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AFP assures Filipinos: We will uphold democracy

by MICHAEL

PUNONGBAYAN Philstar.com

MANILA — Forty-five years after the declaration of martial law by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has assured Filipinos of its commitment to uphold democracy. “We must remember that the martial law of today is not the same as the martial law of yesterday,� AFP spokesperson Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said on Wednesday, Sept. 20. “On the eve of the anniversary of the declaration of martial law of 1972, the AFP passes on its assurance to the people that we abide fully by all the principles of our democratic IT BEGINS. Members of various groups attempt to break through a barricade way of life and that allowing vindictiveness to set up by policemen near the Department of Justice (DOJ) building in Manila rule will not be productive,� he added. on Tuesday, Sept. 19. The groups held a rally to protest the killing of drug

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Senate GOP makes last-ditch effort to repeal Obamacare New bill gives states more autonomy over health care funding, slashes Medicaid funding

THIS year, congressional Republicans have been looking to act on its years-long party pledge of repealing the Affordable Healthcare Act (aka Obamacare) by implementing the party’s own health care bill.

In March, the House proposed the American Health Care Act (AHCA), which would have repealed major parts of Obamacare and would have left 23 million Americans uninsured, failed to garner majority support and

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suspects.

ManilaTimes.net photo by rene Dilan

PLAYING LOLO. President Rodrigo Duterte holds his grandson Marko, as the boy’s mother, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio looks on at the sidelines of the national convention for public attorneys held at the Manila Hotel on Monday, Sept. 18.

ManilaTimes.net photo

Trillanes tells Duterte: ‘You’re checkmate’

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

MANILA - With his alleged Singapore bank accounts proven to be non-existent, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said it’s now checkmate for his accuser, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. “Mr. Duterte, pusoy ka na.

Checkmate ka na. Wag ka na magpalusot (Mr. Duterte Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV Inquirer.net photo it’s checkmate. Stop making

excuses),� said Trillanes, who has been highly critical of the president.

On Monday, September 18, Trillanes flew to Singapore to personally disprove the chief executive’s allegations that the senator has millions of undeclared wealth in several foreign accounts.

Duterte earlier claimed that the opposition senator owns a bank account at the branch of DBS Bank in Alexandra Retail

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it has not received any reports of Filipino casualties in the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Mexico on Tuesday, September 19.

More than 200 people were killed and a still undetermined number of individuals were injured in the powerful tremor that toppled buildings in the country, including the heavily damaged Philippine Embassy in Mexico.

The embassy occupies the first two floors of an eight-story office building in the CuauhtĂŠmoc neighborhood near the city center.

Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Eduardo de Vega said all the embassy staff were able get out of the building unhurt when debris started to fall. They were also able to check the condition of the 60-member Filipino community in Mexico City. “We are all a bit shaken but otherwise all of us from the embassy are all right,�

De Vega said in a message to Philippine

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by DANA

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land; the Cayman Islands; and the British Virgin Islands.

But in a statement on Tuesday, September 19, Trillanes said the bank teller of DBS Bank in Alexandra Retail Center, Singapore, confirmed that “no such accounts exist� when he inquired about the bank accounts mentioned by Duterte.

The senator added that he also inquired if there was an account, either existing or

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DFA: No Filipino casualties Filipina appointed to Trump admin’s Community in deadly Mexico quake Development Advisory Board

Filipino veterans of WWII to be given highest honor by Cayetano to discuss PH drug war before UN Congress in October A R O U N D 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers fought Axis powers during World War II, helping bring the U.S. and Allied forces to victory. Now over seven decades later, Filipino veterans of World War II will officially be honored with a Congressional Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) Gold Medal.

Photo from House.gov On Wednesday, October 25, Filipino veterans of World War II will be presented the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor the U.S. can bestow, by leaders of the U.S. House and Senate in honor of their services and sacrifices during the war.

Center in Singapore, containing “193,000.� The president did not specify the currency of the said amount.

According to Duterte, the senator’s alleged account with the DBS in Singapore is numbered 178000296012 and is under the name “Antonio F. Trillanes.�

The president also accused the senator of having several accounts in Shanghai, China; Zurich and Geneva, Switzer-

SIOSON AJPress

MANILA - Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano is set to discuss the Philippine government’s campaign against illegal drugs before the United Nations (UN) on Saturday, September 23.

Cayetano will represent Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the upcoming 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

He is expected to deliver the chief executive’s message for the international community to unite against terrorism, nuclear weapons and other common threats.

During the event, Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN Teodoro Locsin, Jr. said Cayetano will also discuss the need to address the threats posed by the Islamic State, as well as the continuing missile test launches and detonations by North Korea.

Likewise, the Philippines’ top diplomat will share the government’s efforts in protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of Filipino migrant workers.

by AJPRESS U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his intent to appoint a Filipina community leader to a key administration post, the White House announced on Friday, Sept. 15.

Faith Bautista, the president and CEO of the National Diversity Coalition (NDC) and the National Asian American Coalition (NAAC), will be appointed as a member of the Community Development Advisory Board, which advises the U.S. Treasury Department’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CFDI) Fund on policies and activities.

Bautista will serve a term of four years on the board.

The CDFI Fund was created to promote economic development and revitalization in America’s underserved and

distressed low-income communities.

Through its programs and resources, the CDFI Fund supports real estate developments, businesses, health care facilities, workforce training centers, and jobs in urban and ru-

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Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano Philstar.com photo

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According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Cayetano’s participation in this annual event marks his first appearance in the world stage since he assumed as Secretary of Foreign Affairs earlier in June.

The UN has repeatedly condemned the Philippine government’s crackdown on

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Faith Bautista

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SEPTEMBER 22-28, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

AFP assures Filipinos...

PAGE A1 t With protest actions expected to be held in various parts of Metro Manila and other parts of the country today, the AFP said it respects the right of the people to peaceful assembly that is enshrined in the Constitution.

“It is a right that we are dutybound to protect as part of our mandated duty. This is part and parcel of our democratic way of life,” Padilla added.

But the AFP reminded protesters that the right to peaceful assembly must be availed of responsibly and must not unduly disturb the right of others to carry on their lawful business.

“We then admonish those participating in such exercises to make sure that they do not unduly impede traffic, ensure they do not destroy public and private property and respect those who do not wish to participate,”

Padilla said.

President Duterte has declared Sept. 21 as a National Day of Protest in recognition of the people’s right to peaceful assembly and freedom to express their grievances against the government.

Malacañang did not declare Sept. 21 a holiday but has cancelled classes in all public schools and work in government offices under the executive branch. n

Trillanes tells Duterte...

PAGE A1 t closed, under the names “Antonio F. Trillanes IV” or “Antonio F. Trillanes.”

“Ang sagot muli ng teller ay (The teller responded), ‘No such accounts exist.’ Ito ay narinig at nasaksihan ng ilang media reporters na kasama ko sa pagtatanong ko sa bank teller (This was heard and witnessed by media reporters who accompanied me in inquiring the bank teller ),” Trillanes said.

The senator also tried to go to a branch of Hongkong Shanghai Bank Raffles but said such bank office does not exists.

Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson and broadcaster Erwin Tulfo previously shared a post from media site “Davao Breaking News” saying Trillanes opened an account with “Hongkong Shanghai Bank” in its Raffles Branch in Singapore on July 2013.

“Pinuntahan naman namin ang HSBC sa Raffles Blvd. pero ATM lang ang meron doon (We

then checked the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation at Raffles Blvd. but there’s only an ATM machine there). A quick check at the HSBC Singapore website showed that there is no HSBC Raffles Branch,” Trillanes added.

He then claimed that unfounded accusations against him were just a way to divert attention from the allegations that the president’s son, Paolo Duterte, and son-in-law, Manases Carpio, were involved in drug smuggling.

“Maliwanag na nagsisinungaling si Duterte at gawa gawa lang nila ang mga paratang niya na meron akong mga foreign bank accounts (It’s clear that Duterte is lying about his accusations that I own foreign bank accounts),” he said.

‘I made it up’ But hours after the senator debunked the president’s claim, Duterte admitted that he intentionally announced the wrong account number to “fool”

Trillanes.

In a live interview on staterun PTV-4, Duterte said that the 178000296012 he previously mentioned was was merely a “product of his mind.”

“Trillanes, ganito ‘yan: Ang actual account number from Mocha and Erwin is 1178000281602.

Binasa ko. Binawasan ko ng number. Wala ito imbento lang (Trillanes, this is how it goes: The actual account number from Mocha and Erwin is 1178000281602.

I read it. I cut a number. I made it up),” the president said.

He then laughed at the senator for going to Singapore “out of desperate attempt” to disprove his claims.

“Kita mo siya ngayon (Look at him). He’s desperate. Pumunta ng Singapore, mag-gastos lang para propaganda lang (He went to Singapore and spend for a propaganda),” Duterte added.

In response, Trillanes said: “Buti naman umamin siya na sinungaling siya (Good thing he admitted that he’s a liar).” n

PHILIPPINE COCONUT AUTHORITY. Senator Cynthia Villar, chair of the Senate Finance Subcommittee B, reviews some documents before the start of a Senate hearing looking into the proposed 2018 budget of the Philippine Coconut Authority on Tuesday, September 19. The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) will get a P1.4-billion allocation for 2018, bulk of which will be used to promote planting of more coconut trees nationwide.

Senate photo by Alex Nuevaespaña

Filipina appointed to Trump admin’s...

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ral areas across the county.

NAAC is a HUD-approved homeowner, small business and consumer advocacy organization serving the country’s 18 million Asian Americans, and the NDC is an organization of community organizers, faith-based leaders, nonprofit directors, and business owners working collectively for greater financial equality and empowerment for underserved groups. The organization works

DFA: No Filipino casualties...

PAGE A1 t Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.

In a statement, Cayetano offered his sympathy and prayers to Mexico.

“The people of Mexico are again in our thoughts and prayers today,” the Philippines’ top diplomat said. “We offer our sympathies to the Mexican Government and to those who lost their loved ones in this tragedy.”

According to the United States Geological Survey, the magnitude 7.1 quake was centered near the Puebla state town of Raboso, about 76 miles (123 kilometers) southeast of Mexico City.

This came around two weeks after a powerful 8.1 magnitude quake hit the country last September 7, killing 90 people.

It also falls on the 32nd anniversary of the deadliest quake that hit Mexico and left roughly 10,000 people dead in 1985.

The U.S. government also extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the incident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Mexico affected by today’s 7.1-magnitude earthquake and other recent natural disasters. We stand ready to provide assistance should our neighbors request our help,” U.S. State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said.

“Our embassy in Mexico City has sent out public messages to U.S. citizens in Mexico, and the embassy stands ready to provide consular assistance to any U.S. citizens who may have been affected,” she added.

with corporate and government leaders to advocate for opportunities in homeownership, small business, and financial literacy for all groups.

Under both NDC and NAAC, Bautista advocates in the halls of Congress, in the California legislature and in front of key federal legislators, such as the Federal Reserve, FDIC, OCC, FHFA, FTC, FCC and SEC and among America’s Fortune 500 corporations, as a major voice for the Asian

American community. She is a member of the Office of Thrift Supervision Minority Depository Institutions Advisory Committee and sits on the Low-Income Oversight Board for the California Public Utilities Commission.

Faith is the host of “Owning a Piece of America,” a television program that focuses on financial and consumer education, lifestyle and health education, and community and government relations. n

Filipino veterans of WWII...

PAGE A1 t As previously reported by the Asian Journal, only around 18,000 of the Filipino WWII veterans are still alive today. An estimated 2,000 to 6,000 are still living in the U.S. “The United States is indebted to the service, bravery, and perseverance of Filipino veterans of World War II. Their sacrifices were left untold in the United States for decades, as they fought for recognition by the country they served,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), who first introduced the bill to the chamber in 2015.

“I am proud that we can correct the record today, and finally honor the service and sacrifice of these heroes and their families, and ensure they are never forgotten.”

Senator Mazie K. Hirono (DHawaii), who also introduced the bill, called the medal presentation a “culmination of decades of work to honor these veterans for their service to our country.”

“These veterans and their families overcame many challenges in their fight for compensation, family reunification, and verification of wartime service. I look forward to participating in the ceremony to provide this long overdue recognition next month,” said Hirono.

The Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Medal Act of 2015, also known as S. 1555, was signed into law by former President Barack Obama on December 15, 2016.

The bill secured the complete approval from Congress on Nov. 30, 2016, after it was passed by the United States House of Representatives where it received 312 co-sponsors. Pushing for the bill in the House were Gabbard, Rep. Judy Chu (D-California), and former Rep. Mike Hon-

da (D-California).

Gabbard said on the Congress floor prior to the House voting, “These loyal and courageous soldiers suffered, sacrificed, fought, and gave their lives alongside their American counterparts throughout the war.”

“We’ve waited far too long to recognize these heroes who deserve this honor.”

The Senate first made a unanimous vote to approve the bill on July 13, 2016 — sponsors included Hirono, Dean Heller (R-Nevada), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and former Senator Harry Reid (D-Nevada).

Upon the success of the Senate’s vote, Minister and Consul Patrick Chuasoto of the Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, D.C, called it a “significant step forward in the long battle for due recognition of our veterans who courageously fought side by side with the Americans in the defense of freedom and democracy.”

Among other ethnic military groups that have been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal are the Tuskegee airmen, the Navajo Code Talkers, and the Women Air Service Pilots among others, according to Cecilia Gaerlan, founder and executive director of the Bataan Legacy Historical Society, as previously stated by the Asian Journal.

Taking part in the October 25 bipartisan and bicameral ceremony are House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York), and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-California). The ceremony will take place in the Emancipation Hall in Washington D.C. at 11:00 a.m. EST and will be live streamed on speaker.gov/live.

(Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

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Dateline USa

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 22-28, 2017

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California drug price bill sweeping in scope, lacking in muscle A CALIFORNIA bill headed to the governor’s desk may be the most sweeping effort in the nation to shine a light on drug pricing, but it lacks the muscle being applied in other states to directly hold those prices down.

The idea behind the law is that if everyone knows when and why prices are rising, political leaders eventually will be more empowered to challenge those increases.

“Transparency is a longerterm play. It’s about building political will, getting more information and helping build the case for the changes that we need” in order to have more sustainable drug prices, said Ted Lee, a senior fellow at Yale University’s Global Health Justice Partnership, which recently released a report on steps states can take to reduce drug prices.

Some experts have said transparency alone is not enough to bring down drug prices, and more extensive changes are needed.

“We need really far-reaching reforms that say ‘sorry, pharma, we’ve had enough. We’re not going to do it your way. We’re going to do it our way,’” said Peter Maybarduk, director of the Global Access to Medicines Program at Public Citizen, a consumer watchdog group. The group wants sweeping changes at the federal level that would reduce spending on drugs, such as allowing Medicare to negotiate prices with drug companies and limiting market exclusivity on certain pharmaceuticals.

