a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, will host a bus trip to Pechanga to raise funds for its scholarship. There will be two locations for pick up and drop off: First pick up is at 10:45 am; drop off at 8:30 pm at Carson Civic Center, 801 East Carson Street, Carson. The second pick up will be between 11:15 to 11:30 am; drop off at 8 pm at Angels Stadium Metrolink, 2626 East Katella Avenue, Anaheim. Tickets are $35 and include games and a light breakfast while en route to Pehcanga. For more information, contact Pauline at igorott@yahoo.com.

Installation of Officers The City of San Fernando La Union of Northern California Association USA, a social non-profit organization, will hold a dinner and dance fundraiser event to install its officers for 2016-18. CSFLU aims to socially reunite Friends and Families living in Northern California through scheduled fundraisers, camping, picnics, family events, programs and local community projects. Its mission is to uplift and enrich the living experience through social, moral, ethical and spiritual support in Northern California and in the City of San Fernando La Union Philippines. The event will take place at Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, 32083 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City, CA 94587. For more information, contact Jake Valdez at (408) 768-1209 or jake4realestate@yahoo.com.

JUNE 5

YFPA Annual Scholarship Gala 2016 Your Filipino Professionals Association (YFPA) will hold its Annual Scholarship Gala with the theme: “Collaboration is the New Bayanihan’” on Sunday, June 5, 6pm, at the Watts Room, Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. The event is to award YFPA Scholarship program recipients. For tickets: www.YFPASF.com/events.html.

JUNE 11

Philippine Independence Day celebration The Philippine Independence Day Foundation in conjunction with the City of Carson and GMA Pinoy TV will hold the 118th Philippine Independence Day celebration at Veterans Park and Sports Complex, 22400 Moneta Avenue, Carson, CA 90745. The event is celebrated yearly in the City of Carson and is attended by thousands of Carson residents, as well as people from different parts of Southern California. The celebration will take place from 8am to 6pm. For more information, call (310) 549-3111.

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

New immigration policy for…

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her family member.

It is important to be informed and know your options. An experienced immigration firm or attorney will be able to help you understand what immigration terms mean specific to the regulations. Individuals who might benefit from the new Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program should consult with an

experienced and competent immigration attorney, and more importantly prior to filing any applications with the USCIS. Applicants should also be wary of online tools that offer immigration help or notarios who are not licensed to practice law. *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with

offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorneyclient relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 495-8088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ ctvattys.com. For general information visit www.chuatinsayvega.com.

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JUNE 3-9, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

PeoPle & events

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

Free Community Emergency Response Call for applications for the 5th FilipinoTeam (CERT) training in Hayward American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPRO)

DO you know what to do when disaster strikes before professional help arrives?

Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services will not be able to meet the demand for these services. Factors as number of victims, communication failures, and road blockages will prevent people from accessing emergency services they have come to expect at a moment’s notice through 911. People will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate lifesaving and life sustaining needs until professional services arrive.

CERT members can assist others by applying the basic response and organizational skills that they learned during training.

CERT skills also apply to daily emergencies and include: • Disaster Awareness and Preparedness • Response Team Management • Disaster Psychology • Fire Suppression and Utilities Control • Hazardous Materials Awareness • Disaster Medical Operations • Light Search and Rescue • Terrorism Awareness • Small Unit Leadership Participants in the course learn skills that will enable them to provide emergency assistance to their families and neighbors as well as organize a neighborhood team response in the event of a major disaster. There will be no charge for the course or materials. The only cost incurred may be in upgrading your disaster supply kit at home (food, water, tools etc.).

The training will involve instructions in light fire suppression, hazardous materials situations, first aid, light search and rescue techniques, and procedures in organizing CERTs to aid

and assist in times of disaster.

You do not need any special skills to participate, just the willingness to learn the skills necessary to survive a disaster. The training program will involve some physical activity, such as using fire extinguishing equipment and rescue tools under the supervision of trained Fire Department personnel.

The course is scheduled once a week for five consecutive weeks.

Space is limited and class fills rapidly. All correspondence will be electronic, if interested signup by using the email process below. Each email is time/date stamped in the order received to ensure your placement on the interest list.

