060917 - San Francisco Edition

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

w w w. a s i a n Volume 16 - No. 24 • 3 Sections – 20 Pages

.com THE FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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JUNE 9-15, 2017

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

Duterte to martial law critics: Don’t intervene

by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com

VIRAY

MANILA - As the legal challenge to his martial law declaration unfolds, President Rodrigo Duterte exhorted soldiers fighting Maute militants in Marawi City to do their job without fear, even as he warned critics of his mailed fist response to terrorism not to interfere. “I will not let you get disadvantaged. Don’t be afraid. If you are ordered to destroy, you destroy. That’s what they want,� the President told Army troops on Wednesday, June 7 in Carmen, North Cotabato in Filipino. “I am fighting a war here, do not interfere,� he said in expletive-laced remarks addressed to critics of martial law. “I don’t care about whoever will talk about human rights. Sige,

DATELINE

kayo dito. Barilin ninyo kaagad (You here.

Shoot them at once). “So don’t be afraid to do your job. I am the only one allowed by the Constitution to do this. I and I alone can declare martial law,� he said in Filipino and English.

Duterte raised his call as Sen. Leila de Lima, former senator Rene Saguisag and several lawyers filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to compel Congress to hold a joint session to discuss martial law in Mindanao. MalacaĂąang was unfazed by the filing of the petition, with presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella calling it “irrelevantâ€? as the two chambers of Congress had already expressed support for President Duterte’s Proclamation No. 216 placing Mindanao under martial law.

“It’s a democratic process. They can go ahead and do so,� he added.

Chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo said the petitioners have “misread� the provision of the Constitution. “The Constitution cannot be clearer. Congress is only required to convene and vote jointly on the proclamation of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus if it intends to revoke such proclamation and suspension,� Panelo said in a statement.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III welcomed the filing of the petition, saying the Supreme Court “should step in as the referee� to settle differing interpretations of a constitutional provision. (With reports from Marvin Sy)

President Rodrigo Duterte recently visited the 102nd Infantry Brigade Headquarters in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

MalacaĂąang photo

Aguirre tags Trillanes, Aquino in Marawi crisis

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

‘PH-US military ties remain strong’ AFP receives new counterterrorism weapons

THE military relationship between the Philippines and the United States remains strong despite Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s seemingly distant approach to the U.S. government, officials from both countries affirmed.

Head of U.S. Pacific Command Admiral Harry Harris and Philippine Undersecretary for Defense Policy Ricardo David both made the assurance during the Southeast Asian Young Leaders’ Programme on Sunday, June 4 in Singapore. “I believe that we are in a very good place with regard to military to military activities in the Philippines,� Harris said.

Backing up Harris’ statement, David added: “As far as the Philippines is concerned, I think we have good relations with the United States.

The Balikatan just concluded. It will continue because this is a part of our Philippine alliance with the US. We have a Mutual Defense Treaty.�

Duterte, who assumed office in June last year, had announced that the Philippines would shift closer toward China and Russia as

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US accuses China of ‘buying its way out’ of South China Sea issues CHINA cannot use its economic powers to evade issues concerning territorial disputes in the South China Sea row and the rising tensions in the Korean Peninsula, the United States said on Monday, June 5.

While Washington desires to have a “productive� relationship with Beijing, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson stressed that China should not “buy its way out� of diplomatic issues. “We desire productive relationships, but we cannot allow China to use its economic power to buy its way out of other problems, whether it’s militarizing islands in the South China Sea or failing to put appropriate pressure on North Korea,� Tillerson said after a meeting with his counterpart in Sydney, Australia.

He added, “They must recognize that, with a role as a growing economic and trading power comes security responsibilities as well.�

China, which has been considered among the wealthiest countries around the globe in terms of economy, has been exerting sovereignty throughout almost all of the South China Sea. Despite the counterclaims of its

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THE END IS NEAR. Army soldiers conduct clearing operations in Marawi City on Wednesday, June 7. Two weeks after gunmen waving black ags of the Islamic State (IS) group rampaged through Marawi, a Muslim-majority city, initial assertions from authorities that the conict would be over in days have given way to warnings of a protracted battle.

Inquirer.net photo by Jeoffreu Maitem

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre (left) has fresh accusations over what he thinks are possible links of Sens. Bam Aquino, Leila de Lima and Antonio Trillanes IV to recent national tragedies in the Philippines.

The three legislators are staunch critics of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte.

Philstar.com photos

by DANA SIOSON AJPress

THE father of brothers Abdullah and Omar Maute, the suspected leaders of the extremist Maute group, has reportedly been arrested on Tuesday, June 6 in Davao City.

According to Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, deputy commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, Casamora Maute was nabbed by authorities around 10 a.m. in a checkpoint manned by both the Davao City Police Office and by the Army’s 10th Infantry Division in Sirawan, Toril District.

Weapons charges will be brought against Cayamora Maute (left), father of the The elder Maute—who is also believed to

JUSTICE Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II is seeking an investigation into the possible connection of opposition lawmakers with the terror crisis in Marawi City.

Aguirre said Senators Bam Aquino and Antonio Trillanes IV, together with and Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano and former Aquino administration presidential political adviser Ronald Llamas, met with local leaders in Marawi City weeks before the conflict broke out.

He also suggested that the Marawi incident could be part of destabilization plot against President Rodrigo Duterte. “I don’t understand why after they went there, there was chaos after about two weeks,� the justice secretary remarked in a press conference on Wednesday, June 7.

The meeting between the opposition senators and local leaders supposedly happened two weeks before the clashes between government forces and Islamic

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DUTERTE ORDERS TROOPS TO ‘CRUSH’ REBELS

Father of Maute group leaders arrested in Davao

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

leaders of the terror group battling government forces in Marawi City.

Inquirer.net photo by Joselle Badilla

Police: Resorts World DOT launches new ‘Experience Philippines’ campaign gunman a ‘heavily indebted’ gambler

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

by AJPRESS THE lone gunman behind the Resorts World Manila attack that killed 37 last Friday, June 2 was a “heavily indebted� gambler, according to the Philippine police.

In a press briefing on Sunday, June 4, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Oscar Albayalde identified the gunman as 42-year-old Jessie Carlos, who was a dismissed Department of Finance (DOF) official.

According to Albayalde, Carlos racked up about P4 million-worth of debt at a certain casino he frequented, which police declined to name.

The NCRPO chief later noted that the said casino was not Resorts World Manila. “He is heavily indebted due to being hooked on casino gambling,

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Calle Crisologo in Vigan. “Here, you don’t have to see THE Philippine Department of the sun to discover radiance. You Tourism (DOT) is set to launch don’t have to see color to experiits newest campaign advertise- ence vibrance. You don’t have to ment next week. see smiles to know you’re safe On Wednesday, June 7, You don’t have to see to feel Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo you’re home,� Uchimura said in showed reporters a preview of a the video. minute-long promotional video for its newest “Experience Philippines� tourism campaign.

The video features a blind Japanese retiree Mr. Uchimura being warmly received by Filipinos while engaging in different * ĂŠ1* activities in several top tourist E destinations in the Philippines.

,"*ĂŠ" Among the destinations featured in the ad include the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao, Paoay Sand Dunes in Laoag, and

According to DOT Undersecretary Kat de Castro, the new ad is based on a true experience of a foreigner who decided to retire in the Philippines.

She added that the add is also meant to promote the country as PWD and senior citizen-friendly

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JUNE 9-15, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

Aguirre tags Trillanes, Aquino...

PAGE A1 t State (IS)-inspired Maute terrorist group first erupted on May 23.

“Because Senator Bam Aquino, I’m not — all I’m saying is, he went to Marawi on April 24 and April 28 and they stayed, they had a meeting at Lake View Resort Hotel on May 2. Present were Senator Aquino, Ronald Llamas, Alejano, Trillanes, and some clans there in Marawi, mga Moro family,” Aguirre said.

He hinted that there’s a possibility that the meeting could have “sparked the terroristic acts.”

“I don’t know, but what I was told is that, they met with several families there, including Lucman and Alonto families. But I don’t want to connect it, unless there is evidence in the money taken, seized,” Aguirre added, referring to the P52 million cash found in a previously Maute-occupied house.

In an apparent support to his allegations, Aguirre showed reporters a photo of the supposed meeting. In the photo were Llamas, Aquino, Trillanes, Alejano, former Pampanga Gov. Mark Lapid, and Zamboanga Vice Governor Ace Cerilles.

But Cerilles, through social media, clarified that the photo was taken two years ago.

“I have said, this picture was taken Sept. 4, 2015 at Iloilo International Airport when I attended the League of the Municipalities of the Philippines Visayas Conference as the National Treasurer. I don’t know why they are trying to link this to the #MarawiSiege.

Check your facts!” Cerilles wrote in a Facebook post.

In a later statement, however, Aguirre retracted his remarks, claiming that the media “misquoted” him.

“For the record, I did not say there was a meeting between the two families and some lawmakers prior to the Marawi siege. The said meeting never took place and no member of both families ever met with Senator Trillanes, Congressman Alejano and Ronald Llamas,” Aguirre said.

He further insisted, “What I said was that there were reports that some opposition senators and leaders who went to Marawi to recruit local politicians and warlords to destabilize the Duterte administration. I never said that they were successful in recruiting any local politicians and warlords.”

The justice secretary went to express his “sincere apologies” to the Alonto and Lucman families “for any confusion” in connection with the issue.

“There was no intent on my part to implicate the Alonto and Lucman families in the crisis that Marawi City is currently facing,” Aguirre said. “Both families have never been and shall never be a part of any plot to destroy or cause harm to anybody or any property.”

Opposition: Aguirre is a ‘liar’ In separate statements, Aquino, Trillanes, and Alejano, all denied alleged links with the Maute group, slamming Aguirre for his “lies.”

“To be clear, there was never any meeting among the individuals mentioned by Sec. Aguirre,” Aquino said.

While he admitted that he went to Marawi City last month, he clarified that it was for the May 19 launch of the first Negosyo Center in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

He further noted that this can be easily verified with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), who he said escorted him in his trip.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also issued a statement backing up Aquino’s claims.

“The [DTI] would just like to state the fact that Sen. Bam Aquino, along with our stakeholders in the military, the business sector and the local government, were in Marawi to attend the launch of ARMM’s first Negosyo Center in Marawi, the 508th Negosyo Center in the country,” it said.

Aquino then took a swipe at Aguirre for making “outrageous allegations.”

“Is fake news enough for the head of our country’s Department of Justice to make these outrageous allegations?” Aquino hit back.

Trillanes, on the other hand, advised the justice secretary “to avoid getting his intel from facebook conspiracy theorists.”

“The incompetence of Aguirre is only matched by his stupidity,” Trillanes said.

He also denied involvement with the rebel group, adding that he hasn’t been in Marawi for years.

“For the record, I am not involved in any way with the Maute group or the Marawi incident.

Sec. Lorenzana said so himself. I also did not have any meeting in Marawi in May 2 since I haven’t visited Marawi for the past 3 years.

But don’t take my word for it, simply check the Senate records for May 2,” Trillanes remarked.

For his part, Alejano said records can verify that he was in press conference with the House media, and later, in a plenary session, on May 2.

He then slammed Aguirre, calling him a “peddler of lies.”

“This is a complete lie fabricated by no less than a secretary of justice who should be the first one to uphold truth in pursuit of justice in this country,” Alejano said. “He has become a purveyor of anything that is fake, a peddler of lies and a persecutor of people who does not agree with the policies of the Duterte administration.”

De Lima to be included in probe According to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, Senator Leila De Lima will be included in the separate National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) investigation into the Resorts World attack.

In a radio interview, Aguirre took note that De Lima, who was then the justice secretary, issued a legal opinion in 2014 that banned the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) from implementing fire safety laws and regulations in Resorts World Manila and other casinos.

Aguirre then said that De Lima instead gave the jurisdiction Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) despite its “lack of capability to impose fire regulations.”

“Because of the said opinion, it is PEZA, a government agency without competence and experience in fire protection, who was given the authority to implement the Fire Code and its implementing rules and regulations [including] PEZA registered companies like the casinos. Such authority could not even be found in the enabling law, RA 7916,” Aguirre told DZMM. He, however, clarified that he is not blaming De Lima for the recent incident in Resorts World Manila.

“I did not say that she is liable.

What I want is to investigate the effect of her legal opinion, Aguirre said. “Is De Lima liable? No, unless, it will be shown by evidence that there was illegal consideration in the issuance of the legal opinion.” n

RESORTS WORLD MANILA INQUIRY. Photo from left: Chief, Safety, Security and Surveillance Office Mr. Armeen Gomez, Chief Legal Officer Atty. Ma. Georgina Alvarez, Resorts World Manila President Kingson Sian, Chief Operating Officer COO Stephen James Reilly, PAGCOR Chairperson and CEO Andrea Domingo, DILG Usec. Catalino Cuy, NCRPO Police Director Oscar Albayalde and representatives from the Philippine National Police, took their oaths during the Congressional hearing on the Resorts World Manila incident following the attack on Friday, June 2. The congressional hearing was held at the Dignitaries Lounge of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, in Pasay City on Tuesday, June 6.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Police: Resorts World gunman...

PAGE A1 t according to his immediate family,” Albayalde said. “This became the cause of misunderstanding with his wife and parents. He has a bank account with an outstanding debt of P4 million and several other non-bank related debt.”

He said Carlos was forced to sell a property in Batangas province, including a vehicle, on account of his debts.

Carlos’ gambling problem prompted his family to ask state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to ban him from its casinos.

As per the request of his family, Pagcor had banned Carlos from all of its casinos since April 3.

“This could have probably triggered him, kaya galit na galit siya sa (that’s why he’s so angry at the) casino,” Albayalde added.

At midnight on Friday, Carlos stormed into Resorts World Manila in Pasay City with an M4 carbine and two 1.5-liter bottles of gasoline. He fired shots inside the casino, burned down gambling tables, and stole an about 113 million-worth of casino chips.

While reports claimed Carlos didn’t directly shoot any individual, officials said the incident led to the deaths of 13 employees and 24 guests who mostly died from suffocation. Sixty-seven others were reportedly injured.

Authorities said Carlos died after setting himself on fire and shooting himself in the head.

The NCRPO chief maintained that the incident was not an act of terrorism, brushing off speculations that the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group was behind the attack.

“We reiterate that this is not an act of terrorism but this incident is confined to the act of one man alone,” Albayalde said.

Earlier, United States terrorism monitor SITE Intelligence Group said an IS Filipino operative

GUNMAN IDENTIFIED. National Capital Region Police Office Chief Oscar Albayalde shows the picture of Resorts World Manila attacker named Jessie Carlos during the press briefing’ at Remington Hotel in Pasay City on Sunday, June 3.

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

“stated that the group is responsible for the attack” at Resorts World Manila.

“We have and will continue to base our pronouncements on facts and evidence properly gathered,” Albayalde added. “We will not allow people or any threat group to use this situation to advance their propaganda or personal causes whether foreign or local. This is our duty to the Filipino people and to the international community.”

Abayalde declared the attack as ‘case closed’ as far as the suspect is concerned.

He, however, noted that investigations are still ongoing, particularly on the possible liabilities of Resorts World Manila management with regard to security.

Dismissed from service In a separate statement, the DOF confirmed that Carlos was its former employee.

DOF said Carlos was a tax specialist at the OneStop Shop Tax and Duty Drawback Center, but was dismissed by the Ombudsman in 2014 in connection with issues concerning his Statement of Assets,

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Father of Maute group leaders arrested...

PAGE A1 t be one of the rebel group’s top leaders—was reportedly seeking medical help in Davao City when he was arrested.