The California measure would put a spotlight on drug prices from different angles, imposing reporting obligations on both insurers and drug manufacturers.

The campaign for the bill brought together some unlikely political allies in the California State Capitol this year: Consumer advocates, insurers, employer groups, labor unions and even a prominent billionaire environmentalist shared the same platforms at press conferences,

Photo courtesy of Kaiser Health News

urging legislators to force drug manufacturers to disclose and justify their high prices.

Gov. Jerry Brown has about a month to decide whether to sign the bill. Brown rarely comments publicly about legislation before he takes action, but a spokesman, Brian Ferguson, said the governor’s office had worked closely with legislative staff on the bill.

The pharmaceutical industry remains fiercely opposed to the legislation and has vowed to lobby the governor against it.

The measure “will not improve the accessibility or affordability of medicines for patients,” Priscilla VanderVeer, deputy vice president of public affairs for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), said in an email.

Under the proposed law, pharmaceutical companies would be required to give state agencies and insurers 60 days’ notice if they planned a price increase of more than 16 percent over two years on drugs with a wholesale cost of $40 or higher. And they would have to explain the reasons for the increase.

Manufacturers would also have to report the introduction of certain high-priced drugs to market, explain their marketing plans for the product and say if it is an improvement on drugs that are already available.

Health plans would be obliged to report to state regulators on

Senate GOP makes last-ditch...

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was viewed as too restricting.

Republicans then amended the AHCA and reintroduced it in June as the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017. In July, the Senate rejected the bill, along with its scaled-back “skinny repeal” version.

Despite failure to garner support for each incarnation of the bill, Republicans are not giving up just yet.

The latest edition of the GOP health bill comes from Republican senators Lindsey Graham (RS.C.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Dean Heller (R-N.V.) and Ron Johnson (R-W.I.) who on Wednesday, September 13, released a new draft that is looking for a vote within the next two weeks.

The bill, which has been nicknamed “Graham-Cassidy,” would repeal “the structure and architecture of Obamacare and replaces it with a block grant given annually to states,” according to a statement released by Graham.

That essentially means that states are given more control over the allocation of funds to “best take care of the unique health care needs of the patients in each state.”

It would also eliminate Obamacare’s individual insurance mandate and drastically scale back its expansion on Medicaid.

Graham-Cassidy represents a last minute effort to propose a GOP answer to Obamacare as the party’s power to pass a health care bill through a party-line vote expires on September 30.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, along with fellow congressional GOP leaders, haven’t made a decision on the bill, but he indicated that if the bill gains the support of 50 of the 52 Republican senators, he will bring the bill to the floor for consideration.

The announcement comes just days after Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and 16 Senate Democrats introduced a Medicare for All bill that proposes to expand the federal government’s role in the American health care system, as the Asian Journal previously reported.

Obamacare advocates acknowledged the program’s pitfalls but spoke of its potential if given the chance to refine the current system.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the nation’s largest nonpartisan organization for Americans 50 and older, criticized Graham-Cassidy for eliminating tax credits that help all consumers, especially older ones, afford insurance premiums.

Nearly 6.1 million Americans aged 50-64 get their coverage through states’ health insurance exchanges, and 3.2 million of those consumers are now eligible

to receive tax credits for health insurance coverage, which reduce premium and out-of-pocket expenses.

The AARP released a statement on Tuesday, September 19, and said that Graham-Cassidy would “undermine the consumer protections which millions of Americans have benefitted from and rely on today,” also denouncing its proposal to cut Medicaid, which covers more than 17.4 million Americans.

According to the AARP’s Public Policy Institute, Graham-Cassidy would slash between $1.2 trillion and $3.2 trillion in Medicaid spending over the next two decades, which could force states to cut back on home and community-based services or reduce eligibility for coverage.

“Changing Medicaid into a per capita cap financing or block grant structure would endanger the health, safety, and care of millions of individuals who depend on the essential services provided through Medicaid,” the AARP said. “We urge to vote NO on [Graham-Cassidy] and instead ask the Senate to continue its work through the bipartisan market stabilization efforts.”

Before the election, Americans were almost evenly divided on the ACA — 46 percent approved of the ACA while 51 percent disapproved, according to an October 2016 poll from Pew Research.

However, according to an ABC/ Washington Post poll released in 2017, 61 percent of Americans said they’d prefer if lawmakers kept Obamacare intact and work on improving the program. Moreover, 79 percent said that President Donald Trump — who has made it a priority to repeal and replace Obamacare — should try to make Obamacare work instead of letting it fail.

Anthony Wright, executive director of consumer health advocacy coalition Health Access, said that improving the current healthcare system offers a host of benefits for different communities, including immigrants and lower-income families that depend on programs like Medicaid, which was expanded in 2016 through Obamacare.

“We’re not looking just to maintain [Obamacare], but to make improvements,” Wright said in a press call in August.

“We need improvements in the way of extended care to immigrant children, approval to extend Medicaid to young adults regardless of citizenship status, getting better transparency over prescription drug process…if we could maintain that, and not have these egregious cuts, we can focus on steps moving forward and ways to improve on the current system.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

the drugs with the highest annual cost increases and document how much drug spending factored into their premiums.

Yale’s Lee said both price control and transparency laws play important roles in regulating prescription drug costs. Ellen Albritton, a senior policy analyst at Families USA, said transparency measures such as California’s bill are a “key part” of what is needed for the U.S. to get drug prices under control. She said various actions by states, taken together, build the case for federal action.

This year, at least two states have passed laws that tackle high drug prices head-on and may have a more immediate effect on consumer costs than the California measure, Lee said.

Maryland and New York, for example, passed laws this year that use a variety of legal levers to impose financial penalties or require discounts if prices are

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COASTAL CLEANUP. Miss Philippines - Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco (3rd from right) and Miss Philippines - Air 2017 Kim de Guzman (2nd from left) along with Mr. Perkin So, AVP for Operations of SM Supermalls (right) and Jhon Gomez (left), mall manager of SM By the Bay, lead participants from various agencies and the private sector in the International Coastal Cleanup 2017 at the SM By the Bay, Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Cayetano to discuss PH drug war...

PAGE A1 t narcotics over its linked alleged summary killings and human rights abuses.

Just last week, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said he is “gravely concerned” about Duterte’s “open support for a shoot-to-kill policy” against crime suspects.

But in response, Malacañang said that Al Hussein’s claims run counter to what Duterte has ordered, stressing that Duterte

“has categorically and repeatedly said that there is no shootto-kill order.”

Other meetings Locsin said Cayetano will also attend the 4th ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Pacific Alliance Foreign Ministers Meeting; the 41st Annual Meeting for Foreign Ministers of the Group of 77; and the ASEANMercosur Foreign Ministers Meeting.

In addition, Cayetano is expected to host an informal

ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting and attend the bloc’s meeting with the president of the 72nd UN General assembly and the UN Secretary General.

Cayetano will likewise have bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Belgium, Colombia, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Morocco, Norway, Poland, the United Arab Emirates and the Vatican.

According to Consul General Maria Theresa De Vega of the Philippine Consulate General in New York, Cayetano will also speak before the Asia Society and meet with members of the Filipino community. n

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SEPTEMBER 22-28, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

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State Assembly passes Prime Time Primary bill US postpones the to make California count in presidential election delivery of rifles to PH Senate Bill 568 will move primary to first Tuesday in March

SACRAMENTO – The California Assembly voted on Friday, September 15, to approve the Prime Time Primary (Senate Bill 568), which will advance California’s presidential primary from one of the last in the nation to one of the first.

Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) is author of SB 568,

and principal co-author and Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Kevin Mullin (D-San Mateo) presented the bill in the Assembly.

Secretary of State Alex Padilla is the sponsor of the Prime Time Primary.

The Prime Time Primary would move the statewide primary to the first Tuesday after

the first Monday in March during a presidential election year.

The California primary has traditionally been held in June, at the tail end of the primary schedule.

Last year only the District of Columbia held a later election.

“Moving California’s presidential primary to March from June means candidates in both parties can’t treat immigration, climate change, criminal justice reform and investing in jobs and innovation like afterthoughts, as they did too often in 2016,” said Senator Ricardo Lara (DBell Gardens). “The prime time primary will lift up the voices of Californians on issues where we are leading the nation if not the world.”

“Voter empowerment and engagement has been and continues to be a cornerstone of my legislative agenda,” Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Kevin Mullin said. “Voters tend to be more engaged in the process when there is a candidate or initiative they are passionate about. Making California part of the early presidential primary process, gives voters a more prominent voice. SB 568 will benefit all Californians regardless of party affiliation and make California count and provide our voters a

prominent voice in the selection of our presidential candidates.”

“Too often California is relegated to serving as a political ATM for presidential candidates.

Moving up California’s primary will strengthen the voice of California voters in the presidential nominating process,” Secretary of State Alex Padilla said. “The Prime time Primary Act has received bipartisan support, and will help ensure that issues important to Californians are prioritized by presidential candidates from all political parties.”

SB 568 must be voted on by the Senate, where it previously passed 32-6 with bipartisan support, before going to Governor Brown.

The goal of Senate Bill 568 is to put California’s presidential primary election in the top tier of states after Iowa and New Hampshire. Last year 10 states including Texas and Virginia held their primary on March 1, known as Super Tuesday.

Senate Bill 568 also consolidates the state and presidential primary votes and moves up the primary election to March in non-presidential years to boost voter engagement, reduce costs for local elections and limit voter confusion. n

THE United States has put on hold the delivery of thousands of rifles to the Philippines due to concerns over the drug war killings and alleged human rights violations in the country.

This was according to Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Director General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Tuesday, September 19, during the Senate hearing on the proposed budget for 2018 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the PNP. “The recent predicament that we have [is that we have] 27,000 [rifles] supposedly ready for delivery to the PNP – Sig Sauer basic assault rifles, 5.56,” Gamboa said. Sig Sauer is a firearms manufacturer based in the U.S. “The U.S. State Department has put on hold the delivery of thousands of basic assault rifles to the Philippine National Police (PNP) because of alleged human rights violations linked to the war on drugs in the country,” the PNP official added.

According to Gamboa, the Philippine government had not yet paid the purchase. He noted, however, that the police may have to conduct a new bidding process to purchase weapons as it already obligated

the funds.

Last year, Washington reportedly halted its firearms transaction with Manila after U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed his intention to oppose it.

Cardin cited the supposed thousands of extrajudicial killings linked with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial campaign against illegal drugs as grounds to halt the deal.

Hitting back at Washington, Duterte, who has been critical of the U.S., then called the country officials behind the decision “fools” and “monkeys.”

Earlier in May, Cardin and another U.S. Senator, Marco Rubio, filed a bill seeking to restrict the export of arms from Washington to Manila, citing Duterte’s “deeply alarming” war on drugs “that has horrified the international community.”

Their proposed Philippines Human Rights Accountability and Counternarcotics Act of 2017 aims to “restrict the exportation of certain defense articles to the [PNP],” and to “work with the Philippines to support civil society and a public health approach to substance abuse,” among others.

(Dana Sioson/AJPress)

Canelo-GGG fight ends in controversial draw

IN one of the biggest fights of the decade, WBC, WBA, IBF and IBO world middleweight champion Gennady ‘Triple G’ Golovkin of Kazakhstan and Ring middleweight champion

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez of Mexico fought a thrilling and very close 12-round fisticuffs that lived up to the hype on Saturday night, Sept. 16 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The fight ended in a draw — by itself would be acceptable to a lot of fans for both camps although it left pretty much everything hanging — but the real story and what made the fight controversial was the score of boxing judge Adelaide Byrd who had it 118-110 in Canelo’s favor, giving only two rounds to Golovkin who pressured Canelo all night and appeared to hurt Canelo at some point in the fight. Judge Dave Moretti awarded the fight to Golovkin

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Photos by Jhay Oh Otamias

with a 115-113 score while Don Trella had it a draw 114-114.

In the post fight interviews, both Golovkin, who retained all his belts, and Canelo, wanted a rematch which at this point is the most logical thing to do to bring closure their rivalry. The sequel would not probably happen until May next year when the traditional Mexican Cinco de Mayo festivities play host to boxing’s biggest fights.

Canelo boxed well most of the fight to neutralize Golovkin’s aggression which made most of the rounds close. In the championship rounds however, Canelo seemed to gain the upperhand by connecting vicious punches on Golovkin whose famous granite chin was able to withstand Canelo’s bombs.

The fight ended with both fighters raising their hands in victory. (Dr. Ed de la Vega)

California drug price bill...

too high.

Maryland’s law empowers the state’s attorney general to take legal action if it determines drugmakers are “price gouging” on generic drugs. A violation by the company could trigger refunds to consumers and a fine for the manufacturer.

The New York law introduces a drug price cap in the state’s Medicaid program and would require rebates on drugs that exceed their limits, according to a Yale University analysis.

The California bill’s author, Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-Covina), said he didn’t believe price controls were the right approach. “I still believe in the basic tenet of free enterprise,” he said. “The market should play itself out.”

But California’s bill is more comprehensive in some ways than other states’ laws. It requires

new reporting in the private and public insurance markets and encompasses generic, brand-name and specialty pharmaceuticals.

Other state laws affect only one payer, as in New York, or one subset of drugs, as in Maryland.

Vermont has a transparency measure, passed last year, that mandates reporting on a narrower subset of drugs than California’s proposal. Nevada’s recently passed drug price law requires disclosures from insulin makers.

Hernandez, who chairs the state Senate’s health committee, said the California bill could be a national model for drug price policy because transparency works to bring costs down.

Consumers across state lines will benefit from California’s law, he said.

“I encourage the federal government, especially California’s representatives in the U.S. House

and Senate, to consider similar legislation as we continue this discussion at a national level,” Hernandez said.

He said industry opposition to his bill has been fierce, with “legions” of lobbyists clogging Capitol hallways and full-page ads in local newspapers during the final days of the legislative session, which ended Friday.

Despite the industry’s resistance, Hernandez said, the effort to address high drug costs had bipartisan support and rallied players who are usually at odds on other matters.

“It has become a huge coalition because it’s impacting everybody,” he said.

This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. n

EASY LAYUP. A Filipino cager goes for an easy layup over his Thai defender in the preliminary round of the 9th ASEAN Para Games Wheelchair Basketball held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, September 19.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

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DATELINE PHILIPPINES

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CHR: ‘We are not the opposition but the gov’t conscience’

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

MANILA - The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said the agency is not meant to oppose the administration of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte but instead, serves as the government’s conscience.

In a television interview last week, Commissioner Gwen Pimentel-Gana maintained that the agency does not have any agenda of ousting Duterte despite being critical of the government’s socalled war on drugs.

