San Francisco Edition -- October 7 -- 13, 2016

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

w w w. a s i a n Volume 15 - No. 41 • 3 Sections – 22 Pages

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Supreme Court will not rehear Obama immigration plan THE Supreme Court on Monday, October 3 declined to rehear President Barack Obama’s immigration plan which would have spared millions of undocumented immigrants from deportation.

This upholds the 4-4 “non-decision” of the United States v. Texas case in June which killed the president’s immigration initiatives.

In July the court — which has been one justice short following the death of Antonin Scalia — had received a request from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to rehear the case once the Court installed its ninth justice.

O C T O BE R 7 - 1 3 , 2 0 1 6

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

Abella: PH ‘not necessarily’ breaking alliance with US The Philippines has had an unby ALEXIS ROMERO Philstar.com easy relationship with the US after Washington had raised concerns over MANILA, Philippines — Will the Duterte’s brutal war on narcotics, Philippines cut ties with its traditional which has left more than 3,000 drug suspects dead. ally and treaty partner US? Duterte has accused the US of hyThe answer to the question remains unclear as President Rodrigo Duterte pocrisy and has even threatened to and his spokesman appear to have put an end to the bilateral military issued conflicting statements on the exercises between the Philippine and issue, which would define the admin- American militaries. He has also ordered his legal team to review the Enistration’s foreign policy.

will break out America. I would rather go to Russia and to China. At least even if we do not agree with the ideology they have respect for the people.

Respect is important,” he added.

Abella on breaking ties: Not necessarily Duterte’s spokesman, however, views the statement differently.

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, Oct. 5, Presidential

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‘White House smart enough to know what Duterte means’

Rep. Honda, Sen. Hirono honor Filipino-American History Month, introduce a bipartisan bicameral resolution

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PPD photo by Ace Morandante

hanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, a 2014 deal that grants US troops access to Philippine bases.

The president, however, went a step further last Tuesday, Oct. 4, when he declared that he might eventually break ties with the US. “I will be reconfiguring my foreign policy,” Duterte said during a visit to the Beit Yaacov Synagogue in Makati Tuesday evening.

“Eventually I might, in my time, I

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Mike Honda (D-Silicon Valley) and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai’i), announced on Tuesday, Oct. 4, a bicameral and bipartisan resolution to recognize October 2016 as “Filipino American History Month.”

Hawai’i, which Hirono represents, is the only Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) majority state in the country. California’s 17th congressional district, which Honda represents, is the only AAPI-majority district in the continental United States.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella

by NESTOR

CORRALES Inquirer.net

FINAL RESTING PLACE. A 21-gun salute, a shower of confetti, and the release of doves and white balloons mark the burial rites for former Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago in Marikina City.

Inquirer photo by Richard A. Reyes

THE White House is “smart enough” to weigh on the verbal attacks of President Rodrigo Duterte against the United States, a businessman and economic expert said on Wednesday, Oct. 5.

On Tuesday, Oct. 4, Duterte launched fresh tirades against US President Barack Obama, saying he could “go to hell.”

“It’s his manner of speaking, right? It’s his expressionism. He doesn’t mean for Obama to go to hell, right? It’s just the way he talks, right?” Peter Wallace told

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Marcos Libingan DOT dismisses rumors of canceled Miss Universe burial petition hits over 1M signatures

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

by ARIEL

PAOLO TEJADA Philstar.com

President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton

Inquirer.net photo

Obama, Clinton hail Fil-Ams’ contributions in US history

by YUJI

VINCENT GONZALES Inquirer.net

US President Barack Obama has recognized the contribution of Filipino-Americans in his country’s history, despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s continuous tirades against him.

In his message for the celebration of the Filipino-American History Month, Obama said the two races “will always be bound to each other,” as he lauded Filipinos’ “integral role in shaping the life of our country.”

“An unshakable faith in the promise of America has guided people to our shores since our founding. When they arrived, many of those who first settled here suffered setbacks and faced challenges in their

pursuit of the American dream.

But with relentless optimism, they held their heads high and laid down their roots—building our country into the beacon of hope it is today,” Obama said in his message dated Oct. 1.

“They have been the artists who challenge us, the educators who keep us informed, and the laborers of our growing economy. And throughout our history, they have served as members of our Armed Forces, helping safeguard our nation and the values upon which we stand,” he said.

Obama also recognized the role of Filipino-Americans in “fighting back the tide of tyranny” during the Second World War, as he trumpeted his administration’s Filipino World War II Veterans Parole

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — Groups of Marcos supporters have surpassed the one million target signatures for the petition to allow the remains of former president Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

The signatures will be turned over to the Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday. A simple mass will be held in front of the SC prior to the turn over.

The SC earlier extended the status quo ante order against Marcos’ burial at the Libingan until October 18.

Lawyer Hyacinth Rafael-Antonio, Marcos family legal coun-

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THE Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) has dismissed rumors alleging that Miss Universe 2016 next January will be canceled.

“We are not aware of any cancellation for Miss Universe. We are still having ongoing meetings with the MUO (Miss Universe Organization). Let us wait for official announcements before jumping into any conclusion,” DOT Un- Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo tells reporters on Tuesday, October 4 that the AJPress photo by Vince Samson dersecretary Kat De Castro told Miss Universe pageant will go ahead as planned.

Inquirer on Monday, October 3.

The rumors supposedly started when reigning Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach was tagged in De Castro’s Facebook post about crying.

“Some are citing my post last Thursday before the Hitler issue.

Pia & I had dinner. We were reminiscing. Hence, the “iyak (crying)” part. Chill lang,” De Castro clarified.

Earlier this summer, the DOT

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OCTOBER 7-13, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

Abella: PH ‘not necessarily’ breaking…

PAGE A1 t Spokesperson Ernesto Abella claimed that Duterte was merely emphasizing the need for an independent foreign policy.

“It does not necessarily mean breaking up alliances,” Abella said.

Duterte has issued controversial statements in the past that have had to be “clarified” by his spokespersons, who also usually say that the statement was misunderstood or taken out of context.

“Let us try to use our creative imagination. Let’s not be too literal,” Abella added.

When asked which among Duterte’s remarks were policy statements, Abella replied: “It becomes policy when there is official action. Okay? That’s it. Is it clear?”

Duterte made the remark weeks after he declared that the Philippines is not cutting its umbilical cord with its allies but would “certainly follow an independent

posture and independent foreign policy.” The Philippines has yet to make public any moves to end military exercises with the US or to abrogate military treaties with it’s long-time ally.

When asked how he can reconcile the seemingly contradictory statements, Abella offered a personal opinion.

“This is not policy but this is my opinion regarding the way he makes statements, okay. Like for

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‘White House smart enough to know…

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reporters in a Palace briefing.

“I’m not sure that the foreign community will ever be able to understand it but I think people in the US government will, right?

I think the people in the White House are smart enough to know that what he’s saying is not what he intends,” he added.

Wallace, an Inquirer columnist, believes Duterte only wanted an

“equal partnership” with its allies.

“I don’t see him as trying to divorce himself from America. That would make no sense, right? He’s just trying to establish an equal partnership and that’s a different thing,” he said.

The businessman said the public should not take Duterte’s words literally.

“The way he talks is not the way in which he thinks,” he said.

Wallace said the President only wanted to be “a truly independent country.”

“He’s trying I think to establish that the Philippines is a truly independent country. It is no longer a colony of the US. It is no longer subservient in any way to the US. It wants its independence and in a fairly dramatic way that he’s trying to put that across, right?” he said. n

RESCUED. A wounded baby sperm whale was found off the shores of Bgy. Carlton in San Fernando City, La Union on Friday, Sept. 30.

The female whale, which weighs at least 100 kilos, is 6.5 feet long and has a body circumference of 45 inches, suffered injuries in its tail and left eye.

Philstar photo by Jun Elias

DOT dismisses rumors of canceled…

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announced that the Philippines will be the host country for the pageant.

DOT Secretary Wanda Teo on Tuesday, October 4 confirmed that venues to be visited include Cebu, Batangas, Metro Manila, Siargao, Vigan, Palawan, Bicol and Davao, following an

MUO team’s inspection visit last week.

The Miss Universe pageant’s coronation night will be held on January 30, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City with Steve Harvey as its host.

De Castro also noted that the unveiling of the DOT’s new campaign slogan will coincide with

the pageant.

“The [old] tagline is very general. Basically, the new campaign under Secretary Teo would be more specific in terms of destinations and the activities they can do,” De Castro said of why the DOT was dropping the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” slogan. n

Marcos Libingan burial petition hits over 1M… PAGE A1 t

sel, said the signature gathered signify that there are numerous Filipinos who are in favor of the burial of the late president at the Libingan.

The signature campaign was launched a month ago through the online website Change.org and through on-ground efforts.

“The signature campaign is to reiterate that there’s massive public backing and support for President Duterte’s decision to give a hero’s burial to the former president and World War II veteran,” said James Caesar Ventura of the Sirib Ilokano Kabataan Association, one of the groups who

spearheaded the campaign.

The campaign was also spearheaded in parts of Metro Manila by groups like the Buong Bayan Magkaisa (BBM) Youth Movement and Friends of Imelda R. Marcos (FIRM) 24k.

In Quezon City, the United Marcos Loyalists in the Philippines (UMLP) and Kilusang Kaisipang Diwang Pilipino (KKDP) carried out the gathering of signatures.

As of Wednesday, Oct. 5, the petition mirrors the support given for former senator Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. in his vice presidential bid last election, with the bulk of signatures com-

ing from the Marcoses’ bailiwick in the Ilocos Region.

The tally also includes the official reports from loyalist groups’ campaigns among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan and other nations.

Antonio urged, “Those who signed are also citizens of our country whose convictions must be considered for national unity and healing to become a reality.

Nevertheless, we should keep in mind that the case has been submitted for the resolution of the SC. We should trust that the SC will rule in accordance with law.” n

Obama, Clinton hail Fil-Ams’ contributions…

PAGE A1 t

program “which enables certain Filipino-American veterans to request that their family members join them in the US as they wait for their green cards.”

“As we mark this special month, we celebrate the ways Filipino-Americans have lent their unique voices and talents to changing our country for the better. Their immeasurable contributions to our nation reaffirm that as Americans we will always be bound to each other in com-

mon purpose and by our shared hopes for the future,” Obama added.

Obama’s anointed successor and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, for her part, took to social media to share her message to Filipino-Americans.

“It’s Filipino American History Month, so let’s honor their many contributions—from serving in WWII to strengthening our labor movement,” Clinton wrote on Twitter on Tuesday, Oct. 4.

In his latest anti-West senti-

Supreme Court will not…

PAGE A1 t

The DOJ sought out the rehearing in a statement, arguing that it reflects “the need for prompt and definitive resolution of this important case.”

Following the deadlocked decision, Acting Solicitor General Ian Gershengorn wrote that the Court “should grant rehearing to provide for a decision by the court when it has a full complement of members, rather than allow a nonprecedential affirmance by an equally divided court to leave in place a nationwide injunction of such significance.”

In 2014, an executive action introduced the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA),

which would have allowed approximately 5 million undocumented immigrants to stay in the U.S. and receive benefits like work permits.

After the programs were announced Texas, along with 25 other states, sued the administration over DAPA. They also challenged the proposed expansion of Obama’s 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which prevents deportation for undocumented immigrant children.

“This is the latest setback to the president’s attempt to expand executive power and another victory for those who believe in the Constitution’s separation of powers and the rule of law,” Ken Paxton, Republican Texas Attorney Gener-

ments, Duterte on Tuesday said he would cut ties with US during his term and forge alliances with China and Russia amid criticisms against his bloody war on drugs.

In a separate speech, he lashed out anew at Obama and the European Union, saying the former “can go to hell” while the latter “better choose purgatory.”

Duterte earlier threatened to stop the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and end war games between US and the Philippines. n al, said in a statement on Monday.

The Court’s refusal to rehear the case leaves the issue up to the next administration. Immigration has been a key issue during this presidential election, and consequently, both major candidates expressed differing opinions following the June ruling.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton — who has promised to defend Obama’s immigration plans and create a pathway to citizenship — described the ruling as “heartbreaking.”

Her opponent Donald Trump — who has trashed Obama’s immigration plans in the past and proposed his own strict policies — celebrated the ruling, saying the court has “kept us safe from [executive] amnesty.” (Klarize Medenilla / AJPress)

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CA Gov. Jerry Brown strengthens nation’s strictest anti-wage discrimination laws

by Eric

Anthony LicAs AJPress

TWO bills signed by California Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday, September 30 enhance what many regard as the toughest anti-wage discrimination policies in the country.

Senate Bill 1063 makes it a crime for employers to pay employees less based on their ethnicity. It was introduced by Democratic state Senator Isadore Hall of Compton and is modeled after existing legislation passed in 2015 prohibiting wage disparity based on gender, according to the Associated Press.

NOT AGAINST MINING. Environment Secretary Gina Lopez explains to media that she is not against mining but said that they (mining firms) should do it in a way “it does not cause suffering” and should have “reverence for the common good”. Lopez made the statement at a press conference last Sept. 27 where the results of the month-long mining audit were presented to media. Of the 41 metallic mines audited, only 11 “passed” the review.

Photo from DENR.gov.ph

New legislation to help California workers save for retirement signed

SACRAMENTO — Taking action to boost financial security for all Californians, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed SB 1234 last Thursday, Sept. 29, a law by Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles), that will create new retirement savings accounts for the nearly seven million workers who do not have one.

“Millions of Californians work for employers who do not offer any retirement savings plan,” said Governor Brown. “This bill helps ensure that every California worker can save for retirement.”

Under the new law, workers who do not have a workplace retirement plan will automatically contribute 3 percent of wages to a new retirement account, the California Secure Choice Retirement Savings Trust. This fund will invest in a diversified portfolio that focuses on long-term financial growth. Workers can change their contribution levels at any time, or choose not to participate. The legislation prohibits the state or employers from incurring any liabilities associated with the new program.

