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Volume 15 - No. 43 • 3 Sections – 22 Pages

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USA

DATELINE AAPI millennials encouraged to vote in upcoming election FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

ALTHOUGH Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) comprise the fastest-growing minority group in the United States—with more than 18 million—only about half of the population is registered to vote, which is lowest of all races.

Only about 37 percent of Asian American millennials (ages 18-34) are registered.

This past Sunday, October 16, over two dozen performers gathered at the Wiltern in Los Angeles to share their stories of why

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

Duterte to US: ‘Time to say goodbye, my friend’

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

DURING his visit to China on Wednesday, October 19, President Rodrigo Duterte said it was now “time to say goodbye” to the United States.

In his speech addressing the Filipino community in Beijing, the president stressed his point that the Philippines only gained little from its long alliance with the US.

“America? Maski ako hindi ako makapunta doon, hindi ako bigyan ng visa ng mga… (Even I can’t go there, they didn’t give me visa…)” he revealed.

He also shared a story of a local government official who was denied a visa although he was invited to an event by the US government itself.

“The poor man had to travel. He was in poor health. Pagdating dito

“Your stay in my country was for your own benefit. So time to say goodbye, my friend,” the president said in speech, seemingly addressing the US. “I will not go to America anymore. I will just be insulted there,” he added.

Duterte also complained why the Americans can easily enter the Philippines visa-free while the Filipinos had a hard time securing documents to visit the US.

[US Embassy], he was denied. Pero sila (But them) anytime. They enter the Philippines visa-free. Well, there will always be a time for reckoning.”

Duterte said.

For the past few months, Duterte has continuously lashed out at the United States after it criticized the alleged spate of summary killings in his administration’s war against illegal drugs.

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Police van rams protestors near US embassy in Manila

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Fil-Am convicted of killing father in West Covina

A JUDGE in West Covina, California found a 20-year-old Filipino American who had been accused of killing his own father guilty of involuntary manslaughter and the use of a knife during the commission of a violent crime Wednesday, October 12.

Maverick Jacob Jimenez Maverick Jacob Jimenez had originally been charged with murder in connection to the stabbing death of Joey Alfred Jimenez, 49.

On Wednesday, the defendant pled no contest to less severe crimes as part of a plea agreement that spared him from a potential life sentence.

Prosecutors did not explain what caused a fight between the father and son that led the Jimenez’s neighbors to call 911 at about 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 16, 2015.

When officers arrived at the family’s home on the 900 block of Las Rosas Drive in West Covina, they discovered the elder Jimenez suffering from a stab wound, according to Rudy Lopez of the West Covina Police Department.

Paramedics rushed the victim to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

His son is scheduled to reappear in court for sentencing next year on Wednesday, January 4. He is expected to receive a six-year sentence. (Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress

O C T O BE R 2 1 - 2 7 , 2 0 1 6

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

President Duterte gestures to a crowd of well-wishers as he and members of the Philippine delegation together with Chinese officials led

by Ambassador Zhao Jianhua walk along Wangfujing street on their way to the Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant in Beijing on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

Malacañang photo

AT least 50 individuals were hurt, ten of whom were rushed to the hospital, as the dispersal of protestors in front of the United States Embassy in Manila turned violent on Wednesday, October 19, according to reports.

A van, driven by a police officer, repeatedly rammed the protesters who gathered near the embassy.

The groups that protested were part of the national minority and peasant groups from across the country who came to demand an end to the presence of U.S. troops in the Philippines, and to back President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for an independent foreign policy.

According to the leader of the protest, Renato Reyes, at least three student activists had to be tak-

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NAAC ANNUAL SUMMIT 2016

Businesses, lenders, nonprofits seek partnerships and community development

by ERIC

ANTHONY LICAS AJPress

MANY patients in the greater Los Angeles area rely on the medical services of home health care providers like Intra Care.

However, despite the contributions the

company makes to the community, Intra Care’s vice president, Austin Ugbebor, often felt ignored whenever he sought small business loans.

“I provide jobs in the health care industry, however, most of the banks do not give loans to small healthcare pro- Panelists at the National Asian American Coalition (NAAC)’s annual conference.

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AJPress photo by Ding Carreon

Filipino drug suspect ‘Cabinet not consulted on arrested in Abu Dhabi termination of PH-US exercises’

by MARVIN

Suspected drug lord Kerwin Espinosa was arrested in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, Oct. 18.

SY

the Philippines and the United States, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana disclosed on Wednesby KLARIZE MEDENILLA MANILA – President Rodrigo day, Oct. 15.

AJPress Duterte never consulted his CabiDuring his confirmation hearnet before coming out with state- ing before the Commission on ApONE of the most wanted Filipino drug ments regarding the termination pointments, Lorenzana was asked lords was arrested in the United Arab of joint military exercises between u PAGE A3 Emirates (UAE) capital on Monday, October 17 after an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) tipped the police, media reports said.

Abu Dhabi police arrested Rolando “Kerwin” Espinosa, Jr., whom President Rodrigo Duterte described as a major drug kingpin. Espinosa refused to surrender to the Philippine police in August after his father, Mayor Rolando Espinosa of Albuera, Leyte, was arrested.

Duterte had ordered the police to shoot Espinosa “on sight.”

OFW tipped authorities to son of Albuera mayor

Philstar.com

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OCTOBER 21-27, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

Duterte to US: ‘Time to say goodbye...

PAGE A1 t ‘No military alliance with China’ Earlier, Duterte announced that he would end the military drills with the US this year.

Asked if he would forge a military alliance with China instead, Duterte said he is also not keen on pursuing any military partnership with them or even with any other country to avoid being caught up in the middle of any possible tensions.

“There will be no military al-

PAGE A1 t

liances entered into. There will be no military alliances broken.

What I am just saying is that we are not interested in adding fuel to what is already a volatile world… There is no such thing as allowing the missiles there or missiles there, I would not allow it,” Duterte said.

“I am not into that. And if you talk about America, Russia, vis-àvis China, Great Britain, France, Iran, Pakistan, India, there is a conflict going on, it’s getting hot,” he added.

The president also praised

China for not criticizing his administration on the alleged spate of extrajudicial killings in relation to his campaign against illegal drugs.

“Some other countries know we are short of money, (but) instead of helping us, all they had to do was just to criticize. China never criticizes. They help us quietly. and I said that’s why it’s part of the sincerity of the people,” Duterte said.

The president is scheduled to return in the Philippines on Friday, October 21. n

to be very sure that I do not commit or I do not stray along other side issues,” the president told reporters in China.

“I am not going into the blamegame as a start,” he said.

On Friday, October 21, upon his expected arrival in Manila from his visit to China, Duterte said he plans to make an official announcement

regarding the matter.

“By that time I would have completed my assessment, personal, which will be provided by the police and the military. And, of course…the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government),” Duterte said.

He also stressed his earlier

Police van rams protestors...

en to a hospital after they were rammed by the vehicle.

Meanwhile, Duterte, who is currently in China for a state visit, said he would first order an investigation on the incident before blaming anyone.

“I will have to investigate. I’ll have to make calls tonight. But just

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President Duterte receives an architect’s perspective and blueprint of the proposed drug addiction treatment center to be donated by the Friends of the Philippines Foundation during a lunch meeting at Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant in Beijing on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

Malacañang photo

Businesses, lenders, nonprofits seek...

PAGE A1 t viders,” he told panelists and attendees of the National Asian American Coalition’s (NAAC) annual summit on Friday, October 14.

Fortunately, Ugbebor had chosen the right forum to relate his experiences. During the summit, he met NAAC’s President and CEO, Faith Bautista. She proceeded to share his struggles to one of the evening’s panelists, Commercial Investment Trust (CIT) Bank’s Managing Director of Small Business Administration Lending, Bill Sommer. By the following Monday, Oct. 18, representatives of Intra Care and CIT had conducted initial talks of what could potentially be a lasting and mutually beneficial partnership.

“It’s really about getting the right people to be at the table,”

said Bautista.

The summit brought together representatives of the banking industry, small businesses, nonprofit organizations and government regulators in the hopes of forging new relationships with diverse partners. Building those connections is essential in creating a business culture that understands and responds to the needs of the communities it serves, according to many of the summit’s attendees and speakers.

“When you come here you really recognize the importance of finding new partnerships and new folks to fold in,” the community programs chief for the California Department of Insurance, Melanie Ramil, told the Asian Journal following a panel discussion on Friday. “Diverse voices bring with them a wealth of experience and really differ-

ent constituencies in mind when they talk.”

She added that while some strides toward equality have been made in the corporate world, women and minorities are still underrepresented. More than 20 of California’s top 200 insurance companies do not have a single woman sitting in their boardrooms; while people of color are absent from the governing bodies of over 40 of those companies.

A lack of diversity can stagnate creativity and encourages groupthink that can lead organizations in questionable directions, according to Ramila.

Fellow panelist and founder of the Latino Coalition for Community Leadership, Richard Ramos, echoed Ramil’s sentiments during the evening’s discussion. He recalled his interactions with a potential partner while trying to

AJPress photo by Ding Carreon

put together an advocacy campaign in support of affordable housing in Santa Barbara. Ramos chose not to collaborate with that organization because they refused to work with groups they believed did not identify with them.

“I know the power of having a diverse group of people going into a council meeting…who represent the community,“ said Ramos. He added that “there are so many people affected by housing, and we can’t just try to help people like us.”

Banks have historically “kept a lid” on loans that promote homeownership and business formation in minority communities, according to CIT Bank CEO and President Ellen Alemany during the summit’s closing statements. She went on to credit the NAAC for fostering competition among lenders, thereby creating more options for people seeking

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From the Front Page

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 21-27, 2016

A

AAPI millennials encouraged to vote...

PAGE A1 t

SENATORS SAY GOODBYE TO OUTGOING US ENVOY. Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (5th from left), along with Senate President Pro Tempore Franklin M. Drilon (6th from right) and wife Mila Drilon, Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV (4th from right) and wife Timi Gomez-Aquino, and Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara (extreme right) and wife Elvira Echauz-Angara, are joined by outgoing United States Ambassador to the Philippines H.E.Philip Goldberg (6th from left), in a photo taken during the farewell dinner event for the envoy hosted by Drilon on Friday, October 14 at the Makati Shangri-La hotel, Makati City. The senators earlier expressed their appreciation for Goldberg’s efforts to further enrich the ties between the Philippines and the United States as the US envoy to the country, since he assumed the post in December 2, 2013. Also in photo are (from left to right, extreme left) British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad and Ms. Sharon del Mundo, along with Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Kazuhide Ishikawa and wife Ms. Yuko Ishikawa. Not in photo are Senator Leila de Lima and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely with spouse Mr. Stuart Hodge.

Senate photo by Joseph Vidal

‘Cabinet not consulted...

on what he is telling the media, I think I will recommend the scalthese issues and was told to pres- ing down of exercises next year PAGE A1 t ent his recommendations during – Balikatan, PHIBLEX and conby Sen. Franklin Drilon about his the Cabinet meeting next month. centrate on maybe upgrading As far as Lorenzana is con- HADR (human assistance disaster position on the military exercises cerned, the joint military exercis- response) and counterterrorism,” with US forces.

Drilon wanted to find out the es are mutually beneficial to the he added. actual status of the exercises as two countries.

Lorenzana said the President “It benefits our troops also. On should be able to come out with well as the other defense agreements with the US in light of the the other hand, I think the Ameri- an official decision on the issues statements made by Duterte that cans benefit more from these ex- after next month’s Cabinet meethe wanted an end to the military ercises with us,” Lorenzana said. ing.

If the exercises are mutually drills with the Americans.

Duterte previously stated the At the moment, Lorenzana said beneficial as stated by Lorenza- Balikatan exercises this year there was no decision to suspend na, Drilon questioned why these would be the last. He has also or terminate the joint exercises, would have to be terminated. threatened to terminate the En“I really don’t know because the hanced Defense Cooperation the Visiting Forces Agreement and other agreements with the President has been issuing these Agreement. n statements without first consultUS. Lorenzana said he sought guid- ing the Cabinet,” Lorenzana said.

“If the President is really intent ance from the President regarding

Businesses, lenders, nonprofits seek...

PAGE A2 t credit.

Friday evening was also an opportunity to celebrate the efforts of business leaders to promote fairness in lending. This year, Royal Business Bank’s (RBB) pledge to serve all underserved communities earned its CEO, Alan Thian, the NAAC’s Giraffe Award for 2016-2017.

However, especially in light of recent banking scandals involving major banks, organizations will also have to take on more

social responsibility in order to regain consumer trust and combat resentment toward the business and financial sectors, according to Alemany. She said businesses and lenders need to be concerned with more than the legality of their practices.

Instead, they ought to focus on growing with their communities rather than preying upon them.

“It’s not just the right thing to do,” said Alemany on Friday.

“It’s a good business opportunity.” n

DISPERSAL. An anti-U.S. rally turned violent on Wednesday, Oct. 19 in front of the American embassy along Roxas Boulevard in Manila. The militant groups were joined by students and indigenous communities as they protested the presence of visiting US troops in the Philippines and expressed their support for the call of President Rodrigo Duterte for an independent foreign policy.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

Police van rams protestors...

PAGE A2 t orders for a “maximum tolerance policy” to the police and his permission for any protesters to demonstrate, given a certain condition.

“I said early on: if you want to demonstrate, tell me. I’ll give you a permit for one week, just do not invade the Constitutional orders of the right also to use the streets and be safe,” he said, referring to the protesters.

Prior to Duterte’s statement, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has instructed the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to determine the liabilities of those involved in the violent dispersal.

“The PNP is now piecing together all facts and circumstances between members of the Manila Police district and a group of militant activists in Ermita, Manila this morning,” the PNP said in a statement.

“It is unfortunate that some persons were reported hurt in the confrontation that allegedly began when the much bigger group of militant activists broke into the smaller defensive formation of the MPD (Manila Police District) Civil Disturbance Management contingent that stood its ground to prevent an escalation of violence,” it added.

‘Pedrozo ordered to ram us with patrol van’ Amirah Lidasan, secretary-general of Moro-Christian Peoples’ Alliance, claimed that she witnessed how Senior Supt. Marcelino Pedrozo of the Manila Police District (MPD) ordered his men to ram their patrol vehicle against the protesters.

“We were in the front line of the rally. The protest was about to end when Col. Pedrozo ordered his men to ram their vehicle against us,” said Lidasan in a statement released by Sandugo.

Meanwhile, the National Alli-

ance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) said it stands in solidarity with Sandugo.

They called on the Philippine government to “prosecute the responsible police and heed the call of our national minorities against the foreign plunder of their resources and militarization of their communities and for self-determination and lasting peace for the Filipino people.”

‘Not really run over’ In a statement, Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) admitted that the police van hit protesters but he insisted that the driver was not at fault.

“The [protesters] were trying to flip over the patrol car. In the process, the driver extricated the patrol car and inadvertently hit some unruly protesters who sustained minor injuries,” he explained.

Albayalde said, “they weren’t really run over.”

According to Chief Inspector Arsenio Riparip, through the line of police securing the embassy’s gates, a total of 23 protesters were arrested during the incident.

“We had to disperse them. They started it. They were trying to enter the embassy,” Riparip told Agence France-Presse.

“We had to use tear gas. They overpowered our policemen,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senior Supt. Marcelino Pedrozo of the Manila Police District (MPD) refuted the claims that he ordered to ram their patrol vehicle against the protesters.

