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Volume 14 - No. 48 • 3 Sections – 20 Pages

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Aquino hit for downplaying ‘tanim-bala’ scam DATELINE USA

by Jeeferson

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Clinton proposes tax break for family caregivers

DemoCrAtIC presidential candidate hillary Clinton on sunday, Nov. 22, proposed a new tax credit offsetting up to $6,000 in costs for middle-class families who care for their aging parents or grandparents and disabled family members.

“We need to recognize the value of the work that caregivers give to all of us, both those who are paid and the great number who are unpaid,” Clinton told a crowd of more than 400 gathered at a town hall-style meeting in Iowa on sunday, Nov. 22, according to the Associated Press.

PAGE A3

House passes bill to stop Syrian refugees the house of representatives swiftly passed a bill on thursday, Nov. 19, that would halt the admission of syrian refugees into the Us, suspending the program until key national security agencies can certify that they do not pose a security risk. the vote was 289-137, with 47 Democrats joining 242 republicans in favor of the bill, according to CNN. two republicans—reps.

Walter Jones of North Carolina and steve King of Iowa—joined the 135 Democrats in voting against the legislation.

PAGE A3

AntipordA, MichAel Joe delizo/ManilaTimes.net

LAWmAKers on tuesday, Nov. 24 decried the attempt of President Benigno Aquino 3rd to downplay the tanim-bala extortion scheme at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) that victimized passengers, mostly elderly. senators ferdinand marcos Jr. and Cynthia Villar said the illegal activity should be addressed regardless of the number of victims.

Aquino earlier said the issue was “sensationalized” to make it appear that the government is unable to put a stop to it.

“It is unfortunate that instead of trying to get

into the bottom of these allegations, the President chose to dismiss these outright with statistics and even defended the airport authorities,” marcos said in a statement. “this is not about statistics; this is about an entire life, career or future of an individual and their families ruined by an extortion scheme. one incident of “tanim-bala” is one incident too many,” he added.

Villar said Gloria ortinez, one of those detained by authorities after a bullet was found in PAGE A2 Pres. Benigno Aquino III

Obama struggles to keep focus on Asia US to host ASEAN leaders in 2016

Us President Barack obama voiced his determination to put Asia front and center in his foreign policy, even as a two-nation visit to the region was eclipsed by jihadist attacks in france and mali.

America’s self-styled “Pacific President” has been frustrated to see a trip to malaysia and the Philippines designed to highlight his stated refocus on Asia overshadowed once again.

After years of talking about the need to deepen trade, security and diplomatic ties with the region, White house officials had hoped the trip would be a victory lap. twelve countries recently agreed to obama’s trans-Pacific Partnership (tPP) trade pact, and the Us pledged to boost security assistance to its ally the Philippines, which is in a confrontation with China over maritime territory.

During the weeklong Asia swing, obama has touted his years growing up in southeast Asia, vowed to become the first president to visit Laos, and chatted with audience members in Bahasa InPAGE A2

TANIM-BALA SCAM. What used to be a routine procedure at NAIA is now viewed with suspicion. The Philippine government vowed to make travelers feel safe again at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after an investigation was ordered into the “tanim bala” racket that extorts money from airline passengers.

Inquirer.net photo

Yes, I’m running for President 6 years later, still no justice in Maguindanao massacre Help pioneering Pinay inventor, – Davao City Mayor Duterte PH govt urged

by JAnvic

MAteo Philstar.com

by neil

A. Alcober

ManilaTimes.net

“the die is cast. I have already crossed the rubicon.”

Davao City mayor rodrigo Duterte made the statement on monday, Nov. 23 as he confirmed reports over the weekend that he has changed his mind and would run for President in next year’s elections.

“Yes, I am running,” he told reporters in san Juan City (metro manila). “But the formal declaration will be made by the PDP.” the tough-talking mayor was referring to Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan or PDPLaban, the over 30-year-old political party that has been pushing him to gun for the presidency.

PDP-Laban traces its roots to Davao City and Cagayan de oro City and was organized in the early 1980s primarily to galvanize anti-marcos forces in the region.

Duterte is a member of the party. sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte

III, president of the PDP-Laban, said he spoke with Duterte last saturday and the mayor told him he is now inclined to run in 2016. “this is the accumulation of his [Duterte] frustrations or concerns due to complaints given to him like tanim-bala [bullet-planting], citizenship and others. maybe he’s had enough,” Pimentel added.

Pimentel, a Bar topnotcher, said that in order to make Duterte’s candidacy official, the mayor needs to file his own certificate of candidacy for President, attaching the party’s PAGE A4

RELIVING THE HORROR. A Tamaraw FX vehicle with license Plate No. UTG 234 is recovered from a shallow grave where the bodies of at least 50 of 58 victims of the Nov. 23, 2009, Maguindanao massacre have been found in Datu Ampatuan town, Maguindanao province.

Six years after the tragedy, a manhunt for remaining suspects in the infamous Maguindanao massacre is ongoing. Of the 197 people accused of involvement in the mass killing, only 111 have been arrested and charged in court.

Inquirer.net photo by Rem Zamora

mANILA—Justice remains elusive for the victims in the maguindanao massacre as the country commemorates on monday, Nov. 23 the gruesome murder of 58 people, including 32 media practitioners, six years ago. more than 150 witnesses and thousands of pages of documentary evidence were presented, but the special court handling the case – while making substantial progress in the past year – has yet to issue a single verdict against any

the government should help the group of filipina inventor Aisa mijeno to realize their goal of mass-producing their saltwater-powered LeD lamp, sen. ferdinand marcos Jr. said on monday, Nov. 23.

It is sad, according to marcos, that the government is yet to provide support for mijeno’s invention when both Us President Barack obama and Chinese bilPAGE A2 PAGE A2

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

From the Front Page

Aquino hit for downplaying...

PAGE A1 her hand-carry bag, sensationalized the issue.

She said Ortinez will not risk losing her work in Hong Kong by bringing a bullet with her.

“I cannot imagine an individual willing to risk everything for a bullet and it is difficult to believe that there is no tanimbala,” she said.

Marcos said Malacañang’s reaction puts into question the government’s sincerity in addressing the extortion scheme.

Anakpawis also scored Aquino for defending airport officials who failed to stop the extortion racket.

“President Aquino should not take the gravity of the issue by the numbers. One victim of tanim-bala is enough to compel the authority to quickly resolve the case. His latest statement defending the ranking NAIA officials from criminal and administrative liability is an obvious move to cover up

its mess,” Rep. Fernando Hicap said in a statement.

“Clearly the Kamag-anak, Kaklase at Kaibigan weighs more than the trauma and inconvenience that the victims suffered in the hands of unscrupulous airport ranking officials and security personnel engaging in the illegal affair. He absolved these officials from any wrongdoing while there is no closure in the case. He just adds to the growing frustrations not only to the tanim-bala victims and their families but worst making the issue more infamous in the international scene,” he added.

The family of Lane Michael White, the American missionary indicted for carrying a bullet at the airport, said it respects the comment of the president and will leave everything to God. Lane’s father Michael Ryan White quoted the Bible when asked to comment on Aquino’s statement.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians:6:12-13 KJV),” he said.

“We respect President Aquino’s opinions, but with this verse, we know that our God is in control and He is merciful and just.”

The preacher added that the government should address the problem instead of insulting the media and threatening the victims.

“During a time when the Filipino people needed reassurance that this problem would be fixed, they instead get their intelligence insulted, the media and the victims get threatened to be investigated,” he said.

Help pioneering Pinay inventor PH gov’t...

PAGE A1 lionaire Jack Ma of Alibaba had recognized the potential of her invention.

Mijeno, CEO of SALt (Sustainable Alternative Lighting), shared the stage with Obama and Ma at the APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) CEO Summit where Obama moderated a session after his speech on climate change.

She said her group needed

funding to mass-produce the lamp.

“SALt’s invention has gained international attention and earned various awards and it is puzzling why we have not seen any effort from the government to help bring this product of Filipino ingenuity to the market,” Marcos noted.

Powered only by a solution of water and two tablespoons of salt or plain seawater, the LED lamp

can provide 8-hours of light.

The senator said SALt’s invention, which will provide a cheap and dependable source of light in many rural areas of the country where there is still no electricity, will also give employment if mass-produced here in the country.

At the very least, Marcos added, concerned government agencies should take the initiative of reaching out to Mijeno’s group to inform them of the assistance they could avail of under Republic Act 7459 or the Investors and Inventions Incentives Act. He said inventors were complaining in the past that they experienced difficulty in trying to avail of incentives they are entitled to receive under the law, prompting many of them to find support outside the country.

“We should be the first ones to benefit from the innovative creations of our inventors. Unless we give them adequate support, we will always lose out on investors abroad who are always on the lookout for promising new products,” Marcos added.

(ManilaTimes.net)

Obama struggles to keep focus...

PAGE A1 donesia.

But at a business forum on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Malaysia on Saturday, Nov. 21, Obama had to begin by talking about events half a world away in Mali, where 27 people died in an attack by gun-toting jihadists.

In a speech, Obama condemned the “appalling” attack, adding that “this barbarity only stiffens our resolve to meet this challenge” of extremist violence.

“On behalf of the American

people, I want to extend our deepest condolences to the people of Mali and the victims’ families, including at least one American,” he said.

On Sunday, Nov. 22, the president said he would host the leaders of 10 Southeast Asian nations next year as he rejected accusations that the Middle East turmoil was distracting him from focusing on Asia.

“I’m pleased they accepted and I look forward to continuing our work,” he said, speaking in Kuala Lumpur at the end of a marathon week of diplomacy that has taken in summits in

Turkey, the Philippines and Malaysia. He added that good ties with Asian nations were “absolutely critical” to US security.

Obama said his Asia tour, which had been initially overshadowed by terrorist attacks in France, Lebanon and Mali, was neither distracted by nor “somehow disconnected from pressing global events.”

“This region is not a distraction from the world’s central challenges but is critical to security, prosperity and human dignity around the world,” he said. (Inquirer.net with reports from AFP and AP)

6 years later, still no justice in Maguindanao...

PAGE A1 of the accused charged with 58 counts of murder.

The bail plea of primary accused Andal Ampatuan Jr. is pending before Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes.

Malacañang is hopeful that the judiciary will find ways to speed up the process as presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda has noted the pace of the case.

“We continue to be outraged by the whole incident and we remember the people who unfortunately died in that tragic massacre,” he said, adding that the Palace has been asking the judicial branch for a way to speed up resolution of the cases.

But for Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, who lost his wife Genalyn and two sisters, along with a number of female lawyers and staff in the Nov. 23, 2009 incident, “justice is still an elusive dream.”

Genalyn was supposed to file the governor’s certificate of candidacy in the provincial capital of Shariff Aguak when their convoy, which included media groups, was stopped by more than a hundred men in Ampatuan town. All were shot and buried. Others were raped before they were killed. The body of reporter Reynaldo Momay was never found.

Mangudadatu, then the vice mayor of Buluan town, was supposed to challenge a scion of the Ampatuan clan – then the most powerful political family in the region – for the gubernatorial post.

Prosecution witnesses claim that Andal Jr. himself led the attack, an allegation he personally denied when he took the witness stand last month to testify on his whereabouts during the incident.

Other prominent members of the Ampatuan clan, including now deceased Andal Sr., were tagged as masterminds of the crime. They have denied the allegations.

Time ticking for Aquino admin When he was elected in 2010, President Aquino himself pledged that convictions would be issued against the suspects in the massacre before he steps down from office next year.

Former justice secretary Leila de Lima said in October that she remained confident that a verdict would be issued against Andal Jr. and his brother, former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao governor Zaldy Ampatuan. She personally supervised the prosecution panel before resigning last month to run for the Senate .

Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno also said that the Supreme Court has done its part in helping expedite proceedings as it issued a resolution allowing Judge SolisReyes to separately promulgate judgment on the accused, known as the “first in, first out” method. It also appointed an assisting judge to handle motions that do not tackle the merits of the case.

Private lawyer Harry Roque, who represents some of the media victims, expressed confidence that the court could issue a ruling against Andal Jr. and Zaldy.

“The past six years without a

conviction is a clear breach of the state obligation to accord the victims an adequate domestic remedy. Nonetheless, I am confident that because of our initiative, the first in first out, we could have a promulgation against two Ampatuan brothers before PNoy leaves,” said the lawyer, who is running for Congress under a party-list group.

But defense lawyer Salvador Panelo said the termination of the case may not be forthcoming as the accused still have to present evidence for their defense.

“That could probably last beyond Aquino’s term. What is important is the truth in the case comes out,” he added.

Members of the Central Mindanao media community are certain of a conviction though as they remain hopeful that the court would hand down a ruling soon.

Bail pleas While no ruling has been issued, the court handling the multiple murder case has made significant progress in the past year.

Based on court records, Judge Solis-Reyes has ruled on the bail petitions of 62 out of 69 suspects who filed such plea.

A total of 45 suspects, mostly police officers, have been allowed to post bail, while 17 suspects – including deceased Andal Sr. and his sons Anwar Sr. and Zaldy – have been denied of their motion for temporary freedom.

Despite the bail grant, only one suspect, Andal Sr.’s son Sajid Islam, was able to post the P11.6 million set by the court. He is now running for mayor of Shariff Aguak, a post previously held by his brother Anwar Sr. prior to the massacre.

In her rulings granting the bail pleas, the judge said the prosecution panel was not able to present convincing and strong evidence against the accused. Most of the orders are questioned before the Court of Appeals. Zaldy’s camp also expressed its intention to appeal the denial of bail for the former regional governor.

Panelo said the Ampatuan clan has been framed for the massacre, and presented witnesses claiming that Andal Jr. was not at the scene but instead at the municipal hall at the time of the incident.

He also reiterated that Andal Jr. was in the United States a few days prior to the massacre, making it impossible for him to attend the supposed meetings where the crime was planned.

“The accused are hounded by the reality that their witnesses are either killed, intimidated, bought or charged with fabricated crimes to make them mortally fearful to testify. Some of them died or are debilitated by illness. Others who are willing to testify are opposed by the prosecution panel because it doesn’t want the truth to come out about the Ampatuans being framed for a crime they have not committed,” Panelo added.

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Clinton proposes tax break...

PAGE A1 Her proposal, the latest in a series geared toward America’s middle class, seeks a credit to 20 percent of up to $6,000 in caregiving costs for a total savings of up to $1,200. It also calls for providing caregivers with additional Social Security benefits, and reforming work-family policies to support paid and unpaid caregivers, a Clinton aide said.

In the United States, there are approximately 12 million who require long-term care. By 2050, as the population ages, that number is expected to hit 27 million, according to a Clinton campaign fact sheet. The presidential candidate said the economic value of unpaid work performed by family caregivers in 2013 for aging and disabled individuals was $470 billion.

“As baby boomers age, more and more families will need to provide care for or will need care from loved ones,” her campaign said. “Many family members, most often spouses and adult daughters, spend time out of the workforce, cut back on hours, or use personal days, vacation and family time to provide needed care.”

Clinton also said that lost wages and work especially comes at a cost to women, who constitute the majority of paid and unpaid caregivers.