“Definitely, we have no agenda on that,” Gana told ANC’s Headstart last week.

Earlier, Duterte claimed that CHR Chair Chito Gascon was “for the opposition” who wants him out of the presidency.

But Gana refuted the chief executive’s allegations, saying, “We are not the opposition. As a matter of fact, we are here to help the government to protect and to promote the rights of every individual.”

“We are, in simple terms, like a conscience of the government,” she added.

Gana also belied the accusation of Interior Assistant Secretary Epimaco Densing III that Gascon was using CHR to propagate the interest of the Liberal Party (LP) and to promote their supposed “advocacy to bring down the presidency.”

But the commissioner said he has “not seen any overt act” to point that Gascon was conniving with the opposition party.

She further noted that the agency is mandated to protect the rights of victims of crimes, and to monitor any alleged abuse by government agencies.

“Agencies of government are duty-bearers in a sense that they are obliged and mandated to render services to the people, and people are rights-holders,” Gana said.

She further noted that as rightsholders, CHR “can demand from government to fulfill the rights that we have in order to live in a just and humane society.”

Earlier this month, the House of Representatives voted to cut the CHR’s budget for 2018 to a measly P1,000 amid the agency’s criticism against deaths and abuses linked with the government’s crackdown on narcotics.

The CHR’s budget still has to

University of Santo Tomas students light candles for law student Horacio Castillo III during a ceremony at the campus plaza last night.

Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman

go through the Senate and the bicameral conference committee before being finalized and signed

by Duterte. Several senators have expressed their commitment to fight for the restoration of the around P600 million budget of the agency.

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, the House of Representatives restored the agency’s budget.

Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles confirmed that the restoration of budget would be reflect in the third reading approval of the proposed P3.767 trillion national budget for 2018.

Probe death of UST student In a separate statement, CHRNational Capital Region (NCR) investigator Jolly Torres said the agency “makes no distinction” on their mandate to protect and promote human rights.

On Tuesday, September 19, Torres said the CHR will also investigate the case of a 22-year-old University of Santo Tomas (UST) law student who died after an alleged fraternity hazing.

“Ang concept naman ng CHR ay universal (The concept of CHR is universal). We make no distinction as to who the victim is,” Torres told reporters after securing copies of police reports on the case at the Manila Police District (MPD) headquarters in Ermita.

“Sa case na ‘to, since it is a case of hazing ay minarapat na naming imbestigahan (This case, since it is a case of hazing, we deigned to investigate it), contrary [to] general notion [that] we only investigate violations committed by the state,” he added.

Freshman Horacio Tomas Castillo III was found dead on a sidewalk by a certain John Paul Solano at the corner of H. Lopez Boulevard and Infanta Street in Balut,

Tondo on Sunday morning, September 17.

According to the victim’s parents, their son asked their permission to attend a welcome ceremony of the Aegis Juris, a fraternity based in the UST Faculty of Civil Law, on Saturday night, September 16.

They said their son assured them that the frat assured them that the frat is anti-hazing and that the weekend event will only overnight drinking session.

They only learned of the incident around 1 a.m. Monday, September 18, after the mother received a text message that their son was at Chinese General Hospital.

In a statement, the university condemned the death of the freshman student.

“We condemn in no uncertain terms hazing in any form or manner. Violence has no place in an academic institution, particularly in our University that values and promotes charity and compassion,” UST said.

“We will leave no stones unturned to ensure that the perpetrators be meted the appropriate sanctions and brought to justice,” it added.

The frat linked with Castillo’s death also vowed to coordinate with the authorities in their investigation.

“The fraternity extends its condolences to the bereaved family of Horacio at these very trying times.

Rest assured that the fraternity will extend its utmost cooperation in the investigation of this unfortunate incident,” Aegis Juris said in a statement.

Apart from the MPD and the CHR, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is also conducting a separate investigation into the death of Castillo.

JOVIAL MOOD. Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año (left) and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (right) present Fr. Teresito ‘Chito’ Suganob to the media on Monday, Sept. 18. Suganob, was held hostage by Maute terrorists since May before being rescued by soldiers on Saturday, Sept. 16.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

Duterte not backing down from drug war despite criticisms

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte maintained that the government’s crackdown on drugs will continue despite heavy criticism against it in connection with the recent killing of teenagers.

Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs came under fire following the deaths of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos and 19-yearold Carl Arnaiz, who were both killed by Caloocan City police in separate incidents of alleged shootouts last month.

In a speech in Davao City, the president insisted that the campaign is targeting organized crime and not “teenagers without a sin.”

“Let me be very clear on this. When I was campaigning, I said that I would kill anybody who would destroy my country and would kill you if you kill the youth of the land. I am referring not to teenagers without a sin. I’m referring to organized crime,” he said on Saturday, September 16.

Duterte won the 2016 presidential election in a landslide victory, and the crackdown on narcotics was among his campaign promises.

But despite condemnation from both local and international groups over alleged human rights violations and summary killings, the president maintained that there would be “no letup” and “no compromise” in the government’s effort to free the country from illegal drugs.

“I will fulfill my promises to the Filipinos. Just because there are some people who died there, and even teenagers, it doesn’t mean to say you have to stop.

We cannot stop. Otherwise, I will throw this country to the dogs,” Duterte said.

He added, “Either you accept it as a fact of your life now, today or you will die of exasperation, or you can kill me if you want.

Feel free to do it but I won’t hold back.. I will not be remembered as the President in whose time the Philippines went to the dogs because of drugs. I can’t accept that.”

He also apologized anew for the death of civilians, expressing support for National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) Director Oscar Albayalde’s order to relieve the around 1,200 members of the Caloocan City police.

Albayalde’s order came following the controversial death

of delos Santos and Arnaiz, and a recent incident where police officers caught on a CCTV camera entering and ransacking the house of a civilian without a warrant.

“With regard to the deaths, I’m sorry. But it had to happen.

I’m sorry that there are policemen who are deaf and maybe taking shabu or involved in shabu trade because the entire Caloocan police was relieved,” Duterte said.

In a separate statement, Duterte said he will invite the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) to monitor police operations for any abuses should Congress end up giving the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) a measly P1,000 budget for 2018.

“I will personally through an official channel, invite the Human Rights Commission of the United Nations to set up a satellite office here,” he told reporters on Monday, September 18.

“Lahat ng operation ng pulis, they will embed an investigator, magpasok sila ng kasama sa pulis, wala ako problema diyan (All police operations, they will embed an investigator, they’ll assign someone to go with police, I have no problem with that),” he added.

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OPINION

Martial law madness

FEATURES

FORTY-FIVE years and five presidents later, Filipinos were once again called to appreciate the genuine meaning of democracy as they commemorate the day when former Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos declared martial law in the Philippines on September 21, 1972.

However, this year’s celebrations seem different from what Filipinos are used to.

Only work and classes in public offices and schools throughout the Philippines were suspended on Thursday, September 21. It is not a holiday—President Rodrigo Duterte clarified—but a day of protest.

The president made this declaration on Tuesday, September 19, after hearing that his critics bared plans to hold rallies to condemn the killings tied to the government’s war on drugs and and his declaration of martial law in Mindanao..

For Duterte, he said that he will protest because many “yellows” (officials aligned with the opposition Liberal Party), in various government agencies are “very corrupt.”

On Monday, September 18, several senators, members of the Cabinet during former Pres. Benigno Aquino III’s administration, and the Magdalo party-list group convened to launch a new multisectoral organization, #TindingPilipinas, to protest “draconian policies of the Duterte administration.”

Former Civil Service Commission Chair Karina Constantino-David described #TindingPilipinas as

“a coalition of coalitions of different groups seeking to expand nationwide and reach the grassroots.”

“We lay the wrongdoings we see around us on the doorstep of the President. We also recognize that he is not doing this alone and that there are many others helping him along on this destructive path for whatever motives. But the end result is the same: national degradation,” #TindigPilipinas said in a statement of unity.

“We must overcome fear and apathy. We must summon our heritage of courage. We must speak out and unite in protest over the wrongs being committed,” the group added.

While some leaders and their loyal followers refuse to take a breather from political quagmire to remember the September 21 martial law anniversary, there are still those who marked this day to remember the wretched moments of the martial law era, especially for the people who have to endure it.

As painful as it is, remembering lessons from the martial law inspires Filipinos to never let it happen again. To do so, Filipinos must see this day as neither a political rally nor a spiritual event.

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

They must see it as a day of unity through reflective observance to move past differences and iniquities and help move the nation into the right direction.

Through these reflections, let’s hope Filipinos realize their collective goals as a nation and how every one plays a crucial role in making them come true. (AJPress)

Narcissistic personality disorder: what we need to know NARCISSISTIC. We hear this word in our The Fil-Am everyday life lately.

We hear this as an Perspective adjective describing today’s generation — the “I,” “me,” and “myself.”

We also hear this in GEL SANTOS-RELOS reference to certain stages of a person’s life — when one’s consciousness and priorities revolve around him/herself more than anything else for developmental reasons.

As a toddler at the age of two, the child begins to find out that he/she is a person separate from his mother, and asserts that by testing how much he/she can push people around to get what he/she wants.

This is again pronounced during adolescence when teens begin to define who they are as individuals, oftentimes going against the norm or authorities to do just that.

These are normal, age-appropriate phases in one’s development, but does not mean all people end up having narcissistic personality disorder.

We also hear the word “narcissistic” in the news lately, used to define somebody whose thoughts, words, motivations and actions are all about him and him alone as the center of the universe.

But what really is a narcissistic personality disorder as doctors and scientists define it? What are the symptoms

Commentary

ANTONIO CONTRERAS THIS is now the season for name-calling.

But lest we believe that this is a new phenomenon, we should remind ourselves that politics in the Philippines has always been divisive, passionate, partisan and personal. Thus, the deployment of ad hominem attacks on the political adversary has always been a convenient political strategy. The age of social media has only enabled a more realtime, widespread and intense exchange of insults and personal attacks. Whereas before only the name-calling committed by political personalities gets coverage by traditional media, nowadays even the vicious exchanges among supporters explode in cyberspace.

It is safe to hypothesize that the reason why it is easier to unleash insulting remarks in social media is not only due to the herd mentality of viral trolling and joining the bandwagon, but also in the ease by which people

and causes of this disorder? How does it affect the person’s day to day relationships, his job, how he operates in his world?

Let me share with you these facts that I got from Mayo Clinic.

Do you know of anybody exhibiting these symptoms?

Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of importance, a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others. But behind this mask of ultraconfidence lies a fragile self-esteem that’s vulnerable to the slightest criticism.

A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial affairs. You may be generally unhappy and disappointed when you’re not given the special favors or admiration you believe you deserve.

Others may not enjoy being around you, and you may find your relationships unfulfilling.

Although the cause of narcissistic personality disorder isn’t known, some researchers think that in biologically vulnerable children, parenting styles that overemphasize the child’s specialness and criticize fears and failures may be partially responsible. The child may hide low self-esteem by develop-

ing a superficial sense of perfection and behavior that shows a need for constant admiration.

Symptoms Narcissistic personality disorder is one of several types of personality disorders. Personality disorders are conditions in which people have traits that cause them to feel and behave in socially distressing ways, limiting their ability to function in relationships and other areas of their life, such as work or school.

If you have narcissistic personality disorder, you may come across as conceited, boastful or pretentious. You often monopolize conversations. You may belittle or look down on people you perceive as inferior. You may feel a sense of entitlement — and when you don’t receive special treatment, you may become impatient or angry.

You may insist on having “the best” of everything — for instance, the best car, athletic club or medical care.

At the same time, you have trouble handling anything that may be perceived as criticism. You may have secret feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability and humiliation. To feel better, you may react with rage or contempt and try to belittle the other person to make yourself appear superior.

Or you may feel depressed and moody because you fall short of perfection.

Many experts use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published

by the American Psychiatric Association, to diagnose mental conditions.

This manual is also used by insurance companies to reimburse for treatment.

DSM-5 criteria for narcissistic personality disorder include these features: • Having an exaggerated sense of self-importance • Expecting to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it • Exaggerating your achievements and talents • Being preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate • Believing that you are superior and can only be understood by or associate with equally special people • Requiring constant admiration • Having a sense of entitlement • Expecting special favors and unquestioning compliance with your expectations • Taking advantage of others to get what you want • Having an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others • Being envious of others and believing others envy you • Behaving in an arrogant or haughty manner Although some features of narcissistic personality disorder may seem like having confidence, it’s not the same. The disorder crosses the border

of healthy confidence into thinking so highly of yourself that you put yourself on a pedestal and value yourself more than you value others.

When to see a doctor When you have narcissistic personality disorder, you may not want to think that anything could be wrong — doing so wouldn’t fit with your selfimage of power and perfection. People with narcissistic personality disorder are most likely to seek treatment when they develop symptoms of depression — often because of perceived criticisms or rejections.

If you recognize aspects of your personality that are common to narcissistic personality disorder or you’re feeling overwhelmed by sadness, consider reaching out to a trusted doctor or mental health provider. Getting the right treatment can help make your life more rewarding and enjoyable.

Complications of narcissistic personality disorder, if left untreated, can include: • Relationship difficulties • Problems at work or school • Depression • Drug or alcohol abuse • Suicidal thoughts or behavior *** 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

The politics of vicious name-calling and the civility of the Marcoses can take anonymous social media identities. And even when account identities are revealed, the absence of immediate response when insults are thrown in a face-to-face encounter encourages audacity, boldness and even recklessness in people’s political discourse. After all, calling someone an idiot or a murderer, when said face to face, can lead to an episode of physical violence with blows being exchanged, eyes getting blackened and faces getting slapped, something that does not happen in social media.

Many blame President Rodrigo Duterte for the further institutionalization of vitriol in our political landscape. The ease by which he cursed and used indecent language during the campaign, and even when he was already in office, has been appropriated both by his critics and his supporters as templates for their political discourse.

Many supporters use it as a form of idol celebration, akin to a symbolic marker of pride in emulating the president. Supporters, with ease, unleash epithets towards critics as a political celebration and affirmation

of President Duterte’s brand of politics.

On the other hand, some of his critics use vitriol to mock the president and his supporters, as a way of dramatizing their blaming Digong as being the one responsible for the degradation of civility in political discourse.

And the result is a toxic political environment that can easily cause the uninitiated, but even those who are already familiar, to cringe.

And the vitriolic verbal exchanges both in social media and in real time continue. Critics of the president call him as serial murderer, a child killer, an insane tyrant and a megalomaniac fascist and consider this as their moment to get back at a President who easily uses cuss words to diminish his critics, and give him a dose of his own medicine.

Recently, the president alluded to Commission on Human Rights Chair Chito Gascon as being a pedophile and the Digong supporters wildly cheered.