“We didn’t command any dispersals. They’re the first one to hurt the police. The mobile’s driver only wanted to put away the vehicle since it’s being destroyed by the [protestors],” Pedrozo said in a text message to GMA News Online. n

this election matters and to perform popular songs in a jampacked theatre.

Wanting to engage young Asian Americans in the voting process, #IAmAsianAmerican, a national campaign was created with the goal of registering at least 15,000 new voters with the free concert event in four cities with major Asian American populations: New York, Washington DC, Chicago, and the flagship city, Los Angeles.

Uyen Tieu, founder and executive director of #IamAsianAmerican, used all her friends and circle of contacts to put the show together in the last few weeks.

“Asian Americans are actually more than 10 percent of the population in 85 congressional districts. There is power in these numbers, so I want to make sure that their power will be heard,” said Tieu. “For all the older generations - you know you worked hard. You know you want a better life for your kids. You put food on the table and you’re making money to provide a stable life for your kids. But when one in ten of your kids is not even speaking out are not voting, you are letting other people talk for them.

You are letting other people who may not agree with you, or who may even hate you, speak and decide for your kids. That’s why it’s so important as a community for parents and their kids go out and vote. When you stay home, you let someone else

make the decision for you.”

Comedians Parvesh Cheena from the TV series “Crazy ExGirlfriend” and Jenny Yang, popularly seen on BuzzFeed, hosted the two-hour concert event featuring popular artists, such as AJ Rafael and the Poreotics, winner of the fifth season of “America’s Best Dance Crew.”

Rafael, a 27-year-old Filipino American who has been accumulating over a hundred million views on YouTube since 2006 said, “I think it’s important for Asian Americans to get involved. Growing up, I wasn’t encouraged that much to engage in political conversations, but I think it’s especially with this specific election. Most of our parents are immigrants. I encourage, especially the millennials, I want to be that voice for them to help their voices get heard too.”

Lawrence Bravo Devera of the Poreotics added, “The more that Asian Americans are making more noise in the entertainment world, it causes more blimps on the radar, the more blimps we cause, the more apparent we are in society. Having this concert is just a ripple effect. It’s a positive reinforcement for people to take action and make our voice heard.”

With less than a month until the election, many popular voices are doing their best to mobilize young Asian Americans to voting booths. Jose Antonio Vargas, who revealed his undocumented status in The

New York Times in 2011, stated that when we vote on November 8, “We think of our parents and grandparents.”

Seti X, a Muslim American MTV rapper said, “The youth are listening to hip-hop, rock, and pop – they’re taking in forms of entertainment that older generations are not.

Whatever we explain and transcend through our media goes through our subconscious. So if we use our voice to get them to mobilize the vote, they’ll want to be involved. Media and music [are] already the way they’re getting their information, so I feel like it’s the perfect way for us to mobilize them and use their voices to speak up.”

Attendees of the concert included both older and younger performers, which was reflective of the hundreds of attendees.

Ashley Liao, known from “Fuller House” and “Fresh off the Boat,” who is just 14 years old appealed to those who are not yet eligible.

“The person you are voting for isn’t just going to affect your parents who are able to vote but also you in your future because if they’re paving the way, then it will affect you. Politics do matter and we should know what’s going on,” she said.

With Asian Americans’ power to be the swing vote in the election, the concert reminded attendees of their civic duties as Americans and to increase voter turnout. (Heather Domingo/AJPress)

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OCTOBER 21-27, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

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Calif. governor signs bill plugging gap in mental health care

by AnnA

GormAn Inquirer.net

Former Speaker Jose de Venecia, Chairman of International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), is received at Beijing’s National People’s Congress by parliamentary leader Fu Ying, chair of NPC Foreign Relations Committee, who earlier conferred with special envoy former President Fidel Ramos. De Venecia conferred after with Minister Song Tao, head of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee’s International Relations (CPC), as de Venecia presented both a 20-point informal proposal on the improvement of Philippine-China relations.

He later conferred with Director General Xu Lin at the Confucius Institute Headquarters, which has 500 Institutes all over the world, on a new unique Chinese-English language system, dictionary and website (Kanji-Hanzi Hybrid) which de Venecia’s Manila group, Chinese, Japanese, English Language Systems (CJELS) is working on.

Poll: Most Filipinos trust US, not China

by PAtriciA Lourdes

VirAy

Australia garnered a +47 net trust rating followed by Japan MAJORITy of Filipinos trust with +34, Norway with +16, the the United States (US) but Netherlands with +14 and Taihave opposite feelings towards wan with +3.

China, according to a Social The survey was conducted Weather Stations survey re- from September 24 to 27 among leased Tuesday, Oct. 18.

1,200 adult Filipinos nationwide The latest poll showed that 76 with a margin error of plus or percent of adult Filipinos have minus 3 percent. “much trust” for the US while The independent poll was 13 percent are undecided and released as President Rodrigo 11 percent have “little trust.” Duterte heads to Beijing for a This garners a “very good” net four-day state visit. trust rating of +66 for the counThe chief executive is expecttry’s long-time ally. ed to meet with Chinese PresiMeanwhile, 22 percent of dent Xi Jinping to discuss issues adult Filipinos have “much of mutual concern including the trust” for China while 55 per- maritime dispute over the South cent have “little trust,” register- China Sea. ing a “bad” net trusting of -33.

Duterte earlier expressed his Philstar.com

intent to end the annual joint military exercises with American troops as China is not in favor of the war games. He had also threatened to break the Philippines’ ties with the US following criticisms on his campaign against the illegal drug trade.

The president is eyeing to boost ties with Beijing, which has been marred by the maritime dispute.

In July, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines in its arbitration case against China’s nine-dash line claim over the disputed waters. Beijing refused to honor the decision and insisted that it has indisputable claim over the South China Sea. n

MENLO PARK, California — Clinica Sierra Vista, which has health centers throughout the Central Valley, screened its mostly low-income patients last year for mental health needs and found that nearly 30 percent suffered from depression, anxiety or alcoholism.

Christopher Reilly, Sierra Vista’s chief of behavioral health services, said he was concerned about the high percentage of patients afflicted, but even more so about the clinic’s ability to treat them.

That’s in part because at health centers like Clinica Sierra Vista, a large group of mental health providers are excluded from reimbursement by Medi-Cal, the government program for low-income Californians.

But that will soon change. Gov. Jerry Brown last week signed a law allowing federally funded health centers and rural clinics to bill Medi-Cal for the services of licensed marriage and family therapists.

“I am ecstatic that this passed,” Reilly said. “It means a lot more people are going to get attention for their behavioral health needs a lot earlier.”

Addressing gaps The new law, which takes effect Jan. 1, is designed to address gaps in mental health care, particularly in rural areas where recruiting and retaining behavioral health providers is a challenge.

Under the current law, clin-

ics hire licensed clinical social workers and psychologists for their Medi-Cal patients, but they often can’t find enough to meet their needs. Many clinics don’t provide behavioral health services at all.

About 40,000 marriage and family therapists are licensed in the state, compared to about 22,000 social workers and 21,000 psychologists, according to a state analysis of the legislation, Assembly Bill 1863.

Sierra Vista’s Reilly, who himself is a marriage and family therapist, said he expects another benefit from the law: less reliance on medication. Instead of simply being referred to doctors for prescriptions, the patients will be able to have regular counseling.

Often, Reilly noted, patients’ depression or anxiety stems from family problems, domestic violence or substance use. Marriage and family therapists can help with those situations, he said.

Access to mental health services Access to mental health services has long been a challenge in California, especially for lowincome residents. In 2014, millions more Californians became eligible for Medi-Cal and for mental health services under the Affordable Care Act. That put even more pressure on the system.

The new law signed by the governor affects nearly 1,000 federally funded and rural health clinics, according to the state

analysis. The clinics accept patients regardless of their ability to pay and rely heavily on MediCal reimbursements.

Not enough social workers One of them, OLE Health, treats about 25,000 patients each year in Napa. CEO Tanir Ami said it’s been a challenge to find enough social workers to treat patients, many of whom have depression and anxiety, often exacerbated by poverty and inadequate housing.

“Now we get to recruit from a whole other pool of qualified candidates,” Ami said. “I am hoping it will make it exponentially easier to find the workforce we need.”

Gov. Brown vetoed a similar bill last year. The bill’s author, Assemblyman Jim Wood, (DemHealdsburg), said the governor had been concerned about its cost. But this year, Wood said he and the bill’s supporters convinced Brown that providing more mental health services could actually reduce health care costs.

“If you get people the behavioral health they need, you potentially keep them out of emergency rooms, which is a huge savings,” Wood said.

The bill was sponsored by CaliforniaHealth+ Advocates, an arm of the California Primary Care Association, and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. The California chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and the California Psychological Association opposed it. n

Fil-Ams told that PH wealth in wildlife needs urgent care

by PiA LoPezbAnos-cArrion Inquirer.net

SAN FRANCISCO — “There is nothing more magical than taking a child into the water with a mask to see the world under,” said Dr. Terrence Gosliner, senior curator of Invertebrate Zoology of the California Academy of Sciences, describing the diverse and colorful life underwater in the Philippines.

Gosliner spoke at the recent book launch of Hotspot, Cool Country: Biodiversity in the Philippines by Filipino American author Almira Astudillo Gilles.

“Inflatable sharks, frogs that fly, metal-eating plants, cicadas that laugh” are just a few of the unique species that can be found in the Philippines.

Gosliner reported that there are 9,253 species of plants, 535 species of birds, 281 species of freshwater fish, 245 species of mammals found in the country, to name a few. These numbers constantly change because many new species are being identified, while others could vanish or become extinct.

The book launching, held at the Social Hall of the Philippine Center in San Francisco, was supported by the Philippine American Writers and Artists (PAWA), Inc./ Filipino American Book Festival, California Academy of Sciences, SEA Institute, Pusod, Inc., ABSCBN Bantay Kalikasan/Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. and the Philippine Consulate General of San Francisco. ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel (TFC) provided full media support for the event.

The talk was emceed by Edwin Lozada from the Board of Directors of PAWA. Unique biodiversity Hotspot, Cool Country, a picture book, features the Philippines’ unique wildlife and marine life, which are among the most at risk on the planet. The book shows that the Philippines is megadiverse, meaning it has more species concentrated in its territory than other countries, making it “cool.”

At the same time the dangers facing wildlife makes it a “hot” spot.

“Cool country is a good thing

Panel of experts (left to right): Atty. Ipat Luna, Terrence Gosliner, Ph.D., Roberta Lopez Feliciano and Almira Astudillo Gilles echo the pride and awe for the biodiversity of the Philippines.

Inquirer.net photo by Pia Lopez Banos-Carrion

because there are new species being discovered every day in the Philippines. But being a hot spot is not a good thing. That means it is vulnerable to species extinction.

The need for conservation is urgent,” Astudillo-Gilles said.

Gilles says, “There is no book right now that introduces students to the natural wonders of the Philippines” and instills pride in them.

Her book was written to fill this need.

Panelists identified the Verde Island Passage (VIP) as key center of biodiversity. It is approximately 1.14 million hectares of seascape stretching between the provinces of Batangas, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque and Romblon.

Richest part of PH “The Verde Island Passage is the richest part of the Philippines,” stated Gosliner.

His colleague, Rich Mooi, director of Citizen Science, California Academy of Sciences, also said, “The diversity of the species completely blew me away. I’ve never been anywhere on a planet that was even remotely like that.”

The throbbing, thriving life in this region has led experts to call the VIP the “center of the center” of biodiversity. It is also threatened by technology, industry, overdevelopment and pollution.

Astudillo-Gilles’ book reveals that “there is a race between species extinction and discovery. The Earth is now losing species at the fastest rate since the disappearance of dinosaurs. That is why it is imperative to protect identified hot spots. It is important to safeguard

Filipino drug suspect...

PAGE A1 t “He went directly to Abu Dhabi from Malaysia. He was able to do that because during that time, no arrest warrant was issued against him,” Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa told the media on Monday, October 17. But his stay there is limited so he went to several travel agencies there, asking for help on how his stay could be extended.”

Dela Rosa said that the anonymous OFW informed the PNP about Espinosa which prompted the chief to send the PNP’s AntiIllegal Drugs Group (AIDG) to work with Abu Dhabi officials.

Philippine Ambassador to Abu Dhabi Constancio Vingno, Jr. told the Associated Press that the Abu Dhabi Criminal Investigation Department (CID) used information from the Philippine National Po-

lice to locate Espinosa, 35, who had fled from the Philippines to the UAE. Senior Superintendent Albert Ferro, the head of the AIDG who led the team to catch Espinosa, told reporters that Espinosa was the most prominent drug kingpin in Eastern Visayas and was the second most wanted man in the Philippines. “[Vingno] is coordinating with the Ministry of Interior for the possible repatriation to the Philippines of Espinosa,” Ferro said. “There is no definite date yet for this but we will comply with the requirements so Kerwin can finally serve justice for the crimes he committed in our country.”

In July, Duterte gave a list of government officials he suspected were involved in illegal drug networks, including Espinosa and his father. Shortly after, the

and preserve this very important stretch that is the VIP.” Roberta Lopez Feliciano, chairman of the SEA-VIP Institute (Science, Education and Advocacy), which promotes science-based conservation in the Verde Island Passage, is setting up systems and processes to bring together government, NGOs, businesses, the academe and local communities to align research, educational outreach and conservation efforts.

A little goes a long way Feliciano believes that “every little ripple of action goes a long way.” She is convinced that “you can’t really care about the environment unless you experience it first-hand. That is why the SEAVIP Institute wants to bring science into people’s lives.”

Similarly, Atty. Ipat Luna, environment activist and president of Pusod, Inc. an environmental nonprofit organization in the Philippines, stressed the importance of encouraging Fil-Ams to go to the Philippines “to see and experience what it is they are trying to protect.”

“Until someone is able to link what he or she is eating to environment conservation advocacy, that person will not give a sustained commitment,” she contended.

In this light, various groups in the Philippines are putting conservation measures in place. Feliciano reported that Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez, has marked 17 hot spots in the country to serve as models on how nature can be protected in other areas. n father surrendered, but was released since no charges were filed against him.

However, police found 11.5 kilos of shabu (methamphetamine) and a stash of firearms in the Espinosa’s home in Albuera during a raid.

Police then charged the father in son for illegal possession of illegal drugs and firearms, and shortly after, the court issued a warrant.

Mayor Espinosa is currently being detained at the Leyte Provincial Jail in Baybay City.

According to Dela Rosa, the son is being held by Abu Dhabi police, but arrangements are being made to see if he can return to the Philippines.

“I do not know if all the documentary requirements will be done today, maybe they can now travel,” Dela Rosa said. “If not, it will depend on the first available flight after the suspect is cleared to travel to the Philippines.” n

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House panel would not recommend De Lima’s prosecution

by Dana

M. SioSon

AJPress

THE House committee on justice will not recommend the prosecution of Senator Leila De Lima, panel chair Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali said on Monday, October 17.

In a press briefing, Umali said he does not see any need to recommend the further filing of charges since there were already cases filed against De Lima.

“I guess it can be done, but as you very well know, charges have already been filed. So what is there to recommend?” Umali told reporters.

On Tuesday, October 11, the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) filed a complaint against De Lima and her alleged cohorts for their supposed involvement in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) drug trade.

The complaint cited the violation of Section 26 (b) of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or the attempt attempt or conspiracy in sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation of any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical.

A similar complaint was also jointly filed by former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)

Deputy Directors Ruel Lasala and Reynaldo Esmeralda on Thursday, October 13.

