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Fight to keep DREAMers in full swing

by RAE

ANN VARONA AJPress

DESPITE many urges not to proceed, the Trump administration rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program on Tuesday, September 5. As the phasing out of the program begins, the rush to find solutions for DREAMers is in full swing.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions officially announced the administration’s decision to

DATELINE

end the DACA program which he said was an “unconstitutional exercise of authority by the Executive Branch.�

The program, signed by former President Barack Obama in an executive action in 2012, protected from deportation nearly 800,000 undocumented people brought to the U.S. illegally as children. With a sixmonth period winding down to its termination, White House members are already looking to counter the decision.

In California, where the largest number of DACA recipients live, government officials are turning towards legal action against Tuesday’s decision. In a statement following the announcement, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said that the state was ready to sue the Trump administration. “President Trump has turned his back on hundreds of thousands of children and young Americans who came forward and put their trust in

our government. But in terminating DACA, the Trump administration has also violated the Constitution and federal laws,� said Becerra. “California is taking action because one in four DACA grantees live in our great state,� he added. “I will do everything I can to fight for them.�

In New York, where the third highest DACA population resides, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman also vowed to sue the Trump administration

over its decision that he described as “cruel, gratuitous, and devastating to tens of thousands of New Yorkers.� “My job is to protect all the residents of New York — no matter where they come from, and I will use every legal tool I have available to make sure they get the opportunity to live the American dream, just like millions of New York immigrants before them,� said Schneiderman. “Dreamers are

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USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

DFA ready to assist Filipinos facing deportation from US Over 4,500 Filipino beneficiaries of DACA

by JEFFERSON

ANTIPORDA ManilaTiames.net

THE Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is ready to assist Filipinos in the U.S. who are facing deportation.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which was introduced during the term of former U.S. President Barack Obama, protects children brought to the U.S. illegally from being deported to their respective countries.

The program does not lead to U.S. citizenship but it is renewable every two years.

President Donald Trump recently announced he is revoking the DACA pro-

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This general view shows destroyed buildings as seen from a government position on the frontline in Marawi.

ManilaTimes.net photo

US pledges $14.3 million for Marawi relief

THE United States has donated P730 million ($14.3 million) for the ongoing relief operations and rehabilitation of Marawi City, according to U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim. In a press briefing on Tuesday, September 5, Kim announced that Washington will provide humanitarian aid to the victims of the besieged city in Mindanao through its Agency for International Development (USAID). “This money will focus on restoring basic public services, including health care, water, and electricity, jumpstarting livelihoods, and promoting community reconciliation and alternatives to violent extremism,� Kim said.

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Ambassador Kim: Teens’ deaths in drug operations ‘a tragedy’ U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim on Wednesday, Sept. 6 described the recent killings of teenagers in police operations “tragic� but noted that authorities are already investigating the cases.

Kim, who admitted he is “very cautious about commenting substantively� on the recent killings of students Kian Delos Santos and Carl Angelo Arnaiz, reiterated the need for a probe into the slay cases. “The recent cases involving the police and these tragic deaths of young men... there’s an ongoing investigation so I’m very cautious about commenting substantively on what exactly happened,� Kim said in a press briefing. “But, obviously, it’s a tragedy that young men lose their lives in this manner, and this is why I think it’s so important for there to be full investigation and accountability of what happened,� he added.

Envoy notes government probes The U.S. envoy also cited how MalacaĂąang has also indicated there will be complete in-

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Senator Richard Gordon followed through on his threat to ďŹ le an ethics complaint against Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV for his “unparliamentary behaviorâ€? during the hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee last week.

Senate photo by Alexis NuevaespaĂąa

PROTECT OUR DREAMERS. Jocelin Reyes, 19, said having protection from deportation relieved her fears and anxieties. But now, the University of California-Santa Barbara student said, “the fear has tripled.� Rallies and marches took place around the country on Monday, Sept. 5, following the Trump administration’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program which protects certain young immigrants from deportation.

At one event in downtown Los Angeles, people held signs that read, “We are here to stay,� and chanted, “If they won’t let us dream, we won’t let them sleep.�

Photo by Anna Gorman for Kaiser Health News

Sereno, Bautista impeachment complaints move forward in House IMPEACHMENT complaints against Philippine Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno and Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chief Andres Bautista have been passed on to the House Committee on Rules.

Earlier this week, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez referred the complaints to the committee headed

by Majority Leader Rodolfo Farinas.

The speaker has ten days from receipt to refer an impeachment complaint to the Rules Committee to be included in the Order of Business.

The complaint will then be referred to the Committee on Justice within three days. The Justice

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Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno

Comelec Chief Andres Bautista Inquirer.net photos

Marcos camp says ‘fight not over,’ cites evidence of 2016 polls anomaly

SIOSON AJPress

MANILA — Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Tuesday, September 5, said he will also file an ethics complaint against Senator Richard Gordon and further expose the latter’s supposed “corrupt acts� as chairman of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).

A day before, Gordon filed an ethics case against Trillanes. This was after Trillanes called Gordon’s panel “committee de absuwelto� (committee of exoneration) and accused the latter of “lawyering� for President Rodrigo Duterte and his family during a hearing on Thursday, August 31.

In response to Gordon’s complaint, Trillanes said he will also file his own ethics case, citing the former’s sup-

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Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong� Marcos Jr. Inquirer.net photo

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SEPTEMBER 8-14, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

Fight to keep DREAMers...

PAGE A1 t Americans in every way. They played by the rules. They pay their taxes.”

Late July, Becerra led a coalition of 20 attorneys general, which included Schneiderman, in sending a letter to President Donald Trump that urged him to retain DACA. Pending bills in Congress On Tuesday, Trump sent out tweets mentioning Congress’ major role in the upcoming months, and the possibility of him revisiting the issue if still in a deadlock.

“I look forward to working [with Democrats and Republicans] in Congress to address immigration reform in a way that puts hardworking citizens of our country 1st,” read one tweet.

He later tweeted, “Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they can’t, I will revisit the issue!”

There are a number of pending bills that Congress could act upon within the next six months that would address the future status of DREAMers.

At the forefront is the “Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act” (DREAM Act) which was first introduced in 2001, and failed to pass multiple times.

Sponsor Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill) and Lindsey Graham (RSC) proposed a new version of the bill in July of this year which got a seemingly unfavorable response by the Trump administration. Trump’s legislative affairs director Marc Short expressed that the administration had “opposed the Dream Act and likely will be consistent on that.”

Still, Durbin and Graham said in a press conference Tuesday afternoon that they were calling on Congress to act on the bill before the end of September.

“We need to pass in this month

of September a DREAM Act — a permanent law in this country that says that these young people will have their chance to become part of America’s future, “ said Durbin.

If the revised DREAM Act is to pass, recipients would have the same protections as DACA, as well as a path for permanent legal resident status or citizenship, if certain requirements are met — DACA did not provide either.

Other bills include the Recognizing America’s Children (RAC) Act, the American Hope Act, and the Bar Removal of Individuals Who Dream (BRIDGE) Act. Like the DREAM Act, the RAC and the American Hope Act offer a path to citizenship upon meeting certain requirements. The RAC Act, sponsored by Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.), would allow immigrants who have been vetted by the Department of Homeland Security a pathway to legalization through either higher education, service in the armed

forces, or work authorization.

Participants would be put on a five-year conditional status which they could reapply for a five-year permanent status, according to a press release by Curbelo.

The fastest option to gaining citizenship would be the American Hope Act, sponsored by Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill, which only requires that applicants to have entered the U.S. before the age of 18, and have not been convicted of certain crimes. Eligible participants can apply for a conditional permanent residency before applying for a lawful permanent residence status, and finally citizenship.

Like DACA, the BRIDGE Act, sponsored by Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Colo., would give eligible participants protection and authorization to work. It also would not include a path to citizenship.

According to the National Immigration Law Center, the requirements would essentially be the same.

The big difference lies in that the benefits would be extended for three years, basically allowing Congress more time to solidify a solution for DREAMers.

In the meantime, over 800,000 individuals who have been protected by DACA are watching to see what actions the White House Dozens of immigrant rights activists, students, DACA recipients and union leaders rallied in will make. Over 4,500 of them downtown Los Angeles to protest the White House announcement to end the DACA program.

Speakers urged attendees to keep fighting and to seek legal advice. come from the Philippines. n (Photos by Anna Gorman/KHN)

DFA ready to assist Filipinos facing...

PAGE A1 t

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gram and gave the U.S. Congress until March 5, 2018 to come up with a law that would prevent the deportation of about 800,000 individuals covered by the program.

In a statement, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano assured assistance for those who would be affected by the move of the U.S. government, including legal help in their immigrationrelated cases.

“We will authorize with certain limitations the use of the Assistance to Nationals [ATN] fund and the Legal Assistance Fund to assist immigration-related cases such as those arising from the decision of

President Trump to revoke the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals,” Cayetano said.

For this year, the DFA has P400 million for its ATN and P100 million in legal assistance fund intended for overseas Filipino workers in trouble with the law in their respective host countries.

Cayetano advised those who would be affected by the changes to prepare for the worse while exploring other possible legal options.

“In any event, we are ready to welcome and assist our kababayan [countrymen] in whatever way we can if they are returned to the Philippines,” the DFA secretary

said.

Chargé d’Affaires Patrick Chuasoto of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., said of the 3.4 million Filipinos in the US around 310,000 are undocumented.

The DACA program provides temporary legal status that allows qualified undocumented immigrant children from other countries to stay, study and work in the U.S. Apart from the DACA cancelation, there is also a U.S. immigration policy that disallows Filipinos and others who have obtained U.S. citizenship from petitioning their parents or relatives to become U.S. citizens. n

US pledges $14.3 million for...

PAGE A1 t According to him, P153 million of the U.S. donation will be used for humanitarian assistance to deliver supplies including drinking water, hygiene kits, and shelter materials for evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, P577 million will be allocated for the rehabilitation of the city and affected surrounding areas. This includes the restoration of basic public services like health care, water and electricity.

Washington also vowed to provide 6,500 tablet arm chairs for schools in Mindanao. Additionally, the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manila will also provide P22 million for educational programs for students and women leaders.

“The United States is deeply committed to this relationship and remains ready to support our friend and ally as we face the challenges and opportunities,” the ambassador said.

He also reiterated Washington’s continuous support for the

Philippine government in its efforts to combat terrorism.

Since the Marawi crisis broke out on May 23 following the attack of Islamic State-inspired extremists, the U.S. Army has been providing technical assistance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“We all look forward to the end of the crisis, and the end of the fighting and suffering. We have been and will continue to support the Philippine government’s efforts to deal with the crisis,” Kim added. (Dana Sioson/AJPress)

Sereno, Bautista impeachment...

PAGE A1 t

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Committee, on the other hand, has 60 days to conduct hearings and determine the sufficiency in form and substance of the complaints.

Two impeachment complaints have been so far filed against Sereno.

Twenty-five House members endorsed the impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Larry Gadon against the chief justice on Wednesday, August 30, for culpably violating the Constitution, betraying public trust, committing corrupt practices, and other high crimes.

Among the grounds in the impeachment rap include Sereno’s “whimsical” and “excessive” purchase of a Toyota Land Cruis-

er amounting to P5.1 million, and the misuse of judiciary funds when attending local and foreign conferences.

He also accused Sereno of failing to be truthful in declaring her statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN), as well as obstructing justice when she ordered Muntinlupa judges to not to issue arrest warrants against Senator Leila De Lima.

A second impeachment complaint against Sereno was also filed by Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) founding chairman Dante Jimenez and Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution Inc. president lawyer Eligio Mallari on Monday, September 5. It was endorsed by 16 House members.

Jimenez and Mallari initially submitted an impeachment complaint earlier in August but no member of the House had endorsed the case at that time.

On the other hand, three House members endorsed the complaint against Bautista.

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio and former Congressman Jacinto Paras filed the complaint on Wednesday, August 23, accusing Bautista of alleged culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust.

The complaint stemmed from allegations of the Comelec chief’s estranged wife, Patricia Paz Bautista, that he had about one billion pesos of undeclared wealth in his 2016 SALN. (Dana Sioson/ AJPress)

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 8-14, 2017

A

Move to end DACA leaves some young immigrants fearing for their health

by BarBara

Feder OstrOv and anna GOrman Kaiser Health News

Paulina Ruiz, who has cerebral palsy, said losing her legal immigration status could mean losing her health coverage and access to doctors. Ruiz is on Medi-Cal, which helps cover some of the costs of her medical care.

Photo courtesy of Paulina Ruiz

LOS ANGELES — For 26-yearold Paulina Ruiz, having legal immigration status is about more than going to school or holding a job. It’s about staying healthy.

The University of CaliforniaLos Angeles graduate, whose parents brought her from Mexico to the U.S. illegally two decades ago, has cerebral palsy, a neurological condition diagnosed shortly after birth.

In the past, Ruiz said, she relied on emergency rooms for her health care and rarely could see specialists. She developed kidney and back problems after years of inconsistent medical care and using an inappropriate wheelchair.

But in 2012, she qualified for the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which temporarily protected her from deportation. In California, that meant she could get Medi-Cal, California’s version of the Medicaid insurance program for low-income Americans, and regularly see a doctor.

The Trump administration’s controversial decision on Tuesday to scrap the DACA program does more than put nearly 800,000 “Dreamers” in fear of deportation and losing their jobs. It threatens the health care of thousands of young adults like Ruiz, who either have job-based insurance or whose incomes qualify them for Medicaid in California and several other states.

“I am very upset,” said Ruiz, who organizes for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles and lives near the city. “I don’t know what’s going to happen to my health.”

The decision is set to take effect in six months, unless Congress comes up with an alternative plan. Trump has said the program, started under President Obama in 2012, rewards law-

Maria Garcia, 22, said she was able to get a job as a receptionist at a Los Angeles hotel because of the DACA program. The job also came with health insurance, which helped cover physical therapy from a knee injury.

She fears getting fired and being unable to pay for her own health insurance and medical care.

Photo by Anna Gorman

breakers who hurt Americans by taking their jobs and depressing wages, a claim some economists dispute. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday that the program was unconstitutional because it was a unilateral executive action on a proposal that had been repeatedly rejected by Congress.

Trump, who has suggested he has conflicting sentiments about the program, left open the door for Congress to change it. “I have a love for these people, and hopefully now Congress will be able to help them and do it properly,” he said, according to The New York Times. But the newspaper noted that he did not call for bipartisan legislation to restore its protections.

The program allows immigrants between the ages of 16 and 31 who were brought to the United States illegally as children to receive work permits and temporary protection from deportation. Those who qualified were explicitly barred from receiving federal health benefits through Medicaid, Obamacare exchanges or other programs.

Many DACA recipients now have jobs with health insuran ce. In addition, California, Ne w York, Massachusetts, Minnesota and the District of Columbia have used their own money to cover low-income Dreamers through Medicaid, according to Tanya Broder, a Berkeley, Calif.-based senior staff attorney for the National Immigration Law Center.

There are an estimated 220,000 DACA recipients in California, the largest number in the country. Those who meet income requirements — 138 percent of the federal poverty level or $33,534 for a family of four — can qualify for coverage under the state’s “Permanently Residing in the

Ambassador Kim: Teens’ deaths...

PAGE A1 t vestigations into the deaths.

“Relevant authorities will look closely at what happened, and then, if any wrong is discovered, then there should be appropriate punishment for those involved,” Kim said.

On August 22, Kim extended his sympathies to the family of Delos Santos. He took to Twitter to express hope that the inves-

tigations will lead to “full accountability.”

Delos Santos was shot dead by the police in an anti-drug operation in Caloocan City while Arnaiz was slain after he allegedly robbed a taxi driver and was chased also by the members of Caloocan City police.

Both Delos Santos and Arnaiz were allegedly linked to illegal drugs. (Rosette Adel/Philstar.com)

Trillanes fires back, threatens...

PAGE A1 t

posed “unparliamentary and unethical acts” during the proceedings.

“Normally I’m not the whining type and could have easily let these things pass so I could focus on the more important issues at hand,” Trillanes said in a privilege speech.

“But in the spirit of justice and fairness, at the appropriate time, I’d be filing my own ethics case against Senator Gordon for his unparliamentary and unethical acts as senator and chairman of the blue ribbon committee,” he added.

Trillanes said Gordon violated the Senate rules for refusing “the right of the minority to be heard,” as well as committing dishonesty for insisting that the phrase “committee de absuwelto” was made on record.

The opposition senator argued that he made the comment while the session was already suspended.

“Senate Rules or the Rules of parliament only cover words said or actions done while a session or hearing is on-going. Conversations made while a session or hearing is suspended or adjourned are not covered. Statements made in private or in the Senator’s lounge are definitely not covered. Statements made in media are not covered,” he noted.

Trillanes also accused Gordon of disregarding the objection of

a panel member, and disrespecting and insulting a member of the committee.

The opposition senator said Gordon disregarded his objection of a member of the committee, “insinuating that I was just peddling rumors when clearly, the information came from his resource persons.”

“He further insulted me by saying, ‘wag daw ako nagdadaldal nang hindi ko nalalaman (I should stop talking about what I don’t know). If at all, the comite de absuelto remarks are but a response to his ‘cockpit of chismis,’” Trillanes added.

He likewise accused Gordon of “monopolizing” the flow of hearings by conducting a “monologue for hours.”

Aside from filing an ethics complaint, Trillanes said he would also “expose” Gordon’s alleged anomalies in the PRC. Gordon, in response, lamented Trillanes’ attacks on the PRC. He insisted that he does not get “any salary or allowances” from the organization.

“I am also a governor of the International Federation of Red Cross. I just appeal to the senators to be very, very careful. You may hurt me but not the movement,” Gordon remarked.

He went on to say, “He can accuse me of corruption, that is his privilege, but do not drag the Red Cross especially if there is no proof. That is my humble request.” n

United States under Color of Law” eligibility category.

That coverage is now in question. In California, those at risk of losing Medicaid are 19 and older, because the state under a separate law decided to cover all low-income children, regardless of immigration status, through age 18. That decision was not connected to the DACA program.