Earlier, Senator Trillanes unleashed the most disrespectful litany of ad hominem attacks on the president, and critics of the president erupted in jubilation,

including those who ordinarily would not relish being allied with the senator.

The vitriol and the name-calling have breached boundaries beyond traditional politicians, to now infect ordinary cybercitizens, creative artists and academics and the perfumed elites living in gated communities.

Recently, a Filipino writer based in New Zealand issued a hate list that marked other Filipino writers for targeting just because they are perceived to be pro-Duterte. And a wellknown Filipino historian in the diaspora chimed in to justify the list by suggesting that it can be a counter-narrative to the tokhang list that also brands people for targeting.

I have been at the receiving end of untold calumnies and personal attacks that I have become a veteran recipient of hatred. I used to eat trolls for breakfast, but now I just simply ignore them. I must admit that I sometimes engage in a tamer version of ad hominem attacks, though I am always careful not to launch it directly at a named person, but only at a cohort or category of persons. It is just too

easy to get lost in this divided, polarized and toxic environment of name-calling.

It is precisely because of this that we must commend the enormous arsenal of civility of the Marcoses, as an epitome of restraint in an otherwise blighted discursive landscape.

As a family that has been severely demonized in social media memes, rally placards, history textbooks including those written by journos pretending to be historians, classroom lectures, speeches, training workshops for history teachers, creative works and artistic performances, and even homilies of priests during masses, the Marcoses provide us a powerful lesson on civility in political discourse.

The Marcos political dynasty, from President Ferdinand Marcos, to his wife Rep. Imelda Marcos, to their more politically engaged children, former senator Bongbong Marcos and Gov. Imee Marcos, is a shining example of civility in political discourse. The third child, Irene-Marcos Araneta, has always been a model of dignity in silence.

I have personally interacted

with and heard Bongbong and Imee during moments that they articulate their views, in prepared speeches and in informal conversations. What they offer is not hate, not rancor, not bitterness, but the ability to be civil even to people who are their most vicious critics.

Imee Marcos is always restrained in talking about their political enemies, and has not launched a vitriolic counter-offensive even against Rep. Rudy Fariñas. In my personal conversation with her, she never said any demeaning word against their political enemies and critics. In the election controversy surrounding the 2016 vice-presidential elections, there is no single instance that Bongbong Marcos has directly accused Vice President Leni Robredo of being a cheat and a fraud.

In saying these, I am not even exculpating the Marcoses for their alleged crimes against the people. This is something that the courts will have to settle, and for history to eventually decide.

I am simply stating what is evident and cannot be distorted even by their worst critics. (ManilaTimes.net)

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

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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY OURNAL

Critical changes under the Trump administration for orders of supervision and administrative stays of deportation DURING the Obama administration, noncitizens with deportation or removal orders (referred to hereafter as deportation orders) were often allowed to stay in the United States through the grant of an administrative stay and Order of Supervision (“OSUP”). Provided that they appeared for regularly scheduled appointments with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”), noncitizens lived with their families and worked in the United States without the fear of deportation.

Under the Trump administration’s new immigration policies, noncitizens with deportation orders have become prime targets for arrest, detention, and removal from the United States when they appear for their scheduled check-ins. Individuals with existing deportation orders can be more quickly removed from the United States than noncitizens who have never been placed in removal proceedings.

Under the Obama administration, administrative stays were generally granted for one year to individuals who were not enforcement priorities. Under the current policy, ICE is only granting administrative stays for a limited time and only when there is a clear end game or purpose, for example the noncitizen is attempting to reopen his removal case or is applying for legal status in a third country or can show concrete plans to return home.

While ICE still considers requests for an administrative stay on an individual basis, it appears that efforts are being increased for noncitizens to produce travel documentation to return them to their home countries. This is especially evident when considering the Trump Administration’s desire to increase deportations to fulfill promises made during

Your Immigration Solution MICHAEL BHOTIWIHOK AND NANCY MILLER the 2016 Presidential Election.

ICE has the authority to decide, upon request, not to execute a final order of removal and to instead issue an Order of Supervision requiring noncitizens to appear at check-ins with ICE on a monthly or yearly basis. The administrative stay allows the noncitizen with an order of deportation to remain in the United States for a specified period without fear of deportation.

While noncitizens have an automatic stay during the pendency of an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals, the filing of a petition for review in Federal Court does not provide the same automatic stay. An administrative stay is often necessary when appeal rights have been exhausted and no other legal recourse is available to the noncitizen.

Administrative stays must be filed in person with the local office of Enforcement and Removal Operation (“ERO”) with ICE having jurisdiction over where the noncitizen lives. If the administrative stay is approved, the noncitizen will be placed under an Order of Supervision and required to appear for check-ins with ICE. Administrative stays are granted at the discretion of the ERO officer. Therefore, administrative stays must be properly prepared with strong supporting documentary evidence. Positive equites like the noncitizen’s familial ties to the United States, employment, prior payment of income taxes, contributions to

community, any hardship, and future forms of relief from removal must be demonstrated.

A noncitizen with a pending motion to reopen and rescind a prior order of deportation or removal may convince an ERO officer to grant an administrative stay. In addition, a noncitizen with an approved family based petition whose priority date is not current, dependent on eligibility to adjust status to that of a lawful permanent resident, may also merit the positive exercise of discretion with the granting of an administrative stay. As in other cases where a non-citizen is seeking a benefit, the burden of proof is on that non-citizen to show that she merits a favorable decision.

Apart from not being removed from the United States, an administrative stay offers other benefits to noncitizens with deportation orders. With an approved administrative stay, noncitizens can obtain work authorization and the ability to apply for a social security card and driver’s license. Also, while the administrative stay is in effect, the noncitizen may be able to avail to any change in the law or become eligible for relief from removal.

This seismic shift in immigration policy has created fear and anxiety for noncitizens with orders of deportation or removal, because of the very real possibility of their being detained and removed from the United States.

However, individuals with Orders of Supervision must continue to report to ICE for their regular check-ins. Failure to do so can result in ICE going to get them at home or place of employment.

The prospect of a noncitizen’s deportation is terrifying. Given the recent change in immigration policy and developments, it

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Lower BPO revenue poses risk to growth

by LAWRENCE

AGCAOILI Philstar.com

DECLINING growth revenue in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector could drag down the country’s economic growth over the next two years, according to Credit Suisse.

Michael Wan, economist at Credit Suisse, said the decelerating revenue growth could subtract up to 0.3 percentage point from the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) next year.

Wan said the BPO slowdown would have a negative impact on the GDP, current account and the peso.

This prompted Wan to slash the

country’s GDP growth forecast to 5.9 percent from the original target of 6.2 percent next year.

He added the slowdown also puts at risk the bank’s 6.1 percent GDP growth forecast for this year.

“Lower BPO exports would cut the current account cumulatively over the next two years equal to 0.2 to 0.4 percentage points of GDP, with negative consequences for the peso,” Wan said Credit Suisse said the country’s BPO industry is facing a combination of cyclical and structural headwinds.

It pointed out political issues related to U.S. President Donald Trump’s economic nationalism,

concerns over extra judicial killings under the Duterte administration, delays in the issuance of ecozone permits, and personal security worries are already weighing down on BPO investments by the U.S. and European companies.

The investment bank said the worsening shortage of skilled workers, proposed cuts to tax incentives, rapidly rising wages, and automation pose risks to competitiveness, revenue growth, and staffing needs.

Based on the type of work done in the country, Credit Suisse said that from 50 to 55 percent of the local BPO workforce can be au-

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US firms mull expansion, relocation of manufacturing to Philippines

by CATHERINE

TALAVERA Philstar.com

SEVERAL U.S.-based companies are looking to relocate and expand their manufacturing facilities in the country as the trade department continues to strengthen business collaboration with investors and multinational corporations.

In a statement, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said they re-

cently had a roundtable meeting with members of the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) to discuss potential relocation and expansion in the Philippines.

Lopez encouraged AAFA member companies to take advantage of the extended duty-free treatment to imports of travel goods (including luggage, handbags, backpacks, tote bags) under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program.

Among the AAFA member companies are Tellas Ltd. (formerly Luenthai USA), Under Armour Inc., Michael Kors (USA) Inc., Ralph Lauren Corp., Coach Inc. and the Ascena Retail Group Inc. (makers of Ann Taylor, Loft, Lane Bryant, Dressbarn and Catherines).

According to the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York, AAFA members and the brands they carry have in-

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SEPTEMBER 22-28, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

Angels among us

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette aDeva Maglaya (Continued from last week...)

TRUST your own instincts.

Your own personal experience will color the lens with which you view and relate with your personal guardian angel. God so loved the world, He sent His only son to redeem us from sin and death so we may gain eternal life — not unlike His angels.

Then He sent the Holy Spirit to guide us and enlighten us. But on the micro, day-by-day level, God sent us our personal guardian angels from conception, birth, throughout our life and our passage from death to eternal life as a constant presence.

Come to think of it, every time an unborn life is cut down, the murder deprives an angel of his purpose. There must be some cosmic angst and turmoil in the heavens. There must be anguish and pain, a disturbance, not only on earth but also in the celestial realm. Some say God created so many angels, one cannot

“I think we all do have a guardian angel. I believe they work through us all the time, when we are thoughtful and good and kind to each other.” — Roma Downey

(3rd of 4 parts) count the number of angels that sends angels to keep watch over can stand on the head of a pin. human beings and help them in But there is a caveat to this gift every human challenge. There is, from the Almighty. One must ac- however, the element of free will cept the gift and use the gift of in humans. the presence of angels in one’s You can acknowledge the life for good and only good. One presence of angels or deny it. must be humble of heart to know It is your choice ultimately. The that by ourselves we can do noth- more angels are acknowledged ing of real value to ourselves or and become a conduit to heaven, our loved ones and ultimately they become a hovering, guidfind God in our lives without ask- ing reality in one’s life growing ing in earnest for help from the ever stronger in their influence to spiritual, unseen realm of angels. shape every thought, word and Yes, the key is to ask for help deed in one’s life. for one to receive it.

(To be continued …)

Also, one must never take the *** gift of a personal guardian angel Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya for granted.

An angel is an invisible pres- is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, ence that must be acknowledged Inc. To send comments, e-mail to become ever stronger. God monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

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

Additional DACA guidance from USCIS

The CTV Files atty. lilli B. BaCuli THE Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued additional guidance on the DACA phase-out. On September 5, 2017 DHS initiated the orderly phase out of the program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Next steps for phasing out DACA All DACA benefits are provided on a two-year basis, so individuals who currently have DACA will be allowed to retain both DACA and their work authorizations (EADs) until they expire.

USCIS will adjudicate, on an individual, case by case basis: • Properly filed pending DACA initial requests and associated applications for employment authorization documents (EADs)

that have been accepted as of September 5, 2017.

• Properly filed pending DACA renewal requests and associated applications for EADs from current beneficiaries that have been accepted as of the date of this memorandum, and from current beneficiaries whose benefits will expire between September 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018 that have been accepted as of October 5, 2017.

Individuals who have not submitted an application by September 5, 2017 for an initial request under DACA may no longer apply. USCIS will reject all applications for initial requests received after September 5.

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 attorneyclient relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 495-8088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ ctvattys.com. For general information visit www.chuatinsayvega.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

If...

Then...

You currently have DACA

You will retain both your period of deferred action and your employment authorization document (EAD) until they expire, unless terminated or revoked.

USCIS received your properly filed initial or renewal DACA request and associated application for an EAD on or before Sept. 5, 2017

We will continue adjudicating your request.

Your DACA expires between Sept. 5, 2017, and March 5, 2018, and you wish to renew it

USCIS must receive your properly filed renewal request on or before Oct. 5, 2017.

You did not request initial DACA on or before Sept.

5, 2017

The DACA process is no longer available to you.

Your DACA expired on or before Sept. 4, 2017, and you did not properly file your renewal request on or before Sept. 5, 2017

The DACA process is no longer available to you.

You have DACA and your still-valid EAD is lost, stolen, or destroyed

You may submit Form I

Are you a candidate for a stroke?

WE ARE

HIRING Asian Journal Publications is now looking for:

Customer Sales and Service Representative Fax résumé to:

IN the United States, one person is diagnosed with a stroke every 40 seconds. This dreaded and debilitating illness is so common it victimizes more than 2,000 individuals each day and killing about 133,000 each year.

In the Philippines, the prevalence is between 1.9 to 6.59 percent.

I have friends who had developed a stroke of one type or another, with varying degrees of severity. It is a life-changing ailment that adversely affects the life of the entire family involved, especially the spouse. If the victim is the breadwinner, the devastation is even greater.

Prevention is best, and luckily about 80 percent of stroke is preventable, but when it happens, speedy diagnosis and treatment spells the difference between full or partial recovery, minor or major residual disability. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of major disabilities among adults.

What are the types and causes of a stroke?

To simplify it for our layman readers, the most common two types and causes of a stroke are artery blockage or bleeding. Arterial obstruction (carotid “neck” artery stenosis) is due to arteriosclerosis (hardening of the artery), which could cut off circulation to the brain.

The other form of arterial blockage is from a clot coming from the heart moving up to block a brain artery (usually among persons with atrial fibrillation, where the left upper chamber of the heart quivers instead of beating normally, thus accumulating clots in the left atrium, which could break off and flow upwards to obstruct the brain artery). The second type of a stroke is caused by bleeding on top of the brain from a fall (trauma) or bleeding within the brain tissues itself, which is more dangerous.

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Popularly known as A-Fib, atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart irregularity.

Some are related to heart valve disease. About 6.4 million Americans have A-Fib not related to any heart valve problem. A-Fib increases the risk for a stroke by five times.

The actual cause of A-Fib is not clear. It is more common among seniors and 10 percent of adults 80 years and older have A-Fib. The patient may have no symptom at all and not know they have A-Fib. The common symptoms are tiredness and shortness of breath. Most patients feel their heartbeat skips once in a while.

A-Fib won’t go away on its own. To reduce the risk of heart failure or a stroke, medical consultation is mandatory.

What is TIA? Transient Ischemic Attacks

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS (TIA) is the temporary episode of a mild stroke that disappears rapidly. This is caused by spasm of an artery to the brain or by a tiny soft clot that blocks an artery to the brain, which dissolves spontaneously, allowing normal circulation to resume. TIA is a warning, and immediate medical attention is warranted. The various imaging studies available for carotid arteries (located on the left and right side of the neck which supply blood to the brain) include ultrasound (and doppler), and if these are not diagnostic or clear, one of the following may be used: angiography, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and CT angiography.

What is carotid endarterectomy?