Umali explained that the prosecution is the job of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and not of the House committee.

According to him, the House’s inquiry into the alleged proliferation of illegal drug trade inside NBP is in aid of legislation, noting that its goal is to is to establish the accountability and involvement of government officials.

“Our role is to legislate and that is what we will focus on in our committee report,” Umali said.

Despite the committee’s stance, however, several solons expressed their opposition, suggesting that the panel should include recommending of the filing of criminal charges against De Lima in their report.

“I dissent from the proposed Justice Committee report on the investigation of the proliferation of illegal drugs in the New Bilibid Prison,” Kabayan party-list Rep. Harry Roque said in a statement.

For Roque, De Lima’s supposed benefiting from the drug trade in Bilibid and for coddling drug lords are punishable under Sections 6 and 27 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs

Sec. Leila De Lima

Act of 2002.

“I understand why the majority wants to desist from such a recommendation because it wants to avoid the impression that the investigation was a witch-hunt against Senator de Lima. However, we are elected legislators and we took an oath to uphold the laws of the land. I believe it is incumbent upon the members of Congress to recommend the filing of criminal charges if we believe that our laws have been violated,” Roque said.

He added that De Lima should also be charged for violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. From late September to early October, the panel probed the proliferation of drugs inside the NBP during four separate hearings, which Umali described as the “most expeditious” House investigation and a “shining moment” for the chamber.

Umali also assured the public that the claims made during the probe would still be “forwarded to concerned agencies.” n

Four Philippine airports included in top 30 best in Asia

by Dana

M. SioSon

AJPress

FOUR airports in the Philippines are among the 30 best airports in Asia for 2016, according to an online travel website.

The website, The Guide to Sleeping in Airports, ranked Iloilo International Airport No. 12, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport No. 14, the Clark International Airport No. 15, and Davao International Airport No. 26.

The Davao airport made it to the list for the first time. On the other hand, the remaining airports all moved up in ranking: Iloilo from No. 21, Cebu from

No. 18, and Clark from No. 24.

Meanwhile, the site’s top 10 best airports in Asia were: Singapore Changi ranked 1st, Seoul Incheon (2nd), Tokyo Haneda (3rd), Taipei Taoyuan (4th), Osaka Kansai (5th), Hong Kong International Airport (6th), Kuala Lumpur (7th), Tokyo Narita (8th), Mumbai India (9th), and Nanjing Lukou in China (10th).

The Guide to Sleeping in Airports survey rates airports in Asia according to votes by tourists based on their overall experience in terms of comfort (rest zones and gate seating), services, facilities and things to do, food op-

tions, immigration/security, customer service, and cleanliness.

Meanwhile, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) was still included on the site’s worst airport in Asia 2016 list, ranking 5th.

“Once again, survey respondents were quick to let us know when things were not going well. Major complaints include a bullet-planting scam, frequent power outages, lapses in air conditioning, uncomfortable (and insufficient) seating and complicated terminal transfers,” the 2016 report read.

PAGE A7

ANTI-RED TAPE & EASE OF DOING BUSINESS IN LEGISLATIVE AGENDA. Sen. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, Chairman of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship urged government agencies to shorten the processing time of securing business permits by extending the validity period of permits, requiring renewal of permits on the anniversary dates of registration, one-time payment of all fees, uniformity of forms, and standardized formula of fees. He also stressed the need for automation to fully implement e-Governance and most of all speed up business transactions. Zubiri spoke at the 42nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo.

Senate photo

Duterte to be cleared from alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings

by Dana

M. SioSon

AJPress

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is set to be cleared of his alleged involvement with the summary killings related to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs, the chair of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights said on Monday, October 17.

“For the moment, that is my report. Nothing was proven.

First of all, I did not call on any witness other than the local police,” Senator Richard Gordon, the panel chair, said.

For Gordon, he does not think the killings in the administration’s war on drugs were statesponsored, adding that he would put that finding in his committee report.

“I believe many police officers are involved there. But is that state-sponsored? No. It’s just that they are the ones taking action,” he said.

The senator suggested the spate of alleged extrajudicial killings in the war on drugs could be a clean-up job by police.

“The fact that there is a new policy, a new sheriff in town say-

ing we will not fool around, the fact that the President is saying we are at war against drugs, that he unmasked five police generals [allegedly involved in illegal drugs], opened the dam for the police to kill those involved in drugs,” Gordon said.

The senator, however, warned that the police will not be spared.

De Lima: ‘premature ending’ According to Senator Leila De Lima, it was still premature for the House to end its inquiry on the spate of killings in the country.

“I want to see the report again so that… I will decide what I will do. Will I dissent? Will I sign?

But that’s why I don’t like that the proceedings have been terminated. To me, it’s still premature. Because why are the other CHR (Commission on Human Rights) witnesses not given the chance to be heard?” she told reporters.

Despite De Lima’s pleas for other witnesses to be given a chance to be heard, Gordon has terminated the hearings.

“Any conclusion that the killings are not state-sponsored to me would also be premature,”

De Lima pointed out.

Trillanes: ‘Gordon covered Duterte’ Meanwhile, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV accused Gordon of “covering up” the role of Duterte’s administration on the extrajudicial killings.

“Eventually, the truth would come out and when that day comes, Senator Gordon should be remembered as one of those who tried to cover it up,” Trillanes said in a statement.

Trillanes lashed out at Gordon for his conclusions, arguing that the latter did not even try to investigate the matter.

“Sen. Gordon cannot prove what he did not attempt to investigate in the first place,” Trillanes said.

The senator added that Gordon won’t be able to convince the people who witnessed what transpired during the hearings.

Lacson: ‘DDS probe might be reopened’ On the other hand, the issue of the Davao Death Squad (DDS) killings can be reopened, Senator Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the public order committee, said.

Lacson said the reopening PAGE A7

A

OCTOBER 21-27, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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Features

OpiniOn Reciprocated

ON Monday, Oct. 17, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that money sent home by Filipinos living and working abroad reached $2.319 billion—growing at its fastest pace in over two years.

This resulted in a 4.6-percent expansion in the amount of money sent home by Filipinos abroad to $17.64 billion in the first eight months from $16.87 billion in the same period last year.

According to BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo, the jump in the amount of cash sent home by Filipinos abroad in August could be attributed to the increase in overseas deployment.

Remittance from overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs) plays a large part in the Philippine economy’s recent positive showing. It is essential to the country’s goal to achieve economic development and stability. The annual outflow of Filipinos abroad also aids the government in maintaining a manageable gross domestic and gross national product (GDP and GNP), a visible major source of gross international reserves and the country’s external debt.

They are glorified as modern heroes, but back home, the reasons why they left remain a harsh reality.

In May, a pro-migrants group dared then presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte to stray from the Aquino administration’s “tuwid na daan” and come up with policies that will

counteract the causes of forced migration.

“We want a new government that will depart from all the failures and empty promises of the so-called ‘tuwid na daan,’” said Migrante International in a statement.

“We will hold you to your promise to make OFWs your top-most priority in your labor agenda,” Migrante said. “We want new leaders who will be nurturing to OFWs and their families. We want a new government that will uphold and protect our rights and welfare.”

While his campaign against drugs may be intense, it should be noted that one of Duterte’s priorities is the welfare of OFWs. “My first priority is our workers who go abroad. They have such a hard time going to so many agencies. There should be just one department,” the president promised in May. “I will give importance to the life, blood, and sweat of OFWs.” In response to Duterte’s directive to make it more convenient for OFWs to access government services, the Dept. of Labor and Employment (DOLE) launched the One-Stop Service Center for OFWs (OSSCO) in August. The OSSCO aims to reduce expenses of OFWs in avail-

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

ing of all government frontline services and to shorten the processing time of their documents and requirements.

The government has also intensified its campaign against human traffickers and illegal recruiters. POEA reported that in the first eights months of this year, 35 cases, involving a total of 59 victims of human trafficking, have been

endorsed to the DOJ for preliminary investigation. Seventeen establishments have been closed down for illegal recruitment activities.

It is about time that the protection and promotion of OFWs’ economic rights are given appropriate actions. These so-called heores should be afforded with the benefits and recognitions they deserve. (AJPress)

Watch the Filipino Channel’s ‘The Fil-Am Vote 2016’ on Oct. 30 before choosing the next president of the US IN less than three weeks, on November 8, the American people will elect the 45th President of the United States, along with the VP and other public officials. Filipinos in America, both naturalized and natural-born, will have their voices heard and will cast the consequential vote that will determine the future of the country in the next four years.

To help Fil-Ams make an informed decision, The Filipino Channel (TFC)’s daily newscast “Balitang America” will air “The Fil-Am Vote 2016” on October 30, Sunday on TFC. Written and produced by Troy Espera, the election special examines the race to the White House through our uniquely Filipino-American lens,

found out that 42 taking off with a thorpercent of Fil-Ams ough review of the the The Fil-Am identify as Demobackgrounds and platcrats while 26 perform of the major can- Perspective cent identify as Redidates for president publicans.

— Republican Donald This poll’s results Trump and Democrat are consistent with Hillary Clinton — by the findings of othour New York Corre- Gel SantoS-ReloS er independent surspondent Don Tagala.

I sat down with Clinton and Trump veys covering minorities/voting blocs surrogates to discuss if their respec- in the nation, as discussed by Dr. tive candidate has the character Robyn Rodriguez, professor of Asian needed to hold the most powerful American Studies at the University of position in the nation, and arguably, California, Davis.

In a two-way match-up, the same of the world.

Balitang America conducted its poll reveals that Clinton leads by 15 own scientific national survey of Fili- point, 53 percent versus Trump’s 38 pino-American registered voters and percent.

Balitang America Senior Correspondent Henni Espinosa presents a closer look at the issues that Filipinos in America, and even in the Philippines, are keeping an eye on in this election.

Northern California Correspondent Rommel Conclara presents a focus group discussion with millenial voters— those between 18-34 to know what issues matter to them and what motivates them to go out and vote, including how they see the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte may influence their decision.

Southern California Correspondent Steve Angeles takes a closer look at the Filipino-American community’s heightened engagement

in the political process, while my round table discussion with veteran journalists Odette Keeley and Emil Guillermo covers how much our community has been seen and heard in this campaign, highlighting the power of the Fil-Am vote as the “sleeping giant”.

WAKE UP that sleeping giant!

Watch Balitang America’s “The FilAm Vote 2016”, and make an informed decision come November 8! *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective. com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

If Donald Trump wins, Mr. Duterte should, indeed, pivot to Russia and China Commentary

MaRlen V. Ronquillo THOSE in the know and those who study our foreign relations carefully are sure of one thing and there is empirical basis for it. That the old Western democracies, the open societies such as the US and the European Union are better partners than the rest of the world. Occasionally, these Western democracies fall into the misfortune of getting bad elected leaders.

But their governing cultures and strong institutions are often enough able to make up for the flawed decisions of bad leadership.

The built-in mechanisms and tools that make them treat other countries in a fair manner are not confined to their political institutions and tradition. Technology, for example, can unravel the most confidential of communications among scheming leaders. This restrains the nativist urges to plot against allies and enemies alike in favor of self-interests.

Those damn e-mails can always be hacked.

The world now is transparent as it can be and scheming and plotting – or plans to subvert duly elected leaders – are generally off the table as far as these Western democracies are concerned. The supposed CIA plot to oust Mr. Duterte should be taken with a grain of salt.

The technological advances

of these Western democracies push mankind into giant leaps of progress. Even with the mediocre state of our ICT technology, the web-based revolution, has in a few short years, offshored a BPO sector that generates some $25 billion in revenues, more or less the hard currency from our established economic juggernaut – the OFW. What if the Internet was first incubated in Russia or China? We can only speculate on that, but one word comes to mind – leverage. The two countries will probably leverage that discovery before they share it to the world.

And where does the bulk of our OFW remittances come from? Remittances from the US are more than the total of the nine next big sources of remittances, from Saudi Arabia at 2nd to Australia at 10th.

The institutions that were forced onto the world by the Western powers can sometimes impose doctrines that are ruinous to the world, such as the IMF-World bank-driven Washington Consensus in the 80s. As a Filipino farmer, I still can recall the scrapping of concessional loans to small farmers as a result of the wholesale adoption of the contents of that Consensus by our economic managers. Farmers, with little access to formal credit to begin with, had to borrow at rates higher than the established commercial clients of the banks.

The Central Bank’s rediscounting window for agricultural credit was arbitrarily closed, again as a result of the Consensus. That ruinous policy had help send the country’s agricultural sector into a death spiral.

Donald Trump

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte

Yet, the built-in tools for shifts and evolutions have now remade the IMF-World Bank into institutions more responsive and nimble, from their lending programs even to their basic economic research – research that is now capable of shattering orthodoxies on issues such as level of debt and austerity.

The appointment of economists such as Mr. Blanchard into these institutions have weaned them from subscribing to failed orthodoxies.

Yet, despite all these advantages of strengthening our alliances with these countries and institutions, those in the know feel that should Mr. Trump win the November 8 US presidential elections, Mr. Duterte should abruptly make a pivot – away from Mr. Trump and into the welcoming embrace or Mr. Xi

and Putin.

Not that Mr. Duterte’s language appears as a paragon of civility compared to the endless, unrestrained rants of Mr. Trump. Many commentators have noted that Mr. Trump is running to be the first dictator of the US, not as a president that will uphold sacred democratic ideals. And countries like the Philippine that were already prejudged by Mr. Trump – a “haven for terrorists” – will have to move away from the axis of Mr. Trump.

Mr. Duterte does not have the luxury of critiquing Mr. Trump, even with the mildest words possible. Mr. Trump will strike back and probably will launch a drone strike to get back at Mr. Duterte. Mr. Duterte should clearly bear in mind what Donald Trump wrote in 2007.

“When someone intentionally harms you or your reputation, how do you react? I strike back, doing the same thing to them only ten times worse.”

After Mr. Duterte cussed Mr. Obama, Mr. Obama just reacted coolly. Mr. Trump who wants to send Hillary Clinton to jail (only dictators do that), would react violently after a mild criticism from Mr. Duterte.

Because Mr. Trump knows only the side of the law and the constitution that suits his dictatorial impulses, the first thing on his agenda will cause havoc on the Philippine social and economic landscape. Of the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US, tens of thousands are Filipinos. Reckless and inhuman deportation – which is first and foremost in his agenda – will strain the resources of a

country like ours that does not have the resources and coping mechanism for the mass return of undocumented immigrants from the US. On Mr. Trump’s first few months in office, he will surely direct the mass deportation of 11 million people – a problem Mr. Duterte can’t cope up with.

Mr. Trump, who will not hesitate to use the power of the state against his domestic enemies, will push the multilateral institutions under the influence of the US to freeze loans and grants to countries such as the Philippines.

The short version is this. Mr. Trump’s policies and vengeful nature will push Mr. Duterte into the welcoming arms of China and Russia. His election will make the pivot mandatory.

(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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SC extends anew halt order against Marcos burial

by Dana

M. sioson

AJPress

THE Philippine Supreme Court on Tuesday, October 18, extended anew its status quo ante order (SQAO) that halts the planned interment of former President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) in Taguig City.

SC Public Information Office chief Theodore Te said the extension goes up to November 8, temporarily stopping the Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from the burial preparation of the late dictator.

Asked if the court provided a reason for the extension, Te told reporters, “Nope. That’s it.”

Marcos’s supposed burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani was initially set on September 18.

The High Court first issued its SQAO last August 23 effective until September 12, at the request of petitioners who sought to stop the burial.