“Nearly seven million of our workers, who help make California the 6th largest economy in the world, do not have access to a retirement savings plan at their place of employment, and after a career of working tirelessly, they are forced to retire into poverty when their bodies give out,” said Senate President pro Tempore De León. “With today’s action, California is providing workers a

new chance to achieve better retirement security. Secure Choice will empower younger generations, working families, and the women who lead them, and help provide the financial security they have earned for the later years of their life.”

In 2012, Governor Brown also signed legislation by Senator De León, which created the California Secure Choice Retirement Savings Investment Board, a state board to study the feasibility of implementing the new retirement plan enacted today.

“Increasing Californians’ retirement security should be a priority for both the public and the private sectors,” said Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood). “By helping hard working Californians without a pension plan save for retirement, SB 1234 is a big step forward.

Senate President pro tem Kevin de León has shown great leadership on SB 1234, and we owe our thanks to Governor Brown for signing this important bill into law.”

Researchers have estimated that California’s senior population will increase 64 percent, to 12 million, by 2035. Nearly 50 percent of middle-income workers are at risk of entering poverty when they retire, and Social Security payments alone, which average $1,341 per month, are not sufficient to support them.

Today’s legislation provides a reliable and affordable retirement savings opportunity for the Californians who do not have a work-

Congressman Mike Honda

Senator Mazie Hirono

PAGE A1 t

Congressional Gold Medal, and ensure that their eligible family members apply for the Obama Administration’s program to reunite with their parents and other relatives in the United States.”

The resolution honors the earliest documented Filipino presence in the continental U.S.; the very first permanent Filipino settlement in the nation; and the economic, cultural, and social contributions of Filipino Americans.

Both Hirono and Honda are also calling for Congressional recognition of Filipino WWII veterans with the highest civilian honor—the Congressional Gold Medal. A bill, authored by Hirono, has passed the U.S. Senate.

The Fi-Am community is calling for a vote in the House of Representatives on Honda’s bill.

Currently, there are nearly 3.5 million Filipino-Americans.

Around 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American veterans fought under the American flag in World War II at the request of President Roosevelt. n

Rep. Honda, Sen. Hirono honor…

“Filipino-Americans have an extraordinary legacy that includes the valor of those who fought for the U.S. during World War II, the progressive change in the labor movement driven by farm workers in Delano, and all the unique voices that amplify the rich diversity that America champions,” said Rep. Honda.

“Every day in Silicon Valley, I see evidence of the continued courage, innovation, and hard work that Filipino Americans have displayed throughout American history as labor leaders, service members, artists, and business owners.

“This resolution pays tribute to the wide-ranging contributions that Filipino-Americans have made to our country,” said Hirono. “Nearly 200,000 Filipino-Americans, including Filipino World War II veterans who fought for the United States, enrich communities across Hawaii every day. To honor them, we must see through the effort to award these veterans the

Abella: PH ‘not necessarily’…

PAGE A2 t

example, I think very recently he said he wants—I think it was yesterday or this morning, he said, he wants Americans out of Mindanao,” he said.

“So he calibrates his statements, so he carefully calibrates his statements. So along that line, we—if we follow his style, then let us carefully, let us not simply just put a period at the end of

his statement and say that—let’s wait for his clarifications regarding the matter.”

Pressed if he thinks the president should be more specific with his statements to avoid misinterpretations, Abella said: “We can want, or we can wish. But this is his particular leadership style. So it’s best I think to just allow him to complete his policies in time.” n

place retirement plan.

“Passage of Secure Choice is the most significant step toward providing Californians with a dignified retirement since the establishment of Social Security in 1935,” said state Treasurer John Chiang, a member of the California Secure Choice Retirement Savings Investment Board. “It offers hope and protection to mil-

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women less for performing similar tasks as other co-workers. It keeps companies from using a person’s prior wages as an excuse to pay them less than other people doing the same work.

One of the lawmakers who introduced the bill, Democratic Assemblywoman Nora Campos of San Jose, told the AP the new legislation prevents women from falling into a pattern of chronic wage discrimination based on prior unjust compenGov. Jerry Brown sation.

Assembly Bill 1676 was also A bill vetoed by the Governor signed into law on Friday, and is last year would have made it illedesigned to prevent employers gal for potential employers to ask from getting away with paying about prior wages at all. n

NAFCON celebrates victory with NBC’s cancellation of ‘Mail Order Family’

ON Friday, September 30, NBC Entertainment executives announced that they will not move forward with the pitch for TV show, “Mail Order Family” after backlash and criticism from Filipino-Americans and the larger Asian-American community. NBC’s “Mail Order Family” was supposed to be a half-hour comedy about a widower who orders a mail order bride from the Philippines to raise his pre-teen daughters.

Gabriela USA, the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), and Migrante were some of the first Fil-Ame organizations to respond to the racist and of-

fensive pitch for a TV show by organizing a Change.org petition that garnered 9,000+ signatures in a day and a protest action at the NBC Universal headquarters in Los Angeles. The NAFCON considers NBC’s decision to stop the project a huge victory for FilAms, survivors of human trafficking, and the entire community.

NAFCON urges NBC Entertainment to focus on not just providing entertainment for its consumers, but to more deeply understand the diversity and the context of the communities they serve and represent in their shows. According to the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment, over

6,000 Filipinos leave the country every day to find work abroad and provide for their families because they have no livelihood in their home country.

“Can the NBC writers and executives even begin to understand the sacrifice, hardship, and challenges that Filipino immigrants and migrants experience around the world? Filipino migrants face some of the worst forms of discrimination, labor exploitation, human trafficking, injury, and even death,” stated Terrie Cervas, of Gabriela USA. “Human trafficking and forced migration are very serious problems that

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OCTOBER 7-13, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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NaFFAA calls for greater participation

by Filipino-Americans in US society National Chair also calls for vigilance in ensuring fair depiction in the media

MOVE GUNNERY RANGE. American soldiers step out of a Chinook helicopter during a military exercise with Filipino troops at Crow Valley gunnery range in Capas, Tarlac. The province’s Rep. Noel Villanueva has opposed a plan of the military to transform the gunnery range for international use, citing the safety and ancestral land rights of Aetas and upland farmers. Villanueva instead proposed the range’s transfer to the Basa Air Base in Pampanga.

Inquirer photo by Willie Lomibao

New legislation to help California…

PAGE A3 t

lions of Californians who are careening toward an impoverished retirement where they face the all-too-real scenario of whether to spend their meager retirement draw on food or rent.”

“SEIU members believe the dignity of retirement should be available to everyone who works hard throughout their lives,” said SEIU Local 1000 President and SEIU Retirement Security Committee Chair Yvonne Walker.

“The Secure Choice plan is a turning point in the history of our state – and our 700,000 members are proud to have fought for a plan that closes the income gap for all seniors.”

SB 1234 builds on the Gover-

nor’s continued efforts to help reduce poverty in California, which have included establishing the state’s first Earned Income Tax Credit, signing landmark legislation to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour statewide, enacting the most aggressive equal pay legislation in the country and funding the first cost-of-living increases for Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment since 2005.

The Governor has also enacted sweeping, bipartisan pension reform legislation that saves billions of taxpayer dollars, taken action to reduce California’s long-term fiscal liabilities by fully funding, over a period of years, the teachers’ retirement system

and established trust funds to gradually eliminate the unfunded liability for retiree health care through prefunding.

When Governor Brown took office in 2011, the state faced a massive $26.6 billion budget deficit and estimated annual shortfalls of roughly $20 billion. Since then, the state has eliminated these deficits with billions of dollars in cuts, an improving economy and new temporary revenue approved by California voters.

This year’s budget also directs an extra $2 billion into the state’s Rainy Day Fund, in addition to the constitutionally-required $1.3 billion deposit, bringing the fund balance to $6.7 billion, or 54 percent of the goal. n

NAFCON celebrates victory with NBC’s…

PAGE A3 t

are rooted in poverty that many Filipino migrants (most of whom are women) face every day. The forced migration and suffering of Filipino women is not a source of entertainment or cheap laughs.”

This is not the first time Filipinos have endured negative portrayals based on racial stereotypes in mainstream media. In the mid1990s, Filipinas were mentioned as mail-order brides in an episode of “Frasier.” In 2007, the validity of Filipino doctors was belittled and denigrated in an episode of the American show, “Desperate Housewives.” Further, Filipina

housekeepers were “comically” portrayed as sex entertainers in the British comedy show “Harry & Paul” as well as on the “David Letterman Show” and “Torchwood” in 2008.

NAFCON calls on NBC to publicly apologize to the Filipino community, to meet with our representatives and to partner together to educate its company and the larger entertainment industry to better understand and support Filipino migrants and survivors of human trafficking.

NAFCON plans to hold community fora with other Asian American advocacy organizations, impact-

ed communities and our supporters, to continue the dialogue about the issue of representation in the media, and the real lived experiences of migrants and trafficking survivors. Through the #Kababayan4Change platform, NAFCON will continue to unite with Filipino organizations and individuals in the U.S. in advocating for progressive reforms in the Philippines, including addressing the poverty, joblessness, landlessness, and corruption that compel many migrants and survivors of human trafficking to look for economic opportunities abroad in the first place. n

WASHINGTON, D.C. — “As we celebrate Filipino American History Month, let us reflect on our many achievements and contributions to our nation’s cultural, social and political life,” said NaFFAA National Chairman Brendan Flores. “While we have made many gains as a community over the years, we need to continue amplifying our voices and asserting our presence by actively participating in our country’s electoral process.”

Flores notes that there are nearly 4 million Filipinos and Fil-Ams in the U.S. today, constituting the second largest Asian American and Pacific Islander group in the country. “But voting rates among Filipino Americans continue to be low,” he said. “And we are still poorly represented in state and national legislatures.”

To address this challenge, NaFFAA launched it’s FilAmVote program early this year, with the goal of increasing voter registration and voter participation in this year’s national elections.

NaFFAA has also partnered with APIA Vote to bolster outreach to APIA communities across the country.

Denouncing Asian stereotypes “But even as we hail the progress we’ve made, we continue to be concerned about the way our presence is perceived in the American mainstream and in the media,” Flores states. “I’m referring to recent news reports that NBC had put in development a comedy show about a mail-order bride from the Philippines.

“In a culture where we continue to strive for diversity and inclusion, NBC will be taking us many steps back if the network moves forward with this show.

The last thing we need is a prime time television show that objectifies an Asian woman to be married off, via a catalogue, to a man she doesn’t know. That isn’t comedy. It’s called human trafficking and it’s simply unacceptable.”

Flores notes that “as of 2014, the International Labor Organization estimates there are 4.5 million people trapped in forced sexual exploitation globally. It is abhorrent that in 2016, we would allow for a company to promote and produce a show that perpet-

uates Asian stereotypes and human trafficking as an acceptable form of entertainment.”

A growing public outcry against NBC has reportedly forced network producers to cancel the project.

Need for cultural awareness “While we commend NBC’s decision, this is not the first time NBC has made light of Asian stereotypes,” Flores said. He recalled that in 1994, the NBC sitcom “Frasier” included an offensive joke about purchasing a mail order bride from the Philippines. Then Philippine Ambassador Raul Ch. Rabe protested to NBC executives, denouncing the joke as “racist and sexist.” In his letter, he wrote that “Our people are not chattel.” Rabe added that the Philippines passed a law in 1991 banning the mail-order bride business and other similar practices.

In 2007, ABC was forced to apologize for disparaging doctors trained in the Philippines in an episode of “Desperate Housewives,” after an on-line petition led by Filipino American author Kevin Nadal drew more than 50,000 signatures. ABC also removed the offending episode from all its platforms. In condemning the racially-biased and culturally insensitive remarks, NaFFAA pointed out the need for cultural awareness training among Hollywood writers, producers and actors.

“We appreciate the leadership of various individuals and organizations who alerted us to the ‘Mail Order Family,’ which NBC was considering to produce,” said Flores. “We join this collective effort in denouncing any programming that presents insensitive and disrespectful images of our communities.”

GABRIELA USA, a grassrootsbased alliance of more than 200 organizations advocating for Filipino women, condemned NBC for “exploiting women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds as perpetuated by the mail order bride industry.”

Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ) affiliates issued a statement expressing their outrage over the network’s consideration of a show that “perpetuates the fetishization and commod-

itization of Asian women,” and “trivializes the predicament of women who are bought and sold into the sex slave trade or into abusive relationships with men they’ve often never met.”

“The cancelation of this show is a result of the collective efforts of leaders nationwide with the Filipino-American community’s best interest in mind,” Flores said. “This is a positive example of a unified message and its powerful impact.”

Honoring Filipino World War II veterans “This month is also an occasion to acknowledge the support of U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives who have cosponsored a bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to our Filipino World War II veterans,” Flores said. NaFFAA is among a number of national organizations pressing Congress to once and for all recognize the vital role Filipino and American veterans played in defending the Philippines and the United States during World War II. In July, the Senate passed the bill, S. 1555. A companion measure in the House, HR 2737, has gained the support of 306 cosponsors to date, more than the two-thirds required.

“We are calling on Speaker Paul Ryan and the House leadership to take immediate action, secure House approval and send it to the White House for President Obama’s signature,” Flores said. “We owe it to our veterans, who have waited for more than 70 years.”

Flores adds: “We want to keep their stories alive so that their legacy of courage and uncommon valor will always be remembered and cherished by future generations of Americans. We also take pride in the vital role Filipino Americans continue to play in the American labor movement, the healthcare and education systems, arts and entertainment, business and politics, science and technology and other fields that enrich America’s landscape.

“Indeed, this time of celebration is an occasion for all Filipino-Americans to rededicate themselves as citizens actively engaged in moving our country forward.” (NaFFAA)

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 7-13, 2016

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

AFP probes coup plot vs Duterte

by Fernan

Marasigan Manilatimes.net

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is investigating reports on the alleged recruitment of soldiers and policemen to oust President Rodrigo Duterte.

“News about these seeming disturbances within the military are unknown to us, these are things that we take seriously so we will look into it,” said Brig.

Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., AFP spokesman.