When a person develops TIA or a mini-stroke and confirmatory tests show there is significant blockage in one or both carotid arteries, the calcified plaques blocking these neck arteries could be removed by a surgical procedure called carotid endarterectomy. This is a brain-saving procedure which must be performed reasonably urgent, in accordance with the evaluation of the surgeon, before a major or massive stroke follows.

Can a lay person diagnose a stroke?

A non-medical individual, actually anyone at the scene, could make a rapid diagnosis using the acronym FAST. In most articles, this stands for Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services. For me, I prefer T for Tongue deviation, all four letters to represent physical abnormalities. Calling 911 for emergency rescue is vital. But any two of the above four signs are enough to suspect a stroke. Facial drooping becomes evident when you ask the person to smile. Comparing the strength of the two arms will show you which side is weaker.

Asking the patient to talk will reveal slurred speech or inability to talk.

The tongue usually points to the side of the facial droop and the weaker arm, opposite the side of the brain affected. The right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, and the left half of the brain, the right side of the body. The active dynamics of the pathology must be assessed without delay and treatment started immediately. Brain cells could die within minutes. In a stroke, every minute counts.

Do you have the risk factors for a stroke?

Genetics is one, but since we cannot alter our genes as a standard of care for stroke prevention with our current science and technology, there practical strategies we can apply to minimize the risk for the development of a stroke. Someday, preventive genetic engineering and manipulation for all diseases will be available. In the meantime, here are some tips to greatly reduce the risk for having a stroke, heart attack, and even cancer, basically by living a healthy lifestyle or making necessary lifestyle changes.

• Eat healthy, mostly fish, vegetables of various colors, nuts, and some fruits. Minimize intake of red meats (especially processed foods, which are toxic to the body) and cut down on carbohydrates, like rice, bread, sweets in general, which catapults the risk for T2 diabetes. The Philippines has one of the highest rates for T2 diabetes in the world, courtesy of “kanin.” The no-rice high-protein legume and vegetable diet is now becoming very popular and a trend.

• Drink about eight glasses of filtered water daily. Stay away from soft drinks which are toxic and increase the risk for metabolic syndrome for children and adults. Any form of this “liquid candy” causes eight gain and is harmful to the body.

• Do daily exercises. Simple brisk walking for 30 minutes each day improves overall health by strengthening muscles, equilibrium and balance, and boosts the immune system, and ward off major illness, including Alzheimer’s and even cancer.

• Practice stress management with R&R, even at work, and especially during the weekend with the family • Discontinue tobacco use and take alcohol beverage in strict moderation. These two items are the causes of most of our infirmities today. They are not worth developing a stroke or heart attack for.

• Regular medical and dental check-ups are essential. Take your medications religiously and follow the advice of your physician, including a low-fat, low carbs, and low-salt diet. *** 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. For more data, visit philipSchua. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

Critical changes under the...

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info@asianjournalinc.com

is strongly advised that noncitizens consult with an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney for representation at Order of Supervision appointments and to determine if filing an administrative stay of deportation or removal with ICE’s local ERO

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

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

Telephone: (800) 795-8009

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

(Advertising Supplement)

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

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

State department scraps ‘30/60 day rule’ in favor of the new ‘90 day rule’ for fraudulent intent ONE of the most technical rules on visa fraud focuses on a person misrepresenting his or her intent when applying for certain nonimmigrant visas or when entering the United States.

If a person is applying for a visitor’s visa, they are effectively representing to the consul their intent in coming to the United States is solely to visit, and then return to their home country. Similarly, if a person already has a visitor’s visa, and is seeking to enter the United States as a visitor, the person is also effectively representing to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the airport their intent is solely to visit.

If the person thereafter engages in conduct inconsistent with visiting (such as working, marrying a U.S. citizen and being petitioned for a green card, etc.), it could be considered fraud or misrepresentation. After all, the person told the consul or the CBP officer that all they were intending was to visit, but then they immediately engaged in activities inconsistent with that intent.

For over 25 years, the U.S. government has relied on the “30/60 day rule,” in determining whether a person misrepresented his or her intent in either applying for a visa or entering the United States. Under that rule, if an alien violated his or her nonimmigrant status within 30 days of entry (such as engaging in unauthorized employment, applying for adjustment of status,

in 90 days of entry into the U.S., and takes up residence in the Immigration U.S., that could also be considered fraud. Under the old rule, it Corner would be considered fraud only if this activity occurred within 30 days of entry. Now, it’s fraud if it occurs within 90 days of entry.

ATTY. MICHAEL I know that many people enGURFINKEL, ESQ tered the U.S. as either visitors or etc.), it could be presumed the students and violated their visa by person misrepresented his or either working, marrying a U.S. her intent. If such conduct oc- citizen, not going to school on a curred after 30 days but within student visa, etc. These people 60 days of entry into the U.S., now need to be aware this conthere would be “no presump- duct could possibly give rise to tion of misrepresentation,” but a finding of fraud. If you believe it could create the suspicion of this may apply to you, I would misrepresentation, and the per- definitely suggest you seek the son could be questioned about advice of an attorney who can the suspected misrepresentation. evaluate your situation and adIf the conduct occurred more vise on the best course of action. *** than 60 days after admission to Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an the U.S., there would be no findings of any misrepresentation. active member of the State Bar of California Recently, the State Depart- and New York. All immigration services are ment scrapped or threw out the provided by, or under the supervision of, an 30/60 day rule, and has now active member of the State Bar of California. implemented the 90 day rule. Each case is different. The information Under this new rule, if a person contained herein including testimonials, “violates or engages in conduct “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not inconsistent with his or her nonintended to apply to any particular case, and immigrant status within 90 days does not constitute a prediction, warranty, of entry,” it could be presumed guarantee or legal advice regarding the that the person misrepresented outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyhis or her intentions, and they client relationship is, or shall be, established could be charged with fraud. In with any reader. other words, if a person enters WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com the U.S. on a visitor’s visa and Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for starts working within 90 days of anywhere in the US: entry, they would effectively be (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES committing fraud. Similarly, if a visitor or student marries a U.S. · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement) citizen or green card holder with-

Erratum: In Atty. Michael Gurfinkel’s column last week, one of the dates in the chart “The October 2017 priority dates” was in error. Under “Second Preference: (2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years older of green card holder,” the Visa Issuance date should be JANUARY 1, 2007; not 2006. The Asian Journal apologizes for this error and for any confusion it may have caused our readers.

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 22-28, 2017

Calendar of Events across

CJ3

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 23

Celebration of the feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila in North Hills, CA Come celebrate with us! The Archdiocese of Los Angeles Filipino Ministry San Fernando Region invites all to the 9th regional celebration of the feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila on Saturday, Sept. 23 at Our Lady of Peace Parish (15444 Nordhoff St., North Hills, CA).

It starts with a procession at 4:15 p.m. and mass at 530 p.m. The Principal Celebrant is Most Rev. Gerald Wilkerson, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus. A reception and program follows right after mass at Schneider Hall. For a schedule of the nine-day novena masses prior to the event, please call Christine Hart at (818) 612-5060 or Patty Santiago at (818) 472-4288 or email Betty Defensor at bettydefensor@yahoo.com.

S E P T E M B E R 24

3rd annual Kultura: Filipino-American food & arts festival in Chicago Kultura Festival is a contemporary Filipino-American food and arts festival taking place at Logan Square’s Emporium Arcade Bar (2363 N. Milwaukee Avenue) on Sunday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Carefully curated to appeal to those who personally identify with Filipino culture and the merely curious or uninitiated, Kultura Festival aims to highlight the best in Filipino-American food and arts in Chicago and around the Midwest. Kultura Festival signals the start of Filipino-American History Month, a nationally commemorated holiday every October since November 2009, with the passage of U.S. House Resolution 780 and Senate Resolution 298. Kultura Festival will showcase Chicago and Midwest-based FilipinoAmerican chefs such as Hapa Chicago (Chicago),Meat on the Street (Milwaukee), and Sarap Detroit (Detroit), Guerrilla Street Food and Skip To Malou (both from St. Louis), as well as Chef Sharwin Tee of Lifestyle TV’s Curiosity Got The Chef (Manila, Philippines). Additional chefs and the full festival menu will be soon announced. The curated menu promises to tantalize festival-goers with a wide variety of chef-prepared Filipino and Filipino-inspired dishes between $5 and $7 each.

Filipino American artist-entrepreneurs will offer their unique wares for purchase at the festival: custom tailored barong Tagalog (traditional formal wear) from New York Citybased Pineapple Industries; artwork, books and apparel based on the prePhilippine script, baybayin, from San Francisco-based expert Kristian Kabuay; and clothing, jewelry and accessories centered around indigenous symbols and spirituality from Los Angeles-based Ginto Seeds.

This year, Kultura Festival patrons can learn about the connections between Filipino cuisine and culture. Admission to the Lechon Lectures, hosted in adjacent The Upside Down pop-up bar, is included with Kultura Festival ticket. Two time Hugo award winning editor of Uncanny Magazine Michi Trota leads a panel discussion on the role of food in science fiction and fantasy storytelling and how Filipinx creators in these genres integrate food and cultural identity into their own work. Descriptions of the full Lechon Lectures lineup and schedule will soon be announced. As in previous years, Filipino American DJs will provide the soundtrack for the festivities (schedule TBA). Kultura festival general admission tickets are available for $20 ($15 ticket plus 5 Kultura dollars) online at https://ti.to/filipino-kitchen/kultura-2017. Discounted general admission tickets are available for students with ID, senior citizens with ID, and children under 13 years of age. More information can be found at http://filipino.kitchen/kultura-festival/.

SEPTEMBER 30

PeDRO celebrates its 13th anniversary with a fundraising dinner dance The Philippine Disaster Relief Organization, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation invites everyone to “A Dinner to Remember” with surprise guests on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Crystal Ballroom, Quiet Cannon, 909 N. Via San Clemente, Montebello, CA 90640. Free parking; $55 cost and formal attire. Maricar and the 4700 Band will provide musical entertainment with DJ George Cunanan. For more information, contact President Archerie Calunod (714) 655-4285 or PRO Bettie Francisco (323) 828-7648.

SF Assessor Carmen Chu’s free Family Wealth Forum Free one-on-one counseling with experts. Multi-lingual workshops. Exhibitors hall from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at City College (Ocean Campus), 50 Phelan Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112. To register: http://sfassessor.org/familywealthforum or call (415) 554-7434.

O C TO B E R 7 ABANDONED BY HER BIRTH PARENTS, WILL NIKKA BE LEFT BEHIND AGAIN WHEN USCIS CHALLENGED HER ADOPTIVE PARENT’S ELIGIBILITY TO PETITION HER? Lilia (right) and her husband Peter filed a petition to adopt Nikka (left) when the child was 12 years old. The adoption decree was issued six (6) days before Nikka turned 16 years old, and the certificate of finality came out two (2) months after Nikka’s 16th birthday.

When Lilia and Peter filed an Immediate Relative Petition for Nikka, the USCIS served a Request for Evidence (RFE), challenging their eligibility to adopt Nikka. Lilia and Peter were devastated, depressed, and in despair. Would this mean losing the chance to be reunited with their adopted child - whom they loved and considered their own?

Watch how leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel came to the rescue and secured approval of their petition in a mere (Advertising supplement) two months, on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC.

Business News

PH-US trade unhurt by Duterte outbursts MAE NEMIS ManilaTimes.net

tomated.

The bank expects a slower growth of 3.7 percent in full-time employment in the industry between 2017 and 2022 from the 12.4 percent compounded annual growth rate recorded over the past five years.

“Since automation will reduce the labor component of the total

City of Carson’s Filipino-American History Month Kick-Off The City of Carson will kick off this year’s Filipino-American History Month on Saturday, Oct. 7 at the CJMM Community Center at Carson (801 E. Carson St., Carson, CA 980745).

From 8 to 9 a.m., there will be refreshments at the Community Center East Parking Lot. It will be followed by a wreath laying at Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s monument from 9 to 9:15 a.m. From 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. there will be a program at the Carson Dominguez Room. For more information, please call (310) 952-1743.

O C TO B E R 1 4 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.

President Rodrigo Duterte

Philippines by 4.65 percent to $5.38 billion in the first half of the year, from $5.14 billion in the same period last year. The Philippines, on the other hand, imported $3.97 billion from the U.S, down 5.46 percent from $4.19 billion.

The U.S. accounted for 10.9 percent of total trade in January to June, a 0.9-percentage point decline from the 11.8 percent in same period last year and making it the Philippine’s second largest export market. ■

Lower BPO revenue poses...

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In the past 25 years, A3M has given hope and a second chance of life to many patients.

Their journeys have inspired and motivated the organization to continue its mission of increasing and diversifying the Be the Match Registry. A3M is committed to supporting patients from the communities that are underrepresented in the Be the Match Registry. To continue its life-saving work, you are invited to support A3M at its Annual Gala Dinner held on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach (200 South Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802) from 5 to 9 p.m. To purchase tickets, please visit https://www.flipcause.com/secure/ event_step2/MTk3NjI=/13381.

26th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture in Echo Park

by CHARISSA

TRADE relations between the Philippines and the United States remain healthy despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s outbursts against Washington, economists told The Manila Times.

“If the foreign relations are leaning towards China—away from the U.S.—in trade, I don’t think that’s happening,” said Ramon Clarete, a University of the Philippines professor specializing in multilateral trade policy and international economics During a visit to Beijing in October last year, Duterte announced the Philippines’ “realignment” with China, and a “separation” from the United States.

The announcement, coupled with tirades against criticisms of Duterte’s war on drugs, raised concerns that it would cost the Philippines a major trading partner.

But after U.S. President Barrack Obama stepped down and Donald Trump took over as the elected head of state, relations between the Philippines and U.S. have somewhat improved as Duterte displayed more affable view of Trump, Clarete said.

Emmanuel Lopez, who heads the University of Sto. Tomas’ economics department, agreed, saying: “[Duterte and Trump], more or less, agree on certain things.”

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the U.S. increased imports from the

A3M Starnight 2017 annual gala in Long Beach, CA

costs, it also could reduce incentives for offshoring to low labor cost economies like the Philippines,” it said.

Credit Suisse said the BPO sector is entering a period of slower growth with a rapid decline in absorption of new workers.

It said the total office demand from information technology/ business processing manage-

ment companies would contract to 1.46 million square meters in gross leasable area between 2017 and 2022 compared to the 2016 base.

Credit Suisse said the declining growth in the revenue of the business process outsourcing(BPO) sector could drag down the economic growth of the Philippines over the next two years.

O C TO B E R 2 1

City of Carson’s 8th Annual Larry Itliong Day Celebration Join the City of Carson for its 8th annual celebration of Larry Itliong Day on Saturday, Oct. 21 with a parade and program. Assembly time begins at 8 a.m., with the parade from 9 to 9:30 a.m. The program will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. It will be held at Veterans Park at 22400 Moneta Avenue, Carson, CA 90745. Admission is FREE. For more information, please call (310) 952-1743.