With the federal government’s action, “nobody will lose coverage in the Medi-Cal program immediately,” said Ronald Coleman, director of government affairs for the California Immigrant Policy Center, an immigrant advocacy group. But Coleman worries about what happens after March 5, when DACA’s protections will end — unless Congress takes action to protect the program.

The Department of Health Care Services, which oversees Medi-Cal, could not provide a comment on Tuesday, a spokeswoman said.

Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center, told reporters in a conference call on Tuesday that she expects DACA recipients to start losing their job-based health insurance. Hincapié said she is particularly concerned about the effect of the president’s decision on the mental health of DACA recipients.

“The need for mental health

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CA CONFIRMS NEW AFP OFFICERS. Senate President and Commission on Appointments (CA) chair Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (7th from left), Cavite 5th District Representative Roy Loyola (3rd from left), and San Juan City representative Ronaldo Zamora (6th from left) pose with officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) whose promotions were confirmed during the CA’s plenary session, Wednesday, September 6.

Senate photo by Alex Nuevaespaña

Marcos camp says ‘fight not over’...

PAGE A1 t cision affirming the authenticity of the 2016 elections.

The Supreme Court (SC), sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), earlier dismissed Marcos’ first cause of action in his poll protest against Robredo, which challenged the authenticity of the Automated Election System (AES) in the 2016 elections.

Atty. George Garcia, head of Marcos’ legal team, said they “highly respect” the court’s decision, admitting that the first cause of action “will not result to the proclamation of Bong-

bong Marcos.”

The former senator’s camp, however, stressed that the “fight is not yet over.”

“The ball is now rolling, the protest is now on its way. It’s wrong to say that the protest has been dismissed. It’s wrong to say that there was a full victory on the part of the other camp,” Garcia told ANC’s Headstart.

He claimed that they have sufficient evidence to prove that “more than 51 percent of the voters were not the ones who voted on election day” in Basilan, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao.

“The Supreme Court merely set aside our motion to conduct the so-called technical examination. We will be able to prove that people who voted were not the registered voters because they were not the ones who signed on election day,” he said.

In June 2016, Marcos filed an electoral protest against Robredo before the SC after she won the seat by a slim margin. Robredo won the position by only around 263,000 votes more than Marcos.

Marcos filed three causes of

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SEPTEMBER 8-14, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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With the Census in peril, what will it take to ‘right the ship?’

by AnnA

ChAllet New America Media

THE 2020 Census is off to a rocky start, with crucial preparations already delayed or falling to the wayside, largely a result of inadequate funding from Congress.

Some of the nation’s oldest civil rights organizations, while fearing the worst, say there’s still time for Congress and the Trump administration to turn things around – but the window is “closing fast,” according to Vanita Gupta, the president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

“We’re increasingly worried that the Administration and Congress have not prioritized support for a fair and accurate census, and that ill-advised decisions in the next few months will further erode the chance [for success],” Gupta said on a nationwide press call for ethnic media.

“There’s really too much at stake to ignore the growing threat to a successful census,” she says. “Being undercounted in the census deprives already vulnerable communities of fair representation and vital public and private resources … The health and well-being as well as the political power of all the diverse communities in America rest on a fair and accurate count.”

The consequences of a botched census would ripple across the country, affecting everything from funding levels in education and health care, to redistricting and the implementation of the Voting Rights Act. Data from the census

is used to allocate resources for all kinds of services nationwide, from hospitals to transportation.

“A good census is a sound investment in everything we hold dear in this country – a representative democracy, government and elected officials that are accountable to the people, and business and industry investment to drive economic growth, good jobs, and innovation,” says Terri Ann Lowenthal, former staff director of the House Census and Population Subcommittee, and now a consultant to the Leadership Conference Education Fund.

Lowenthal says that the 2020 Census is facing a “confluence of unprecedented factors” amounting to “a perfect storm.” The Census Bureau’s prior director, John Thompson, resigned in May of this year, and the agency is “facing a leadership vacuum at a time when it is faced with critical decisions” on its methods and use of resources, according to Gupta.

In addition to the nomination of a “qualified, non-partisan candidate to lead the Census Bureau,” Gupta says the agency is in dire need of more adequate funding.

Lowenthal says that funding for the 2020 Census has been so far “insufficient, uncertain and frequently late.” Following the 2010 Census, Congress for the first time set a cap on census costs. The Census Bureau was directed to spend no more on the 2020 Census than it did on the 2010 Census; following that, says Lowenthal, Congress “shortchanged the census in annual funding bills throughout

much of this decade.” Lawmakers later decided that the 2020 Census would in fact receive less funding than the 2010 Census.

Congress failed to allocate sufficient funds in 2017, according to Lowenthal, and now the Trump administration has requested far less funding in 2018 than the Census Bureau needs, she says.

As things stand now, there will be fewer than half as many temporary census takers in the 2020 Census as there were in 2010.

“The window of opportunity to right this ship is closing fast,” says Lowenthal. But, she says, “Congress can demonstrate leadership by adjusting the budget cuts upward in advance starting this fall for the next three years.”

The lack of adequate funding has already had real consequences, says Arturo Vargas, the executive director of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund.

The Census Bureau failed to complete a Spanish-language test census that was planned for Puerto Rico, and is also failing to test and implement methods for more accurately counting people in remote and rural areas.

The agency also won’t be testing certain local outreach and messaging strategies to get people to complete their census forms, Vargas says.

Outreach strategies have become more crucial among some marginalized communities. “We know that there is increasingly a climate of fear among immigrant communities and immigrant households,” he says, due to the current political atmosphere and an uptick in anti-immigrant rhetoric under the Trump administration.

“We have seen immigrant families opting out of participating in programs in which they have any kind of contact with government, including health care programs and school lunch programs,” says Vargas. “As a result we believe it will be even more difficult to encourage these immigrant populations to participate” in the census.

Indeed, it’s groups like “people of color, low-income families, people with disabilities, and limited English proficient individuals” who would be most affected by an inadequately funded census, according to John C. Yang, the executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice. “Any gap in testing and any gap in discovering deficiencies” in methodology, he says, would have the greatest impact on these communities. n

RENAMING, CONVERTING ROADS AND BRIDGES. Senator Manny Pacquiao, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Works, welcomes members of the House of Representatives before the start of the hearing on proposed bills for the renaming and conversion of several roads and bridges in the country. With Senator Pacquiao in photo are (L-R) Cavite Representatives Luis Ferrer IV, Strike Revilla and Francis Abaya, Zamboanga Representative Celso Lobregat and Bohol Representative Rene Relampagos. Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

US vows to return church bells but unsure when THE United States is committed to returning three church bells seized by American forces as war spoils from the Philippines more than a century ago, the U.S. ambassador said Tuesday, Sept. 5, raising the prospects of a resolution of a thorny issue between the allies.

Ambassador Sung Kim said the two governments have discussed the return of the Balangiga bells, named for the Philippine village from which they were taken in the early 1900s.

He said in response to questions from reporters that the U.S. is “deeply committed that the bells are returned to the Filipino people,” but that he could not specify when that would happen.

Filipinos revere the Balangiga bells as symbols of their long struggle for independence. The bells gave the signal for insurgents to attack American soldiers who were occupying Balangiga after the U.S. took possession of the Philippines following the Spanish-American War. Talks about returning the bells have been a perennial issue in U.S.-Philippine relations.

Kim said there was “an ongoing discussion within the U.S. government and the Philippine government to try and facilitate the return of these bells as quickly as possible,” but added there were some issues that needed to be solved in the U.S. “We want to return them,” he said. “I believe it’s the right

thing to do.”

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte asked the U.S. to return the bells in his state of the nation address in July, saying “they are part of our national heritage ... return it to us, this is painful for us.”

Duterte has had an antagonistic attitude toward U.S. security policies while building closer ties with China and Russia.

Two of the three bells are displayed at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. They are part of a memorial to 46 U.S. troops killed by Filipino insurgents in 1901. A third bell is with a U.S. Army regiment in South Korea. (Philstar.com with reports from Associated Press)

So advances in Georgia chess tiff

by Joey

VillAr Philstar.com

WESLEY So drew with Colombian Joshua Daniel Ruiz Castillo in 31 moves of a Gruenfeld Defense Monday night, Sept. 4, to complete a 1.5-.5 first round win and advance to the second round of the FIDE World Cup 2017 in Tbilisi, Georgia.

So gained the early initiative and a slight positional edge but ended up opting for a draw in the second game knowing he beat Castillo with black in 59 moves of a Caro-kann in their first game to gain the early upper hand the day before.

In their first duel, So won the exchange in the middlegame and easily turned it into a victory after finding a way to trap Castillo’s knight in the corner.

The win arranged So a second-

Julio Catalino Sadorra, the country’s highest rated chesser, could muster just a 33-move standoff in 33 moves of another Gruenfeld to fall to Russian Maxim Matlakov, .5-1.5.

Sadorra, who lost their first duel, went desperately for a win that would force a two-game tiebreak with lesser time control but wound up splitting the point.

Sadorra though will not go home empty-handed as first round losers will receive US$6,000.

So for his part is assured of US$10,000 for just making it the second round of this tournament giving US$120,000 to the champion and a spot in the World CanWesley So Philstar.com photo didates Matches, the final round round encounter with German Mat- to gain a crack of the world thias Bluebaum, who edged Argen- title currently held by Magnus tinian Sandro Mareco, 1.5-.5.

Carlsen. n

Move to end DACA leaves some young...

PAGE A3 t services will only be greater,” she said.

At a protest in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday against the Trump administration’s decision, Jocelin Reyes made a similar point. She said DACA’s protections had helped put some young immigrants’ fears to rest, as they were able to get jobs, attend college or graduate school and come out of hiding.

“A lot of people don’t understand how much fear we had” about being deported, said Reyes, 19, who is about to start school at the University of California-Santa Barbara. “Now that fear has tripled.”

Another demonstrator, DACA recipient Maria Garcia, 22, said that losing her job as a hotel receptionist would mean the end

of her job-based health insurance — coverage she relies on for physical therapy for a knee injury and any time she gets sick.

“If they take away my DACA, I’ll get fired,” she said. “And then what will I do for health insurance?”

State Sen. Ricardo Lara (DBell Gardens) said ending DACA would only hurt “the well-being of these American children who have played by the rules.”

And they could end up having to go to costly emergency rooms for medical care.

Lara, who led the charge to get all undocumented children covered by Medi-Cal, said one possible solution in California would be to increase the age limit for Medi-Cal coverage for kids from 18 to 26.

“We have to answer this call to

ensure that our DACA students and workers are not pushed aside,” he said.

The California Medical Association said that terminating DACA could indeed hurt the health care workforce.

“Our nation’s health care system has the largest percentage of foreign-born and foreigntrained workers of any industry in the country. Already facing a national shortage of physicians and other health care professionals, revoking DACA could also undermine patient care and disrupt medical schools and hospitals for decades to come,” said California Medical Association President Ruth E. Haskins in a statement. *** This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Marcos camp says ‘fight not over’...

PAGE A3 t action in his protest.

In his first cause of action, Marcos called on the SC to declare all certificates of canvass used to proclaim Robredo’s victory as “authentic.”

Questioning the “flawed” AES, the former senator also claimed that the Smartmatic vote-counting machines (VCM) used for the automated polls lack “demonstrated capability.”

But in a resolution dated August 29, the high court junked Marcos’ first cause of action, deeming the hope to nullify the integrity of the 2016 polls as “meaningless and pointless.”

“Allowing the First Cause of Action to continue would be an exercise in futility and would have no practical effect,” PET said in its decision made public on Tuesday, September 5.

“Even if [the] protestant succeeds in proving his first cause of action, this will not mean that he has already won the position of vice president as this can only be determined by a manual recount of all votes in all precincts,” it added.

Several SC justices previously expressed apprehension over the

possibility that the former senator’s electoral protest may put the entire nation’s election result last year into question.

In his second cause of action, the former senator asked for the manual recount of votes in 36,465 clustered precincts in 22 provinces and five cities.

Areas include Cebu, Leyte, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Masbate, Zamboanga Del Sur, Zamboanga Del Norte, Bukidnon, Iloilo, Bohol, Quezon, Batangas, Western Samar, Misamis Oriental, Camarines Sur, 2nd District of Northern Samar, Palawan, Sibugay, Misamis Occidental, Pangasinan, Isabela, Iloilo City, Bacolod City, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City and Zamboanga City.

In his third cause of action, Marcos also sought the nullification of the vice presidential votes in Lanao del Sur, Basilan, and Maguindanao due to alleged occurrence of “traditional” modes of cheating, such as vote buying, pre-shading, intimidation and failure of elections, among others.

“The SC merely said if the party is able to prove 51 percent of the voters were not the ones who voted or there was massive

fraud, irregularity then that may result in the nullification of the results in all of these precincts or areas,” Garcia added, citing jurisprudence from the last election.

In its resolution, PET gave Marcos five non-extendible days to provide at least three witnesses per clustered precincts on the three questioned provinces.

“The Tribunal reiterates its directive to protestant [Marcos] to submit a new list of witnesses for the third cause of action by limiting the number of witnesses to three per clustered precinct and already identifying the concerned clustered precinct, within non-extendible period of five days from receipt,” the PET said.

“Protestant’s failure to do so will be deemed a waiver of his right to name and identify his witnesses and to present them during the reception of evidence,” it added.

Robredo’s camp, meanwhile, welcomed the PET’s ruling.

“The ruling’s effect is that the integrity and credibility of the automated election system [have] been upheld by the Supreme Court,” Atty. Romulo Macalintal, lead counsel for Robredo, said in a statement. n

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 8-14, 2017

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

A5

House to study move granting Duterte talks with Marcos over ‘ill-gotten’ wealth

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE House of Representatives is going to study the request to grant Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte the authority to start negotiations with the Marcos family on their offer to return their alleged ill-gotten wealth to the government.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Tuesday, September 5, said that Congress should first into the specifics of the planned proposal of the family of late President Ferdinand Marcos.

Last week, Duterte said that the Marcoses expressed willingness to return a portion of their wealth—including few gold bars—which was accumulated during the two-decade rule of the late dictator.

Alvarez, however, expressed doubt on the sincerity of the Marcoses to return their ill-gotten wealth to the national government.

“Yun namang proposed negotiation doon sa ano ito—Marcos loot? Loot, kasi nakaw di ba?

Matagal nang pinag-uusapan.

Tignan muna natin ano ba, seryoso ba kayo o hindi? (Regarding the proposed negotiation with

the Marcos loot? Loot, because it’s ill-gotten, right? It has been being discussed for so long now.

Let’s look at it first, are they serious or not?),” the speaker said in a press briefing.

He added that it is also a “good question” whether or not Congress has the power to authorize the president to negotiate with the Marcoses on the retrieval of plundered cash and assets.

“Ngayon lang kasi nangyari yan so mabuti na yung tignan nating yung legalities (This is the first time this happened that is why we still need to check the legalities),” Alvarez said.

A day before, Malacañang urged Congress to grant Duterte authority to start the negotiation with the Marcoses.

“The president has promised the negotiation on the Marcoses’ wealth would be done legally, with full accounting to the people as well as authority from Congress,” Duterte’s spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.

He went on to say, “We urge Congress to authorize the president to proceed with the negotiation and set parameters, taking into account the concerns raised by critics and the citizenry. It would be best if we all work to-

gether for final justice, closure and national reconciliation.”

But Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said the president does not need approval from Congress for the Marcos wealth talks, citing the creation of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) during the administration of the late President Cory Aquino.

The PCGG, Lagman noted, is “charged with the task of assisting the president” in “the recovery of all ill-gotten wealth accumulated by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, his immediate family, relatives, subordinates and close associates, whether located in the Philippines or abroad.”

“The president even on his own accord can negotiate the surrender of the ill-gotten hoard in the same manner that he can negotiate for the surrender of a high-profile suspected criminal without any act of the Congress,” the lawmaker said.

He, however, urged Duterte to proceed with the negotiation with “transparency, accountability and no conditionality.”

Lagman also expressed uncertainty on the reported proposal, saying, “Why involve the PAGE A7

Duterte: 2 killings don’t make a policy

by CHRISTINA

MENDEZ

Philstar.com

MANILA — Two killings do not a policy make.

President Rodrigo Duterte made this clear to debunk allegations that killing of drug offenders and criminals has become an official policy of his administration.

At the Senate, his police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa made a tearful plea to critics and to the public not to jump to conclusions and accuse the Philippine National Police (PNP) of institutionalizing extrajudicial killings.

Duterte was reacting to the outrage over the killing of 17-year-old Kian Loyd delos Santos and 19year Carl Angelo Arnaiz.

“Do you think two killings, even if it’s illegal, would make a policy?” Duterte said in a media brief-

ing after attending the awarding ceremonies for the Outstanding Filipinos for 2017 sponsored by the Metrobank Foundation Inc. at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

“Dalawang patay. Palagay na natin, pinatay – murder o… I ask Hontiveros, ‘Is that already a policy? Is that the baseline of a policy?’

Paka-bobo naman niya,” he said, addressing Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

Hontiveros grilled Dela Rosa earlier on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at the hearing of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs on extrajudicial killings.

At Malacañang earlier in the day, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a press conference there would no whitewash in Arnaiz’s case.

“There’ll be a thorough and impartial investigation,” he said.

“Those who will be found respon-

sible will be made accountable before our laws.”

Last week, Duterte met with the parents of Kian to assure them that no stone would be left unturned in the case.

He said his political foes were cashing in on the deaths, as he chastised them for even “parading” Kian’s body on EDSA. The funeral march for Kian passed through EDSA, a “gimmick” he described as “barrio politics.”

The president also defended Dela Rosa’s weeping unabashedly at the Senate hearing.

“He cried because it’s an insult to say that it’s a policy of the police to kill. There are so many criminal minds, even in the Liberal Party,” Duterte said, taking potshots at some senators belonging to the opposition party.