At the conclusion of the oral arguments last September 7, the SC extended the SQAO anew to October 18.

Since President Rodrigo Duterte announced in August that he would permit the interment

of the late Marcos at the Heroes’ Cemetery, seven petitions have been filed that opposes the burial of Marcos at the Libingan.

The petitioners, including the martial law victims, argued in summary that the burial is allegedly against the law, citing R.A. 10368 or the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act as a basis.

Last month, Filipino Americans in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington, DC, among other cities, joined in a global protest against the burial.

“This is clear and final proof that the decision to push for [the] burial of Marcos in the Heroes’ Cemetery -- in flagrant violation of the Constitution and multiple law, is not anchored on any public interest,” one of the petitions led by former Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Etta Rosales said.

Duterte, however, believed that Marcos should be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani since he is a former president and soldier, arguing that in doing so, would unite the nation and heal the past grievances.

The government also clarified that Marcos would not gain the status of a “hero,” acknowledging

the “dark pages of history during Martial Law,” where thousands had been killed and jailed for opposing Marcos’s dictatorship.

Marcos died of kidney, heart and lung ailments in 1989 while in exile in Hawaii after being ousted during the 1986 EDSA Revolution.

His remains were brought back to the Philippines in 1993 and have stayed remained in a glass coffin in Ilocos Norte.

Last Sunday, October 16, Duterte expressed his hope that the SC’s decision regarding Marcos’s burial will be based on the law and not on emotions.

“I hope that the Supreme Court will decide not on the emotion but of course, we know that it will be all legal at the end of the day.

What the Supreme Court will rule must be followed,” the president SINGKIL STEPS. Miss Earth candidates learn to dance the Maranaos’ “singkil” during a visit to Sultan Naga Dimaporo town in Lanao del told reporters in Davao City before Norte province. Gov. Imelda Dimaporo said the visit of the Miss Earth 2016 candidates helped the province in its thrust to package itself his flight to Brunei. as the “land of beauty and bounty” and showcase its culture.

Inquirer.net photo by Jigger Jerusalem Despite the protest from petitioners and martial law victims, the president maintained his stance that the interment has legal basis.

“My position is that there is a law which grants Marcos a burial

by Fernan Marasigan eas around Naval Base Heracleo in joint maritime security operain the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Manilatimes.net Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City; tions as well as foster camaradeMy position that as long as there THE Philippine Air Force and Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim rie among officers and men of the is that law, it shall be followed,” the Philippine Navy on Monday, (MBGL), Ternate, Cavite; Manila Armed Forces of the Philippines Duterte said. n Oct. 17 kicked off a joint exercise Bay; and Caballo Island.

(AFP). that seeks to enhance their interIt would be carried out in three “This exercise aims to enhance operability and operation capa- phases– preparation phase from our unit’s operational capability in bilities in performing territorial October 17 to 23; exercise phase joint maritime security operations, defense operations. from October 24 to 27; and the fi- and improvement of areas of interNow on its 10th year, the ex- nal phase on October 28. operability and other joint training ercise codenamed “Dagit 2016,” The exercise phase is the Field opportunities between the Navy aims to further improve capabili- Training Exercise (FTX), which and Air Force and it will also test ties of both units in joint air and includes subject matter expertise and improve on the inter-operabilnaval operations in support not exchanges (SMEEs), classroom in- ity of our new equipment, ships only of territorial defense opera- structions, table top exercise (TTX) and aircraft and especially among tions but also in the conduct of and joint training exercise (JTX). our personnel,” he pointed out.

Internal Security Operations (ISO) Rear Admiral Bayani Gaerlan, The drill started in 2003 durand in support of Territorial De- Philippine Fleet commander, said ing the term of then-Navy Capt. fense Operations (TDO). in his speech during the opening Jose Luis Alano, with the Naval Lt. Sahirul Taib, spokesman for ceremony that the exercise will Air Group and 15th Strike Wing the Philippine Navy Fleet, said the surely advance the Navy and the as the only participating units inexercise will be conducted in ar- Air Force units’ inter-operability volved.

AFP starts war drill without US troops

Duterte to be cleared...

PAGE A5 Former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his sister Irene are welcomed by supporters at the Supreme Court on Tuesday, Oct. 18.

Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban

Four Philippine airports included...

PAGE A5 Still, the site acknowledged NAIA’s “signs of improvement” after series of renovations and improvement of facilities that has started during the previous administration.

“While some travelers report improvements to the airport structure and facilities since 2011, survey responses this year indicate cleaner bathrooms, more chairs and some general organization of taxis in front of

the terminal would help to make life here a lot more manageable,” the site stated.

Last year, NAIA’s ranking improved after it was completely dropped from the list of World’s Worst Airports in 2015. n

of the case is possible if a new witness or physical evidence is presented before the court, since Edgar Matobato’s earlier statements have ‘inconsistencies.’

“Either a corroborating witness or physical evidence man lang, pwedeng mag (it’s possible to) resume ulit (again) upon manifestation on the floor. Otherwise, it’s pointless to continue the investigation because of so many inconsistencies, even to

the point of perjuring himself before the committee.” Lacson said in a text message, according to reports from Rappler.

Matobato, 57, is a confessed hitman and member of the supposed DDS. He first appeared publicly in a Senate inquiry over the alleged extrajudicial killings related to the present administration’s war on drugs, claiming that the DDS killed people under the orders of Duterte when he was still the

mayor of the city.

According to Gordon, Matobato is expected to be held liable for lying under oath, and for the murders he had publicly admitted.

“He might face perjury charges at the very least. And, at the most, they will have to look for murder charges against him, because he admitted [to killings].

We will submit it to appropriate authorities for proper disposition,” Gordon said. n

A

OCTOBER 21-27, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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Bato admired by police chiefs in Southeast Asia

by CeCille

Suerte Philstar.com

GOTCHA! A motorist gets a ticket from a traffic enforcer. Earlier, the government employed technology to implement a “no physical contact policy” between apprehended motorists and traffic enforcers.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan

94 Sayyaf men neutralized during Duterte’s first 100 days

by Jaime laude Philstar.com

MANILA – A total of 94 Abu Sayyaf members have been neutralized during the military’s massive and focused anti-terror drive in Basilan and Sulu within the first 100 days in office of President Duterte, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported.

AFP chief Gen. Ricardo Visaya, in a report to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, said 56 of the 94 bandits were killed in 579 military operations that also resulted in the capture of 17 others and the surrender of 21. Three of them were Basilan and Sulubased Abu Sayyaf leaders identified as Nelson Muktadil, Braun Muktadil and Mohammad Said.

“Three other leaders (of the bandits) were also killed but were not identified as their bodies were dragged away by their fleeing comrades. They were nonetheless reported by reliable informants to have been buried in known locations under customary Muslim practice and traditions,” Visaya said.

The military also launched 44 combat operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and other foreign and local terrorist groups in

AFP chief Gen. Ricardo Visaya, in a report to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, said 56 of the 94 bandits were killed in 579 military operations that also resulted in the capture of 17 others and the surrender of 21. Three of them were Basilan and Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf leaders identified as Nelson Muktadil, Braun Muktadil and Mohammad Said.

Central Mindanao as well as the Maute group based in Lanao.

The anti-terror drive, Visaya said, also resulted in the neutralization of 50 personalities of the two homegrown terror groups and seizure of a large cache of high powered firearms, ammunition and bomb-making materials.

Visaya further reported that within the first 100 days of Duterte, government forces were able to solve the Davao City

night market bombing with the arrest of the suspects – TJ Magaya Macalabang, Wendel Apostol Facturan and Musali Mustapha – on Oct. 4.

This was 32 days after the carnage that left 15 innocent civilians dead and 70 others wounded.

Musali’s father, Teng Mustafa, was also collared in a combined military and police court-sanctioned raid in Cotabato City for illegal possession of firearms

Felipe

MANILA - Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald dela Rosa is winning the admiration of his counterparts in Southeast Asian countries with the government’s bloody war on illegal drugs.

Dela Rosa, who was in Thailand last Oct. 12-15, was received warmly by police chiefs from Southeast Asian countries.

“I would like to inform you that all other chiefs of police, mostly coming from the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, they are all very happy with what we are doing right now,” Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa said the Thailand police chief even recalled the time when ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra launched an all-out war against illegal drugs.

“Thaksin was known for being an iron fisted leader. So the same with our President (Duterte), he has iron fist against crimes and illegal drugs,” he added.

Dela Rosa also said an Indonesian police official related to him how he was being pressured to do what the Philippines is doing

against illegal drugs.

“They told me he is being pressured by people of Indonesia to copy what the Philippines is doing right now in the war on drugs, particularly our Oplan Tokhang… All other countries say they are congratulating us for what we are doing,” he said.

According to the PNP National Operation Center, police units nationwide conducted 31,072 operations from July 1 to Oct. 17, which resulted in the death of 1,655 drug suspects. The police also arrested 29,685 illegal drug

pushers and users during the same period.

The PNP reported that operatives in 18 police regions visited more than 2,183,472 households for Oplan Tokhang, resulting in the surrender of 745,438 drug pushers and users.

According to Dela Rosa, another sign that the government is winning the narco war is the scarcity of shabu supply in the market, which jacked up the price from P3,000 to P25,000 per gram of the drug, making it no longer the poor man’s cocaine.

and explosive materials.

The three, tagged as members of the Maute group, apparently launched the bombing to divert the attention of the military that had been hitting hard the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu and Basilan.

In the same period the AFP also reported that the ceasefire declared by both the government and the communists in line with the resumption of peace negotiations was holding.

“Armed confrontation between the AFP and the NPA (New People’s Army) finally ceased after the President restored the declaration of ceasefire on Aug. 21.

The unilateral ceasefire declaration effectively reimposed the suspension of military operations (SOMO),” Visaya said.

Visaya said the AFP’s anti-illegal drug campaign, through interagency efforts, also enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the steps taken by the military leadership to end the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country.

Cleaning its own backyard first, the AFP’s Task Groups Jacob, Midas, Joshua and Salamander conducted random drug tests on 19,163 uniformed and

civilian personnel, 44 of whom tested positive for drug use.

Disciplinary actions were taken against these drug violators in the service.

Visaya also reported that ground troops were in full support of Oplan Tokhang of the Philippine National Police (PNP), an effort that resulted in the arrest of 191 suspected drug users and pushers, the surrender of 689 others and the killing of eight drug offenders in 169 antiillegal drug operations.

The AFP, however, lost three soldiers in the drug war that also left five enlisted personnel wounded during a joint antinarcotics operation against the group of Moks Masgal, a drug supplier, based in Barangay Nabalawag, Midsayap, North Cotabato last Aug. 14.

AFP modernization While the Duterte administration has yet to have a concrete plan to modernize the AFP, the military establishment has received its third Del Pilar class frigate from the United States.

The new high-endurance cutter named BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF17) was a decommissioned US Coast Guard vessel. The ship is due to arrive in the country by

December.

The AFP is also awaiting the arrival of the second brand-new strategic sealift vessel, christened BRP Davao del Sur, following its launch last month in Indonesia. The first SSV is now in the service of the Philippine Navy.

Airmen from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) likewise flew home over the weekend its fifth newly refurbished C-130 Hercules cargo plane that the previous government acquired from the US. The Army, on the other hand, received additional 32 engineering equipment from various sources last Aug. 30.

All these recent military acquisitions of big-ticket items were still part of the previous government’s modernization program to bolster the Philippine military’s territorial and external defense amid the South China Sea dispute with China.

Duterte, meanwhile, has no plans to pursue the military’s modernization program for territorial and external defense of the previous government, declaring that the military should first focus its efforts on addressing internal security threats.

PNP) Director General Ronald dela Rosa

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CJ

Journal

Devin M. Connolly anD nanCy Miller

Immigration relief may still be possible even without DAPA or DACA

ThE Supreme Court of the US recently announced that they would not rehear the case involving President Obama’s attempts to implement Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This denial means that the lower court’s preliminary injunction will continue to stand and DAPA and DACA will be prevented from going into effect. While this is a setback to millions of undocumented immigrants residing in the US, it is also an opportunity to explore other potential options.

The question now facing millions of undocumented immigrants is what to do since DAPA and expanded DACA are no longer options. Should they wait for Comprehensive Immigration Reform (“CIR”)? While many people would be thrilled with CIR, the reality is that it is not likely to pass in the near future.

Therefore, instead of waiting, it is advisable to explore options that may be available to you right now. There may be alternative ways of obtaining a green card right now!

One option available to undocumented immigrants is Cancellation of Removal for Non-Permanent Residents (“Cancellation”).

Cancellation allows qualified individuals to obtain a green card if they have lived in the US for at least ten years, have good moral character and can show that their US citizen, or Lawful Permanent Resident parent, spouse or child would suffer exceptional and extremely unusual hardship if the applicant were forced to leave the United States. Applicants are eligible to obtain employment authorization as soon as their application is filed. With work authorization, one may apply for a social security number, work legally and even obtain a state-issued driver’s license.

Another option that may be available is permanent resident status through the “Violence Against Women Act,” (“VAWA”).

VAWA applies to both men and women and is available to victims of physical or emotional abuse. It allows certain spouses, children, and parents of US citizens and permanent residents to file a petition for themselves without any assistance from their relative. This self-petition allows victims to immediately seek both safety and independence from their abuser. And their abuser will not be notified about the self-petition.

The most difficult task facing a self-petitioner under VAWA is typically establishing that they have suffered “extreme cruelty” by their family member. “Extreme cruelty” includes acts of physical violence, but it also includes many other types of abuse as well. In fact, the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS”) may approve a selfpetition based solely on psychological and emotional abuse. The USCIS will also consider what has been deemed “immigrationrelated” abuse. Immigrationrelated abuse may include acts such as threatening to have a family member deported if they do not act in conformity with the abuser’s wishes, not filing necessary papers on behalf of a family member despite repeated promises to do so, or even calling the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to report a family member’s unlawful presence in the US Another potential option for undocumented immigrants is to seek a Provisional Waiver. A provisional waiver helps intending immigrants who are ineligible for adjustment of status and who will incur a 3 or 10-year unlawful presence bar upon leaving the United States to consular pro-

Your Immigration Solution

cess. Eligibility for a Provisional Waiver was recently expanded to also include beneficiaries of employment-based petitions, petitions from their parents or siblings, etc.

A Provisional Waiver would allow the applicant to submit their request for a waiver before they ever leave the US They are also permitted to remain in the US until their waiver has been approved. Once approved, the applicant departs for their immigrant visa interview at a US embassy or consulate abroad.

This pre-approved waiver avoids lengthy separation of family members, as the applicant would hopefully be able to return to the US within a matter of days.

Waiting for potential comprehensive immigration reform may be the only option for some people. however, others may already have a viable path to legal status in the US After all, more than one million individuals obtain legal permanent resident status each year. It is important to remember that there are potentially many options currently available to you. To find out for sure, consult a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney to find out about your options. *** 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.

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Highest growth in 29 months

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

29 months.

For the first eight-months of the year, remittances stood at MONEy sent home by Filipi- $19.48 billion—just $7.32 bilnos working abroad rebounded lion shy of the full-year target of in August, and analysts are the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas upbeat that the central bank’s — and up 4.4 percent versus the $26.8 billion target for the whole same period in 2015. The BSP’s full-year target represents a 4 of 2016 is “doable.”

Personal remittances reached percent rise from $25.77 billion $2.55 billion in August, up 16 recorded in 2015.