Padilla issued the statement after Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco revealed the alleged plan of Liberal Party members Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th and some elite businessmen to topple Duterte.

Trillanes led two coup attempts against the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, now a representative of the second district of

Pampanga.

Padilla however belittled any move to destabilize the government, saying soldiers and military officials have shown their full support to the Commanderin-Chief during his series of visits to various military camps in the country.

“Matapos po na bigyan ng prioridad ng ating Commanderin-chief ang pagpunta sa lahat ng military installation upang makibahagi at makipag-ugnayan sa lahat ng kasundaluhan, maayos po ang pagtangap po ng lahat ng gating mga mga sundalo,mga marino, mga airman at saka mga sailors sa ating Commander-in-chief (After the Commander-in-chief gave priority to visit military installations to personally interact with soldiers, the President is warmly accepted and welcomed by the Marines, the Airmen and the

sailors),” Padilla said.

He added that the soldiers’ morale are high especially now that Duterte pledged his commitment to look after their welfare.

He cited in particular Executive Order No. 3 that increases the combat pay of troops to a fixed P3,000, a six-fold increase from P500 per month.

“The morale of our soldiers, especially those assigned in dangerous areas, is high. They saw these benefits as a fitting recognition of their sacrifices,” Padilla explained.

He maintained that AFP officials are not aware of the supposed rumblings in the military.

“This is a serious matter that is why we are looking into it and investigating it thoroughly,” the official said. “Any threat that may affect the republic or the safety of the President is always a serious threat.”

CBCP: Vulgarity eroding Pinoy values

by WilliaM

DePasuPil Manilatimes.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s uncompromising stand on his bloody war on drugs and constant cursing is slowly drawing the country to international shame, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) lamented.

CBCP president and LingayenDagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said he is deeply “worried, confused and sad” because of the extrajudicial killings. The Philippine National Police had said that more than 3,000 people have been killed since Duterte took office on June 30.

“I am ashamed of the things I read about the Philippines in the international media and more ashamed of what I hear from our leaders when I watch local news,” Villegas said in a pastoral statement.

“I am sad that the cherished Filipino values maka- Diyos (proGod), makatao (pro-people) and makabayan (pro-country) are slowly eroding to be replaced by an open license for cuss words, orchestrated lies and vulgarity never heard before,” the prelate added.

“I am in this endless grief at the killings I have seen and heard. The well is running dry and I can no

longer give a word of condolence to the bereaved families because I also need to be assured even a bit that things will get better and not become worse even more.”

The pastoral message was released Sunday, Oct. 2 for the feast of our Lady of the Holy Rosary. Villegas stressed that something must be done to change the country’s downward course so that peace would be restored, harmony regained and civility and courtesy recovered.

He called on the faithful to pray the Holy Rosary everyday and to attend Mass daily.

“The rosary in our hands and on our lips are powerful weapons for our time. So simple we take for granted yet so powerful for world change,” Villegas said.

The prelate earlier said the Church supports the government’s campaign against all forms of criminality but it must be done in accordance with the rules of engagement, reason and value for human life.

Villegas also condemned the extrajudicial killing of drug suspects.

“If drugs indeed kill, will killing the suspects remove the menace?

Are we providing our children a safe haven by teaching them by our tolerance of murders, that killing suspected criminals with-

out fair hearing is a morally acceptable way to eradicate crime?

From a generation of drug addicts shall we become a generation of street murderers? Will the do-ityourself justice system assure us of a safer and better future?” he said.

The CBCP recommended to authorities a five-step guideline in dealing with criminals during operations, stressing that a “shoot to kill” order should only be resorted to for legitimate self-defense or in defense of civilians.

The CBCP also stressed that it is never morally permissible to receive reward money to kill another.

“When bounty-hunting takes the form of seeking out suspects of crime, killing them, then presenting proof of the death of the object of the hunt to the offeror of the reward, one is hardly any different from a mercenary, a gunfor-hire, no matter that the object of one’s manhunt should be a suspected offender,” it pointed out.

Duterte has offered a reward of P5 million for every slain drug lord, and P3 million for those captured alive.

The CBCP also reminded the faithful of their moral duty to report all forms of vigilantism of which they have personal knowledge.

NO HISSING, PLEASE. A priest blesses a cat during the annual blessing of pets at the Malate Church on Sunday in observance of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

Aquino signed EDCA, ratification document shows

by Catherine

s. Valente & llanesCa t. Panti Manilatimes.net

FORMER President Benigno Aquino III signed and ratified the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States, contrary to a claim by his successor, President Rodrigo Duterte.

Aquino signed the instrument of ratification of the EDCA on June 6, 2014, which states that “I, Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Republic of he Philippines, after having seen and considered the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the United States of America on Enhanced Defense Cooperation, do hereby ratify and confirm the same and each and every article and clause thereof.”

A copy of the document was provided by a diplomat to The Manila Times.

Duterte, who has stepped up his tirades against the US following Washington’s criticism of his bloody war on drugs, on Sunday, Oct. 2 warned he would review the EDCA and end joint military exercises between Filipino and US troops.

The President claimed the document did not bear Aquino’s signature, and was instead signed by former Defense secretary Voltaire Gazmin and an “aide” in 2014.

The EDCA allows the rotational

presence of US troops in agreed locations inside Philippine military bases, for training and related activities such as transit and refueling.

In January, the Supreme Court declared the EDCA constitutional.

The pact did not need Senate ratification as it is an executive agreement that implements the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and the 1998 Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the United States. The diplomat noted that the Supreme Court decision acknowledged Aquino’s ratification of the EDCA. “[P]onente Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno took note of the ratification when she stated: ‘After eight rounds of negotiations, the Secretary of National Defense and the US Ambassador to the Philippines signed the agreement on April 28, 2014. President Benigno S. Aquino III ratified EDCA on June 6, 2014,’” said the diplomat, who asked not to be named because of lack of authority to speak on the matter. The diplomat also invoked Article 12 of the EDCA, which reads: “This Agreement shall have an initial term of ten years, and thereafter, it shall continue in force automatically unless terminated by either Party by giving one year’s written notice through diplomatic channels

of its intention to terminate this Agreement.”

“Therefore, EDCA has a guaranteed term of 10 years, after which it may be terminated by either party by giving a one-year advance notice of the intent to terminate,” the diplomat added.

The diplomat also noted that then President Aquino authorized Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin to sign the EDCA on April 28, 2014, in the same way US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg had full authority to sign on behalf of US President Barack Obama, under Article 4 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.

The diplomat also pointed out that the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty was signed by Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo and US Secretary of State Dean Acheson.

The Visiting Forces Agreement was signed by Foreign Secretary Domingo Siazon and US Ambassador Thomas Hubbard.

“It is not legally necessary or customary these days for heads of government to personally sign agreements. Cabinet officials or senior officials can sign for him, provided the President issues full powers to the signing official, pursuant to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties,” the diplomat said. (With reports from AFP)

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OCTOBER 7-13, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Features

OpiniOn

Against all odds

DESPITE receiving a barrage of censure over his aggressive campaign against drugs and human rights violations under his reign, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte remains unfazed.

The president has brewing friendships with China and Russia, and is bent on alienating the country’s long-standing alliance with the United States.

Over the weekend, Duterte threatened to end the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), an agreement signed by the Philippines and the U.S. in 2014. EDCA grants the U.S. to increase its military presence in the Philippines through the rotation of ships and planes for humanitarian and maritime security operations. It allows American soldiers, warships and planes to temporarily hold bases at Filipino military locations.

While the president continued his tirade against the U.S., American troops joined Filipino forces on Tuesday, Oct. 4 for the opening of the Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (Phiblex 33). 1,400 American and 500 Filipino military personnel will participate in the joint military exercise, aimed at improving readiness by the two countries to respond to a range of crises while deepening their historic ties.

“The opportunity to train and build mutually beneficial capabilities with our Armed Forces of the Philippines partners is essential for sharpen-

ing our bilateral amphibious and humanitarian assistance capabilities, both hallmarks of the U.S. Marine Corps” said Brig. Gen. John M. Jansen, Commanding General, 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade. “Exchanging expertise and cultivating our longstanding security alliance provides a cornerstone for security and stability in the region, and has for decades.”

Phiblex 33 will feature an amphibious landing exercise and live-fire training featuring artillery, which are designed to advance cooperation, improve interoperability and assist in strengthening bilateral amphibious capabilities. This year’s exercise will also focus on general military skills, and enhancing professional and amicable relations, to help advance common regional security interests between U.S. servicemen and their counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The military exchange will also include humanitarian and civic assistance to improve local infrastructure, and health engagements to exchange medical practices and supplement the medical needs of Filipino citizens.

For decades, the United States has maintained

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

strong bilateral relations with the Philippines, based on a number of factors including robust domestic support for international security, joint strategic goals in the Asia Pacific, a mutual commitment to democratic values, and historical ties.

Despite the president’s repugnance to the U.S., both Filipino and American troops stand to benefit in these military exercises. It is through times like these that the close partnership between the two nations proves its value. (AJPress)

Clinton gains ground among independents after first debate with Trump IT’S less than five weeks to go be- The Fil-Am fore the citizens of America cast their Perspective votes to choose who will be the 45th President of the United States.

As D-Day ap- Gel SantoS-ReloS proaches, both Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump, along with their surrogates, are continuing to make their cases as to why Clinton or Trump should be

elected president. We’re seeing debates, campaign sorties, ads and good old face-to-face interactions with voters, especially in key battleground states which can either swing red or blue and decide who will win the race to the White

House.

While both candidates have broken records as the nominees with the least favorability ratings among registered voters and are more motivated by fear

and disdain that the nominee of the other party might win in November, they both have their loyal followers who will vote for them no matter how they may fumble and misspeak or be fact checked for any lies and misrepresentations just to get the electorates’ votes.

What will be critical then is who will win over the independent and undecided voters who do not subscribe to the ideologies of each party.

After the first debate, polls revealed that Hillary Clinton has expanded her lead over Donald Trump among likely

voters.

According to the latest CNN-ORC national poll, Clinton is now five points ahead of Trump, 47 to 42.

The Democratic nominee has also gained more support among independents, 44 percent versus Trump’s 37 percent.

The same poll also reveals that Clinton has been able to shrink Trump’s lead among male voters. His 22-point lead has now come down to 5 points.

In the latest Quinnipiac University survey in the battleground state of Florida, Clinton now leads by five

points. Clinton also leads in North Carolina at 49 percent versus Trump’s 46, and in Pennsylvania, 48 percent to Trump’s 43 percent.

But the margin is not that big. The next debate and more surprising headlines may sway the result one way or the other. Abangan! *** 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 92% of Filipinos ‘like’ the US, who will follow DU30?

Commentary

FRanciSco S. tatad THE American geopolitical analyst Robert D. Kaplan calls it Asia’s “cauldron.” Nations sitting within and around this cauldron have a duty to keep it from boiling. Cooperation, not belligerence or confrontation, should inform their relations with each other, given their competing national interests and territorial claims. Allies of the United States, China’s neighbors from the very beginning, know that their alliance rests on the US as the dominant Pacific and world military power; they should not undermine it, as the late Bavarian statesman Franz Josef Strauss (1915-88) used to say; neither should they seek to maintain it by taking an unduly aggressive stance against China as the secondary power. This is the specific case of the Philippines.

We renounce war as a matter of policy, and have no reason to go to war against any nation.

Not even against the Federation of Malaysia, which incorporated Sabah into its federation, years after the Sultan of Sulu had ceded the territory to the Republic of the Philippines before the federation came into being. Yet in the last six years, President B.S. Aquino 3rd and his Foreign Secretary acted like they were ready to go to war everytime they spoke to, or about, Beijing. They made the proud boast, to the apparent embarrassment and discomfort of the US, that they would like the Philippines to become the “frontline state” in containing China’s rise to power.

Now, President Rodrigo Duterte would like to reverse the situation by publicly cursing US President Obama, recycling

archival documents on the massacre of Muslim Filipinos in 1906 after the 1899-1902 PhilippineAmerican war, and announcing plans to purchase military weapons from Beijing and Moscow.

His professed quest for an “independent foreign policy,” in an interdependent world, is quixotic but not condemnable. It is part of every nation’s right to self-determination and mandated by the Constitution.

Can we keep the cauldron from boiling?

But can it be attained, or even attempted, without disturbing the existing balance of power, with all its intended and unintended consequences, foreseen and unforeseen? Will any attempt to disrupt the geostrategic political order keep the cauldron from boiling? We hope and pray it will, but does DU30 have the skills or the means to prevent the worst from happening? There is no sign that such skills and means are in place, or that he is fully aware he needs them. Since noonday of June 30, DU30 has been shooting from the hip—from the “lip,” says the London-based The Economist—without any discernible policy or program.

Thus, even the South China Morning Post has the courage to say that DU30’s foreign policy is “naive” and that his war on drugs has failed to hide his lack of competence in addressing the country’s crippling poverty. He cannot have an ambitious foreign policy without a basic understanding of diplomacy. Making sure that the South China Sea cauldron does not heat up should be a paramount objective. But it is not a game for amateurs.

The need for seasoned diplomats It would be too ambitious to think of having a Pope Leo I, who persuaded Attila the Hun not to invade and sack Rome; a Talleyrand, who prevented the annihilation of France after the defeat of Napoleon; a Bismarck,who unified most of the German states

into a powerful German empire; a Metternich, who signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau that sent Napoleon to exile and led the Austrian delegation at the Congress of Vienna that divided post-Napoleonic Europe among the major powers; a Benjamin Franklin, who convinced the French to join the American rebels against the British; a Baron Rio Bravo, who gained so much territory for Brazil from France and Argentina through his sheer negotiating skill; or even a Henry Kissinger, who negotiated the end of the Vietnam war.

But the government must at least have the basic skills. Unfortunately, all DU30 has is his own mouth, which he says is both his weakness and his strength. He’s also got a completely uninitiated Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr., whose most eloquent discourse with the State Department and his CSIS audience in Washington, D.C. recently was that the Philippines was no longer an American vassal state, the Filipinos were no longer William Howard Taft’s “little brown brothers,” and that no one should lecture his government on human rights.