Since May 23, the government has been conducting ongoing clearing operations in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur against the Islamic State (IS)-inspired Maute extremist group.

“This is a big blow to the Maute terrorist group,” Gapay said.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Jo-Ar Herrera, military spokesman on the Marawi crisis, the Maute brothers’ father “provides funding and logistical support in terms of the operations” for the group.

“We also received reports that the father is part of the recruiting arm of the Maute [Group],” he told Rappler.

Along with Casamora, four others were also arrested, who were identified as his wife Kongan Balawag, his daughter Norjanah Maute, his son-in-law Benzarali Tingao, and van driver Aljon Salazar Ismael.“As a patriarch and the father of the Maute brothers...I guess he can still persuade his sons to stop the fight-

ing in Marawi and once and for all surrender to the government,” Gapay said.

Casamora and his family, including the driver, are currently detained at the Davao City Police Office.

‘Crush them’ President Rodrigo Duterte has recently ordered the military to completely “crush” the terrorists in Marawi City.

Speaking before the military in Cotabato City, Duterte said that they’re fighting a rebellion he intended to win.

“I am ordering you to crush (them)... When I say ‘crush’ them, you have to destroy everything, including lives,” Duterte told soldiers.

Rallying the troopers, Duterte reiterated his full support for the military. He also said he would assume full responsibility for the consequences of his orders, telling the troopers to not be afraid of doing their jobs.

“Gentlemen, we are fighting a rebellion. Rebellion is a war, it is not anything that you see everyday, not peace and order… If we allow it to overcome them, then this country will end something

like minus the island of Mindanao,” Duterte warned.

The conflict in Marawi City has prompted Duterte to declare martial law in the entire Mindanao region.

As the ongoing confrontation entered its third week, the death toll reportedly reached around 188 as of Saturday, June 3 -- 120 from the terrorist ranks, 38 from the government forces, and 30 civilians.

“The avowed objective of the ISIS is to kill and destroy, period.

Which is why I will destroy also and kill, period. Let us finish what you started you sons of b****. Let’s finish this,” the president said.

Duterte, who also hails from Mindanao, took a swipe at the insurgents who allegedly pledged allegiance to the IS group.

“I am angry because they brought a foreign ideology to Lanao. The Moros are dying for it.

Use your head,” he remarked.

He went on to say, “Why do you allow other people to come to our country and destroy us with their ideology? We have our own. What you’re believing is foreign, that’s not yours, that came from the Middle East.” n

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Dateline USa

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 9-15, 2017

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Feds to waive penalties for some who signed up late for Medicare

by SuSan Jaffe Kaiser Health News

Each year, thousands of americans miss their deadline to enroll in Medicare, and federal officials and consumer advocates worry that many of them mistakenly think they don’t need to sign up because they have purchased insurance on the health law’s marketplaces. That decision can leave them facing a lifetime of enrollment penalties.

Now Medicare has temporarily changed its rules to offer a reprieve from penalties for people who kept affordable care act policies after becoming eligible for Medicare.

“Many of these individuals did not receive the information necessary [when they became eligible for Medicare or when they initially enrolled] in coverage through the marketplace to make an informed decision regarding” Medicare enrollment, said a Medicare spokesman, explaining the policy change.

Those who qualify include people 65 and older who have a marketplace plan or had one they lost or canceled, as well as people who have qualified for Medicare due to a disability but chose to use marketplace plans.

They have until Sept. 30 to request a waiver of the usual penalty Medicare assesses when people delay signing up for Medicare’s Part B, which covers visits to the doctor and other outpatient care. Medicare beneficiaries who already pay the penalty because they had a marketplace plan can request that it be eliminated or reduced.

Medicare began emailing letters about the temporary waiver in March to some people 65 and older who are enrolled in plans sold on the marketplaces run by the federal government. But the federal government is not reaching out to others who may be eligible, such as beneficiaries with coverage purchased from stateoperated marketplaces. however, covered california, the largest state-run marketplace — serving 1.4 million consumers — will be sending a letter to enrollees who are about to turn 65 or are 65 and older to let them know about the temporary waiver. The letter will go out sometime this summer, said spokesman James Scullary. “covered california wants to make sure its eligible members know about this opportunity,” he said.

Some other states that run their own marketplaces also plan to contact beneficiaries

who might be eligible, including connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.

People who meet the waiver requirements can also request to be exempted from a waiting period that Medicare typically imposes on those who do not sign up when they are first eligible.

“This has been a problem from the beginning of the affordable care act, because the government didn’t understand that people would not know when they needed to sign up for Medicare,” said Bonnie Burns, a consultant for california health advocates, a consumer group. “Once they had insurance, that relieved all the stress of not having coverage and then when they became eligible for Medicare, nobody told them to make that change.”

One of them is Lisa Grimes’ 49-year-old sister, who receives Social Security disability benefits because of mental illness. She became eligible for Medicare because she receives those disability benefits but had marketplace coverage at that time.

For the past year, Grimes, a St. Louis real estate lawyer, has been trying to unravel the problems that ensued after her sister opted to keep her marketplace plan and drop her Part B coverage, probably because her marketplace premium at the time cost half as much. Only after that $50 monthly premium ballooned to $360 did they learn that marketplace customers lose their premium subsidies when they join Medicare. (Grimes agreed to be interviewed as long as her sister was not identified.)

Other Medicare beneficiaries have made similar mistakes by assuming they didn’t need Part B if they had a marketplace plan, retiree coverage from a former employer or coverage through a current employer with fewer than 20 workers or with the Department of Veterans affairs.

None of these is a substitute for Medicare Part B. Grimes said her sister couldn’t afford the new marketplace pre-

‘PH-US military ties remain...

PAGE A1 t part of his administration’s independent foreign policy.

David, however, assured that the Duterte administration’s building of closer ties with other countries like china and Russia doesn’t mean that the Philippines would distance itself away from the U.S., its decades-long ally.

“The president, I believe, wants to have an independent foreign policy, meaning we can be open to china, we can be open to Russia. he wants to have cooperation also with those two countries,” he said. harris also noted that Philippine and U.S. forces have been working together against terrorist threats, which exhibits the importance of the two countries’ military relationship.

“We are involved in activities in Mindanao to help the armed Forces of the Philippines (aFP) take the fight to IS in the Philippines. I think that is a recognition of how important our relationship with the Philippines is,” harris said.

The two officials made the statement amid the ongoing clashes between the Philippine government forces and the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group in Marawi city, Lanao del Sur. The Maute group laid siege of Marawi city on May 23 in the middle of a government operation to capture abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon hapilon. hours later, the confrontation prompted Duterte to declare martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the entire Mindanao.

On Sunday, June 5, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto abella announced on a state-run radio that around 188 people have been killed in connection with the Marawi crisis. “as of 11 p.m., June 3, 2017 in Marawi, there have been 30 civilians that have been killed by local terrorist groups, and those rescued are 1,271. Government casualties or those killed in action are 38,” abella said. “Our troops have killed 120 from the terrorist ranks, and that has remained unchanged.”

Counterterror weapons On Monday, June 5, the Philippine Marines received new counterterrorism weapons from the U.S. government under its U.S. counterterrorism Train and Equip program.

Washington has donated new firearms, among of which include 300 M4 carbines, 200 Glock 21 pistols, four M134D Gatling-style machine guns and 100 M203 grenade launchers.

“This equipment will enhance the [Philippine Marines’] counterterrorism capabilities, and help protect [troops] actively engaged in counterterrorism operations in the southern Philippines,” the U.S. embassy said in a statement.

Since 2007, the embassy said the Joint United States Military assistance Group (JUSMaG) has delivered and programmed P7.3 billion worth of weaponry to the Philippine military as part of enhancing the latter’s counterterrorism capabilities.

It added that the U.S. government has allocated P15 billion of grant funding to provide the aFP with equipment, including corresponding upgrades and training, over the last five years. additionally, the Philippine government has procured small arms, watercraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and personal protective equipment under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. according to Marines chief Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat, some of the donated weapons will be used by the military in its operations in Marawi.

“We will give this to our troops.

Our priority is in Marawi,” Salamat told reporters after the turnover ceremony at the Marine headquarters in Taguig city.

Last week, Duterte said he will no longer accept second-hand weapons for the Philippine military.

“I do not want those given by the americans. During my time, I will not have second-hand ships.

It has to be brand new,” Duterte told soldiers at a military base in Mindanao last Friday, June 2. he added that he is willing to “spend double the money” as long as the weapons for Filipino troopers were new. (AJPress)

mium and had to drop her plan last year. The Social Security administration denied her appeal to reinstate her Part B coverage with no penalty or wait period.

Then she learned about the new Medicare waiver from a Missouri counselor at the State health Insurance assistance Program.

It took several hours for Grimes to find the right letters and other documents needed to apply since her sister’s “filing system was a large shopping bag,” Grimes said. With assistance from the Medicare Rights center, her sister received Part B coverage without a late fee or waiting period. It was retroactive, so she might be reimbursed for the medical bills she paid last fall and winter when she had no insurance coverage for doctor visits.

People need to sign up for Part B usually within three months before or after turning 65 if they aren’t getting job-based insur-

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MEMORIAL. Resorts World Manila put up a memorial wall for the 37 persons who died of suffocation in its second-floor VIP casino hall, with people offering flowers, candles and prayers for the victims of the tragedy last Friday, June 2.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr.

Bay Area high school teachers needed to develop WWII in the PH lesson plans

BERkELEY, ca – Bataan Legacy historical Society (BLhS) will be selecting several teachers from the Bay area high school districts to take part in a 2-day workshop designed to create inquiry-based lesson plans to help implement WWII in the Philippines which was included in the U.S. history curriculum framework for Grade 11 (chapter 16) in california.

The workshops will take place on Wednesday, July 12 and Friday, august 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the War Memorial Veterans Building, Room 206 at 401 Van Ness ave., San Francisco, ca.

Under the direction of BLhS

Executive Director, cecilia Gaerlan and Tracie Noriega, curriculum coordinator, the sample lesson plans will be presented during the following conferences/workshops: 1. September 9, 2017 at the WWII in the Philippines conference at the University of San Francisco’s McLaren hall (in collaboration with Memorare Manila 1945 and USF Yuchengco Philippine Studies Program) 2. September 29, 2017 - Filipino-american Educator’s association conference (FaEac) in San Diego 3. October 28, 2017 - National Park Service Dissonant Voices Teachers’ Workshop at the San

Francisco asian art Museum 4. april 12-14, 2018 Organization of american historians conference in Sacramento, ca To qualify for the 2-day workshop scheduled for July 12 and august 4, please send a resume attached to a 1-page essay on your reason for participating in this groundbreaking process by June 23, 2017 to cecilia@bataanlegacy.org. Teachers who will be selected will receive a modest stipend upon completion of the workshops and designated professional training sessions to be determined.

For further information please visit www.bataanlegacy.org or call (510) 520-8540. n

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JUNE 9-15, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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SF Mayor Lee announces plans to increase funding and capacity for navigation centers and shelters SAN FRANCISCO - Mayor Edwin M. Lee celebrated the opening of the new Dogpatch Navigation Center on Wednesday, May 24, by announcing plans to increase funding and add more beds for residents experiencing homelessness as part of his proposed budget. With the opening of this new center and more in the pipeline, the number of beds at Navigation Centers will increase by nearly 150 percent by the end of next fiscal year.

“We are responding to the situations on our streets by taking bold steps to move our residents into settings where they can reclaim their lives,” said Mayor Lee. “We need our streets to be clean, safe and livable, and we need to treat our residents dealing with homelessness in a manner that is compassionate and responsive.

By increasing funding for our shelter systems and Navigation Centers, we are working on solutions to accomplish both those goals.”

Mayor Lee joined City officials and community leaders to open the Dogpatch Navigation Center, which will have 64 beds available for people experiencing chronic homelessness who were previously living in encampments.

“It is a testament to the cooperation and optimistic pragmatism of the neighborhood and small business community here in Dogpatch that we could make this Navigation Center happen,” said Supervisor Malia Cohen, whose district is home to the Dogpatch Navigation Center. “While the City must continue to collaborate with residents across all districts to alleviate this crisis, District 10 should be proud of its leadership and problem solving.”

“Opening the Dogpatch Navigation Center has been a team effort,” said Jeff Kositsky, Director of the Department of Homelessness

and Supportive Housing. “I want to thank the Mayor for his leadership and for believing in this work and all of our partners who have helped make today a reality – Supervisor Cohen, Public Works, the Port, Episcopal Community Services, Providence Foundation and so many others who have helped us along the way and will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with us as we help people on their journeys out of homelessness.”

Currently, the City has two open Navigation Centers, with plans to open four more in the next year.

The City opened its first Navigation Center at 1950 Mission Street in 2015, debuting a low-barrier, low-threshold model for engaging people living on the streets with services and access to housing exits from homelessness. In June 2016, the City’s second Navigation Center opened in the Civic Center Hotel.

Along with the Dogpatch Navigation Center, the Mayor has added $2.9 million in annual funding for the Department of Public Health’s Hummingbird Navigation Center, which will house 15 beds and be located on the campus of the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. A fourth Navigation Center is set to open at 1515 South Van Ness Avenue on June 19, adding 120 beds, and another Navigation Center in the SoMa District will begin operations in early 2018 with an estimated 125 beds.

As a result of the additional Navigation Centers, the number of available beds will increase by 149 percent, expanding from 167 beds to 416 over the next year. Annual funding for Navigation Centers will increase by 215 percent, from $4.9 million to $15.3 million.

Between traditional shelter systems and Navigation Centers, there are currently 1,826 beds in San Francisco available for

residents experiencing homelessness. But with investments made by the Mayor in the upcoming budget that number will increase to 2,105, a 15 percent gain. That includes funding for 30 new traditional shelter beds for families experiencing homelessness. Overall funding for traditional shelters and Navigation Centers will increase 44 percent, from $25.9 million to $37.3 million during the next fiscal year.

Navigation Centers play a critical role in the City’s homeless services system—creating an entry-point for people on the streets and in encampments who have not been able to engage services through the traditional shelter system. Navigation Centers move people off the streets and out of tents. Navigation Center guests have access to intensive case management, critical service connection to healthcare, entitlement benefits, and drug treatment programs.

“This Navigation Center sets a great example of how we can use creative solutions to address the challenge of homelessness in our city,” said San Francisco Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru, whose organization designed and built the Dogpatch Navigation Center. “We turned a stretch of the public right of way into a safe and welcoming village where people who have been living on the streets in often dangerous situations can sleep, eat, shower, avail themselves to services and get back on more solid ground.”

Key to the success of Navigation Centers is access to new housing and connections to existing services. Due to increased resources in the last budget, nearly 80 percent of residents who stayed in Navigation Centers successfully transitioned into permanent housing, safe temporary placements or reunited with family members. n

Police: Resorts World gunman...

PAGE A2 t Liabilities Net Worth (SALN).

In 2011, the Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) filed a complaint against Carlos over his “failure to disclose truthfully all his assets in his SALN.” “In a 17-page decision received on April 25, 2014, the Ombudsman dismissed Carlos for Grave Misconduct and Gross Neglect of Duty for not declar-

ing his house and lot in Manila in his 2003 to 2006 SALNs, his Toyota Innova SUV in his 2007 SALN and his business interest in his 2010 SALN,” a May 2014 statement posted on the Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) website read.

It also cited Carlos’ “huge loans” and purchasing of properties higher than his total gross income.