What we expect from you: The Hayward Fire Department hopes to fill this series of classes with individuals who are able to commit the time to attend all classes and the exercise, who have a high interest in bettering their neighborhoods, and who have the potential to become leaders/organizers and share what they learn within their area of the city.

The Hayward Fire Department is providing a free CERT Training Program which will consist of 4 evening indoor classes and 1 outdoor “hands on” skills class. Participants learn skills that will enable them to provide emergency assistance to their families and immediate neighbors as well as

organize a neighborhood team response. Residents must preenroll into this class.

This is not a “Drop-in” training program.

Class #1, Monday, June 6, 69:30pm @ Hayward City Hall Class #2, Monday, June 13, 69:30pm @ Hayward City Hall Class #3, Monday, June 20, 69:30pm @ Hayward City Hall Class #4, Monday, June 27, 69:30pm @ Hayward City Hall Skills #5, Tuesday, July 5, 69:30pm (Fire Station #6 W. Winton) You must attend all classes in order to receive certification.

CERT training is for all City of Hayward and Fairview residents.

Residential verification will be required during the final application process.

You must be 18 years or older to sign up and a resident of the City of Hayward or the Fairview area.

Residents who are interested in this free training can sign-up via eso@hayward-ca.gov. Residents will then need to enter only their name, phone number and address in the email. You will receive notification back by email acknowledging your enrollment into the program and further directions.

If without internet access or more information is needed, contact: The Public Education Officer at (510) 583-4948 n

Free household hazardous waste disposal for Daly City residents on June 11

DALY City residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) free of charge on Saturday, June 11th. It is important to keep toxic substances out of our landfills (and water supply!), so please take advantage of this free event!

The collection events take place from 8:30 am to 12:15 pm.

EMPLOYMENT

To participate, residents must schedule an appointment at San Mateo County’s HHW Program: www.smchealth.org/hhw or by calling (650) 363-4718, select option 3.

Accepted items include acids/ bases, aerosol cans, automotive supplies (car batteries, motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid), cleaning

products, fertilizers, pesticides, flammable liquids, fluorescent lights (compact and tubes), paint, inks, and photo chemicals. No radioactive, explosive, medical or commercial waste is allowed.

All waste collected is reused, recycled, or stabilized for proper disposal to achieve zero waste being landfilled. n

EMPLOYMENT

WASHINGTON, DC — The search is on for the ten (10) outstanding next-generation Filipino-Americans who will participate in the 5th annual Filipino-American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPRO), which will be conducted in the Philippines from 24 November to December 2 , 2016.

Launched in 2012 as a youthoriented project of Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. and Madam Ma. Victoria J. Cuisia, FYLPRO aims to tap outstanding young Filipino-Americans who possess a sincere desire to be engaged in their respective communities and be a part of the Philippines’ growth story. The annual immersion program in the Philippines will afford them the opportunity to meet and dialogue with the highest officials and policymakers of the country, leaders of industry, legislators, media, artists and cultural experts, entrepreneurs (both traditional and social), as well as innovators in different fields.

The Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in the United States will conduct the search in the States under their respective jurisdictions for individuals who meet the following criteria: • No younger than 25 years old and no older than 40 years old by 24 November 2016, the first day of the 2016 Immersion Program; • Ready and capable of traveling to the Philippines, arriving in Manila by Wednesday, 23 November 2016 and departing no earlier than 02 December 2016; • Demonstrated leadership skills within their school, community, workplace or other areas of involvement; and • Have potential or demonstrated involvement in the Filipino Community, or in issues and/ or activities that align with the interest of the Filipino-American community or the Philippines.

For the first time since FYLPRO’s establishment, the application process is made accessible online through http://fylpro. org/apply/. The deadline for the

submission of complete application is Sunday, 24 July 2016 at 11:59pm (Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone).

In partnership with the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) and the FYLPRO alumni association, the 5th FYLPRO hopes to continue to attract more high-performing young Filipino-American leaders who will be among the movers and shakers in the FilipinoAmerican community. Much of the participants’ expenses, including airfare, accommodations, local transportation, and meals will be shouldered by program sponsors.