What vulgarity! No wonder The Economist (Sept. 10-16, 2016 issue) could not avoid running an article on DU30’s diplomatic gaffes, featuring his famous cursing of Obama, Pope Francis, the government of Singapore, the United Nations, and unnamed journalists who were getting themselves killed “for being sons of bitches.”

Criticisms from the West To be sure, some Westerners have a peculiar addiction to lecturing others on human rights, even when they themselves violate even more fundamental rights. This is how the world of realpolitik behaves. In fact, United Nations bureaucrats tend to manufacture all sorts of “human rights,” particularly for women, in their effort to press the war against the unborn, whose right to life they wish to deny. But

these critics are best answered by exposing their accusations as unfounded, false and invalid, without having to call them names.

I have some personal experience in this. In the mid-‘90s, when I was still in Senate, European politicians were quite agitated at Asia’s cold response to their complaints about alleged human rights abuses. These included unregulated childbearing, pollution and environmental degradation, etc. I was traveling with an Asean parliamentary delegation to the European Parliament, headed by the Speaker of the House from Thailand, with parliamentarians from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam as members.

An encounter in Strasbourg and Bonn In Strasbourg, France, the doctor-son of a former President of France, who was a Member of the European Parliament, welcomed me to his table with an unusual greeting, “So you are from the Philippines, where you have 60 million people and you still have large families.” I took my seat and gently corrected him. “I’m sorry, Doctor,” I said, “we are not 60 million but more than 70 million. But we no longer have large families. I am one of the few who have (at that time) five children.” (This number has grown to seven.)

He obviously did not expect this direct response. So he said, “That’s all right, I also have five children.” (A check with Wikipedia later showed he only had three.)

Then I continued. “You know, Doctor, before I left for Europe, I tried to brush up on my French so I could at least order my cafe noir at a bistro at Rive Gauche in French. But then I was told by a friend that in Paris today, you couldn’t get a decent cup of coffee unless you spoke Arabic.”

That hit the solar plexus.

“C’est vrai, c’est vrai,” (it’s true, it’s true), he said. “The Arabs are

everywhere, but many of them don’t care to speak French.”

“So the problem is yours rather than mine,” I said. “In my country, we still produce Filipinos, in your country, you only produce migrants.” He suddenly became the soul of friendliness. He asked me where I would be staying in Paris, and when I said playfully “at the Ritz,” he said next time I was in town, I should call him in advance so he could arrange for my billet, next to his apartment, which was the best address in Paris.

Double standards on human rights?

When our delegation reached Bonn, we were received by powerful-looking German parliamentarians who accused Asians of having double standards on human rights, and blamed us for environmental degradation and the loss of our forests. Neither our non-English-speaking chairman nor any member of the delegation wanted to respond, so I asked for leave to speak for the group.

I thanked our hosts for their warm welcome, and expressed our appreciation for the beauty of their forests, and the great rivers that ran through their cities—the Thames in London, the Seine in Paris, the Rhine from the Swiss Alps to Cologne, Bonn and other German cities, the Danube in Vienna, Budapest, etc. I said we would like to replicate what they had done, as soon as we had the resources. But I disabused them of any belief that in Asia we had double standards on human rights.

“We do not have any doublestandards,” I said. “In fact, we sometimes wonder whether such double standards are not to be found in the richer countries. For instance, you accuse some African tribes of practicing ‘genital mutilation,’ which is a tribal custom, while you freely legislate ‘fetal mutilation’ of the unborn.”

The phrase “fetal mutilation” dropped like a bomb, and

transformed our arrogant hosts into the most welcoming and solicitous crowd. They suddenly wanted to know how they could make our visit more productive and enjoyable.

What DU30 can and should do Since DU30 has been accused of ordering the killing of 3,000 drug suspects as of the latest count, without any visible due process, he should show his accusers that their accusations have no basis whatsoever. He has to show them they are completely wrong, not that they are as bad as, if not worse than, the man they are accusing. Calling Obama “son of a whore,” saying “f***k you” to the UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon, and giving the “middle finger” to the European Union will simply pull DU30 down the gutter, without helping anyone to see the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about the killings.

He cannot bank on his alleged popularity. That is at best a bubble. Although DU30 had won 38 percent of all the votes last May, this was a full 13 percent short of the simple majority vote of 51 percent needed to make a majority President. He is a minority President. And although the usual propaganda fraudsters had tried to con him and the nation into believing that he has a 91 percent “trust rating,” there is no guarantee the people will follow him when he turns against the US because the colonial troops had massacred Filipino Muslims in Mindanao in 1906.

More Filipinos than Israelis like the US According to a 2014 survey by the highly respected Pew Research Center, a non-partisan, non-advocacy US think tank, 92 percent of Filipinos support friendly ties with the US, as against 84 percent of the Israelis, 66 percent of the Japanese, and 50 percent of the Chinese. This is probably because most Filipinos, regardless of their partisan poliPAGE A7

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Mark Anthony nabbed for 1 K of marijuana

by CeCille

Suerte Philstar.com

Felipe

MANILA – Actor Mark Anthony Fernandez was arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga at around 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 3 after police allegedly found a kilo of marijuana in his Ford Mustang.

Police manning a checkpoint reportedly tried to pull over Fernandez’s yellow Mustang along MacArthur Highway in Barangay Virgen delos Remedios.

Instead of stopping, Fernandez allegedly sped south toward San Fernando but was stalled by traffic a kilometer away.

Pursuing police officers said they were compelled to shoot at the front tires of Fernandez’s car, with license plates ZGE-667.

A search of his car yielded the marijuana hidden in a box wrapped with masking tape in one of his bags.

Chief Supt. Aaron Aquino, Central Luzon police director, said Fernandez, 37, of 84 Don Rufino St. Tahanan Village, Parañaque City is presently detained at the Angeles City police station while appropriate charges are being prepared against him.

Aquino said members of the Angeles City Police Station 6 led

by Chief Insp. Francisco Guevarra were conducting a checkpoint when they spotted the yellow Mustang with no license plate attached in front.

Insp. Nelson Mendoza and Police Officer 2 Fernando Ladrillo signaled the driver, who was alone in the car, to stop.

“Because the window of the car was open Ladrillo asked the driver for the pertinent papers of his car. PO2 Jayson Dimaculangan conducted visual inspection and spotted an open dark blue bag and on top of its contents was a torn plastic bag with what appeared to be suspected mari-

The Central Luzon regional police office released a mugshot of actor Mark Anthony Fernandez following his arrest for possessing a kilo of marijuana in his car in Pampanga on Monday, Oct. 3.

Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban

juana,” Aquino said.

Dimaculangan told his colleagues, “May marijuana.”

At that point, the driver sped away. The police team gave chase until the suspect was caught in heavy traffic along the highway.

The policemen found marijuana inside the dark blue bag weighing 1 kilo, a small yellow plastic with marijuana residue and a mechanical grinder of marijuana leaves.

Fernandez denied owning the kilo of dried marijuana leaves, claiming it was planted.

He admitted the small pack of marijuana was his and that his doctor had advised him to take medical marijuana for his cancer since 2008.

Fernandez is the son of the late actor Rudy Fernandez and actress and former Parañaque councilor Alma Moreno.

He was a member of the group of young actors called gwapings in the 1990s. Fernandez had previously undergone rehabilitation for drug abuse.

Meanwhile, Sen. Francis Pangilinan expressed doubts that President Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs will achieve total success, pointing out that thousands of suspected drug pushers and users have recently surrendered in Davao City where Duterte served as mayor for two decades.

Pangilinan cited a July 27, 2016 report from SunStar Davao, showing 4,938 drug users and pushers surrendered to the Davao City police based on records of the Police Regional Office (PRO) in Davao region.

“If the Davao City anti-illegal drugs campaign did not succeed in stamping out and eliminating pushers and addicts in Davao City under President Duterte’s 24year stint as mayor, what makes us think that the nationwide campaign against illegal drugs will succeed in six months (extended to another six months)?” Pangilinan said on his personal Facebook account. (With reports from Paolo Romero, Ding Cervantes, Ric Sapnu/Philstar.com)

If 92% of Filipinos ‘like’...

PAGE A6 tics, consider the US their “cultural homeland,” where 2 to 3 million of their countrymen now work and live.

Likewise, were DU30 to turn his wrath openly against China, because of our territorial dispute, or for any reason whatsoever, our people may not be able to follow his lead. This is because they have lived and worked with the Chinese and Chinese Filipinos for hundreds of years. Even with-

out its One Belt, One Road project, Chinese Filipinos are already in control of virtually all major sectors of the nation’s economy and even some important levers of political power.

Forging a common destiny DU30 is wrong, as Aquino was wrong, to try to play the US against China and expect the people to follow their lead. It appears that, regardless of the geopolitical games our politicians play, our people are more prag-

matic and sensible than their leaders—they dream of peace and progress, and would like to see a healthy power balance rather than war or conflict between China and the US in the Asia Pacific. And they would like to see DU30 play a more constructive role in making sure that our biggest neighbor by the accident of geography and our strongest ally by historical necessity work together to forge a common human destiny. (ManilaTimes.net)

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 7-13, 2016

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A

OCTOBER 7-13, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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Trillanes: ‘No need for coup, gov’t self-destructing’

by Jefferson

AntipordA Manilatimes.net

THERE is no need to stage a coup against President Rodrigo Duterte because his administration is capable of destroying itself, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said on Tuesday, Oct. 4.

The senator was responding to an allegation that he is one of those who are plotting a coup against the administration because he and the other plotters are not happy with the way Duterte is running the country. “[That is not true. There is no need to launch a coup against this government because (it is already) self-destructing],” DISASTER REDUCTION. Sen. Cynthia A. Villar leads environmental advocates and numerous government agencies during the kickoff observance of the 2016 International Day for Disaster Reduction set on October 13 this year. The senator, chair of the Senate Trillanes said in an interview. environment committee, and Julia Nebrija, Assistant General Manager for MMDA Operations, lead some 800 participants in the clean-up According to the senator, the and establishment of a bamboo nursery at the Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Eco-Tourism Area (LPPCHEA). Senate photo current administration is dragging the whole country down and it is even blaming Senate hearings for it.

“It is not the hearings in the Senate that is the source of negastructure investments are likely to credibility over the next six to 12

by MAyvelin U. CArAbAllo months, the country’s economic be executed in the proposed time- tivity here in the country but the Manilatimes.net prospects could further improve. frame, rising public investment President,” Trillanes said.

THE Duterte administration This represents an important up- levels could have both a direct He was referring to ongoing must ensure a smooth economic side risk to the growth forecast,” impact on growth and important hearings of the Senate justice transition and provide investors it said. multiplier effects on the produc- committee on the allegedly inwith the right signals, the Washtivity of key sectors, including in- creasing number of killings in Capacity limitations ington-based multilateral lender The multilateral lender expects dustry, real estate and construc- the country.

World Bank said in a report on Philippine economic growth to tion, and tourism,” it said.

Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Monday, Oct. 3. gross capital formation is ex- Evasco was earlier quoted as sayease down to 6.2 percent in 2017 Policymakers will also need to and 2018. pected to be the single largest pursue its 10-point socioeconomThe report said the current fore- contributor to growth in 2016 to ic agenda to for the country to cast assumes capacity limitations 2018, it said. sustain high growth rates, it said. may slow the implementation of “However, if the government At its Philippine Economic Up- large-scale public infrastructure is able to fully implement all

by CAtherine s. vAlente Manilatimes.net date report, the World Bank said projects, and that it could take planned infrastructure projects, the Philippines’ short-term growth longer to overcome these obsta- rates of gross capital formation MALACAñAng on Tuesday, prospects remain positive despite cles. could be even higher than antici- Oct. 4, said it would respect the a number of medium-term risks The World Bank said while in- pated, boosting overall growth in decision of Belgian Princess Asand policy challenges. frastructure spending is expect- 2017 and 2018,” it said. trid if she canceled her visit to the It maintained its 6.4 percent ed to accelerate in the next two Poverty reduction Philippines next year as a result growth outlook for the Philippine years, it is challenging to reach The report said economy- of President Rodrigo Duterte’s gross domestic product (gDP) the P860.7 billion allocated in wide growth, combined with the controversial statement that he this year, higher than the 5.9 per- the 2017 budget—which would government’s avowed commit- would be happy to slaughter cent growth in 2015 and within represent a 13.8 percent increase ment to an inclusive development three million drug addicts in the the 6 percent to 7 percent growth over 2016—unless the govern- agenda, is expected to generate country as nazi leader Adolf Hittarget of the government. ment is able to rapidly expand its further gains in poverty reduction ler had exterminated millions of As details of the government’s implementation capacity. in the near-term.

Jews.

10-point socioeconomic policies Lowering the poverty rate could Over the medium-term, the “She has her own standards by and implementation strategies report noted the government’s be accelerated through greater in- which she has to act. Although are still under discussion, the ability to accelerate infrastruc- vestment in human capital forma- we have not gotten any formal World Bank said businesses are ture investment will have a major tion, with an emphasis on health, communication regarding those likely to stay cautious in terms of impact on the economy’s growth education and social protection matters, this is in a sense a matinvestment and expansion. services targeting the poor and ter of speculation. Although we trajectory.

“Meanwhile, lingering uncerWhile consumption is likely to vulnerable. respect her values, we respect tainty regarding the new adminis- remain a pillar of future growth, The creation of more high- her position,” Palace spokesman tration’s reform agenda will lead a sustained increase in capital productivity jobs in other sectors Ernesto Abella told reporters in a to caution among investors and formation driven by public infra- would expand the distribution of news conference. consumers,” it said. structure investment would accel- returns from growth, it added.