One of his political foes is even

NO MORE BIRD FLU. THE bird flu crisis that affected three towns in Central Luzon is over, the Department of Agriculture announced on Monday, Sept. 4. This means all poultry products from those areas are safe for human consumption, officials said. Facing a budget hearing at the Senate, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the quarantine that covered a 7-kilometer “controlled area radius” in the towns of San Luis, Pampanga and Jaen and San Isidro in Nueva Ecija had been lifted.

ManilaTimes.net photo

Trillanes files own ethics complaint vs Gordon SENATOR Antonio Trillanes IV said on Tuesday, Sept. 5 that he would also file an ethics complaint against Senator Richard Gordon and even threatened to expose the alleged corruption practices of his colleague as chairman of the Philippine Red

Cross.

Gordon filed an ethics complaint against Trillanes Monday, Sept. 4 over his supposed display of unparliamentary conduct and disorderly behavior in Thursday’s blue ribbon committee hearing on the smug-

gling of P6.4-billion “shabu” from China.

Gordon wants the Senate committee on ethics and privileges to conduct an investigation to the end of penalizing Trillanes accordingly. (ManilaTimes.net)

in jail on drug charges, he said, apparently referring to Sen. Leila de Lima. Apart from De Lima, the other LP senators are Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Francis Pangilinan and Bam Aquino.

Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto was allied with the LP during the last national elections but is now with the majority.

Duterte also said the police chief was hurt by accusations and not because he caved in to pressure.

The president claimed there were numerous killings even during the previous administration and that the police then were afraid of drug syndicates.

“So, when I became president, I told the Filipino, ‘This is how widespread the drug is’,” he added.

Duterte slammed his critics for crying over the deaths of drug pushers but did not call for justice for the victims of drug-crazed suspects, like the victims of a massacre in Bulacan.

“Why don’t I hear…I do not hear her crying or even complaining that the police are not doing enough,” he said, again apparently referring to Hontiveros, a memberof Akbayan but allied with LP. At the Senate, Dela Rosa said he was hurt by suggestions there was an official policy to summarily kill suspects.

“We will die for the innocent people. It’s painful to say there’s a policy of widespread killings,” Dela Rosa, holding back tears, told the televised hearing.

“The president never told me to kill and kill.”

The stocky police general, nicknamed “Bato” or rock, was responding to questions about the killing of Delos Santos.

Hontiveros, a critic of Duterte, told the hearing the police “should never be used as a killing machine.”

“There’s a wide policy that allows the killings in the name of

war on drugs,” Hontiveros said.

Dela Rosa said he would step down if she could prove her accusation. According to police records, more than 3,800 people, most of them drug suspects, have died in police operations since July last year. Police say most were killed resisting arrest.

Witness protection Meanwhile, Arnaiz’s parents Carlito and Eva have been placed under the witness protection program (WPP) of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“The parents of Carl Arnaiz have been provisionally accepted in the WPP on the instruction of the justice secretary,” said DOJ Undersecretary Erickson Balmes.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), for its part, has started investigating Arnaiz’s case.

CHR Commissioner Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana, head of the agency’s task force on extrajudicial killPAGE A7

A6

SEPTEMBER 8-14, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

FEATURES

Political bickering SOME say that in any political landscape, opposition is good. Opposition is more prevalent in a democracy as it keeps current leaders on their toes, and makes sure that no one has absolute power.

While democracy allows the people to put into power leaders who will represent their interests, the opposition is present to avoid any form of tyranny.

The Philippines is no stranger to a polarized political environment. The country has been molded— and tested by—constant political bickering between the ruling party and the opposition, administration after administration.

When asked how he would grade the first year of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, one of the president’s staunchest critics, said he would describe it as a “massive failure.”

Trillanes said that the president has failed to fulfill many of his campaign promises and has yet to improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos under his leadership.

The senator is particularly scathing when criticizing Duterte’s bloody anti-drug campaign.

Trillanes believes that drug-related killings during police operations were state-sponsored and that the president has ordered police officers to kill drug suspects.

“Remember, his war on drugs has already killed more than 10,000 people. And that’s even higher than the 9/11 casualties,” Trillanes said during an

interview with ANC’s Headstart, referring to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the U.S. “Remember, he is the president of the republic and he launched this policy against illegal drugs and the policemen are being ordered to randomly kill Filipinos based on mere suspicion,” he claimed.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) only accounts 3,451 drugs personalities who were killed in the government’s anti-drugs campaign from July 1, 2016 to July 26, 2017. The number does not include 1,398 cases that were drug-related but not statesanctioned; 828 deaths that were not connected to drugs; and 3,785 other killings that are under investigation.

Over the weekend, Duterte called Trillanes a “political ISIS.” The president made this remark after Trillanes made fresh accusations against Duterte’s son Paolo and son-in-law Manase Carpio for their alleged involvement in smuggling.

“He (Trillanes) does not have any talent. He does not even know the difference between a democrat and a member of a party. How can you expect [him to do good] when he lacked a knowledge of life?” the president said. “Bira nang bira, akala niya tama siya. (Trillanes is the political ISIS. He is ignorant, he just attacks and attacks,

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

thinking he is right).”

While political mudslinging may seem typical in a democratic setting, the continuous trading of barbs between the president and the senator attracts scaremongers, ones who are pushing into this emotionally polarized atmosphere to convince people on their side rather than ignite political aspirations

and ideals.

It is highly unlikely that these two will reach a compromise and decide to set aside their differences to fight together—instead of each other—for the good of the people.

If this narrative continues, the ones who will lose are the Filipinos. (AJPress)

Are the ’Dreamers’ now being held hostage for Congress to fund Trump’s wall and end family-based petitions?

nation’s THEY are more than broken just statistics — these The Fil-Am immi800,000 people brought gration into the United States as Perspective system. kids by their parents or T h e grandparents grew up in legal this country not knowing basis that they did not have all for this the required immigra- GEL SANTOS-RELOS execution documents to live in America legally until they had tive order was the “prosecutoto apply for a driver’s license or rial” discretion exercised by for college. They may have been both Republican and Democratic our kids’ classmates, or a volun- past presidents. DACA’s intent is teer helping out during times of to make “Dreamers” low priority calamity, or a soldier willing to in the use of the government’s make the ultimate sacrifice of of- limited resources so that those fering their lives for the freedom undocumented immigrants with and security of the United States. criminal records will be given top They are the “Dreamers,” who, priority in moving forward with for the longest time, had to live deportation cases.

DACA is NOT amnesty as this under the shadows for fear of being deported out of the only coun- program only gives qualified try they know as “home.” That “Dreamers” a renewable twowas until former President Barack year period of deferred action Obama signed an executive order from deportation and eligibilin June 2012 called the Deferred ity for a work permit. Meantime, Action for Childhood Arrivals pro- many of these undocumented gram (DACA), which was meant youth have come out and have to help these qualified “Dream- become responsible, producers” who have not committed any tive members of society who pay crimes and do not pose harm and taxes, and aspire to serve their danger to America to come out of adoptive country in the academe, the shadows. This program was work force, and the military.

However, on Tuesday, Sepmeant to be a temporary solution as they waited for Congress to fi- tember 5, President Donald nally pass a comprehensive immi- Trump delivered a “gift” to these gration reform bill that will fix the “Dreamers” he claims he loves,

Opinion

FRANCISCO TATAD IMPEACHMENT complaints have been filed in the House of Representatives against Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista and Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on different grounds, while certain other parties are talking of filing similar complaints against Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and Vice President Leni Robredo on various grounds. Not all of them may prosper. But should more than one of them mature into triable cases, we would be seeing something unprecedented in the whole storybook of impeachment.

Ours could become the first Republic of Impeachments.

Impeachment is a politico-judicial process by means of which certain officials, who may not under the Constitution be charged with any criminal offense while in office, may be removed for culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust. The House

through an announcement made

by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Trump is rescinding DACA and has passed the “porcupine” of the job of “fixing” the “Dreamers’” problem onto Congress within six months. After this period and without any new legislation that will protect their status, these more than 800,000 men and women will have to be deported, including 5,050 Filipinos.

As Balitang America reported, there are 22,000 undocumented Filipino youths who qualify for DACA. The Trump administration defends its decision contending that DACA is “unconstitutional”, an overreach of Obama’s use of executive power, even if it had been used by no less than Presidents Reagan, Clinton, and Bush before Obama.

Even Trump’s own party was divided in its support of the president, with many siding with the Democrats that the decision to rescind DACA is cruel and inhumane, and was made by the president to make his followers who make up about 30-40 percent of Americans, happy and loyal. More than anything else, they argue that this is a politically motivated move that will do more harm than good to America.

Former President Barack

Obama breaks his silence and issued a statement for the first time saying that “to target hopeful young strivers who grew up here is wrong, because they’ve done nothing wrong.

“The action taken today isn’t required legally. It’s a political decision, and a moral question.

Whatever concerns or complaints Americans may have about immigration in general, we shouldn’t threaten the future of this group of young people who are here through no fault of their own, who pose no threat, who are not taking away anything from the rest of us.”

“It is precisely because this action is contrary to our spirit, and to common sense, that business leaders, faith leaders, economists, and Americans of all political stripes called on the administration not to do what it did today. And now that the White House has shifted its responsibility for these young people to Congress, it’s up to Members of Congress to protect these young people and our future. I’m heartened by those who’ve suggested that they should. And I join my voice with the majority of Americans who hope they step up and do it with a sense of moral urgency that matches the urgency these

young people feel.

“Ultimately, this is about basic decency. This is about whether we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way we’d want our own kids to be treated. It’s about who we are as a people – and who we want to be.

What makes us American is not a question of what we look like, or where our names come from, or the way we pray. What makes us American is our fidelity to a set of ideals – that all of us are created equal; that all of us deserve the chance to make of our lives what we will; that all of us share an obligation to stand up, speak out, and secure our most cherished values for the next generation.

That’s how America has traveled this far. That’s how, if we keep at it, we will ultimately reach that more perfect union.”

WATCHING THE NEWS on Tuesday, however, revealed how some conservative Republicans with a hardline stance on immigration want to proceed with that “legislative fix” that may spare the “Dreamers” from deportation.

On CNN’s “The Situation Room,” a Republican lawmaker told Wolf Blitzer that he would reconsider voting to give legal

status to these “Dreamers” if Congress would pass a bill in six months that will strengthen our borders, which should include a downpayment for the border wall, and that the “Merit based” bill which hopes to cut down LEGAL immigration by 50 percent by slashing visas for family based petitions to prioritize high skilled workers should also be part of the mix, among others.

Are the “Dreamers” now being used as bargaining chips or hostages for Trump to get the funding for his border wall that he promised Mexico would be paying? Are the Dreamers’ life being used as leverage for the bill that will cut legal immigration which kills our dream of family reunification?

WHATEVER YOUR POSITION IS, tell your senators and representatives your stand on this issue. Do you want to save the “Dreamers” or do you think they should be deported? CALL NOW: 1-866-834-8040. Time is running out. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

A unique Republic of Impeachments?

has “the exclusive power to initiate all cases of impeachment,” and the Senate “the sole power to try and decide all such cases”.

Other than the President, the Vice President, the members of the Supreme Court, the Comelec, the Civil Service Commission, and the Commission on Audit, and the Ombudsman, no one else may be subjected to impeachment.

Our impeachment experience Noble and high-minded as its original purpose may be, the impeachment process has been subverted and misused since 2000-2001. At President Joseph Estrada’s impeachment trial, at least eight of the 21 senator-judges, who had taken an oath to render “impartial justice,” publicly called for the respondent’s resignation while the trial was going on. Many of the senator-judges conducted themselves as prosecutors, without being restrained by the Supreme Court Chief Justice, who presided over the proceedings.

When the prosecutors walked out after they failed to introduce into the proceedings an envelope which outside parties had volunteered without need of a court subpoena, Chief Justice Hilario

Davide Jr. not only failed to summon them back to court, but even joined the protest crowd at EDSA and swore in Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as acting President, without the presidency having been first vacated. Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr., who had threatened an empty resignation (“as soon as my successor is elected”) after 11 of the senator judges denied the prosecutors’ motion, ended holding the microphone for Mrs. Arroyo during her oath-taking, while her military aide, who might have done a less conspicuous job, stood by.

The eventual filing of non-bailable charges against Estrada, his consequent prolonged detention at the Veterans Medical Center, and Arroyo’s controversial electoral victory over the immensely popular Fernando Poe Jr. in 2004, which gave her a chance to pardon Estrada upon his conviction of plunder by the Sandiganbayan, put everything about the botched impeachment trial behind the new political reality, but the impeachment process as such remained scarred.

The Supreme Court strikes In June 2003, Estrada filed an impeachment complaint against

Davide. On October 22, 2003, the House committee on justice threw it out. The next day, Representatives Gilbert Teodoro Jr. of Tarlac and Felix William “Wimpy” Fuentebella of Camarines Sur filed a new complaint against Davide for his alleged misuse of the Judiciary Development Fund. It was a welldocumented complaint, and very quickly, it was endorsed by more than one-third of the members of the House—the minimum number required to transmit the articles of impeachment from the House to the Senate for trial, without floor debates.

But the Supreme Court, acting in defense of its Chief Justice, struck down the impeachment complaint as “unconstitutional,” on the ground that under Section 3, paragraph 5, Article XI of the Constitution, “no impeachment proceedings shall be initiated against the same official more than once within a period of one year.” The ruling, penned by then Associate Justice Conchita Carpio Morales, now Ombudsman, held that after the Estrada abortive complaint, Davide could no longer be subjected to an impeachment proceeding for a period of one year. This struck some con-

stitutional experts as a deliberate misreading of the Constitution.

As written in the law, the House alone “initiates” all impeachment proceedings. This happens when it transmits a verified impeachment complaint to the Senate for trial. Estrada’s complaint failed to develop into an impeachment case or proceeding against Davide, so the court could not say by trying Davide on the TeodoroFuentebellacomplaint, he would be subjected to two impeachment “proceedings” within one year.

But the Carpio-Morales ponencia not only saved Davide from an open-and-shut case, which could have cut short his judicial career, and prevented him from occupying the position of Permanent Representative to the UN later, in violation of the Foreign Service Act and without being confirmed by the Commission on Appointments. It also damaged the law on impeachment.

GMA uses the SC ruling This would become manifest during GMA’s elected term. In 2005, Arroyo’s supporters helped her overcome the first impeachment threat against her by filing an insufficient complaint which the House committee on justice

was certain to dismiss; as soon as this happened, no serious impeachment complaint could be filed against her for a period of one year. This allowed her to beat the recurring impeachment threats against her until 2009.

In 2010, B. S. Aquino 3rd became the nation’s first “machine-elected” president. He had grievances against the Arroyo administration, and he swiftly set out to settle them by having Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez impeached by his allies in the House for betrayal of public trust on March 22, 2011. Fearing a one-sided Senate impeachment trial, Gutierrez resigned on April 29, 2011, thereby allowing Aquino to appoint Justice CarpioMorales as the new Ombudsman.

Morales had earlier gained public notice when Aquino chose her to swear him into office on June 30, 2010, in lieu of the Chief Justice, who traditionally swore in the President.

Aquino’s turn On December 12,2011, 188 congressmen, after meeting with Aquino, who had expressed his displeasure against Chief Justice Renato Corona, signed an im-

u PAGE A7

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Dateline PhiliPPines

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SeptembeR 8-14, 2017

A

BBL remains a priority, Duterte assures MILF

by Alexis

RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA — President Duterte has assured the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) remains a priority of his administration and has vowed to meet with congressional leaders to fast-track its passage.

Duterte made the commitment in a meeting with MILF leaders

in Malacañang on Monday, Sept.

4, said presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella in a press briefing yesterday. “(He) met with the leadership of MILF to discuss, among others, their concern about social media posts critical of their handling of the progress of the BBL bill,” Abella said.

“The President assured them that he considers this high priority and vital to the future of Mind-

anao and the nation. He’s asking to meet with the Senate President and Speaker of the House to facilitate the process,” he added.

Abella said Duterte had also thanked the MILF “for its strong support” for the fight against extremists in Mindanao. The President also cited the humanitarian efforts to save civilians in Marawi City and the continued operations of the MILF against terrorists.

Jinggoy urges Sandiganbayan anew to grant him bail by elizAbeth

mARcelo Philstar.com

MANILA — Former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada on Monday, Sept.

4 called on the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan to order his release from detention maintaining the allegation against him in connection with the pork barrel scam was nothing but a product of the Office of the Ombudsman’s “persecution” and “selective justice”.

In a chance interview with reporters after the deferment of the scheduled first day of trial of his 11 counts of graft in connection with the multibillion-peso pork barrel fund scam, Estrada urged the court’s Fifth Division to hasten the resolution of his second petition for bail, which he filed in September last year.

“We still have a pending motion for bail. We’re still waiting for the resolution to come out. Hopefully the court would act on it soon, because we’re in detention for more than three years now. We are hoping for the court’s understanding of our situation,” Estrada said in Filipino.

Estrada is facing plunder and graft cases before the Fifth Division in connection with the alleged

Revilla Jr. — also a former senator — have been detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City since the PDAF cases were filed in June 2014.

Former Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, who is also charged for plunder and graft in connection with the pork scam, was granted bail by the Supreme Court in August 2015 due to “humanitarian considerations”.

Estrada’s petition for bail had earlier been denied with finality by the Fifth Division, but on September 21, 2016 his camp filed an Omnibus Motion, which again, prays to the court to allow him to post bail.

‘Charged for being in opposiFormer Sen. Jinggoy Estrada tion’ Philstar.com photo During the interview, Estrada misuse of his Priority Develop- reiterated his earlier position that ment Assistance Fund (PDAF) or he, Revilla and Enrile were specifipork barrel during his term as a cally targeted by the ombudsman senator. as they were part of the opposition He is accused of receiving during the term of former PresiP183.8-million worth of kick- dent Benigno Aquino III. backs from the alleged pork Enrile was Senate president barrel scam mastermind Janet from 2008 to June 2013.

Lim-Napoles in exchange for alEstrada said even President Rolocating his PDAF to the latter’s supposed bogus non-government organizations.

He, together with Ramon Bong

Duterte: 2 killings don’t...

PAGE A5 ings, said they are in the process of gathering testimonies and other evidence on the case.