“Now on its fifth year, FYLPRO has proven to be quite effective in grooming new leaders who will shape the future not only of the Filipino-American community, but also of Philippines-US relations. The forty alumni have spearheaded many impactful projects and I strongly encourage all qualified young Filipino-Americans to add to their number,” Ambassador Cuisia said. n

Ditch the car and grab your bike: Summer Bike Challenge comes to Martinez

511 Contra Costa is rolling out a new summertime recreational bike promotion in Martinez. The Summer Bike Challenge provides fun, healthy, no cost summer recreation that challenges participants to explore their hometown from the seat of a bicycle.

Free and open to everyone, simply cross off squares by biking to parks, schools, Downtown, City Hall, the library, Farmers Market, and a neighboring city to complete the Challenge.

Participants can pick up free treats from select locations on certain dates (see the Challenge Card for details), and those who complete at least 12 squares can enter to win an iPad Mini in the at the Martinez Library, Senior ery & Café, Main Street Sweets, or Center, Rankin Pool, City Hall, the online at www.511ContraCosta.

Grand Prize drawing.

Challenge Cards are available Boys & Girls Club, Saucie’s Bak- org/SBC. n

New to Medicare? HICAP of San Mateo County invites you to free, unbiased presentations ARE you new to Medicare?

Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) of San Mateo County invites you to free, unbiased presentations, held at the Serramonte Library, 40 Wembley Drive, Daly City.

The presentations are on Tues• Medicare supplement polidays from 6-7 pm, June 7, June cies 14, and June 21, 2016.

• How HICAP can help you Learn about: For more information, call HI• The 4 parts of Medicare CAP at (650) 627-9350 or visit their • Prescription drug coverage website at https://www.selfhel• Medicare Advantage plans pelderly.org/our-services/hicap. n

EMPLOYMENT

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

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 3-9, 2016

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JUNE 3-9, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Friday, June 3, 2016

SF2

cover story T he Asian Jo ur n a l SF M A G A Z I NE - J une 3, 2 0 1 6

YerBA BUeNA CeNTer FOr The ArTs NeW FiliPiNO CiNeMA 2016

FEATurING ThE bEST oF ThE PhIlIPPINES ThrouGh FIlMS Thursday, June 9, 7:30 pm / Sunday, June 12, 4:30 pm (1976, 95 min., Tagalog with and the world. Co-curated by English subtitles) Filipino movie expert Philbert “Brocka was like a force of Ortiz Dy and YBCA film curator nature in world cinema, and Joel shepard, the program offers Insiang was among his greatup box-office hits, edgy indies est achievements.” —Martin and family-friendly films.

Scorsese “To make the program more The series begins by going accessible, we’ve spread the back in time to honor perhaps films over four weeks,” said Joel the Philippines’ greatest filmmakshepard then added, “And we er and most independent spirit, continue to look for ways to lino Brocka, with a brand new shape the program to serve the restoration of his master work, community and the artists in “insiang.” more effective, meaningful ways.

The Museum of Modern Art, We’re proud to say that our line- New York, says, “shot under exup this year is as strong as ever. treme pressure of time (roughly We look forward to celebrat11 days), money and government ing the remarkably vibrant and censorship, ‘insiang’ has lost inspired independent cinema of none of it political urgency or the Philippines!” vitality.

Featured films Brocka, the Philippines’ “Insiang” (Directed by Lino most internationally celebrated Brocka) filmmaker working within—and against—the Marcos dictatorship, masterfully fuses documentary realism classic melodrama to chart the fate of one teenage girl, the beautiful and waifish insiang becomes hardened and vengeful after her boyfriend abandons her to the predator sexual advances of her mother’s lover.”

“Sleepless” (Directed by Prime Cruz) Saturday, June 11, 4:30 pm / Thursday, June 23, 7:30 pm (2015, 97 min., Tagalog with Photo courtesy of Films Distribution English subtitles)

“Heneral Luna”

Photo courtesy of Quantum Films

“House by the Bamboo Grove” Photo courtesy of Cinemalaya

by Malou liwanag-Bledsoe/AJPress

This year’s New Filipino Cinema series will feature a diverse line of films from the Philippines.