Abella issued the statement afMajor structural reform initia- erate growth on the supply side, “These challenges notwith- ter the newspaper La Libre Beltives are proposed in the areas it noted. standing, the Philippine economy gique quoted Brussels State Secof tax policy and administration, The World Bank highlighted continues to benefit from strong retary for External Trade Cecile expenditure tracking, land-tenure that in 2017, 40 percent of the macroeconomic fundamentals Jodogne as saying that a visit to security and constitutional restric- planned infrastructure budget and is projected to remain among the country would be “difficult” tions on foreign asset ownership. will be allocated to road networks, East Asia’s top growth performers in the wake of Duterte’s com“If the authorities are able to railways, seaports and airports. over the short- to medium-term,” ment. “I will ask for the visit to foster a climate of strong policy “While not all of these infra- it said. be moved to a different country,”

World Bank: PH must send the right signal to investors

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV

ing that a coup d’etat against the Duterte administration is possibile because there are personalities like Trillanes and the Liberal Party (LP) that are unhappy with the way the President is leading the country.

Trillanes did not only dismiss the allegation but also insisted that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) would not allow such movement to prosper.

To the credit of the previous Aquino administration, the senator said, the military has remained loyal to the chain of command.

“They [AFP] will move as one

and they will follow the chain of command for as long as the chain of command is true to the mandate to the states and to the Filipino people,” he added.

Professor Ramon Casiple, in an interview, said an extra-constitutional move to oust the elected government is always possible but it does not mean that it is doable.

Casiple added that he does not see the Duterte administration self-destructing at this point but he did not elaborate.

“Self-destruction may be possible but not probable,” he said in a text message.

Palace: We respect Belgian royal’s plan to scrap PH visit Jodogne said.

Princess Astrid was scheduled to visit the Philippines to learn about the peace process between the government and the communist rebels, an effort that the European Union (EU) supports.

Earlier, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said the Belgian royal will head a high-level economic team for investments.

Brussels is the seat of the EU, which has condemned the current wave of alleged extrajudicial killings in the Philippines.

Duterte had lashed out at the group’s members, calling them “fools.”

When asked how the allegations will affect the country’s relationship with Belgium and the EU, Abella said, “The businessmen will come when there is a stable condition, and when there is a competitive environment if it is to their advantage.”

“In other words, we have to deal with the European Union in separate situations. One is the European Parliament, and the other one is business people. As

Princess Astrid of Belgium

far as we can see, as long as we provide a decent, competitive environment, I believe they will come [to the Philippines],” he added.

In his speech on Friday, Sept.

30 in Davao City, Duterte likened his war on drugs to Hitler’s efforts to exterminate the Jews, and said he was “happy to slaughter” three-million drug addicts.

Duterte’s war on drugs has left more than 3,000 people dead in three months and raised concerns about a breakdown in the rule of law.

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CJ

Journal

Your Immigration Solution Ben Loveman and nancy miLLer ON September 28, Governor Brown signed Senate Bill-1242 to little fanfare. The new law amends California Penal Code Section 18.5 which had lowered the maximum penalty under California law for a misdemeanor, unless otherwise specified, from 365 to 364 days. The amendment makes this section retroactive meaning that those persons who were sentenced prior to the enactment of Section 18.5 can now benefit. This seemingly small change will make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of persons seeking immigration benefits or hoping to avoid deportation. For some, it will mean the difference between a lifetime ban on becoming a United States citizen and now being able to apply for naturalization. For others, it could provide a post-deportation route back to the United States or an avenue to reopen a final order of removal. To understand the impact of this law we should first review the legislative purpose behind the original Penal Code Section 18.5.

Section 18.5, which passed in 2014 and became effective January 1, 2015, was introduced as a means to stop convictions for relatively minor violations of California law from serving as a basis for deportation or as a bar to naturalization or permanent residence. The law sought to fix this problem by aligning the punishment for misdemeanors under California law with the punishment for misdemeanors under Federal law. Prior to the change, misdemeanors in California such as shoplifting could be punished by up to 365 days. Federal law only allowed for punishment of up to 364 days. While this oneday difference is obviously not a big deal in terms of the actual period incarceration, it made a world of difference under U.S.

Relief for immigrants with old misdemeanor convictions immigration laws.

For immigration purposes many minor crimes coupled with a sentence or possible sentence of 365 days are considered aggravated felonies regardless of actual time served or whether the person was released on probation without serving time. Aggravated felonies are absolute bars to becoming a United States citizen and to applying for relief from deportation through cancellation of removal and in many cases bar applications for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident status. Furthermore, certain relatively minor crimes will be considered grounds for deportation as crimes involving moral turpitude if a sentence of 365 days is imposable regardless of the actual sentence imposed. Thus an unsuspecting person might plead guilty to a misdemeanor, receive probation, and a 365-day suspended sentence and think they are getting a great deal as they do not spend a single day in jail. The same person could learn the next day that the agreement they entered into has forever foreclosed naturalization, has led to removal proceedings and left them with no defense from deportation.

Penal Code Section 18.5’s cap on misdemeanor sentences at 364 days ensures that low-level and mostly non-violent offenses will not be used to deport longtime residents or preclude citizenship or adjustment of status.

However, the new law, in its original form, only helped those convicted after January 1, 2015 The amendment passed this month rectifies this oversight and will give new hope to thousands of non-citizens with misdemeanor convictions under California law.

The amended version of the law provides that any conviction for misdemeanor whether before or after January of 2015 is punishable by a maximum of up to 364 days. For those who were actu-

ally sentenced to a term of 365 days, regardless of time spent in custody or whether the sentence was suspended, the person must make an application to the Superior Court where they were convicted for a modification of their sentence from 365 to 364 days.

The new law has the power to impact countless families with loved ones whose California convictions have served as a barrier to legal status or as a basis for deportation proceedings or ineligibility for relief from removal. Many persons who can be helped under the new law have probably been told many times over the years that their criminal history cannot be overcome and may have given up hope for their case. That is why we urge you to bring this important development to the attention of your family and friends or anyone you know who you believe it might help. It is critical that a fresh look be taken at these cases to determine if a person is now eligible to seek citizenship, apply for a green card, apply for relief from removal, or even reopen an old removal or deportation order based on this change in law.

If you or a loved one might benefit from this change please contact a reputable and experienced immigration attorney immediately to discuss the potential benefits of this new law to your case. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila. For more Information please call (800) 795-8009 or visit www.rreeves.com.

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

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“No there is no evident sign of a bubble in the real estate sector today. You see there continues to be a strong demand for housing,” BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said. Tetangco said progress of the housing sector is expected to be sustainable due to the favorable demographics in the country with the young and economically active population.

Philstar.com file photo

to be a strong demand for housing,” BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said.

MANILA, Philippines — The Tetangco said progress of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas housing sector is expected to be (BSP) reiterated there is no over- sustainable due to the favorable heating in the country’s property demographics in the country market amid the strong demand with the young and economically for housing from the young and active population. economically active population.

He added there is additional “No there is no evident sign of demand for property amid the a bubble in the real estate sector changes in lifestyle wherein today. You see there continues people, particularly those who

by Lawrence

agcaoiLi Philstar.com

belong to the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, want to have a place to stay close to their workplace.

“So all of these put together, we can say that the real estate sector is in a good position at this point,” Tetangco said.

Latest data from the central bank showed real estate loans extended by universal and commercial banks rose five percent

u PAGE CJ4

‘Relaxing bank secrecy may fix trade data gap’

by MayveLin

U. carabaLLo ManilaTimes.net

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez

AS MUCH as P1.8 trillion trade data discrepancies under the tax and customs system may be addressed once the bank secrecy law is relaxed, the Department of Finance (DOF) said.

In 2014 alone, there was a gap of P1.8 trillion in the value of imports as reported locally and the value of shipments to the Philippines as recorded by exporter-

countries, the DOF noted, citing data from the United Nations Comtrade World Exports.

This massive gap or leakage translates into foregone revenues of roughly P231 billion or 2 percent of the gross domestici product (GDP), Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said in a statement on Friday, Sept. 30.

The government intends to correct the discprepancies with

u PAGE CJ4

CJ

OCTOBER 7-13, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

The CTV Files Atty. Dennis ChuA, esq.

WHEN a legal permanent resident files for citizenship, one of the questions being asked of the applicant is whether the applicant has ever been convicted or charged with a crime. Depending on the nature of the crime committed, a criminal conviction may result in a permanent bar to an applicant for citizenship.

If an applicant has committed the crime of murder or an aggravated felony, the applicant will never be granted U.S. citizenship.

An aggravated felony may include the following crimes: rape; sexual abuse of a minor; drug trafficking; firearm trafficking; child pornography; laundering of monetary instruments where the amount exceeds $10,000. Aside from having the citizenship application denied, the applicant will most likely be put in removal proceedings once the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) finds out that the applicant has been convicted of one of these crimes.

There are some criminal con-

Business news

Crimes that may affect your citizenship application victions that may temporarily bar applicants from obtaining US citizenship. This means that if an applicant has been convicted of a crime, the applicant would have to wait for a certain period of time within which to apply for citizenship. In some cases, the applicant would have to wait for five years from the commission of the crime to apply for citizenship. Some of these crimes that will temporarily bar an applicant for citizenship are as follows: (1) participation in illegal vice activities such as prostitution; (2) conviction or admission of a crime involving moral turpitude; (3) spending 180 days or more in jail or prison for any crime; (4) conviction of two or more crimes, the combination of which the applicant got a total prison sentence of five years or more. These crimes would prevent an applicant from showing good moral character during the required period of time.

However, there are some crimes which would temporarily bar an applicant from obtaining US citizenship if the applicant is still undergoing probation. An example would be a conviction for

driving under the influence (DUI).

An applicant with a DUI conviction will have his or her application denied if the probation is still ongoing. The probation period for a DUI conviction is usually for three years. Applicants with DUI convictions may have the option of having their probation terminated earlier thus making them eligible to apply for citizenship.

If an applicant has been convicted of a crime, it is best that the applicant seek legal advice from an attorney to determine eligibility in filing for citizenship and more importantly the consequences of the criminal conviction on the applicant’s immigration status. *** Atty. Dennis E. Chua is a partner in The Law Firm of Chua Tinsay and Vega (CTV), a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego and Manila. 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 (415) 495-8088; (619) 955-6277; Dchua@ctvattys.com. The CTV Attorneys will be at Max’s Restaurant in Vallejo on October 19, 2009 from 5pm to 7pm to hold a FREE legal clinic.

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette ADevA MAglAyA THE demands on immigrants are overwhelming. Whether you are a nurse, an engineer, a teacher, a salesperson or a worker in any profession in any capacity for that matter, as long as you are thrust into a totally new and strange environment, there will be times when you might be tempted to think and feel that you are less than equal to the task, particularly in the beginning years.

One of the things that will take a back seat will be the time, energy and attention he will give to his own health. Trying to make sense of his new social climate, straddling two cultures with different values and ways of doing things, the load can be a bit too much at times. Caring for oneself can easily be put in the back burner particularly for those who are still young. The human body is remarkably resilient but try not to cross its limits.

The immigrant, if he is to enjoy true success for a long time must put his physical well-being on top of his priorities. He must acquire the discipline and chutzpah to do most, if not all of the important things, that will help him live a full and rewarding immigrant life.

Time is equated with the value of money. Americans have found that to get the most out of time, one can have several “pots sim-

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

Balance is the key Get your priorities straight.

No one ever said on his deathbed, “Gee, if only I’d spent more time at the office.”

— H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

mering all at the same time.”

Multitasking is expected both at work and at home to maximize results and to cover as much ground as possible in the shortest possible time to be able to save enough time to allow us to do other things—purportedly to get more out of life. Thus, you do the laundry while you pay the bills while something simmers in the stove or is broiling in the oven. And even with modern conveniences, the most common excuse we use in not being able to take care of our health is that we simply do not have the time, the energy, or the motivation.

Which gives rise to the question: What happened to all that time we saved by multitasking?

If you are turning night into day by taking on part time jobs apart from your full time occupation to make more money, it stands to reason that you will neither have the time nor the energy to take care of your health.

Those who attempt to do the extraordinary by taking on double jobs in 16 hour stretches in the beginning years, day in and day out, will be able to jumpstart and achieve their financial goals faster than most. You may be able to acquire real estate properties

easier than the average American. And while it is not apparent in the beginning, the trade-off for having more money in exchange for a bigger chunk of our time can come at a very steep price.

More money will come at the expense of sleep, well-being and in many cases, the welfare of his own family. The question that must be answered by those who choose a harried lifestyle is this: Is it all worth it? At one point, the younger, more energetic, ambitious immigrant will equate work with his sense of self worth.

The truth — lest we forget — is this. Work, while an important part of life, is not the total essence of life itself. The key, as the fortunate few have discovered early enough, is to find work that gives inner joy in a state of grace where doing and being have become inseparable. When that happens, work ceases to be work but becomes a joyful part of life itself, along with all the elements that make life worth living.

As in all things essential, BALANCE IS THE KEY. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

The Kite Runner

Three brothers dead in an inheritance dispute

Prof. enrique M. soriAno

stop Ming-Te, ended up being shot on the spot.

In the conference room, two men lay dead or dying, after being shot at close range in the head. When the police arrived, Ming-Te ended it all by putting a bullet to his head and fell from the seventh floor of building’s rooftop.

The bloody scene that happened exactly a little more than a year ago was the culmination of a bitter family dispute and a succession gone horribly wrong.

This particular conflict may be a rare occurrence, but I have written many local cases (Ilusorio, Romero, Cosmos’ Wong families among others) of families in dire straits where the acrimony started with some petty misunderstandings, unresolved issues but escalated into a full blown conflict involving sabotage, legal suits, physical injury, fight for money, succession battles and sibling rivalries — sounding more like an entire season of “Game of Thrones” but in real life.

Why is there conflict? Founders tend to choose the “do nothing” option It all boils down to poor succession planning or plainly, the founders or senior generation leaders completely ignoring it.

Again I wrote about the single biggest mistake of leaving the “elephant in the room”, thinking that the children, through time,

WHEN succession goes very wrong, it can be fatal.

The case of Mayfull Foods Corp. is a lesson to founders and family business leaders in Asia not to take succession for granted. Questions of succession should never be a side dish nor an afterthought at the moment they begin to consider retirement. The planning starts when the enterprise is established.