“The failure to declare some of his assets at the time these assets were actually acquired and/ or registered under his name and his scheme of claiming several indebtedness without giving particulars i.e. from whom he acquired these enormous loans can also reflect his evil desire to conceal his ill-gotten wealth” it further read, quoting the Ombudsman. n

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY. Fr. John Leydon leads the praying ceremony in celebrating the 2017 World Environment Day with the theme “My Home is a No-Go Zone for Mining”, on Monday, June 5 in Mendiola, Manila. PNA photos by Rico H. Borja

Study finds Healthy California Act will cost billions less and cover millions more than current system Middle class families and California businesses would pay less and receive more coverage SACRAMENTO – A study by national researchers released Wednesday, May 31, found that the Healthy California Act (Senate Bill 562) will save billions of dollars while expanding coverage to uninsured and underinsured Californians.

“Healthcare costs Californians billions and one-third of people with healthcare still don’t have enough coverage,” said Senator Ricardo Lara. “The good news is that California can get a lot more for our money and reduce the costs of healthcare for middle class families and businesses.”

Here are some of the findings of the economic analysis by a team of economists at the

Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, led by nationally known economist and author Robert Pollin.

The total cost of healthcare in California will fall from $368.5 billion to $331 billion with the passage of SB 562.

Middle class families will pay less for healthcare. The average middle class family will see their out of pocket costs fall by 9 percent if they now buy insurance, and 2.6 percent if they get insurance from their employer.

Businesses will pay less for healthcare. Small businesses with fewer than 9 employees who provide healthcare will see costs fall by 22 percent. Mid-

US accuses China of ‘buying...

PAGE A1 t

Asian neighboring countries, China has built several artificial islands within the disputed reefs.

At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump, who assumed office in January this year, has started to seek China’s help in denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.This has caused concerns among Asian allies that the U.S. might turn soft on China in connection with the sea.Last month, the United States sent its guidedmissile destroyer, U.S.S. Dewey, to patrol within 12 nautical miles of a Chinese artificial island in the South China Sea, marking the first freedom of navigation operation (FONOP) conducted in the disputed waters under the Trump administration.

The U.S. Navy warship specifically sailed in Mischief Reef, a part

of the Spratly Islands, where countries like China and the Philippines have competing claims. Brunei, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam also have overlapping claims in the Spratlys region.

U.S.-Australia commitment Also on Monday, the governments of the U.S. and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. “The U.S. and Australia reaffirmed our commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the seas, particularly the South China Sea and elsewhere, to ensure unimpeded flow of lawful commerce in a rules-based order,” Tillerson said.

He added that both countries express opposition against “China’s artificial island construction and

dle-sized business with 10-19 employees will pay 13 percent less. Even large businesses with 500 employees will pay less.

Healthy California will give full coverage to the estimated one-third of Californians who are underinsured and burdened with high out of pocket costs.

Healthy California cuts costs through better administration and lower prescription drug costs. Having one publicly run system will reduce inefficiency and missed prevention opportunities, similar to Medicare now.

The California Nurses Association/National Nurses United is the sponsor of Senate Bill 562 and sponsored the study. n their militarization that features in international waters.”

The two countries also called on North Korea “to abandon its illegal nuclear weapons program.”

In response to U.S. and Australia’s joint statement, China, on the other hand, reiterated that Beijing has been working with its concerned neighbors in promoting peace and stability in the disputed waters.

“We hope relevant parties can fully respect and support regional countries’ efforts to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea and play a constructive role in this regard, rather than the opposite,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said.

Hua also pointed out that China and Southeast Asian countries have reached a framework of a code of conduct in the South China Sea. (AJPress)

DOT launches new ‘Experience Philippines’...

PAGE A1 t destination.

The campaign is scheduled to be launched locally on Independence Day, June 12, and later, worldwide.

Earlier in January, the DOT released its first campaign ad with the tagline, “When you’re with Filipinos, you’re with family.”

Nickelodeon Park Also on Wednesday, the Tourism chief took the opportunity to clarify that only the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has the authority to issue permits for the construction of the controversial Nickelodeon theme park in Coron, Palawan.

“Syempre at the end of the day, hindi naman kami yung mag-i-issue ng permit, it’s DENR and the local government unit (Of course at the end of the day, it is not the DOT who will issue the permit but it’s the DENR and the local government unit),” Teo said.

Teo made the statement days after announcing in a television interview that the project will push through despite heavy opposition from environmental advocates and concerned citizens.

“DOT does not issue permits. We are only here to

Tourism officials led by Tourism Sec. Wanda Teo (center) held a press conference at the DOT Media Center in Makati City on Wednesday, June 7. Philippine News Agency photo by Ben Briones

sell the destination once it is ready...to promote the destination. If it has complied with everything, I’m sure bibigyan ng permit ‘yan (I’m sure they’ll be given permit) and we will sell the destination definitely,” she added.

Allaying fears, Teo reaffirmed that the park developers assured her they would “preserve the environment,” and that the project will not damage the corals.

Last January, Nickelodeon’s parent company Viacom, in partnership with Coral World Park Undersea Resorts Inc.,

announced its plan to develop a 400-hectare theme park in Coron.

A previous company release said it plans to build an “undersea development showcasing the area’s marine life that would give fans a chance to ‘interact with the brand and the iconic characters they love.’”

The developers, however, was quick to clarify that the project is not an underwater theme park but rather, a land-based “resort and attraction” designed as “an undersea attraction with an ocean conservation focus.” n

Feds to waive penalties for some...

PAGE A3 t ance, or when their job-based health insurance ends if they are older than 65, according to Medicare rules. Most people under 65 who receive Social Security disability benefits qualify for Part B after 24 months of benefits.

Under the health law, people who qualify for Medicare will lose subsidies in the online exchange plans. And enrolling in one of those plans does not protect them from a permanent late enrollment penalty.

Marketplace insurers, who are often the first to spot when a member is turning 65, are barred under the health law from canceling coverage because that member may qualify for Medicare, Burns said. They are required, however, to cancel a Medicareeligible member’s subsidies.

Last summer, Medicare officials began sending emails each month to about 15,000

people with subsidized coverage through the federally run marketplace. The notices target people approaching their 65th birthday and tell them how “to avoid an unwanted overlap in Marketplace and Medicare coverage.” Officials also began contacting individuals who already have both Medicare and subsidized marketplace coverage, urging them to discontinue the latter.

Yet the warnings have missed some people with marketplace coverage, who could find themselves on the hook to cover their own medical bills if their private insurer indicates they should have been on Medicare and refuses to pay.

“These are very complex rules,” said Stacy Sanders, federal policy director at the Medicare Rights Center, a consumer advocacy group that spearheaded an effort in 2015 by nearly 50 unions, insurance companies and seniors’

advocacy organizations urging Medicare officials to address the problem. “The lack of good notification was leading people down a dangerous path in terms of declining or delaying Part B.” Those who enroll in Part B 12 months or later after becoming eligible can face apermanent penalty of 10 percent added to the Part B premium for each full 12-month period that a beneficiary could have had Part B, but didn’t enroll. This year, the Part B standard average monthly premium is $109.

For information on how to apply for the waiver, officially called “time-limited equitable relief,” go to the Medicare Rights Center’s Medicare Interactive webpage or call the center’s helpline at 800333-4114.

This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNe 9-15, 2017

A

DFA chief meets with EU envoys

by Helen

FIRST DAY BLUES. A first grader cries as she joins her classmates inside a classroom at the President Corazon Aquino Elementary School in Quezon City on Monday, June 5. Education officials said the opening of classes was generally peaceful.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike de Juan

Tourism chief’s husband appointed to board of Landbank subsidiary MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed the husband of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo as board member of a subsidiary of Land Bank of the Philippines.

Roberto Teo was appointed board member of the Land Bank of the Philippines Leasing and Finance Corp. last June 2, documents released by Malacañang on Tuesday, June 6 showed.

According to LLFC, it was created primarily “to engage in leasing of all kinds of equipment, extend credit to industrial, commercial, agricultural and other enterprise and engage in financing of merchandise in all their various forms.”

Teo was chief of the Investments Promotions Center of Davao City, where Duterte served as mayor for

more than 23 years.

He was also board member representing the travel and tours enterprises of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority during the Aquino administration.

Tourism Secretary Teo is the sister of broadcasters Mon, Ben, Raffy and Erwin.

Aside from Roberto Teo, 12 others were given new posts earlier this month: - Alex Roldan, director IV of the Department of the Interior and Local Government - Pedrito Angeles, board member of the Home Development Mutual Fund - Leticia Damaso, board member of the Philippine Postal Savings Bank - Jaime Paz, board member of

the Social Housing Finance Corp.

- Emiliano Reyes, board member of the Social Housing Finance Corp.

- Leonardo Lopez, board member of the Manila International Airport Authority - Ricardo Juliano, board member of the LBP Resources and Development Corp.

- Jennifer Yasol, prosecutor IV of the National Prosecution Service in Panabo City - Annalyn Cuisia and Teresita Brazil, board of trustees members of the Land Bank Countryside Development Foundation Inc. - Conrado Miñano, board member of the LBP Leasing and Finance Corp.

- Dimapuno Datu board member of the Light Rail Transit Authority (Alexis Romero/Philstar.com)

Flores and Janvic Mateo Philstar.com

MANILA - Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano met behind closed doors with European Union (EU) Ambassador Franz Jessen and other envoys from EU-member countries on Friday, weeks after President Duterte rejected a 250-million euro (P13.92 billion) aid package from the bloc.

No specific details were divulged about the two and a half hour meeting, which took place at the Department of Foreign Affairs, except that it was an “honest dialogue” about the long relations between the Philippines and the EU. A statement from the EU delegation did not make reference to Duterte’s rejection of EU aid programs, but stated the discussion with Cayetano was “to have an open, friendly but honest dialogue on ensuring long historical relations are maintained and strengthened.”

The meeting was followed by lunch. Ambassadors Gordon Kricke of Germany, Jossef Bencze of Hungary, Luis Antonio Calvo Castaño of Spain and Harald Fries of Sweden were present, as well as EU head of cooperation and trade sections, deputy speaker and Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano, the sister of Secretary Cayetano.

The officials said the lunch was “in good Filipino tradition,” and thanked Rep. Pia “for bringing

education and delicious cake to the table.”

Last month, Duterte turned down development aid from the EU, saying it “may be used as the reason for interfering in the internal affairs of the country.”

The President also challenged the US and the EU to pull their aid to the Philippines in October last year, due to concerns over alleged extrajudicial killings in the government’s drug war.

In an earlier interview, Secretary Cayetano said Duterte would refuse any aid that would impact the administration’s war on drugs. The EU, however, said the grants would have been allocated to Muslim communities.

EU, China offer solidarity The EU and the Chinese government have also extended condolences to the Philippines following the deadly attack that killed 38 people at Resorts World Manila on Friday, June 2.

In a statement, the EU said it stands in solidarity with the Filipino people following the attack.

“Our sincere condolences go to the families and friends of those who were killed and to the government of the Philippines, and we wish a quick recovery to those who were injured.”

During a press conference in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said they are closely monitoring the developments in the attack.

No specific details were divulged about the two and a half hour meeting, which took place at the Department of Foreign Affairs, except that it was an “honest dialogue” about the long relations between the Philippines and the EU.

“We mourn for the victims and express sympathy with the injured. It is believed that the Philippine side will properly handle the case,” Hua said.

“We are still trying to verify whether Chinese citizens were hurt or killed in this unfortunate incident. The Chinese side is in close communication with the Philippine side on that.”

The governments of the United States, United Kingdom and Australia have also expressed sympathy to the Philippines through their respective ambassadors.

NEDA-ICC approves Mindanao Railway, 3 infra projects for approval THE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board’s Investment Coordination Committee (ICC), in its joint ICC-Technical Board and Cabinet Committee meeting on June 1, 2017, approved the Mindanao Railway Project’s (MRP) TagumDavao-Digos (MRP-TDD) segment and two other rail projects of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

In approving these projects, the ICC advised DOTr to coordinate with the NEDA Secretariat to complete the ICC approval requisites. The ICC also approved an integrated flood risk management project in Cavite. These will all be elevated to the NEDA Board for

confirmation of the ICC approval.

The MRP-TDD aims to provide a more efficient, reliable, and affordable transportation to boost tourism, industry, and overall economic development in the area by connecting existing and emerging growth centers in the Davao Region.

It will form the first phase of the proposed 830-kilometer MRP loop, involving a 102.28-kilometer commuter railway that will run from Tagum City, Davao del Norte, to Digos City, Davao del Sur, with 7 stations, one terminal in Davao City, and one depot in Tagum City.

The estimated project cost is PhP35.26 billion and will be lo-

cally financed.

If confirmed by the NEDA Board, project construction is targeted to begin in the first quarter of 2018 and is expected to be finished by the third quarter of 2022.

Meanwhile, the ICC also approved the North South Railway Projects (NSRP) - South Line, which will revive the Philippine National Railways (PNR) south railway.

It has an estimated project cost of PhP285 billion and will be financed through Official Development Assistance (ODA).

The NSRP-South Line will consist of three tracks that will run from Tutuban to Los Baños for

the commuter line (72 km), and Los Baños to Sorsogon for the long haul (581 km), terminating at the Port of Manila—via FTI in Taguig—through the connecting third track.

The Malolos-Clark Railway Project (MCRP) was likewise approved, which will be connecting with the ongoing Tutuban-Malolos portion of the North South Commuter Railway.

The MCRP will run from Malolos, Bulacan, to Clark International Airport (Phase I), and from Clark International Airport to Clark Green City (Phase II).

The project has an estimated cost of PhP211.43 billion. Construction will be financed through

ODA, while the operations and maintenance will be through Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

The construction for Phase I will begin on the 2nd Quarter of 2019 and is expected to be completed by the 2nd Quarter of 2022.

Phase II will be implemented from 2022 to 2024.

Lastly, the ICC approved the Cavite Industrial Area Flood Risk Management Project that will mitigate flooding of 45,000 homes due to the overflowing water from the San Juan River, Ylang-Ylang River, and Rio Grande River, and the poor drainage of Maalimango Creek.

The project has an estimated project cost of PhP9.89 billion.

Construction is targeted to begin in October 2019 and is expected to be completed by April 2024.

In addition to the infrastructure projects approved by the ICC, the ICC also approved a two-year extension of the OPEC Fund for International Development loan for the for the Road Improvement and Institutional Development Project of the Department of Public Works and Highways, as well as noted updates provided on the ongoing review of various roads and bridges, public transport, irrigation, and flood control projects.

The NEDA Board, chaired by President Rodrigo R. Duterte, is expected to convene again within June 2017.

A

june 9-15, 2017 • nORCAL ASIAn jOuRnAL

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

OpiniOn

Features

Bright spot

“THE Philippines is a beautiful country, and we intend to leverage on this strength to boost economic growth,” the Duterte administration stressed when it said that it intends to develop the tourism sector by drawing more than 12 million tourist arrivals by 2022, which is more than double the number recorded in 2015.

Based on the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2016-2022, an annual 10-percent growth rate in tourist arrivals will have to be met to reach this goal.

For this year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) aims to attract some 6.5 million in foreign visitor arrivals and 73.3 million domestic tourists. These targets are higher than 10 percent from the projected 5.9 million in foreign tourists, and up 4 percent from the 70.5 million in domestic tourists in 2016.

As if this task is not enough, the tourism sector must now maneuver through a series of challenges brought by tensions inside (the controversial war against illegal drugs) and outside (the continuing issuance of travel advisories by the U.S. and other countries) its coastal areas.