Presented by the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA), the event amplifies creative voices heard outside the Philippines.

The event opens on Thursday, June 9, and will run until sunday, July 3.

Now on its fifth year, the New Filipino Cinema line up include a classic film recently restored by the Martin scorsese’s foundation, a tale of a transgender person who becomes pregnant and a historical epic about the battle against Us invaders during the Philippine-American War, to name a few. in essence, this year’s selection covers a myriad of issues of importance to the people of the Philippines

“Taklub”

“Scarecrow”

Photo courtesy of Solar Entertainment

“Sleepless”

“Insiang” by Lino Brocka

Photo courtesy of The Film Foundation

“Patintero”

What is it like to be young in Manila nowadays? You’re likely working in a call center, fielding calls from half a world away while the rest of the city sleeps. You’re likely living alone in a small apartment. You’re likely making bad choices to keep the loneliness at bay. sleepless, a smash indie hit, is a story of what it takes to survive in metro Manila, and finding the connections that will keep you sane. starring Glaiza de Castro and Dominic roco.

“Honor Thy Father” (Directed by Erik Matti) Saturday, June 11, 7 pm / Sunday, June 19, 4:15 pm (2015, 115 min., Tagalog and Kankanaey with English subtitles) One of the biggest movie stars in the country, John lloyd Cruz, teams up with maverick director erik Matti to deliver a grim tale of survival set in the cold northern regions of the Philippines. A man with a dark past must delve back into that Photo courtesy of QCinema darkness to save his family fol-

“Manang Biring”

Photo courtesy of Cinema One Originals

Photo courtesy of QCinema “Miss Bulalacao”

Photo courtesy of Cinema One Originals

lowing the collapse of a massive pyramid scheme. honor Thy Father is a tense, noirish story of corruption, religion, and betrayal.

“Miss Bulalacao” (Directed

by Ara Chawdhury) Sunday, June 12, 2 pm – Director in person / Saturday, July 2, 4:30 pm (2015, 102 min., Bisaya with English subtitles) A drag princess gets pregnant following an alien abduction, and rumors of immaculate Conception raise his status to that of a cult leader. Bursting with small-town flavor, this film displays a keen understanding of the nation’s evolving attitudes toward gay people.

“The House by the Bamboo Grove [An Kubo Sa Kawayanan]” (Directed by Alvin Yapan) Thursday, June 16, 7:30 pm / Sunday, July 3, 2 pm (2015, 88 min., Tagalog and Bicol with English subtitles) set in the lush Bicol countryside, this mystical fairy tale focus-

es on the reclusive Michelle, an embroiderer who finds profound comfort in her plain little kubo (hut). her boyfriend and others try to convince her to leave for greener pastures elsewhere, but Michelle’s hut, and the simple things around it, communicate happiness and security in a language only she can understand. starring Mercedes Cabral (“Thy Womb”). Preceded by the short film “Tami-aw” (“serene”) by Mary Ann Gabisan.

“Chasing Waves” (Directed

by Charliebebs Gohetia) Saturday, June 18, 4:30 pm / Saturday, July 2, 2 pm (2015, 92 min., Bisaya with English subtitles) The young child sipat and his family are forced by their landlord to leave their home in the mountains in the southern Philippines. They prepare to migrate to the unfamiliar landscape of the seaside, and sipat is excited to finally experience the beach. As he and his best Continued on Page SF4

Meet the Filipino ‘instant celebrities’ of Social Media

By Monet

Lu

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Stars’ unsolicited advice for VP-elect Leni Robredo

We consider it a once-ina-blue-moon event whenever we run into famous personalities. And to memorialize that moment, we ask for their autographs (for those who still know what that means) or take a picture with them – nowadays, some would just secretly take a snapshot thru their mobile John Arcilla Audie Gemora Christian Bautista phones without permission. “It is not everyday you meet your