Mayfull Foods Corp.: Ticking time bomb detonated after patriarch’s death Mayfull is a $3-billion business and one of Taiwan’s biggest food importers of meat products.

Established in 1963 as a professional food supplier, it is heavily involved in wholesale, food service, retail, logistics and hotels and the family is behind the famed Miramar Group.

Shortly after the death of Mayfull’s founder Huang Jungtu last year, a meeting took place between his six sons to discuss how to split an inheritance left by their father.

According to the China Post, after a heated argument and provocation, the fourth son, Huang Ming-Te, 54, allegedly shot his older brother, the second oldest son, in the head. Another older brother, who was then chairman of Mayfull Foods, after rushing forward in a bid to

will end up fixing the ownership issue. Basically, reiterating that the single biggest mistake was choosing the “do nothing” option.

I can almost guarantee that in the coming years, we will see a common occurrence of unnecessary and senseless conflict and rivalry among Asian-based family-owned businesses. I should know, succession conflicts are getting to be pervasive in countries where I coach families owning businesses.

Why is conflict inevitable?

Equal inheritance and the baby boomer generation In a governance article sourced from online magazine Family Capital, the concept of equal inheritance in Asia most notably amongst the Chinese appears to be fraught with problems and a real source of unnecessary flash point.

The magazine article underscores that in the Asian context, “tradition dictates that inheritance is split equally among siblings, or at least male siblings thus equal inheritance can often lead to disputes, particularly when families don’t adhere to it.”

It highlighted a somber assessment…”the dispute over Mayfull Foods might have had something to do with this finding…that the killer son, Huang Ming-te, felt the pressure of in-

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‘It’s business as usual in PH,’ BPO group assures members

by Amy

R. Remo Inquirer.net

THE IT-Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) is moving quickly to assure foreign outsourcing companies that “despite all the (political) noise, there is no real threat to businesses” in the country.

In a letter sent to member companies in mid-September, IBPAP immediately sought to clarify President Duterte’s pronouncements, which have caused some concerns among IT-business process management (IT-BPM) companies. The particular incident the group was addressing then were his remarks about wanting US special forces out of Mindanao.

“Please note that despite all the hype and speculation, President Duterte’s statements on the US have not translated into

policy changes. The Department of Foreign Affairs (has) clarified that there will be no change in policy entered into between the Philippines and the United States despite President Duterte’s pronouncement that elite American forces must leave Mindanao,” IBPAP said in the letter sent to its members.

“Thus far, no IBPAP member has reported any impact on operations being experienced in the country and our industry is on ‘business-as-usual’ mode.

IBPAP continues to be in close coordination with our partners in government (particularly the departments of trade and industry, of information and communications technology, of labor and employment and of finance) to relay our members’ questions and concerns. They have been and continue to be strong and reliable partners of our industry,”

the IBPAP added.

The group pointed out that Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. himself made a clarification that President Duterte’ s remarks were in the context of “wanting to save the lives of these Americans who might be exposing themselves to unnecessary risks but this should not be understood as a statement to mean that there is now a shift in policy.”

IBPAP likewise cited in its letter the remarks of US Ambassador to the Asean Nina Hachigian, who was quoted as saying that “the US-Philippines relationship is one of the most enduring and important relationships that we have in the Asia-Pacific” and that she “fully expects” the alliance “will endure and remain strong because it is in the great interest of both nations to maintain it.” n

Community Journal

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

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ FOR almost all immigration benefits, you should save and preserve documents to establish eligibility for that particular benefit. Many people state that, for one reason or another, they no longer have documents relating to their immigration history.

They have moved several times and lost track of the documents; they got angry because their case was denied and tore up the paperwork burned it and threw the ashes into the Pasig River; lost or destroyed due to natural calamities (e.g. flood, lahar), or termites ate the paperwork, etc.

Had they kept track of the documents or put them in a safe place, their chances of success would have been greater. But now the case could be more difficult and expensive.

Among the documents you should keep are: • Documents showing how you entered the US. This would include the passport you entered the US on, even if under an assumed name, I – 94, other documents proving you were “inspected” at your port of entry.

• Documents showing your marriage(s) were bona fide and in good faith. If a person has ever been petitioned by a US citizen spouse, the bona fides of that marriage may come up and be questioned at any later interview.

This is because the law states

that if a person has ever been in a fixed marriage, all future petitions will not be approved. Even if you get divorced from your spouse, you should continue to save the pictures, love letters, and other joint documents, just in case that issue arises in the future.

• Documents showing you work for the employer. If you obtained a green card through an employer’s sponsorship (PERM/ labor certification) you will need to prove you worked for the employer after being granted your green card. In some cases, a person quits before their adjustment is granted, or they never bothered working for the sponsoring employer. Years later, when they apply for citizenship, one of the first questions asked is whether they worked for the employer after getting the green card and proof of employment, such as paystubs.

• Documents relating to all filings with USCIS, including petitions, applications, approvals, and denials Some people apply for various immigration benefits, whether they were eligible for them or not. Some may not have even realized what they were filing for. But those previous filings will come up with any future application for immigration benefits. Therefore, if your case got denied, don’t just rip up the denial and throw it in the fire. Save it. If you can no longer locate your documents, there are ways to obtain your file from the US government.

• Documents showing your continuous residence in the US. Although there is no “amnesty”, we are still hoping and praying for comprehensive immigration reform. Almost all of these programs require that a person continuously resided in the US for a certain number of years. For example, DACA required young people to demonstrate continuous residence since 2007. Other program benefits require proof of continuous residence since 2010. Therefore, in case any kind of immigration reform is passed and requires your demonstrating continuous residence, save documents proving that, such as tax returns, Dr. bills, rental agreements, phone bills, etc.

Save them now, so that when comprehensive immigration reform is passed, you already have them available and organized, versus scrambling around trying to locate documents, which you may have lost or thrown out.

These are just a few examples of the type of documents you should be keeping in connection with your immigration case.

Don’t just throw out things or lose track of them, as it may be critical to obtaining certain immigration benefits. And to be sure of the type of documents needed for a particular immigration benefit, you should seek the advice of an attorney who can assist you. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS O C TO B E R 7- 9

Los Angeles Philippine International Film Festival in Carson, California Los Angeles Philippine International Film Festival (LAPIFF) is hosting its first three-­day film festival from Friday, October 7 to Sunday, October 9 at the SouthBay Pavilion Mall’s new Cinemark Theaters. As part of the City of Carson’s Filipino American History Month celebration, the most-­anticipated film festival in Los Angeles County is making history with the most ever screenings of global Filipino films—all in one location. Audiences can expect to watch and enjoy the many films across different movie genres (action, comedy, horror, documentary, animation, drama, sci-­fi and more) made by Filipino filmmakers and story-­ tellers from all around the globe. LAPIFF is an organization devoted to the advancement, development and showcase of Filipino Filmmakers/Artists around the world through film, providing the global community of entertainment professionals and film goers with consist-­ ent annual screening events and workshops. For more information, please visit http://www. lapiff.org/.

O C TO B E R 7

Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in New Jersey Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers perform ‘10­0­ years of song’ at St. Pe-­ ter’s University, St Aedan’s Church at 7 p.m. 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. Admission is free, donations for the benefit of the church choir are appreciated. St. Aedan’s is at 80­0­ Bergen Ave, Jersey City, NJ 0­73­0­6.

O C TO B E R 8

25th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) The Association for the Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) is proud to announce the date & venue for the anticipated Silver Anniversary edition of its annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture. FPAC 25, the 25th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC), will take place Saturday, October 8 at the beautiful Echo Park Lake. Admission is FREE. The popular festival, the City of Los Angeles’ Filipino American Event, is the longest-­running Filipino cultural celebration in Southern Califor-­ nia. Audiences can expect to enjoy traditional and contemporary Filipino food, music, dance, crafts and culture. This year’s theme, “Samu’t Sari: Showcasing the Diverse Creative Tapestry of the FilAm Community,” lends its meaning to the Tagalog phrase which loosely translates to “diversity.” While certainly a hot topic in today’s society, FilAm Arts focuses on the vast contributions of Filipino American artists to the creative tapestry of the City. For more information, please visit www.filamarts.org or call 213­3­80­3­722. For sponsorship and vendor opportunities, please email info@filamarts.org.

An Evening with Martin Nievera at the Ford Theatres Filipino-­American History Month kicks off with the much anticipated concert debut of Martin Nievera at Hollywood’s newly renovated Ford Theatres. Presented by PAE Live!, “An Evening with Martin Nievera” brings the Philippine entertainer center stage on Satur-­ day, October 8th, 20­16 at 7:3­0­pm as he performs his greatest hits, traditional Filipino love songs and an eclectic, upbeat mix of Broadway and standard pop tunes. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Apl.de.ap Foundation, a project of the Asian Pacific Community Fund established by Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas. “An Evening with Martin Nievera” is proudly sponsored by Leelin Bakeries, Island Pacific Supermarkets and Kalayaan Incorpo-­ rated of Southern California with LA18 and The Asian Journal as official television and print media sponsors. Ticket prices for “An Evening with Martin Nievera,” start at $48; Reserved Seating.Tickets are available at FordTheatres.org or via phone at (3­23­) 461-­3­673­.

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

Three brothers dead in an inheritance…

creasingly being sidelined by his other brothers. He may have felt that his family wasn’t honoring the tradition of equal inheritance.

Sibling disputes over the control of companies among Chinese businesses are relatively common. But again, with the appropriate intervention tools like governance and a set of ownership rules, the long-term growth prospects of the enterprise is preserved.

Expect an avalanche of suc-

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Saving documents is critical to your case

Calendar of Events across

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 7-13, 2016

cession issues The number of big successions is slated to happen within the next five to 15 years in the region. That’s because many of Asia’s business dynasties were set up after World World II. According to Family Capital, the founders who are now reaching the end of their line, if caught unprepared, will have no other option but to confront these imminent succession problems.

As I have repeatedly said, start your succession early, as early as when you were starting your

business and stop procrastinating. It is the thief of time. *** Prof. Soriano is an ASEAN Family Business Advisor, Book Author and Executive Director of ASEAN-based Consulting group, Wong + Bernstein Advisory. He is slated to deliver a series of talks in the US this May. Grab Prof Soriano’s book as he shares his insights and offer solutions to Family Businesses through his second book entitled “Ensuring The Family Business Legacy”. For those interested, please call Marianne at +639255224713 or email her at mrevilla@wongadvisory.com. Prof Soriano’s business articles can also be accessed at www.Faminbusiness.com.

FAKE TOURIST VISA RESULTED IN BEING SENT BACK TO THE PHILIPPINES “A TO A”, AND LATER JEOPARDIZED HIS IMMIGRANT VISA DUE TO FRAUD– ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF CITIZEN PINOY! Johnnatan (second from left) got a tourist visa through a newspaper ad that advertised “Non-Appearance” Visas for $2500. He entered the US in 2002 without any problems, but when he returned in 2003, he was held at the airport and sent back to the Philippines, after US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) accused him of using a fake or counterfeit tourist visa. That meant a possible lifetime ban. Years later, his mother’s petition became current, and he was afraid how his fake tourist visa would affect his and his daughter’s chances of immigrating to the US. Watch how a family was able to overcome a fraud charge and be reunited, on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – this Sunday, October 9 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. 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-

Health@Heart PhiliP S. chuA, MD, fAcS, fPcS AlMOST 4 million people in the United States alone have undiagnosed heart disease. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 735,000 Americans have a heart attack each year, killing 370,000 a year, or about 1,014 per day.

When it comes to a disease as serious as a heart attack, prevention is key, and detecting its presence before it happens is obviously the wisest.

Today’s sophisticated cardiac stress testing is one easy and simple diagnostic aid that is most valuable.

What is a stress test?

A stress test, also called an exercise test or treadmill test, is a medical examination performed to detect any signs of coronary heart disease, blockages in the coronary arteries and/or heart irregularity, or even impending heart attack.

This could be combined with an echocardiogram, radioactive imaging thallium or sestamibi,

enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

Stress tests save lives and even positive emission tomography (PET), depending on each individual need.

How is this test done?

The stress test is done with the patient walking on a treadmill while s/he is wired and hooked up to the electrocardiogram machine to monitor his heart rate, its rhythm and the shape or configuration of the EKG tracings.

Changes in the shape of the EKG complexes will show if the heart is suffering from a lack of blood supply due to blocked coronary arteries. The treadmill speed could be increased and the level could be adjusted to provide a simulated uphill walk (more stress for the heart).

What is a stress echo?

Stress echocardiography, or stress echo for short, is a treadmill exercise test that shows how well your heart pumps when made to beat faster and harder.

A transducer (a small hand-held device that produces sound waves) is placed on the chest before and immediately after the treadmill exercise. The sound waves bounced off the heart and changed into actual pumping heart images on a video screen.

The doctor compares the two images to detect any changes in the manner the heart responds to stress, which also shows whether the heart is getting enough blood (oxygen) to meet its increased demand for (blood) oxygen during the exercise or exertion.

Can a regular EKG not detect this heart problem?

Regular resting electrocardiogram alone (with the patient at rest) is only useful if it is positive, if the patient just suffered an acute heart attack, or when an actual heart attack is in progress.

If the resting EKG is reported as “normal” or negative, it does not mean much. Many patients with a “normal” EKG have been found to have severe blockages in their coronary arteries. The heart must be put under stress in order for the heart to really “complain.” An analogy is a car engine that sounds fine while idling, but knocks when is running.

How accurate is the stress test?

Treadmill or stress test has about 70 to 78 percent sensitivity.

When done with Thallium (known as Thallium Stress Test), which

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OCTOBER 7-13, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Business news

Fly away to Palawan, Philippines WIN a trip to the ‘Best Island in the World’ – Palawan, Philippines!

This world-renowned island in the Philippines is once again awarded the top spot as the World’s Best Island by Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler for 2016. It has consistently been given recognition in the past years by these luxury travel magazines along with other travel and tourism industry award giving-bodies.