“Whether a woman leaves the workforce to care for children or leaves the workforce to care for a spouse or parent, it means that there is not then an income coming in that could be used to help calculate Social Security benefits later. And I think we have got to recognize that for many women, this has a very serious impact on the amount of money they then draw from Social Security, in order to take care of themselves,” Clinton said.

Campaign estimates put the

cost of the plan at $10 billion throughout a 10-year period.

However, it would not add to the nation’s debt, the campaign said, as it would be financed with tax increases Clinton has previously proposed.

“Hillary Clinton’s solution to every pressing issue is to expand government and raise taxes, and this plan is no different as it will cost hardworking Americans billions,” said Ninio Fetalvo, Asian Pacific American press secretary at the Republican National Committee. “Clinton is simply checking a box to score political points at the expense of middle-class Americans.”

Wall Street Journal political reporter Laura Meckler, who covers Clinton and the 2016 presidential campaign, wrote that the Clinton campaign did not provide more specific details about a revenue source for the proposal, other than a variety of other pay-fors.

Assisting adults attending to their elderly parents, often while simultaneously raising their own children or assisting with their grandchildren, has become a theme at Clinton’s campaign stops, Reuters reported.

Clinton’s plan would also invest additional money into programs providing grant dollars for respite care needs, such as short stays in caregiving facilities, according to CBS. She would also launch a government-wide “Care Workers Initiative,” which would guide training and placement for care workers and ensure they are paid fairly, CBS reported.

The presidential candidate previously proposed the creation of a new, refundable $5,000 credit for out-of-pocket health costs and a new credit for businesses that create apprenticeships, Politico reported. Her campaign said she will offer additional middle-class tax breaks in the coming months.

(Agnes Constante / AJPress)

House passes bill to stop...

PAGE A1

The bill requires the nation’s three top security officials--the Homeland Security secretary, FBI director and national intelligence director--to certify to Congress each Syrian or Iraqi refugee is not a security threat before he or she can be admitted into the US, according to USA Today.

The House’s swift vote created a majority that could override President Barack Obama’s promised veto for his proposed program to admit 10,000 refugees from Syria and Iraq. It also faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where Minority Leader Harry Reid has said he would try to block the bill.

The high number of Democrats voting against the White House is a clear sign Obama is more isolated in his position on refugees, especially after the ISIS terrorist attacks last week in Paris.

The White House has issued a veto threat, saying the bill would create significant delays and barriers for refugees without providing meaningful additional security for Americans.

During his trip abroad this week, Obama offered a forceful defense

of the program, and mocked his Republican opponents as being scared of “widows and orphans.”

“We are not well served when, in response to a terrorist attack, we descend into fear and panic,” said Obama at the APEC summit in the Philippines on Wednesday.

“We don’t make good decisions if it’s based on hysteria or an exaggeration of risks.”

Determined to move quickly, Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan told reporters, “This is urgent. We cannot and should not wait to act, not when our national security is at stake.”

The administration’s veto threat “baffles me, especially given the fact that his own law enforcement top officials came to Congress and testified that there are gaps in this refugee program,” he added.

“The real problem is ISIL and the lack of a strategy,” commented House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said.

“We are a nation at war,” said Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), who introduced the bill with Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.). “The streets PAGE A4

Dateline USa

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvembeR 27-deCembeR 3, 2015

A

Filipino Heritage Night now a Warriors tradition

by Jun

nucum Inquirer.net

OAKLAND—It was probably sports’ longest Filipino Heritage Night ever, but no one was heard complaining and every one seemed to even want more. More of the Filipino Heritage Night, that is, especially among Filipinos cheering for the Golden State Warriors who won a thrilling overtime game over the Brooklyn Nets 107-99 on

November 14 at the Oracle Arena.

The basketball crazy Filipino fans brought their passion for the ballgame with them from the Philippines to the Bay Area, handing it to their children by bringing them along to the games. That’s especially so during heritage night when Filipinos get together, starting with in a celebratory tailgate akin to a rural Philippine fiesta.

“It is really exciting that the

Filipino Heritage gets to grow each year. I mean I can tease everyone we can make every night Filipino Heritage night because if you look at the crowd, it is really a very strong fan base. We are really excited to continue to do it,” beamed Filipina American Golden State Warriors Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Cabalquinto before

the game.

“It is great to have this Filipino heritage night going on because you cannot beat Pinoy pride. We are the Bay’s team and the Bay Area is well represented by Filipinos being the fastest growing immigrant group and we certainly represent the Bay. Tonight PAGE A4

Rowan and Femy Semilla with friends Tess Jusi and another at the tailgate in the Oracle Arena parking lot during the recent Golden State Warriors Filipino Heritage Night.

Leslie Beltran, wife Liliian, and children, Angel, Michaela and Jasmin, at the tailgate in the Oracle Arena parking lot during the recent Golden State Warriors Filipino Heritage Night.

Stephen Curry practicing before game with the Nets as Filipino kids from West Bay Multiservices watch their idol.

Filipino kids with their Kampeon shirts at the tailgate in the Oracle Arena parking lot during the recent Golden State Warriors Filipino Heritage Night.

Inquirer.net photos by Jun Nucum

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november 27-december 3, 2015 • norcAL ASIAn JoUrnAL

House passes bill to stop...

PAGE A3 of Paris could just as easily have been the streets of New York, Chicago, Houston, or Los Angeles…we must take decisive action to show the American people that we are doing all we can to protect them.”

Obama administration officials have been lobbying Democrats to oppose the measure, saying there is a vigorous 18-month to 24month vetting process for eligible refugees.

“No refugee is approved for travel to the United States under the current system until the fall array of required security vetting measures have been completed,” the White House said.

“There are always risks in allowing any foreigners into the US,” said FBI Director James Comey, adding that the FBI has an “effective process with intelligence and other agencies to conduct vetting of refugees.”

Comey has told administration and government officials that the legislation bill would make it impossible to allow any refugees into the US, and could even affect the ability of travelers from nearly three dozen countries worldwide that are allowed easier travel to the US, under the visa waiver program.

“This is an area where additional scrutiny and reforms could be useful in enhancing the national security of the United States,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest told Reuters.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice in Los Angeles, the largest Asian American legal and civil rights organization, released a statement expressing its disappointment in the measure.

“Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles condemns the ignorance, as well as the xenophobia and Islamaphobia, underlying today’s House vote to block Syrian and Iraqi refugees from entering the United States,” said Karin Wang, Vice-President of Programs and Communications for Advancing Justice-LA. “We are extremely disappointed that in this hour of great need, our elected officials in Washington choose fear over compassion and we urge the Senate and President to ensure that the United States continues to welcome those seeking refuge.”

The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) in Washington DC also strongly opposed the act, blocking Syrian and Iraqi refugees from resettling in the US. “We believe that America can be safe and secure without sacrificing our cherished values,” said NCAPA National Director Christopher Kang. “The measure of moral leadership is our response when the world is tested, not what we do in times of peace and prosperity.

The United States has a noble tradition of responding to major wars and conflicts by resettling refugees from across the globe—three million refugees have been safely

Dateline USa

admitted since 1975. We must not turn our backs on them now.”

NCAPA urged the House of Representatives to oppose the legislation, proudly joining a coalition of 81 refugee and immigration law experts and humanitarians in sending a letter to members of Congress, supporting the refugee resettlement program.

Roughly 11 million Syrians, almost half the nation’s population, have fled their homes since civil war broke out in 2011, and around 4 million people have fled their country. The White House said that 2,174 Syrian refugees have been admitted to the US since Sept. 11, 2001, and “not a single one has been arrested or deported on terrorism-related grounds.” (Allyson Escobar/AJPress)

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

Yes, I’m running for President...

PAGE A1 nomination to Martin Diño’s COC, who recently withdrew as standard-bearer of the party.

“We will do it step by step, he [Duterte] still has until December 10 [to file his own COC],” the senator added.

He said the Davao City mayor will be the substitute candidate of the PDP-Laban.

According to Pimentel, PDPLaban has been reenergized and is now flexing its political muscle although he admitted that they do not have candidates in all municipalities.

He said there are many personalities identified with PDP-Laban who are no longer part of the party

but vowed to campaign for Duterte after learning about the his presidential bid.

The party fielded former Quezon City barangay (village) captain Martin Diño as its standard-bearer after Duterte failed to appear at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) head office in Manila on the last day of filing of certificates of candidacy.

A few weeks later, PDP-Laban passed a resolution designating Duterte as its “substitute candidate” in case Diño withdraws his candidacy.

Another resolution stated that Duterte could not turn down the party’s decision to draft him as its candidate for President.

Filipino Heritage Night now...

PAGE A3 the players will be wearing the first ever Filipino Heritage Night shooting shirts and that was really important for us. The Bay and the 2014-2015 National Basketball Association (NBA) Champions are the first ones to get that done. And I am proud to have that happen. “ Keeps growing In an interview during the tailgate at the Oracle Arena parking lot before the game, Filipina American Warriors group sales manager Maria Valdehueza traced the beginnings of Filipino Heritage Night.

“Filipino Heritage Night started off as a group ticket event for the community to purchase tickets to attend the Warriors games. It has continued to grow in the last few seasons that we now hosts two heritage nights, tonight and one again in March 25 when we play Dallas.

The Filipino community has been a big supporter of the Warriors and Filipinos are obviously big basketball fans so it’s exciting to get them here to celebrate culture and to support the basketball team as well,” Valdehueza recounted.

“We have done this already for at least eight seasons now. We get at least 5,000 Filipino fans of the 20,000 seating capacity of the Oracle every heritage night. And I attribute the growth of the number of fans to having a great basketball team in the current NBA world champions. Of course, the Filipino community loves basketball. Everybody wants to bring the family – their lolos, lolas, their neighbors– they want to bring whoever they can to celebrate basketball and culture.”

Valdehueza added that it would be a lot crazier if there were a Filipino American player among the Warriors lineup, just like in 1978 when the team drafted Raymond Townsend from the UCLA Bruins, where Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Tower of Power University of the Philippines Maroons alumnus Benjie Paras’ son Kobe Paras is currently playing.

Tailgate fiesta At the tailgate, the Larry O’Brian NBA championship trophy was on display for picture-taking opportunity for an hour. Four food trucks offered Filipino food. The Dub truck offerered Warriors merchandise in support of the Filipino community. Fil-Am DJ Romeo Reyes provided the music and Kampeon shirts that came with especially priced tickets were handed out.

The additional cost of the tickets benefitted local Filipino organizations like the “youth organization of the night” West Bay Filipino Multicultural Services, Filipina Women’s Network, Filipino-American Arts Expo headed by Arts Commissioner Al Perez of the annual Pistahan fame, 600 Hands, among others.

Among those who attended the tailgate was Leslie Beltran who came with wife, Liliian, and children Angel, Michaela, and Jasmin, an Ilocano family based in Hayward who came every heritage night.

“I love the Filipino food, the Filipino shirt, the hat and simply representing our culture. We go here with our children every time because they have to learn their Filipino heritage. And of course it is bonding time for the whole fam-

ily,” exclaimed Lillian while their children, in unison, cried, ”We are happy on Filipino Heritage Night because we love the Warriors and Steve Curry Couple Rowan and Femy Semilla, who came with friend Tess Jusi, had been wanting to have their picture taken with the championship trophy since the day the Warriors were proclaimed champions.

“This is a dream come true. It is great for it is a symbol of championship. Filipino heritage night is very important because they honor us Filipinos. This year they are honoring us twice not just once and we are very excited,” the three friends chimed.

At halftime of the Warriors game itself, a cultural dance number by Fil-Am children garbed in colorful ethnic costumes delighted the crowd.

Bicolana Cyril Sola of the Filipino American Arts Expo stated that her group tries to go to as many heritage nights of even the other Bay Area teams like baseball’s three-time world champions San Francisco Giants and also the Oakland A’s, as “it feels so nice to see the community coming together showing their pride being Filipinos and embracing their FilipinoAmerican heritage, sampling of our food, our customs.”

“What makes this a success is that Filipinos are basketball fans and Filipinos like to party on heritage nights,” Sola believed.

Heritage Night regular Mark Tandoc of 600 Hands has been going to Heritage Nights for six or seven years. “The Warriors and the Giants are great organizations. They really love the Filipino

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According to the schedule of the Comelec, a political party may replace its registered candidates not later than December 10.

Speculations that the 70-yearold Duterte–known for his tough stance against criminality and illegal drugs–was eyeing a higher position started after he embarked on a nationwide speaking tour purportedly as part of a campaign to draw support for a proposal to move for a shift to a federal form of government.

Duterte’s eventual entry into the presidential derby makes the 2016 elections a five-cornered fight. (With reports from Catherine S. Valente and Jefferson Antiporda) community especially here in the Bay Area,” said Tandoc. “We’re the single largest group of any event of the Bay Area teams, including the San Francisco Giants and the Golden State Warriors. We are probably the most important ethnic group for both teams. And we have been their lucky charms in being the champions.”

West Bay executive director Vivian Araullo felt greatly honored for the Warriors to recognize the Filipino community especially because Filipinos are among the biggest basketball fans in the world.

“West Bay has been the organization of the night twice and we have been here for heritage nights three or four times already.

We really are a very special organization as far as the Warriors are concerned and of course we love the Warriors in return. Mahal namin sila. We expect to cheer the Warriors on to victory and to make sure (that they feel) that Filipinos in the South of the Market love them,” Araullo gushed.

“Oh God I hope that the Warriors would get to play an exhibition game in the Philippines,” exclaimed Cabalquinto. “I would love for the NBA to send the Warriors to the Philippines as I said the Philippines has a strong fan base. I went to a league meeting in Las Vegas and my cab driver happened to be a Filipino and the first thing he was talking about was why we (Warriors) don’t go to the Philippines? Yeah I think it would be great.”

Cabalquinto, representing the Warriors, recently was among an elite group of Filipino American executives from the Bay Area invited to the White House for its first Filipino American History Month celebration.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Malacañang: We can account for APEC’s P10-B Palace tells voters: Platforms, not personalities by delon

porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA—Malacañang assured the people on Monday, Nov. 23 that the administration would make a full accounting of the P10 billion that was allocated for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings that concluded last Thursday, Nov. 19.

“Of course, it goes without saying that it will be audited. All government expenses are open to the people,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte told state-run radio dzRB in her regular weekend interview.

“We are not hiding anything and we know that by the end of the hosting, every single peso will be accounted for,” she assured.

Sen. Francis Escudero had called on the Aquino administra-

tion to release the breakdown of expenses for the APEC events.

Valte said the APEC expenses went to the local economy, especially since delegates and visitors spent for their hotel stay, food and other activities during their stay.

She said the expenses went to local hotel accommodations and the infrastructure that would be used later by the people.

Valte clarified that the host government only shoulders the hotel and food expenses of the visiting world leader but not their staff and other foreign delegates.

Escudero noted there have been allocations for the APEC in the years prior to 2015, most of which went to building and fixing infrastructure in Iloilo City, where meetings and dialogues

between APEC member economies had been held since July.

The senator said he would also want to know if the government was the one who financed the vehicles used during the APEC or were they donated.