In April, during one of the busiest travel seasons in the country, the U.S. warned its citizens against traveling to the central Philippines after receiving information that a terrorist organization was planning to kidnap tourists there. The American embassy in Manila said that based on

their Worldwide Caution, there was an ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens in countries abroad, including the Philippines.

Earlier in May, the U.S. Embassy issued another travel advisory for their citizens who plan to visit the province of Palawan following information that terrorist groups may be planning to conduct kidnapping operations targeting foreign nationals in the area.

On May 24, it issued another advisory when the Marawi City crisis broke out and the declaration of martial law throughout Mindanao was declared. In an emergency message, the U.S. Embassy warned citizens of the crisis and announced the temporary suspension of its personnel to missions throughout Mindanao.

On Friday, June 2, the embassy yet again posted another travel warning, this time in Manila following a robbery attempt at Resorts World Manila in Pasay City. The incident left at least 37 people dead, including the lone suspect.

DOT Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo admitted

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

that travel advisories make it difficult to promote tourism, but she remains optimistic as she stresses that the government will intensify its campaign of “selling” the Philippines as a major tourist destination.

“We will double our efforts,” Teo vowed.

Teeming with natural resources, renowned

cultural heritage, and the warmth and all-encompassing nature of its people, the country is still sure to attract and reward its visitors.

With the ongoing assertive and collaborative efforts of its travel sector and national government, increased patronage for its islands is not far behind. (AJPress)

Trump’s decision on climate change: A matter of fact-based principles or the dictate of politics?

WHAT was President Donald Trump The Fil-Am really thinking when he withdrew the Perspective United States’ commitment to the Paris agreement on climate change?

He said his reasons Gel SantoS-ReloS were economic — to bring jobs back to American workers, whom he said were affected by the regulations that killed the jobs of coal miners in favor clean and renewable energy sources.

“As of today, the United States will cease all implementation of the nonbinding Paris accord and the draconian financial and economic burdens the agreement imposes on our country,” Trump announced on June 1.

But economists, business and community leaders, and CEOs have disputed this argument and have been advising Trump that these regulations that stir the country toward clean and renewable energy has in fact inspired and encouraged innovation and inventions that have added more jobs, and has made America a leader toward pro-

I SYMPATHIZE with Secretary Martin Andanar.

All the confusion and the conflicting messages from government are assumed to be his fault, as the person in charge of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).

After all, PCOO is mandated “to serve as the premier arm of the Executive Branch in engaging and involving the citizenry and the mass media to enrich the quality of the public discourse on all matters of governance and build a national consensus thereon.”

And it is in this very mandate that Andanar’s PCOO, or any PCOO for that matter, is always bound to fail. The mandate sets an impossible target—that of building a national consensus.

Anyone with common sense will know upfront that achieving a national consensus is not only impossible in our culture but is also terribly undemocratic.

But the issue right now is not even achieving that consensus, but simply for government to present a coherent and unified message.

One can indeed fault our government’s communication infrastructure for failing to deliver a common message in a clear and

will contribute nearly $60 each.”

The newspaper further explained that “if the United States contributed its full pledge, the total would be a little less than $10 per American. With Mr. Trump stopping payments, the United States will have contributed $1 billion, or just more than $3 per person.”

This is shameful, and even immoral especially because the United States is among the world’s top polluters. “The United States, with its love of big cars, big houses and blasting air-conditioners, has contributed more than any other country to the atmospheric carbon dioxide that is scorching the planet,” the NYTimes reported.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “in 2014, the top carbon dioxide (CO2) emitters were China, the United States, the European Union, India, the Russian Federation, and Japan. These data include CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion, as well as cement manufacturing and gas flaring. Together, these sources represent a large proportion of total global CO2 emissions.”

During former President Barack Obama’s term, he was able to con-

vince China and India to be part of the Paris accord. No one nation can do it alone. It takes the whole planet, especially the biggest polluters, to work together to solve these problems because we all share the same planet together. With the U.S.’ exit, it now joins the league of Syria and Nicaragua as the only countries not on board in the Paris Accord.

So having said these, does Trump even believe in science and the studies that prove climate change is real? According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), “Ninetyseven percent of climate scientists agree that climate-warming trends over the past century are very likely due to human activities, and most of the leading scientific organizations worldwide have issued public statements endorsing this position.”

NASA has published compelling evidence for rapid climate change: sea level rise, global temperature rise, warming oceans, shrinking ice sheets, declining Arctic Sea ice, glacial retreat, extreme events — the number of record high temperature events in the United States has been increasing, while the number

of record low temperature events has been decreasing, since 1950. The U.S. has also witnessed the increasing numbers of intense rainfall events, acidification of oceans, decreased snow cover, etc. Trump does not believe in these enough to compel him to act on it?

Or could it be that what matters to Trump and all that he could grasp is the here and now without regard to the future? Is he thinking like a traditional capitalist who will push to make profits even at the expense of our environment and the planet we will leave to the next generation?

Or could the political analysts be right that Trump decided to abandon the U.S.’ commitment to the Paris accord for political reasons? Does he want to score points with his base by proving he can fulfill his campaign promise without regard to facts, reason and moral obligation? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Communicating confusion in a culture of ‘epal’ and ‘mema’

Analysis

antonio P. ContReRaS

tecting planet earth.

Trump argued that he withdrew the U.S. out of the Paris accord because it was a bad deal for America.

“The Paris climate accord is simply the latest example of Washington entering into an agreement that disadvantages the United States, to the exclusive benefit of other countries, leaving American workers, who I love, and taxpayers to absorb the cost in terms of lost jobs, lower wages, shuttered factories and vastly diminished economic production,” he said.

This has been debunked by facts.

According to the New York Times, “industrialized countries have voluntarily pledged $10.3 billion since 2013 to help poorer nations reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the effects of climate change. The United States has pledged by far the most — $3 billion, twice that of the second-largest pledger, Japan. But on a per-capita basis, many other countries have offered more than the United States. Swedes, for example,

precise manner when it counts the most. This was seen in the recent events that attended the attack on Resorts World Manila.

In a situation where there is so much uncertainty, and where the steady hand of the state had to make its presence felt, there was just too much conflicting information. The ensuing confusion was caused less by the usual suspects in the media, but was primarily created by the divergent revelations being made by state agents, and by the management of Resorts World Manila. In a situation where one is seeking for answers amidst the horror and the confusion, one is not comforted by the picture of PNP Chief Director General Bato dela Rosa claiming that it was not a terrorist attack even as Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana was saying that he was not yet ready to rule out the terrorist angle, and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez was emphatically insisting that it was in fact an act of terrorism perpetrated by a lone wolf.

And this is just one of the several conflicting messages that can only lead to confusion.

Dela Rosa initially claimed that the gunman was killed by friendly troops. Later, NCRPO Director Oscar Albayalde and Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella separately held that the gunman had shot himself in the head after committing an act of self-immolation.

Dela Rosa also claimed that a

security guard was wounded by a self-inflicted gunshot, only to be contradicted by Stephen Reilly, the Resorts World Manila chief operating officer.

There is no question that the public’s interpretation of events may by its very nature, more so in the age of social media, add to the confusion. Speculations are bound to happen, considering the ease by which raw information from eyewitnesses and kibitzers can travel like wildfire, and in the process can undergo distortion, additions and subtractions.

This is precisely why there is a need to have a unified source of official information.

Secretary Andanar is theoretically the person on top of the communication infrastructure of the Executive branch. However, it appears that he doesn’t have supervisory control over the communication infrastructure of the other agencies of government, including the DND and the PNP, more so Congress which is not under the Executive branch.

I doubt it if Secretary Andanar can tell PNP Chief De la Rosa, Defense Secretary Lorenzana, and Speaker Alvarez to cease and desist from making public statements. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella is supposed to be his undersecretary, yet one should ask if Andanar has full supervisory powers over him, in the same light that one has to ask how much control he has over assistant secretary Mocha Uson

Resorts World Manila on Friday, June 2 said it was working closely with authorities to ensure the safety of its guests and employees after unidentified gunman stormed the resorts complex.

Inquirer.net photo by Rem Zamora

who also figured in another messaging issue relating to her use of that image of Honduran soldiers.

Secretary Andanar is therefore placed in a very difficult position.

He is expected to deliver a coherent communication template to the public. He gets all the blame, yet he may not be in a position to deploy a single messaging pathway, particularly during crisis situations, not because he doesn’t have the ability to do so, but because the institutional environment within which he operates doesn’t enable and allow him.

The problem is not only structural and organizational, for which a remedy can be deployed by creating a protocol that would automatically be invoked during any crisis situation. For one, it is not totally unwise to have an immediate news black-out pending the emergence of a complete and coherent set of information. It is also important to designate a single point to communicate such information to the public.

Beyond this, however, lies the cultural and behavioral predisposition of Filipinos to talk a lot, and our tendency to kibitz and rumor-

monger, and to comment, no matter how uninformed we are. We call this cultural inanity the “epal” or “mema” phenomenon.

In this cultural context, there is a low premium placed on “no comment” or “I don’t know.”

These responses lead to the suspicion that one is hiding something, or that one is incompetently ignorant or unfit. For people who bask in the power of their positions, these responses are not politically palatable.

The solution then is for our public officials to learn when to shut up. (ManilaTimes.net)

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

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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY OURNAL The importance of an immigration attorney

Your Immigration Solution DEVIN M. CONNOLLY THERE are countless number of people who dream about lawfully living and working in the United States. Making this dream a reality is a possibility for many of them, but only if they are able to successfully navigate the United States’ confusing and complex immigration laws. Given the incredible importance placed on being granted permanent resident status (green card) or U.S. citizenship, it is surprising how many people attempt to achieve their immigration goals without the assistance of an experienced attorney that specializes in immigration law. It is true that some do succeed, but many others fail.

And this failure may lead to their ultimate nightmare – being deported.

A person that is presently living in the United States must file their request for immigration benefits with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). However, do not think that the process merely requires the completion of a simple form. First, the forms are not always easy to understand. Many of the forms contain complicated questions that require a person to understand terms and language which have a precise meaning unique to immigration law. This meaning may differ from what many people expect it to be. Thus, a person may deprive themselves of lawfully residing in the United States simply because they did not understand the question they were being asked.

More important than the forms though is that an applicant should carefully review their eligibility for the requested benefit before submitting any application to the USCIS. This assessment requires a review of many things, including dates of entries and exits from the U.S., type of visa (if any) held

at entry to the U.S., the immigration status and history of the applicant and their family members, etc. The failure to make this assessment before submitting the application may lead to something much worse than a denial – it may lead to being deported, perhaps within a matter of hours.

After eligibility is established, the applicant must submit a welldocumented request for an immigration benefit. The submission of sufficient documentary evidence, ranging from a birth or marriage certificate to complex medical records, is vital since it is the applicant who has

tioned by an experienced USCIS officer who has conducted many of these types of interviews. In addition, the USCIS officer may aggressively question the applicant, they may pressure them to answer questions to which they do not know the answers, and they may also allow the applicant to make statements that are harmful to their case. Saying the wrong thing during an interview can make it significantly more difficult to ever lawfully reside in the U.S. And while the applicant may later realize they misspoke or that they did not actually understand the questions they were being asked, it may too late to fix the problems created. The application may already be denied and the Department of Homeland Security may have already begun the process of deporting them to their native country. As you can see, the personal interview is extremely important.

In conclusion, it is always advisable for immigrants to retain the services of an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who is dedicated solely to the practice of immigration law. Hiring the right attorney may be the difference between obtaining a green card and being deported.

It is therefore one of the most significant decisions that a person will make in their lifetime. ***

“Many of the forms contain complicated questions that require a person to understand terms and language which have a precise meaning unique to immigration law.” the burden of proving that they are eligible for the requested benefit. Since it is the applicant who must prove admissibility, they should do everything they can to maximize their chances of being granted the requested benefit by submitting evidence that is thorough and persuasive.

It is clear that an assessment of eligibility is important, as are properly completed forms and sufficient supporting documents, but perhaps the most important reason to retain an experienced immigration attorney is to be adequately represented at your personal interview before a USCIS officer. A decision on the application will frequently be made based off statements made by the applicant during their interview.

These interviews can be stressful, nerve-wracking experiences, but the aspiring immigrant needs to do everything possible to ensure their personal interview is successful. That is not always easy though. It may be the applicant’s first time attending a personal interview for an immigration benefit with the USCIS, and they are likely to be ques-

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)

World Bank sees steady 6.9% PH GDP growth

by CATHERINE

TALAVERA Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines - The World Bank expects a steady economic growth for the Philippines until next year, driven by public and private investment.

Based on the World Bank’s June 2017 Global Economic Prospects report, the Philippines is expected to post a steady 6.9 percent growth this year and the next, led by a pickup in public and private investment.

The report noted continued growth in commodity-importing countries in Asia, such as the Philippines and Thailand, as accommodative policies support solid domestic demand growth.

“In the Philippines, expansionary fiscal policy has boosted cap-

ital formation, and remittances, credit growth, and low inflation have bolstered private consumption,” the World Bank said.

Despite the positive outlook, the World Bank noted the growth in East Asia and the Pacific region is projected to ease to 6.2 percent in 2017 and to 6.1 percent in 2018 as the gradual slowdown in China is offset by a pickup elsewhere led by a rebound among commodity exporters and accelerating growth in Thailand.

The report noted that growth in China is expected to slow to 6.5 percent this year and 6.3 percent in 2018.

“Excluding China, the region is seen advancing at a more rapid 5.1 percent rate in 2017 and 5.2 percent in 2018,” the World Bank said.

On the global front, the World Bank said economic growth is projected to strengthen to 2.7 percent in 2017 as a pickup in manufacturing and trade, rising market confidence, and stabilizing commodity prices allow growth to resume in commodityexporting emerging market and developing economies.

Growth in advanced economies is expected to accelerate to 1.9 percent in 2017, which will also benefit the trading partners of these countries.

“Global financing conditions remain favorable and commodity prices have stabilized,” the World Bank said. “Against this improving international backdrop, growth in emerging market and developing econo-

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Boracay international airport completion eyed in Q3 2018

by LOULLA

DESIDERIO Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Corp., the operator of the Boracay Airport, expects to complete the new international passenger terminal in the third quarter of next year.

SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said the new passenger terminal is currently being built. “It would be completed, I think, by the third quarter of next year,” he told reporters.

He said the two-story passenger terminal would have 12 air bridges.

The facility would also be able to accommodate six mil-

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

JUNE 9-15, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Tax bill passage credit positive for PH – Moody’s ance, the Philippines still collects less revenue than most investment grade Baa-rated peers.

Its revenue collection is higher THE passage of the first packonly than that of Indonesia (which age of the proposed Comprehenhas a Baa3 positive rating), sive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) whose revenue was equivalent to in the Lower House of Congress 12.5 percent of GDP in 2016; Colast week is credit-positive for the lombia (Baa2 stable) at 14.9 perPhilippines because it will address cent; and stands well below the the government’s weak revenue developing country Baa-rated generation, credit ratings agency median of 22.9 percent, he said.

Moody’s Investors Service said.

However, de Guzman also The Philippines has a ‘Baa2 pointed out that although changstable’ rating from Moody’s. es reflected in the approved bill Dubbed the Tax Reform for Acfrom the original bill will erode celeration and Inclusion (TRAIN), revenue, they are more than offthe CTRP’s first package was apset by additional taxes on items such as automobiles, fuel and sugar-sweetened beverages.