Earlier, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate the incident.

Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David described Arnaiz’s death as plain and simple murder, noting the fact that it was committed by law enforcers made it more chilling.

David thanked government agencies that helped the Arnaiz family in their quest for justice, even as he expressed hope that other victims of extrajudicial killings would also get assistance.

“I insist that Kian and Carl are not isolated cases. The Caloocan policemen were sloppy in carrying out the extrajudicial killings.

They’ve made it too obvious,” David said.

He reminded law enforcers that the fight against drugs is supposed to protect citizens, not kill them.

“Even small-time users and pushers are victims, not criminals.

They can be rehabilitated, and we’re helping out in their rehabilitation. The true criminals remain at large, flooding the country with tons of illegal drugs because corruption in government agencies remains unchecked,” he said, adding he is sympathetic to policemen who remain true to their duty.

A unique Republic...

PAGE A6 peachment complaint against the latter, without perusing the document. It contained eight articles of impeachment and was transmitted to the Senate the next day for trial. The trial began on January 16, 2012, with the prosecution excluding five of the eight charges for lack of evidence, leaving only three, but ultimately concentrating on only one.

The trial concluded on May 29, 2012, after Malacañang released P50 million or more to each, except one, of the 20 senator-judges, who ultimately voted to convict Corona. The bribery was revealed in a privilege speech by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada in September 2013 and confirmed by then Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad, who said P1.107 billion was released to the senators from Aquino’s socalled Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), which the Supreme Court later struck down as “unconstitutional”.

Senators Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and the late Senators Joker Arroyo and Miriam Defensor Santiago all voted to acquit Corona and received nothing; Sen. PanfiloLacson was the only senator who voted to convict, but also got nothing.

Corona’s trial invalidated The admitted bribery should have invalidated the Senate ruling, and provided sufficient ground to reinstate Corona. But Aquino quickly appointed Sereno, a Supreme Court newcomer, to Corona’s position, and Corona died on April 29, 2016, before his lawyers could come up with the appropriate petition. Many of the 19 senators who had taken bribes to convict Corona are still in the Senate, without having been formally charged with any crime.

In case any of the impeachment complaints prospers into a Senate proceeding, they will once again be acting as “senator-judges”.

How long can this travesty go on?

Except for Robredo whose legitimacy remains under question before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, but who, aside from that, has not, in the view of many, committed any impeachable offense, the others who are now the subject of an actual or impending impeachment complaint deserve to be given the opportunity to respond to the allegations against them, without the President

weighing in. But who can assure them this?

Hands-off policy?

Malacañang continues to announce a “hands-off” policy on the impeachment complaints, but the best-known secret is that DU30 had reportedly given his imprimatur before any of the complaints were filed. On the Ombudsman’s proposed impeachment, it was earlier reported that DU30 had some misgivings, because Carpio Morales’ nephew Maneses is married to DU30’s daughter Sara, who is the mayor of Davao City. But he wants to appoint his own Ombudsman, and she claims she is entitled to a full seven-year term, not just the unexpired portion of her predecessor’s term. She says this is what the law says, but DU30 points out, the Constitution does not agree with her.

In the end, whatever DU30 wants, as in his war on drugs, will decide who will be impeached and who will be spared.

For he remains in control of all the variables. Just look at what happened to the Magdalo impeachment complaint against him. DU30 has committed all the impeachable offenses which should prompt an independent and impartial House to transmit the appropriate articles to the Senate for trial. But the Magdalo complaint was summarily thrown out of the House justice committee without a full hearing.

The only thing I see that could prevent the simultaneous or serial impeachment and trial of Comelec Chairman Bautista, Chief Justice Sereno and Ombudsman Carpio Morales is the Senate’s capability as an impeachment court to try three or even just two cases at the same time. If the Senate could bear this load, doing so would have the singular benefit of keeping the senators out of the obscene and deranged business of monkeying around with “inverted federalism,” which DU30 and his sycophants seem so eager to railroad through this puppet Congress without any real effort to make the people at their level understand the serious issues involved.

But knowing the carrying capacity of our mediocre institutions and their members, my real fear is that it would be imposing upon the Senate and its members a burden far beyond their capacity to bear.

(ManilaTimes.net)

FILIPINO ARTISTRY. A woman with her daughter views artworks made from scrap metals and cow skin during the opening of “My City, My SM, My Art Exhibit at SM City San Mateo. The exhibit, which runs from Sept. 1-5, features artworks of artists from Rizal province.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

drigo Duterte is aware of this “selective justice” by the ombudsman especially in handling the PDAF cases.

“The president knows what he is talking about. Being a former prosecutor, he might have read about our cases, and he knows that talagang wala naman (it really lacks basis). Talagang pinili lang kami kasi (We were just targeted because) we were with the opposition in the last administration,” Estrada said.

“No cases were filed against the senators and congressmen who are allies of the previous administration who also signed endorsement letters concerning their PDAF,” Estrada added.

House to study move granting...

PAGE A5 Congress in a negotiation where the Marcos heirs are at best ambivalent and which may not even prosper beyond propaganda?”

“I don’t think Congress should do that, granting him the authority to exchange the criminal responsibility of the Marcoses for a few pieces of gold bars,” he added.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, September 3, Duterte clarified that he has not made any deal yet with the Marcoses.

“It was like this: The Marcoses are ready to return [assets].

I said I accepted the explanation

because there’s no other explanation. I do not know anything, I cannot debate with them so I accepted the explanation. It’s about time that this thing is finally settled,” the president explained.

But in making the offer, Duterte said that the Marcoses were not admitting that the wealth they are willing to return was stolen. “[Imee] is not ready to announce that it had been stolen.

But she said whatever was under suspicion should be discussed and that I accepted,” he said, referring to the late dictator’s eldest daughter and Ilocos Gov. Imee Marcos. n

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 8-14, 2017

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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal

Your Immigration Solution Devin M. Connoly anD nanCy Miller AS anticipated, the Trump Administration, through Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced on September 5, the end of the Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (commonly known as “DACA”) program with a sixmonth delay for enactment. The delay is to allow Congress to enact legislation that will address the immigration status of those currently in the DACA program.

Whether Congress will take any steps in this regard and, if so, what steps they will be are questions to which no one has answers right now.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a Memo with some guidelines as to what will happen in the immediate future: • Previously issued EADs and DACA grants will remain valid for their full validity period.

• Pending (those already filed

by September 5, 2017) initial requests for DACA and related EADs will be adjudicated.

• Initial applications not filed by today will not be accepted after today.

• Pending DACA renewals will be adjudicated.

• Not-yet-filed DACA renewals will be accepted for filing until October 5, 2017. • Renewals can only be filed for those whose DACA grant will expire between September 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018. No one knows how long the renewals will be granted for.

• No new DACA-based advance parole applications will be approved. All pending advance parole applications will be administratively closed and the filing fees will be refunded.

• Previously approved advance paroles will be generally honored though DHS retains the authority to deny admission and/or revoke or terminate parole where it deems appropriate.

What will happen to those

DACA is ending

who were granted DACA after the program officially ends, assuming Congress does not pass something to replace it is a question without an answer at this time. Given the uncertainty of this situation, DACA recipients who are considering traveling outside the United States on previously granted advance parole are advised to consult an immigration lawyer before actually leaving the country.

DACA was designed to help so-called “Dreamers,” a term used to refer to an undocumented immigrant brought to the U.S. at a young age. It was President Obama’s signature immigration accomplishment.

Applicants for DACA were “coming out of the shadows.”

They were voluntarily disclosing their full name and home address, their social security number and employment history, etc. In short, they were proving the U.S. government with all of the information they needed to more easily deport them from the U.S. They provided this personal information to prove they met all of DACA’s requirements, including arriving in the U.S. before they turned 16-years-old, being a high school graduate or currently enrolled in school, the lack of a significant criminal history, etc. And they were only providing this information after being told by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service that their personal information would not be shared with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security responsible for deporting people from the U.S. A grant of DACA meant that beneficiaries would receive protected status and work authorization for two years. It was renewable every two years and was considered by many to be life-changing.

Ending DACA was one of President Trump’s campaign promises. However, he has also said various things over the last several months that indicated he was going to continue DACA.

These comments included saying that “we love the Dreamers” and “we are going to deal with DACA with heart.” Whether ending DACA was a decision made with “heart” is debatable, but what is clear is that President Trump is saying that it is the job of Congress to pass immigration legislation rather then the President, in this case President Obama. DACA will officially continue for 6 months, thereby providing Congress an opportunity to enact a suitable replacement.

In the last few days and weeks there has been bilateral support for continuing DACA due to the fact that these children were brought to the U.S. through no fault of their own. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan was amongst the most high profile Republicans advocating for the continuance of DACA. However, there are also many Republicans who believe that President Obama was wrong to enact the program through executive action, rather than allowing Congress to pass legislation dealing with the issue.

There are now close to a million people more confused than ever about their immigration status. They do not know whether they will be deported or granted immigration benefits

by Congress. Because of this uncertainty, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney to find out if any other options are available. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila. For more Information please call (800) 795-8009 or visit www. rreeves.com.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

BSP to ‘back the talk’ on peso – Espenilla

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

MONETARy authorities will “back the talk” by using regulatory tools to curb speculative activities in the foreign exchange market, central bank Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said on Monday, Sept. 4.

“The BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) stands ready to intervene and neutralize the activity of speculators so they don’t define the market,” Espenilla told reporters.

“We have resources and regulatory powers to back the talk.

The BSP has both capacity and

resolve to act,” he added.

The Bangko Sentral chief also reminded the public that monetary authorities craft “rational and transparent rules” that would be implemented “effectively and fairly” to promote order in the foreign exchange market.

“There is natural volatility in this price discovery process because of timing and other uncertainties,” Espenilla noted.

“Don’t expect the peso to stand still. We are in a floating exchange rate regime. This makes sense for a relatively small open economy. If one wants more certainty to insulate

a transaction from exchange rate volatility, then invest in a hedge,” he added.

Espenilla said the Bangko Sentral had to practice self-restraint to allow the market to process information, operate efficiently, and determine market-clearing prices.

He said the depreciation of the peso in recent months — described as gradual and modest — was a reflection of the price discovery process where factors such sustained imports growth and the normalization of interest rates in the U.S. and other advanced economies are

u PAGE CJ2

DoE eyes 100% electrification by 2022 The Philippine government is pursuing its thrust to promote energy efficiency, sustainabilTHE Duterte administration ity, and total electrification, the is targeting to achieve 100 per- department said in a statement. cent electrification by the end The DoE, the European Union of President Rodrigo Duterte’s and the World Bank held a joint term in 2022. seminar-workshop on Access to Energy Secretary Alfonso Sustainable Energy Program or Cusi said during a seminar in ASEP. Nasugbu, Batangas last week The goal is to bolster sustainthe DoE is working to provide able power generation and meet quality energy service not only increasing demand of a growing in business districts but also in economy by providing energy rural areas. u PAGE CJ2 Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

by Jordeene

Sheex lagare ManilaTimes.net

DOE photo

CJ

Community Journal

SEPTEMBER 8-14, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

The end of DACA

The CTV Files Atty. lilli B. BACuli On September 5, 2017, United States Attorney General Jeffrey Sessions formally announced the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”) program, which has protected from deportation nearly 800,000 young, undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children. The DACA program also provided them with legal work authorization, allowing them to enroll in post-secondary education, and to work and contribute to our society economically and culturally.

What happens next? The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) will stop processing any initial DACA accepted after September 5, 2017. Any applications already accepted by this date will be processed. DHS indicated that current beneficiaries of DACA will not be impacted before March 5, 2018. This is to give Congress the “time to deliver on appropriate legislative solutions.” DHS has also announced that it plans to continue

to accept DACA renewal applications for any DACA beneficiary whose status expires between September 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018, so long as these applications are accepted by October 5, 2017.

Any applications received after October 5 will be rejected. In addition, DACA recipients whose valid employment authorization document is lost, stolen or destroyed may still request a replacement through the normal process. However, DHS will no longer adjudicate advance parole request associated with DACA, any that are currently pending will be administratively closed and filing fees refunded.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services maintains that information provided in support of the application will not be proactively provided to Immigration and customs Enforcement (ICE) or to customs and border Protection (CBP) for the purpose of immigration enforcement proceedings, unless the requestor meets the criteria for the issuance of a notice to Appear or a referral to ICE under USCIS” notice to Appear guidance. However, a DHS spokesman stated that if Congress does not act, then DACA beneficiaries would be treated as

any other person who is in the country illegally. Additionally, all of the information provided to the government by DACA applicants will remain in the DHS system.

Individuals who may be affected by the rescission of DACA should speak to an experienced and licensed attorney who will be able to provide guidance in view of these new developments. And, while notarios and paralegals are cheap, and there are plenty of information to be found on the internet, it is best to consult with an experienced and licensed immigration attorney who will be able to give individuals honest answers based on law.

*** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 495-8088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ctvattys.com. For general information visit www.chuatinsayvega.com.

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA DO you believe in angels? I do.

Most people do.

The strong presence of angels in the various books of the Bible, especially during the birth of Jesus Christ attests to the role of angels in human history.

The Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bring forth a son. Zechariah received a message from an angel. It was an angel that told Joseph to take Mary for his wife. It was a multitude of angels that told the shepherds where to find the newborn child while angels hovered above the stable during that wondrous night.

It was also an angel that warned Joseph of a clear and present danger to the child Jesus.

Herod, the unhinged, murderous king descended from a long line of power-mad monarchs, wanted to make sure no one stood between him and his throne.

In haste, Joseph left with Mary and the child during the night after the Magi had left for a long and arduous trek to a town in Egypt some scholars estimate to

Health@Heart PhiliP S. ChuA, Md, FACS, FPCS

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What is Chelation therapy?

Chelation Therapy is an accepted treatment for poisoning by many metals (like lead, cadmium, arsenic, zinc, etc.) and other toxic substances. These chelating agents “cleanse” the blood of these poisons. Some unscrupulous healthcare providers, however, are bilking the unsuspecting public prescribing and giving chelation intravenous shots “to unclog heart arteries,” a claim that is false and without medical basis.

Which drugs are used as chelating agents?

Calcium disodium edetate, Dimercaprol, and Penillamine are some of them.

Is this the “therapy” advertised to unclog arteries?

Yes, there are unscrupulous individuals in the United States, Europe, Asia, and other parts of the globe (including the cities of Manila and Cebu), who victimize the innocent public with claims that intravenous injections of these drugs, which they call chelation therapy, can unclog arteries to prevent a heart attack and stroke. These “practitioners,” who advertise that Chelation Therapy can dissolve hardening of the arteries and therefore preclude the need for angioplasty or open heart surgery, charge exorbitant. In the U. S., charges range from US$4000 -$6000 for “the complete session.” how is chelation treatment given?

The patients are given a series of intravenous injections for so many days. no one knows what drug is actually injected — whether only plain saline or dextrose instead of true chelating agents. In the U.S., this practice of using chelation therapy to dissolve hardening of the arteries is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and condemned by the medical community. There is no legitimate scientific proof or basis for the claim. Some physicians and doctors of osteopathy have lost their medical license for perpetrating this fraud. how did this practice come about?

It is easy to surmise that since chelating agents are really effective in the treatment of poisoning with metals and other toxic substances, and “cleanse” the blood, some enterprising people conveniently “extended” the use of these agents to include

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Angels among us “I think that someone is watching out for me, God, my guardian angel, I’m not sure who that is, but they eally work hard.”

— Mattie Stepanek

be 200 miles away where Herod had no authority to commit mass murder.

You can bet a host of angels guided them in seeking refuge.

Herod’s murderous rampage began when he realized that the Magi had tricked him and had taken a different route home ignoring his sly request to tell him of the child’s location.

It is believed 14,000 innocent male babies from the age of two and below were killed in Herod’s most cruel, preemptive strike against this perceived threat to his kingdom. The holy family stayed safely away for years until the king died and the danger had passed.

Did these holy innocents become cherubs, angels without wings? Do the millions of the unborn of our time the world over cut down by murderous abortionists become cherubs?

Fax résumé to:

also being considered by players.

“These have consequences for dollar supply and demand.

The exchange rate needs to adjust in search of equilibrium.

At its current zone, the peso has achieved healthy correc-

Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Heart chelation: A scam unclogging blocked arteries.

Since all adults develop hardening of the arteries, to one degree or another, sooner or later in life, and since heart attack and stroke are commonplace, financial greed and deception have overcome some of these “practitioners” (who may not even be licensed physicians) to go into this very lucrative business.

Why does the FDa not ban these chelating agents?

Chelating agents are legitimate and good drugs indicated for specific conditions: metal poisoning and toxicity from other substances. The issue here is that these chelating agents are being used for a condition for which they are not indicated or effective. They are useless as far as dissolving hardening of the arteries, or unclogging arteries.

Is there any drug that can dissolve hardening of the arteries? no. There is no known safe drug that can dissolve hardening of the arteries or unclog blocked arteries. The blockages in the arteries are so hard and usually calcified like teeth or bone that to date, medical science has not discovered any medication for it. In the recent meeting of the American College of Cardiology, another study confirmed that chelation therapy for coronary artery disease is baseless, useless and ineffective. how about the enzymes injected to treat acute heart attack?

These enzymes (streptokinase, urokinase, TPA, etc.), which cardiologists administer intravenously in the emergency room or ICU when the patient is diagnosed to have an acute heart attack that is 4 to 6 hours old, are substances that dissolve the solid but still soft blood clot that blocks the coronary artery causing it. These enzymes cannot dissolve arteriosclerotic plaque or hardening of the arteries. how do these “doctors” get away defrauding the public?

First, we do not know if only harmless saline or innocuous dextrose is the “drug” that is administered, in order not to have the possible side effects of true chelating agents. Secondly, public ignorance makes the consumer an easy prey, the reason we have decided to educate and forewarn the public about this scam. Third, both the lay and the medical communities have not organized themselves to expose and fight these money-hungry charlatans,

BSP to ‘back the talk’...

PAGE CJ1 t

Does God repurpose innocent souls upon their deaths to become angels themselves?