He noted that Toyota Motors Philippines pledged to provide 483 vehicles, including Altis, Fortuner and Hiace, with drivers for the APEC Senior Officials’ Meetings, private sectorrelated meetings and the CEO Summit.

He added BMW provided more than 200 units of BMW 7 Series long-wheelbase sedan, BMW 5 Series sedan and Gran Turismo to be used by the ministers and heads of state during the leaders’ meeting, and Mercedes Benz is also an APEC mobility partner.

FOCAP statement on Ampatuan Massacre SIx years after the world’s largest-ever single attack on media workers, the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) presses its call on the judiciary and the government to speed up the prosecution of those behind the barbaric atrocity.

FOCAP joins its colleagues in the local press in demanding justice. We note that none of the nearly 200 accused have been convicted, with at least one of them freed on bail and reportedly preparing to contest a local post in Maguindanao. Scores of suspects remain at large.

One of the alleged masterminds has also died in jail due to natural causes, depriving both the accused and the victims of the right to a speedy trial.

“As foreign correspondents it is our duty to continue to report on this pressing issue, that

this brutal attack on journalists, their families and press freedom itself may never be far from the public’s consciousness,” FOCAP president Simone Orendain said.

On November 23, 2009 58 people, including 32 journalists/media workers, were killed when an election convoy was stopped and attacked by about 100 armed men allegedly working for the powerful Ampatuan clan.

Rights groups have reported that several potential witnesses have been killed.

With elections on the horizon next year, FOCAP strongly calls on the authorities to speed up prosecution of the suspects.

Justice has been elusive in the past six years and FOCAP vows to be vigilant in calling for government action on what is considered as the most atrocious attack on media workers in modern times.

by Jerry

e. esplanada Inquirer.net

INSTEAD of focusing on “personalities” running in the 2016 presidential election and their “personal narratives,” voters should pay more attention to the candidates’ campaign platforms or programs of government.

This was Malacañang’s response Monday when asked if the administration considered Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte a “threat” to the presidential bid of Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Mar Roxas.

After insisting for months that he would not run and would just retire, Duterte suddenly announced he was joining next year’s presidential race.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda pointed out “the thing with people running is that we’re so focused on the personalities involved.”

“But at the end of the day, I think you should recognize and people should be more discerning in what each candidate presents to the public. What really is the offer?” he said.

He emphasized that “whether it’s Sen. Grace Poe, Mayor Duterte, Sen. Miriam DefensorSantiago or Secretary Mar Roxas, it’s important for the public to know and to sift through and filter and be conscious of the platform of each and every candidate.”

“That’s more important than the narratives, the personal narratives,” he pointed out.

According to Lacierda, “we need to hear instead the personalities’ platform.”

“Let’s talk about what are they going to do with jobs. We have

Presidential Spokes person Edwin Lacierda

a clear idea and we know for a fact that Secretary Mar Roxas has that. (But) what do the others contribute? What do the others have?” he asked.

“Let’s talk about issues. Let’s talk about your program of government. But regardless of who runs, the final analysis, at the end of the day is the people want to know what are you going to offer to the Filipino people?” he said.

Lacierda, who has been chided for acting like Roxas’ spokesperson, said the administration was “confident that our candidate has something to offer to the Filipino people.”

“It’s clear to our administration on what our candidate will do,” he said as he asserted that Roxas “will level up and accelerate daang matuwid,” the administration’s reform agenda.

Earlier, Lacierda said unlike other candidates who were promising change, Roxas and other administration candidates were running on a platform of continuity.

Taking an apparent swipe at Poe’s perceived promise of change, he said the administration’s reforms should be contin-

ued for the country to prosper.

Poe was initially considered

by Mr. Aquino as the possible LP presidential candidate. He eventually endorsed Roxas as his preferred successor, saying the latter was more experienced than the senator.

For his part, Roxas said that no Filipino would want a “foreigner” for a President, apparently referring to Poe, whom he once courted to be his running mate and who is facing disqualification cases due to questions over her citizenship for being a foundling.

Asked if he agreed with Duterte’s reason for joining the presidential race, which was to ensure no American would become President, Roxas said he shared that view.

Without naming Poe, Roxas said the question was not about being a Filipino or not, but about “being a natural-born Filipino as defined by the Constitution.”

However, although knowing Poe was a foundling, Roxas had publicly pursued Poe to be his running mate before the latter decided to launch an independent run for the presidency.

Sen. Alan Cayetano: Senators who upheld Poe ‘sincerely wrong’

by Maila

ager Inquirer.net

SENATE Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said Monday, Nov. 23 that the five member-senators of the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) were “sincerely wrong” when they voted to junk the disqualification case against Senator Grace Poe. The five senators are Cayetano’s sister, Pia Cayetano, Loren Legarda, Cynthia Villar, Bam Aquino, and Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.

“Having a sister or a brother or a father or a son in government doesn’t mean that you will always vote the same. You will vote (based on your) conscience, you will vote according to your analysis so that’s why I’m saying I believe she and her companions were sincere but they are sincerely wrong,” the Majority Leader said of the five senators.

Asked if he was disappointed by the decision of his sister, Cayetano said he was dismayed at the deci-

sion of the entire SET. “Kasi nga pag si Grace ay No. 5 sa survey talo yan di ba? Malinaw na political ang decision…” he said, noting that the decision was made because Poe has been leading the presidential surveys “and everyone wants to be in good graces with Grace because she’s leading the surveys.”

Cayetano also contradicted Poe’s claim that the issue was not about her but about all foundlings in the country, noting that the is-

sue is legal and will be decided eventually by the Supreme Court.

“So this is really about Grace Poe, it’s about someone who has powerful backers, at mataas sa survey, and who are willing to bend the rules, who are willing to reinterpret the Constitution,” he said.

“So malinaw na malinaw ang Constitution na kailangang klaro na natural born Filipino para hindi ma-represent yung foreign interests. E paano kung maging presi-

dente natin hindi kilala ang nanay at tatay, and it turns out na buong pamilya na sa China…so hindi ba maapektuhan ang decision pagdating sa West Philippine Sea…?”

Cayetano Senator Francis Escudero, was trying to make the issue an “emotional” one by describing a foundling like Poe as “isang batang dinampot.”

He then called on Poe to think hard if it was worth it to trample on the Constitution just to pursue her presidential ambition.

“Pag isipan nya. Is it worth it?

Senator Grace, is it worth na ibasura mo yung Constitution para lang maging presidente ka?”

If Poe indeed loved the country, Cayetano said she should prevent a constitutional crisis or should not bend the Constitution just to become president.

“Sa akin lang naman, a friendly advise. I-balance nya ang desire nya na maging presidente dun sa yung mangyayari sa Constitution at batas,” Cayetano added.

A

november 27-december 3, 2015 • norcAL ASIAn JoUrnAL

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OpiniOn

Features

Troubled water OVER the weekend, members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathered for its annual summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The global leaders discussed some of the region’s most pressing issues including economic integration, trade liberalization, sustainable growth and energy security.

With some of its members embattled with China on the contested waters of South China Sea, ASEAN expressed serious concern over the brewing tension.

In recent months, China drew ire for its aggressive stance and sweeping claims over almost the West Philippine (South China) Sea. The Philippines and China, along with Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam have competing claims to parts of resource-rich water, which is believed to have significant oil and gas deposits.

China has also been busy militarizing the strategic water in the last two years through the creation of new outposts by piling sand atop reefs and atolls, and then adding buildings, ports and airstrips big enough to handle bombers and fighter jets.

Despite continuous calls from the international community to halt the construction, China remained adamant over its assertion to the South West Philippine (South China) Sea. The country maintained that its military activities are consistent with its position that the construction of artificial islands was designed to provide public service to the region by helping ships and fishermen and disaster relief efforts.

Chinese President Xi Jinping who attended last week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s (APEC) Summit in Manila, said that the sea is a common home and encouraged fellow members of the regional bloc to foster an environment of peace and focus on development.

“It is important that we establish an all-round partnership on development and mobilize the

government, enterprise and social resources in concerted efforts for implementation of the sustainable development agenda,” Xi told his APEC counterparts.

For his part, Pres. Benigno Aquino III took the podium at the ASEAN in Malaysia over the weekend to appeal to the rule of law amid increasing tensions and invite his fellow ASEAN leaders to take a stand against China.

Aquino also noted that the maritime disputes have been a subject of concern, not only to the region, but to the entire international community as well. He said that many countries have expressed serious concerns that China’s recent actions threaten freedom of navigation and lawful commerce in one of the world’s most strategic waterways.

Citing peaceful resolution on the jurisdiction over the disputed waters, the Philippines has pleaded its case to the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). It is now awaiting results of the preliminary hearings over the Philippine claim.

“As the arbitration process we have entered into continues to its logical conclusion, we are hopeful that China would honor its word and respect the rule of law. The world is watching and expects no less from a responsible global leader,” Aquino said.

During the summit, ASEAN leaders adopted the Declaration on Enhancing Regional Maritime Cooperation, which promotes peace, stability and security in the region. It aims to initiate cooperative efforts within its members by en-

Editorial

Inquirer.net photo

couraging more countries to accede to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which ensures the universal application of international law and respect for sovereignty. It guarantees that all countries enjoy and exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law.

The leaders also signed the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the “ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together,” the region’s post-2015 vision which charts the direction of the ASEAN Community in

the next 10 years.

Allies not only by common interests, but by shared values and aspirations among its people, ASEAN will set precedents for creating solution to global challenges. Despite obstacles set by conflicts among nations, ASEAN is moving forward to pursue higher goals. By 2025, the ASEAN community is sure to meet its vision of becoming an alliance that has withstood the test of time, assuring regional peace and stability for its people. (AJPress)

Poll result: Fil-Ams do not want any more Syrian refugees in the US over terrorism fears AFTER the coordinated terrorist attacks consisting of mass shootings, suicide bombings, and hostage-taking in Paris that killed 130 people and injured 389 on November 13, people all over the world have been debating about the possible security threat posed by the Syrian refugee program being shared by progressive countries in Europe and North America for humanitarian purposes.

A majority of people in the United States and Canada are opposed to the acceptance of any more Syrian refugees who have been displaced because of the ongoing war in Syria. They fear that this program may potentially be used by ISIS, the same extremist group that has claimed responsibility for the Paris attacks, and other acts of

terror in other parts of the world.

The Fil-Am This position has been pushed by the Perspective Republicans in government, especially by those who are vying for the GOP nomination for the presi- Gel SantoS-ReloS dency in 2016.

CNN reported that the US House of Representatives passed a measure last week that will effectively pause the processing of Syrian refugees into the country. Such bill insists that no refugee will be admitted without certification by the Department of Homeland Security.

The measure secured enough vetoproof majority votes from Republi-

cans and even House Democrats, despite the White House’s pleas to oppose it.

“It’s a security test, not a religious test. This reflects our values. This reflects our responsibilities.

And this is urgent,” Speaker Paul Ryan told reporters at his press conference on Thursday, Nov. 19 prior to House members casting the vote.

Thirty-one governors likewise released statements that they oppose letting refugees into their states.

Pres. Barack Obama defended his position on the issue, and accused those who oppose the Refugee pro-

gram of political posturing, NBC News reported.

“Slamming the doors in their faces would be a betrayal of our values,” Obama said at the conclusion of the G20 summit in Antalya, Turkey, adding that Syrian “refugees are the victims of terrorism.”

Obama administration officials have underscored that those seeking asylum in the US undergo rigorous background screenings from several federal agencies and lengthy in-person interviews with Homeland Security officers.

NBC News says so far, none of the terrorists identified in the Paris attack have been Syrian refugees.

Despite the tragedy, French President Francois Hollande declared on

Wednesday, Nov. 18 that his country would accept 30,000 Syrian refugees over next two years, a stark contrast to the US position.

In the meantime, kababayans in America share the cautious stand of the Republicans about the issue. In an online poll by The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America”, a big majority of those who voted — 67 percent — say the US should stop letting Syrian refugees into the country for safety and security reasons. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Senate Electoral Tribunal ruling: Tougher road ahead for Sen. Grace Poe Commentary

atty. DoDo Dulay THE 5-4 vote by the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) is not the resounding victory that many supporters of Grace Poe had hoped for. In fact, the close vote means that Poe might have an even harder time when the issue of her citizenship is finally brought up to the Supreme Court (SC).

Complainant Rizalito David has promised to appeal the decision before the High Court will accept David’s appeal remains to be seen, especially if the SET senator-members invoke Article VI, Section 17 of the 1987 Constitution, which provides that the tribunal “shall be the sole judge of all contests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications” of its members.

Poe is expectedly elated by the tribunal’s decision. But Poe’s celebration may be shortlived.

The SET ruling only means that Poe will remain as a senator for now. Our sources say that the general sentiment among the five senators who

voted to dismiss David’s petition was to uphold the “will of the people” who voted Poe as the number one senator in the 2013 polls.

The SET ruling, however, is not binding on the Comelec or the SC. Just because the SET dismissed the case doesn’t mean the poll body or the High Court will do the same. Nevertheless, it certainly provides a much needed boost to what some political pundits say is a faltering campaign.

Much like her father’s presidential run in 2004, Poe has been saddled with disqualification cases. Whether instigated by her political opponents or not, the legal challenges Poe currently faces appear to have negatively impacted her campaign, causing her survey numbers to slide.

But even if the SET case is finally dismissed, there are four other cases still pending against Poe before the Commission on Elections (Comelec), all seeking to disqualify Poe over her supposed failure to satisfy the citizenship (and residency) requirements for a presidential candidate under the constitution.

To be fair, it is not only the Philippines that imposes the requirement that any person aspiring for the presidency or vice-presidency must be a

“natural born citizen.” Being a natural-born citizen is also one of the eligibility requirements established in the United States constitution for election to the office of President or Vice President. But the similarity ends there.

Unlike the Philippines, the US constitution does not define the phrase “natural-born citizen.” This is the reason why there is still an on-going debate in America on the real meaning of “natural born citizen.”

For instance, most American legal scholars agree that the term “natural born citizen” applies not only to those people born to US citizen parents in foreign countries but also those born on United States soil, meaning, in any one of the 50 states (yes, there is no 51st state). The latter is known as the “jus soli” (or ‘right of the soil’) principle of nationality law, or right of anyone born in the territory of a country to nationality or citizenship of that country. Today, there are only 30 countries that grant citizenship based on jus soli.

American lawyers point out, however, that a “natural born citizen” is not to be confused with someone who is “citizen at birth” because it is possible under US law for a person to be a citizen at birth but not natural born. For example, people

born in Puerto Rico are citizens at birth but not natural born because the people born in protectorates (i.e. outside US soil) like Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, the US Virgin Islands, and American Samoa, are granted American citizenship only because of a law passed by Congress.

This jus soli principle is the reason why foundlings born or found in the US are automatically considered natural born citizens.

But this is not the case in the Philippines, where Article IV, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution specifically defines natural born citizens as “those who are citizens of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship.”

Since we follow the “jus sanguinis” (or right of blood) principle of nationality law, meaning, a person’s citizenship is based on the citizenship of one or both parents, some lawyers say Poe has to prove that one of her biological parents is Filipino. But that puts foundlings like Poe at a disadvantage precisely because their parentage is unknown. This is why there are international laws that treat foundlings as citizens, as Poe’s lawyer argues.