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 22-28, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

MON Cargo celebrates Jollibee eyes UK-based sandwich chain 31st anniversary

by Doris

DUMlao-abaDilla Inquirer.net

HOMEGROWN fast-food giant Jollibee Foods Corp. is considering to bid for UK-based international sandwich chain Pret A Manger, continuing its globalization efforts.

Based on a report from Reuters, JFC had been holding talks with an adviser over a potential offer for Pret A Manager at a valuation of over $1 billion.

When the Philippine Stock Exchange asked JFC to comment on

the report, the company’s Ysmael Baysa said: “Acquisition of new businesses has always been a part of our growth strategy.

In a disclosure on Tuesday, September 19, Baysa said JFC kept on looking for opportunities for new business acquisitions as a matter of on-going practice.

“Very few selected companies reach a completion of acquisition while the vast majority of potential targets does not,” Baysa said.

“With respect to recent

months, JFC has not given a bid for acquisition to any company, either formal or informal.”

The report said Pret operated a chain of more than 400 shops worldwide.n

the comparable 2016 period.

“The surplus was achieved despite only modest 4 percent growth of structural inflows.

Outsourcing revenue growth was only 7 percent. We expect a recovery of structural inflows in second-half 2017,” ING Bank said.

The bank said it was “cautiously optimistic” that the current account for 2017 would be a surplus of around $450 million instead of the $600-million deficit forecast by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

It said that third quarter overseas Filipino worker (OFW) remittances growth would likely be better than the 2 percent seen in the second quarter.

“The start of the third quarter looks promising. July OFW remittances were up 7.1 percent year-on-year,” ING noted, referring to the $2.28 billion in cash remittances, which only count money sent home via banks.

Some positive base effects

helped since July 2016 remittances contracted by 5.4 percent year-on-year, it added.

“Seasonally strong inflows during the Christmas season together with expectations of BSP’s significant market influence underpin our P51 forecast for year-end,” it said.

Geopolitical tensions were blamed when the currency fell to P51 against the dollar last month.

The peso was already being described as Asia’s worst performer earlier in the year due to concerns over the current account, with some analysts predicting that it could hit P52 versus the greenback by the end of the year.

Economic managers have downplayed the impact of a weaker peso and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has said the government would not intervene in the foreign exchange market. n

ING: Peso likely to stay at P51:$1 level

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

THE pioneer in door-to-door delivery service to the Philippines in the Bay Area will celebrate its 31st anniversary.

Established in 1986 by Mr. Mon V. Singh, MON CARGO has always been consistent with his prime objective to reach out to the needs of his fellow Filipino U.S. immigrant with excellent service. MON CARGO sticks to its credo to maintain an outstanding track record of being the most honest, competent and steadfast enterprise of its kind.

In line with its goal, the management and staff of MON CARGO as well are known to be responsive, empathetic, accommodating and very polite in dealing to its valued customers. They always make it to a point that all customers are well informed regarding the status of the balikbayan boxes that are sent in the Philippines.

“In all our dealings, we make it a point to be friendly, courteous, fair and compassionate,” said MON CARGO president Agnes Doniego Singh.

Your balikbayan boxes with MON CARGO are always in good hands and reaches its destination to your family members, relatives and friends in the Philippines on time, intact, guaranteed with that original seal upon delivery. Since then, Mon Cargo has remained true to its slogan: “Hanggang doon mula dito, kahon niyo’y selyado, walang bawas, walang kulang, delivery intact.” Furthermore, the company helps our “kababayans” reunite with their relatives and loved ones. They can be closer through the remembrance and celebration of their hard work in America by means of sending balikbayan boxes — all handled with care.

In celebration of their 31st anniversary, Mon Cargo Services, Inc. is extending their 1+1 promo.

Send one regular box and they will ship another mini box for free for Metro Manila and Luzon only.

You may also avail of the 5+1 promo where you simply have to send five (5) regular boxes to the Philippines (not necessarily at the same time), and you will have your 6th box shipped for free.

Mon Cargo also offers the following services:

EMPLOYMENT

CONTINUED remittance inflows and a better-than-expected current account position could keep the Philippine peso in P51:$1 territory for the rest of year, ING Bank said on Monday, September 18.

“The second-quarter current account report and July remittance growth support our guarded optimism for USD/PHP,” the bank said in a market report.

The second quarter’s small current account surplus, it noted, came as an upside surprise after two consecutive quarters of deficits.

The current account—a major component of the balance of payments—posted $15-million surplus in the second quarter of 2017, a reversal from the $1.25billion deficit recorded a year earlier. It brought the first-half result to a $234-million deficit, lower than the $424 billion posted in

US firms mull expansion...

PAGE CJ1 t

Container Shipments for Returning Residents, Crating - Home Appliance / Furniture, Vehicle Shipments, Airline Tickets, Free Pick-Up, Free Replacement Box, Free Strapping, Insurance up to $ 500.00.

Please visit their website at www.moncargoservices.com or make a call at 1-800-432-4300.

(Advertising Supplement)

SERVICES

creased their presence in the Philippines due to the huge domestic market, rapid economic growth and expanding middle class.

“Secretary Lopez also met with the officials of a research-centric organization, the U.S.-Philippines Society, for a collaborative project to streamline the country’s revenue-generating operations, to respond to internal and external security concerns, and to mitigate the impact of global warming on vulnerable sectors,“ the DTI said.

Meanwhile, the trade chief also met with Shearwater chief finance

officer and chief operating officer Tom Kendrot, who confirmed the company’s expansion in the Philippines, particularly with its third operation center in the country.

Shearwater is a U.S. clinical solutions provider, which has clinical process outsourcing operations in Taguig City and Cebu City.

Its latest operation center is set to open in Iloilo City in 2018.

“Such expansion is expected to bring in $7 million worth of investments and increase the company’s labor footprint in the country to 3,000,” the trade department said.

Lopez was recently in New

SERVICES

York to spearhead the Philippine Investment Forum.

The trade chief highlighted the sound macroeconomic fundamentals of the country, as it aims a seven percent to eight percent economic growth annually and reduce the poverty rate from 21.6 percent in 2015 to 14 percent by 2022.

Moreover, Lopez also shared the government’s focus on infrastructure development with $160 billion worth of projects to directly address investors’ concerns on power supply, affordable telecommunications and efficient transport of goods and services. n

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

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 22-28, 2017

CJ5

People & Events

East Bay Regional Park District names new fire chief ‘Agents of Safety’ RICHARD “Rick” Seal, a 25year veteran of the San Jose Fire Department has been selected as the new Fire Chief of the East Bay Regional Park District, succeeding Dan McCormick who retired in April.

“We are happy to announce that Rick Seal is our new fire chief,” said East Bay Regional Park District General Manager Robert Doyle. “Chief Seal is a great fit for the East Bay Regional Park District and has significant experience with fire protection in an urban interface.”

Chief Seal began his career as an EMT in 1985 with the San Bernardino County Fire Department. He served as a paramedic with Santa Clara County before joining the San Jose Fire Department in 1990.

In 1996, Chief Seal was promoted to Fire Captain where he served as basic life support manager overseeing 700 plus EMTs. In 2011, Chief Seal was promoted to battalion chief of special operations overseeing the San Jose Airport, Urban Search and Rescue, and hazmat operations.

Chief Seal was awarded a Class A Medal of Valor, the San Jose Fire Department’s highest award in 1998.

Chief Seal holds a B. A. in Geography from UC Berkeley, a MPA from San Jose State University, and a Juris Doctor (law) Degree from Golden Gate University. Chief Seal is a member of the State Bar of California and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC).

“Chief Seal was selected af-

Chief Seal joins the Park District as a steward of the environment who is committed to the multi-faceted nature of the Park District, which includes lifeguard services, fire hazard reduction, and management of full time and on-call emergency responders.

Chief Seal was born in Los Angeles, California and is a 30-year resident of San Jose. Chief Seal’s first day was August 14, 2017.

The East Bay Regional Park Richard “Rick” Steal ter an extensive search,” said District is a system of beautiful East Bay Regional Park District public parks and trails in Alameda Interim Chief of Public Safety and Contra Costa counties east of Anthony Ciaburro. “Chief Seal’s San Francisco Bay, established leadership, education, profes- in 1934. The system comprises sionalism, and experience with 120,000 acres in 65 parks includfire protection in a wildland and ing over 1,250 miles of trails for urban interface made him the hiking, biking, horseback riding clear choice for the position.” and nature learning. ■

Alleluia Panis of ‘KULARTS’ receives Inaugural Artistic Legacy grant from SF Arts Commission ALLELUIA “MANAI” PANIS, Director of Kulintang Arts Inc. (Kularts) in San Francisco, is the first-ever recipient of San Francisco Arts Commission’s Artistic Legacy Grant. The grant acknowledges the impact of an artistic director that has served an organization for 25-plus years, piloting the organization to a vital place in its community through a proven history of cultural education for the City at large.

On Tuesday, September 26 at 7 p.m. at the Herbst Theatre on Van Ness, there will a presentation of the SFAC Legacy Grant to Panis, including a special performance in honor of the artist at the Annual Arts Commission Grantee Convening.

“The SOMA Pilipinas family congratulates Alleluia on this tremendous achievement. Alleluia and Kularts are cultural cornerstones of San Francisco’s Filipino Cultural Heritage District, and we look forward to their continued leadership and contribution to the further development of SOMA Pilipinas’ community, arts and culture,” said Raquel Redondiez, Project Director of SOMA Pilipinas.

For more than three decades as the director of Kularts, Panis’ work has empowered the Filipino-American community through immersive dance-theater projects, increasing awareness around critical issues facing the Fil-Am diaspora, and establishing Filipina perspectives as essential to the fabric of the arts scene in the City.

Recent works include “She, Who Can See” (2015-17), the story of a contemporary middle class American woman who can communicate with the ancestral spirits. A dance film titled “She, Who Can See,” co-directed by Wilfred Galila, will be released in 2018.

The driving force behind Kularts, Panis is a respected elder artist in the U.S. and the Philippines. She is an artist who is at home in both Pilipino tribal and traditional arts, as well as American contemporary forms. She trained in ballet, jazz, and modern dance in San Francisco and New York. She has extensive training and years of performance experience in indigenous Mindanaoan dances, trained in the Pilipino blade fighting system for five years, and is an honorary clan member of the Talaandig tribe in Mindanao — but does not consider herself a traditional artist, although her work is deeply influenced by this history.

Alleluia “Manai” Panis

Panis has created full-length dance theater works since 1980, and her work has been performed on main stages in the U.S., Europe, and Asia — including the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Center, Dance Theater Workshop, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Verona Festival, Singapore Asian Art Festival, and Baguio Art Festival. Her choreographic inventions are drawn from an exquisite articulation of Pilipino indigenous ritual dances, the muscular grace of the Pilipino blade-fighting system, and the dynamic physicality of contemporary dance. As a performer, she worked for over 25 years with various choreographers and companies, including Ed Mock’s West Coast Dancers, SF Opera Ballet, Klarna Pinska Dancers, Philippine Dance Company of New York, Asian American Jazz Ensemble: Bamboo That Snaps Back, Bagong Diwa Dance Company, Asian American Dance Collective, and as a soloist for the Ethnic Dance Festival.■

energizes, inspire California students

EDISON International and The National Theatre for Children (NTC) have partnered to educate and inspire California students. This fall, professional actors from NTC will visit 40 elementary schools with live performances of “Agents of Safety,” sparking conversations on electrical safety in classrooms throughout Edison International’s service area. The program will focus on: • How electricity is made • The uses of electricity • Identifying dangerous electrical situations • Ways to stay safe around electricity The live program revolves around Moldy and Skuller, secret agents traveling the planet to find ways in which electricity is being used unsafely. When headquarters sends them an urgent message about an electrical crisis, they are soon on the slimy trail of the Slug, who is obsessed with using electricity dangerously.

With the help of student volunteers, Agents Moldy and Skuller set off to stop the Slug.

In addition to live performances, the program includes bi-lingual student playbooks (print and online versions), teacher guides, e-books, and digital games and activities that align with the important concepts outlined in the live shows. Edison International sponsors every aspect of the program, making the performances and materials a cost-free supplement to lessons in science, literacy and the arts.

With 40 years of experience in educational programming, NTC founder and president Ward Eames is confident the format works. “We educate kids, of course,” Eames explains, “but the information is presented in such a fun, energetic way that students will remember it for years to come. And we choose topics carefully to make sure the message is valuable and useful to those students.”

Performances will take place

September 18 through October 13 in Visalia, Tulare, Oxnard, Hanford, Santa Barbara, Fontana and Rancho Cucamonga, among others.

About NTC NTC is a premium provider of educational programming with operations in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. We work directly between schools and clients to promote beneficial behaviors and life skills to students in grades K-12 on a local, regional or national level.

Since 1978, we have formed connections and helped develop relationships between thousands of schools and corporations, nonprofits and governmental organizations. Our value is not just in the impact we create; our turnkey services also change the lives and trajectories of students, mobilize parents and entire families with beneficial messages, and cultivate community-wide goodwill for clients.

Our award-winning educational programs are provided free for schools and are customizable to accommodate specific messages and goals for clients. Through formats including live performance, in-class discussion, graphic novels, print curriculum, and digital games and activities, we present topics such as STEM, energy conservation, safety, financial literacy, water and environmental stewardship, and health and social responsibility in ways that engage and empower students.

In doing so, we are helping our clients to be forces of change for students, parents and communities. Visit www.NTCcorporate. com. ■

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

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

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

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

CJ

SEPTEMBER 22-28, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Friday, September 22, 2017

SF2

cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 22, 2017

Soulciety’s ‘Unincorporated’

Stories of transformation and triumph Onstage at Chabot College on September 22-23

WITH its goal to provide the youth an opportunity to share real-life stories, Soulciety is proud to invite everyone to a major event for Central Alameda County. Presenting “Unincorporated,” a multidisciplinary theatrical production that explores racism, classism, and what it’s really like to be a system-involved youth where we live.

These are true stories of struggles, of how eight young people navigated through the system. For some, they endured unimaginable adversity and fell deeper into the cracks.

For others, going through the system was the catalyst for major life changes. But for all, it was a journey. Onstage, they will honestly share their stories of courage and resiliency.

“Unincorporated” would not have been possible if not for a $75,000 National Endownment for the Arts’ (NEA) “Our Town” given to Soulciety in July 2015, to bring the performing arts to the streets of E. 14th in San Leandro.

The Our Town grant program supports creative placemaking projects that help to transform communities into lively, beautiful, and resilient places with the arts at their core. Out of a nationwide grant process with 275 applicants, Soulciety’s Unincorporated was one of the 69 projects that were awarded funding.