There is a belief that souls are indestructible. If so, do souls get recycled back to be born at another time and place? Only God knows for certain.

Angels were strong proactive characters when the story of humanity unfolded during biblical times. And while today, cynics, atheists and those on the dark side might argue that angels are figments of the human imagination, there are countless people who will brave the scorn of scoffers, fight back vehemently and attest to the very real presence of angels in their lives.

(To be continued …) ***

tion based on prevailing economic fundamentals,” Espenilla claimed.

Over the weekend, Londonbased research firm Capital Economics said the peso’s weakness was not a major threat to the economy given subdued inflation and the country’s relatively

and bring them to justice. how are patients adversely affected by this scam? not only do unsuspecting patients lose their hard earned money for a treatment that has been proven by medical science as ineffective, but they are also deceived and given false hopes, which delay the proper diagnosis and treatment of their heart illness. needless to say, this unwarranted delay could lead to worsening of the disease and a higher morbidity and mortality rate. We have heard of cases where patients have died as a result of reliance on this unconventional therapy and the delay in getting the proper treatment.

So, what’s the best thing to do?

In this age of modern and sophisticated medical technology, it is only prudent for all of us to safeguard our health by doing preventive measures and taking advantage of the scientifically proven and accepted convention of treatment. When needed, there is no substitute for a thallium stress test and heart catheterization in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease. For therapy, appropriately chosen medications, and/or angioplasty, or coronary bypass surgery are the proven effective management for coronary artery disease. The easier or quicker treatment is always more appealing, but consumers beware of these advertisements! If they sound too good to be true, chances are they are not true.

Do not gamble your life away.

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities, and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone.

This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

low foreign currency debts.

The peso gained half a centavo on Monday, closing at P51.165 to the dollar from P51.17:$1 last Thursday despite news of a hydrogen bomb test by north Korea. The currency slipped into P51:$1 territory last month on heightened fears of war on the Korean peninsula.

Some analysts expect the peso to end the year at P52 per dollar. n

DoE eyes 100% electrification...

PAGE CJ1 t

info@asianjournalinc.com

access to the marginalized in line with the Philippine Development Plan.

“With all the program’s key players gathered in one venue, we aim to seek each other’s concerns, insights and suggestions to be more synergized in

our approach towards carrying out the ASEP”, Cusi added.

Under the DoE’s household electrification drive, the national Electrification Administration (nEA) aims to energize 2.58 million households in the country, mostly in Mindanao.

The nEA proposed a P4.9-billion budget for 2018, of which

P1.7 billion would finance loans for capital expenditures of electric cooperatives (ECs) and other electrification projects.

Approved by the House of Representative appropriations committee last month, the nEA budget will now go through deliberations by the Senate finance committee. n

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 8-14, 2017

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The end of DACA

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ ON September 5, 2017, Atty.

Gen. Jeff Sessions announced Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is being rescinded or canceled. DHS also issued a memo and FAQ’s, further detailing the winding down of DACA. However, there is a six-month “grace period” until March 5, 2018, in order to give Congress the opportunity to pass legislation benefiting young people who were brought into the U.S. at an early age. Let us hope Congress finally passes the DREAM Act. Under the DHS memo and FAQ’s, the following steps will be taken to end the DACA program: People currently under DACA will be allowed to keep their work authorizations until they expire.

No new DACA applications will be accepted; only renewals in certain circumstances.

DACA recipients with work permits set to expire on or before March 5, 2018 may apply for a two-year “final” renewal, if the renewal is filed by October 5, 2017.

USCIS will not renew work authorizations for any application received after October 5, 2017, or if a DACA recipient’s work authorization will expire after March 5, 2018.

USCIS will not approve any DACA-based applications for advance parole (or permission to travel outside the U.S.). Any application for advance parole that has already been filed, but not acted upon by the USCIS, will be closed/rejected and the filing fee will be refunded.

Any advance parole already granted will be honored until its expiration date. However, even if a person has a currently – valid advance parole, the memo notes that “CBP retains the right to refuse admission to a person who presents themselves at a port of entry as a matter of discretion.”

In other words, even if a person had been granted advance parole and travels outside the U.S. during its validity period, CBP at the airport could still possibly deny them reentry into the U.S. In justifying the end to DACA, Atty. Gen. Sessions stated the original DACA program was an unconstitutional overreach of presidential authority by former President Obama. Under the Constitution, it is Congress which passes laws on immigration, not the president. Therefore, if there is to be any kind of relief for the Dreamers, it must be by way of a law passed by Congress, not through presidential executive action.

People who still have valid DACA and work authorization should not be targeted for arrest or removal, unless they violate the conditions of DACA, such as committing a crime or joining a gang, etc.

As for those whose DACA grants that have expired (or will eventually expire), DHS notes in a FAQ issued on September 5, 2017: DACA never granted “any legal status,” to the recipients.

They were still considered “unlawfully present in the U.S.”, with their removal deferred.

When their DACA expires, “their removal will no longer be deferred and they will no longer be eligible for lawful employment.”

Information provided to USCIS in DACA requests will not be proactively provided to ICE and CBP for the purpose of immigration enforcement, unless the person is considered to be an “enforcement priority,” such as a felon or terrorist, etc. However, this policy “may be modified, superseded, or rescinded at any time without notice…”

Now, it will be up to Congress to come up with legislation, such as the DREAM Act during the next six months, and people should be urging their senators and congressmen to work fast to pass such a law. And I know Congress is capable of quickly passing laws. For example, after

the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Congress was able to enact the USA Patriot Act within two months.

That law was hundreds of pages long. So they could certainly pass something as simple as the DREAM Act, especially since various forms of that proposal have been introduced for the last 15 years. And there was a new version introduced in July 2017.

Even with the end of DACA, there could still possibly be other forms of relief available to these young people. For example, I had featured young DACA recipients on my television show Citizen Pinoy, when DACA was originally introduced back in 2012. By sheer coincidence (and miracle), their green cards were APPROVED the same day Atty. Gen. Sessions announced the end to DACA, as they were derivative beneficiaries of their father’s employment-based petition.

There can also be other types of benefits or forms of relief available. However, I would strongly advise people to seek the advice of an attorney, who can evaluate your situation and determine if you are eligible for any other kind of immigration benefit and assist you in applying.

*** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

LBC passport program rewards loyal customers in US and Canada LBC continues to find ways to care for their loyal customers and make certain that they are rewarded. Recently, LBC North America launched a passport program for customers in the U.S. and Canada.

U.S. customers (from July 15, 2017) and Canada Customers (from August 15, 2017), who transacted whether through an LBC branch, an authorized partner or a sales representative, were given passports. These passports get to earn reward points until December 31, 2017.

These points can be converted to a cash card or donation to the CSR project - Project Pearls - once a customer attains a certain number of points.

To get the points, transactions equate to a certain value -- for sea small boxes, the value is 2.5; for sea large or extra-large products’ value is 5.0; for air products is 2.5; VIP services have 2.5 value; while money product has a value of 1.0. One has to have at least 25 points to qualify. Discounted transactions, however, do not earn points.

Each point earned is exclusive only to the customer and non-transferrable. If a customer opts to donate the points earned to Project Pearls, they will receive a tax deductible receipt within 60 days of point conversion.

To make it easy for customers to track their points, they can view it on their passport or on the

LBC website. Redemption period of earned points is until January 31, 2018.

For more details on the promo, patrons can visit any LBC North America and Canada branches nearest to them. They can also call the Customer Service at 1-800-338-5424 in the USA or 1-888652-2522 in Canada.

LBC is the Philippines’ market leader in retail and corporate courier & cargo, money remittance, and logistics services. With a growing network of over 6,400 branches, hubs & warehouses, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, LBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world.

Listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange through LBC Express Holdings, Inc., LBC aims to deliver value to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 60 years. Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC pioneered time-sensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-to-door delivery in the Philippines. Today, it is the most trusted logistics brand of the Global Filipino. LBC can move it for you: visit www.LBCexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 (Solutions) and follow LBCExpress (Facebook and Twitter).

(Advertising Supplement)

Business News

Higher food, fuel prices pushed August’s inflation to 3-month high of 3.1%

by BEN

O. DE VERA Philstar.com

INFLATION rose 3.1 percent in August, the fastest in three months, partly due to higher food, fuel and power prices coupled with a weaker peso, the government reported Tuesday, Sept. 5.

The latest Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed that headline inflation last month jumped from 1.8 percent a year ago and 2.8 percent in July.

The rate of increase in prices of basic goods last August matched the 3.1 percent posted in May. In a statement, the state planning agency National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) said food inflation increased 3.7 percent in August from July’s 3.4 percent “mainly due to faster price increases in vegetables, fish, corn, flour, bread, and other cereals.”

“One cause is Typhoon Jolina last month, which affected agriculture in Central Luzon, particularly in Aurora,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and Neda chief Ernesto M. Pernia explained.

Non-food inflation also inched up 2.7 percent from 2.4 percent a month ago “due to faster price adjustments in transport, housing, recreation and culture, communication, restaurants, water, and electricity and gas,” Neda said.

“Higher domestic petrol prices, particularly unleaded gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and liquefied pe-

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia Photo by Joan Bondoc/Inquirer.net

troleum gas, mainly caused higher inflation in the transport sector,” Neda added.

According to Pernia, “the continuing surge in domestic petrol prices, coupled with depreciation in the peso-dollar rate, may exert upward pressures on inflation, leading to increases in the cost of electricity, gas, and other fuels in the near term.”

The peso further slid to 11-year low levels last month, breaching the 51:$1 mark.

Also, “the disruption of economic activities in the United States triggered by Hurricane Harvey might also temporarily impact global economic activity, dampen supplies of energy, and push world oil prices up,” according to Neda.

“The impact of Hurricane Harvey on U.S. oil production could

exert upward pressures on world oil prices and could translate to higher domestic prices of petroleum. Any significant increases in domestic oil prices could push up transport and electricity inflation in the country in the near term,” Pernia said.

But Pernia said upward pressures to inflation “could still be offset by higher domestic productivity in agriculture and stable commodity prices with favorable weather conditions.”

For Pernia, “inflation is still expected to remain well within government’s target for the year despite accelerating for the second time in a row” although “we should continue to closely monitor upside and downside risks.”

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. said the BSP “continues to see a manageable inflation outlook over the policy horizon after taking into consideration the latest inflation reading in August.”

As of end-August, inflation averaged 3.1 percent, still within the government’s 2-4 percent target for 2017, as Espenilla maintained that the full-year rate will “settle near the midpoint” of the range.

“The inflation path will be supported by favorable outlook for domestic economic activity with appropriate liquidity conditions and well-anchored inflation ex-

u PAGE CJ4

END OF DACA. Get Answers and Information on the Rescission of DACA on this Sunday’s “Citizen Pinoy”! Attorney General Jeff Sessions just announced that the Executive Order implemented by former President Obama in June 2012 on Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is being rescinded. This immediately resulted in strong reactions and many questions.

This Sunday, leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel gives the latest update, and answers questions to provide a better understanding on this new development on DACA. Atty. Gurfinkel also provides options for people who fall under DACA. Tune in for important guidance and discussion on a special episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Important updates and answers regarding the rescission of DACA on this Sunday’s special episode of ‘Citizen Pinoy’ IT was all over the news, and became the trending topic on social media, immediately after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced, on September 5, 2017, that the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is being rescinded. DACA was an Executive Action implemented by former President Obama in June 2012, which deferred deportations and granted work authorization for hundreds of thousands of people who came to the U.S. as children.

President Trump’s administration declared that it would end DACA after giving Congress six months to come up with legislation, such as a DREAM Act during that six-

month window.

This Sunday, leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel discusses the latest breaking news and developments as he answers questions and provides important updates.

Attorney Gurfinkel also offers options for people who fall under DACA such as: (1) Renewing DACA if it expires before March 5, 2018, but they must apply before October 5, 2017; (2) Regular Deferred Action; and (3) Push Congress to finally pass the DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) Act. (That’s why they’re called “Dreamers.”)

Some of the highlights of the proposed DREAM Act include

Calendar of Events across

granting lawful permanent resident status on a conditional basis to a person who: • entered the U.S. when they were 17 years old or younger; • has been continuously physically present in the US for at least 4 years before the date of enactment of the Dream Act, or the date when the president signs it; • must be law-abiding.

Be sure to tune in to a special episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday 6:15 p.m. PST/EST (9:15 p.m. EST thru select cable/satellite providers), and for more breaking news updates, be sure to click and visit www. citizenpinoy.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS S E P T E M B E R 1 5 -1 7

Liliwenos reunion in Las Vegas, NV Calling all Liliwenos living all around the world! There will be a three-day reunion in Las Vegas, NV starting with a picnic on Friday, Sept. 15 at Silverado Ranch Park. On Saturday, Sept. 16, it is a dinner/dance party at the Palace Station (2411 W. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89102) at 5 p.m. The attire is semi-formal and costs $50 / person. Souvenir t-shirts cost $10 regardless of size. Deadline of payment for both the reunion and t-shirt cost is August 31 to be sent to Ms. Nerri Monteagudo at 9252 Bronze River, Las Vegas, Nevada 89149. On Sept.

17, participants are free to explore the Strip and other Vegas activities. For more information, please contact Bob and Nerri Monteagudo at (702) 339-3838; Carmen P. Manguin (702) 526-8005; Loida Borgonos at (201) 654-5482; or Fred Polistico at (818) 527-3476.

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26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture in Echo Park Save the date! The 26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) hosted by Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) is back at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, October 14. Expect a whole day filled with art exhibits, entertainment, and Fil-Am vendors. More details and special guests to be announced. For more information, please visit: http://www.filamarts.org/.

18th annual Asian Small Business Expo in Alhambra, CA On Saturday, Oct. 14, the 18th annual Asian Small Business Expo will be held at the Almansor Court Conference Center (700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801), featuring free workshops, exhibitors, networking opportunities, and more! Jonny Hwang, founder of 626 Night Market, is the featured guest speaker with special guest, Jerome Horton, chairman of the California Board of Equalization. It is FREE to attend! The Asian Small Business Expo is the only business-to-business expo that engages the Asian business community and brings this growing economic force into the mainstream to connect and utilize your company and its services. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with small businesses, market your organization and tap into a network of entrepreneurs, service providers, financial organizations, franchises and governmental and legislative representatives. For more information, please visit http://www.apisbp.org/expo.html.

O C TO B E R 1 4

26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture in Echo Park Save the date! The 26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) hosted by Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) is back at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, October 14. Expect a whole day filled with art exhibits, entertainment, and Fil-Am vendors. More details and special guests to be announced. For more information, please visit: http://www.filamarts.org/.

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NaFFAA to celebrate 20th anniversary in Washington, DC The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) turns 20 years old this year. This October, several events are being planned to celebrate this milestone, which coincides with the national observance of Filipino American History Month. They will culminate with NaFFAA’s 20th Anniversary Gala, to be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 21. With its theme “NaFFAA 2.0: One Voice, Four Million Strong,” NaFFAA will recognize the legacy and accomplishments of the organization over the past 20 years, and highlight its comprehensive vision to unite and amplify the voices of the four million Filipinos living in the United States. “NaFFAA 2.0” represents how NaFFAA is honoring its past while forging a new forward-thinking and balanced approach in uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse Filipino American individuals and community organizations through leadership development, civic engagement, and advocacy. To learn more about NaFFAA or to purchase tickets for the 20th Anniversary Gala, please visit www. naffaa.org.

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

CJ

Business news

SEPTEMBER 8-14, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

More flights needed to boost PH MICE market

by Catherine

talavera Philstar.com

ThE Philippines needs more flights from American and European cities to be able to further grow the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition (MICE) market for international clients, a hotelier said.

“I think if we have a few more European, American airlines flying in, that will definitely help,” Marco Polo Ortigas general manager Frank Reichenbach told The STAR in an interview.

Reichenbach emphasized that the Metro Manila hotel market already has infrastructure needed to cater to more international MICE clients, especially with the entrance of a number of global hotel chains.

At present, the MICE market accounts for around 20 percent of Marco Polo Ortigas’ business, Reichenbach said. he added that a lot of the demand is coming from the coun-

agCaoili Inquirer.net

try’s medical pharmaceutical market, which usually holds conventions in the Ortigas area.

British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) executive chairman Chris Nelson earlier expressed that having direct flights between the Philippines and the United Kingdom would also boost the tourism sector of both parties.

l. luCas

Inquirer.net

ThE proposed revenue package of the Duterte administration —dubbed the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (Train)—has gained “overwhelming support” both locally and abroad because of its provisions that will make the tax system simpler and more efficient, the Department of Finance said.

In a statement, the DOF said that it has so far conducted some 400 briefings with various sectors and economic reform advocates on the “propoor, progressive measures” of the proposed tax package.

It’s main provisions include exempting from personal income taxes all employees earning P250,000 a year or less, while compensating for this through higher levies on luxury items like high-end vehicles as well as everyday consumables like sugar and petroleum.

With the Senate now holding extensive deliberations on the Train, the DOF said the tax reform proposal has so far gained 199 statements of support from former and current government officials, multilateral institutions and development partners, labor organi-

EMPLOYMENT

PH showing signs of overheating — ING

by laurenCe

DUTCh financial giant ING Bank said the Philippines is showing signs of overheating with the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growing between six and seven percent over the next five years.

Joey Cuyegkeng, senior economist at ING Bank Manila, said the level of liquidity and bank Philstar.com photo lending in end-July continued to indicate a relatively strong “I think it’s a definite advaneconomic activity. tage for Philippine Airlines to fly An economy is overheating directly to London. They’ve actuwhen supply cannot keep up ally increased their flights. And with demand due to growth at I think it’s a direct advantage to an unsustainable rate, driving come here,” Nelson said. up prices and causing inflation.

The Department of Tourism The inflated prices in turn re(DOT) is upbeat on the counduce consumption leading to a try’s MICE market given its poslowdown in growth. tential to cater to international Latest data from the Bangclients. n ko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed money supply or liquidity in the financial system rose 13.5 percent to P9.97 trillion while bank loans grew 19.7 percent to P6.48 trillion in endJuly. he said the undersubscribed weekly term deposit auction facility (TDF) indicates that banks would rather utilize its excess liquidity for lending not only for balance sheet and tax position adjustments but in raising profitability as well.