Some legal scholars suggest that the best way to reconcile

Sen. Grace Poe

our constitutional provisions on citizenship with international customary law on foundlings is to recognize Poe as a Filipino citizen at birth but not a natural born citizen since her citizenship is vested only by law and not by the constitution. Well, at least until she is able to prove

the Filipino citizenship of one of her biological parents.

Anyway, the final answer rests with the SC. But with the three distinguished SC justices in the SET voting against Poe, it will definitely be an uphill battle when the case reaches the High Court. (ManilaTimes.net)

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvembeR 27-deCembeR 3, 2015

BUDGET DELIBERATIONS. Senators Sonny Angara, Grace Poe and Franklin Drilon with Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. (extreme right) talk before the start of the Senate’s deliberation of the proposed 2016 budget on Monday, November 23. First among the agencies whose proposed budgetary allocations were examined by the Senate was the P2.83 billion budget of the Office of the President.

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

Enrile proposes to raise OVP’s 2016 budget to P500M

by Maila

ager Inquirer.net

After scrutinizing the proposed budget of the Office of the President (OVP) in 2016, Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce enrile softened his stance on Vice President Jejomar Binay’s office that he even proposed to almost double its proposed budget raise next year. from the P230.5 million budget of the OVP as approved by the House of representatives, enrile proposed to raise it to P500 million.

“Mr. President, I have no question on this budget except to say that it’s so small. Kawawa naman ang Vice President natin, dinagdagan man lang sana,” the opposition leader said.

Senator Loren Legarda, who

was defending the OVP’s budget as chair of the Senate committee on finance, said she was open to adjusting “because any of our colleagues could be the next vice president.”

Legarda was referring to Senators francis escudero, Alan Cayetano, ferdinand “Bongbong”Marcos Jr. and Antonio trillanes IV, who are all running for vice president in 2016.

“Gawin man lang nating half a billion,” said enrile. enrile, Binay, and former President and Manila Mayor Joseph estrada head the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

“I think we should not denigrate the Office of the Vice President; everybody will bow to him if something happens to the President,” the minority leader

added.

Legarda and Senate President franklin Drilon, who was presiding over the session, said the chamber would consider enrile’s proposal at the appropriate time.

“All my cuts will go to the Office of the Vice President,” enrile added, referring to his proposed budgetary cuts in some agencies of government.

Before this, enrile scrutinized the budget of the OVP, particularly the P250 million budget for intelligence expenses and another P250 million for confidential funds of Malacañang.

“My question is: why is the President having an intelligence fund when he’s an intelligence user? He’s not an intelligence gatherer,” he said, referring to President Benigno Aquino III.

Lack of quorum threatens BBL passage

MANILA—Malacañang is hopeful that lawmakers will heed Senate President franklin Drilon’s appeal for them to attend sessions to pass the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which is in danger of being bypassed because of lack of quorum in Congress.

Presidential spokesman edwin Lacierda said the passage of BBL would “redound to the benefit of all the peoples of Mindanao and, in general, to the people of the Philippines.”

“We certainly would hope to see the passage of the BBL. It has been debated in the committee level; it has been discussed in public; all angles have been addressed. So it’s time for the legislators who will pass the law to buckle down and

we request them to take a hard look at the BBL,” Lacierda said.

“We hope our lawmakers listen to the appeal of Senate President franklin Drilon and I’m sure all of us have an interest and we have a stake in the development of Muslim Mindanao,” he added.

A priority measure of the Aquino administration, the BBL aims to form a new Bangsamoro political entity with enhanced autonomy. the new entity will replace the Autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao, one of the poorest regions in the country.

However, the low attendance numbers at the House of representatives is obstructing the passage of BBL, raising concerns among peace advocates who claim that

failure to enact the measure would prolong the poverty and violence in Mindanao.

Concerns about the fate of the BBL has prompted Drilon to renew his call to his colleagues to be present in the plenary hearings and to actively participate in the discussions.

Drilon said the Senate leadership is working closely with their counterparts at the House of representatives to closely monitor the progress of BBL. Aside from the quorum problems, another impediment to BBL’s passage is the strong opposition of lawmakers and legal experts who believe that the measure violates the Constitution. (Alexis Romero/ Philstar.com)

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november 27-december 3, 2015 • norcAL ASIAn JoUrnAL

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COMMUNITY

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

Your Immigration Solution Atty. RobeRt Reeves MAy ZhAng, DiZA AnD nAncy MilleR HAVE you ever considered that America’s most famous icon is an immigrant? That’s right! The Statue of Liberty was “born” in France and brought to America by ship. The quintessential symbol of American liberty and freedom, Lady Liberty herself, is an “immigrant”.

As the late Senator Ted Kennedy said “Immigration is the story of American History.

Over the centuries, immigrants came to America from every part of the globe and made the American dream.

They created a nation that is the envy of the world.” “They came to a land that offers freedom and opportunity to those willing to do their part.” And do their part, they have! Immigrants have contributed to and enriched every aspect of American life. They built our cities, our railroads and highways.

They cultivated our farmlands.

They fought to defend their adopted home in every branch of the US military.

And, they even gave us Thanksgiving, the quintessential American holiday. The first recorded Thanksgiving ceremony took place on September 8, 1565 when 600 Spanish settlers landed in what is now St. Augustine, Florida and immediately held a Mass of Thanksgiving for their safe delivery to the New World. The Mass was followed by a feast and celebration. A Spanish expedition party rested and conducted a mass at San Elizario (near El Paso, Texas) in celebration of thanksgiving on April 30, 1598.

On December 4, 1619, 38 English settlers arrived at Berkeley Hundred, which is about 20 miles north of Jamestown, Virginia. The group’s charter required that the day of arrival be observed yearly as a day of thanksgiving to G-d.

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2015

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Journal For immigrants contribution CDC responds to broad challenges to America: A thank you! facing US cancer survivors

The modern Thanksgiving holiday is associated with a 1621 celebration at the Plymouth Plantation where the Pilgrims held a feast after a successful growing season. Sqauanto, a Native American who served as an interpreter for the Englishspeaking colony had taught the Pilgrims how to catch eel and grow corn. The Pilgrims set aside a day to celebrate immediately after their first harvest.

That Thanksgiving feast lasted for three days and provided enough food for 53 pilgrims and 90 Native Americans. It consisted of fowl, venison, lobster, clams, berries, fruit, pumpkin, squash and turkey.

Since that time, a Thanksgiving Day has been proclaimed and celebrated periodically throughout our nationhood.

However, the date was not officially set as the fourth Thursday of November until 1942.

Regardless of where the immigrants came from and no matter when they arrived, they shared something in common with each other and with those who come to our shores today.

They all wanted a better life for themselves and their families.

They were also willing to work hard to get that better life. And, they were profoundly grateful to the country that gave them the opportunity for betterment.

That is all still true.

It is also still true that the country that benefitted so much from the early immigrants continues to benefit from those who come to our shores today.

They bring energy and skill that enrich the lives of those with whom they come in contact.

They start businesses and create jobs. They provide wonderful examples of family devotion by the sacrifices they make to unite their families here and support their loved ones back home.

At RMZD, we know how important families are. We

recognize how much America owes to each person who has brought a unique contribution to this country. And we continue to strive to obtain justice and fairness for them. Fairness and justice means granting lawful status to those who devote their life and energy to make and keep this country great. It is fulfilling the promise of Lady Liberty who lifts her light of liberty beside the golden door.

Since 1947, each year for Thanksgiving the President of the United States has pardoned a live turkey to allow it to live out its days in peace. Surely a country that has compassion for its turkeys can show compassion for its people. We are profoundly grateful to our President for doing what he can to “fix the broken immigration system” and prevent the breakup of loving families. We hope that the members of Congress (most of whom are either immigrants or descendants of immigrants) will put partisan rhetoric aside and allow themselves to be motivated by respect for families and the good of the country and pass a fair and equitable bill for Comprehensive Immigration Reform in 2016 so that American immigrants will truly have something to be thankful for.

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! *** Atty. Reeves has represented clients in numerous landmark immigration cases that have set new policies regarding INS action and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City.

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)

Physical, financial, psychological needs reported THE number of cancer survivors — people who live after a cancer diagnosis — is expected to grow substantially over the next few decades as the US population ages and as early detection methods and treatments continue to improve. Updates on how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is helping Americans meet the challenges of cancer survivorship were published online recently at www.ajpmonline.org and appear in the December issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

The supplement, “Addressing Cancer Survivorship through Public Health Research, Surveillance, and Programs,” concludes that concrete plans are needed to ensure that the US health care system can meet survivors’ future needs.

“By 2025, there will be more than 24 million people living after a cancer diagnosis,” said CDC Principal Deputy Director Anne Schuchat, MD. “In addition to better prevention and treatment of cancer, we must plan for the wide variety of issues that people may face after cancer, including physical, financial, and psychological hardships.”

Selected findings from CDC-authored articles in the supplement: • Sixty percent of breast cancer survivors surveyed reported having problems with thinking, memory, and concentration after receiving chemotherapy and/or hormone treatment for breast cancer. Of those women, 37 percent said they discussed the problems with their health care provider and 15 percent reported receiving medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions to treat their symptoms.

5 Easy ways to make your holidays healthier THE average American gains a pound every holiday season, according to a National Institutes of Health study. That might not seem like much, but most people never lose it, so it adds up over the years.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

Make holiday weight gain a thing of the past by following these healthy tips and send us your own via Facebook, Twitter or email.

1. Rethink your plate. The average American plate size has increased 22% since 1960. Try eating off a 9- or 10-inch plate to help reduce portion sizes. It

will take less food to fill the plate, and since the plate will look full, you’ll still feel like you’re eating the same amount.

2. Go green. At big holiday meals, make sure half of your plate is full of green vegetables like steamed or roasted broccoli, green beans, spinach or asparagus. Filling up on veggies will make you less tempted to go back for seconds or binge on high-calorie options like pie, stuffing and mashed potatoes.

3. Make the switch. By making a few simple switches to your holiday meals, you can cut out hundreds of calories without sac-

This could be my best move yet.

Loida Nicolas Lewis, AARP Member Chair and CEO of TLC Beatrice, LLC Philanthropist

Dahil sa Health and Wellness resources ng AARP, si Loida at iba pang katulad niya are now able to have as much fun in the ballroom as they did in the boardroom.

Loida has enjoyed a long career as a successful businesswoman, and she remains just as active today. Bilang miyembro ng halos 20 na taon, she keeps current with AARP publications on health, diet, exercise at iba pang activities that help her enjoy life and live it to the fullest.

Not surprisingly, her boundless energy and generous contributions para sa Filipino community have made her a role model for many. Para kay Loida, walang hanggan ang mga posibilidad and the best is yet to come. AARP offers members a wealth of resources na siguradong makapagbibigay ng saya, sigla at importanteng impormasyon para rin sa inyo. To learn more, visit aarp.org/aapi or call 1-866-805-1986 today.

AARP is a non-profit organization committed to enhancing your life at 50-plus by providing trusted and useful resources to help you stay active, engaged and vibrant.

Caregiving • Health & Wellness • Fraud Prevention • Volunteer • Life Reimagined

• Some people treated for colorectal (colon) cancer face barriers to eating healthy and getting enough physical activity to reduce their risk of having the cancer recur. These barriers include a lack of knowledge about how to maintain a healthy diet and limit alcohol use.

• Higher out-of-pocket medical costs can keep survivors from getting access to the follow-up care they need.

“When we think about cancer treatments, we tend to think of the physical toll they take on patients who are in active treatment. But these articles highlight challenges that can affect survivors for the rest of their lives,” said Lisa Richardson MD, MPH, Director, CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control.

The journal supplement includes 12 articles on research, surveillance, education campaigns, and partnerships that improve the experiences of survivors, their families, friends, and caregivers.

An introduction to the supplement’s opening article reviews CDC’s ongoing work in cancer survivorship, which includes surveillance to determine burden, research to determine the health and economic impact of cancer on survivors, and working with state and territorial partners to support incorporating survivorship activities into their comprehensive cancer control efforts.

For more information about this supplement and CDC’s cancer-related work, visit www.cdc. gov/cancer, www.cdc.gov/cancer/survivorship and www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/research/articles/ survivorship-supplement.htm. (US Department of Health and Human Services)

rificing taste: • Use fat-free chicken broth to baste the turkey and make gravy.

• Use fruit purees, like applesauce, instead of oil in baked goods.

• Reduce oil and butter wherever you can—try cutting the suggested amount in half. We bet you won’t be able to taste the difference.

• Try fat-free plain yogurt or fat-free sour cream in creamy dips, mashed potatoes, and casseroles.

4. Get healthy with your family

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NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2015 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

The CTV Files AurorA VegA-Buzon, esq.

THE Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 was enacted with the avowed purpose to protect and keep children safe from sex offenders; prevent child abuse and pornography; promote internet safety; and honor the memory of Adam Walsh and other child crime victims.

The Adam Walsh Act amended Section 204(a)(1)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act - the statute governing the petitioning procedure for immediate relatives - to prohibit U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been convicted of any “specified offense against a minor” from filing a family-based immigrant petition on behalf of any beneficiary, unless the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) determines, in his sole and unreviewable discretion, that the petitioner poses no risk to the beneficiary.

Specified Offense Against a Minor. The term “specified of-

Community Journal

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

The Adam Walsh act: Bar to a US citizen or permanent resident to petition family members fense against a minor” means an offense against a minor (defined as an individual who is under 18 years old) that involves any of the following: (A) An offense (unless committed by a parent or guardian) involving kidnapping; (B) An offense (unless committed by a parent or guardian) involving false imprisonment; (C) Solicitation to engage in sexual conduct; (D) Use in a sexual performance; (E) Solicitation to practice prostitution; (F) Video voyeurism as described in section 1801 of Title 18, United States Code; (G) Possession, production, or distribution of child pornography; (H) Criminal sexual conduct involving a minor, or the use of the Internet to facilitate or attempt such conduct; or (I) Any conduct that by its nature is a sex offense against a minor.

Conviction for any of these nine (9) crimes will be a disqualifying conviction to bar any U.S. citizen or permanent resident from filing a petition for his/her parent, spouse, children, stepchildren, and siblings. The bar also applies to petitions for a fiance/ee (K1) and derivative children (K2).

The petitioner has the burden

to prove whether or not a prior conviction is a “specified offense against a minor.”

“No Risk” Exception. If a family petitioner is deemed to have a disqualifying conviction - “specified offense against a minor”, we turn to the Aytes Memorandum of February 8, 2007 (Aytes Memo) to determine whether the petitioner falls under the “no risk” exception - meaning, whether a petitioner poses a risk to the beneficiary. The Aytes Memo stresses that USCIS may not approve a family-based petition if the petitioner has a conviction for a specified offense against a minor unless USCIS first determines that the petitioner poses no risk to the safety or well-being of the beneficiary (and any derivative beneficiary) for whom a petition was filed. “The critical purpose of section 402 of the Adam Walsh Act is to ensure that an intended alien beneficiary is not placed at risk of harm from the person seeking to facilitate the alien’s immigration to the United States.”