Over the span of two years, the Unincorporated Theater & Arts Project worked with the community’s youth to produce a series of site-specific pop-up

arts projects, bringing light to issues such as economic inequality and high incarceration rates in the unincorporated Ashland, CA area.

Soulciety was founded in 2008 by best friends Ron Carino and Aaron Horner, who grew up surrounded by the unsung talent of the community and felt the need to develop a platform for that expression. Through the years, the non-profit has produced and worked with local and nationally acclaimed artists to bring free to low-cost performing arts programming, community arts events, and theatrical productions to the community and abroad, including the Philippines. Soulciety has also developed an employment program for disenfranchised youth that is operated out of the REACH Ashland Youth Center.

The characters and their stories “Unincorporated” will tell the true stories of tragedy and triumph, love and loss, oppression, resistance and redemption through the characters of: Jasmine - An artist who found herself in a physically abusive relationship, but was

Amanda

Daniel

David

Gilbert

Jasmine

Joey

Kumari

Scarlett

helped by the people in her community to bring her back from the brink.

Daniel - An easy-going, charismatic and funny guy who has learned to work the system. He’s dealt with the pain of needing the guidance of his parents but hides it under his charm and wit.

Joey - A young man who has grown up in the shadow of a legacy of men who do not know their fathers.

Kumari - A young man who’s learning how to believe in something — in his goals, in life and in himself.

David - A really fascinating person of contradictions by living a double life. Being

involved in gang activity at a young age, but still responsible at his job as a gardener and cook.

Amanda - Considered as a miracle in some ways, she has faced the stigma of being a teenage mother with twins, homeless and having family members with serious addiction issues.

Scarlett - Born in Mexico and crossed the border into the U.S. at two years old, her fierce love and devotion to her family is part of everything she does. Her story reminds us that no human being is illegal.

Gilbert - Gilbert has been in the foster care system since he was an infant. His parents

struggled with substance abuse so Gilbert and his siblings were raised in foster care, where they experienced abuse and poverty.

The cast includes artists Arabella DeLucco, Arturo Raygoza Jr., Asher Jaffe, Belgica Rodriguez, Bryan Thompson, Carlos Santana, Christophe Parker, Emanuel Morales, Regina Oliver, vocalist and pianist Ashley Larsen, duo band Astralogik, rapper Daniel Mora, beatboxer Francisco Romero, and vocalist/guitarist Iwalani Venerable.

“Unincorporated” will be onstage at the Reed L. Buffington Visual and Performing Arts Center, Chabot College

Theater, 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward, CA 94545.

Show schedules are: • Friday, September 22, 2017 Opening Night / Doors open at 6 p.m. / Show at 7p.m.

• Saturday, September 23, 2017 Matinee / Doors open at 1 p.m. / Show at 2 p.m.

Evening / Doors open at 6 p.m. / Show at 7 p.m. *Suggested for audiences 15yrs+ General admission is $15, students with school ID is $10.

For more info, visit www.uninc. org or e-mail uninc@soulciety. org. (AJPress)

Matthias Rhoads is Marian Rivera’s Sunshine Cruz talks about boyfriend, hints on daughters’ estranged leading man in new GMA show

relationship with dad Cesar Montano

by Tessa

Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

REMEMBER back in February when netizens went gaga over a hunky groom in a local fast food chain’s viral ad? Well, if they couldn’t get enough of him then, all they need to do is tune in to prime time TV for a daily dose of Matthias Rhoads.

The Fil-American model, who was quickly snapped up

by GMA Network in the summer, is finally getting his moment on television as Marian Rivera’s leading man, no less.

He will play an archeologist in the fantasy series “Super Ma’am.”

At the program’s press launch, Rhoads was both excited and extremely grateful for his career’s biggest break so far.

This, even as he had already experienced the other side of his online popularity even before the show’s premiere.

Here’s what happened: The new actor posted his promo shot locked in a tender embrace with Rivera on his Instagram account, and captioned it with glowing words for the network Primetime Queen. “Sobrang saya at suwerte ko to be the leading man of this super sweet lady. Hindi lang super ganda, super talented actress pa siya at magaling na chef!”

He ended the post playfully with, “Be wary of our powerful combination. We are both August 12 Leo signs.”

And thus began the bashing of Matthias Rhoads.

‘User’ “There were bashers who accused me of using her [for my own popularity],” the 23-yearold former model related.

At first, he was incredulous over such rabid reactions on what was only meant to be an upbeat and innocent remark.

According to Rhoads, when he thought it through, he simply tried to understand that there can be fans who take their loyalty and admiration to the extreme, and as such, reacted that way to his post.

Photos from Instagram/@sunshinecruz718 by iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net

Matthias Rhoads

“Maybe they’re a big fan of her husband’s [Dingdong Dantes], or they can’t believe someone new like me got the part,” he said good naturedly.

“I guess, that’s just something I have to understand.”

He was grateful, nonetheless, for the support Rivera extended him over the unexpected issue. As an old-timer in showbiz even at 33, the popular actress advised him there will always be positive and negative feedback in show business.

Rivera assured him too that to be talked about in any way is a good sign that his career is moving along.

A receptive person, Rhoads has decided to take everything in stride from hereon, certain he will neither please everyone once his acting gets the spotlight on primetime.

He knows the only thing he can do is to keep sharpening his skills in front of the camera, and of, course, like his leading lady always reminds him, “Keep improving my Filipino,” Rhoads laughed.

Trivia As Matthias Rhoads’ star begins its rise, here are ex-

GMA photo

cerpts from a GMANetwork. com fun fact feature on the small screen’s newest leading man.

“He’s an artist. One of the jobs Rhoads got into when he was in New York was being a graphic designer. He’s a selfconfessed lover of the arts and he grew up excelling in drawing and painting.

“He’s an adventurous eater.

Balut is like cake to him. ‘People ask, ‘Have you tried it?’ and I say, ‘Don’t use the word try.’ Do I love it? The answer is yes,’ he shared.

“He used to work in finance.

He worked in the insurance industry for three years before he decided to move to the Philippines to pursue his dreams of being in showbiz.

“He’s proud to be Pinoy.

The half-American, half-Pinoy is in love with Filipino culture and the overall positivity of its people. ‘We know how to live…

We can make something beautiful with the scraps that we’re given and I think that’s amazing,’ he said.

“He’s single.”Well, at least as of this feature back in March.

IT was in October 2017 when Macky Mathay, son of former Quezon City Congressman Chuck Mathay and half-brother of actress Ara Mina, confirmed in an interview with showbiz portal Pep.ph that he and Sunshine Cruz had been dating.

Mathay, who is separated from his wife Camille Fariñas— daughter of Ilocos Norte Representative Rudy Fariñas—revealed he started courting Cruz after the actress replied to his Instagram message in September the same year. He further shared that between the two of them, he was first to admit he had already fallen in love.

Since then, the good looking couple have been looking very happy based on their social media posts. And almost a year since getting together, Cruz said they are still going strong as she sat down with members of media after signing a management contract with Arnold Vegafria’s ALV Talent Circuit.

“It’s still a less than year-old relationship, and it’s not perfect but I am very happy now. I also feel blessed that there’s a person who loves not only me but also my kids and treats them like his own,” Cruz said.

“We’re at a stage of enjoying each other’s company. We also support each other’s dreams and work. That’s what I love about being in this relationship. To be honest, before my children first

Sunshine with daughters Samantha Angeline, Angel Francheska and Angelina Isabelle

met their Tito Macky, they’ve already been friends through text and Instagram. Now, his children and my kids are hanging out. We didn’t expect that everything will jive that easily,” she elaborated.

Prior to dating the grandson of the late QC Mayor Mel Mathay, it will be remembered that Cruz filed an annulment case against estranged husband Cesar Montano in 2014. The two parted ways in 2013 amid controversies of another woman.

Asked whether their three daughters still see their father, Cruz replied, “Hindi naman nila hinahanap eh. It’s not that I am keeping them away [from him].

They can always call their father and hang out with him, but I just hope that there will also be an effort from the father [to reach out to them]. That’s my only wish.

“Sino ba naman ang nanay na ayaw may relasyon ang tatay sa mga anak niya? That’s why I only hope make that part [of their lives] better because what more can I ask for? I’m happy with my life—I have a great teleserye, ‘Wildflower’ [on ABS-CBN]. It’s so popular that wherever I go, people call me by my character Camia.

“I am now with ALV and I have more endorsements com-

ing in too, so I’m just overwhelmed. But I know he [Montano] is also happy. I just hope he’ll make more of an effort when it comes to his children,” she said again.

Now 40 years old, Cruz basked in compliments that she is looking more beautiful than ever, besides happy in love and fulfilled in her career. Like most people say, she looks more like a sister to her daughters rather than their mom.

Asked if she is worried that her three daughters, Angelina Isabelle, Angel Francheska and Samantha Angeline, will have suitors soon, Cruz replied, “I know that it will come, but they know they should be focused on their studies. There’s no problem if they have suitors. After all, they’re all good looking.”

The open-minded mom added, “Our only deal is that we talk about everything with each other—whether they have a crush or admirers–so I can give them advice. We’re like friends, I can be a spoiler but if I need to be a mother, I am strict with them. I talk to them and they know how to listen. I tell them it’s not easy to be a mother and a father at the same time, and what I am doing is not for me but for their future,” she ended.

John Lloyd Cruz and his ‘greatest nemesis’ – social media

Xian Lim on fitness: ‘Pain is weakness leaving the body’ MENDOZA-DAYRIT Philstar.com

LU

BEING a famous celebrity has its perks. And then there’s social media.

But this is now the world we live in. We post photos of ourselves even in our most vulnerable moments, we share our thoughts regardless of its tendency to be misread or misinterpreted and in doing so, we forget the most important thing – our life becomes another person’s problem, another person’s entertainment.

I am not saying that social media is the culprit. But for famous people — case in point: John Lloyd Cruz, social media can be, at best, his greatest nemesis; at worst, his downfall.

A series of videos of his trip with rumored new girlfriend Ellen Adarna surfaced online. And once again, John Lloyd Cruz became the subject of netizens. Some have speculated that he was highly intoxicated and couldn’t handle himself. It doesn’t take a genius or a behaviorist to know that the guy was clearly not his usual jolly self or the goody-two-shoes person he usually portrays in his movies.

We’ve seen it all over the internet. And mixed reactions flooded the comments.

Some say that it is just normal for anyone to have fun on vacation, get drunk and do embarrassing things — off or in front the camera phone.

Philippine Star columnist Ricky Lo wrote: “So what’s wrong with John Lloyd Cruz having a good time with friends at a resort in Cebu? So what if JLC is shown in those videos apparently inebriated, flashing the middle finger while swinging his head, holding a knife aloft and then dropping it to the table, and sitting beside a row of LPG tanks? JLC was just like any normal person making fun of himself and his companions (including his rumored girlfriend Ellen Adarna) while having fun. You and I would do the same things (if not something more “shocking”) during

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – September 22, 2017

by MYLENE

SAN FRANCISCO

BY MONET

entertainment SF3

John Lloyd Cruz

an outing, wouldn’t we? JLC was doing it in private, as a private person, and not in front of cameras as a public property.

He has been working very hard and he deserved to enjoy himself (away from the camera and far, far from the maddening crowd) any way he wants to. Really now, JLC has nothing to apologize for.

Whoever uploaded those videos is the one who owes especially JLC an apology, and he should do it pronto!”

As for his mother-station, ABS-CBN issued the statement, “JLC works hard as an actor…18hour days at a stretch. He was just letting off some steam. In this age of an all-pervasive social media, what is ok and innocent in private becomes worthlessly controversial in public. He will have learned his lesson to be more careful in the future.”

While for others, the drunken videos and the “finger” left nothing to be desired and felt that the actor should have known better than to let himself be exposed in that state.

This wasn’t the first time that John Lloyd was involved in an alcohol-related controversy. I remember the rumors circulating about him not being able to handle his alcohol. I’m pretty sure that in every rumor there’s some truth to it.

I am not going to say he never drinks or he’s always wasted. I do not know him personally but I have hung out with him and some friends once at a club. I’ve seen him sober and I’ve seen him drunk. But in both times, he just keeps forgetting the most important thing –he is a public figure and that cameras

are everywhere.

Celebrity faux pas and social media just don’t mix. No matter what celebrities do, people would have opinions on how they should act, dress, who they should or shouldn’t be with or basically how to live their lives. That’s just the cost of being famous. And this is something JLC keeps learning (usually) the hard way.

He recently posted an apology on his Instagram page saying, “diz iz mi lerning. very humbling but I do apologize to the little boys & girls. no regrets babies just life revealing its raw beauty.”

I think it is big of him to issue an apology but I am really hoping that first, he learns how to handle the demands of being a public figure. Secondly, whether or not he drinks too much, he has to be responsible to know the difference and try his best to handle it.

My message for him — and to everyone who can relate to him is that I realize as I end this piece that social media is not your greatest nemesis, it is yourself. It is when you’re at your worst that you (should) start to fight ‘yourself’ before it takes over the good version of you. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

and everyone liked him. I told myself that I would end up in the XIAN Lim’s star continues to PBA and that’s how my life was shine. He has honed his hosting going to be. skills, bagged acting nominaSo how did you end up to tions and awards, and has a be an actor instead? steady stream of endorsements, I was interviewed by Studio movies, concerts, and teleseryes.

23 for a segment featuring upHis patience, dedication, and and-coming basketball players. effort in everything he is interIt was a quick interview of new ested in are clearly paying off players from different universinot only in his career but also his ties, and then people began physique. He gamely answered asking me if I wanted to audition several questions before a photo since I was already there anyway. shoot for the cover of Muscle & I also met a couple of people Fitness Philippines. who kept telling me to audition The Philippine Star: Is it already. So I auditioned, and the true that you were fat as a kid? rest is history. I soon discovered Xian Lim: Yes, especially my love for show business; being when I was in Grade 7 and an actor became my duty.

Grade 8. Before I started playSo, in the end, you fell in ing basketball, I had always love with showbiz more than been a fat couch potato kid. I basketball? was fat and constantly called Yes. One thing I learned from pear-shaped. I wasn’t active at all of it is that if you just do what all. Do you know that I couldn’t Xian: “Usually, I do weights in the morning and then play you love, it will eventually lead even do 20 push-ups? Normally, basketball at night. In between, I would load up on meals, you to the right place. Don’t guys can do that, but I found like someone on a bulking diet. I just eat and eat.” even consider whether it’s right UAAP, I wanted to be someone myself getting tired after just or wrong. As long as you love really good, like Chris Tiu. You five reps. Back then, I didn’t like it, do it. Just have faith. Faith is know Chris Tiu — he wasn’t just necessary. playing any sports. I didn’t like feeling tired or hinihingal. At 13, good; he had a certain appeal Continued on Page SF5 I weighed roughly 180 lbs. and I wasn’t even six feet tall. The doctor told me that I really had to lose weight as there were a lot of health risks involved.