“The BSP’s assumption for a percent from a year ago, and reversed the 5.4 percent decline in 4 percent growth rate (for the July, central bank data showed. whole year) still appears doIt is the biggest gain posted in able,” said BPI economist Nich-

olas Mapa.

While the last four months of the year usually sees a jump in remittances due to the holiday season, Mapa said growth in repatriated funds may slow given the weakening peso, which slipped to a seven-year low versus the dollar.

“The bump up in remittances this month may easily be offset by a slip in September as the peso weakens, thereby limiting the need for overseas Filipi-

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Gov’t sees no Christmas port congestion

by Prinz

MagtUlis Philstar.com

MANILA -- There will be no repeat of the port congestion that halted shipments to Metro Manila and resulted in price hikes during the past two Christmas seasons, officials said on Wednesday.

“We do not see that happening this year,” Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said in a phone interview.

Jay Daniel Santiago, general

manager of the Philippine Ports Authority, agreed. “We are not expecting port congestion as of the moment,” he told reporters.

As of Wednesday, Port of Manila and Manila International Container Port (MICP) have recorded an average yard utilization of 68 percent, far from over 90 percent recorded in 2014 and in early 2015.

The two ports, the largest in the country, got clogged with shipments as a result of Manila’s

truck ban in February 2014, preventing deliveries from plying the capital’s roads.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, who imposed the expanded prohibition to address heavy traffic, lifted the ban in September 2014, but it was not until March last year that congestion was solved.

“This time we are seeing very effective movements of shipments. It is averaging 25 to 30 moves per hour compared with

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CJ

Community Journal

OCTOBER 21-27, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

United States citizenship

The CTV Files Atty. LiLLi B. BAcuLi MARIO, was admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) when he was 18 years old. Now he wants to apply for citizenship, but the application is asking about something called “selective service.” He doesn’t know what this is. Will this bar him from his application to become a U.S. citizen?

Lualhati thought she acquired U.S. citizenship through her newly naturalized parent and has submitted an application for a U.S. passport at her local passport agency. However, it has been several months since her application was first submitted, and she has been passed on from one passport agent to the next, telling her different things about additional documents that she needs to submit. What else can she do?

Crispin, a U.S. citizen, is a newlywed who just found great news that his wife is pregnant

with their first born. However, his employer just informed him that he will need to be transferred overseas, and therefore his wife might give birth to their child while living abroad. Is his child still going to be a U.S. citizen?

In Lualhati’s case, it is likely that local passport agents do not know what to do with outof-the-ordinary applications such as hers, or their requests did not specifically spell out the magic words that local agents are trained to look out for in processing such applications.

Lualhati might have to be resubmit her respective application, and this time around very clearly outline the basis upon which she is resting her claims to citizenship and why it is that the Department of State must issue them a much-coveted United States passport.

For Crispin, he will have to look at the immigration laws that are in place at the time of his child’s birth. Likely, he will have to execute a “Consular Report of Birth Abroad.”

For Mario, it might be a little complicated. Males between ages 18 – 26 are required by law

to register for Selective Service.

It is the law, period. He will have to explain why it was he failed to abide by this law.

Acquisition of U.S. Citizenship at Birth. A child born in the United States is automatically a citizen of the United States. A child born outside of the United States where one or both of his parents are United States citizens may also acquire U.S. citizenship. For children born abroad to acquire US citizenship, there is a requirement that the USC parent must have resided or have been physically present in the United States for certain time periods prior to the birth of the child so that he or she may “transmit” citizenship. The transmission requirements are established by the law in effect at the time of the child’s birth. If the parent is a naturalized US citizen, the time both before and after naturalization can be counted in determining transmission by the parent.

Acquisition of U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization of a Parent. Under the Child Citizenship Act (CCA) of 2000,

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Health@Heart PhiLiP S. chuA, Md, FAcS, FPcS YeS, very much so, especially in lowering the risk for diseases, as shown in the recently published studies discussed below.

To illustrate a point, let us exaggerate and consider a situation that is extreme: a person who is bedridden, a stroke victim or a quadriplegic, someone practically unable to move. What happens? The muscles all over the body atrophy and in most instances replaced with fats, become flabby and lose bulk, the heart and lungs deteriorate, the circulation slows down, metabolism becomes impaired, the immune system declines, and the brain and all other organs function poorly. Humans, animals in general, were not meant by nature to be sedentary. Physical activities are essential for cardiovascular fitness and are fundamental to a healthy lifestyle.

What benefits do we get from exercise?

Medical literature is replete with documented studies showing increased levels of physical activity and fitness are associated with a decreased the risk and incidence of heart attack and hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s. exercise fortifies the immune system, making the individual more resistant to infections and diseases, including cancer! Regular exercise also makes one look better physically

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

WE ARE

HIRING Asian Journal Publications is now looking for:

Customer Sales and Service Representative

A ‘SeLFIe’ is a do-it-yourself self-portrait using a handheld digital camera or the now ubiquitous cellphone. A ‘selfie’ can be taken for laughs. But more often than not, it is for the purpose of immediate electronic posting in any one of the social networks, usually Facebook or Instagram for all to see. In our electronic world, it is a way of attracting or demanding attention, sort of saying to your world of followers or connections, “Look at me. Look at me.”

The most famous ‘selfie’ is the one taken by one of 3 heads of state (USA, Denmark and the UK) during the funeral of Nelson Mandela. That ‘selfie’ created a big flap for its impropriety considering the somber occasion. It also reportedly became a source of jealousy and frosty discord in the White House. The blonde Danish head was flanked by 2 men in that photo while Michelle Obama sat on one side of the President, looking appropriately somber and visibly unimpressed by the juvenile stunt.

I have used that cellphone feature myself a few times. It is convenient not to have to impose on someone else to take a photo of yourself on your cellphone. Although I must say the results of all those close-up ‘selfie’ shots with a moon face and all the eye bags and the wrinkles magnified are strong arguments against selfies.

Not to worry though, vanity will always find a way. There are telescopic, retractable stick-like

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Is exercise really essential to health? by improving muscle tone. The person who exercises regularly also has increased stamina, energy and capacity for work and leisure activities, superior ability to lose body fats and maintain a desirable weight, and has greater resistance to stress, fatigue and anxiety. They also have a more positive outlook on life.

Those who are sedentary are twice more prone to develop a heart attack.

How much exercise do we need?

According to a meta-analysis published in the British Medical Journal, high level of physical exercise lowers the risk for diseases, especially for five on the list below. The WHO recommendation is 600 MeT minutes per week. Greater benefit for disease prevention occurs at 30004000 MeT minutes per week.

Vacuuming for 15 minutes, gardening for 20, running for 20, walking or bicycling for 25 minutes or climbing stairs for 10 minutes could achieve the 3000 MeT-minutes/week. The study showed that going up to 8000 MeT minutes per week provide the greatest benefit. Increasing any of those above for another five minutes, or doing a combination (two or three) of those activities would be sufficient to extend the gains for the greatest risk reduction. Almost as easy as a walk in the park, with amazing health benefits.

The risk reductions were noted among these diseases: diabetes,

nos to send home an increased amount of dollars to fund a fixed peso consumption or investment amortization,” Mapa said in a reply to e-mailed questions.

The peso closed 8 centavos lower on Monday, Oct. 16, at 48.52 to a dollar, still its weakest finish since August 2009.

But in peso terms, remittances jumped a whopping 20.7 percent, and fueled a surge in consumer spending, Mapa said.

“Vanity of vanities; ALL IS VANITY.” —Ecclesiastes gadgets you can buy that you can place your cellphone at one end that enables one to take shots of yourself farther than your arm and hand can manage. There are even apps you can use to correct that physical limitation of arm’s length.

The ‘selfie’ is a telling indicator of the age we live in. We cry for and demand attention from others. There are those who are falling in love with their own images, their own thoughts and their cyber persona thinking they have thousands of followers. Some even think they have become legends in their own minds. They believe the world revolves around them and that their personal happiness is paramount.

Following the lead of celebrities in the sports and entertainment world, we are being led to believe that life is all about I, Me and Myself at center stage. The songs and stories in popular media all amplify and sell the story of self-love as the highest form of love. It isn’t.

We have all the electronic tools for self-absorption at hand these days: camera phones, computers, tablets, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and other forms of social media and the unceasing, unrelenting advertising messages that prick and capitalize on our vanity. Advertisers know our hot buttons and the messages they cleverly craft and send are designed to keep pressing those buttons until we

Negligible impact on current account Meanwhile, ING Bank’s Manila-based senior economist Joey Cuyegkeng said the growth in remittances will not be enough to counter the negative impact of a wider trade deficit on the country’s current account.

“An estimated $1 billion positive swing in remittances wouldn’t suffice to prevent an estimated $11.6 billion negative

Gov’t sees no Christmas port...

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just 10 during the congestion,” Santiago said.

Outside the ports, he said the “no-window policy” for vehicle coding that began this week could also help ease shipment deliveries.

For Faeldon, “reforms” undertaken may have contributed to better port facilitation, without giving specifics. He said this gave Customs more revenues for the holidays.

Revenue collections up slightly Preliminary data showed revenue collections rose 3.98 percent year-on-year to P33.002 billion in September. This was however 7.79-percent below the P35.79billion goal.

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The ‘selfies’ generation idolatry on steroids

OFW Aug remittances rise...

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28 percent lower risk; ischemic (arterial blockage) stroke, 26; ischemic heart disease, 25; colon cancer, 21; and breast cancer, 14 percent. These are significant risk reduction.

What type of exercise is good for fitness?

Practically any form of physical activity helps, but a regimented exercise of about half an hour, done at least three to four times a week, at 3000 MeT or higher minute/week, and doing those chores mentioned above, confers the great cardiovascular benefits. The activities partly alluded to above could be walking (leisurely to brisk), dancing, aerobics, bicycling, swimming, running, playing tennis, jogging, etc.

Why is brisk walking better than jogging?

In the 60s and 70s, jogging was very popular as a form of exercise. However, there were significant attendant complications resulting from jogging, like injuries to feet, ankles, knees, hips, spine, etc. Studies in Sports and Cardiovascular Medicine two decades later showed that the cardiovascular benefits of brisk walking were the same as those derived from jogging, minus the injuries.

How fast should the heart rate go down after exercise?

Your heart rate should go back down to your normal rate (pre-exercise heart or pulse rate) within 15 minutes after ending

The bureau, in a statement, said revenues are still “expected to increase upon the finalization of the report.”

“I am not sure if that (collections) included already the increased demand for Christmas.

But definitely, we could see that there is an upward trend,” Faeldon said.

Of the 17 collection districts, six beat their revenue targets for September -- the ports of Clark in Pampanga, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Cebu, Davao and Batangas.

MICP, meanwhile, collected P10.583 billion, just a little behind its P10.601-billion target for the month.

“This does not include yet the effect of [the] weak peso since these shipments were booked

succumb and buy what we are being sold.

Self-absorption is certainly not a new phenomenon. It is probably written in the human DNA from the beginning but is just more widespread because of the available technological platform to profess self-love.

Advanced, wealthy civilizations in history have fallen for the same trap. Maybe it’s time to dredge out those stories from mythology, told and retold from the distant past, so we can better understand how to deal with this interesting yet disconcerting trend and see how too much self-absorption driven by obsession can eventually lead to despondency and unhappiness.

The antidote to self-absorption, just like for many ills that plague our world today, is still the same as it was in the past — love and concern for others, interest in the well-being of someone or being involved in something bigger, higher, loftier than one’s self. The idea of sacrifice still remains the most concrete, visible form of love for another. In an age of instant gratification, sacrifice has become passé, a thing of the past.

And that, perhaps, is the reason for much of the world’s troubles these days.

In the end, happiness finally comes with the humble awareness and quiet appreciation of what was, what is and what is yet to come — right now, right

u PAGE CJ3 swing in the trade deficit from producing a current account deficit,” Cuyegkeng said in an e-mailed statement.

In the first half of this year, the current account posted a surplus of $778 million, way lower than the $5.3 billion surplus in the same period of 2015. This was due mainly to the widening trade gap, which increased 72 percent to $16.4 billion in the same period.

The BSP is forecasting a current account surplus of $5.8 billion this year. n early on,” Faeldon said.

The currency slumped against the dollar by around four percent last month. A weak peso makes imports more expensive, translating to a higher base for Customs valuations.

Santiago said only “perishables” forming holiday demand for food and other items are expected to come in over the last three months.

Sought for comment, Sergio Ortiz-Luis, president of the Philippine exporters Confederation, echoed the government’s view.

“There are some improvement making it (port congestion) not so bad this year. There still is, but not of similar magnitude than before,” Ortiz-Luis said by phone.

“Hopefully, the situation will remain the same even with the influx of more shipments,” he added. n

Community Journal

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 21-27, 2016

CJ

The November 2016 Priority Dates The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows:

Immigration Corner

FAMILY CATEGORY:

Visa Issuance Date

May 1, 2006

September 1, 2005

First Preference

Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)

Second Preference

(2A) Spouse and minor children (below November 22, 21 years old) of green 2015 card holder

January 22, 2015

(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder

February 1, 2007

February 15, 2006

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

January 1, 1995

August 8, 1994

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

April 1, 1994

May 8, 1993

Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below.

If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.

Beginning last October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that month). This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card.

Application Filing Date

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Application Filing Date

Second Preference

Advanced Degree (Masters)

Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

*** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different.

The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction,

Visa Issuance Date

Current

Current

September 1, 2013

April 1, 2011

September 1, 2013

April 1, 2011

warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

Banana industry losing global edge Maureen Philstar.com

siMeon

MANILA - Amid rebel attacks and lack of government support, banana stakeholders said the billion-dollar local industry is losing its competitive edge as it slips in rank among the largest banana exporting countries globally.

The Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) said the comparative advantage and competitiveness of the Philippines in banana production are slowly eroding.

Based on a recent United Nations Conference on Trade and Development report, Costa Rica has overtaken the Philippines as the number two largest banana exporting country.

The Philippines used to be the second largest producer of bananas worldwide, next to Ecuador, which supplies 95 percent of the total banana demand in the Asian market.

Reports showed that the country’s export earnings from banana plummeted to $440 million last year from the $1.1 billion recorded in 2014.

PBGEA said the decline is combined effects of natural calamities, local ordinances that retards industry growth as well as lack of direction and commitment at the national level.

The recently ended El Niño phenomenon that hit Mindanao has also resulted to approximately 20 percent decline in production.

“The exorbitant import costs for the fruit and unfavorable tariff rates have motivated importers to look elsewhere for cheaper alternative sources. Reason is the type of banana the Philippines is cultivating slaps foreign buyers hefty import duties of the value of goods,” PBGEA executive director Stephen Antig.

Furthermore, banana stakeholders have called on the government for its intervention on agribusiness ventures arrangements

(AVAs) which may hamper the expansion of banana plantations.

AVAs are agreements between private investors in banana plantations and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). Stakeholders said government policy and consistency play a vital role in the stability of supply of banana and strategic direction of investors who are contemplating to invest in large-scale banana farming.

“The Department of Agrarian Reform is reviewing existing AVAs, also known as leaseback agreements. They (stakeholders) are worried government interference with live contract provides disincentives to local and foreign investors, let alone unconstitutional. This interference has changed the strategic direction of local corporate farms in relations to their expansion plans,” Antig said.

He added other competing Asian countries are offering more attractive returns on investment, tariff cuts, income tax holidays, and other incentives. n

Is exercise really essential...