The Aytes Memo listed the following factors that should be considered in the “no risk” analysis: (1) The nature and severity of the

petitioner’s specified offense(s) against a minor, including all facts and circumstances underlying the offense(s); (2) The petitioner’s criminal history; (3) The nature, severity, and mitigating circumstances of any arrest(s), conviction(s), or history of alcohol or substance abuse, sexual or child abuse, domestic violence, or other violent or criminal behavior that may pose a risk to the safety or well-being of the principal beneficiary or any derivative beneficiary; (4) The relationship of the petitioner to the principal beneficiary and any derivative beneficiary; (5) The age and, if relevant, the gender of the beneficiary; (6) Whether the petitioner and beneficiary will be residing either in the same household or within close proximity to one

The Metamorphosis

ernie D. Delfin “AN unexamined life is not worth living for!” — Socrates November to the Christian world starts with end-of-life and the meaning of life issues when All Saints Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls Day (Nov. 2) are celebrated in many Catholic churches and cemeteries across the country. Then, it ends with the beginning of Advent, the commencement of the Christmas season that gives hope to all Christians as they prepare for the birthday of Christ. Between these two important events, however, we also celebrate Veterans Day and Thanksgiving while falling “backward” an hour for the Daylight Saving Time! What a busy month that covers the entire gamut of our lives forcing us to ponder why we are here on earth!

With that backdrop, I would like to share some personal insights that is very real yet taken for granted by many. Prodded

by Socrates’ challenge, I always “examine my own life” and oftentimes fine-tune my internal GPS to see that I am still in the same direction I wanted to be. The topic of death which I have accepted as part of living, is a grim reminder that one day, I will also experience that. It’s somewhat a scary thought to go through, I must admit I also desire to go to Paradise, but I also pray, “LORD, please not NOW!” There is not a month that passes by NOW that I do not hear that someone I know has passed away or in the hospital, very critically ill. And every year, I also attend church funeral services of some friends or relatives. Yes, in the cemetery lie many graves that contain only the name of the departed, his/her year of birth and the year of death, separated by that unassuming hyphen that encapsulates the substance of a person’s life. Philosophically, a profound question can be asked: “What is contained in that small hyphen that defined your life which your family can be proud of?”

With nostalgia, I still remember how millions of Filipinos back in the Philippines celebrate All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Millions of “provincianos” who work or live in urban cities like Manila trek back to their own towns to be with their loved ones (the living and the dead) causing the heaviest traffic of the year, and leaving the megacities to those who have no provinces to go back to. I also remember witnessing many people fighting for a seat in the bus, even by going through the bus window to be ahead! I have not been in the Philippines during these “holidays for the dead” for over 40 years now, and somewhat I miss those crazy experiences of

another; and (7) The degree of rehabilitation or behavior modification that may alleviate any risk posed by the petitioner to the beneficiary, evidenced by the successful completion of appropriate counseling or rehabilitation programs and the significant passage of time between incidence of violent, criminal, or abusive behavior and the submission of the petition.

In cases where none of the intended beneficiaries are children, the Aytes Memo directs the close examination of the petitioner’s specified offense and other past criminal acts (ex: spousal abuse or domestic violence) to determine whether the petitioner poses any risk to the safety or wellbeing of the adult beneficiary.

However, USCIS uses the “be-

yond a reasonable doubt” standard in the “no risk’ analysis, and in a 2014 decision, the Board of Immigration Appeals ruled that it lacked the authority to review the propriety and USCIS’ use of that standard in adjudicating petitions under the Adam Walsh Act. *** Atty. Aurora Vega-Buzon is a partner in Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorneyclient relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 495-8088; auvega@ctvattys.com (Advertising Supplement)

November events compel us to ponder over important matters my youth.

Most Christians prepare for these church holidays for the departed members of their families by preparing lots of food and offering them to the cemeteries where graves and the surrounding grounds are cleaned and graves are refurbished weeks before. Even after death, one can see the economic divide and the obvious social demarcation line between the haves and the have-nots. Unlike Arlington Cemetery known as the Tomb of Unknown Soldiers where graves/ markers are all uniform, most cemeteries in the Philippines have social distinction from an unknown grave with almost no marker to show who was buried there to a magnificent and imposing castle-like grave or mausoleum. The Chinese Cemetery in Metro Manila for instance, many of these grandiose graves or expensive mausoleums even become the a convenient homes of the poor and the homeless for most part of the year for which they pay no rent to their dead landlords!

The cemetery becomes an instant annual venue of this fiesta-like celebration of the living where relatives and friends meet socially. Kakanins and music are the norm, and entrepreneurial people also make money peddling their goods and services including the music bands that for a fee, play music around the graves of your loved ones. Some priests and pastors are also available to bless the graves with a “voluntary” donation.

Indeed, it’s more FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES especially if you have the money to burn and buy those trappings of wealth, even after death! Oh, I miss those “crazy” experiences and unique sights of my youth! *** Veterans Day Holiday also just passed and gave honor publicly to all the veterans, both the living and the dead (whereas Memorial Day is only for the dead veterans) who have made great sacrifice, including giving up their lives, so that we may live under the freedom we all enjoy.

Like mothers, veterans are honored in so many ways. However, many living veterans today are still experiencing a lot of pain and sufferings in their lives from homelessness, to drugs, to unemployment or health issues, post traumatic syndrome (PTS).

Often these problems are aggravated by the lack of cohesive or effective government programs to help theme reintegrate back into society where they came from.

With the current political debates in Washington, DC especially among the Republican candidates who are ideologically opposed to the policies of the

current Democratic administration in handling the current issue of Syrian refugees due to the unfortunate ISIS bombings in Paris and other parts of the world, the plight of the veterans are collateral damage as their serious problems are just relegated in the sidelines. The veterans’ issues are not HOT issues in the media these days, yet these problems still linger with them daily. *** Then comes Thanksgiving, when families gather again and feast on a lot of food, with the roasted turkey as the American dinner centerpiece. This Thanksgiving weekend has also been used commercially to start the long Christmas holiday season for all stores and commercial establishments to boost their sales for the year.

The origin of Thanksgiving was indeed a day of giving thanks for a great “harvest” by the Pilgrims in 1621. Fully aware of the great challenge and perseverance of the early American settlers from Europe, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it a national holiday in 1864 as a “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens” is now celebrated on the last Thursday of November, and has become one of the most awaited holidays like Independence Day and Christmas.” *** When this issue of the Asian Journal comes out, Thanksgiving is just over and people will have rested a little bit to start the process of preparing for the last huge holiday of year—Christmas.

Even weeks before Thanksgiving, a radio station 103.5 FM has started playing Christmas songs, and stores in malls have already their decorations. .

The last several decades, Christmas has become so much commercialized that older people like me become nostalgic of the Christmases we used to have which were celebrated with our loved ones. I cannot fathom nor will I ever participate in the crazy phenomenon when this generation line up for many hours for the opening of an advertised store to be first in line when it opens.

Meanwhile, before the deafening Christmas commercials and crazy traffic comes, let me prepare for my Annual Retreat in the San Damiano Mountains up North California to be away for a long weekend to fine-tune my internal GPS so I will not be lost in this maddening crowd in our material world these days.

Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving week everyone! *** Email columnist: ernie.delfin@gm Read my blog: http://ed-metamorphosis. blogspot.com/ Visit our Rotary website: www.gkerc.com

South San Francisco residents adopt measure W by wide margin Passing Measure W ensures the City is able to maintain and enhance city services through locally-controlled funding

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Votes have been tabulated, and the numbers show overwhelmingly that South San Francisco residents approve Measure W. Measure W focused on public safety and quality of life initiatives and was placed on the ballot after months of community input.

“We sincerely thank the citizens of South San Francisco for demonstrating their faith in City Council and City Staff,” Says City Manager Mike Futrell. “We remain committed to a transparent and open local government, and will work collaboratively with the community as we determine how to deliver on the aspirations embodied in Measure W.” One high priority for the City, based on public feedback, is public safety. The South San

Francisco police operations center, known as the Municipal Services Building (MSB), is outdated and seismically unsafe. “If there should be an earthquake that compromises the building’s integrity in any way, the people we rely on most to keep us safe, are themselves, in danger. The earthquake in Napa last year was a wake-up-call that South San Francisco must fix this problem.

It is not a matter of if something bad will happen — it is a matter of when,” continued Futrell.

We listened to our residents.

After nearly a year of outreach to the community, including eight Town Hall meetings, community surveys, and other collaboration, feedback resulted in the following priorities: • Public safety, enhancing police protection, gang prevention

services, and fire safety services; • Public Works, including maintaining streets, repairing potholes and addressing over $18 million in needed street maintenance; and • Parks and Recreation and Libraries, including educational and recreational after-school programs for youth and teens; and safe, accessible programs for seniors and disabled residents.

In the past six-months alone, over 50,000 residents have enjoyed South San Francisco public parks. When it comes to the library, more than a half million patrons used the library over the course of the year and the library has hosted greater than 1,500 special events and programs.

“We want our residents and visitors to continue to enjoy

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Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ THANKSGIVING is when people take a step back and reflect on all of the wonderful things and events to be grateful for, and to give thanks to those people who played such a key role in helping us achieve them.

At this Thanksgiving, I would like to once again give thanks to all of the people who have been so kind and supportive of me and my immigration law practice.

Thank you to all of my clients.

I realize that you are the reason I am able to remain in business.

I also know how important your immigration matter is in your life and in the life of your family.

I appreciate your trust and confidence in my office, in allowing us to handle such an important matter.

Thank you to the entire Filipino community. I truly appreciate your warmth and support, and I thank you for all of your letters and emails telling me how you enjoy my articles and television show, Citizen Pinoy. I am happy to be of service to you, and I will continue to support Filipino events and causes.

Thank you to ABS-CBN, TFC, and the entire crew of Citizen

Community Journal

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2015

Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks Pinoy, who share my vision of providing a public-service program to the Filipino community concerning immigration information. It makes me so proud and happy when people come up to me, saying that they watch Citizen Pinoy every single week, and have learned so much from the real life stories and questions and answers presented. I thank all the crew of Citizen Pinoy for their hard work, dedication, and passion for this worthy public service.

Thank you to all of our friends in the media, who through their prestigious publications, enabled us to reach those who need our services and inform the Filipino community about newsworthy immigration information. You serve as an avenue to help “BRING FAMILIES TOGETHER” and help “MAKE THE AMERICAN DREAM COME TRUE.” Thank you to my staff. Your tireless efforts and dedication to our clients are the main reasons we can continue to provide quality service to our many loyal clients.

Thank you to my wife, Millie. People say that behind every successful man, there is a Filipina wife. After many years of

marriage, I know it’s true. Words cannot express my gratitude for your help, support and dedication to our business. You are the “wind beneath my wings.”

And most of all, thank you to the Almighty. Without His blessings, benevolence, and guidance, none of this would be possible.

May He allow me to continue to be able to assist people with their problems, and allow the prayers of all people to be answered and fulfilled. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

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

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

CREWMAN WENT HOME TO MANILA ON PROVISIONAL WAIVER AND CAME BACK TO THE US WITH A GREEN CARD—ON A SPECIAL EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) obtained a Provisional Waiver for Jerome (left), a crewman who jumped ship. Jerome had filed for Adjustment of Status on his own, but was denied, because he was not eligible. With the approved Provisional Waiver, Jerome returned to the Philippines for visa processing at the US Embassy in Manila. His wife and children wondered and prayed if Jerome could make it back to the US. Watch to see the outcome of this Provisional Waiver case on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy”—on Sunday, November 29 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

Successful ‘provisional waiver’ for a crewman who jumped ship and did not have the benefit of section Calendar of Events 245(i) – on a special episode of Citizen Pinoy across Philippines for the first time in 11 years, to be processed for his immigrant visa. Deep inside, he still had fears and reservations on getting stuck in the Philippines.

Back in Manila, the day of his interview came, and Jerome stood at the Window in front of the consul for his interview.

Watch this special episode, for this wonderful family reunion in the US. It may also be of extreme value to all crewmen married to US citizens, but without Section 245(i), feel there is no hope for a green card—on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy—on Sunday, November 29 at 6:15 pm PST/EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

JEROME jumped ship in 2004 and remained in the US since then. He met and fell in love with Princess, a US citizen. She petitioned him and he filed for Adjustment of Status based on the advice and recommendation of an immigration “consultant.”

While Princess’ petition was approved, Jerome’s adjustment was denied because he had no Section 245(i), meaning he had not been petitioned before April 30 2001. What the couple thought was a cheaper alternative, ended up being costly, especially the lost 245(i) filing fee of $1,000.

They eventually consulted with leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, who advised

Jerome he was eligible to file for a Provisional Waiver, which allows certain immediate relatives of US citizens who are not eligible to adjust in the US (such as: crewmen with no 245(i); entered the US without inspection with no 245(i); or K-1 fiancees who didn’t marry the US petitioner) to apply for a waiver of the 10 year bar while still in the US, and if approved, they can depart the US and be processed for their immigrant visa at the US Embassy in Manila, without concern for the 10 year bar.

After Jerome’s provisional waiver was approved through the diligent work and preparation of the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel, Jerome travelled to the

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

Melting pot or salad bowl? The serious case for assimilation

Monette AdevA MAglAyA WITHOUT assimilation by every immigrant to his or her adoptive country through the generations, no nation can retain the structural integrity of the foundational values that created it in the first place. That nation’s collapse is not a matter of “if” but “when.”

More simply put: Immigration without assimilation is nothing more than invasion.

Two opposing forces on the issue of immigration are aligning. There could only be one of two ways. You are either for or against it. It was too hot to handle for previous administrations. Presently, the conscious non-enforcement of the laws in the books appears to be a longterm sinister agenda of seeding future electorate for one particular party. America has placed this divisive issue of immigration far too long in the back burner.

Unchecked illegal immigration has reached critical mass and the time has come to confront this issue head on.

For Election 2016, the sick American economy is still issue number one for a majority of voters. A debtor nation plagued with a serious job crisis with over 92 million workers unemployed and owing $19 trillion dollars in debt is in no position to wield its big stick in the global stage. It is losing its superpower status to other nations, notably Russia and China. There is a new sheriff in town wielding the big stick in dealing with ISIS and his name is Putin. There are serious doubts ex-KGB Vladimir Putin can be trusted as he has been itching for years to rebuild the lost glory of Russia on the world stage.

However, to engage Russia

(Advertising Supplement)

“Immigration without assimilation is nothing more than invasion.” over Syria just as theUS had foolishly done in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya, costing trillions of dollars and thousands of American lives lost over essentially nothing is certainly not in America’s best interest at this time when its economy is severely battered and the psyche of most Americans dealing with day to day existence, at an all time low.

Stupidity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different result.

Tied in closely with American economic woes is the issue of immigration. Whether deliberately or not, Donald J. Trump has yanked the issue of illegal immigration front and center. Anyone applying for the post of top dog must deal with it. It seems that Trump has tapped into an angry pulsating nerve of a “YUGE” swath of the American population.