The Philippine Department of Tourism - San Francisco in partnership with the Philippine Airlines gives you the chance to experience topnotch fun above ground in the idyllic white sand and limestone formations, or underground in two of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the Tubbataha Reefs National Park. Trek up, dive down, or

paddle deep beneath the ground – these are just three among a hundred fun things you can do in Palawan.

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For information on how to enter, visit http://www.philippinetourismusa.com/dot-contest/ Open to US residents. Join by October 23, 2016 11:59PM. See raffle/contest rules for details. n

Still no porperty bubble, says…

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to P1.14 trillion in end-June this year from P1.08 trillion in endMarch.

“Even when one looks at the exposure of banks, the banks have been quite prudent in providing loans to real estate buyers as well as real estate developers,” he said.

The BSP also cited the change in the business model adopted by developers as compared to the time of the Asian financial crisis in 1997 and 1998.

Tetangco explained property developers now build one tower first then sell the units and build the second tower after they sell enough units on the first tower.

“So it is clear that the business model now is demand driven and

I think that make for a healthier real estate sector,” he said.

Tetangco led the Financial Stability Coordination Council (FSCC) in signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) to foster financial stability in the country.

Aside from Tetangco, other signatories were Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez as represented by National Treasurer Roberto Tan, Securities and Exchange Commission chairperson Teresita Herbosa, Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. president Cristina Orbeta, Insurance Commission chief Emmanuel Dooc and HLURB CEO and commissioner Antonio Bernardo.

Stress tests save…

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is the preferred technique to do it, the sensitivity increases to a range of 85 percent to 95 percent.

An alternative to the treadmill test is the use or coronary artery dilators (arterial channel openers), Dipyridamole (commonly known as Persantine) given intravenously, for those who cannot walk on the treadmill because of obesity or arthritis. This drug increases flow to the normal coronary arteries but not to the coronary arteries that are blocked, hence the Imaging taken about three to five minutes after the dipyridamole is injected will show areas of the heart that are not receiving adequate blood supply, indicating blocked coronary arteries. The imaging is done using SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography). The sensitivity of this radionuclide imaging is 80-85 percent, and specificity greater than 90 percent for coronary artery disease.

Who should have a stress test?

As a general rule, persons

EMPLOYMENT

who are over 40 years old (especially cigarette smokers), with or without symptoms, those with a strong family history of coronary heart disease, those whose work entails a lot of stress and tension, and those with chest pains are candidates for a yearly Thallium Stress Test. This test is so useful it has saved countless lives, which could have been lost, were it not for the availability of this valuable technology. It is so simple and yet so effective.

What if the stress test is positive?

If the stress test is positive, some cardiologists might do a stress echocardiogram/isotopic imaging, or proceed to recommend a cardiac catheterization to find out which coronary arteries are blocked and how severe the blockages are. This will also show how much damage, if any, the heart muscles have suffered due to these blockages. Cardiac catheterization is the “Supreme Court” of diagnostic tests for coronary heart disease. It will tell us if there is any significant

The pact facilitates information sharing among the agencies as a proactive initiative of the FSCC to better understand the interconnectedness and to mitigate the buildup of systemic risks in the financial system.

Consistent with the overall objective of fostering financial stability, the FSCC created in January 2014 collaborates among its members and with other industry sectors on a broad array of developments and issues in the financial system.

Cognizant of the social agenda of providing shelter as a basic need of the Filipinos, the FSCC and HLURB are partners in supporting the development of wellplanned and sustainable communities in the country. n blockages or not. Other tests will only give some clues, but heart catheterization is absolutely revealing and decisive.

How can stress test prevent a heart attack?

A stress test is a tool, one of a few, that can facilitate the early diagnosis of probable blockages in the coronary arteries. Early detection of his treacherous cardiac disease could obviously lead to prompt medical care, thus minimizing the chances of an actual heart attack. Countless live have been save by early diagnosis.

Remember, it’s the only heart we’ve got. Let’s take good care of it. *** 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

EMPLOYMENT

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

World Bank keeps PH growth forecasts

by Czeriza

ValenCia Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The World Bank has retained its three-year economic growth forecasts for the Philippines, but stressed these projections can be exceeded if the government can ramp up its infrastructure spending as planned and provide clarity on its economic policies.

Drawing from its earlier forecast in April, the multilateral lending institution said it still expects the Philippine economy to grow 6.4 percent this year and 6.2 percent in the next two years.

In its October update on the domestic economy titled “Outperforming the Region and Managing the Transition,” the World Bank said the country has weathered the challenging global economy and grown at a rapid pace over the past five years, “supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals and a highly competitive workforce.”

Domestic consumption is seen to prop up the economy driven by increased purchases from an expanding middle class, remittances from overseas Filipino workers, and increased employment.

“The economic outlook is optimistic with risks tilted to the upside,” said the report, noting “substantial” improvements in macroeconomic stability by way of low and stable inflation rates,

WORLD BANK ECON UPDATE. World Bank lead economist Birgit Hansl answers queries from the press after giving an economic update on the Philippines. Also in photo is economist Kevin Chua.

Philstar photo by Mike Amoroso

prudent fiscal management, and comfortable level of foreign reserves.

The proposed budget for 2017 would increase infrastructure spending to 5.4 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in order to address infrastructure bottlenecks and “enhance connectivity between the country’s wealthier and poorer areas.”

“This can boost a large segment of the economy including industrial activities, real estate, construction and tourism,” said the report.

The world bank said while the new administration’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda has been

generally well-received as it signals continuity of the existing macroeconomic framework, the government still needs to dispel lingering uncertainty on the part of investors by providing clarity on it development priorities.

“The preliminary agenda is intended to bolster the government’s current, fiscal, monetary and trade policy stances, while prioritizing tax administration reforms. Despite these reassurances, however, a degree of uncertainty remains regarding the ultimate direction of macroeconomic policy. The short-term challenges is how to successfully

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‘Relaxing bank secrecy may fix…

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sweeping reforms in tax policy and administration as part of the proposed comprehensive tax reform program.

“In order to bridge this gap, we need to relax bank secrecy for fraud cases, simplify and automate processes, and improve the ability of customs to enforce the law,” Dominguez said in a recent tax forum.

The DOF has said the plan to lift the bank secrecy law will affect only those who are under investigation for tax evasion or fraud.

What the government wants is to enable the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to access bank records without seeking court permission, which will be the mandated policy under the implementing rules of the BIR. The Law on Secrecy of Bank Deposits or Republic Act 1405 makes bank deposits confidential, including investments in

bonds issued by the government, its political subdivisions and its instrumentalities.

It has been pointed out in a recent report by a World Bank Group as one of the strictest in the world that hampers the AntiMoney Laundering Act (AMLA) compliance review programs.

The proposal to to revise RA 1405 is in line with the recommendations by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the DOF and multilateral organizations to strengthen the AMLA. Reconfiguring the economy Correcting the discrepancies between the volume of imports reported to the government by the traders and the actual figures recorded by their foreign suppliers is part of the DOF’s efforts to improve the efficiency of the tax and customs systems in order to generate more revenues.

Dominguez also raised the possibility that the gaps could

be the result of timing issues and the inclusion and exclusion of particular commodities in reporting, and not outright proof of smuggling.

He said the DOF would be sending the Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel to the exporting countries involved to reconcile trade records and determine the real reason behind the discrepancies “in order to plug possible leakages and allow the government to collect the right amount of taxes.”

Tax policy and administration reforms are crucial to raise enough revenues for reconfiguring the Philippine economy and attaining the Duterte administration’s goal of inclusive growth under its 10-point socioeconomic agenda, the DOF said.

The DOF submitted to the House and the Senate its proposed Tax Reform Roadmap for Acceleration and Inclusion Act on September 26. n

FOSTER HOMECARE

PSYCHIC

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

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 7-13, 2016

San Carlos 2016 Art & Wine Faire on October 8-9

ENTER the realm of Philippine mythology as reimagined and created by contemporary Filipino American writers in a literary reading from “Kuwento: Lost Things – An Anthology of New Philippine Myths,” on Saturday, October 15 at Larcombe Clubhouse in Daly City.

The duwende, the manananggal, the aswang and other creatures are called forth as authors Melissa Sipin and Rachelle Cruz, editors of “Kuwento: Lost

singing and dancing.

In addition, more than 275 artists will be showcasing their original work ranging from ceramics, pottery, watercolor and oil paintings, photography, wood working, jewelry and much more.

Car enthusiasts will enjoy a Classic and Hot Rod Car show on

made this a thriving church today. At present, there are 400 registered families. Devotions to Our Lady of Penafrancia, Jesus of Nazarene, and Simbang Gabi are held in this church; which are widely popular with the Filipino community. Recently, the parish welcomed the Polish community had been welcomed by the parish. A Mass for the Polish community is said every Sunday at 12 noon.

The parishioners and the Polish community welcomed Bishop Barber for the Jubilee Mass that was held on July 10, 2016 at 10 a.m. The Mass was concelebrated by 10 priests including past pastors, Fr. Nguyen, Fr. Snyder and of course, by present pastor Fr. Jan Rudzewicz. It was a very beautiful event of sharing, rejoicing and celebration of the 50 years journey of faith.

The community celebration of the Golden Jubilee was held with a dinner and dance last August 20, at the new hall. It was a sold out event. The catered food and the music kept the attendees enjoying themselves to their fullest.

As all good things come to an end, the Jubilee year will culminate with this concert on October 29, 2016, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Please make sure you do not miss this splendid opportunity to see the popular artists in person.

Fr. Jan, the pastor encourages and urges the participation of all

Enjoy the majesty of fall: Join the Arbor Day Foundation in October and receive 10 free autumn classics trees or five crapemyrtle THE Arbor Day Foundation will brighten up your fall by offering 10 free autumn classics trees or five free crapemyrtle when you join the organization in October.

The free trees are part of the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation’s Trees for America campaign, a program dedicated to environmental stewardship through the planting of trees.

Everyone who joins the Arbor Day Foundation in October will receive five free crapemyrtle trees or 10 free autumn classics selected for your area. The 10 autumn classics include: two sugar maples, two red maples, and one each of scarlet oak, sweetgum, northern red oak, silver maple, white flowering dogwood, and Washington hawthorn.

“Members will especially enjoy these trees during the autumn months because they’ll add abundant, vibrant color to any yard or landscape for years to come,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.

The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting, between Nov. 1 and Dec. 10.

The 6- to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge. Planting instructions will be enclosed with each shipment of trees.

To receive your free trees, send a $10 membership contribution with your tree selection to Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410, by October 31, 2016, or join online at arborday.org/october. n

World Bank keeps PH growth…

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manage the economic transition and providing the right signals to investors and businesses,” said the report.

In a briefing on Monday, Oct. 3, World Bank lead economist Birgit Hansl said the completion of the 2017-2022 medium term development plan for the country is expected to provide investors with direction.

“Many reforms are being unveiled, specifically on tax policy and administration, the tracking of government spending, security of land tenure, ease of doing business, and restrictions on foreign participation,” she said.

“But as policy details are still being discussed, some businesses might remain cautious. The completion of the new Philippine Development Plan this year will provide more clarity on the government’s development priorities and further improve the country’s growth prospects.”

The government is also pursuing a comprehensive tax reform effort that promises to make the tax system more equitable and efficient.

Things–An Anthology of New Philippine Myths” (Carayan Press, 2015), with Veronica Montes, Mg Roberts, and Edwin Lozada, read from this one-of-akind collection of short stories, poetry, essays, and myths.

Come join us as we awaken — or reawaken — mysterious beings, and delve into timeless, haunting stories.

The Literary Reading from “Kuwento: Lost Things” takes place on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016,

from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Larcombe Clubhouse, 99 Lake Merced Boulevard, Daly City.

This free event is sponsored by the Daly City Public Library Associates, the Daly City Library Board of Trustees, the Daly City Arts and Culture Commission, Philippine American Writers and Artists (PAWA), and Carayan Press.

For more information, please contact Amy Ray Pabalan at (650) 440-3244. n

Annual Reuse Exchange: donated items needed

both days of the Faire, which will include prizes awarded for best of show. Over 30 international food booths. Wine and beer will be offered by renowned wineries and breweries.

For more information, visit https://sancarlosartandwinefaire. com. n

Our Lady of Good Counsel Church Golden Jubilee Year 2016 OCTOBER 29, 2016, will be a red-letter day for the faith community of Our Lady of Good Counsel. The yearlong celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the church will culminate with a major star-studded concert at 6:30 p.m. that day.

The concert will be held in Our Lady of Good Counsel Hall. Aptly named “Through the Years,” the event will lead the audience on a musical journey over the last 50 years. The concert will feature well known singer-comedian Fe De Los Reyes and the popular Philippines singer Jam Morales, whose hit songs include “Even If,” “A Smile In Your Heart” and many others, supported by Ellona Santiago, an “X-Factor” finalist, Ronnie Ramos, Monica Mendoza, an “American Idol” top 48 finalist and Charlz Mendoza. The show will be directed by Thage Montecarlo.

Ticket donations are $25.00 each.

For more information about the tickets please call Beth Garcia at (510) 861-1753 or Mon Cargo at 1-800-432-4300.

The church humble beginnings started with the parish’s creation by Bishop Begin on July 1, 1966 with Fr. James Keane as first pastor. Before the parish was created, Mass was said at the Blue Dolphin Hotel at the Marina and the Mulford Garden Club House. The past pastors, strong leadership of lay people, and the diverse parishioners has

Authors to conjure the mystical New Philippine myths highlight literary reading in Daly City

Celebrating 26 years THE Peninsula’s Premiere Fall Festival, the San Carlos Art & Wine Faire will celebrate its 26th year on Saturday and Sunday, October 8 & 9, 2016 with hours from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The Faire covers both sides of San Carlos Avenue (between El Camino and Walnut) and on Laurel Street from San Carlos Avenue to Arroyo and is easily accessible from Caltrain and SamTrans.

Sponsored by the San Carlos Chamber of Commerce, this fun-filled, outdoor family event features a beautiful array of artwork, live entertainment, some of the areas finest wines and microbrews, delectable food and much more.