I started playing basketball in freshman year. I began doing laps and I started asking coaches for help. At first, the coaches were like, “What the heck is this kid doing? This guy’s not fit,” but I kept on joining a lot of activities. I became part of the varsity team in high school.

You came back to the Philippines from the U.S. to pursue a basketball career, right?

Yes, I had my goals set from the start. While pursuing Pyschology in college in the States, I thought I wanted to come home to the Philippines to play basketball. When I got back, I went to UE and pursued basketball. I wanted to join UAAP. After

SF4

celebrityworld

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 22, 2017

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar ALTHOUGH Ruffa Gutierrez has been with her FrenchIsraeli boyfriend Jordan Mouyal for four years now, her mother, former actress and talent manager Annabelle Rama, still has not accepted the relationship.

According to the former beauty queen and actress, she has given up on her mom approving her relationship with Jordan.

“Si Mommy, I don’t think she will ever accept anyone for me...I think,” Ruffa said in an interview with Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP).

“But I’m just keeping it quiet kasi magkasundo kami ni Mommy ngayon, so iniiwas namin ang topic na ganun,

tungkol sa love life. Puro business lang kami at work.

Huwag na nating ipilit. Kung ayaw, e, di huwag.”

Annabelle has been very vocal about her disapproval with Ruffa’s boyfriend. But even back then, the matriarch of the Gutierrez clan has always expressed her disdain for her daughter’s former relationships (Remember the drama with Dennis Da Silva?).

However, Ruffa explained that it is only her mother who seems to not like her foreigner boyfriend, as the rest of the family seems to be okay with him, even her two daughters.

“Siya lang naman. It’s only my mom,” she said and then added, “The rest naman get

The U.S. Ilocano National Association, Inc. sponsored a Hawaiian Night dinner-dance at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel in Burlingame last weekend. Shown in photo are chairman Vic Barba and president Susan Arcilla, holding the 2017 roster of the organization’s scholarship awardees.

Annabelle Rama still refuses to accept Ruffa Gutierrez’s boyfriend

along with him.

The 43-year-old actress has also been very private and quiet about her current relationship.

“It’s been four years, but it’s quiet. I’d like to keep it that way,” she shared. “I like quiet relationships, yung steady lang, walang masyadong gulo, walang masyadong nakikialam.

“I think that gives you peace of mind.”

Still, the actress said that there are no talks of marriage.

“I’ve been there, I’ve done that, so di naman ako masyadong nagmamadali.

“If someone comes in my life na nakita ko naman will change my life in a great way, then let’s see, let’s take it from there.”

Ruffa was married to Turkish businessman Yilmaz Bektas in 2003, but they separated in 2007. *** Talking about Ruffa’s family, the Gutierrez clan is ecstatic over the announcement of Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez about having a second baby.

The Kapamilya actress announced on her social media that she is pregnant.

“We are thrilled to announce that our little family is growing. Zion is about to be a kuya!!! So excited for the future,” Sarah excitedly posted on her Instagram and Facebook accounts.

The newly engaged couple also has a four-year-old son, Zion.

Another mother-to-be is actress Isabelle Daza, who is currently 12 weeks on the way.

The matriarch of the Gutierrez family, Annabelle Rama, is known for being vocal about her daughter’s relationships — past and present.

Actress, model, TV host and former beauty queen Ruffa Gutierrez has admitted that she has given up on ever expecting her mother, Annabelle Rama, to approve her relationship with current boyfriend, Jordan Mouyal.

Ritz Azul, one of the newest talents on The Filipino Channel, is part of the teleserye “The Promise of Forever,” with actors Paulo Avelino and Ejay Falcon.

Actress and model Isabelle Daza recently announced that she is pregnant with her first child with husband Adrien Semblat.

Juan Karlos Labajo, also known as JK, is a young Filipino singer and actor; who bagged the third place in “The Voice Kids Philippines.” He now plays the role of Lucas Noble, the son of actor Ian Veneracion in the teleserye, “A Love to Last.”

Sharing that her pregnancy was a surprised and was not planned, her husband, Adrien Semblat, is nevertheless more than ready to welcome the new addition to ther family.

“He’s so excited, he’s already remodeling our loft,” shared Isabelle in an interview with Inquirer.

Handsome actor Ejay Falcon is back in the limelight for the newest teleserye on The Filipino Channel, “The Promise of Tomorrow.”

Town mates and Friends:

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The girls of ‘The Debutantes’ (from left) Miles Ocampo, Chanel Morales, Sue Ramirez, Jane De Leon and Michelle Vito

Meet the ‘It Girls’ of horror

SUE Ramirez, Miles Ocampo, Jane de Leon, Michelle Vito and Channel Morales have been given a new collective title as the “It Girls” of horror movies. In a few weeks, they will usher in the season of chills and thrills with “The Debutantes” from Regal Entertainment.

The movie serves as the five millennial actresses’ biggest break under director Prime Cruz, who helmed the well-received “Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23-B,” which first premiered at the QCinema Independent Film Festival.

The story of “The Debutantes” revolves around Kate (Ramirez), a friendless and weird-looking student who tries to win the friendship of fellow students Lara (Ocampo), Jenny (de Leon), Candice (Vito) and Shayne (Morales).

She, however, fails miserably in that she only gets close to one of them, Lara, while the rest of the girls find immeasurable joy in bullying her. Frustrated, Kate starts getting nightmares where here schoolmates die one after the other. She warns them about what she saw but as expected, they ignore her. Eventually, Kate discovers that she plays a key role in her schoolmates’ deaths once

they turn 18.

In real life, the female stars have a bright future ahead of them in show business given their extensive acting experiences despite their young age.

Ramirez was first seen in the remake of the hit teleserye “Mula sa Puso,” which was followed by the series “Angelito: Batang Ama,” “Angelito: Ang Bagong Yugto,” “Annaliza,” “Pangako Sa ‘Yo,” “Dolce Amore,” and the ongoing horror series “La Luna Sangre” starring Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo. She was also part of the reality show “I Can Do That” besides being named Honorary Tourism Ambassador for Korea. Her film outings, meanwhile, include “Aswang,” “Just The Way You Are” and “A Second Chance.”

Ocampo, on the other hand, is a product of the kiddie gag show “Goin’ Bulilit.” Like Ramirez, she’s been cast in one series after another, and appeared in a number of movies like “I’ve Fallen For You,” “ A Very Special Love,” “ You Changed My Life,” “BFF: Best Friends Forever” and “Paano na Kaya?”

Vito initially made her mark as a contravida in the fantaserye “Aryana,” which was topbilled by

Megan Young. A Star Magic talent, she has numerous programs on ABS-CBN to her credit and is at home in horror movies, with her experience in “Pagpag: Siyam Na Buhay.”

For her part, de Leon started out as part of the all-girl dance group Girltrends on “It’s Showtime,” and had her first brush with acting in the fantasy series “Wansapanataym.”

Finally, Morales joins the cast as the newest Regal Millennial Baby.

She first turned heads as a contestant on TV5’s “Artista Academy,” and was immediately cast in the “Wattpad Presents” series. Now an ABS-CBN talent, she is part of the prime time series “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.”

Together, they promise a unique brand of horror in “The Debuntates,” one that the millennial generation can relate to as it also delves into the subject of bullying in schools.

Moreover, they are certain the movie will succeed in scaring its audience what with Regal Entertainment a veteran in the horror genre via the country’s longest and most successful horror franchise to date, “Shake, Rattle & Roll.”

(ManilaTimes.net)

entertainment

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 22, 2017

SF5

Filipina ‘Asia’s Next Top Model’ represents Philippines at New York Fashion Week

Isabelle Daza and Adrien Semblat during their September 2016 wedding in Italy. Right: Isabelle with mom Gloria Diaz.

Photos from Instagram/@isabelledaza

Gloria Diaz a lola for 4th time son Raphael has three children with her girlfriend. “They are not married yet,” added Gloria whose other daughter Ava is still CONFIRMeD: Isabelle Daza single. is infanticipating for her and husIt’s a pity that Bong Daza band Adrien Semblat’s first child, won’t be around to cuddle his a year after they got married in fourth apo. He died last year, Italy. barely two months before Isabelle “Belle is always very sleepy,” her mom Gloria Diaz told Funfare. and Adrien’s wedding in which “She’s in a relax chill mode all day Bong’s bosom buddy former Sen. Bongbong Marcos gave the bride and eats practically only fruits.” away.

By June next year when she Isabelle is one of the sogives birth, Isabelle will make Glocalled “It Girls” together with ria a lola four times over. Gloria’s

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

Solenn Heussaff and Georgina Wilson who got married ahead of Isabelle to Nico Bolzico (Solenn) and Arthur Burnand (Georgina). A first cousin of Isabelle, Georgina beat her “It” colleagues to the maternity ward. She delivered a baby boy early this year.

After the wedding, Isabelle took an indefinite leave from showbiz (last seen in the Kapamilya soap “Tubig at Langis”). The couple lives in the Philippines where he works as head of Adidas Philippines.

Xian Lim on fitness...

From Page SF3

During your rise to stardom in show business, was there ever a time when you doubted yourself?

Of course. I had so many doubts. In this industry, you really have to be strong because you’re the only one who can really believe in yourself, especially if you’re a newcomer.

But like I said, you have to hold on to the people who believe in you. They’re the ones who matter. So, special thanks to my director Joyce Bernal and Mae Cruz-Alviar. Their friendship is something I will always value.

Describe your usual routine for a photo shoot.

It’s tricky because there are times when a magazine shoot can take place while I’m preparing for a movie, and both endeavors demand different training regimens. For magazines, my regimen is to wake up early

in the morning for cardio and heavy lifting. I love heavy lifting.

My body type is bulky and big, so when I lift heavy, I get to feel as if I am maximizing the true potential of my body. I usually take supplements such as whey protein, and sometimes I take a quick pre-workout if I’m lacking sleep. My true idol is Dwayne Johnson. He inspired me to get up early and get workouts in before the unpredictably long work day. If I have the leisure of time, I get up at either 5 or 6 a.m. to work out.

How about for basketball, or any other sport that requires strength and conditioning?

For strength and conditioning, I usually opt for more functional workouts. I do drills and get into calisthenics. I make sure to do a lot of body weight workouts; but of course, the weights still have to be squeezed in somewhere in there

for strengthening. When I am trying to get stronger, diet ko pang-kalabaw na. I eat a lot of meat every two to three hours, preferably big meals, especially for basketball games. I prefer steak. I love pumping iron for basketball games. Usually, I do weights in the morning and then play basketball at night.

In between, I would really load up on meals, like someone on a bulking diet. I just eat and eat.

How different do you train for TV and movies?

For TV and movies, it’s really tricky, particularly because your physique changes when you’re on-screen. The camera changes your looks a lot. They say that the camera adds 10 pounds, but it’s more complicated than that. You also have to consider your partner; for example, I am 6”2, and all my partners are either 5”2 or 5”3, so I really have to choose which way to go in terms of my physique. During

THe Philippines’ first “Asia’s Next Top Model” grand winner and ‘it’ Girl Maureen Wroblewitz holds her first fashion and beauty shoot in the Big Apple.

The New York Fashion Week (NYFW) Spring/Summer 2018 shows began on September 7 and have exhibited works by famous designers such as Jason Wu, Rochambeau, and Bibhu Mohapatra, among others. With inspiring personalities showcasing their work, many women (and men) will be all eyes and ears to the makeup “Asia’s Next Top Model” Season 5 grand winner and ‘it’ Girl Maureen Wroblewitz holds her first fashion and and fashion trends NYFW has beauty shoot in the Big Apple.

Photo from Instagram/@Maureen Wroblewitz in store for them.

As a representative of ways. Wroblewitz, together with three times more pigMaybelline Philippines to the with celebrity makeup artist ments in eight shades ranging ongoing NYFW, Maureen aims Jigs Mayuga and beauty and from nudes, to pinks, oranges, to continue to inspire Filipifashion vlogger Kryz Uy, hosts reds and violets. nas by making catwalk to sidevideo blogs to give everyone a For the NYFW Spring/Sumwalk makeup looks happen. backstage access to what has mer 2018 show, the creative Among these is the brand’s been considered as the biginspiration takes a different new Color Jolt Matte lip collec- turn with a “makeup-first” gest makeup and fashion event tion that is reportedly packed this season. (Philstar.com) approach gracing the runmy preparation for the movies, I really put a lot of emphasis on cardio. I also incorporate smaller meals. It’s harder when it’s a TV series because you’re on auto-pilot — you have a schedule of M-W-F and it goes on and on. For movies, we only do like three sequences a day.

For teleseryes, we’re always compressed for time because the episodes air every day.

How long is your usual workout, if you have the luxury of time?

I read that workouts have to last for just about an hour. If you’re in the gym for two hours or more, it probably means that you’re spending too much time doing other unnecessary things, such as sharing stories or texting and stuff. All the fitness articles I’ve read tell me that one hour is the perfect duration for a workout.

What is your current fitness goal and how are you planning to achieve it?

If I wasn’t preparing for

drama or romance shows or movies, I would love to look like The Rock. Kung pwede lang, but of course that’s not allowed. At least not yet. In my genre, the big, buffedup look is not the norm. If I start surpassing my normal build, people might not be able to relate as much. Arnold Schwarzenegger is the ultimate physique; that’s the ultimate goal, but people wouldn’t understand. Only gym buffs will understand the value of looking like a truck. People have to be able to see and relate to you. My primary goal is to reach out to as many people as I can. However, for me, a more realistic goal would be attaining the physique of Brad Pitt or Channing Tatum.

We just wrote about Kim being active in duathlon and marathon events. How do you support her? Do you guys train together?

I see myself getting into triathlons soon, just so that I

can feed the competitive fire I have inside. Competitiveness is my first love, and I still have to channel it somewhere. Kim and I train together sometimes. She has a road bike, while I have a mountain bike. I love the mountains, she loves the road. She can go 30-50 kilometers along the road, but I really love cycling through the timberlands.

Any advice to people who want to be like you — a celebrity and fitness enthusiast at the same time?

Only one thing will keep you from changing and becoming the person you want to be.

It’s not the devil, it’s not other people, it’s not circumstances — it’s procrastination. Let’s keep it simple. In fitness, many people say, “I’m going to go on a diet next month.” Well, why wait until next month? Why not start now? If you have any plans in life — be it in fitness, your dreams, or the person you want to be — do it now. Start it now, even with just baby steps.

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

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