The CTV The latest estimates by the Files Department of Finance (DoF) showed the government may generate P130 billion in potendivorce) and that s/he is given You don’t need an attorney. There tial net revenue in the first year time to respond. However, there is no requirement that you must of implementation of the proATTY. LILLI B. BACULI is no requirement for the other have an attorney. However, in party to respond. There is no cases involving issues such as I JUST moved to California requirement that s/he sign any domestic violence, custody dis- Immigrant last month, and I’d like to file document at all. All that needs putes, child support, spousal supfor divorce. Can I file now? To to happen is that s/he is properly port, and division of community Living: 101 file for divorce in the State of Cal- served with process according property assets it would be wise and Beyond ifornia, the person filing (called to the rules. Note that “proper to seek advice from a licensed and the “Petitioner”) must first meet service” is defined in the Family experienced attorney so as not the jurisdictional requirements: Code and must be followed, and to waste your time and money, MONETTE (i) residence in the state of Cali- the validity of any Judgment for not to mention the court’s time ADEVA MAGLAYA fornia from the past 6 months; Divorce rests on the proper ser- and resources, especially when you have to keep going back to I HAVE long predicted that and (ii) residence in the county vice of the Respondent. where that person is filing (e.g., “What? I have to share my court because of incomplete or the explosive issue of immigraSan Diego County) for the past 3 retirement earnings? This is missing documents that could tion will come to a head. The months. Residence – put simply, mine, I worked hard for it!” Cali- have been addressed from the time has come. People are awake where the Petitioner lives – also fornia is a community property very beginning by a competent and have become fully aware determines which courthouse state and so once you get mar- and knowledgeable attorney. of the seriously negative effects Not all divorce cases are the unmitigated and unchecked illethe Petition for Divorce should ried, all property acquired during be filed. marriage is community property. same. It is important to be prop- gal immigration can do to sover“What if my husband/wife Separate property are “all prop- erly informed about your rights eign nations over the long term.

When the process of assimiladoes not want to sign the di- erty acquired before marriage; and responsibilities under Calivorce?” or “My husband/wife all gifts, bequests, devise, or de- fornia law in divorce proceed- tion and integration into the fabdoes not want to sign the divorce scents. All property acquired or ings. The wrong advice or infor- ric of host nations is non-existent, papers, what can I do.” California exchanged with traceable sepa- mation can and will hurt you, and that nation begins to disintegrate is a no-fault divorce state. A party rate property; and all property waste your time and money. Con- and becomes divided into warring sult a licensed and experienced factions. The American founders’ filing for divorce does not need acquired after separation.” Howfamily law attorney to help you noble concept of nation-buildthe consent of the other in order ever, if anything out of the comnavigate through your divorce. ing, Et Pluribus Unum, From to file a Petition for Dissolution munity property is used towards Many One, is dead and gone.

(Divorce) or, in some instances, separate property, the communi*** Immigration as an issue has to get a judgment of divorce. ty might have a claim on part(s) Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associbeen used by one political party What is “Service of Process?” of separate property. ate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Can I just mail the divorce pa“I don’t want to pay spousal Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a over the course of the last five depers to my ex-spouse? Service support.” Whether you like it full service law firm with offices in San cades to put themselves in powof Process is a crucial procedural or not, spousal support will be Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and er. For nefarious reasons such step in the divorce proceedings, ordered if the other party makes Philippines. The information presented as making sure that new citizens because the law reserves for the a request, and the court deems in this article is for general informa- always voted their party, the borex-spouse (called the “Respon- that the circumstances call for tion only and is not, nor intended to ders have been made intentiondent”) the right to respond and it. Some of the factors that the be, formal legal advice nor the forma- ally porous for many years by appear in court, if s/he wants to. Court will look at to determine tion of an attorney-client relationship. the powers that be, allowing not In proceeding in an action for whether there is basis for sup- Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or only hundreds of thousands of divorce, there are procedural re- port, and if so, in what amount, phone consultation to discuss your undesirable migrants to populate quirements dictated by law that are – length of marriage, age of particular situation and/or how their the country but to also allow the must be followed to ensure that parties, if there are minor chil- services may be retained at (619) 955- drug cartels from the southern the other party has notice of the dren in the marriage, income of 6277; (415) 495-8088; (916) 449-3923; border to flourish and destroy action (that is, that s/he is being both parties. lbaculi@ctvattys.com. For general infor- many lives with opioid addiction.

Big business is guilty as sin as brought to court for an action of “Why do I need an attorney?” mation visit www.chuatinsayvega.com. well. It has aided and abetted the situation. Multinationals and alendar of Events global companies who hold no loyalty towards any nation have waged a war against borders and boundaries and the rule of law essentially to pad their bottom ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! lines by exploiting cheap labor.

History moves like a penduPRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT lum however. It is action and GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. reaction. The tide is turning, not CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 only in America but worldwide.

DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES Yet it does not mean that immigration will stop altogether.

FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS Legal, orderly immigration, the kind that shaped the nation largely for the better in the first JUNE 10 half of the last century, will be119th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day in Carson, CA come the rule of the land. That is — for the time being, as long The Philippine Independence Day Foundation, Inc. (PIDF), in conjunction with the City as sensible, honest adults are in of Carson, GMA Life TV, GMA Pinoy TV, GMA News TV, and Tesoro, will celebrate the 119th charge of the levers of power. anniversary of Philippine Independence Day at the Carson Veterans Park (22400 Moneta From the gusher that illegal mass Street, Carson, CA 90745) on Saturday, June 10. Thousands of people are expected to migration once was, the moveenjoy the non-stop, day-long event that will be jam-packed with entertainment and activiment will come down to a trickle. ties featuring the rich, beautiful, and spirited Filipino heritage. The eventful day kicks off And so it stands to reason with a flag raising ceremony at 7:30 a.m., followed by an ecumenical service and a commuthat for most new legal imnity mass. The parade — to be headed by 119th Philippine Independence Grand Marshal, migrants who have to run the Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz of the Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles, gauntlet of scrutiny and vast and to be participated in by a multitude of community organizations and associations from amounts of paperwork from all across Southern California — will be at about 10:00 a.m. This will be followed by the dayevery part of the world for a period of time before they can long program featuring talented performers from across the South Bay, Southern California, come to America, they will have and beyond! The program will be headlined by none other than GMA Network Kapuhave to depend, for the first few so’s Primetime Queen Marian Rivera and Primetime King Dingdong Dantes! In addition to weeks, months or years, on the the live entertainment, cultural center, food booths, exhibits, vendors, PWC’s Jeepney, chess kindness of others — friends, tournament, and children’s area, there will also be a bone marrow drive for Fil-Am LAPD relatives and even strangers Officer Matthew Medina. This event would not possible without the leadership of Coun—until they can be on their own. cilmember Elito M. Santarina, the hard work of our dedicated PIDF Trustees and volunteers, The first concern will be findand of course the generosity of our sponsors; Tesoro Refining and Marketing LLC, Waste Management, Carson Companies, KL Fenix, Watson Land, Community Dynamics, IBEW Local 11 &NECA Los Angeles, Nationwide Environmental Services, Brea Canon Oil Co., Inc., Leelin Bakery & Cafe, and Kellogg Garden Products.

For more information or any questions, please email pidf.info@gmail.com.

by MAYVELIN

U. CARABALLO ManilaTimes.net

proved by the House of Representatives by a 246-9 vote with one abstention on May 31 before the Congress’s adjournment. The proposed TRAIN Act is now pending at the Senate for approval.

The Act aims to lower income taxes and make up for the consequent revenue loss by plugging tax leakages, limiting value-added tax (VAT) exemptions and adjusting excise taxes on fuel, among other measures.

The TRAIN is a consolidation of the original tax reform bill—House Bill 4774—with 54 other tax-related measures.

“The TRAIN bill will boost revenue and improve the government’s debt affordability, as measured by interest payments as a share of revenue,” Moody’s Vice President and Senior Credit Officer Christian de Guzman said in an article from Moody’s Credit Outlook released on Monday.

De Guzman said in the outlook that while the government revenue has improved by nearly 2 percentage points to 15.2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2016 from 13.4 percent in 2010 on administrative measures that improved tax compli-

California divorce frequently asked questions

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across

America

JUNE 11

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

JUNE 15

An Evening with Rotary Int’l Director Elect Rafael Garcia III The Rotary Club of Daly City/Colma will host an event featuring Rotary International Director Elect Rafael “Raffy” Garcia III on Thursday, June 15, 2017 starting at 6:30pm at the Hapag Pilipino Restaurant (33 St. Francis Square) in Daly City, CA. Garcia is only the 9th Filipino ever to become a Rotary International Director. During his visit, Garcia will talk about the advocacy of the Rotary International. He may also give updates on the current situation in the Philippines under the Duterte administration. The Rotary International is an international services organization whose purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to advance peace and goodwill around the world. It is a non-political and non-sectarian organization with over 35,000 member clubs in more than 250 countries. For more information about the event, please call James Caracal (650) 438-3958, Willie Santamaria (650) 825-0833 or Joe Santos (650) 678-5871.

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

posed measure, 17 percent down from P157.2 billion the economic managers originally estimated under HB 4774, where 95 special laws that would be repealed were listed.

The original version did not include the tax on sugar-sweetened beverage, but provided for the indexation of fuel excise taxes to inflation after a three-year period.

It also provides for a fivebracket tax scheme for automobiles, compared with the DoFendorsed four-tiered structure.

It will be implemented on a two-year staggered basis starting 2018, instead of the original proposal of full implementation in the first year.

“Official estimates of the tax reform’s revenue effect are still forthcoming, but we expect that the debt affordability ratio will fall to less than 13 percent by

2018 from 24.4 percent in 2010, should the bill pass into law later this year,” de Guzman said.

Crucial in narrowing deficits De Guzman added that the TRAIN bill awaiting Senate approval is also crucial to maintaining narrow fiscal deficits since the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte intends to ramp up infrastructure spending over the course of its term through 2022.

The government aims to spend P847 billion on infrastructure development this year, covering projects in all regions, including small-, medium- and large-scale ventures. In the six years to 2022, the government intends to spend P8.4 trillion on infrastructure.

“The TRAIN bill will also help to keep fiscal deficits in check as the government’s plans to increase expenditures gradually to 20 percent of GDP by 2020

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Counting on other people’s kindness “Fish and visitors smell in three days.”

- Benjamin Franklin

ing a place to live. Your circumstances depend on whether you are the first to come here to America as the trailblazing immigrant or you have some resources of your own and the blessings of well-entrenched relatives or friends who can give you a leg up on finding a place to live or just a place to sleep or bunk down until you get your bearings straight.

For many, expediency will be the key. This means you will have to snatch up and make do with what is available at the moment as you try to see the fit and the practical considerations of time and distance of where you live and where you will be working for a considerable length of time.

This phase is important because you will see within a short time that although there is a mass transport system available in most American cities, the time spent in commuting to work, although not a very big deal in the beginning, should be a factor to consider for the long haul, whether or not you are commuting or eventually driving a car to work.

Anything that costs you unnecessary smidgens and chunks of time when played out over long periods of time detracts from the quality of your life overall.

You could be doing something fun and easier on yourself, like sleeping for a half hour longer, if you have a short commute.

If you are bunking with friends and relatives, the likely places will be guest rooms, converted garages, back houses, lofts, attics and basements—just initially. Those who have some managerial background in the old home country have been able to find apartments rent free or at a reduced rate by applying as assistant manager, or even resident manager of an apartment complex on a part time basis while they keep their full time jobs.

The savings can be enormous because rent is and will continue to be the biggest expense for the immigrant. See if this is an option that you can explore. Your disadvantage is that you still do not have local experience. Yet there is always a chance that with persistence, creativity and tenacity, you can get a lucky break. When something is really necessary, one can always seek the grace to find a way. Just keep your hopes up.

Those with built-in, well-entrenched support systems (translation: a loose network of earlier immigrants related by kinship or friendship) have an advantage.

He is far ahead of the game although he probably won’t know

or appreciate it until much later.

The other kind—the pioneering, trailblazing immigrant however—will have to start from scratch and clutch on straws in the beginning as he fashions a new way of life for himself and for those yet to come.

The support given by relatively established friends and relatives enables the new arrival to transition to a new life relatively easily. In some cultures where blood or family ties are exceptionally strong, relatives and friends take it as a matter of course and make room and put out the welcome mat for the new arrival. They can give him his first briefing about American life, e.g. how to use the phone, which bus routes to take, acceptable behavior, the first American English phrases that will get him through a typical day, what to watch out for, the 800 number, the 900 number, 411 and 911 — basic information that he is expected to know.

Consequently, cities with high density immigrant populations have more than the average number of members per household as they make do with whatever accommodations and living arrangements that can be stretched to the limit. Some cities are stricter than others. Apartment managers can stipulate and enforce the number of occupants that they allow per unit.

In older, rundown neighborhoods, this may be loosely interpreted and at times, not strictly enforced. The newer apartments with cramped square footage and paper-thin walls usually enforce this stipulation more strictly. The new immigrant, unless he comes with enough initial financial resources to pay for his own apartment, usually bunks with supportive friends and relatives for a temporary period of time for the sake of expediency while he grapples with the challenges of being new in a strange place.

In due time, however, it is expected by the host family that the arrangement is temporary and that the new arrival finds his own place as soon as possible.

The independence that he gains by being on his own can be liberating and the learning experience, much more enjoyable.

Good luck to the new immigrant on your new adventure! *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

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

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ ON July 29, 2016, the USCIS published its FINAL rule, expanding eligibility for a provisional waiver of the 3\10 year bar. The expanded provisional waiver now includes “all individuals who are statutorily eligible for the waiver of the unlawful presence ground of inadmissibility.” This includes people who have a spouse or parent who is a US citizen or green card holder (called “qualifying relatives”), provided they demonstrate “extreme hardship” on those qualifying relatives, and the person has an approved petition with a current priority date (or their visa is “available”). Upon approval of the waiver, they may depart the U.S. for immigrant visa processing and interview at the U.S. Embassy in their home country, without being subject to the 3\10 year bar.

A provisional waiver could benefit people who are not eligible to adjust status in the US, such as: • Crewman (or jump ships), who do not have the benefit of Section 245(i); • People who entered the U.S. without inspection (EWI), but do not have the benefit of Section 245(i) or a close family member who is on active military duty or US veteran; • People who entered the U.S. on a K-1 fiancée visa, but did not marry the US citizen who petitioned them, but instead married a different US citizen, or have another avenue for a green card, such as an approved employment based petition; and\or • People who are out of status, do not have the benefit of Section 245(i), and no “immediate relative” spouse or parent. Instead, they may have a spouse or parent who is a green card holder.

In all these cases, the person is ordinarily not eligible to receive a green card (adjust status) in the U.S., but instead must go back to their home country and apply for an immigrant visa at the US Embassy, which could trigger the 3/10 year bar. However, before you jump on a plane for your home country, here are some FAQ’s about this regulation: • What is the 3/10 year bar?

The 3/10 year bar is a law, which basically states that anyone who is out of status in the U.S. for over 180 days, but

Community Journal

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 9-15, 2017

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Who can benefit from the First she was abused, now she’s being accused “Expanded Provisional of being in a fake marriage - on Citizen Pinoy Waiver” rule for the 3\10 year bar? less than a year, and then departs the U.S., is barred from returning to the US for 3 years.

Anyone who had been out of status for over one year, and then departs is barred from returning for 10 years. This 3/10 year bar is triggered only when the alien departs the U.S. • Who is eligible under the expanded provisional waiver process?

People eligible for the expanded provisional waiver could include: • “Immediate relatives” of US citizens (spouse, parent, child).