The undersubscription has prompted the BSP to slash the volume of the TDF for the first time since it was introduced in June last year. The size was reduced to P150 billion from P180 billion starting Sept. 6.

The volume of the 28-day term deposits was reduced to P110 billion from P140 billion Inquirer.net photo while the size of the seven-day Dominguez III also attended several hearings of the house Committee on Ways and Means chaired by Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua to personally call PAGE CJ3 t on lawmakers to support tax pectations. The within-target path reform. of inflation over the policy horizon Train was approved by the provides the BSP with the flexibilhouse last May 31 as house ity to assess our monetary tools to Bill 5636, which consolidatenhance further our responsiveed the measure authored by ness to the evolving requirements Cua—hB 4774—with 54 other of the economy,” Espenilla said. tax-related bills. The Senate is Standard Chartered Bank now tackling hB 5636 along economist for Asia Chidu Naraywith SB 1408 that was filed anan said they share the BSP’s

by Senate President Aquilino expectations that inflation will Pimentel III and which is the edge up this year due to the prooriginal DOF version. n posed first package of the Duterte

Duterte tax reforms get broad support

by Daxim

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

zations, business chambers, farmers’ groups, private sector individuals, and members of the academe and the media.

Since September last year when the original version of Train was endorsed by the DOF to the house of Representatives, a total of 400 tax briefings were spearheaded

by Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua and other finance officials to inform the public about the details and benefits of this proposal, which is the first of President Duterte’s series of tax reform packages.

Finance Secretary Carlos

term deposits was retained at P40 billion.

The country’s GDP growth climbed to 6.5 percent in the second quarter from 6.4 percent in the first quarter, bringing the first half expansion to 6.4 percent.

Economic managers through the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) maintained the growth target of between 6.5 and 7.5 percent this year from 6.9 percent last year.

Cuyegkeng said current liquidity condition is unlikely a major source of the peso weakness that has been dragged down by the deterioration of trade and current account balances.

“Market concerns of a current account deficit this year seemed to have now been largely discounted pushing markets to focus on incoming inflows. however, market talk of bringing in more liquidity into

Inquirer.net photo

the system either through a cut in reserve requirement ratio and a significant drop in TDF offerings may contribute to some weakness,” he added.

According to Cuyegkeng, the trade fundamentals would likely remain the main driver of weakness of the local currency.

“This weakening tendency is mitigated by official view of the appropriateness of the current monetary policy settings, BSP and economic team’s warnings and anticipated acquisition-related inflows,” the economist said.

Cuyegkeng pointed out monetary authorities would raise interest rates by 25 basis points in December followed by a 50basis point increase in 2018 to avoid a full blown overheating.

Monetary authorities have reiterated there is no overheating as inflation is seen to settle within the two to four percent target set by the BSP over the medium term. n

Higher food, fuel prices pushed August’s...

SERVICES

administration’s comprehensive tax reform program, which will slap new or additional taxes on consumption.

“We think that the BSP should still be comfortable enough with inflation, to keep rates on hold through this year,” Narayanan said.

As for Metrobank research analyst Pauline May Ann E. Revillas, “push and pull factors will continue to influence average inflation this year.”

SERVICES

“The expectation that the agriculture sector will continue its rebound might offset any upside pressure on domestic consumer prices. Nevertheless, upside risks will still come from base effects, weaker peso, higher imports, and the volatile global crude oil prices,” Revillas said.

“With average inflation for the year seen to remain manageable, the BSP is no longer expected to tweak its policy rates until yearend,” Revillas added. n

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 8-14, 2017

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People & Events

NAFCON stands with Harvey-affected communities HOUSTON, TX — On August 25, Texas and other surrounding Gulf Coast communities were hit by the worst rainstorm in U.S. history, Hurricane Harvey. In just the first three days since landfall, Harvey has already doubled Houston’s previous record for the wettest month in city history set in June 2001. It has been estimated that approximately twenty trillion gallons of water flooded Texas over the first five days. The death toll has reached over 45 and authorities expect this number to grow. Currently there are over forty thousand people in shelters, and this number will certainly rise.

The National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) stands in solidarity with the storm victims in Houston and other affected areas. NAFCON is concerned with not only the immediate, but also the long term impacts of any environmental disaster.

Almost exactly 12 years later, Americans remember August 29 as the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina that impacted millions of people in New Orleans and nearby areas in Louisiana. Similar to Tacloban, Philippines and other disaster prone areas, Louisiana has yet to fully recover.

Climate change Hurricane Harvey is an indicator that more severe storms will come as climate change patterns intensify. While Houston, TX and other surrounding areas in the Gulf Coast generally experience hurricanes in the month of August, the intensity and frequency of natural disasters globally is directly attributed to many manmade and corporate actions.

Globally, disasters similar to Hurricane Harvey are also on the rise. In the past month more than 1,200 people died in Bangladesh, India and Nepal due to monsoons. Tens of thousands

of homes and communities were submerged affecting 40 million people. People of this region are demanding food, clean water and shelter. Aid organizations report this as one of the worst regional humanitarian crises with millions of people facing severe food shortages and disease. Bangladesh, India, and Nepal are home to many industrial garment factories, mostly American and British owned, that contributes greatly to water pollution. Livelihood and health of the people in these areas are often compromised.

Back in 2013, the Philippines experienced the most powerful typhoon in recorded history.

Though this region experiences an average of twenty-five typhoons annually, the impact of Typhoon Haiyan was never seen before in the Philippines. Large corporate mining and illegal logging companies exacerbated the impact of these typhoons, as landslides and long-term flooding, coupled with ineffective governmental responses, are often the cause of unnecessary deaths and the much-delayed recovery of the country’s residents.

Whether it is here in the U.S., the Philippines, or other areas damaged by climate change disasters, the people most impacted are often from the poorest and most marginalized communities. Relief and rehabilitation always becomes a challenge when catastrophe upon catastrophe hits the country with lack of systematic disaster-preparedness, true people’s development, or any effective response from its government.

Corporate interests and Trump’s responsibility In the initial stages of his presidency, President Donald Trump already refused to acknowledge

the impact of climate change.

As the Trump administration took control of the White House website, references on climate change were deleted. To further exemplify his commitment to corporate causes and not protecting the environment and the people, Trump decided to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord just this past May. Although it may not have gone far enough, the Paris Climate Accord aimed to reduce worldwide greenhouse gas emissions in order to slow down the effect of global warming.

Global challenges affecting Houston are also exacerbated when both Trump and local officials fail to regulate companies that historically and today continue to pollute local communities, especially in black and brown, low-income neighborhoods. Since Harvey hit, strong chemical odors were already detected in parts of Houston and throughout the region. Houston’s superfund sites are underwater and continue to release carcinogenic chemicals while prior to Hurricane Harvey, these areas were already experiencing increased rates of childhood leukemia and other chronic diseases.

Just 10 days before Harvey struck, Trump signed an executive order that rescinded federal flood protection standards.

FEMA or the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department, the two federal agencies that will handle most of the funds expected for the rebuilding of Houston, would have been forced to require any rebuilding to conform to new, safer codes. Revoking these federal regulations means that infrastructure going forward will not have to meet flood protection

standards that could prevent future damage from hurricanes like Harvey.

Trump also haughtily refused Mexico’s offer for permanent help and cooperation to Hurricane Harvey victims. Mexico played a role in aiding affected areas during the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina back in 2005. The expected cost to fully rebuild Harvey’s hardest-hit communities is approximately $190 billion, exceeding the cost from both Storm Sandy and Hurricane Katrina. Trump has yet to present a full recovery and rehabilitation plan for the affected areas of Hurricane Harvey.

Call to action With its Environmental Justice campaign, NAFCON encourages everyone to join efforts calling attention to climate change, demanding respective governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to empower affected communities. NAFCON also urges those seeking to help through monetary funds to ensure that they donate to peopleled organizations doing humanitarian aid on the ground. United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is one of the trusted organizations collecting donations for recovery response.

Please make your checks payable to the: “California-Nevada Conference,” with the “UMCOR Advance Number 901670” in the memo line.

Church Treasurers, please send your church’s offering for this appeal to the attention of Conference Treasurer, at P.O. Box 980250, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0250. By sending, offerings through the Conference Treasurer, UMCOR will be able to track community and grassroots efforts to support the people of Houston and Texas. ■

Sofia Coloma Bayawa and Cory Lau will have their baby shower picnic on Saturday, September 9, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. at Commodore Park, Cherry Avenue, San Bruno. Sofie is the daughter of Jessie (deceased) and Zach Bayawa, while Cory is the son of Darlene (deceased) and Eugene Lau. For more info and/or RSVP, please call (650) 438-3872.

Free household hazardous waste collection on Sept. 9 SAN Mateo County residents can make an appointment to dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) for free at a special collection event in Daly City on Saturday, September 9, 2017, from 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

To participate, you must schedule an appointment at San Mateo County’s HHW Program: www.smchealth.org/hhw or by calling (650) 363-4718, select option 3. The event location will be disclosed once your appointment has been confirmed. No commercial waste is allowed.

Residents are asked to turn off their engine and stay in their

vehicle while waste is being removed.

Accepted items include cleaning products, fertilizers, pesticides, flammable liquids, fluorescent lights (compact and tubes), paint, acids/bases, aerosol cans, automotive supplies (car batteries, motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze, brake fluid), inks, and photo chemicals. All waste collected is reused, recycled, or stabilized for proper disposal to achieve zero waste and prevent any items from going to the landfill and contaminating our water and soil. No radioactive, explosive, or medical waste. ■

Rotary Club of Daly City-Colma Evening Induction Dinner at Fort McKinley SOUTH San Francisco, CA – The newly revived Rotary Club of Daly City-Colma Evening of RI District 5150 held its induction dinner ceremonies last August 24, 2017 at the Fort McKinley restaurant in South San Francisco. The well attended event was graced by Past RI President Mat Caparas, RI Director Elect Raffy Garcia III and the RI District 5150 Governor Ron Gin. Also present during the dinner event were the David Canepa, San Mateo County Supervisor and Councilor and former Colma Mayor Joanna Del Rosario, representing the City of Colma.

The City of Colma gave special citations honoring the newly revitalized Rotary Club that is composed of Filipino American

Nominee, Donnamarie Howe, Club Secretary, Dori Liwanag, E-Secretary, Sheila Conducto, Treasurer, David Howe Director, Marilyn De Castro Beckleheimer, Director, and Rudy Asercion, Director. Also inducted as Honorary members were Leo De Guzman (Past District Governor and Paul Harris

sional development and community services. The new set of the officers and members of the Rotary Club of Daly City-Colma Evening look forward to fulfilling its share in making these Rotary International objectives a reality in RI District 5150. For RCDCC info please call 650 393 9306 /gpp ■

Pres. James Calacal taking his Oath

businessmen and community leaders from Daly City, Colma and around San Francisco Bay Area.

Inducted into office were James Calacal, President, Gerry Palabyab, President Elect, Willie Santamaria, President

District 5150 DG Ron Gin inducting the RC Daly City-Colma Evening Officers (L-R) Willie Santa Maria, PN, Gerry Palabyab, PE, Dori Liwanag, E-Sec, Donnamarie Howe, Sec, Sheila Conducto, Treasurer, Directors Marilyn Beckleheimer, David Howe and Rudy Acersion.(photos by Rtn. Manny Lim)

San Mateo County celebrates National Recovery Month SAN MATEO – Now in its 28th year, San Mateo County Recovery Month celebrates people who have reclaimed their lives through recovery from substance use and mental health conditions and honors the greater community that makes recovery possible.

This year’s theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Strengthen Families and Communities,” highlights the value of family and community support and invites people in recovery and their family members to share personal stories of recovery to inspire others.

Events throughout September will bring together more than 35 community organizations, local businesses, San Mateo County Health System’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS), and over 600 people in the recovery community.

“Recovery happens every day for people here in San Mateo County,” said Stephen Kaplan, San Mateo County Health System Director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. “Personal stories shared throughout Recovery Month demonstrate that prevention works, treatment is effective, and recovery is possible. In celebrating those who are in recovery, together we provide hope and

Fellow) and Joe Santos (Paul Harris Fellow).

Rotary International (RI) is a 112 year-old international organization based at Evanston, Chicago, Illinois, which main purpose is to serve humanity through international fellowship and friendship, youth development, vocational and profes-

support for others to seek recovery as well.”

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 43.4 million adults in the U.S. experienced mental illness in the past year, 18.6 million (43 percent) of which received mental health services.

Of the 21.7 million people in the U.S. ages 12 or older who needed substance use treatment, only 2.3 million (10.8 percent) received it.

By sharing stories and coming together as a community, we can encourage others to seek help.

During Recovery Month, the San Mateo County Health System will share local stories of people who are in recovery from a substance use and/or mental health condition to start conversations about prevention, treatment and recovery. Stories include Christopher Herrera, a local resident who is in recovery thanks to the medicated assisted treatment services received through Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and is now passionate about bringing awareness to mental illness, especially among minority communities; and Eduardo Tirado, a recovery coach at Voices of Recovery San Mateo County, who faced his own challenges with substance

use as a teen and now helps others in their recovery. For the full story, tune in to the Health System’s Facebook and Twitter pages throughout the month.

On Tuesday, September 12, celebrate Recovery Month with people who have a mental health and/or substance use condition and those who in recovery with a day of fun, food, and hope.

Breakfast, Proclamation and Resource Fair – September 12.

7 to 8:20 a.m., Breakfast and Speakers (8 a.m. speakers) Bridges Program, 680 Warren Street, Redwood City 8:20 a.m., The Philomena Walk of Hope Quarter-mile walk from Bridges Program, 680 Warren Street to 400 County Center 9 a.m., Board of Supervisors Proclamation Hall of Justice Board Chambers, 400 County Center, Redwood City to 11:00 a.m., Resource Fair Courtyard, 400 County Center, Redwood City Other Recovery Month festivities include a candlelight vigil, art show, dance and movie night. For more information and a full list of events, visit smchealth.org/RecoveryMonth. All events are free and open to the public. ■

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

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

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

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

CJ

SEPTEMBER 8-14, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Friday, September 8, 2017

SF2

cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 8, 2017

‘Karangalan’: Celebrating 25 years of danCe and PhiliPPine heritage

LIKHA-Pilipino Folk Ensemble honors dying cultural traditions IN keeping its vision of educating and informing people about Filipino culture, LIKHA-Pilipino Folk Ensemble is putting on a spectacular display of ancient dances to celebrate its 25th year.

“Karangalan,” the Filipino word for “honor,” will take stage on September 24 and 25, at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

LIKHA has planned to fly in renowned performers and cultural bearers from the Philippines to dance onstage, but tourist visas could be in question due to the turbulent environment south of the country, as well as current tensions in the U.S. Hoping that visas will be granted to

these honored guests, LIKHA, however, will still honor their life’s work whether they make it to San Francisco or not.

Some of the performers LIKHA hopes to bring have helped shape the art landscape in the Philippines.

They include Kalinga educator Cirilo Bawer, ethnochoreologist Earl C. Pasilan of the Yakan and many more. LIKHA will posthumously honor National artist of the Philippines Ramon Obusan and Lucretia

Urtulla-Reyes. In their honor, LIKHA is performing signature pieces from their repertoire.

Dances include the Banga, where women balance several earthenware pots on their heads, to the Semba, which seeks permission from local spirits to approve a dwelling or to get guidance in fishing and planting.

“We are no one without our culture and traditions,” said Rudi C. Soriano, who founded LIKHA in May 1992.

The dance ensemble has 19 productions under its belt, plus several international tours and nine appearances at the acclaimed San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival (SFEDF).

Soriano was a former dance soloist with the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company and has also trained

with Alice Reyes of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Dance Company in Manila. In Paris, he studied under Lianne Dayde at the Paris Opera Ballet and trained with Rosella Hightower’s modern dance company in Cannes, France.

In 2001, Soriano was honored with the Pilipino community’s Pamana Award for Folk Dance Arts Education. And in 2007 he was awarded an outstanding choreographer award by World Arts West, the organizers of the SFEDF. LIKHA, which means “creation” in Filipino, has grown into a full-blown arts organization. At present, the group not only performs but also offers workshops, programs, collection and curation, seek-

ing to preserve the music, literature, dance, arts, crafts, instruments, and native dress of the Philippines.

“Karangalan” gala is on Saturday, September 23 at 7 p.m., while matinee show is on Sunday, September 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available on Eventbrite at www.eventbrite. com/e/likha-pilipino-folk-ensemble-presents-karangalangala-performance-tickets35611506976.

Palace of the Fine Arts Theatre is located at 3301 Lyon Street, San Francisco 94123.

For more information about LIKHA, log on to www. likha.org or add them on Facebook: www.facebook. com/likha.org/. (AJPress)

getting to know more about Piolo Pascual

by Bianca

Gonzalez Philstar.com

WITH his hair still wet from playing badminton, he comes to the interview, not with an entourage of assistants, but with his son Iñigo. He sincerely apologized for being only five minutes late. “Just water, please,” he tells the server. He’s fasting.

He is idolized by millions for his looks, talent, and what he Photos from Hayden Kho’s Instagram account has done in showbiz. But he is so much more than just an actor.

Here are 10 things you might want to know about Piolo PasPiolo Pascual cual, off-cam.

1. On the saying “Life ting, we poured our heart and begins at 40”: “I already know soul into it,” he says about “Kita and Kho, both renewed Chriswhat I want in life.”