To the absolute dismay of both the Republican and Democratic parties, Trump’s message is resonating. Over the last 4 months since June this year, he seems to have morphed into the microphone for many Americans who have no voice and who are plainly sick and tired of political correctness. It can no longer be business as usual.

As an added attraction to the protracted front act of the primary election and nomination that precede every national election, Trump seems to instinctively know how to play the liberal media like a fiddle to the delight of many. After 2 national elections during which media played the role of an in-your-face partisan hack, majority view major networks and big publishers as dis-

honest and completely untrustworthy.

There seems to be seething cold anger. Something tectonic is afoot. Major unpredictable shifts will take place. Professional lifelong politicians who have made it their life’s work to keep running for office and serve the interests of those who bankroll their runs are in for a rude awakening.

Immigration, legal and illegal, is now a white hot issue. While it is true that immigration has always been a cornerstone of the foundation, structure and substance of this amazing country, recent historical events and the current state of the US as a debtor nation, need to be taken into serious consideration when dealing with immigration.

An estimated 12 million immigrants or about 4% of the total American population of over 300 million are illegal. Some experts say that it could be far more massive than this lowball estimate.

It is entirely possible that there might be an effective thinning out of the numbers among the 12 million, beginning with those who have committed crimes and/ or are gang members.

But the lousy economy, perhaps more than anything, is already causing natural attrition in the numbers, with jobs difficult to come by. This might be followed by a steep rise in deportation proceedings, a buttressing of border measures, the building of an impenetrable wall as Trump proposes it, a near paranoid check of the flow of goods and people in the ports and airports, a tightening of the screening process from source countries now

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5 Easy ways… South San Francisco…

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what South San Francisco has After enjoying a big meal, go to offer – ranging from our vast for a walk with the whole fam- park system to our robust library ily—including Fido—or play a programming,” says Mayor Rich friendly game of football.

Garbarino. “We will listen, learn, 5. Give the gift of good health. and then and only then, take acConsider giving healthy gifts tion in a financially responsible like fitness trackers, scales, way to address things such as cookbooks, gym bags or gym street maintenance, parks and equipment (think yoga mats and our libraries.” weights), or even interactive vidStarting April 2016, Measure eo games that get your family up W will take effect. “Our next steps and moving. (SMCHealth.org) are to prepare a plan of action

ensuring Measure W funds are expended appropriately,” says Futrell. “We will be judicious in managing our time and attention while remaining accountable and transparent to the public, proving their trust was not misplaced.”

In other election news, Mayor Rich Garbarino and Councilmember Karyl Matsumoto were both re-elected.

Visit ssf.net for more information about Measure W and other election results. n

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS N OV E M B E R 28

Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award for Excellence Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award For Excellence In Medicine, Education, Arts & Literature and The Youth When: Saturday, November 28, 2015, 1-6 pm Where: Astoria World Manor in Astoria, Queens, NY Hosted by: Knights of Rizal - New York For More Information, please contact: Atty. Ferdinand G. Suba, Esq., KCR Commander, Knights of Rizal - NY E-mail: SUBALAW@aol.com

Briefing on Coverage Programs & Services for Overseas Filipinos - Social Security

In cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) of Chicago, you are invited to a briefing on Social Security coverage programs and services for overseas Filipinos on Saturday, Nov. 28 at PCG Multi-Purpose Hall (122 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 1600, Chicago, Illinois, 60603). The info briefing session and onsite services (new SS number registration, verification of records and existing reactivation, enrollment in Flexi-fund Program, data amendments, compliance with Annual Confirmation of Pensioners Program, benefit claim applications) starting at 10:00 am. Please contact Ms. Marites Marin through marinmc@ sss.gov or in Viber at *6598444384 for SSS inquiries, and Mr. Alvar Rosales through chicagopcg@att.net to confirm attendance.

D EC E M B E R 3

AAPA Awards Gala

Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) will host The Achievement Awards & Graduation Gala, honoring prominent leaders who trailblaze and inspire others to become leaders, and celebrating the 2015 graduating class of AAPA Mentees. The theme is “Waves of Change, Oceans of Opportunity.” The gala will take place on Thursday, Dec 3 from 5:30pm - 9:30pm, at the Hilton San Gabriel (225 West Valley Blvd. San Gabriel, CA 91776).

Expose your brand to the professional community who are your customers, clients, potential employees, entrepreneurs, corporate and community leaders. Your support will directly benefit the AAPA mentees in the program. To purchase a ticket or ad, the cost is $50 each (limited time only); full/half/quarter page ad sizes are available in full color. Please visit http://aapaawards.eventbrite.com/ for more details and to RSVP by Nov. 13. Please get involved by emailing lia.andika@aapamentoring.com.

D EC E M B E R 5

Santo Nino de Cebu Association Annual Dinner Dance The Santo Niño de Cebu Association of Southern California, Inc. will hold its ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER DANCE on December 5, 6pm - 12:00 midnight, at Almansor Court (700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801). For more details and reservations, please contact Helah (626) 215-2684, Gemma (909) 997-1026, Nelia (818) 425-9926, Joy (909) 228-0437 or Willo (818) 458-0779.

Pasigueñans of Northern California 30th Annual Fiesta Celebration The Pasigueñans of Northern California invites all Pasigueñans, families, and friends to its 30th Annual Fiesta in honor of its patroness, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The annual fiesta will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 1:00pm to 8:00pm at Joseph A. Fernekes Building, in Orange Memorial Park (781 Tennis Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080). Celebration of the Holy Mass will be at 3:00pm, which will be followed by a sumptuous dinner, dancing, entertainment, and raffle drawing. For more information, please contact Flery Santos-Panganiban (707-567-4779), Polly Santiago-Cortez (925-876-7695), Edna Balido-Reyes (925-260-9764), Edith Balido (925-681-9770), Chit Santos-Dalangin (707-7047887), Marico Enriquez (650-483-8306), Oscar Rosales (707-332-4991), Jerry Field (925-6810974), Marivic Beltran-Tuazon (707-656-1081), or Pete Saguisag (650-994-0701).

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St. Joseph School presents WRAPPING ALL THE WAY What: Annual Christmas Presentation Featuring TK through 4th Grade and Parish When: Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 7:00 pm Where: St. Joseph Parish (1150 W. Holt Avenue Pomona, CA 91768) The St. Joseph School Annual Christmas program serves as an opportunity for all students and parishioners to come together to celebrate the joyful season. All are welcome to come and be merry. Donations are welcome. For more information, please call: Director Ning Manahan at (909) 629-4101 or (909) 622-3365

D EC E M B E R 1 8

Blessed Hope Christian Church Night of Praise Come celebrate the birth of Christ and praise God with the congregation at our upcoming Christmas Praise Night, on Friday, December 18 at 7:30pm. Our church can be found at 474 North Summit Ave. Pasadena, CA 91103. Please contact Jun Recio (818) 472-5244 for more details.

On Mon, Nov 23, 2015 at 10:27 AM, Allyson Escobar <a.escobar@asianjournalinc.com> wrote: ONE MORE thank you!

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

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NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2015 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Come and celebrate the beginning of the holiday PH presents trailblazing experience season with a Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade in regulating lead in paint THE City of Pittsburg Parks & Recreation Department invites you to attend the Lighting Ceremony of the 2015 Holiday Tree on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 5:30 pm.

The fully decorated City tree is located at 4th Street at Railroad Avenue in Old Town Pittsburg.

Show your holiday spirit and start a family tradition by attending the annual lighting of the City’s tree. You will be able to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate courtesy of Steeltown Coffee while listening to holiday music

performed by our own Pittsburg Community Band. Also, members of the Black Diamond Ballet Company will be on hand to give a “sneak preview” of their up-coming performance of the Nutcracker Ballet.

Santa will arrive in Pittsburg on Saturday, Dec. 12th during the City’s annual Holiday Parade. The Parade which will step off at 11:00 am will proceed down Railroad Avenue from 8th St. to 4th St. with the Pittsburg High School March-

ing Show Band escorting Santa down Railroad Avenue. If you or your group would like to participate in this year’s parade, the deadline to sign up is Nov. 27th. After the parade, from noon to 4pm in the Plaza, Peppermint Playland will be open for kids of all ages to enjoy crafts, Jumpy Houses, a Magic Show, a Holiday Boutique and visits with Santa. For more information about the tree lighting or parade, please call Lollie at (925) 252-4842. n

WASHINGTON, DC —The Philippine narrative on addressing the issue of lead in paint is one that is characterized by the inclusive approach adopted by the government in formulating regulations, the leadership role played by the private sector, and the vigilance of civil society.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC emphasized this narrative in presenting the Philippine experience in the adoption of a national policy to phase out lead in paint in order to protect human health and the environment.

The presentation was made at The December 5 holiday event the forum entitled The EliminaRoad side of the park. The archways feature lit signage at the top begins at 4 p.m. with Santa’s tion of Lead in Paint: How Counwhich says “Todos Santos Plaza” Grand Arrival. Santa and his elves tries Can Take Action, sponsored on the side facing the street and will hear children’s holiday wish- by the Canadian Government, “City of Concord” on the side fac- es from 4 to 6pm after making a United Nations Environment Proing the park. The new features colorful entrance on a bright red gramme (UNEP), World Health compliment the traditional clock fire truck. Parents are welcome to Organization (WHO), and the located on the Salvio Street side bring a camera and take photos of United States Government, held of the park that was installed to their children with Santa. on 29 October at the Canadian Numerous community and Embassy. The event was part of commemorate the City’s Centennial in 2005. u PAGE CJ5 the activities for the International

Downtown Concord holiday event is December 5

TODOS Santos Plaza will have a new look this year as families gather on Saturday, December 5, for the annual Mayor’s Sing Along and Official Tree Lighting.

Over the summer, the lights in the trees surrounding the plaza were replaced after serving the community well for over 15 years.

In addition, two new archways were installed on the Willow Pass

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Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action that ran from October 25 to 31, and was attended by diplomats, US Government officials, UNEP/WHO officials, and civil society representatives.

The Philippine presentation described the general legal framework governing toxic substances in the Philippines under the umbrella of Republic Act 6969. It then traced the multi-stakeholder process of the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in working with the private sector and civil society towards a national regulation adopting the international threshold limit for lead in paint.

This regulation sets a three-year phase out period (2013-2016) for lead-containing architectural, household and decorative paints, and a six-year phase out (20132019) for industrial paints. The presentation also outlined the leadership role of the private sector in the process, including the industry’s drive towards green

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innovation and leading the discussions on proper lead paint remediation. The vigilance of civil society in monitoring compliance with the regulation was also underscored, as well as its role in creating more awareness about lead poisoning.

The Philippine narrative was lauded by participants of the Forum as a best practice that could be shared and replicated elsewhere.

According to the Lead Paint Alliance convened under the auspices of WHO and UNEP, paint that contains lead additives poses a risk of lead poisoning, especially for young children. No level of lead exposure is considered safe, and the environmental, health and economic impacts of lead are grave. Children exposed to lead in homes, schools and toys are reported to have developed lifelong learning disabilities, anemia and disorders in coordination and language skills.

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PeoPle & events

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2015

Give thanks for rural health

THURSDAY, November 19, is National Rural Health Day. On the Thursday before Thanksgiving each year, rural Americans give thanks for our health and the doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other providers that help keep us that way.

In truth, most rural and small town Americans are thankful for our health, healthcare providers and the hospitals, clinics and other businesses where they work most other days as well.

Small town America faces unique healthcare challenges. Rural Americans are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured than our counterparts in urban centers, in part because rural Americans are more likely to be self-employed or working for an employer that does not offer health insurance (L to R): Serena Chen, Daryl Spencer, Maria Spencer, Erick Sonjin Wonzen, Janet Galera, Michael Robles-Wong, Cynthia Bonta, Mayor Trish benefits. This makes the expansion of Medicaid Spencer, Karen Fong, Alex Chen, Virginia Savella Harper, Steve Cleaver, Flor Ventanilla, Philippine Consultant Tourism Bureau representatives coverage so vitally important to working families ( Alessa Lopez, Conrad) in rural and small town America who don’t make

Island-to-island diplomacy in action

ALAMEDA — On Thursday, November 20, Alameda Mayor Trish Herrera Spencer will lead a 17-member delegation to Dumaguete, Philippines to sign the sister city Memorandum of Agreement on November 23 and to participate in the celebrations of that city’s 67th anniversary as a charter city. The Alameda delegation will represent Alameda in the Charter Day Parade, and participate in five days of activities, including fiestas, festivals, a Sister City conference, and a whale shark excursion, as well as tour Silliman University, churches, temples, and a geothermal energy plant.

This trip marks the second cultural exchange between Dumaguete and Alameda.

Earlier this year in June, an 8-member delegation from Dumaguete led

by Mayor Manuel Teves Sagarbarria came to Alameda to sign the sister city Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate educational, business, humanitarian, and cultural exchanges between the two cities.

The Alameda delegation to Dumaguete was organized by Alamedan Cynthia Bonta, who founded the Philippine Commit-

tee of the Alameda Sister City Association (ASCA) in 2013 to establish a sister city relationship with Dumaguete where she spent her most formative years.

She approached then Mayor Marie Gilmore who initiated the process by sending a letter of invitation which Ms. Bonta delivered in person to Dumaguete Mayor Sagarbarria who enthusiastically accepted and the process was started.

“My motivation for doing all this is to open up the world for our youth,” says Ms. Bonta, who envisions youth exchanges that will result in mutual respect and increased understanding between our two communities.

The member of the Alameda delegation will act as peace ambassadors.

Members of the delegation range in age from 17 to 71 and will be focusing on building youth and student exchange programs between the two cities as well as between Silliman University and colleges within the Peralta Community College District, like Alameda College. A faculty exchange program is being explored as well. Other members will be finalizing the details of

PH presents trailblazing…

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The Forum at the Canadian Embassy was one of the activities organized during Lead Poisoning Prevention Week to create awareness over the risks posed by lead in paint and what countries around the globe can do to reduce this threat to the environment and to human health. The Philippines, together with Canada, Kenya and Uruguay, was invited to share its experience in developing and enacting lead paint legislation.

The presentation was developed by the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau, together with the Philippine Association of Paint Manufacturers and civil society represented by

the EcoWaste Coalition and the International POPs Elimination Network. It was delivered by Minister and Consul Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga of the Philippine Embassy.

In a statement, Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. congratulated the DENR-EMB for its work on toxic substances, under the leadership of DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje and DENR Assistant Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna.

“The Philippine Government remains committed to our collective objective of eliminating lead in paint. This is our pledge to our environment and to the health of our people, and that of our children’s children,” Ambassador Cuisia also said.

Downtown Concord holiday…

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school choirs will entertain families from the Todos Santos stage from 5 to 6:30pm, followed by the Mayor’s Sing Along and the countdown to the tree lighting.

ABC 7 news anchor Dan Ashley will act as emcee for the evening.

Free holiday buttons, treats and song books will be available while supplies last. The holiday button was designed by Kennedy Kissack, a fourth- grade student at Highland Elementary. The Todos Santos Business Association will sponsor carriage rides from 4:30-7:30pm for a nominal fee with boarding at Salvio and Grant streets.