• People petitioned by an LPR (green card holder) spouse or parent, or even an employer, provided they have a “qualifying relative” who would suffer extreme hardship. For example, if you have a USC child over 21 years of age, and an LPR spouse or parent, you could be petitioned by your USC child (which is faster), and qualify for an expanded provisional waiver by demonstrating extreme hardship on your LPR spouse or parent. Similarly, if you were petitioned by an employer and have an LPR parent, you could also qualify for the provisional waiver, by obtaining your immigrant visa through your employer’s petition and by demonstrating extreme hardship on your LPR parent.

• What are the benefits of the “provisional waiver” program?

This procedure would allow qualified aliens, with a U.S. citizen or LPR parent or spouse, to apply for a waiver of the 3/10 year bar, while still in the U.S., and before they depart the U.S. for immigrant visa processing overseas. If the waiver is granted, they would then depart the U.S. (with the approved waiver in hand), to be processed for their immigrant visa and return to the US as a green card holder!

• Would the provisional waiver process apply to other immigration violations or grounds of inadmissibility, such as fraud or a person entered the US under an assumed name?

No. This provisional waiver applies if the ONLY violation is “overstaying” or unlawful pres-

ence. If a person has other immigration violations, such as fraud (assumed name entry), criminal convictions, and the like, he or she is not eligible for a provisional waiver.

• If I’m being petitioned as an immediate relative, do I really need to depart the U.S.?

In many cases, people being petitioned as an “immediate relative” can still adjust status (obtain their green card), in the U.S. even if they are out of status, worked without authorization, or do not have the benefit of Section 245(i). If a person is eligible to adjust status in the U.S., they should not even think of departing the U.S., which would trigger the 3/10 year bar. See an attorney, who can determine your eligibility to adjust status in the U.S., or if you even need to depart the US to obtain your green card.

In conclusion, if you think you are eligible under the expanded provisional waiver, you should definitely seek the advice of a reputable attorney, who can evaluate your circumstances and status, determine your eligibility for a provisional waiver, and assist in preparing and processing this provisional waiver application.

As you can see, only certain people would be eligible for this provisional waiver. *** 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 re-enactments) 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 attorney-client 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)

THE law says that if a person is caught in a fake marriage, that’s automatically a lifetime ban. No future petition could ever be approved on their behalf. Not only did Evelyn’s former husband abuse her while they were still together, he also signed a confession saying that theirs was not a real marriage.

So now, USCIS is accusing her of being in a fixed marriage and her current husband’s pe-

tition for her is being denied.

Evelyn and her current husband sought the help of two other lawyers to no avail. Then Evelyn remembered how impressed she was when a certain American lawyer helped her friend and neighbor Christopher de Leon obtain his citizenship. Upon consulting with the attorney, the troubled couple was convinced that Michael Gurfinkel was “The One.” Leading US immigration at-

torney Michael Gurfinkel was able to prove the allegations wrong, which ultimately paved the way for a green card for Evelyn. This inspired the latter to appear on the program to help other abused women break free from their situation.

Catch the brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” –on Sunday 6:15 pm PST/EST (9:15 p.m. EST thru select cable/satellite providers).

ABUSED AND ACCUSED WOMAN GETS THE ULTIMATE REDEMPTION IN HER GREEN CARD ON A BRAND NEW EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY”.

Imagine being broken on the inside by your husband’s constant verbal abuse and then getting a signed confession from him saying that yours was never a real marriage. That’s the hellish nightmare that Evelyn (center) suffered from her former husband. That same confession jeopardized the petition by her current spouse, Glenn (left), for her.

Leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) proved the allegations wrong and eventually delivered Evelyn’s ultimate redemption in the form of her green card on a brand new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” - on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

World Bank sees steady 6.9%...

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mies as a whole will pick up to 4.1 percent this year from 3.5 percent in 2016,” it said.

The report said growth among the world’s seven largest emerging market economies is forecast to increase and exceed its long-term average by 2018.

“Recovering activity in these economies should have significant positive effects for growth in other emerging and developing economies and globally,” the World Bank said.

World Bank Group president Jim Yong Kim expressed his optimism for the global growth,

especially in developing countries, as this would help the fight against poverty.

“With a fragile but real recovery now underway, countries should seize this moment to undertake institutional and market reforms that can attract private investment to help sustain growth in the long-term,” Kim said. n

The expansion of the runway likewise allows the airport to prepare to accommodate international flights from countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore and Indonesia.

Previously, the airport could only accommodate smaller turbo propeller aircraft.

Ang said the Boracay Airport

is also set to have night capability by August.

By having night capability, the airport would be ready for carriers offering evening flights.

The Boracay Airport in Caticlan is one of the gateways serving popular tourist spot Boracay Island. n

Boracay international airport...

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lion passengers per year.

In November last year, the Boracay Airport started catering to bigger jet operations with the expansion of the runway.

Ang said the airport could now handle aircraft such as the Airbus 321, 320, 319, as well as Boeing 737.

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JUNE 9-15, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS WHAT causes palpitation?

Palpitation (pounding heart beat, harder and faster than normal) could be due to extrinsic causes like ingestion of a stimulant (coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolates, some medications, etc.) and/or cigarette smoking, or due to intrinsic causes like coronary or heart valve diseases. The person feels the heart thumping in the chest that could lead to some degree of discomfort and anxiety. When this happens regularly, in spite of abstinence from the extrinsic causes listed above, prompt medical consultation is recommended.

Do cellphone radiation shields work?

No, the so-called “radiation shields” for cell phones do not work, and therefore are not effective in protecting the user from radiation, reports the FTC in the United States. If anything at all, this shield “lulls” the user to complacency and thus the user is subjected to a more prolonged radiation exposure because of the false sense of security the unsuspecting consumers will have. While the association between cell phone use and some type of brain tumors is still unclear, it is best to avoid and minimize any type of radiation exposure from whatsoever source. To reduce radiation exposure from cell phones, we recommend the use one of the hands-free (bluetooth) devices now commercially available.

How does tobacco hurt the smoker?

Besides the tissue irritation on the breathing pipes and lungs caused by the fumes and the various toxic chemicals in the cigarette, tobacco also thickens the blood, which makes the smoker (active or passive) more prone to thrombosis (blood clot formation) in the arteries and veins, and aggravates arteriosclerosis (hardening of the artery). On top of this, smoking also speeds up the process of arteriosclerosis (especially the arteries of the heart and brain, abdomen and legs). Smoking can also cause cancer of the breathing pipes and/or the lungs and cancers in other organs in the body in either gender. Stained teeth and fingers, smoker’s bad breath and a household that smells like tobacco fumes are the most minor effects of smoking.

Are body moisturizing lotions

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BUSINESS NEWS

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Queries from readers Tax bill passage credit positive...

safe?

Yes, in general, hand and body lotions in the market are safe.

The frequent (two or more times a day) use of hand and body lotion is recommended because our skin needs moisture to keep it comfortable, healthy and as young looking as possible. Caution: some people may be allergic to some of these commercially available skin moisturizers.

Can trauma to the breasts cause cancer?

Repeated trauma to the breast has been implicated as a possible etiology in the formation of cancer of the breast among women.

This could be in the form of biting, pinching, squeezing or rough manual manipulation. The breasts, like the person, must be treated with care and tenderness.

Does diabetes cause blindness?

Most definitely, especially among persons whose diabetes is untreated, poorly treated or simply brittle and hard to treat.

The blindness is due to what is termed diabetic retinopathy. A significant number of blindness in the world today is caused by diabetes. Once the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is confirmed, prompt and appropriate therapy should be instituted. The diabetic should be disciplined enough to religiously follow the prescribed medical regimen if the complications of the disease, like blindness, leg gangrene, etc. are to be prevented.

Can hydrogen peroxide be used for gurgling?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide could be used for gurgling, but ask your dentist first since he/she knows your dental condition better and can advise you accordingly. Hydrogen peroxide, together with sodium fluoride and other common ingredients (like triclosan) in toothpastes, help prevent tooth decay, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), tartar and plaque formation, and halitosis (bad breath). Hydrogen peroxide is a substance that is incorporated in many toothpaste preparations in the market today. Baking soda is another. In children, the anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis effectiveness of toothpastes is still not proven.

Does skin whitener work?

There are a few popular preparations of skin (“bleach”) whitener available in the market today which are effective and safe. They are not cheap. One well-known brand costs about One Thousand Pesos for 2 ounces. The basic ingredient is 4 percent hydroquinone. The original use of it was to make skin blemishes (chloasma, melasma, freckles, senile lenti-

genes and other areas of melanin hyperpigmentation) disappear, but today cosmetologists, many dermatologists and some plastic surgeons, recommend it for the entire face as a “bleaching agent” to whiten the complexion. Those using this should stay away from sunlight to prevent skin burns.

One substance, whose side-effect is making the skin lighter, whiter, is glutathione. Before applying skin whitener, one must consult with his/her physician first because of potential allergy, side effects and possible complications of these items.

Can loud music lead to deafness?

Yes, and not only music. Prolonged or repeated exposure to any type of very loud noise or sound can cause damage to the auditory nerve damage, which could lead to varying degrees of hearing impairment, and even to permanent deafness. Headset users should set the volume of sound to a safe level. A simple way to do this is to turn the volume down until you can barely hear it, then gradually increasing the loudness (and adjusting the treble and the base if possible) to a comfortable level.

Can skin ointment be used for the eyes?

No, most definitely no. Skin lotions, creams, gel, ointments, and solutions, are for topical (external or skin) application only, and are not safe for the eyes. There are specific drops and ointments for the eyes. Never use any other preparation, except those prescribed by healthcare professionals specifically for the eyes, which are always labeled “Ophthalmic” or “For ophthalmic use.”

Does surgery make cancer spread?

No, this is a myth. Doing surgery or “opening the patient up” does not cause metastasis (spread) of the cancer. In general, cancer proliferates rapidly to invade surrounding tissues and distant organs. The misconception resulted from the refusal of patients suspected or confirmed to have cancer to be operated on early when first advised, and had delayed the surgery so much that the malignant tumor had already spread beyond help before acceding to have the operation. So, when the surgeons operated on them that late, invariably the cancer had already spread all over.

When the patients soon expired, people blamed the surgery as the cause of the spread. Today, almost everybody knows that prompt detection and early operation in the treatment of cancer gives the best chance for a cure for majority of patients with malignancy.

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from the budgeted target of 18.3 percent this year. Over the same period, the government expects to increase infrastructure spending to 7.1 percent of GDP in 2020 from 5.3 percent in 2017,” he said.

But in the absence of tax reform, the Moody’s official warned that fiscal deficits could widen beyond the 3 percent of GDP level currently envisioned in the government’s projections for the years to 2022, potentially

reversing the debt consolidation trend that started in 2010.

Govt capacity for reforms De Guzman also stressed that the passage of the tax reform bill also demonstrates the capacity to implement reform amid the political controversies around the government’s focus on security and the war on drugs.

Since last year, President Duterte’s administration has been mired in various controversies related to his focus on security and the war on drugs. As

a result, strained relations with some factions in both houses of Congress threatened to detract attention away from the reform agenda, particularly those related to economic and fiscal matters.

“Nevertheless, Mr. Duterte has maintained high approval ratings among the electorate, as well as a coalition comprising a strong majority in the House of Representatives, and has leveraged his political capital to push the TRAIN bill through the legislature,” he said. ■

People & Events Historic 7 mile house hosts “Adobo cook-off for a cause” on June 10 - Restaurant challenges customers to beat their filipino pork adobo

ON JUNE 10, the historic 7 Mile House, restaurant, sports bar, and live music venue, is putting their famous pork adobo to the test, and challenging five other adobo recipes nominated by customers for the first annual “Adobo Cook-Off for a Cause”! All proceeds from the event will benefit Salupongan International, a grassroots organization providing educational resources for indigenous tribes in the Philippines. Tickets ($25 each) include all-you-can-drink San Miguel beer, all-you-caneat rice, adobo tastings, and one vote to choose your favorite.

This event is just one of many fundraising efforts 7 Mile House has created for philanthropic organizations over the past few years. Other organizations that have benefitted from these partnerships include Mighty Mutts

Rescue, Poder SF, the Filipino Community Center, and the Latina Breast Cancer Agency.

“We’re fortunate to be in a position that we can provide organizations with the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for their causes. As a Filipina immigrant, supporting Salupongan for the “Adobo Cook-Off for a Cause” allows us to share not only our food, but educate people about the human rights violations plaguing communities that the food and beer they’re enjoying originates from,” shares owner Vanessa Garcia. “We also made “Immigrant” hoodies to benefit Poder SF, hosted puppy adoption days with Mighty Mutts Rescue, and fundraising parties for others. We need to come together now more than ever as a community, and the best way to do that is with good food, drinks, and great

PSYCHIC

entertainment. I’m proud to say 7 Mile House accomplishes that.”

The winner of the event will receive a party for six people at 7 Mile House, two tickets to San Francisco Bay Cruises Adventure, two tickets to Rocketboat Adventure, a commemorative plaque from 7 Mile House, and bragging rights for one year as 7 Mile’s Adobo Cook-Off Winner! Get your tickets to the cook-off early, as space is limited and guaranteed to sell out.

The event will start at 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. To purchase tickets: *Link to purchase ticket https://www.eventbrite.com/ e/7-mile-house-adobo-cookofffor-a-cause-tickets-34590735822 For more information about the event, visit http://7milehouse. com/adobocookoff. 7 Mile House is located at 2800 Bayshore Blvd., Brisbane, CA.

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100% Real Love With Every Sandwich You Make

Friday, June 9, 2017

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cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 9, 2017

119th PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY

A celebration of progress through peace and freedom The Philippines will celebrate its 119th Independence Day to commemorate its independence from colonial Spain. Also known as “Araw ng Kasarinlan” or “Araw ng Kalayaan,” it is an annual national holiday in the country observed every June 12. The theme for this year is “Kalayaan 2017: Pagbabagong Sama-Samang Balikatin.”

Background and history Originally, Philippine Independence Day wasn’t celebrated on June 12. From 1946 to 1964, the date designated for it was July 4, the day when the Americans formally ended their colonization of the Philippines in 1946. This also officially ended the Commonwealth government they established in 1935. Then in August 4, 1964, then-President Diosdado Macapagal signed Republic Act 4166 that moved the date from July 4 to June 12.

The act legalized the holiday, which is based on the Declaration of Independence of June 12, 1898 by General emilio Aguinaldo and Filipino revolutionary forces. The Philippine flag was raised and its national anthem was played for the first time in 1898. however, freedom from Spanish rule was not for long, because Spain and the United States did not acknowledge the declaration.

This was due to the 1898 Treaty of Paris, which ended the war between Spain and the U.S. Spain surrendered the Philippines to the U.S., resulting to a revolt of Filipinos against the latter. The Philippine revolution against the Americans started in 1899 and achieved sovereignty on July 4, 1946, through the Treaty of Manila.

Philippine Independence Day is more than just having to wave

PhiliPPine indePendence day celebrations in the U.s.

LOS ANGELES

RHODE ISLAND

Saturday , June 10

Saturday, June 10

The Philippine Independence Day Foundation Inc. (PIDF) will once again be working with the City of Carson in hosting the celebration of the 199th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day. event will be held at Veterans Park (22400 Moneta Ave., Carson) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be a parade, live entertainment, booths and exhibits, health education, food vendors, a children’s area and many more!

The Fil-Am Community of R.I. will celebrate Philippine Independence Day at the Johnston Memorial Park (1583 hartford Ave., Johnston) at 10 a.m. with a Filipiniana parada, basketball game (R.I. vs Connecticut), Filipino Kids Got Talent, games, food and special guests.