Kita,” which is now the highest tians, were wed by a pastor, “Life got more exciting. Begrossing Filipino independent with a complete bridal entoucause you’re wiser, you’re a betfilm of all time. rage, led by their daughter ter person, you’re more aware of “The story there is… less risk Scarlet Snow Belo as flower your environment and yourself,” for us was to do MMFF. But the girl. says the matinee idol, who turned MMFF had a deadline last year, But before the party went 40 this year. and we ended up rushing into into full swing, Belo and Kho He describes his 20s as a editing and the final product. danced on the Grand Staircase time when he was “really hungry, So at the last minute, we pulled to “Take Me as I Am” from the struggling, and didn’t want to out because we were not quite Broadway musical “Jekyll and stop.” In his 30s, he was “slowly sold on the film, to make it more Hyde,” choreographed, accord- realizing and accepting” himself beautiful. We waited for a play ing to Belo’s daughter Cristalle for who he was and what he date. Then ‘Wonder Woman’ Belo-Pitt, by Lala Movement. could do. happened. Then all the summer The guests included Piolo “For me, my ‘midlife’ hapmovies came out. We were stuck Pascual, Derek Ramsay, Alden pened earlier, because I started with a play date wherein we Richards, Richard Gomez, Lucy my life really early. I had to deal were sandwiched between Star Torres, Dingdong Dantes, Mar- with professional and personal is- Cinema films and the Pista ng ian Rivera and Lovi Poe. sues a couple of years back, so by Pelikulang Pilipino. So we said, At 37, Kho is younger than the time I turned 40, I was set.” as long as we have one week, Belo by 24 years. Belo was pre2. Before going back to the then we’re good.” The film went viously married to businessman Philippines to try his hand at from being shown in 60 cinemas Atom Henares, with whom she acting, Piolo took on different and earning only P2 million on has two children, Cristalle and jobs in the U.S., one of which their opening day, to going to Quark. was being a security guard at as high as 220 cinemas nationthe Oscar Awards. wide and earning P320 million “That was the year of Titanic. in just four weeks. “The universe I saw all of them, the actors, the conspired for it to be the kind of winners. I remember taking a nap film it is now,” Piolo says. behind the Oscar statue because 4. He would run from his I was the graveyard shift. After home in Makati to work in that, I would go back to the Quezon City and back. Yes, hospital,” says Piolo, who also run. worked as an admitting clerk in a “I wear a mask, to avoid the hospital ER. “What I realized back harsh effects of the sun,” he says then was, tao rin pala sila! Some smiling. “I run through Makati of them even looked smaller than Bridge, then Mandaluyong, San me. Even if they’re blown up on Juan, then Quezon City. I swim the big screen, in person, they’re at home, I bike in the village the also regular Joes.” moment I wake up, or I run. Even “I knew for a fact that I if I’m working, I bring my stuff to wasn’t cut out for an 8 to 5 job. I the set, even my trainers! I don’t was feeling, in my core, this is not believe in off days. It’s become where I should be. I told my mom part of my lifestyle, my daily that I wanted to go back to the routine. If I have an early call Philippines (to try acting.) That if time, I’ll work out during lunch I don’t do this now, I’ll be 40 and time. I’ll find a way. Sometimes, I Photos from Miss World Facebook page look back and regret not doing go to the set from my house on what I wanted to do.” foot. I’ll run.” in pageants, I would ask them 3. On producing the film Joining a marathon has been to take a look at the girls we Kita Kita: “I’ve never seen any on his bucket list, and upon the have onstage tonight because of my films more times than I’ve prodding of the CFO of Sunlife we have lawyers, architects, seen this.” who is turning 50, he is finally we have women of substance “We had FGDs, we went running his first full, 42-kilometer who are here today not only marathon in February next year.

Continued on Page SF3 through a lot of editing and cut-

Hayden Kho, Vicki Belo seal the deal in the City of Love

by Tessa

Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

AFTER weeks of lavish wedding updates on social media, celebrity doctors Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho finally exchanged “I do’s” over the weekend in the ultra-expensive City of Love.

On Friday, Sept. 1, the couple, who were civilly married in Manila some weeks before leaving for their grand Parisian wedding, held a welcome dinner for celebrity guests aboard a 70-meter cruise ship that sailed along the River Seine.

“We formally welcome all our loved ones as we cruise along the River Seine to celebrate our once-in-a-lifetime kind of love,” Belo said on her Instagram account.

On the morning of the wedding, the 61-year-old derma-

tologist who singlehandedly built the Belo Medical Beauty empire, posted her one and only Instagram photo for the entire day: her breath-taking blush pink Michael Cinco bridal gown made entirely of French lace and embroidered with Swarovski crystals, complete with a three-meter long train.

With the church and reception venue kept secret from the public until Saturday, Instagram feeds in the Philippines were flooded with posts taken by the couple’s guests from the American Church in Paris for the ceremony, and the opulent Palais Garnier, also known as the Paris Opera, for the elaborate dinner party.

The American Church in Paris is said to be the first American church established outside the United States. Belo

Courtside reporter crowned Miss World Philippines by chrisTina

alpad ManilaTimes.net

EARLY pageant favorite Laura Lehmann did not disappoint supporters by winning the Miss World Philippines 2017 crown on Sunday night, Sept. 3, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The 24-year-old beauty bested 34 other hopefuls, and vowed to try her best to win the country its second Miss World title when she competes in China on November 18.

Actress Megan Young was the only Filipina to be crowned Miss World, winning the title in 2013. A decade earlier, actress Ruffa Guttierez won second runner-up.

Besides Lehmann’s regal looks and sophisticated catwalk, she won over judges

with her answer to the question, “What would you say to people who do not believe that pageants are there to empower women?”

Her winning reply: “To anyone who doesn’t believe

Philtar.com photo

“I couldn’t say no because he’s 50, and I’m only 40!”

5. He once thought about becoming a pastor.

“I’ve always been religious.

I’ve always been curious about faith and spirituality,” he says about his short course on Theology in Oxford University last year. “I just wanted to know where I should be, if I could be a pastor or if I should continue being in the business. That was when I was going through a transition.

“If there was anything else I would want to take up, it’s real estate. That is my other business.

All these years that I’ve been working, I put aside money for that. You cannot rely on entertainment all your life, I’m well aware of that.”

6. It was Rep. Vilma SantosRecto who influenced Piolo to get into real estate.

“When we were doing Dekada ’70, I was just starting out in the industry. Mommy Vi told me that she got into film production and all sorts of things, but what saved her were the properties she bought. Since then, what I would do, when I would get a big paycheck, I would buy a piece of land. I never (take out a) loan. I only did one time for my car because I didn’t have enough. Then when the recession hit the States, we got into U.S. real estate,” Piolo recalls. “Now we’re in stage two, we’re partnering with different companies for commercial businesses. We’re building.”

7. On his son Iñigo joining showbiz: “I did everything I could to stop him from getting into the business.”

“I’ve always tried to brainwash him to not like the business. Because it’s hard. And every Father’s Day he would give me a card, then ask me, ‘Pa, can I join showbiz? And I’d say no, ‘Give me a degree first.’

Continued on Page SF3

entertainment SF3 When the baby turns into a lady: A chat with my favorite mother-daughter tandem Sharon Cuneta admits going The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – September 8, 2017

SAN FRANCISCO

BY MONET

LU

THEY say one of the most precious moments a woman could ever have is to be a mother. It changes you from within and you’ll never look at life the same way again. But what happens when the baby you once cradled in your arms turns into a lady right before your eyes?

I had the pleasure of hearing about this experience straight from my favorite mom-anddaughter: Lalaine and Richie Anne Soliven.

“I am excited to see the womanof God that she is becoming; a woman ofcharacter, love & grace. Richie Anne and I became closer like we’re “best friends.”We talk through everything but wemanage to set boundaries like have ups & downs and stillbalance our individuality andcloseness, have unconditional love for each other by accepting one another’s Mother and daughter tandem Lalaine and Richie imperfections,” Lalaine Soliven, Anne Soliven. Richie Anne turned 18 last July 4. mother of Richie Anne opened up when I asked her about the together, just her and I being relationship she has with her silly,” she said. daughter now that she has ofThe baby is now a lady ficially entered adulthood.

“As a young lady, I would Richie Anne turned 18 last like people to recognize my July 4. Her Fabulous-and-Glam- God-givengifts, I would love our-Night-themed debut was to inspiremore people through held at the Pacific Palms Resort. my joy and kindness. I would The night was filled with unforwant people to be excited that gettable moments and was well I am part of their life and would attended with over a hundred hateto see me go. I want them guests who all have played an to able to trust me and see me important role in Richie Anne’s as someone who stays true to life. her word but walks with confi“I had the the best time dence not seeking approval of making sure the party was in everyone,” Richie Anne says order and that it would be when I asked her how she wants memorable for everyone. I really to be treated now that she is a wanted to make Richie Anne full-grown woman. happy on her special day,” “I would describe myself as Lalaine added. a person with a humble heart.

The most awaited dance Many people think that I think aka the 18 roses was executed ‘little of myself’ and I don’t think flawlessly. The lovely debutant that’s true at all. I am a perdanced with her godfathers, son with real interest in others grandfathers, cousins, brother and would want to contribute and of course, her father, who positively to the world,” Richie happened to be her final dance. Anne says when I asked her to “The Father-Daughter describe herself.

Dance was very emotional.

Richie Anne was one of It signifies Richie Anne’s first The Beautiful Life Celebrastep towomanhood and my tion’s “Most Beautiful Filhusband’s acceptance of the Am 2015”and was crowned fact.During the 18 Roses, Richie “Darling of the Night.” She is Anne’s Godfather (herUncle currently majoring in Biological Ronald) carried her like a baby Sciences at University of Califorin his arms. It was very touchynia-Irvine. Ten years from now, feely. It brought everyone to she sees herself as a doctor, tears,” Lalaine continued. giving back to the community According to her, Richie by affecting positive change Anne’s father was verysupportand opening opportunities for ive and in effect, Richie Anne others and for herself. grew up strong & confident and Right now, she is involved in she attributes that to having a the“Thirst Project,” a non-profit strong maleinfluence in their organizationaimed towards daughter’s life. providing clean water sources in “Looking back at those third worldcountries. They are eighteen years,the memories fundraising money to build wells that really standout to me were or water filters for hundreds the simple things: taking piano of people where all donations lessons together,taking turns are directly given to the water reading to one another, letting projects. Just last year, the total her choose the music in the car funds donated for water projor playing a game or coloringects reached $449,517.

through an emotional time

by TESSA

MAURICIO-ARRIOLA ManilaTimes.net

“I believe that each individual have enough opportunities to make a difference in their everyday lives. Asimple smile can evoke positive emotions of love, compassion and joy thatwould bring about change,” she said.

Lalaine and Richie Anne would like to thank the following people: Miracle Santos of Miracle Dream for being the best event planner/coordinator, Leo Bagtas of Da Vinci Camera, for capturing memorable moments, Carl Andrada of Carmelo Design for the debutant’s grandiose gowns, twins Monica & Monique Santos for the lovely hair & make up, Host/DJ Joseph Gelito for the entertainment, Asian Journal and Monet Lu for taking the time to publish our story and writing such an amazing piece. Richie Anne’s dad Richard Soliven and her brother AJ Soliven, as well family & friends who were there to celebrate her special day.

To my favorite motherdaughter tandem who I’ve know for quite sometime and have grown really fond of, I am so proud that this milestone has brought you closer to each other and I am thankful for letting me be part of it. Good luck to both of you and I hope you continue to be each other’s best friend. *** 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

Courtside reporter crowned...

From Page SF2 because of what they look like, but because of what’s in their heart, what’s in their mind, and because what they’ve brought forth – beauty with a purpose projects. They are here fighting to represent the Philippines and become the best version of the Filipina and to me that’s something only to celebrate not protest.”

An Ateneo de Manila University graduate, the new Miss World Philippines is a familiar face on TV, especially to those who follow University Athletic Association of the Philippines games. She served as courtside reporter during UAAP’s 77th and 78th seasons.

She later hosted shows for ABS-CBN Sports and then took a spot in the travel show “Listed” on cable’s Lifestyle Network.

Beauty contests are also nothing new to Lehmann.

She previously competed in Binibining Pilipinas 2014, when MJ Lastimosa won the Miss Universe Philippines crown.

Lehmann had a runner-up finish that year.

On Monday morning, the newly crowned Miss World Philippines took to her Instagram account @iamlauralehmann to share her emotions.

“Surreal, that’s the only word I can use to describe what I’m feeling right now. This is a

An Ateneo de Manila University graduate, the new Miss World Philippines is a familiar face on TV. Lehman previously competed in Binibining Pilipinas 2014, when MJ Lastimosa won the Miss Universe Philippines crown. Lehmann had a runner-up finish that year.

dream to me and I feel like it’s going to end any moment.

“I truly believe in everything it stands for. Miss World reminds us all that the greatest beauty is that in giving, and I am so proud to be part of it,” she said.

Completing the Miss World Philippines winners were Winwyn Marquez, Miss Reina

Hispanoamericana Filipinas; Cynthia Tomalla, Miss Eco Philippines; Sophia Senoron, Miss Multinational; Glyssa Perez, First Princess; and Zara Carbonell, Second Princess.

Save for the first and second princesses, the winners will represent the Philippines in the beauty pageants corresponding to their titles.

AS soon as Sharon Cuneta walked into ABS-CBN’s Dolphy Theater for a press conference on Monday, Sept.

4, everyone knew there was something going on with the Megastar. She wasn’t her usual jolly and bubbly self, which had long endeared her to the Entertainment press.

She wasn’t unfriendly in the least, but as she walked down the red carpet, it seemed as though she was deep in thought, so much so that she hardly noticed long-time writer friends whom she would normally greet with a warm hug or kiss.

Ever honest with her feelings, Cuneta first apologized to the press for moving the conference schedule almost three hours later than the original invitation, explaining she wasn’t feeling well. She also genuinely said sorry if she passed by old friends on her way to the stage without noticing they were there. It was all unintended and Sharon Cunete everyone believed her. she couldn’t stop crying as she “As you know, I’ve been on a sang “You” by the Carpenters. strict diet to lose weight and for “Yes, I’m going through the first time in my life, my blood something emotional, but I’m test this morning said I was OK,” she admitted. “It’s just anemic,” she shared in disbelief. one of those things we all go “That’s why I’m like this. Kulang through every now and then…. kasi sa nutrisyon ang katawan ko And it happens just when at lahat ng aspeto ng buhay ko!” there’s so much you have to she managed to joke. do, like today of all days, or The last part of that quote, [Sunday] on ASAP of all days however, immediately piqued when I started crying while the members of the press who singing a song that has meanrequested the actress to clarify ing for me.” what she meant, lest her fans Without giving specifand even they themselves ics, she curiously said again, worry about her wellbeing.

“Marami din akong pinagdaIncidentally, one tabloid car- daanan, pero minsan, it’s too ried a banner story that Monpersonal to talk about.” day morning with the quesChanging topics quickly, tion “Sharon at Kiko hiwalay Cuneta thanked everyone na?” referring to her husband for their concern and said Senator Francis Pangilinan. On that she really needs to gain Sunday (Sept. 3) too, when she her strength back to prepare guested on ABS-CBN’s “ASAP,” for her upcoming movie

ManilaTimes.et photo

with one-time boyfriend and favorite leading man Robin Padilla.

“We start shooting by the end of September and that’s what excites me these days,” she wrapped up.

[The Sharon-Robin starrer replaced Star Cinema’s original plan to reunite the Megastar with her first husband Gabby Concepcion on the big screen.

According to the rumor mill, the latter backed out over talent fee issues.]

Later, at a press huddle, Cuneta categorically stated her problems had nothing to do with her husband and that they were “OK.” She also said she had already gone through midlife crisis and apologized that she simply cannot talk about what she’s currently going through.

SF4

celebrityworld

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 8, 2017

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar

The one and only Superstar Nora Aunor and Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos tied for Best Actress during the Gabi ng Parangal at the recent 33rd Star Awards for Movies 2017 held at Resorts World Manila.

Young star Daniel Padilla bagged the Best Actor award for the movie “Barcelona: A Love Untold.”

During his acceptance speech, Daniel thanked his leading lady Kathryn Bernardo, who wasn’t present that night.

“Kumbaga sa boxing, si Kathryn ang sparring partner ko para marating ang ganitong tagumpay,” the actor said and then added, “Hindi ibig sabihin ng award na ito na magaling ako. Ibig sabihin nito na marami pa akong kakaining bigas para galingan ko pa.”

Daniel also received the award for Movie Love Team of the Year on behalf of Kathryn, for their popular KathNiel love team. They were able to beat Maine Mendoza and

Eddie Mesa, known as the Elvis Presley of the Philippines, returns to his home country after 25 years via a concert with his family on Saturday, September 23, at the Meralco Theater, Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City.

Eddie is shown in photo with his close friend, beauty impresario Ferdie Villar.

Young actor Daniel Padilla won Best Movie Actor of the Year at the recent Star Awards for Movies for his film, “Barcelona: A Love Untold.”

Superstar Nora Aunor, Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos win top honors at 33rd Star Awards for Movies

Veteran actor Tirso “Pip” Cruz III is back on the tube as one of the lead actors of The Filipino Channel’s popular teleserye, “Wildflower.”

Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos bagged the Best Actress Award in the recent Star Awards for Movies, tying with Superstar Nora Aunor.

Alden Richards (“Imagine You And Me”), Nadine Lustre and James Reid (“This Time”), Julia Barretto and Ronnie Alonte (“Vince And Kath And James”), Julia and Joshua Garcia (“Vince And Kath And James”), Jodi Sta. Maria and Ian Veneracion (“Achy Breaky heart”), as well as Jodi and Richard Yap (“Achy Breaky heart”).

Actor Joshua Garcia received the trophy for New

Movie Actor of the Year.

Other special award recipients are: Ulirang Alagad ng Pelikula sa Likod ng Kamera - Joel Lamangan Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award - Pen Medina Darling of the Press - Luis Manzano The full list of winners are: Movie Actress of the Year

Daniel Padilla also received the award for Movie Love Team of the Year on behalf of Kathryn Bernardo.

Actor Joshua Garcia received the trophy for New Movie Actor of the Year at this year’s Star Awards for Movies.

The one and only Philippine Superstar Nora Aunor won the Best Actress Award at this year’s Star Awards for Movies. She tied with Star for All Seasons Vilman Santos.