by Dolly Anne CArvAjAl idol; this is a dream-come-true,” Inquirer.net anymore. Take extra precaution says the snapshot-thief. for your safety. Don’t lose your THe Vice Presidential race Jeyrick Sigmaton aka “Carrot Man” I wouldn’t recommend it but CJ Querol aka “Gasoline Man” own voice amid issues. Remain turned out to be more intense (Photo courtesy of Glenda Uchi) (Photo courtesy of Edwina T. Bandong) I definitely see the truth in that loyal to the Filipino people and than the network war and love juvenile excuse. Crossing paths not to any political party. team battles of show biz. After with a celebrity is not a common Angelu de Leon: Pray for much ado, Leni Robredo finally thing. “Dreams,” as our hypothe President, our country and won. Her victory is a celebrathetical millennial calls them, are for the decisions she’ll make. tion of woman power. made of days where you walk by Keep in mind Philippians 4: Celebrities turned into the farm and an overly photoge6-7 [which says we should not “fans” as they rooted for their nic carrot farmer smiles at you, worry about anything and just chosen candidates. Now it’s or a hunk cabbage-vendor calls pack-up time in Malacañang as pray to God]. out your name, or a chicharon Erik Santos: Just stick to we all get ready for a change of vendor with a killer smile asks your core values and always “casting.” you, “Ate, chicharon kayo dyan?

Here are celebs’ unsolicited remember that the greatest (Ma’am, want to buy some voice is the voice that comes advice for VP Leni: chicharon?). from the heart.

Christian Bautista: [My Well, dream no more ‘coz Rowell Santiago: VP Leni advice is for her] to continue to hashtag #itsmorefuninthephilbe a shining light in the govern- will be a good balance for ippines when regular days President-elect Rody Duterte… ment and lead the nation and consist of this! Meet the heartMay she be a mother to our its people to a new level of throbs of the Philippines who countrymen, so she must… were made famous by –interRita Gaviola aka “Badjao Girl” (Photo courtesy of Topher Quinto Burgos) progress. [exhibit] the good qualities of Cooky Chua: Don’t take net’s best gift to common man a mother—nurturing, patient, the bus going home to Bicol One basket of cabbage to – social media. go, please?

That 24 “Carrot” Smile Fresh from Bontoc, MounImagine meeting Korean tain Province is another Cordilactor Lee Min-Ho, only much lera hottie. Meet Neil Galuten fairer, younger and raw. Now Matchok, or better known as the that’s a “gem” in Sagada you “Cabbage Man.” would want to get your hands After his picture was posted, on. This very photogenic vegnetizens have been comparing etable farmer has been making him to “Carrot Man.” Some girls swoon, after a Facebook user spotted him and circulated even commented that he looks more manly and masculine. They his photos online. The farmer also noticed Matchok’s muscular from rural Sagada, Mountain physique from a photo showing Province, was identified within the “Cabbage Man” carrying a a day as Jeyrick Sigmaton by a basket loaded with cabbages. very enthusiastic fanbase, and My heart craves for has started to trend with the “Chicharon” hashtag #carrotman.

Vying away from the “veggieSome say that “carrot man” Bryan Ambriz aka “Chicharon Man” Neil Galuten aka “Cabbage Man” is a dead ringer for Filipino actor men” and invading the social (Photo from Bryan Ambriz’s Facebook page) (from Neil Galuten Matchok’s Facebook page) media world is “Chicharon Man” Hero Angeles. Sigmaton has who made a heart-stopping a 24-hour time frame. first posted in the Facebook since been busy with interviews entrance with his product and his pages, “Trending News” and The only “Gasoline News” I and guest appearances, and boy-next-door looks! want to hear “Viral.” has reportedly been offered a The Chicharon (crunchy You’ve probably seen the “Chicharon Man” was modeling contract. Boardwalk, fried pork belly snack) vendor viral photo of a “Cosmo Hunkidentified as Bryan Ambriz after a Philippine-based retailer, was spotted in a bus, selling worthy gasoline boy, haven’t his after his photo was shared announced that it has brought quail eggs and other yummy you? How hunk-worthy, you via fb and gained thousand of Sigmaton on as its new brand transit goodies. His photo was likes from female Netizen within spokesmodel.

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Angelu de Leon

spiritual, and compassionate.

Audie Gemora: Continue her daily introspection so that she does not lose track of who she is and what she stands for.