FLORIDA

CHICAGO

Sunday, June 11

Monday, June 12

a flag and organize celebrations. It is a reminder of the self-determination of Filipinos to exercise their right to liberty and independence. It is a legitimate assertion by the Philippine nation of its natural and inalienable claim to freedom and independence, which is an inherent right of every people, not dependent upon the will and discretion of another nation or government.

Some unknown facts about Philippine Independence Day Apart from the Philippine flag and national anthem, a lot of Filipinos are not knowledgeable about Philippine Independence Day. here are few facts that may surprise you: • The original Philippine flag hoisted by Aguinaldo in Kawit was a sketch he personally submitted to Dona Marcella Agoncillo (who was living in hong Kong at the time). It took Agoncillo (and two assistants)

Inquirer.net photo

five days of hard work to finish the flag.

• The three stars in the flag do not represent Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao as most Filipinos think. It actually represents Luzon, Panay and Mindanao.

Panay was part of the Proclamation of Independence in Kawit, Cavite, referred to as “the archipelago’s three principal islands.”

• The original flag was lost somewhere in Pangasinan during the Filipino-American war.

• “Lupang hinirang” was not the first national anthem but “Marangal na Dalit ng Katagalugan,” commissioned by national hero Andres Bonifacio in 1987 who requested musician Julio Nakpil to compose it. however, despite Bonifacio’s version of the anthem, Aguinaldo still asked composer Julian Felipe to make our National Anthem in 1898.

(AJPress)

Flag-raising ceremony to be held at the Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago (W. Washington and N. Clark Streets), at 9 a.m. conducted by the Consulate General of the Philippines in Chicago. A reception with the Fil-Am community will take place at the Consulate General after.

The Philippine-American Association of South Florida, Inc.’s Annual Philippine Independence Day celebrations the Miramar Regional Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be various booths and displays, Filipino food, games, prizes, raffle, giveaways and entertainment.

OKLAHOMA

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA Friday , June 16 A Philippine Independence Day Concert (at 7 p.m.) and Gala Reception (at 8 p.m.) will be held at the beautiful and historic Marines’ Memorial Theater in San Francisco. The annual celebration has been a favorite event for Fil-Am political, business, arts, academic and non-profit circles, foreign dignitaries, state and city officials an a wide cross-section of the Bay Area community.

Sunday, June 18 KalayaanSF 2017 in historic Union Square in San Francisco. An exciting celebration featuring a cultural showcase, live entertainment, food alley, marketplace and an evening concert.

Sunday, June 11 Come and enjoy delicious Filipino food and fun games during the Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Regional Park at e. Reno, Midwest City from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

BOSTON Sunday, June 25 The Philippine Independence Day celebration in Boston will kick off with a parade including the Binibining Pilipinas Malayan 2017 winner and runner up, followed by a cultural show and concert. There will also be a wonderful assortment of vendors. Venue will be at the Boston City hall and event will start at 9:30 a.m.

Apl.de.ap joins other artists for Kiana Valenciano & Sam Concepcion talk about their relationship Manchester tribute concert

by Amierielle

INTeRNATIONAL Filipino singer Apl.de.ap flaunted his Filipino pride by wearing Philippine flag-inspired merchandise at the “One Love Manchester” benefit concert.

Apl.de.ap wore Philippine flag-themed earpiece and necklace during his performance with his band group, Black eyed Peas. The group, sans Fergie, performed their inspiring hit, “Where is the Love.”

Filipino netizens who watched the One Love Manchester concert lauded Apl for flaunting his Filipino blood.

The “One Love Manchester” concert on Sunday, June 4 in Manchester, is a benefit concert for the victims of Ariana Grande’s concert last May 23.

The British Red Cross said it raised more then £10 million ($13 million) for the We Love Manchester emergency Fund, created for those affected by the Manchester blast.

Artists perform for people of Manchester Pop star Grande showcased her love and support to the people of Manchester, england in the tribute concert.

Popular international artists such as Justin Bieber, Liam Gallagher, Coldplay, Miley Cyrus, and Katy Perry shared the stage with Grande to honor the 22

AnnA BulAn And rosette Adel Philstar.com

victims who were killed and the dozens of people injured.

Grande graced the concert with emotional performances of her original songs. She also gave a rendition of “My everything” along with the Parrs Wood high School Choir.

Grande’s manager, Scooter Braun, took center stage to honor the “bravery” of the people of Manchester.

“This tragedy has made us all throw away our divides, our differences, our politics, our adult nature and look to our children. Manchester, your bravery is our hope,” Braun said.

British band Mumford & Sons opened the concert with their hit “Timshel,” which was followed by Manchester-based pop music group Take That’s uplifting performance of their original hits.

Former Take That member Robbie Williams reunited with the group to render an emotional performance of “Angels” which led concert-goers raise “For our Angels” signs.

Pharell Williams uplifted the crowd with a rendition of “Get Lucky” and “happy,” which he collaborated with Miley Cyrus as she makes her first appearance in the concert.

Former One Direction member Niall horan treated

the audience to two of his uplifting songs, following Cyrus’ soulful rendition of her latest hit “Inspired.”

“For me, the most important responsibility we have in this entire planet is to take care of one another, and look what we’re doing today and how amazing that is,” Cyrus told the crowd.

A brief pre-taped video of Stevie Wonder was shown as the singer performed “Love’s in Need of Love Today.”

“I don’t care what ethnicity you are; what religion you are.

Love really is the way. So anyone who tries to make anyone think that things of destruction have anything to do with God or Allah, they’re a liar. Yes, I stand with you Manchester,” Wonder said in the video.

Performances by Perry, Bieber, Victoria Monet, Imogean heap and Grande’s boyfriend Mac Miller followed. Liam Gallagher, former member of another Manchester-based group Oasis, also graced the concert with a touching song performed with Coldplay.

Grande capped off the concert with “One Last Time” and her own version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” originally sung by Judy Garland.

In this Sunday, June 4, 2017, handout photo provided by Dave Hogan for One Love Manchester, singers will.i.am, from left, apl.de.ap, Ariana Grande and Taboo perform at the One Love Manchester tribute concert in Manchester, north western England, Sunday, June 4, 2017.

by ricky lo Philstar.com

TheY are both Monkeys (according to the Chinese horoscope) and both turning 25 later this year, Sam Concepcion on Oct. 17 and Kiana Valenciano on Dec. 21, and it must be why they are playful during this conversation, not show-offs like most showbiz couples who try so hard to be physically affectionate (the better to impress you, you know) and have no pretensions whatsoever. What you see and what you hear is what you get.

It’s the first time they are talking about their relationship and they are very open.

Chuck Gomez, the PR of the Genesis talent agency owned by Kiana’s mom Angeli Pangilinan, brought a copy of the Rogue magazine with Kiana sexy and seductive on the cover. Kiana’s revealing photographs, taken by BJ Pascual, reportedly almost knocked Kiana’s dad, Gary Valenciano, out of his senses. Check out Rogue and you will understand why.

It’s the first time Sam is seeing Kiana’s sexy photos. Asked how he finds them, Sam takes a quick look at them and shrugs, “Good!”

How long have they known each other…as friends?

Sam: I don’t know; I don’t remember.

Kiana: how long has it been since Narnia (the musical)? Oh, yes, 2002! That was when I first met him. But we were not close then. how old were you then?

Sam: I must have been 8 or 9. I was with her brother Paolo.

A year later, Sam was cast with Gary V. in “Noah’s Ark.” And that was where he and Kiana met again. Kiana was always with the audience, never with the cast. Sam is a Trumpets talent together with Kiana’s cousins, so they move in the same circle. Proximity breeds familiarity and familiarity breeds, well, you know what. It was only last year

They have been moving around the same circle since they were young. But it was only last year when Sam, according to Kiana, ‘looked at me differently and I felt weird.’ That’s how their romance took off…easily!

Philstar.com photos by Ver Paulino

that they became boyfriendgirlfriend, when the sparks flew.

Kiana: We’ve been spending time together with friends.

We move in the same circle kasi.

Sam: Of course, I noticed that Kiana was pretty before pa. Things didn’t happen the way they usually happen between other couples — you know, we didn’t exchange phone numbers or things like that. We were just hanging out all the time.

Kiana: I don’t think he really tried. everything happens naturally. We were talking and I noticed that he was looking at me differently. I thought it was weird. I said, “huh?” I guess I was just a bit scared, a bit shy.

They were two people who met at the right time.

They were both fancy-free.

Kiana had broken up with her boyfriend (son of somebody who ran for president) and Sam with Jasmine CurtisSmith after an ugly incident at an A-List club where Jasmine’s sister Anne confronted Sam who, according to Anne, wasn’t fit (hindi bagay) for her sister. Sam and Kiana come from a similar background, same upbringing, raised by families steeped in the performing arts, and they fit like two peas in a pod.

Kiana: I think it’s just like we were good friends to begin with, so there was no need for

any getting-to-know-you.

Sam: The best part about it is that there has never been any awkward moment at all.

Kiana: Do we celebrate a “monthsary?” No, we don’t!

Sam: No, no, no!!! Must be nice to celebrate our first 100 days, hehehe!!!

It helps that they have many things in common — same circle of friends, love of traveling (last city visited: South Korea where they watched the Coldplay concert) fond of video games, easy to get along with, funloving, adventurous, spend spare time watching movies (last movie watched: Alien: Covenant) and eating out, hying off to the beach (La Union, Palawan, Batangas, etc.), and having barbecue parties with friends. It helps, too, that they have learned from their past relationships.

Kiana: Communication is the key. It’s so hard to keep things bottled up and then they explode on your face.

What we are trying to do is to find a balance between us.

It’s hard to get involved with a non-showbiz guy because he wouldn’t know the demands of the job.

Sam: What did I learn? hmmm, ang hirap ng question na ‘yan! I wouldn’t be here (with Kiana), I wouldn’t be what I am now if that experience didn’t happen to me. You have Continued on Page SF5

A night with the ‘Birit Queens’

Raymond Gutierrez and his journey to fitness M. alano

Philstar.com

Lu

TO keep up with my social life, while at the same time support our local artists, I spent one melodious Sunday watching the “Birit Queens” belt out a tune or two at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and it was phenomenal!

I confess that I am not into the “birit” fad otherwise known as your voice hitting the highest notes similar to that of a whistle. Think: Mariah Carey, Regine Velasquez or Lani Misalucha, but this concert was such a game changer for me.

As expected though, the Birit Queens namely, Angeline Quinto, Jona, Morisette and Klarisse De Guzman were astounding.

But what impressed me even more is how the entire event was so well coordinated.

May I just add also that the stylist or wardrobe manager did a great job dressing the singers.

Their gowns were stunning but not too flashy to the point of overshadowing the one wearing it.

Overall, it was wonderful experience for me. All four them are such amazing singers. I do have to say that out of all of them, Jona is my favorite. She can effortlessly switch her singing style. I feel that she sing as beautiful with or without belting the highest octave known to a human being.

I am looking forward to watching them again perform.

As for those who want to know more about the Birit Queens, read on.

Angeline Quinto She is also known as “Queen of Teleserye Theme Songs.” After emerging as the “First Female Pop Superstar at the “Star Power: Sharon’s Search for the next Female Pop Superstar,” Angeline released her debut/self-titled album under Star Records.

Her concert bio says, “The

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – June 9, 2017

by ching

San FranciSco

By Monet

entertainment SF3

Morisette Amon, Angeline Quinto, Jonalyn Viray and Klarisse de Guzman

album has 14 tracks including the original, alternate, radio, extended remix and minus-one versions of ‘Patuloy Ang Pangarap’, her winning contest piece in the 1st Search for the Next Female Pop Superstar. Her self-titled album topped the list of best-selling albums for both local and foreign artists. It is considered the bestselling album of the first quarter of 2011.”

Morissette Amon This Cebuana native made her Broadway debut in the Repertory Philippines’ Disney’s “Camp Rock: The Musical,” as the lead role of Mitchie Torres and the rest, as they say, is history.

Morissette later joined the first season of ABS-CBN’s singing competition, “The Voice of the Philippines.”

While she did not came home as the grand champion, she had much success in her singing career as a recording artist. She had released her first album, self-titled, “Morissette,” which won her New Female Recording Artist of the Year by the 7th PMPC Star Awards for Music. She also earned a regular spot in ABSCBN’s Sunday afternoon musical variety show, “ASAP,” as well as recording theme songs to several popular drama series and movies.

Jona At an early age, Jona has already made a name for herself. She joined several singing competitions, and won as first grand champion of “Pinoy Pop Superstar.”

Jona then joined the trio girl

group, La Diva, as lead vocalist.

The group met much success, winning various music awards and earning several hits.

She is now a mainstay on the ABS-CBN music variety program, “ASAP,” and has sung theme songs for several popular dramas on ABS-CBN. Klarisse de Guzman Her version of Celine Dion’s “All By Myself” paved the way for her to be discovered and compete with the big leagues.

After Klarisse put her singing career on hold to continue her studies, she graduated in 2010 with a degree in music production. Klarisse found herself still yearning to perform and compete.

She joined the first season of ABS-CBN’s “The Voice of the Philippines,” where she finished second. According to her online bio: “Klarisee continues to build her impressive resume with her self-titled debut album, local and overseas concerts, as well as her appearances on the ABSCBN programs, ‘ASAP’ and ‘We Love OPM – The Celebrity Sing-Offs,’ where is she is a mainstay.” *** 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

IS that Richard Gutierrez?

No, that’s his twin Raymond Gutierrez! Yes, the always-fat/ rotund Raymond can now be mistaken for his fit/lean and mean brother Richard.

“I’ve lost 65 pounds since December last year,” Raymond tells us, standing tall with his well-sculpted body with nary an unwanted flab.

He shares his journey from fat to fit: “It was December of last year when I decided to focus on myself and on my health. I was overweight, always drinking and having late nights.

My lifestyle before wasn’t really the healthiest. I kept focusing on work, I would open our nightclubs, throw events and launches, do hosting, do a reality show. I kept focusing more and more on work, I never really focused on myself. So, I said it’s time I focused on myself.

It’s gonna be another year. I’m turning a year older, 33. I kind of pressured myself to do it now.

I started working out. I started watching what I ate, removing the things that were bad for me. By January, I kind of got the hang of it.”

To celebrate his 33rd birthday, Raymond threw a healthy fitness party (“instead of my usual drinking party”) at Isabelle Daza’s indoor cycling studio Ride Revolution. “I had a tuna buffet and Jamba Juice. I got used to it and started enjoying it. I surrounded myself with likeminded people who were into fitness, like Solenn (Heussaff) and Nico (Bolzico), people who motivated me.”

Little did Raymond think he would be a fitspiration for a lot of people. “I got so many messages on my Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook about how my journey encouraged them. It’s so nice reading those messages from people because they motivate me to work harder. I still get so kilig when I see messages from people saying, ‘Mon, I started my Day 1 because of

Raymond’s mantra: Everything in moderation! “I removed beef and pork from my diet. I eat chicken, fish, and vegetables. I feel so refreshed, so much better now. I’ll have a bite of cheesecake, but I know the consequences.

If I have wine or a cocktail, it’s always knowing what I put in my body, being mindful of it.”

you. And seeing how you did it, I can do it, “It’s never too late,” Raymond stresses. “That’s the message I want to spread — it’s never too late to take care of yourself. At one point in my life, I was saying, ‘I’m just going to be the fat twin.’ Then I realized it’s never too late to take care of yourself, take a break from whatever you’re doing, and take care of yourself.”