- Vilma Santos for “everything About her” and Nora Aunor for “Kabisera” Movie Actor of the Year - Daniel Padilla for “Barcelona: A Love Untold” Movie Supporting Actor of the Year - Xian Lim for “everything About her” Movie Supporting Actress of the Year - Ana Capri for “Laut” New Movie Actor of the Year - Joshua Garcia for “Vince, Kath & James” New Movie Actress of the Year - hasmine Killip for “Pamilya Ordinaryo” Child Performer of the Year - Rhed Bustamante for “Seklusyon” Indie Movie Director of the Year - eduardo Roy for “Pamilya Ordinaryo” Movie Director of the Year - Jun Robles Lana for “Die Beautiful” Indie Movie of the Year - “Pamilya Ordinaryo” Movie of the Year - “Die Beautiful” Indie Movie Theme Song of

the Year - “Pauwi Na” Movie Musical Scorer of the Year - “everything About her” Indie Movie Sound engineer of the Year - “Kusina” Movie Sound engineer of the Year - “Seklusyon” Indie Movie Original Theme Song of the Year “Panata” Movie Original Theme Song of the Year - “Imagine You and Me” Indie Movie Production Designer of the Year - “hapis at himagsik ni hermano Puli” Movie Production Designer of the Year - “Seklusyon” Indie Movie Cinematographer of the Year - “Sakaling Di Makarating” Movie Cinematographer of the Year - “Die Beautiful” Indie Movie editor of the Year - “Pamilya Ordinaryo” Movie editor of the Year - “Die Beautiful” Indie Movie Screenwriter of the Year - “Patay Na Si hesus” Movie Screenwriter of the Year - “Die Beautiful”

Andrew Zimmern calls Filipino Cesar Montano asks James Franco to visit PH food ‘America’s next big trend’

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

AWARD-WINNING American chef and TV host Andrew Zimmern has praised Filipino food anew as his new video explaining why Filipino food is “America’s next big trend” goes viral on social media.

In the video by Tech Insider and Business Insider, Zimmern said he has been telling people for years that Filipino food “will get more and more popular because of the variety of ingredients and the european techniques found in Filipino cuisine.”

According to him, America has been experimenting on cuisines from different ethnicities in the past three to four decades and Chinese, Thai, and Japanese food already had their season in the sun in America. It is therefore FIlipino food’s time in the spotlight.

“Their (Filipinos’) use of acidity, the quality of their food has the best of Asian cuisine and the best of sort of what happens when really good Asian food, island nation food brushes up against Spanish culture,” he expounded in the video. he said the Spanish has

This screenshot from “Bizaare Foods with Andrew Zimmern” shows the American TV host sampling Filipino food.

colonized the Philippines for almost 500 years (actually, it is over 300 years) at one point, “so the influence is heartfelt.” he thinks people are going into pre-colonial foods because Americans are now in love with pre-colonial foods from Mexico.

“Filipino food will help contribute more diversity into America’s world system,” he espoused.

It was in 2012 when the host of “Bizaare Foods with Andrew Zimmern” first said Filipino food will be the next big thing in America.

The new video, so far, has over two million views, 8,000 shares, and 11,000 likes on Facebook. It has reaped mixed reactions among local and foreign netizens. Some said Filipino food is too salty, sweet or greasy to be the next big thing in the U.S., while some praised it for being healthy because it involves a lot of vegetables.

To fuel Zimmern’s claim, some Filipinos commented that they want to go to America right now and put up a “turoturo” or a “jollijeep.” (Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo/ Philstar.com)

Getting to know more about...

From Page SF2 Until offers came, and I said to make sure he finishes school,” he shares. Piolo takes every chance to spend time with his son, including bringing him to school to enroll. “I like the fact that I am still able to send him to school, literally. I’d like him to value that.

To make him feel that I’m there for him, no matter what.”

8. On his new home in Alabang: “I moved in with my

mom, my sister, and my son has a room.”

“I know it’s a bit odd. Usually at 40, you’re starting a family of your own, married, with kids,” he laughs. “My mom cooks for us, that is what I missed. I look forward to waking up and knowing that she’s there. how she joins us for breakfast even if she’s already eaten. When I would come home I would always go to her room and greet her even if

she’s already asleep.

“I wouldn’t be where I am right now if not for my mom,” says the youngest of six siblings.

“My mom worked hard to make sure we had food on the table, that we had an education, even if she had a hard time. So I just want to do things that will make her happy. She forgot herself to be able to give us a better life.

Now, I tell her to enjoy life, that she doesn’t have to think about

A CLOSe friendship developed between Cesar Montano and James Franco while they were shooting the 2005 hollywood movie “The Great Raid” (with Joseph Fiennes among their co-stars) for several weeks in the jungles of Australia.

“I can’t forget when we were at a boot camp for two weeks,” Cesar recalled to Funfare. “That was before the shooting started. It was winter. One day, James and I were tasked to look for tick on each other’s head. We were partners. Luckily, we didn’t find any. We hadn’t taken a bath for two weeks and we could smell each other, hahaha!!!”

Cesar’s memory was refreshed when I told him that I was going to New York City to interview James for “The Deuce,” an eight-episode original drama series which premieres on Monday, Sept. 11, on hBO Go starting at 9 a.m. simultaneously with the U.S. debut. (While you are reading this, Your Funfarer should be having a one-on-one with James and co-star Maggie Gyllenhaal, along with the creators David Simon and David Pelecanos of the series directed by Michelle

us anymore.”

9. His mom Amy is not afraid to ask girls, “May boyfriend ka na ba? Etong anak ko, single pa.”

“On the plane, to flight attendants, yeah,” Piolo reveals.

“Or even in restaurants when she meets with her kumares.

‘O, the daughter of my kumare, she’s single, she’s a Christian, you wanna date her?’ Or she’d tell me, ‘Anak, magka-baby ka na,” he says laughing.

“My pastor would always tell me, ‘The more you delay it, the

James Franco was nothing but praises for Cesar Montano, with whom he worked on the 2005 Hollywood movie The Great Raid. ‘He’s a very serious actor,’ said James of Cesar, ‘and a very, very nice guy.’

MacLaren. More on them in future issues.)

Titled after the local slang for New York’s fabled 42nd Street, The Deuce chronicles that moment in time when sex went from being a back-alley, brown-paper-bag commodity to a billion-dollar universal attraction in American life, a moment when ground zero for the earliest pioneers in the flesh trade was the midtown heart of the nation’s largest city, the New York’s Times Square.

In episode 1, James is introduced in dual roles as brothers Vincent and Frankie Martino, one a double-shifting bartend-

er with two kids and a wayward wife in Brooklyn, and the other an insouciant gambler with piling mob debts. They navigate their way through the roughand-tumble world of 1971 Time Square.

While Vincent plots ways to improve his situation and pay off his brother’s debt, he crosses paths with other midtown denizens including two veteran hookers (one of them Candy, played by Maggie), young streetwalkers, smooth-talking pimps as they ply their trades under the not-so-watchful eye of the NYPD. Continued on Page SF7

more you enjoy being single,’ and that’s what’s happening right now. Not for anything, but I have my hands full. And I believe that it will happen in God’s perfect time,” Piolo says about settling down.

10. Piolo’s advice to those at the start of their own careers, in any industry: “Even if you want to be the best that you can be, you have to be compassionate and know there are other people who want to be successful as well.

“It is never just about you.

If you want to co-exist, you have to make sure that you can adjust. You have to learn to make way for other people to shine as well,” Piolo explains. “I grew up competing with myself. I never had any problem with peer pressure, or if somebody’s becoming more popular or getting more adulation. It’s applicable to all the things that I do. To advance in life, you compete with yourself. Because you’re bound to hurt yourself if you compare yourself with another person’s success.”

entertainment

SF5

Weaving peace and dreams: Textile arts of Mindanao Shaina & Denise after The Better Half The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 8, 2017

The Mills Building and Tower, 220 Montgomery/220 Bush, San Francisco September 18 – November 24, 2017 Lobby Hours: 5am to 6pm, Monday to Friday Saturday Tours: By appointment only Please see the website for scheduled tours.

From September 18 to November 24, 2017, The Hinabi Project (THP) brings to San Francisco a unique collection of textile work from the island of Mindanao, The Philippines, curated in the historic Craftsman The Mills Building & Tower in San Francisco, California.

This work comes from the Mindanao weaving communities of -- Bagobo, B’laan, Higaonon, Magindanao, Mandaya, Maranao, T’boli, Tausug, and Yakan. Traditional weaving was circumscribed by much ritual and ceremonies of the life cycle — birth, marriage, death — and the fabrics produced were meant to address these ceremonial needs. Weaving was also a contemplative and peaceful endeavor for the women in these communities.

Contemporary weavers now struggle with traditional needs and the demands of local and tourist markets, marked by social and political conditions less conducive to the peaceful production of these fabrics. With this trans-

formation in the continuity of indigenous weaving traditions, the legacy of heritable designs and techniques, and the self-pride and worth of work is a cause for concern.

THP hopes to highlight the possibility of evolving newer concepts of design and work through this exhibition, thereby to encourage other designers, weaving artisans with inspired pupils, and scholars to talk about their future direction. The goal is not just the survival of weaving craft but also the sustainability and continuation of a living tradition by people with rich intellectual and deep artistic knowledge of their craft in this age of commodification, conflict, and globalization.

As part of the exhibition

launch, the National Commission for Culture & the Arts of the Philippines (NCCA) is sponsoring dancers from these weaving communities to perform at several San Francisco venues.

THP: The Hinabi Project The Art of Philippine Textiles, a project of PAWA, Inc., seeks to increase awareness of and appreciation for the exquisite and rich traditions of Philippine weavings and textiles through public exhibits and educational workshops & lectures. THP seeks support as it encourages weavers, embroiderers, and designers of traditional Filipino textiles to continue working on their crafts and thus maintain these traditions. Curators: Anthony Cruz Legarda and Edwin Lozada, with the assistance of Kerri C. Hurtado.

For more information, contact: Edwin Lozada, THP Director//Christina Laskowski, THP Program Mgr. Partners: The Philippine Consulate-General of San Francisco, Department of Tourism—Philippines, National Commission for Culture & the Arts of the Philippines, NonForest Timber Products—EP Philippines, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, The Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles in Berkeley, Artsource Consulting of San Francisco.

Sam Milby, Iñigo Pascual bring joy to Pistahan Parade and Festival 2017 THE last event of summer in ABS-CBN North America’s “TFC SamaSaya” series—the 24th Pistahan Parade and Festival organized by the Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE)—received strong support not only from Filipino-American media but from mainstream American media in the Bay Area.

KQED wittily called it a welcome “dose of Filipino culture… a soiree of Filipino food, art, and music at the Yerba Buena Gardens” where the “marvelous aroma of adobo and lechon” drew people away from “the smell of coffee, weed, and other things in San Francisco.”

Meanwhile, the Bay Area Reporter called the event as “entertaining as it is meaningful.”

NBC Bay Area’s “Asian Pacific America with Robert Handa” featured FAAE President Al Perez who said that Pistahan has been successful because it is “a way to reconnect with Filipino roots, a place to meet new friends, reunite with old friends, enjoy the best of Philippine entertainment and experience Filipino arts, culture and food.”

Entertaining the crowd in this year’s festivity were singer-actors Sam Milby and Iñigo Pascual.

(ManilaTimes.net)

Glorioso Philstar.com

EVEN while televiewers are hankering for more intense drama and suspense scenes in “The Better Half” (TBH), the ABS-CBN’s hit afternoon soap is coming to a close this week.

According to its female lead stars Shaina Magdayao and Denise Laurel, their characters Camille and Bianca, respectively, have so many emotionally-draining moments — from the very start until their last two taping days — that perhaps, as Shaina put it, have already affected their health. That’s why both of them wish to take a much-needed rest as soon as the soap airs its finale episode.

“Parang kasi ‘yung katawan ko, I feel na wear and tear because I started working at a very young age,” begins Shaina. “I think it started last year when I renewed my contract and promised myself to be serious with my work. It’s not that I wasn’t serious before but this time, I felt more passionate since hindi mga birong proyekto ang naibibigay sa akin, especially when they pitched this project to me.

“From the (soap’s) very beginning, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Sa simula pa lang baliw-baliwan na si Camille because she couldn’t bear the loss of her husband, so lahat ng klaseng breakdown ginawa na ni Camille and there’s more to go.”

Her role has challenged her so much that it somehow took a toll on her body. “So, I guess at this point in my life na mas seryoso (ako), it’s not Shaina whom you see crying but my character and I think (it) shows in my health at hindi pa masyado na maganda na natapat din na nagka-hypothyroid ako.”

And though she knew health issues usually required a lifestyle change, it would seem impossible for actors whose schedules are unpredictable.

For her body to compensate for

There’s no let-up on emotionally-draining scenes for Shaina Magdayao (left) and Denise Laurel until their soap’s finale episode. The ABS-CBN afternoon series is now on its last week of airing.

the “abnormalities” of showbiz life, the Kapamilya actress tries to hit the sack early every after taping day to get the muchneeded eight hours of sleep.

“If you notice, I haven’t appeared in ‘ASAP’ lately because I took a leave. It’s really tough to be a dancer (in the Sunday afternoon variety show) and at the same time to be Camille (in TBH). Gusto ko munang ibigay ang 110 percent ko sa soap.”

And as much as she wants to take a longer break after TBH, several projects are already lined up for her, which she considers as an early birthday present from God. Shaina will be turning 28 on Nov. 6.

Perhaps by this time, Shaina is already in Singapore to start shooting for a film under director Lav Diaz. From there, she will head straight to Siargao for the launching of her Smile Cares Foundation.

“The Lord doesn’t want me to take a rest,” quips Shaina who will buckle down to work for her new soap under Dreamscape Entertainment as soon as she returns to Manila.

“So how can you afford to rest when you are given such beautiful projects? Kaya ‘yun po puro pasasalamat. On my birthday, I will go to Italy, kay Padre Pio, to give thanks for having a wonderful second

quarter this year.”

Denise, on the other hand, admits to have gone through several trying times while doing the soap.

“I came from a cancer scare.

I came from an engagement break-up... and then I’m playing somebody as complicated and as crazy as Bianca. There were definitely times when I thought I could no longer take anything more but I think the show had shown me how much I can truly endure and (what to) appreciate and be thankful for.”

Denise has been earning positive comments from televiewers and netizens for her effective portrayal of a woman whose deep love for a man turns into an obsession and leads her to do insane acts.

The show, Denise adds, certainly made her stronger yet it’s now nearing its end. It will be an opportune time for her to take a rest to, in her own words, “get my body back. I think I gained about 30 pounds during the show so I’m just gonna be working out, getting my freshness back. So, after nito, papaganda muna ako ng very light.”

In a recent report, Denise said she is set to undergo surgery to remove a cyst from her breast. She went on to say that her cyst is benign but still she wants it removed.

:8IG< ;@<D Sam Milby continues to solidify his ‘Rockoustic King’ title at Pistahan.

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JK8E; FLK =IFD K?< G8:B% 8J@8E AFLIE8CËJ GIF=<JJ@FE8C J<IM@:<J ;@I<:KFIP# n`cc efn Y\ ilee`e^ n\\bcp# \m\ip =i`[Xp f] Efik_\ie :Xc`]fie`X <[`k`fe%

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Cesar Montano asks James Franco...

From Page SF4 It’s a demanding role fit for Cesar who will surely enjoy watching how his good friend James will tackle it. Since “The Great Raid,” the friends have gone a long way. Cesar resumed doing action flicks back home and then starring in TV soaps, and is now head of Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).

James went on to get bigger breaks — as the titular role in the James Dean biopic that won him a Golden Globe Best Actor in a Motion Picture Made for Television and a nomination for an Emmy and a Screen Actors Guild Award; playing the villainous Harry Osborne in the Spider-Man franchise and myriad other characters, while pursuing a course in English (specializing in fiction-writing) at UCLA. “James is a committed and passionate artist,” noted Cesar, “and a good man, too. I knew that he would go a long way and certainly leave a huge mark in the industry.”

When Funfare interviewed James in 2007 during the “Spider-Man” junket in Japan, I asked him about his impression of Cesar.

“He’s a very serious actor,” said James, “and a very, very nice guy. Before we began

by Bot

filming ‘Great Raid,’ we had to do two weeks of boot-camping training in the wilderness with other actors playing soldiers.

Cesar is a very sweet man. I heard that he’s running for a public office.” (Flashback: Cesar did run not just once but twice, first for senator and then for governor of Bohol, but luck was not in his favor.)

“I smile when I remember that boot camp,” added Cesar.

“We would jog five miles every morning. We were trained to live in the jungle and taught how to stage an ambush and other tactics. We addressed each other not by our real names but by the names of our characters. I played Capt. Juan Pajota, a guerilla, and James played Capt. Prince.”

After the shoot, James sent Cesar a letter (being reprinted here from that 2007 story) that read: Cesar, I wanted to let you know what a joy it is to work with you. Your reputation preceded you and you have done nothing but fulfill the excellent name you made for yourself. You and the rest of your squad are a pleasure to work with and a pleasure to be around. I appreciate greatly your work ethic and the wonderful, easy spirit that each of you possesses. I am

honored and grateful to be on this movie with you.

“I’m looking forward to working with James again,” said Cesar. “I have three offers for him: 1). to host/narrate a documentary series for Discovery Channel, to be shot in the Philippines; it will showcase our country’s tourist destinations; 2). I’m inviting him to do an ocular tour in the Philippines which could be a perfect location for his next movie, The Bells of Balangiga, which he’s directing; I can be his second unit director; and 3). To star in a romantic-comedy with Manny Pacquiao, “Asia’s Next Top Model” Maureen Wroblewitz and Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, which is about a Filipina tourist guide helping a brokenhearted traveler enjoy his stay in the Philippines.”

Then, addressing James, Cesar added, “It was indeed such an honor working with you, Capt. Prince.”

Asked what his message was to James, Cesar texted this: “Please tell James that anytime he wants to come to the Philippines, I will assist him and show him around. I will sponsor his visit.” (Signed Capt. Pajota) Message relayed…promptly!

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T he Asian Jo ur na l SF M A G A Z I NE - Sept embe r 8 , 2 0 1 7

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