The event will be televised live,

weather permitting, on Concord Government TV Cable channel 28 (Comcast), channel 29 (Astound) and AT&T U-verse channel 99, and will be streamed on the City’s website, www.cityofconcord.org.

Todos Santos Plaza is located in downtown Concord on Willow Pass Road between Mt. Diablo and Grant streets. Free parking is available in two municipal garages with entrances on Salvio Street between Colfax and Galindo streets.

For more information about downtown events, visit www. concordfirst.org or call the downtown hotline at (925) 6713464. n

Melting pot or salad bowl…

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made more possible by advanced monitoring and communications technology.

While the laws are in the books and the personnel to enforce them are in place, the political will to wield the ax and deal with immigration problems once and for all, is clearly absent. Big business that funds candidates has an agenda that runs completely opposed to the interests of the American public. These are globalist interests opposing national interests. Only one can win.

At this point, it’s anybody’s guess how this will pan out. But drastic measures must be implemented effectively to address the issue in a much changed world where invasion is dangerously posing as legitimate immigration.

There are increasingly strident advocates who seek to shut the doors of America to immigration with the argument that recent immigration has created, instead of the melting pot society, a salad bowl of disparate, disjointed ethnic groups unwilling and unable to assimilate into the main fabric of American life.

Some compare current American society as a mosaic that appears to be whole but is essentially fragmented. They further claim the absence of a common purpose poses a threat to the unity and structural integrity of this country.

To some extent, the argument is valid. Anti-immigrant groups reserve their biggest contempt and vitriol towards first generation immigrants who refuse to assimilate and in their view, come here to America to merely take what they can, identifying and exploiting the holes and flaws of a largely generous, humanitarian system.

Tourism citizenship or the concept of “anchor babies” pertaining to pregnant women giving birth in the US just to get citizenship for their babies is now in sharp focus. Some countries like Britain and Australia may have already rescinded this privilege and plugged this loophole.

After streamlining the system and enforcing the laws already in the books, immigration should be hinged to some degree, on meritocracy. It must continue as a tightly controlled, highly regulated way of attracting people, possibly the best and brightest from around the world, but perhaps more importantly, ONLY those with the ability and willingness of heart to assimilate and become part of a whole.

The founding fathers envisioned America in 1776 clearly.

E pluribus Unum. Out of many, ONE. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

a medical mission to the Philippines being planned by the Philippine Medical Society of Northern CA for 2017. Alex Chen, the chair of the other active Alameda sister city — Jiangyin City (China) — will also be attending to share their experiences and learn from the newest addition.

While Dumaguete, Philippines is 7,000 miles away, Alameda has a history of strong ties to the Philippines. After WW2, many Filipinos settled in Alameda to raise their families and work at the military bases in Alameda and Oakland. Over 5,000 Filipinos now call Alameda home and they currently comprise close to one-quarter of the overall Asian population in Alameda which numbered 23,000 in 2010 — or 1/3 of Alameda’s total population. The San Francisco Bay Area region is home to the second largest Filipino population in

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enough money to qualify to receive subsidies for healthcare coverage in the new health insurance marketplaces (exchanges).

Moreover, access to healthcare can be a challenge in many small towns that lack a hospital or clinic. Increasing the ranks of those with adequate coverage through Medicaid expansion and the exchanges is one answer, but ingenuity must be another. As we celebrate National Rural Health Day, we should continue to look for new ways to expand rural healthcare access through telemedicine; new provider roles for physician’s assistants, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners; and different hospital and clinic ownership models including cooperatives, community ownership, and ownership of clinics and healthcare practices by medical service providers other than physicians. (John Crabtree / Center for Rural Affairs)

Before you give thanks, buckle up SACRAMENTO, Calif.

– Thanksgiving weekend, traditionally one of the busiest travel times in America, can also be one of the deadliest. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will have the United States, with 287,879 Filipino Americans.

As the Bay Area and Alameda become more diverse and home to a growing number of cultures, the role of the Sister City association in fostering understanding of cultures around the world is more important than ever. Delegation member and ASCA president Karen Fong is encouraging all Alameda residents to join ASCA and discover what it means to be part of a global community. To sign up, go to the ASCA website: http://alamedasistercity.weebly. com/ n

all available officers on patrol during a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) to help avoid tragedies for California motorists.

In 2014, over the Thanksgiving weekend, 45 people died in collisions on California roadways – a 36 percent increase from the same period in 2013. In addition, the CHP arrested almost 1,000 people for driving under the influence.

“Having a safe Thanksgiving drive this year—and being here to enjoy next Thanksgiving—can be as simple as buckling up,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “Nearly half the people who died in the CHP’s jurisdiction over Thanksgiving last year were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.”

The MEP will begin Wednesday, November 25, at 6 p.m. and continue through Sunday, No-

vember 29, at 11:59 p.m. During the MEP, CHP officers will not only be enforcing the law, but also assisting motorists.

“Buckling up, avoiding distracted driving, traveling at a safe speed, designating a sober driver – all are especially important during the holidays,” Commissioner Farrow said. “During the MEP, our officers will emphasize education and enforcement throughout the state to ensure everyone can enjoy their holiday.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges “Buckle Up America – Every Trip. Every Time.” Nationwide, more than half the drivers and passengers killed in crashes are not wearing seat belts. The NHTSA estimates that nationally, seat belts saved the lives of 12,854 passenger vehicle occupants in 2013. n

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NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2015 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Friday, November 27, 2015

SF2

cover story

T he Asian Jo ur na l SF M A G A Z I NE - N ov em ber 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

2015 San FranciSco 13th annual Parol lantern FeStival and Parade

celebrating a Philippine christmas tradition in the heart of the city

by Malou liwanag-Bledsoe

IN the Philippines, one of the signs that Christmas is near is the multi-colored parol in the windows of homes, up in the lampposts of streets or even in commercial establishments.

From its simple design in the older days, the star-shaped decor has evolved into many different shapes, sizes and design; as well as the materials it is made out of.

Since the parol is a staple in celebrating the holiday, many Filipinos living all over the world have brought this tradition with them. Some would bring one—carefully packed, of course—from their trip back home, although some Filipino stores have begun selling parols. Filipino community groups also offer parol-making workshops, ensuring that the younger generation would know and continue the tradition.

Here in San Francisco, one of the most-anticipated events by the Filipino community—and even by non-Filipinos is the annual Parol Lantern Festival and Parade. Now on its 13th year, the event on December 12, Saturday, will be a fun-filled evening of lights, music and games. Aside from the parade, judges bestow the Tala Awards to the participating groups with the most original and beautiful parols. This year, they are expecting around 20 participating units.

A little parol history The word parol or parul originated from the Spanish word farol, which means lantern. In Filipino, “p” is used

/ AJPress

instead of “f” to make it distinct from the Spanish word, as in, palda from falda (skirt) or pista from fiesta (feast).

In the Philippines however, not all parols are lanterns, and not all lanterns are parols. For Filipinos, a lantern is a portable case with transparent sides for holding and protecting a light, while Chinese and Japanese lanterns are not referred to as parols. And although not all parols are lighted or illuminated, they all symbolize light and brightness like the five-point star, moon and sun.

The most important symbolism of the parol is that it is the bright lone star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men to the manger of the newly born King—Jesus Christ.

It has been the common practice by Filipinos to hang the parol in their houses, offices and public places during the holiday season. This practice, according to some writers, was originally designed to provide light to the local folks on their way to church for the nine days of the Misa de Gallo or dawn masses.

However, if we read the origin of Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi, as written in the Christmas program at St. Patrick’s Church: “Introduced in the Philippines by the missionaries about the 16th century, these novena of masses from December 16th to 24th, were celebrated in the early morning hours, when the roosters crow to announce the coming of the new day (hence misa de gallo) for a very practical reason. Filipinos were farmers or fisherman

The 2015 San Francisco 13th Annual Parol Lantern Festival Parade is on Saturday, December 12, from 3pm to 8pm.

Schedule 3–5pm Taste of Filipino Christmas (featuring Filipino holiday delicacies) St. Patrick’s Social Hall 4–5:30pm Rondalla Fest Yerba Buena Garden’s Stone Stage 5pm Entertainment and Parol Gallery Jessie Square 6:15pm Parade starts at Yerba Buena Gardens 6:30–8pm Program and Tala Award

Fil-Aussie Cyrus Villanueva wins ‘X-Factor Australia’

who either began or ended their day at dawn.” What is then the parol for churchgoers – the local folks, farmers and fishermen – who happened to be the most knowledgeable of their way in their locality even in the darkest night?

According to MC Canlas, founder of the SF Parol Lantern Parade and Festival, his version of the origin of the parol tradition is connected to the celebration of fiesta or feast of the town’s or village’s patron saint.

“Christmas is considered the feast of all feasts. The usual practice of local folks of hanging baderetas (small flags, banners or buntings) to decorate the streets and house during fiesta is similar to the hanging of parol in house windows to make known the coming of baby Jesus Christ,” he wrote.

“Giving Light to the Future” This year’s participating contingents vying for the Tala Awards are expected to incorporate the theme, “Giving Light to the Future,” in the design of their parol lanterns and presentation in conjunction with the proposed SoMa Pilipinas, a Filipino Cultural Heritage District in San Francisco.

Canlas said that there are no new rules for the parol lanterns for the Tala awards, but this year, they are launching an installation of commissioned lanterns at Jessie Square’s Parol Gallery.

“The organizers solicited proposals from visual artists, artisans and craftsmen/women to submit a new design of lanterns they can construct for the festival. Once selected, the organizers awards the artists to construct their lanterns to be installed at the Jessie Square,” he said and added, “Hence, we call them ‘Commissioned Lan-

terns,’ they are not necessary traditional lanterns (or five-point star lanterns), as they organizers expect innovative and new design lanterns. There are two artists selected for this. Their lanterns will be considered the Lantern(s) for the Year.”

The Parol Gallery will also showcase different types of lanterns from the City of San Fernando, Pampanga—considered as the Lantern Capital of the Philippines—made from capiz to plastic.

Apart from the parade, the organizers are bringing back the Taste of Christmas, which was part of the first Parol Lantern Festival and Parade in 2003. The Taste of Christmas is a free-tasting event of selected delicacies associated to the Filipino Pasko celebration such as bibingka, kakanin, tamales (Pampanga), puto bumbong and tsokolate. It will be held at the Social Hall of St. Patrick’s

Church from 3-5pm, before the Parol Stroll.

Canlas believes that the SF Parol Lantern Festival and Parade’s continuity is due to the Filipinos’ strong grasp to their heritage and culture.

In the Philippines it (parol) is a long-held tradition for Filipinos to make parol lanterns and holiday decor to adorn their houses, town plazas, churches, malls and all most everywhere.

Since there are significant number of Filipinos and thriving Filipino communities in the US and in the Diaspora, our version of celebrating Christmas defines, enhances and promotes of our being Filipino and our Filipino culture in a multicultural fabrics environment like the United States,” he shared. “It is now recognized as one of the much awaited holiday event in San Francisco. The parol lantern also known as Filipino Christmas star—the quintes-

sential Filipino symbol of hope, blessings, luck, peace, and light during the holiday season.”

He also shared that the annual Parol Lantern Festival is one of the thriving community rituals that enhances the SoMa Pilipinas, the Filipino cultural heritage district.

The parol festival is presented by the Filipino American Development Foundation and KulArts, in partnership with the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, MJM Management, and St. Patrick’s Parish and supported by the Grants for the Arts, SoMa Community Stabilization Fund, Yerba Buena Community Benefit District, Western Union, and A&E. For more information, please contact Parol Festival at (415) 348-8042, parolsf@gmail. com, or visit www.bayanihancc. org/parol/index.html and http:// kularts.org/wp/kularts-presents/ parol-festival/.

‘4th Impact’ breaks into ‘X Factor UK’ top 5

ALL-Filipino group “4th Impact” has made it into the FILIPINO-AUSTRALIAN top 5 of British talent show Cyrus Villanueva was crowned X Factor UK on Sunday, Nov. as champion of X-Factor Aus- 22. tralia during the grand finals The group, composed of the reality singing show on of Cercado sisters Mylene, Tuesday, Nov. 24.

Celina, Irene and Almira, The 19-year-old Villansurvived another elimination ueva bested other finalists, night as Over 25’s sole singer namely second placer Louise Anton Stephans was kicked Adams and third placer Jess out of the competition. & Matt.

They performed Christina Villanueva reprised his Aguilera’s Ain’t No Other audition song, The Weeknd’s Man during show’s “HeartEarned It, and performed break Week.” his coronation song Stone Other acts which made and a rendition of Labrinth’s the top 5 of the reality show Jealous.

Villanueva won a recording deal with Sony Music Australia as part of the MANILA—Dingdong grand prize.

Dantes on Tuesday, Nov. 24 In 2014, Filipino Marlisa Punzalan was expressed his joy over the coming of his first-born child declared X Factor with Marian Rivera.

Australia champion.

The Kapuso actress gave (Inquirer.net)

included Lauren Murray, Che Chesterman, Reggie N Bollie, and Louisa Johnson.

Meanwhile, some fans of the girl group took to Twitter to slam Murray who was seen brushing off the hand of one of the 4th Impact’s members who tried to hug her.

Yet, in a video posted on their Facebook page, the group seemed to have no bad blood with the singer as they urged their fans to stop bashing Murray.

“Hello, guys. This is 4th Impact and this is Lauren and please stop telling her

Pinay group 4th Impact sails through to the show’s next round

anything because she is our friend. We love Lauren so

please…She’s great,” they said. (Inquirer.net)

Dingdong Dantes: Daughter to change my life forever

Cyrus Villanueva

birth to a baby girl, Maria Letizia, on Monday, Nov. 23.

The Kapuso actor posted photo of his daughter’s hand and on the caption said, “Twenty-three November,

2015: The day God decided to deliver His most precious gift.”

“This morning, I witnessed a miracle... and during that moment, I realized that my life would never be the same

again,” he added.

In the end, Dingdong thanked everyone who supported him and wife Marian in the course of her pregnancy.

(Philstar.com)

features SF3

Campaign to fund Little Manila Dance Collective’s Kulintang music program

T h e As ian Jou r n al S F MAGAZ IN E – No ve mbe r 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

San FranciSco

By Monet

Brian Batugo and Master Danongan “Danny” Kalanduyan.

FOr the 2016 dance season, Brian Batugo is raising money again to not only maintain a cultural dance center he has built from last year’s successful crowdrise campaign, but also to support his group’s expansion into a expertly guided Kulintang music program for all ages.

Kulintang, instrumental music traditionally practiced in Southern Philippines, has grow to be essential to Little Manila’s Dance Collective (LMDC). Since the nature of learning and practicing kulintang is similar to oral storytelling, the ability to play this music is passed down from master artist to apprentice. Because of this, only a handful of Filipino Americans practice kulintang in the United States. Since LMDC currently relies on digital recordings of kulintang to perform, extending the Little Manila Foundation’s cultural programming to include kulintang training will help to advance its Dance Collective’s practices. this project is in collaboration with Master Danongan “Danny” Kalanduyan, a pioneer for the preservation of traditional music in the United States and in his home city of Cotabato. there are a handful who have joined his movement and it is long over due that Stockton residents concerned about the preservation of their community’s history also be part of this movement. Promoting the kulintang arts expands the network of traditional music

practitioners and will add to the number of individuals fighting to preserve an art form that has been practiced for thousands of years. the program aims to connect our Stockton participants to a larger network of people passionate about cultural preservation. By doing so, it hopes to build more allies that seek to further Little Manila’s mission.