Raymond didn’t really have big health issues. “But it was leading towards that, if I didn’t watch what I ate or didn’t start working out. On some days, I was breathing heavily, and on other days, I had a harder time getting up. So what would this lead to? Am I gonna wait to get sick or have health issues before taking care of myself? It’s also preventive.”

His mom Annabelle was surprised but happy to see “a new” member of the family.

(Annabelle has yet to embark on her own journey to weight loss — well, it takes guts — but the fact that she bought a pair of sneakers is a good sign.)

Raymond has inspired his whole family to embrace wellness. Like his sister Ruffa, who now hits the gym every day.

For Raymond, it’s more than losing weight. It’s about gaining a new lifestyle. “Even my schedule is different now,” he says.

“Before, I was a night person; now, I’m a morning person. I

wake up at 6 a.m. to work out, I do the treadmill first thing in the morning. Before, I’d come home late at night. Now, I’m in bed by 10:30 p.m. My parents are very happy that I’ve chosen this kind of lifestyle.”

He goes on to confess, “I still do my events, my brand launches, I’m still co-owner of The Palace, I still do big concerts. Before, I would just party because I wanted to, drink because I wanted to. The challenge now is about choosing the celebrations that matter.

Really to celebrate and not anymore just because.”

Raymond gives this big fat tip: “I always tell people to listen to their body. So, whenever I’m feeling sore or too tired, I take a break, I don’t want to push myself too much because I don’t want to get sick. If you need a day off, have a day off.”

Raymond’s mantra: Everything in moderation! “ I removed beef and pork from my diet. I eat chicken, fish, and vegetables. I feel so refreshed, so much better now. I’ll have a bite of cheesecake, but I know the consequences. If I have wine or a cocktail, it’s always knowing what I put in my body, being mindful of it.”

Raymond minds his body more than ever. And he looks up to his fitness buddy Richard. “ Now, it’s funny we can actually work out together and bond.

Continued on Page SF4

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celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 9, 2017

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar DonalD John Trump is the 45th and current president of the United States. Prior to entering politics, he was a businessman and television personality. He will be celebrating his 71st birthday on Wednesday, June 14.

Trump was born and raised in Queens, new York City, and earned an economics degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

He then took charge of the Trump organization, the real estate and construction firms founded by his paternal grandmother, which he ran for over four decades until 2017.

During his real estate career, Trump built, renovated, and managed numerous office towers, hotels, casinos and golf courses. Besides real estate,

he started several side ventures and has licensed the use of his name for the branding of various products and properties. He owned the Miss USa and Miss Universe pageants from 1996 to 2015. He also hosted “The apprentice,” a reality TV series on nBC from 2004 to 2015. His calculated net worth as of 2017 is $3.5 billion, making him the 544th richest person in the world. *** actress Judy ann Santos considers the chance working with Star for all Seasons and lipa City Congresswoman Vilma Santos-Recto a dream come true — and it is most likely to happen soon.

During the advanced taping for an episode in “Magandang Buhay,” Judy ann was

US President Donald Trump celebrates his 71st birthday on June 14

interviewed by Push about it.

“Talaga?! Wow! Hindi ko pa alam promise. Talaga ba?

Sana talaga matuloy,” she said.

“Sa totoo lang hindi pa kami nakakapag-usap ni Ate Vi wala pang chance na magkaroon talaga kami ng moment na makapag-usap,” the actress added. according to Judy ann, she has been requesting Star Cinema to give her a project together with the veteran actress and politician.

“Matagal ko ng nilalambing yan sa Star Cinema ang dami lang talagang ganap, kaya, please! Please! Sana talaga matuloy.”

She also added that working with the Star for all Seasons will complete her career as an actress.

United States President Donald Trump will be celebrating his 71st birthday on Wednesday, June 14.

Former Senator Jun Magsaysay (only son of the late Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay) celebrated his birthday last Monday, June 5.

Daly City businessman Lambert Paniza will celebrate his birthday on Tuesday, June 13.

Jeremy Cruz, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerom Cruz, graduated from Westmoor High School last weekend as salutatorian. He is shown with his proud aunt, Jezrel Cruz.

Actress Judy Ann Santos is excited about the possibility of working with Star for All Seasons and Congresswoman Vilma Santos-Recto under Star Cinema.

There are unconfirmed reports saying that Star for All Seasons and Congresswoman Vilma Santos-Recto will be doing a project with actress Judy Ann Santos under Star Cinema.

“Lagi ko talaga request kay MnS (Malou n. Santos) na ‘Sana magkaroon ako ng movie with Ate Vi.’ Siya na lang kasi talaga yung hindi ko pa nakakasama. At parang kulang e, kulang ang pagiging artista mo kapag hindi mo siya nakatrabaho. Lahat ata ng artista

gusto talaga siya makasama at isa ako doon,” she shared.

Judy ann is just waiting word and for the right material/project from Star Cinema.

“Ako kung ano ang i-offer ng Star Cinema sa akin ngayon basta ready ako at maganda ang project bakit hindi? Basta

feeling nila kaya kong itawid gagawin ko. I trust Star Cinema with so many things naghihintay lang naman ako ng isang magandang istorya.” at present, Judy ann is busy hosting her top rating game show, “Bet on Your Baby.”

Anthony Bourdain’s take on Filipino food Bishop Daniel Walsh officiated the confirmation of 19 youths as Soldiers of Christ at Saint Andrew’s Church on Sullivan Avenue in Daly City last Saturday, June 3.

Among those who were confirmed are Edsel Padilla and Joseph Cabrera.

by MJ

Marfori ManilaTimes.net

WoRlD-renowned chef and foodie anthony Bourdain visited the Philippines yet again, this time for the World Street Food Congress held at the Mall of asia concert grounds.

Manila Times had the chance to chat with the “no Reservations” host last weekend where he excitedly shared that his upcoming Bourdain Market is set to open in new York City in 2019. But what was even more exciting was his promise of including a truly Filipino dish.

“I will definitely include sisig!” Bourdain intimated.

Why sisig? Bourdain says that the minced dish of pork’s head and liver will give Filipino cuisine the big break and will make it into a household name.

“It is the ultimate drinking food! With beer in particular, it is perfect! It fits right in the current pork-centric society. americans and Europeans are now into the face, meat and snouts so it’s got all.”

He wishes that sisig would now replace balut as the first Filipino food that will come to mind to foreigners.

The american chef even of-

Anthony Bourdain

fered constructive criticisms on how our cuisine should stop becoming so underrated, “I sense the lack of confidence. Some cultures love to assimilate when they arrive and Filipino very quickly assimilated and inte-

grated with american culture…

I sense the lack of security in promoting and trying to build it into a business … but it is good that in the last few years we have started seeing Filipino hipster food.”

Raymond Gutierrez and his journey...

From Page SF3 Iba na yung bonding namin — before it was drinking, now it’s working out.”

Sharing in Raymond’s weight loss victory is his gal pal Solenn Heussaff, who started her fitness journey when she was 22, “when I started noticing changes in my body, changes in the way I would feel or think or react to certain things.”

She feels the last two years have been the fittest she’s ever been. “People say I’m getting older but for me, I’m getting older, but I feel I’m getting younger because I’m so much healthier in every sense, in every aspect of my life than when I was a kid because I’m more aware and more educated now.”

“Diet” is not a word you’ll find in Solenn’s vocabulary. “It’s a bit of a scary word,” she declares. “People think it’s eating a carrot every day or cleansing. Diet just basically means the quantity of food you eat.

For me, I make sure I balance

my food. So I have eggs for breakfast, I never have a second serving, I don’t drink unnatural sugar, I have fresh fruit juice, not a packed one. I don’t drink soda, I don’t remember the last time I had a soda.”

Because Solenn eats a balanced diet and eats what she wants in small quantities, she doesn’t really have to cheat. “and I don’t crave. If I feel like eating pizza, I’ll have a slice, not half a pizza. But I eat slow, that’s very important. I drink a lot of water before I eat. I eat in small plates at home, to trick my mind that I’m eating a full serving. The plates are really for dessert.”

Solenn doesn’t eat white rice. “But when I’m in Japan, I’ll have sushi, I won’t say no to rice. I love bread, brown bread, but I’ll have a slice, not a loaf.”

It helps that Solenn has a chef brother, Erwan Heussaff, who gives her tips on healthy food substitutes.

Solenn shares her own fitness tips: “Don’t stress on

the weight loss. Because even if you’re doing an extreme diet, you’re possibly thinking, ‘I wanna lose weight, I wanna lose weight.’ You’re gonna get bigger because your body is under stress and looking for things to eat. always be relaxed. Maybe a diet for you will work in two days; for some, it will work in 10 days.

Everyone has his own body and own level ... Don’t have too much oily food, try not to eat carbs or have it only in the morning. Filipinos love rice, it’s full of sugar. People who are not educated in the food department think rice isn’t carbs, but you know that rice is sugar, and the Philippines is super high in diabetes. You need to educate yourself.”

Solenn’s advice to women who have yet to fit fitness into their sedentary lives: “Stop making excuses, get out of bed, surround yourself with people who can motivate you and lift you up, and start today, not tomorrow.”

entertainment SF5 Arci Muñoz closes door on reconciliation with ex The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - June 9, 2017

by Maridol

ranoa-BisMark ManilaTimes.net

UnLIKE before, when her doors remained open for a reconciliation with ex-boyfriend Badi del Rosario, Arci Munoz is sure she and her former love can no longer rekindle their four-yearromance.

“I’ve moved on. Everything has been said and done. I can see that he’s happy,” she said at the press con of Star Cinema’s “Can We Still Be Friends,” her second movie with Gerald Anderson (the first was last year’s hit movie “Always Be My Maybe”). no, she has not asked around how her ex is doing. It is just that somehow, she knows he is happy where he is right now.

Arci admitted it was she who courted Badi, the way she did with all her exes. So, it is possible for her to bring food to Gerald’s set as her way of showing how much she cares, if he does not have Bea Alonzo for his girlfriend.

But since her leading man (their team-up is popularly called “Team Lablab”) is committed to someone else, Arci will not rock the boat.

The actress wants peace of mind, the kind that she said could come from being able to Liza Soberano portrayed the life of Miss greet your ex with a sincere hello Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach in an episode should you bump into him.

“You don’t have to be of ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya.’ friends. You can just be casual Pep.ph that her father Uwe had with each other, and be able to pleaded with Pia to support the schooling of her half-brother Alexander when he was still alive.

“This was during the Binibini From Page SF2 days. I’m sure not a lot of people know, but when you are first runto go through that to graduate ner-up, wala ka ding pera from winnings ‘coz technically you don’t — and I graduated with honors. have a crown. So, Pia said she Cum laude! Hehehehe!!!

Sam has three siblings couldn’t help.”

The source went on to disclose (older brother Red Concepcion that it was Sarah, who lives in the is playing The Engineer in the United Kingdom with her husband Miss Saigon UK tour starting and daughter, who financially sup- next month, with kababayan ported Pia in her early days joining Gerald Santos as Thuy); while beauty pageants which was why Kiana is the youngest among she was unable to help her dad also three (oldest brothers when he was ill.

Pia just came from new York, Gab and Paolo are also active and has yet to comment on the in showbiz). They are both comfortable with each other’s issue as of press time.

Pia Wurtzbach accused of ‘false story’ on MMK Late father’s live-in partner and son set off social media war; Pia’s sister reacts

by iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net

WHILE Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach’s life story on “Maalaala Mo Kaya” and Liza Soberano’s portrayal in the lead both earned praises from the public, it seems not everyone is rejoicing over the primetime biography’s success.

A couple of days after the episode aired, the partner and the son of the beauty queen’s late father Uwe Wurtzbach took to social media accusing her of giving a false account of her German dad.

One of the scenes depicted Pia’s father leaving her Filipino mother because of his supposed affair with another woman. The next time they communicated was when Uwe called Pia and congratulated her for winning first runner-up in the 2013 Binibining Pilipinas pageant. Thereafter, Uwe’s second wife [whose name was not revealed in the TV show] apparently asked Pia to help them financially since her dad was sick.

Reacting to the chain of events in the program, a certain Robie Asingua, supposedly the last live-in partner of Uwe before his passing, branded the beauty queen “a big liar” on Facebook, adding that Pia’s father never bothered to ask her for money. Asingua went on to say that contrary to the “other woman” story, it was Pia’s mother, Cheryl Alonzo Tyndall, who allegedly “got into an affair with a neighbor,” prompting Uwe to abandon them.

“What a hell are you doing Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, making a false story? Oh yeah, you are a big liar.

Your papa never asked for money from you, shame on yourself. Your mama had an affair with [a] neigh-

bor named Jojo, that’s why papa abandoned your mother and you know that all,” Asingua posted on her Facebook account.

Following the thread, Asingua later confirmed that her son Alexander and the beauty queen share the same father.

Alexander, who also carries the surname Wurtzbach, came to his father’s defense too. He even dared Pia to stop using their father’s surname if will only continue to spread false stories about him.

“Sa lahat-lahat, ayaw ko yung sisiraan mo ang patay na wala nang kinalaman ‘yun eh. Karmahin sana kayo, parang walang pinagaralan. Wag mong dadalahin ang apelyedo na ‘yan kung alam mo ganyan ugali ng tatay mo. ‘Kala ko ba babaero siya at wala siyang kwenta. Bakit mahal mo pa rin siya? You’re a freaking liar, don’t use my father’s surname if you don’t like him, you’re a millionaire now, so change it! Don’t say your money will help you. You are a liar!”

Alexander’s Facebook post read.

While the beauty queen has not reacted to the social media brouhaha, Pia’s younger sister, Sarah Wurtzbach, chose to do so, angrily posting, “Baka gusto mong kalkalin ko yung mga message niyo ng nanay mo sa amin. Baka mapahiya ka. Tigil na kasi, ayan na, fame oh! Embrace it!”

Sarah then answered a question from another netizen who asked if she indeed plans to gather proof against Robie and Alexander, saying, “Mamshie hinahakot ko.

Naghahanap na. May baril ako pero walang bala e.”

A source from Pia’s camp told online showbiz website

Arci Munoz and Gerald Anderson star in “Can We Still Be Friends?”

say hi to him. If you don’t, he might think you’ve become bitter (about the break-up).”

Arci is letting experience be her best teacher. After her ex asked her if they can still be friends, Arci decided to reject the offer.

“I still loved him. So, it’s best that we don’t see each other anymore at all,” she recalled.

Yes, she could be friends with an ex, but it will take time.

The wounds must heal. The painful memories must slowly fade away.

Arci admitted “Can We Still Be Friends” (to open nationwide on Wednesday, June 14) is her story. She can relate to Sam, the idealistic achiever whose character she portrays.

Suddenly, the past is back with a vengeance. Except that the relationship lasted for eight years in Sam and Digs’ (Gerald’s character) case.

Gerald, Arci, their fellow millennial co-stars, and director Prime Cruz (who helms the indie hit “Sleepless”), hope moviegoers will relate to it as well.

Kiana Valenciano & Sam Concepcion... family. Since he also has a little sister (who’s 20), Sam is overprotective over Kiana, seeing to it that he doesn’t commit anything that will displease his (future) parents-in-law. Like their parents, Sam and Kiana are Born-Again Christian.

If they were to compare their relationship to a movie, what would it be?

Kiana: Saving Sally? Oh, just kidding. But I really like that movie so much.

Sam: I would compare it to

a movie about two people who start out as friends and end up as lovers.

And if they were to compare their relationship to a destination, how far have they gone?

Kiana: We are just getting started. Airport pa lang.

Sam: On the runway na, about to take off.

With that, we wish Sam and Kiana a happy trip. Let’s hope that their “flight” is not delayed or, worse, cancelled.

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