PAGE CJ2 t

your exercise. Therefore, it is advisable to always take your pulse rate before you start your exercise. If it takes longer than 15 minutes, you should reduce your pace. It is prudent to take a five to 10-minute warm-up, such as leisurely walking before engaging in brisk walking, or slow dancing before going into fast dancing, etc. After exercise, whatever it is, end the session with a five to tenminute cool-down period that includes gentle stretching.

How many calories are burned by exercise?

For a 150-pound (about 68-kilo) person, doing the following for one hour burns the corresponding amount of calories indicated here: walking, 2 mph, 240 calories; walking 4.5 mph, 440; jogging 7 mph, 920; bicycling 6 mph, 240, 12mph, 410; jumping rope, 750; running in place, 660; running 10

mph, 1,280; swimming 25 yards per minute, 275; tennis, singles, 400. For half an hour of non-stop fast dancing (like swing or boogie), 200 calories; and, in contrast, for a 15 to 30-minute foreplay and sex, only 90 calories are burned, believe it or not.

Is there such a thing as overexercising?

Everything depends on the individual and his/her objective in doing the particular exercise regimen. Beyond one hour of daily moderate or vigorous exercise will result in little or no added cardiovascular/pulmonary fitness, and may only increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries attendant to the physical activity.

But if the aim is to lose weight, and if the person’s condition and endurance allow it, increasing the duration of the exercise may be done, but no more than an hour. However, remember that

The ‘selfies’ generation...

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here where we live our days and nights, just within the small circle consisting of ourselves and our loved ones, without demanding attention from others. Do remember that not everyone is rooting for you.

If we think we have become stars in the firmament because of our own self-absorption, here’s a story from Greek mythology to help bring us down a notch back to terra firma with a soft, gentle thud.

Long ago when enchanted creatures peopled the earth, there was a nymph called Echo.

She probably rated a nine and a half on a 10 point-attractiveness scale, gorgeous, knowledgeable and perfect in every way except for one thing — she was a chatterbox without equal. She liked to hear herself talk far too much and perhaps, with a tinge of hubris, would insist on having the last word in every conversation.

Juno, the queen of the Gods,

was so irked by Echo’s habit that she meted out a punishment just for her. Echo will no longer be able to talk, except for one tiny concession — she will be able to say only the last word.

In the same forest where the nymphs lived, there was a young man named Narcissus who was so classically handsome and perfectly proportioned that all the nymphs oohed and ahhed and fell in love with him at first sight.

Picture Michelangelo’s marble sculpture of “David” in flesh and blood. If he were real person today, he would have made the cover of People’s Sexiest Man of the Year.” His fans became legion. All that adulation got into his head. He became extremely vain. No nymph was good enough for him.

One day, Echo espied Narcissus while he was hunting with his peers and fell in love with him like a ton of bricks. She longed to tell him of her feelings, but in her afflicted state, she became pain-

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Business News

by Louise

A MOTHER’S AND HER ATTORNEY’S PERSISTENCE RESULT IN HER DAUGHTERS FINALLY BEING ISSUED CSPA VISAS BASED ON “EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES”-- ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF CITIZEN PINOY! Lolita left her two daughters in the Philippines to seek a better life in the US, with the dream that she would eventually have them join her. However, her previous attorney missed the one year “sought to acquire” filing deadline for CSPA eligibility, resulting in the Embassy refusing to issue their immigrant visas.

Leading US immigration attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL was her beacon of hope, as he did not give up in trying to convince the Embassy that the daughters should be entitled to visas, despite missing the one-year deadline. Find out how Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel was able to prove extraordinary circumstances, have the two “aged-out” daughters be issued visas, and reunite this family on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

cutting the caloric intake, on top of the exercise, is the most effective way to lose the extra pounds. Consult your physician before embarking on any diet or exercise regimen.

The combination of diet and exercise — a healthy lifestyle — is the key to a healthier body and mind, and to maximal longevity.

View philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States.

Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

fully shy and simply contented herself silently watching him from a distance, shadowing Narcissus’ every move. Narcissus, however, became aware of her shadowy presence and talked her out of her hiding place. Echo could only repeat the last words of what Narcissus was saying in their conversation so she may have came out sounding like a mindless idiot, vexing the vain Narcissus.

Besotted with love for the hunk however and believing Narcissus’ plea that she come out so they can be joined together, she finally overcame her crippling shyness and revealed herself. However, Narcissus felt she wasn’t good enough for him and snubbed her. He scorned her for her bold presumptuousness and repudiated her. He sent her away in the most cutting words swearing he would rather die than be with Echo. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

O C TO B E R 22

2nd annual Larry Itliong Day Parade & Festival Honoring the life and work of labor and civil rights leader Larry Itliong, the City of Los Angeles, Pilipino Workers Center, Larry Itliong Day Committee, FilAm ARTS and the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust will present the 2nd annual Larry Itliong Day Parade & Festival on Saturday, October 22. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 125 Loma Drive and Unidad Park at 1644 Beverly Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA. The parade and festival will feature cultural performances and exhibits, a free film screening of the seminal documentary on Itliong titled “Delano Manongs” by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Marissa Aroy and a re-enactment of the Great Delano Grape Strike. The festival will also highlight civic engagement at the main festival grounds on Loma Dr. with voter education, a health fair, Empleo Pilipino, and interactive displays on the California Domestic Workers Bill of Rights campaign. At Unidad Park, there will be free tours of the mural, community garden and park. To get involved as a food vendor, a sponsor, walk in the parade or become a volunteer, please contact Eliseo Art Silva at eliseoart@earthlink.net or call Perla Santos at (213) 268-3222.

O C TO B E R 23

Los Angeles Celebration for Filipino American History Month The Filipino American History Month Los Angeles (FAHMLA) Coalition is hosting a diverse array of intergenerational and trans-intercontinental talent at the newly renovated Greek Theater on Sunday, October 23 from 4 to 10 p.m., presented by Frontier Communications. Filipino music legend Gary V will headline the evening and will perform for the first time with his son, Gab Valenciano. Dance-pop artist Jocelyn Enriquez, R&B group Kai and others who helped start the Filipino-American music movement during the 1990s, will reunite after more than 15 years for special performances. YouTube sensation AJ Rafael and “The Voice” Season 9 artist Tim Atlas are among those who are expected to perform. UFC host, Arianny Celeste and KISS FM’s Manny Streetz will help host the show, and culinary masterminds including Kristine de la Cruz and Lynne Tolentino will be onsite whipping up delicious Asian food for the attendees. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. The Greek Theatre is at 2700 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027.

Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in Los Angeles Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers perform ‘100 years of song’ at the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall at the Valley Performing Arts Center at 6pm. Maestro Ryan, the Philippines’ top composer (“Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” Tuwing Umuulan” and more) presents his handpicked vocal group singing his arrangements and beloved hits. Tickets are at www.ticketmaster.com, Venue is at CSU-Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330.

Harana in Glendale, California The Federation of Filipino-American Associations, Inc. in association with the DreamAgeGroup Art Entertainment presents ‘Harana: a journey for every Filipino.’ It will be held at Alex Theater on 216 N. Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA 91203 on Sunday, October 23 at 2 p.m. For inquiries and reservations, please call (818) 937-3071 or email The DreamAgeGroup@gmail.com. Box office tickets are available at Alex Theater; please call (818) 2432539.

NextDayBetter + Washington DC In lead up to the White House Event Celebration of Filipino American History Month, NextDayBetter is throwing a very special edition of NextDayBetter + Washington DC featuring bold thinkers and doers inspired by the Filipino diaspora. The October theme is RESILIENCE: how might we build more resilient communities in the face of local and global challenges? Speakers and attendees will address this challenge head on.

Featured speakers: Gregory Cendana, the first openly gay and youngest-ever Executive Director of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance and Institute for Asian Pacific American Leadership & Advancement; Enrico Dungca, founder of the Amerasian Project & photographer; and Eileen Aparis, Executive Committee Member of Apl.De.Ap Foundation and Impact Investor. NextDayBetter + Washington DC is on Sunday, October 23 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Impact Hub DC, 419 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004. To register, please visit: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/nextdaybetter-washington-dc-fahm2016-resilience-tickets-27827463693.

O C TO B E R 28

Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in Honolulu Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers perform ‘100 years of song’ at the New Life Theatre at 7:30pm. Maestro Ryan, the Philippines’ top composer (“Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” Tuwing Umuulan” and more) presents his handpicked vocal group singing his arrangements and beloved hits. Contact Honolulu Broadway Babies for information (808) 783-2296. New Life Theatre is at 1190 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817.

N OV E M B E R 5 - 6

Consular outreach in Orlando, Florida The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. - Central Florida Chapter, the Filipino-American Association of Pensacola, Inc., and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Miami, is pleased to announce that it will conduct a consular outreach mission in Orlando on Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Services offered include: Philippine passport applications; legalization of documents (acknowledgment, authentication, etc.); and receipt of reports of birth, marriage and death; and administration of oath of allegiance for dual citizenship. For an appointment, please email consular@philippineusa. org and indicate “Orlando FL Outreach” in the subject line. In the body of the email, indicate the complete name(s) of the applicant(s) and the corresponding service(s) required by each application. The outreach will be held at Hilton Garden Inn Orlando at Seaworld, 6850 Westwood Blvd. Orlando, FL 32821.

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

OCTOBER 21-27, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

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

PEZA eyes more economic zones to attract investors MDA Muscle Walk of the Greater Bay Area is set for Oct. 23 in San Jose

by Alexis

RomeRo Philstar.com

BEIJING – The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) wants to create more economic zones and to continue giving investors tax perks even as the Duterte administration is trying to raise revenues for its key programs.

PEZA director-general Charito Plaza said establishing economic zones in every province and city would help lure in investors and create new jobs.

“Under my watch and in support of the programs of President Duterte, we are going to build special economic zones in every province and city and region nationwide because we don’t want to leave any more abandoned or idle lands,” Plaza told reporters before the welcome lunch for the Philippine delegation here Wednesday, Oct. 19.

“We have to make every land productive and utilized so every province and every city have different potentials,” she added.

Plaza said PEZA aims to establish more industrial cities in the Philippines and to make the country more attractive to foreign investors.

Under the law, foreign and local industries in economic zones that are producing export-oriented products are entitled to a tax holiday of four to eight years.

In their ninth year, they would be sharing three percent of their gross income to the national government and two percent to the local government where the economic zone is located.

Some experts, however, believe that some tax perks are redundant and the current fiscal incentive system has caused huge

Register today to forge powerful connections, celebrate the strength of MDA families and transform hope into answers.

revenue losses for the government. Bills seeking to streamline fiscal incentives have been filed in previous Congresses but they were bypassed.

PEZA: Less revenue but more jobs Plaza said the government should continue providing tax incentives to the investors as the stronger purchasing power of newly-hired workers would make up for the revenue losses.

“Even if we get only less tax for the income of the government but you will be attracting many investors so multiplier effect, you will be creating thousands of jobs, millions of jobs,” the PEZA chief said.

“If you are going to give purchasing power to every Filipino, this will encourage and motivate more types of businesses to be established. I will recommend to the secretary of finance that we should maintain the present tax incentives and invite more investors,” she added.

Plaza is a member of President Rodrigo Duterte’s delegation for

his four-day state visit here. She said the president’s visit is “a grand, great beginning.”

“It’s time now we have to think outside of the box. We should make an impression that President Duterte’s independent foreign policy is in the right direction. We should already put an end to that colonial mentality and inclusivity to America,” Plaza said.

“The Philippines should be established as a zone of peace, we should be a friend and an enemy of no one,” she added.

Plaza said Chinese investors who are into electronics, manufacturing, tourism and games and amusement are very interested in the Philippines.

PEZA manages four economic zones and has accredited 348 others.

“We have already 101 Chinese companies in the economic zones of PEZA and this is increasing because many have given their intentions that they will expand and they will bring some more Chinese investors to the country,” Plaza said. n

HERCULES CYCLING CLUB. Want to get into cycling or looking to ride with a group? Established in August 2013, The Hercules Cycling Club was organized to promote the enjoyment of cycling in our local community. We are a collection of cyclists from different backgrounds and skill levels that organize fun group rides open to everyone, and support events and activities that encourage cycling. Membership is not limited to Hercules City residents, we have members all over the Bay Area including San Francisco, Fremont in the south and Fairfield up north. Safety comes first on our rides, and no one gets dropped nor left behind! For more information on the club and ride schedules, go to www.herculescyclingclub.net or email herculescyclingclub@gmail.com.

EMPLOYMENT

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Muscular Dystrophy Association is bringing strength to life for kids and adults in the San Francisco Bay Area community with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases at the 2016 MDA Muscle Walk of the San Francisco Bay Area on October 23rd. The 5th annual event will raise critical awareness and dollars to help MDA fund groundbreaking research across diseases and empower its families with services and support from day one to help them live longer and grow stronger.

MDA Muscle Walk is a meaningful way for families, friends, neighbors and local businesses in San Jose to come together and show support for area MDA families. This year’s walk includes a 3K – 5K route designed for participants of all ages and abilities, including a wheelchair and equipment-friendly course.

This annual event is scheduled for 10am at Lake Cunningham Park in San Jose, CA. The event will include a one mile walk, live music, kids’ activities, sponsors, an appearance from the San Jose Shark’s mascot Sharkie, and KRON 4’s Stanley Roberts as emcee. To register, visit musclewalkmda.org/sanfranciscobayarea2016 or call the local MDA office at (415) 673-7500.

PAGE CJ4 t

Care Center at UCSF, CPMC and Stanford. They also make MDA summer camp possible where kids can experience the best week of the year at no cost to their families at Westminster Woods.

About MDA MDA is leading the fight to free individuals — and the families who love them — from the harm of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases that take away physical strength, independence and life. We use our collective strength to help kids and adults live longer and grow stronger by finding research breakthroughs across diseases; caring for individuals from day one; and empowering families with services and support in hometowns across America.

Learn how you can fund cures, find care and champion

United States Citizenship

a child could be a derivative US citizen when: (i) one parent is a citizen by birth or naturalization; (ii) the child is under 18 years old; (iii) the child is a lawful permanent resident; (iv) the child is residing in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the US citizen parent. Under the CCA, a child no longer needs to prove that his or her parents were legally separated or divorced if she is in the custody of one parent. However, a child whose parents are legally separated must be in the full or joint custody of the USC parent. In the case of joint custody, physical custody is implied regardless of actual physical custodial situation.

EMPLOYMENT

“There are kids and adults here in our community living with muscular dystrophy and related diseases that take away everyday abilities like walking, hugging and even breathing,” said MDA Executive Director Sara Boring. “But by supporting the MDA Muscle Walk of the San Francisco Bay Area you can help provide strength and turn hope into action for families who are counting on us to find treatments and cures.”

Last year, dedicated participants raised $8.2 million through Muscle Walk for MDA and more than $34 million has been raised since Muscle Walk began in 2011. Last year’s San Francisco Bay Area MDA Muscle Walk raised over $50, 000.

Contributions help support MDA’s nationwide network of state-of-the-art support groups and clinics, including the MDA

Children born out of wedlock who have not been legitimated are eligible for derivative citizenship when the mother becomes a naturalized citizen.

However, for children born out of wedlock seeking to claim derivative US citizenship through their father, the claim may be based on the legitimation laws of any jurisdiction where the father or the child resided or was domiciled, between the child’s birthday and his or her 18th birthday.