She and Duterte were relative unknowns but were voted by the people, who are sick and tired of trapo (traditional politician) officials—their systems of corruption and compromise, the oligarchy that protects its own interests.

I pray they will govern according to what is best for our nation [and] not cater to the interests of sectors who have oppressed the Filipinos for years.

John Arcilla: [I advise her] to cooperate with the new administration and be critical towards its governance at the same time.

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celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar They were together through thick and thin, in spite of the fact that there were doubts about their relationship. So it was not a surprise to many when actors Jason Francisco and Melai Cantiveros — together popularly known as “Melason” — admitted that their marriage is going through some problems.

They, however, denied that they have separated.

What started the news about the end of their marriage was when fans noticed that earlier posts on their Instagram account have disappeared.

There was even one post that said, “Melason is over.”

In an interview with Boy Abunda, Jason revealed that their social media account was hacked.

“Nawala yung account namin, na-hack (Our account

was lost, it was hacked),” the actor said.

The original Melason (@ mrandmrsfrancisco) Instagram account that was hacked has now been changed to @greyfullofcolors, and has a following of 400,000. At present, the couple is now also able to use the original account.

The couple recently posted a statement in their new account, explaining to all their supporters about the real state of their marriage.

The lengthy statement also reveal that their relationship is going through some problems, but showed a video of the couple with their daughter, Amelia Lucille, happily playing together.

“Dear Melason, nang mga nakaraang ilang araw may naging balita po tungkol samen, na hiwalay na daw po ang

Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco admit marriage problems

Melason (forever naging over) (Dear Melason, the past few days, there were news about us saying that Melason [we] have separated [forever over]),” the post said.

“Ang totoo po ay may pinagdadaanan po talaga ang Melason, pero lumaki lamang ito dahil sa naikwento namen sa mga ilang tao at Melason fan (The truth is, Melason [we] are going through something, but the matter only became big because we told a few people and a Melason fan.”

Continuing that apart from the fact that their account was hacked, they have really stopped posting because of what they have been going through.

Base on their post, it was clear that the strain on their marriage was caused by the lack of quality time with each other and their family.

“Dahil din siguro di na namin nagagawa ang aming bonding palagi dahil sa sobrang trabaho po namin, na halos sa pagtulog na lang kame nagkikita (It’s could be because we have not been doing our bonding [time] due to too much work, that we only get to see

Cardiologist Dr. Neil Sawney, daughter of Dr. Arnee Vasa Sawney, became the bride of Atty. Samir Vora at a traditional Indian American wedding ceremony. Shown in photo are (L-R) Rema and Suresh Vasa, the groom Atty. Samir Vora, and Dr. & Mrs. Neil Sawney.

Showbiz couple Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco recently admitted that their marriage is going through problems but denied that they have separated.

Matthew Sta. Ana-Cordoza recently graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Business Administration. He is shown during a party given to him by family and friends.

Former beauty queen Marilen Bernardo visited Manila last March and is shown in picture with her father, business tycoon Rodolfo Bernardo and Shangri-La Makati Duty Manager Aki Alonto.

Marilen was given VIP treatment at the hotel where she stayed majority of the time.

The Claverianos Getaway Cruise in Baja Mexico recently held and was organized by Rema de Rivera Vasa, Overall Chair. Over 120 people joined the unforgettable cruise reunion, among them 48 Claverianos and friends from the Bay Area. The rest of the groups are Claverianos and friends from Los Angeles, Hawaii, Houston, Canada, Las Vegas and the Philippines. Carnival Cruise provided the Rock and Roll Club for the gala night.

Jasmin Campbell (center) was recently crowned as the US Ilocano National Association (USINA) Queen for 2016 held recently at the Holiday Inn Hotel. Also in photo are Vic Barba, USINA board member and Zoe Ann Pascual, first runner up.

Daly City Atty. Rose Zimmerman was the guest of honor and speaker of the Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center (PBRC) recently. In picture, PBRC Director, Walter Batara, PBRC President, Ray Satorre, Atty. Rose Zimmerman and husband.

each other when we are about to sleep),” the post continued.

The couple, however, assured their fans that they working things out and will not let their family fall apart.