Kalanduyan has been recognized for his expertise in kulintang by the Alliance for California traditional Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. He and his colleagues have produced numerous kulintang workshops and performed in renowned venues throughout the country.

Kalanduyan began playing the Maguindanao style of music when he was four years old as it was passed down to him by his elders. He holds a masters in eth-

nomusicology from the University of Washington.

Little Manila has an existing relationship with Master K through Batugo’s unquenchable thirst to learn about kulintang after his first fundraising campaign that raised over $6K to “save folk dance” in Stockton, CA. Kalanduyan has been incredibly generous with his resources as he sold Batugo his personal kulintang set. Batugo used funds from last year’s campaign to buy these instruments. through their exchange, Kalanduyan has proved to be a relentless advocate of proper technique, care, and ownership of ensemble instruments. Batugo has been periodically visiting Master K for advice and instrument purchases ever since.

Kalanduyan is a caring Continued on Page SF4

Lu

It takes a lot to be a man.

But it takes everything to be the Man. Island Pacific Supermarket CEO Jeff Nino Lim, who is honored as the Beautiful Life Celebration’s Man of the Year 2015 tells us more.

Question: What is a typical day like for Jeff Lim as a businessman?

Answer: Very busy. As a matter of fact I wish I could spend more time with my children. that’s the pitfall of being in the grocery industry; business is opened 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Describe a typical day for you as a father As a father, I would probably give myself a big F! But I am so fortunate that Krista as a mother is an A++++, which more than compensates for my failure as a father. Growing up I never really had a father figure so it’s really hard to know how to be one. All I can say is that each of my children matters more to me than anything in this world.

How do you balance your time as a businessman, a father and a husband?

Work/life balance is not one of my virtues but no matter where I am, even if I am as far as Seattle, I always make sure that I come home at the end of the night. I cannot sleep by myself! My wife, Nate, Natalie, and I all sleep in the same bed and it is during this time that we talk about anything and everything. Since Krista and I got married and had a family, I also made sure that weekends have become my day off.

Nevertheless, because of the industry I am in I still do phone calls on the weekends or find myself working in my home office. I think what we enjoy the most, as a family is our yearly

One-on-one with the Man of the Year, Jeff Nino Lim

Jeff Nino Lim, CEO of Island Pacific Supermarket

vacation. this year we went to tokyo for half a month and it was just great.

What do you consider the most important ingredient to a successful marriage?

Krista and I have just been married for over 5 years and it may be premature to label our marriage a success. But what I can tell you is that if I just had one day left in my life and I could pick just one person to spend that day with, I know that I would be looking for my wife.

So for a successful marriage to begin you got to make sure you marry the one you love.

[As a successful parent] Always let your children know how much you love them.

Verbalize it and don’t think that of course they know you love them.

How about a successful business?

Passion!!! Because if you are not passionate about what you do you will fail because starting and having a business is just so difficult. It is so difficult that the moment you fail at something you will give up. Passion keeps you going and passion cannot just come from the reward of profit since once you get the money your perspective may

change. to keep the passion in business going you need to believe that what you are doing is bigger than yourself. It’s more important than just profit. You need to believe that what you are doing can improve the lives of others.

Is there a particular reason you chose to venture into the grocery chain industry, particularly an Asian grocery chain?

I grew up in the grocery industry. My Mom used to have a small grocery store in West Covina named Philhouse. Our entire family worked in that store. My uncles were the meat and seafood manager. My sister worked as the cashier, and I worked in the grocery department. that small store is all that my Mom had and it meant everything to her. A few years later seeing that Philhouse was doing really well, a family friend opened the largest Filipino supermarket at that time just a few blocks away from Philhouse. With all the below cost prices and major giveaways, my Mom’s small operation could not compete and within a few months she had no choice but to close the only thing she really cherished and owned. As a young kid, I was just heartbroken seeing my Mother cry and I remember trying to comfort her and telling her that when I grow up I will compete. I guess Island Pacific is just a promise that a young kid made to his Mother and I will not stop until I over deliver on that promise.

This year, you will be honored as Beautiful Life Celebration’s Man of the Year for 2015. Do you have any words of wisdom for us?

I still do not understand nor can I grasp why I am being honored as Man of the Year. If it’s a celebration about the success I have accomplished in life then I Continued on Page SF4

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celebrityworld

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celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar

For the merry month of December, world boxing champion, Sarangani Congressman and senatorial candidate Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, heads the list of prominent personalities celebrating their birthdays.

The world-famous boxer will be celebrating another year of his life on Monday, December 7. others who are celebrating their birthdays this month are: December 4 - Former Miss rP-USA Sara Atienza Leong, singer Yeng Constantino and former Club royale Queen Aurora Viray; December 6 - Philippines Today Vice President for operations Thelma Cruz; December 7 - GMA Pinoy TV / Channel 7 President Atty.

Felipe Gozon, Susan Gonzales of Dr. roco’s Medical office, and Harris Jewelry gold manufacturer and proprietress Josie Harris; December 8 - Filipina caregiver Aida Marinas; December 9 - Former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim (who is running again for Mayor next year), and Marina community leader Anita Lomboy; December 10 - Former Miss rP-USA World Eva reyes; December 11 - Former President of the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California Dr. Camelo Lim roco, and matinee idol Derek ramsey;

World boxing champ Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao heads December birthday celebrants

December 12 - Hillsborough successful businesswoman Guadalupe (Upeng) Abad Sy and Concert Queen of the Philippines Pops Fernandez; December 13 – Former Senator Manny Villar; December 15 - Cupertino jetsetter rema Zafrani Vasa; December 16 – Former Movie Queen Gloria romero, the late rosa del rosario who is the original Queen of Philippine Movies, Health Professionals Chief Accountant Elvie Angeles, and actress Aiko Melendez; December 17 - Former Miss

World boxing champion, Philippine Congressman and now senatorial candidate for next year’s election Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao will be celebrating his birthday on December 7. Shown in photo with Pacman is award-winning actor JD Charisma taken at the boxer’s penthouse in Los Angeles. Inspired by the Champ, JD Charisma composed, performed, & shot 2 recent music videos for Manny Pacquiao directed by Ben Malto of MMTB.

Health Professionals, Inc. Chief Accountant Elvie Angeles will celebrate her on Wednesday, December 16 with a dinner party with her family.

Former Mrs. RP-USA Las Vegas and fashion designer Nina Alberto will celebrate her birthday on Monday, December 28.

Former Miss United Nations International Anna Satorre will celebrate her birthday on Thursday, December 17.

Cupertino jetsetter Rema Zafrani Vasa will celebrate her birthday on Tuesday, December 15.

Mrs. Vasa will host a dinner party at her residence with her friends and family.

Beauty expert and travel consultant Cristina Caseres will celebrate her birthday on Sunday, December 20 at Fort McKinley Restaurant in South San Francisco.

Dr. Carmelo Lim Roco, former president of the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California, will celebrate his birthday on Friday, December 11.

Former beauty queen and fashion model Marilen Bernardo is celebrating her birthday on Monday, December 21.

Philippines Today Vice President for Operations and Promotions Thelma Cruz will celebrate her birthday on Sunday, December 6.

United Nations International Anna Satorre; December 20 - Beauty expert and travel consultant Cristina Caseres, actress Valerie Concepcion, South San Francisco community leader Connie Belleza Gaspar, and actor-singer Carlos Agassi; December 21 - Former Miss rP-USA International and fashion model Marilen Bernardo, former Miss rP-USA World Christine Acha and restaurateur

Marc Garvida, a banquet executive at the Holiday Inn Hotel, will celebrate his birthday on Wednesday, December 23.

Manny Noguera; December 22 - and Hollywood make-up artist Christine Pacifico Paul; December 23 - Karilagan restaurant owner Elsie Palencia, and Holiday Inn Hotel banquet executive Marc Garvida; December 24 - Multiawarded actress Lorna Tolentino; December 27 - Gilroy auto mechanic shop owner Dar rabonza;

December 28 - Former Mrs. rP-USA Las Vegas and fashion designer Nina Alberto, and former LBC Treasurer Fely ruiz; December 29 - San ramon businesswoman Flora Enriquez; December 30 - Talented actor Jake Cuenca (who was born in San Jose, CA).

Happy to all December celebrants! *** In my column last week, I

wrote about how Primetime Queen Marian rivera’s was about to give birth anytime, and indeed, she and husband—Primetime King Dingdong Dantes are not proud parents of a healthy baby girl!

The actress gave birth last November 23 to daughter Maria Letizia at the Makati Medical Center. our congratulations to Dingdong and Marian!

US food magazine: Go try Jollibee Sarah takes on the challenge ‘From the Top’

by JAnvic

MAteo Philstar.com

MANILA—An American food and entertainment magazine recently recognized Jollibee as one of the fast-food chains rapidly gaining popularity in the United States.

US-based magazine Bon Appetit included Jollibee in the “Foreign Invasion” category of its list of fast-food restaurants to watch for in 2015.

“Jollibee has started popping up in the States, primarily on the West Coast but with a smattering in Houston, Queens, Jersey City, Las Vegas and Virginia Beach,” the magazine said.

“Store openings are often met with long lines of curiosity seekers and Asian expats,” it added.

The magazine also cited Chickenjoy, Jolly Spaghetti,

Aloha Burger and Palabok Fiesta as among Jollibee’s signature dishes.

“We are very pleased to be included in the list of Bon Appetit alongside other similar fast food chains that are continuously growing and making their mark in the US quick service restaurant industry,” said Jollibee Global Brand chief marketing officer Francis Flores.

“This is another positive step towards our goal of becoming one of the top three fast food chains in the world, as we aim to bring our signature langhap sarap meals and the joy of eating to more families,” he added.

Jollibee joined British Pret A Manger, Guatemalan Pollo Campero, South Korean Paris Baguette and South African

Nardo’s Peri-Peri in the “Foreign Invasion” category.

Also included in the list is American fast-food chain Smashburger, of which Jollibee recently acquired a 40-percent stake.

Jollibee opened its first US store in Daly City in California in 1988. It currently has 32 stores in the US, located in California, Nevada, New York, Washington, Hawaii, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia. Jollibee also has branches in Vietnam, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Singapore and Hong Kong, bringing its total number of overseas branches to 132.

The company has announced plans to open more stores this year and is projected to have a total store count of 144 by year-end.

sic) to reinforce lessons until the next workshop; it will culminate in a final community presentation where students will receive recognition for their participation, and the community will screen a documentary film about the master artist. The project will train at least ten youth and adult participants who are interested in kulintang music.

This music program allows Stockton residents to connect with Filipino traditional music guided by a certified expert for the first time in our community’s history. Currently, Batugo and his students are lone practitioners of kulintang in the area though they have not had any formal training.

In order to sustain and grow this practice, seeds must be planted among more musicians in the community by a master practitioner.

PolicArPio Inquirer.net

WHEN Sarah Geronimo attends shows by foreign acts, one of the things she notices is how their repertoires, save for the occasional cover, are always composed of their original material— something the singer-actress has been wanting to emulate for the longest time.

“I just want to go out, focus on my music and do my own thing. It’s a dream of mine,” Sarah told the Inquirer. “oftentimes, when I do corporate gigs, I get asked to perform whatever’s popular. And I get sad because they hire me to do covers and not because of my hits.”

“It frustrates me,” stressed the 27-year-old artist, adding that it isn’t uncommon for her to be asked by Filipino fans abroad this question: “Why don’t you sing your own songs? You record The program will be open to albums, but you perform only a all students in the San Joaquin few tracks off those.”

County area. The general public They do make a fair point, will be invited to attend a final she conceded. So while staging culminating event scheduled in a concert that features mostly the Fall 2016 in which we will her catalog of songs may alienscreen Cotabato Sessions, a ate the more casual fans, Sarah is documentary film about Master K looking forward to taking on that and his family’s cultural practice. challenge in “From the Top,” her The program plans to kick off in February 2016.

Donations can be made by visiting lmdance.org or From Page SF3 http://tinyurl.com/sustainfolkdo not deserve this award since dance until December 4. Dothere are many more successful nating via crowdrise and/or signing up to become a “Friend men than me. What I believe I am more proud of are my failof Little Manila” and donating as much as $10 per month, the ures and my struggles in life. As Elizabeth Kubler ross once said, price of two coffees, can help “The most beautiful people we ensure that the Little Manila Center can continue to keep its have known are those who have doors open and provide filipino known defeat, know suffering, known struggle, known loss, cultural education programs in and have found their way out of Stockton, CA.

Campaign to fund Little Manila...

From Page SF3 and supportive artist willing to share his knowledge to younger generations evidenced by his relationship with Batugo. Kalanduyan was incredibly generous to offer personal workshops to advance Batugo’s technique. Master K is looking forward to sharing his passion for kulintang to LM and Stockton’s residents, especially to a younger generation of students who hunger for stories from their elders.

The program would be structured as follows: students would work with the master artist on a monthly basis to receive personal instruction in a workshop setting; it will be supported by an additional weekly class remotely with references online. This would increase our arts program activity from three hours per week (dance only) to six hours (dance and mu-

by AllAn

doesn’t want to go to waste.

“I have enough songs—many of which weren’t promoted or selected as singles. My only concern now is how they’ll be received. We’ll just have to work hard and make each number special,” Sarah related. “I’m worried, but what’s important is that I give importance to my music.”

Is she setting her sights on doing a concert at the Philippine Arena after From the Top? According to Sarah, she doesn’t think she can pack a colossal venue, and is content to perform in smaller places.

“Honestly, I’ll be fine with Sarah Geronimo Music Museum,” she said. “of two-night show, on Dec. 4 and 5, course it’s a dream to fill up a at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. venue that huge and see all the “It was something we consid- fans who support you. But you’ll ered,” pointed out Sarah, whose have to be prepared for someprevious album, “Perfectly Imthing like that: You have to have perfect,” yielded the burnished, the hits and lots of new things to mid-tempo earworm, Kilometro. offer.”

“Lakasan lang ang loob natin… onstage, she’s a differThere could be consequences ent woman. “When I know I’m and you have to be prepared… I prepared and all set physically, figured, let’s just go for it; this is mentally and emotionally, I get for my craft.” a natural high,” she said. “When Since winning the talent I feel the light, my makeup, my search, Star for a Night, in 2003, costume and the music coming Sarah has released more than all together, I get lost. I don’t 10 studio records and a slew even see the people; I get lost in of unreleased material that she my own world!”

One-on-one with the Man of the Year... the depths.” It is the suffering, the struggles, the loss, and the defeats that have made me who I am today. It is not success that has defined me but it is actually failure that has served me even more and has made me the man that I am today. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his

own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

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