Those who might have a claim to US citizenship should consult with an experienced, licensed immigration attorney to obtain an in-depth consultation about the law, what the law requires, and how to proceed. In

addition and more importantly, people should be wary of online tools that offer immigration help or notarios who are not licensed to practice law *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship.

Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 4958088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ctvattys. com. For general information visit www. chuatinsayvega.com.

EMPLOYMENT

FOSTER HOMECARE SF #2664

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 21-27, 2016

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Redwood City 2020 program ‘Redwood City Mayor Lee announces federal funding for transportation improvements Together’ awards a welcoming star for local group’s

On Thursday, Oct. 13, Mayor Edwin M. Lee applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for awarding $11 million to San Francisco to fund six innovative projects aimed at reducing traffic congestion and creating a safer and more efficient transportation system. The award was announced today

by U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx at The White House Frontiers Conference, a national convening hosted by President Barack Obama to explore the future of innovation.

“Moving people and goods safely and efficiently throughout our City and region is a top priority for me. With this funding, San Francisco can move forward with a number of pioneering projects across the City that will utilize advanced transportation technol-

efforts to create a more inclusive community

ogy to address traffic congestion on our streets and allow for a smarter and more equitable transportation system for all San Franciscans,” said Mayor Lee. “I thank Secretary Anthony Foxx,

Leader nancy Pelosi, and all of our federal partners for their leadership, and for rewarding San Francisco’s innovative proposals with important federal support.” n

USPS previews select 2017 stamps Lineup includes National Museum of African American History and Culture and 100th birthday of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy

WASHInGTOn — What do Love, skywriting, Year of the Rooster, and the national Museum of African American History and Culture all have in common?

They are among the subjects of the U.S. Postal Service’s 2017 Stamp program announced Tuesday, Sept. 20.

For more than 130 years, the Postal Service stamp program has celebrated the people, events and cultural milestones that are unique to United States history.

The 2017 stamp subjects are in keeping with this rich tradition.

“The Postal Service is thrilled to provide this sneak preview of a few subjects of our 2017 program as we continue offering exciting new topics on stamps that will have wide appeal to

stamp enthusiasts in America and abroad,” said U.S. Postal Service Stamp Services Executive Director Mary-Anne Penner. “Stamps are miniature works of art that tell America’s story; this is only the beginning as we will announce

REDWOOD CITY, . - The City Council of Redwood City and Redwood City 2020’s welcoming initiative, Redwood City Together, will shine a spotlight on their latest Welcoming Stars Award recipient, Kainos Home and Training Center, during the Oct. 17 City Council meeting which begins at 7 p.m.

The Welcoming Stars award, given by Redwood City Together, honors local pioneers and programs which help build an inclusive and respectful community. Redwood City 2020 is a community collaborative working across sectors to ensure the safety, health, and success of all children, youth, and families in Redwood City and north Fair Oaks.

Kainos Home and Training Center, which opened its doors to Redwood City in 1977 and north Fair Oaks in 1983, serves a diverse, inclusive population of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential, vocational, and senior day programs and services. This non-profit organization works with individuals, families, and the community with the powerful mission of enabling each individual they serve to maximize his or her potential while becoming active, contributing members of

ing Lunar new Year series) • Celebrating African American History and Culture • Work Projects Administramore subjects going forward.” tion (WPA) posters The 2017 stamp program in• Sharks cludes: • U.SFather Theodore Hes• Love skywriting (sky series) burgh (1917-2015) • Year of the Rooster (Celebrat• Flowers from the Garden

the community.

Their residential programs include providing housing and support to over 70 individualsfrom supporting people living in their own homes to 24-hour care facilities-as well as a senior care facility. The vocational programs are geared to help individuals gain or develop the skills for competitive employment in the community. The senior day programs provide opportunities for education, socialization, recreation, and community inclusion and integration for older adults with developmental disabilities.

Individuals with developmental disabilities learn skills, gain jobs, become more independent, and have chances to become active and involved in the community.

The families of these clients gain security, support, and comfort in knowing there is a place for their loved ones.

“Kainos Home and Training

Center is a shining example of what local residents and groups can do to create a more inclusive, enriching and welcoming community,” said Mayor John Seybert. “The City Council is proud to honor this Welcoming Star winner at the next Council meeting, for they are one of many who make Redwood City a great place to live.”

Executive Director Andy Frisch comments, “When our people are involved in community volunteer projects, our enthusiasm is infectious. I think a community is stronger and feels better about itself when it sees that there is a place for everyone in the community.”

To obtain more information on the Welcoming Star Award, including how to nominate a new program, please visit http://www. rwc2020.org or contact Jemima Oso at (650) 423-2200 ext. 3467 or joso@redwoodcity.org. n

• John F. Kennedy • Delicious (Influence of Central and South American, Mexican and Caribbean foods on American cuisine) • Uncle Sam’s Hat • Seashells • California Dogface Butterfly • Barn Swallow Customers may purchase 2016 Forever stamps at usps. com/stamps, at the Postal Store

usps.com/shop, by calling 800STAMP24 (800-782-6724) and at Post Office locations nationwide.

A variety of stamps and collectibles also is available at ebay. com/stamps.

Many of this year’s stamps may be viewed on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps or via Twitter @USPSstamps.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. n

CJ

OCTOBER 21-27, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Friday, October 21, 2016

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cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 21, 2016

Recognizing JefRё Manuel

By Dana

Fil-Am contemporary artist’s road to triumph

M. SioSon

AJPress

AnOther artist is making his way in the Philippine art industry. With his countless achievements in Miami, new Orleans, Philadelphia, San Antonio, London, and Abu Dhabi; Jefrë Manuel took the opportunity to use his skills and talent to craft awe-inspiring, larger than life art pieces in Manila.

Retracing his roots Being an internationally acclaimed contemporary artist and former landscape architect, Jefrë Figueras Manuel, or more known as “Jefrë,” was born and raised in Chicago. his parents were natives of Ilocos Sur and Laguna, and this accounts for his love of the Philippines.

Love of the arts though runs in the family. his mother, who was a nurse, had a creative outlet as a floral decorator. Jefrë recounted the days when he assisted her on weddings and other events. At the same time, his uncle was inclined in architecture and has created exquisite abstract murals from

etched metal and paint. this has made him more inclined in art.

Passion for art At an early age, Jefrë already showed interest in art.

“As children, we all have a sense for creative exploration and experimentation. I remember my mother telling the story of how I love to water our plants with soy sauce or how I would take things apart.

But maybe, that was a way to explore objects as individual components and how they work,” he revealed. to further develop his skills, he participated in many art courses, competitions, and even joined drama programs during his grade school and high school days.

“I remember being excited that my cover art was chosen in a contest for the eighth grade graduation program,” he added.

The path he chose Jefrë’s passion carried him to the Art Institute of Chicago. he wanted to pursue a profession with the arts. But then, he decided to transfer to Ohio State University. there, he took up and finished a degree in Urban Design and Landscape Architecture.

“A starving artist wasn’t really honored in a family dominated in the medical profession,” Jefrë explained. he said that his parents were concerned for him and his struggles in the future if he choose the path of an art-

Janella Salvador: A star that keeps on shining by iza igleSiaS ManilaTimes.net

FrOM supporting characters to lead roles, Janella Salvador has proven she developed the acting skills to become the teen star she is today.

Born to singer and thespian Jenine Desiderio and singer-songwriter Juan Miguel Salvador, she initially dreamt of honing her voice to follow their footsteps, but as she entered show business realized that acting is truly her passion. her most pivotal role in her young and thriving career was as richard Yap’s daughter nikki Grace in ABS-CBn’s “Be Careful With My heart,” which produced her first acting recognition from the 27th PMPC Star Awards for television as Best new Female tV Personality. From there, she earned the trust of her mother studio and immediately bagged the lead role of Sophie Cepeda in the daytime teen teleserye “Oh My G!.”

As her star rose, endorsement deals began coming her way, and yet another notable recognition as one of the German Moreno Youth Achievement awardees from the FAMAS Awards for being a positive influence among the youth.

As for movies, Salvador had her film debut in regal entertainment’s “haunted Mansion” in 2015’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

As her latest teleserye Born For You with onscreen partner elmo Magalona came to end in September, she had no time for a break, going straight to the set of regal Film’s “Mano Po 7” starring her first teleserye dad richard Yap. Mommy’s girl With all her achievements as an 18-year old celebrity, Salvador is every humble and

Janella Salvador

credits her mom for being her inspiration and guide.

“It’s no secret how close my mom and I are. She’s literally been there for me all my life and I can’t deny the fact that she plays a big role in who I’ve become today,” the doting daughter told The Manila Times at yet another milestone in her life on October 6.

A picture of young sophistication, Salvador was launched as one of the powerhouse Olay Ambassadors for its 10th anniversary, with no less than Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and top tV executive and award-winning actress Charo Santos-Concio completing the impressive roster.

Asked how she felt to

be lined up with such accomplished women, Salvador replied, “First of all I was surprised and very flattered when I found out that I was going to be part of a campaign with them. they’re such big names,” she exclaimed. “I mean it’s Pia Wurtzbach and Ms. Charo Santos, and I’m just Janella… I really am so honored to be included here,” she said.

Star-struck “At first I was star-stuck when I first worked with them in the commercial,” she related. “to be with the both of them was just surreal, but they were very nice. they made the shoot go very smoothly and easy for me—I didn’t feel intimated or pressured.”

Meanwhile, in a quick

ist. thus, he transferred and became a city planner.

For ten years, he was able to work with various establishments and firms like Skidmore Owings and Merril. he worked for clients, was contracted in partnerships, and gave service to some of the biggest industry names such as Santiago Calatrava, BIG Architect’s, Zaha hadid, and Philippe Starck. All was working well until a lifechanging incident happened to him. not expecting a heart attack at the age of 35, Jefrë underwent triple bypass surgery. the incident served as an eye opener and made him realized the life that he truly wanted. having personally experienced the play of God’s hands, he quit his job and used his retirement funds to participate in different competitions and study at Morpho ecology at the Architecture Association in London, england.

“When I came back from London, I decided not to go back to a firm. I started my own practice (now known as StudioJeFrЁ) and joined competitions,” he said.

Starting anew Jefrë took the first step of his second life by joining different contests in the United States. the contests — mostly funded by the public — are usually joined by 300 to 400 people. All of them are screened based on their presented ideas until three finalists are chosen.

“In my first year (of com-

peting), I was a finalist in 12 projects. You hope to win one... I won eight in my first year. I was the fastest emerging artist to win that number of competitions in my first year,” Jefrë expressed. the 40-year-old artist then became known for his pieces such as “the Beacon” and “the Code Wall,” which are both showcased in the heart of Lake nona’s Medical City in Florida. his projects are inspired not by a “theme or material-based studio artist” but by the culture and identity of the community locals he works for. his name continued to rise with his thought-provoking work of art. In 2012, he was named as the “emerging Artist of the Year.” he has won in various sculpture competitions in Washington DC, London, San Antonio, new Orleans, rome, and Miami.

Furthermore, Jefrë was given recognition as the “Consultant of the Year for 2016” by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). he was awarded by the Marlborough Gallery in new York City as an “Up and Coming International Public Artist.” recently, he was also nominated for the Cooper hewitt Smithsonian Museum Award 2016 for the Design Mind Category.

Photos courtesy of Jefrë Manuel

Jefrë Manuel today As his career continues to flourish, Jefrë decided to offer his service and “bring the idea of public art and iconic art to the Philippines.” he was commissioned by SM Group to work on “talking heads” at SM ecom 5 and “Sculpture Contour Series”- a permanent art sculpture project at SM Aura.

Jefrë worked with BGC’s most iconic sculpture called “Selfie.”

“I’m an international artist from the United States but I’m a Filipino. this is my first time in my homeland in about 15 years after doing sculptures worldwide” he confessed.

“If I can do the Philippines’ ‘International Monument or Iconic Destination,’ that would be my dream.”

When asked about the kind of artwork he wants to do, Jefrë answered that he likes to make “art that inspires people; art that can one day be considered your eiffel tower.”

For that he wants to work in a profession that shapes the world and be a big influence on how art can turn from mere object to public space, looking forward to his future endeavors locally and nationwide.

“For me, there was really no ‘perfection’ in art. Art is more of a process,” Jefrë concluded.

KC Concepcion and Aly Borromeo: ‘Keeping it private, not a secret’

by MJ

Marfori ManilaTimes.net

the public should get more used to sighting the new darling couple in showbiz, KC Concepcion and her beau former Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo.

Always out and about, Manilatimes.net caught up with the beautiful twosome at the Fashion Can Serve just before the weekend. KC was there to support Mark Bumgarner, the featured designer, for the benefit runway show, since developing a connection with him for their common advocacy of breast cancer awareness.

Of course, she asked Aly to come with her, but initially found herself apologizing to the press because the football star didn’t want to grant any interviews. to back track, it was just in June this year that the pair went public about their relationship on social media. “It’s good to keep it private but we’re not keeping it a secret” was how KC described how they choose to handle their relationship.

Back tracking even more, it was in 2011 when KC last had a high profile relationship with heartthrob Piolo Pascual. All is well with them now after what seemed like a bad break up, but ever since then KC never jumped into any big relationship.

Apparently, she decided to take the advice of her late lola elaine Gamboa Cuneta: “I was able to heed her words interview with Charo SantosConcio, she spoke of how energized she is to work with young talents, especially like Salvador.

“I admire this young lady who is very focused, hardworking and a true professional,” said the showbiz pillar.

In the spotlight

Aly Borromeo and KC Concepcion

of wisdom to ‘collect and collect, then select,’ to know who’s really sticking around and what it is I like and don’t about a person.”

With that KC feels ready to be in a relationship more than ever with Aly. “this time, I think I can really say I went in to this relationship, hoping it will be for the long haul,” she added. the “Mega Daughter” also shared how her boyfriend makes up an entire cheering squad just for her. “he’s been very supportive and he’s been such a good, good partner. he’s been decent and he’s very sincere to me.”

Moments after, the very

private Aly gave in and allowed a quick interview, sharing a few details on how he met KC. “I knew her since we were 13 years old and then we came to meet again earlier in the year,” he said. he also described how well they get along, saying, “[I think] it goes hand in hand— I’m an athlete and she is an artist, we both jive in many ways.”

Barely one year in their relationship, Aly is very open to the possibility of settling down with KC. “that’s up in the air but we’re both on the same pathways in our career and we’re both transitioning,” he ended.

Meanwhile, Salvador also shared with The Manila Times that she knows that with her celebrity comes responsibility.

For this reason, she always strives to be the best possible version of herself, inside and out.

For example, while she admits that the hectic pace of

being in the spotlight almost leaves her no time to take care of herself, she still makes skincare a priority, thus her enthusiasm to be an Olay ambassador.

“If you take care of your skin, you’ll feel beautiful and confident, and it all starts from there,” she explained.

entertainment SF3

Catching up with Krista Kleiner

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – October 21, 2016

Cherie Gil: Kontrabida no more!

by Christina

alpad ManilaTimes.net

By Monet

Lu

sHE may be everyone’s favorite contravida but come Krista is a jack – rather 2017, Cherie Gil is all set to queen – of all trades. aside give life to a real Filipino herofrom winning the Binibining ine of the 1940s.

Pilipinas-international title in the 53-year-old actress— 2010, she has made a name who turned the character for herself in the Philippines Lavinia from the iconic film, as a tV personality who hosts, “Bituing Walang Ningning,” acts and performs on a numinto the ultimate mold of feber of primetime television male antagonists in Philippine shows. she has also ventured showbiz—confirmed she will be out to other countries in joining the historical full-length southeast asia and around feature, “a thousand tears.” the world with international Written and directed by balladeer Julio iglesias.