“Ito ay pagsubok sa isang mag-asawa pero di po namen hahayaang mghiwalay

kame dahil lang sa maliit na tampuhan, mahal na mahal po namen ang isat-isa at marami pa kame pangarap sa aming pamilya. (This is a just a test on a couple’s marriage, but we will not break up just because of a minor quarrel. We love each other very much and we still

have many plans and dreams for our family).

“Huwag po kayo mag-alala, ang Melason ay nagmamahalan at di po kame papaapekto sa showbiz at social media. (Don’t not worry, Melason still love each other and we will not be affected by showbiz and social media).”

Let’s hope and pray that Melai and Jason will be able to surpass the problems in the marriage.

Charo Santos comeback film by Lav Diaz

by Bayani

San Diego Inquirer.net

Jr.

ChARO Santos, ABSCBN chief content officer and president of the ABS-CBN University, returns to acting in a Lav Diaz film entitled “Ang Babaeng humayo.” Lav told the Inquirer that the film recently wrapped up shooting in Mindoro, Charo’s home province.

Charo, host of the TV drama anthology “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” last appeared on the big screen in a cameo in Jerry Lopez Sineneng’s “esperanza the Movie” in 1999

and in a supporting role in elwood Perez’s “Ms. Dolora X” in 1993.

She won best actress at the Asian Film Festival for her debut movie, Mike de Leon’s “Itim,” released in 1976.

Throughout her acting career, she also got to work with some of the country’s best filmmakers, including eddie Romero (“Aguila”), Marilou Diaz-Abaya (“Brutal”) and Lino Brocka (“Gumapang Ka sa Lusak”).

Charo hopes to field her comeback movie in this December’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

Charo Santos

Featuring the best of the...

From Page SF2 friend count down the days to his departure, life in the mountains subtly changes and begins to feel ominous. The majestic terrain of Barangay Tamugan, with its peaks, caves, waterfalls, and rivers, is a dramatic backdrop to this mysterious tale of childhood and innocence lost.

“Heneral Luna” (Directed by Jerrold Tarog) Saturday, June 18, 7 pm / Sunday, June 19, 2 pm (2015, 119 min., Tagalog with English subtitles) Some consider General Antonio Luna the greatest military mind the Philippines ever saw, and the only hope the fledgling revolutionary army had against the American invaders. This rousing historical epic tells the tragic story of the mercurial genius and the sad republic that would come to betray him. heneral Luna was the Philippines’ official 2016 submission to the Academy Awards, and one of the most popular independent films in the history of the country.

“Manang Biring” (Directed

by Carl Joseph Papa) Saturday, June 25, 4:30 pm / Sunday, June 26, 4 pm (2015, 88 min., Tagalog with

English subtitles) The first fully rotoscoped animation film made in the Philippines explores how Filipinos, especially those on the margins of society, deal with death. The title character, an elderly woman with no money to her name, is more than ready to face death.

But when she learns of a chance to reunite with her daughter and her grandson, she tries everything she can to put it off just a little while longer.

Family screening “Patintero: Ang Alamat ni Meng Patalo” (Directed by Mihk Vergara) Sunday, June 26, 2 pm (2015, 90 min., Tagalog with English subtitles) Suitable for all ages, this zany coming-of-age film is old-fashioned fun with a distinctly ’80s feel. Patintero is a street game played by children all over the Philippines, requiring nothing more than a piece of chalk. With fantastic performances from the young cast, the film shows how patintero takes the place of everything missing from the children’s lives.

“Trap [Taklub]” (Directed by Brillante Mendoza) Thursday, June 30, 7:30 pm

/ Saturday, July 2, 7 pm (2015, 89 min., Tagalog with English subtitles) Typhoon haiyan, one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded, struck the eastern Philippines on November 8, 2014, killing more than six thousand people. Brillante Mendoza’s Trap captures the reality of the posttyphoon situation in the hardesthit city of Tacloban. Filmed in an intimate documentary style, the film features actors blending in with real residents coping with the devastation and focuses on three survivors: a mother who lost her children, a husband who lost his wife, and a son who lost his parents. Starring Nora Aunor. yBCA’s New Filipino Cinema is made possible through the partnership of FACINe, Filipino Arts exposition, and International Southeast Asian Film Festival.