Francis Villacorta (“Pedro i had a chance to recently Calungsod,” “Batang Martir,” catch up with her, now that 2013), “a thousand tears” will she moved back to La to con- EP, but in the meantime, i’ve Lenny Kravitz’s trumpet player, tell the stories of second World tinue pursuing her passions.

Ludo Louis, as our musical diuploaded a few new original War heroes Jose abad santos, Monet: What is keeping rectors for the show. the jam songs that have been part of Vicente Lim, and Josefa Llanes you busy these days? session will be intercut with a the process to my website, Escoda.

Krista: Gosh, where to kristakleiner.com. the produc- raw, fun-filled interview with For the uninitiated, these begin? i have my hands on the guest artist aimed at makers and writers i’m working figures are the faces featured so many projects right now, ing the audience feel like they with right now are so incredon the one-thousand-peso bill. but there are only a few that are hanging out with the artist ible, but you’ll have to stay their acts of heroism, however, i can share at this point. it’s and getting to know them on tuned to my social media for are far more valuable than the a really exciting time in my updates about those releases. a personal level. amount on which they were career as i’ve been able to We’re currently considerMy team and i are gearing minted. wear different hats as a singer, up to shoot the first episode/ ing a few distribution options, santos was the country’s writer, producer, and actress. but i will definitely be giving sizzle for the two web-seChief Justice when the Japai’ve been developing two updates around the shows ries/tV shows we’ve been nese supreme Command conshows that i will be hosting, with links to watch when it’s developing. One of them, quered the Philippines in 1942. while writing and recording with the working title Claim to ready. as the latter prepared to install music for my upcoming EP, M: Julio Iglesias and TaF.a.M.E., explores the devela puppet government, they an extended play that will opmental process of the fash- boo of Black Eyed Peas were pursued, captured, interrocomprise of four to six songs. ion, art, music, and entertain- two of your mentors. How gated, and eventually executed i recently graduated from a ment industries with an insider was it being mentored by santos via firing squad. two-year acting program and them? feel that shows what it takes Lim, on the other hand, was started getting into producK: Never in a million years to reach the top, straight from the first Filipino graduate from tion for scripted and nondid i think that i would get the experts themselves. it the prestigious Westpoint Miliscripted tV shows. While to be so lucky to have those will take viewers on multiple tary academy in the Us. in the taking select hosting, comtwo mentor me. they’re both journeys showing how the Battle of abucay, he held the mercial and modeling jobs, such incredible and talented different creative industries fortress to stop the advance i’ve also recently come on are intertwined, then end at a people. Julio became quite a of the Japanese imperial army board to help with strategic hot event that the guests have father figure to me while we into Bataan and Corregidor. partnerships and sales for a were on tour. He would conworked towards. two months later, the general clothing brand called Neoclasthe other show we’re pre- tinuously tell me about life, was captured and coerced to sics. i feel extremely blessed paring for is focused on music. different cultures, the music join the infamous Bataan Death to be surrounded by so many Filming at a hot spot in down- industry, his personal strugMarch. He was eventually intertalented and creative minds gles, and lessons learned, town Los angeles, it will conrogated, tortured and impristhat i have the opportunity to sist of special guests perform- while taking the time to praconed for refusing to accept the learn from. ing a wide range of music with tice one particular song with new authority. Consequently, M: Any shows and albums an incredibly talented band. me on the plane and before he was beheaded. (coming out) that we should shows. it was a tagalog (FilipiWe’re extremely fortunate Finally, Llanes Escoda, the keep an out? no) song that he had learned to have three-time Grammy founder of Girl scouts of the K: i’m currently still in before and suggested we sing award winning producer and Philippines, was a leader, wife development of my music pianist, sam Barsh, along with Continued on Page SF4

and patriot who went to great length to find food, medicine and clothing for Filipino and american prisoners of war, while transmitting to them important information on the battle field. Working underground with her husband, Llanes Escoda bravely faced her captors who executed her

via firing squad.

Unfortunately, not too many of the current generation know these three heroes important roles in the country’s quest for freedom. and it is this void, which precisely inspired Villacorta to take on the challenge of introducing them to millennial moviegoers. “that’s what we want to get across in this move—what happened to them and how they contributed to the great history of fighting for our freedom,” the director reiterated at a news conference for the upcoming project on October 10.

Stellar cast Helping tie the stories of these three heroes together is opera singer-librettist Fides Cuyugan asencio, who had a connection to all three national martyrs. to begin with, her family is related to the former Chief Justice; while her eldest brother was a soldier under General Lim; and finally, asencio herself was a girl scout in the organization’s earliest days.

Besides helping Villacorta with the movie’s script, the 87Continued on Page SF4

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celebrityworld

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 21, 2016

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar Barely five months after they broke up, the Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla and architect Conrad Onglao are together again.

People were taken aback when the news came out that the couple ended their relationship at a time when they were reported to be already finalizing their wedding somewhere in europe. Zsa Zsa has never been married while Conrad’s marriage (to Ivy almario, also an architect) has long been annulled.

Zsa Zsa Padilla and Conrad Onglao back in each other’s arms

The good thing about thing about Zsa Zsa and Conrad was that they never aired dirty laundry in public. They kept mum about the cause of their break up, just as the Divine Diva is mum about what brought them back together again. “long private story,” was all that the singer can share.

When asked if this time it’s “forever,” Zsa Zsa said, “God willing!”

So can love be sweeter (and lovelier) the second time around? We’ll see!

JJ Pasco, son of Jojo Pasco of Crowne Plaza in Daly City, celebrated his birthday last weekend with a party held at Gellert Park Recreational Hall. Shown in photo with the celebrant are his mom, family, relatives and friends.

Barely five months after their break up, the Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla and architect Conrad Onglao are back in each other’s arms.

FILHOFF board members addressed the guests during the organization’s 3rd anniversary celebration last October 1. Shown in photo are: Chito Desuasido, Nelson A. Guiab, Pat Ancheta, Frank Sityar, Agnes Torres and Luz Sumagang (not in photo is Essie Claveria).

*** another couple that seems to be having a better relationship the second time around

Shown in photo is part of the large crowd who attended the luau party hosted by the Filipino Band Musician’s Hall of Fame Foundation (FILHOFF) headed by former movie star and bandleader Jun Aguilar. The organization recently celebrated its 3rd year at the Beresford Recreational Center.

is Bea alonzo and Gerald anderson. although the two have not confirmed (nor denied) the real status of their relationship, a lot of people have assumed that they are more than friends based on their actions.

In fact just recently, Bea celebrated her 29th birthday twice with Gerald. In a photo posted on Instagram, the first celebration was on Sunday, Oct. 16, where it showed the actress with Gerald at a Filipino restaurant at Bonifacio Global City.

On the actress’ actual birthday on Oct. 17, Gerald and Bea celebrated again with a few close friends by having dinner at a Chinese restaurant.

The photo also showed Bea beaming with happiness as Gerald sang “Happy birthday” to her.

In 2010, Gerald and Bea were in a relationship but kept it secret from the public. They were only together for three months because Gerald was paired with actress Kim Chiu and their fans (Kimerald) didn’t like the idea of the actor being involved romantically with

Handsome actor Jericho Rosales is the lead actor of the newest teleserye, “Mapaghangang Wakas.”

Echo’s performance is excellent and could give him an acting award.

Actress Bea Alonzo recently celebrated her 29th birthday last Saturday, Oct. 17 with rumored boyfriend Gerald Anderson.

Actor Gerald Anderson has been dating actress Bea Alonzo but the two have neither confirmed nor denied the real status of their relationship.

somebody else. years passed and the two became close again while they were doing the movie, “How to Be yours.”

In an interview with PeP. ph last month, Bea said, “We go out. Wala naman masama.

Parang wala naman kaming nasasaktan.”

Catching up with Krista...

From Page SF3 at a few shows once we got it down. after the shows we sang at, he would call me into his dressing room to give me his thoughts and suggestions of how I could do better. He taught me that singing had to come from deep within the soul and that it was so much more than just being a good vocalist.

While Julio was much more of a balladeer, Taboo connected me with different styles of music that I wanted to try – everything from pop, hip-hop, dance, pop rock, and eDM. He so generously opened up his home studio to me even bringing in people from his writing and recording team to work with me.

It was absolutely incredible.

I looked up to him so much since we both felt more like performers than singers, and the insight he shared with me on his and the BeP’s journey truly opened my eyes. He helped me figure out what I liked and what I didn’t like in regards to sounds while also helping me find my voice.

M: What is next for Krista Kleiner?

K: The world! Haha, but seriously. My goal is to be the best person I can be and touch as many people as I can. I know I’ll have to continue to work hard, consistently learning and growing as much as I can, in order to develop the career and future that I want. But honestly, it’s an effort that I’m happy to make.

With how difficult times are

for so many, I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue my dreams; and I don’t want to ever take that for granted. I’m really looking forward to completing my eP and getting back to performing, traveling and connecting with people around the world. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces soldout fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Cherie Gil: Kontrabida...

From Page SF3 year-old further has a pivotal role in a Thousand Tears. as she performs her swan song in her ancestral home, it is through her eyes and memories that these heroes’ stories will come to life on the big screen.

Tasked to portray the young Fides is budding musician lara Maigue who was Cuyugan asencio’s student at the University of the Philippines.

Incidentally, it is Gil’s close affinity to the veteran opera singer, which convinced her take on the role llanes escoda in a heartbeat.

“Who can say no to Tita Fides? I couldn’t!” Gil exclaimed with her famously hearty laughter. recalling when she received the offer for a Thousand Tears, she shared she was on a break at the time, having just finished the aBS-

CBN primetime drama “Dolce amore,” where she wonderfully portrayed the role of liza Soberano’s Italian mother.

“When this was pitched to me, I realized how important it is to know our history. and so I thought that by making this movie, I could leave something that would carry on until I eventually leave this earth,” the multi-awarded TV, film and stage actress said.

With Gil as llanes escoda, the cast is shaping up to be a stellar one, especially once Christopher de leon and Gabby Concepcion finally confirm for the roles of Santos and lim, respectively. Besides these three big names, the rest of the actors who are in include Joel Torre (as asencio’s father), ayen laurel (as asencio’s mother), Nicole asencio, Miguel aguila, art acuña and eric Quizon.

No to war Villacorta is optimistic that at the turn of the new year, they will be starting shooting the film for release on either one of two national commemorations: Bataan Day in april or Independence Day in June.

The director, in ending the press conference, emphasized again and again how movies of historical importance should be made persistently amid the present trying times.

“With the possibilities of war in the South China Sea, in Syria and elsewhere in the world, perhaps with a movie like this, we can help deter people in the government or persuade public opinion to re-evaluate and talk instead of rushing into a war. This movie will show how horrible war is, and how useless it is, no matter the cause,” he declared.

features

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 21, 2016

Double your fun with the advantage of twin-destination tour packages Planning a vacation has been proven to be most tedious – if not entirely difficult.

Finding flights, picking a destination, finding lodgings and accommodations, researching attractions and things to do are only some of the things travelers worry about. going on a vacation all by yourself is one thing, but going with a group – with a family especially – is a different matter, because you have to consider the various individual preferences of those travelling with you. indeed, travelling, or going on a holiday, for that matter takes a lot of planning. are you considering a beach holiday? What about culture and educational trip? are you considering an adventure and nature tour?

Or you may be thinking about

pure relaxation and sightseeing. Would you rather explore the ruins of old civilizations or surf the waves? Or would you prefer to explore hidden caves and navigate rivers to shopping malls and entertainment centers? Maybe you want to immerse yourself in history and culture before indulging yourself with a sun, sea and sand-filled beach holiday.

With so much to see and do in the world, and with such varieties of destinations to explore, it is getting more and more difficult to settle on just one destination. The thing is, after spending many years working or dedicating productive hours to your career, you deserve to see not only one vacation holiday on just one destination. You deserve to see and do more.

Taipei-Manila Adventure, one of the twin-destination packages offered by Majestic Vacations, features a tour of the bustling modern city of Taipei (left), and a tour of the eclectic, diverse city of Manila and an opportunity to enjoy the famed sunsets of Manila Bay (right).

Probably the most welcome news for travelers these days is the availability of multi-destination holiday or twin-destination tours which combine two or more destinations in one trip. not only is this a great

Majestic Vacations’ Saigon-Coron twin destination tour package offers a glimpse of Saigon’s history through its sites like the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon (left), while a visit to the island of Coron in Palawan, Philippines (left) is an opportunity to enjoy nature at its best.

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, one of the most popular sights in Taipei (left) and the amazing geological wonder in Bohol, Philippines (right) are only a few of the highlights of Majestic Vacations’ twin-destination tour packages.

way to experience and visit more places in one fantastic trip, but it is also the perfect solution to your indecision of whether to go on a relaxing beach escape or an adventure travel. a multi-destination or twin-destination holiday allows you to enjoy both on one trip. naturally there is a rise in twin-destination or multidestination packages much to the delight of adventurous holidaymakers who are eager to explore emerging destinations. What could be a better deal than paying for one longhaul flight and be able to see not only one but two destinations? if this isn’t a great value for your money, i can’t think of any other reason to ignore or forego twin-destination tours.

Majestic Vacations, one of the biggest wholesalers of tour packages, is offering great and irresistible twindestination tour packages featuring the various destinations in the Philippines with popular tourist draws in Taipei, Seoul, Saigon, Hong Kong, and Bangkok and other destinations. This offers asian travelers – especially Filipinos going home to the Philippines – to explore other places and cities in asia when going on a holiday with their families back

home.

For example, all in the span of a seven days you will have the opportunity to tour and enjoy the sights of the bustling city of Taipei and then revisit the diversity of Manila.

Or you can choose a tour that’s split between exploring Seoul and then go on a relaxing holiday on the white sandy beaches of Boracay. if one beach isn’t enough for you, then how about visiting Saigon and then hie off to swim in the crystal clear blue waters of Coron? How about enjoying the lights of Hong Kong then going on a nature trip to the Bicol Region where you stand in awe of the majestic Mayon Volcano? Explore the historical city of Cebu and visit the geological wonders of Bohol after a few days of irresistible shopping opportunities in Taipei.

The options offered by these twin-destination tour packages are endless. and once you have taken a twindestination holiday, then the next step is to add up the number of destinations on your agenda.

Don’t limit yourself to just one destination on your next trip. By opting a twindestination tour package you

have the luxury of combining numerous stops into one unforgettable itinerary. Plus, you will surely benefit more than you normally would on a single stop destination. and don’t forget: it is a more affordable option for those who love to travel.

So, whether you already have an idea of the places you’d like to visit or would like recommendations for destinations, the options are limitless. now is always the perfect time to plan on seeing more of the world. Choose any one of Majestic Vacations twin-destination tour packages. Enjoy more. Explore more. and double your fun!

••• Manny V. Ilagan is a Tourism Specialist with over 23 years professional experience in the tourism and travel industry. He provides travel consultancy services to some of the biggest wholesalers and tour operators in the country as well as to some airline companies. He is the former Tourism Director-OIC of the Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles, where he worked for over two decades. As a writer, he has written numerous articles about travel and tourism, which have been published in various Filipino-American newspapers in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Las Vegas and New York. For comments or questions, you may reach him at manilagan@gmail.com.

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The As ian Jour na l SF M A G A Z I NE - O c t obe r 2 1 , 2 0 1 6

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