Tickets are at $10 (General admission), and $8 for yBCA members, seniors, students and/or teachers. There is a 25 percent discount on four or more screenings.

For more information, log on to https://ybca.org/whats-on/ new-filipino-cinema-2016. *Many thanks to Maureen Dixon Harrison.

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Direk Brillante shares his Cannes experience

by Dolly

Anne CArvAjAl Inquirer.net

BRILLANTE “Dante” Mendoza could very well be called Midas because everything he works on garners a gold (Palme d’Or, which means Golden Palm, the prestigious award at the Cannes fest).

After winning best director at Cannes in 2009 for his film, “Kinatay,” direk Dante paved the way for Jaclyn Jose (lead actress of “Ma’ Rosa”) to win the best actress plum this year.

What an awesome mentor mon ami (my friend, that’s how I fondly call him) truly is.

If the French have their la vie en rose (life in pink), we Pinoys are now celebrating la vida a la (life like) Ma’ Rosa.

Jaclyn’s victory is indeed a triumph of the Pinoy spirit of finding beauty among the ruins.

Here’s my tête-à-tête with Brillante: What made your Cannes experience different this year?

I was able to bring along the young talents and staff of “Ma’ Rosa.” It’s a once-in-a-life-

“Ma’ Rosa” director Brillante Mendoza

time experience to walk on the red carpet, and see films from other countries that are competing in an international film fest to expand their knowledge.

What went through your mind as you teared up when they gave you and the “Ma’ Rosa” cast a standing ovation?

The feeling was overwhelming, especially the long applause. Very uplifting. This isn’t about me—it is a tribute to the Filipino family and the entire Filipino nation.

What reaction from your

peers in Cannes made the most impact on you?

The reactions of young filmmakers from Iran and Brazil in the short film section—when I conducted a master class, I was touched and inspired by how well they know my films and the style I use.

What do you think was Jaclyn’s edge over the other best actress contenders?

Her acting style is quite natural. She is consistent in the film. There was not a moment that she dropped her character.

She did not act.

How did you motivate Jaclyn in her portrayal of Rosa?

I allowed her to immerse and interact with the people in the location.

What lessons learned at Cannes do you want to share with other filmmakers?

Be original. Don’t be afraid to tell stories about our country.

What’s your unsolicited advice to incoming President Duterte about the film industry?

Even if the film industry is not a priority, at least put it on his list.

Meet the Filipino ‘instant celebrities’...

From Page SF3 ask? Well, just enough for an international fashion designer like Francis Libiran, to ask the guy to model for his line.

Thanks to Glenda Uchi who uploaded the photo on Facebook, the gas station cutie identified as Charles Joseph “CJ” Querol is now the newest face to look out for. Upon making the post public, more than a thousand netizens shared it on their timelines.

Sources from SEAOIL Philippines, Inc. revealed to Manila Bulletin Online that the goodlooking gasoline boy has been working with them for about three years.

“Asia’s Next Top Model” is a Badjao They call her “Badjao Girl,” I see her as a potential Binibining Pilipinas candidate, or who knows, the next Pia Wurtzbach.

The Badjao teen first made appearance via photo posted on Facebook showing her begging for spare change during a local festival in Lucban, Quezon. The phot went viral since.

Photographer Topher Quinto Burgos, showed 13-year-old Rita Gaviola aka “Badjao Girl” begging with her younger sister at the Pahiyas Festival. Filipino netizens complimented her model looks, her morena skin and high cheekbones.

Gaviola told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that she hopes her unexpected fame will help her achieve her dream of becoming a teacher. I hope that’ll keep students more motivated.

I can still remember the days when a person’s only chance on stardom is through the help of a talent scout or by auditioning for a reality show. Now, we meet the world’s greatest talent scout – Social Media.

One of the many benefits of social media is giving once-ina-lifetime chance to people like our very own “instant celebrities.” They are your common Juans and Marias who work hard to survive, not to buy the latest makeup or get the most expensive cosmetic surgery.

Obviously, they already have the looks, but their greatest asset is that they already know what hard work and dedication mean. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns.

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

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seafood city fpfc