Taking place in the heart of downtown San Carlos, this much-anticipated fall festival offers two full days of enjoyment for people of all ages, including a Family Fun Zone with a variety of children’s activities and live entertainment each day from noon to 4:30 p.m. featuring live children’s music, magic, puppetry,

CJ

Hansl said that while the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain strong, the government should also pay attention to microeconomic reforms such as improving the ease of doing business in the Philippines to sustain growth.

“So here it will be really important to see what will be the priority of the new administration.

Will it be trade facilitation, will it be changing how businesses operate. These involves also labor market issues,” she said.

She declined to comment on prevailing labor issues but said the bank is encouraged by the ongoing dialogue on issues such as contractualization and minimum wage setting.

In a statement, World Bank country director Mara Warwick said macroeconomic stability puts the Philippines in a position to accelerate inclusive growth that benefits all Filipinos.

“Poverty will decline faster if the returns from economic expansion are invested in building human capital by strengthening health, education, and social protection,” she said. n

parishioners and friends to come and celebrate the milestones in the life of this parish. This parish has served as a beacon of hope and love to many of us. n

ARE you cleaning out your home? Don’t throw your old stuff in the trash – donate it to the City’s Annual Reuse Exchange Event. As part of Make a Difference Day, on October 22, make your old item someone’s new treasure!

Donations of new and gently-used items are needed for the event. Donations needed include: Kitchen & home: China, glassware, silverware, bakeware, cookware, gadgets, small working appliances, lamps, pictures, knick knacks Clothing & accessories: Gently worn women, men, children and infant clothing, shoes, belts, fashion accessories, purses, book bags Toys, books, movies, & music: Children’s toys and games, books, puzzles, CDs, DVDs Items NOT accepted are under garments, TVs, consumer electronics, large appliances, mattresses, bed frames, and bedding.

Drop-off donations at the Community Service Center at 350 90th Street, Mon-Fri., 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Donations are accepted until Friday, October 21.

For questions, please email makeadifferenceday@ dalycity.org or call the Community Service Center

at (650) 991-8007.

Also, residents of Daly City, Colma and Broadmoor are invited to attend the Reuse Exchange Event on Sat., October 22, from 9-11:30 a.m., at the Community Service Center at 350 90th Street.

New this year — the Daly City Host Lions and Walgreens will provide free eye screenings and flu shots! n

CJ

OCTOBER 7-13, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Friday, October 7, 2016

SF2

cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 7, 2016

Celebrating Filipino American History Month: Highlighting Pinoys’ roles in the US by

Eric Anthony LicAs / AJPress

OctOber is Filipino American History Month (FAHM), and 2016 marks the 70th year since the Philippines gained independence from the United States and other landmark events that shaped the way Filipinos lived in America for generations.

Although Filipinos have had a documented presence in America since October of 1587 via Luzones Indios (now Morro bay, california), it is only in recent decades that FilipinoAmerican contributions have been highlighted from the margins of society. the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) began celebrating FAHM in 1982, but the commemorative event was only officially recognized by the federal government in November of 2009.

U.S. census data from 2010 reports that Filipinos are the

fastest-growing ethnic group in the country. they are the largest Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) ethnicity in california, and the second largest nationwide. this increasingly influential segment of America has worked to benefit the U.S. with labor, culture, and the lives of those who fought for the security of their adoptive home.

1946 as a turning point before 1946, federal laws preventing access to citizenship for non-whites and state laws denying Filipinos from owning land left them adrift and unheard in the U.S., according to FANHS historians.

“Filipina/o immigrants lived in limbo – neither citizen or national, barred from citizenship and the vote, yet deeply committed to living in the United States,” writes Associate Professor of History at San Francisco State University, Dr.

World War II in the Philippines: the Legacy of two Nations Photos courtesy of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS)

Dawn b. Mabalon in an article published by the FANHS titled “the significance of 1946 for Filipina/o Americans” July of that year saw the Philippines formally break away from the U.S., as well as the passage of the Luce-celler bill. that legislation granted Filipino and Indian immigrants the opportunity to become naturalized American citizens.

1946 was also the year of the Great Sugar Strike in Hawaii. Over 6,000 workers who were recruited from the Philippines to undercut unionized labor ahead of an imminent strike joined picket lines instead. the demonstrators’ combined efforts led to sweeping changes that alleviated grueling working conditions and granted union recognition, higher wages and other concessions to over 100,000 Filipino sakadas or sugar workers living in Hawaii.

FAHM is also an opportunity to remember the work of Larry Itliong, a critical but often forgotten figure of the Delano Grape Strike that took place in central california during the late 60s. He helped organize unions in both Alaska and california. In 1965, he led the AFL-cIO’s Agricultural Workers Organizing committee before that union merged with cesar chavez’s National Farm Workers Association to become the United Farm Workers.

In 2015, california Gover-

nor Jerry brown signed a bill designating the labor leader’s birthday, October 25, a state holiday.

While new opportunities were opening up to many immigrants from the Philippines in 1946, congress also acted to deny many privileges that Filipino veterans would normally have earned after they had been recruited by the U.S. military during World War II. that year, the rescission Act labeled the contributions of over 260,000 Filipino soldiers fighting in the Pacific theater as “inactive service,” according the FANHS. that designation cut them off from G.I. bill benefits that helped returning servicemen reintegrate and find prosperity in post-war life. “[Filipino immigrant soldiers] served honorably and courageously,” said retired Army Maj. Gen. Antonio taguba in a statement released in July. “We as a nation owe them a debt of gratitude for safeguarding our freedom and preserving our future.” taguba is currently a leading voice in the continuing 30-year struggle to achieve recognition for the service of Filipino WWII veterans. to learn more about how Filipinos have woven themselves into the patchwork fabric of U.S. history, visit the FANHS’s website, www.fanhsnational.org.

Second Annual Conference - Saturday, October 29 / San Francisco Public Library Exhibition - October 19 / Trophy Room, San Francisco War Memorial Veterans Bldg.

IN commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the invasion of the Philippines (December 8, 1941), bataan Legacy Historical Society (bLHS), Memorare Manila 1945, the San Francisco Public Library and the Philippine consulate General present World War II in the Philippines: the Legacy of two Nations, the Second Annual conference. the conference will take place on Saturday, October 29, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Koret Auditorium of the San Francisco Main Public Library at

100 Larkin St. in San Francisco.

Admission is free but registration through eventbrite (WWII in the Philippines/bataan Legacy) is recommended.

An exhibition, WWII in the Philippines: the Legacy of two Nations and the role of San Francisco during the War, will open on Saturday, October 15 at 11 a.m. at the trophy room of the San Francisco War Memorial Veterans building located at 401 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, cA. Continued on Page SF5

Photos courtersy of Bataan Legacy History Society (BLHS)

features SF3 the 9th annual San Francisco Filipino american Jazz Festival Savor Filipino returns to the Bay Area Sunday, October 30 / Empress Theater The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – October 7, 2016

Saturday, October 15 / The Overlook Lounge, 344 20th St, Oakland CA Tickets available at www.savorfilipino.com/

Manila Swingsters

Celebrate Filipino american History Month, the City of Vallejo and Pinoy Jazz at the 9th annual San Francisco Filipino american Jazz Festival (SFFaJF) concert on Sunday, October 30, at the empress theater, 330 Virginia St. Vallejo, Ca 94580. tickets are available at http://empresstheatre. org/events/9th-annual-sanfrancisco-filipino-american-jazzfestival/ acts include CrSb, a musical duo based out of the San Francisco bay area that creates their own brand of Island Soul-infused Pop. backed by a 5-piece band, Chris ramos and Sonny b. combine honest and memorable songwriting with a soulful island vibe. their online videos have received over three and a half million plays.

CrSb has had five #1 Songs and seven top 5 Hits on Hawaiian radio, and appeared on the Channel 4 abC Morning News Show in addition to numerous other appearances. another act, autonomous region, presents classic standards and modern arrangements of jazz favorites. led by vocalist and kulintang player Caroline Cabading, this San Francisco-based ensemble was founded in the spring of 2015 as the house band for the I-Hotel Manilatown Center’s Club Mandalay pop-up jazz club, a community engagement project emphasizing family-friendly and affordable live music and

spoken word presentations. It was within this environment of creative support that the band began exploring and presenting original compositions fusing jazz with the pre-colonial tribal music of the Philippines. they call this genre Kul Jazz, named after the traditional kulintang music of Mindanao, Philippines.

On the One is a Vallejobased trio of young jazz enthusiasts ranging from ages 13 to 17 who have captivated their audiences with their unique “retro jazz fusion and acid jazz” sound. the trio features electric keyboard and organ-trio riffs and grooves combined with solid rhythmic support from the bass and drums. this ensemble, consisting of Simon ajero (keyboards), Guillermo landaker (bass), and Steve landaker Jr. (drums) has gained a loyal following in their hometown and is sure to gain in popularity throughout the bay area and beyond. raffy lata was born and raised in the Philippines and has lived in the U.S. for 20 years. His passion for playing the guitar began when he was 8 years old and learning to play by intently listening to various recordings and observing other guitar players. after delving into pop and rock music, he eventually taught himself to play the classical guitar. this year, SFFaJF is also honoring the following artists

ON Saturday, October 15, Savor Filipino will provide an opportunity for 1500 attendees to discover a unique take on traditional and contemporary Filipino cuisine. Included are many types of food and cocktails produced by more than a dozen emerging and established chefs and business owners from right here in the bay area and all over the nation.

Philippine cuisine is rising in popularity. the unique blend of indigenous ingredients and global influence has made Filipino cuisine one of the most Sugar Pie DeSanto intriguing — and sometimes misunderstood — culinary forefronts in recent memory. Some of these indigenous ingredients, like Filipino watercress, bittermelon, and the popular calamansi lime, are now readily available in the bay area. Speaking on the current diversity of cooking techniques now found in the cuisine, travel Channel star and celebrity Chef andrew Zimmerman claims “[when] applied to those tropical asian ingredients, [the flavors] are miraculous.”

Presented by the Filipino Food Movement (FFM), this year’s Savor Filipino, hosted at Lorenzo & Mauricio-Calica, 1927 the Overlook lounge and roofwith the lifetime achievement top terrace near lake Merritt in award: Oakland, offers a platform for Lorenzo Gapasin Calica regional and smaller local busiborn in 1903 in bauong, nesses to expand the exposure la Union Philippines, Calica of Filipino cuisine to an audience they may not otherwise and younger brother Mauricio reach.

Calica immigrated to the U.S. “Our event is not so much in 1926 to Seattle, Wa. they about elevating or celebrating worked in Washington and Filipino cuisine as it is underalaska in the sawmill/lumber standing the core elements of yards & salmon canneries and what makes it great, and buildheld other jobs. as this was ing on that awareness.” says during the silent film era, they FFM Chairman PJ Quesada. recall a musical job playing in “the chefs we work with bring an orchestra to accompany a their story and experience to tradition, and like magic, we see film in 1928. innovation. there is a growing they were in a traveling community of culinary profesFilipino swing band called the sionals showing interest in FiliManila Serenaders (circa mid pino cuisine, and we are thrilled to late 1930’s) who traveled 26 to be part of the platform that states via bus. Most of their provides a foundation for them gigs were the opening band to succeed.” for headliner swing & jazz the main event invites atbandleaders like tommy & Jim- tendees to awaken the Filipino my Dorsey, Glen Miller, benny spirit in their minds and with Continued on Page SF5 their palates honoring Savor

Filipino’s theme “buksan” a tagalog word which means “ to open or unlock” in english. the afternoon showcase will give guests the opportunity to meet some of the country’s up and coming chefs while sampling many small plate dishes. that same evening, a multi-

course VIP dinner featuring multiple chefs will be served to a select group of guests, complete with a wine pairing. each event will ensure that no guest will be leaving hungry.

“I am excited for Savor Filipino!” added Chef Francis Continued on Page SF5

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celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 7, 2016

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar

This year’s Miss World Philippines title was awarded to Filipino-Australian model Catriona Elisa Gray, who bested 24 other beauties last sunday, October 2.

The 22-year-old beauty is also a singer and a blogger from Albay, Bicol.

Catriona also brought home several of the special awards including Best in Evening Gown, Best in swimsuit, Best in Fashion Runway and Best in Talent.

Jodi Sta. Maria received an Emmy Awards nomination for Best Actress for her performance in the drama series, “Pangako Sa ‘Yo.”

Fil-Australian model named Miss World Philippines 2016

several sponsors also chose Catriona to be their brand ambassador namely, Miss Figlia, Miss FiG-image Gateway, Miss Folded & hung, Miss hannah, Miss Manila hotel and Miss Organique. Miss World Philippines 2015 hillarie Parungao passed her crown on to Catriona.

Catriona will represent the Philippines in the upcoming Miss World 2016 on December 16 in Washington, D.C. Joining Catriona in her

Actress Andi Eigenmann has requested the public to put his daughter’s paternity issue to rest and let her have some privacy.

Photo from Philstar.com

Filipino-Australia model Catriona Elisa Gray was crowned Miss World Philippines 2016 last Sunday, October 2. Photo from Catriona Elisa Gray’s Facebook

Joining Miss World Philippines 2016 Catriona Elisa Gray in her court are: First Princess Arienne Louise Braga Calingo, Second Princess Ivanna Kamil Suficiencia Pacis, Third Princess Marah Munoz, and Fourth Princess Sandra Raymundo Lemonon.

Photo from Miss World Philippines website

court are: First Princess Arienne Louise Braga Calingo, second Princess ivanna Kamil suficiencia Pacis, Third Princess Marah Munoz, and Fourth Princess sandra Raymundo Lemonon. *** Now it can be said: The biological father of Andi Eigenmann’s daughter (Ellie) is actor Jake Ejercito.

After many years of doubts, rumors and speculation, Andi’s sister, Max Eigenmann, spilled the beans in an episode of the radio program,

“Good Times With Mo.” “They did a (DNA) test...

Yeah, he’s (Jake) the dad,” Max told DJ Mo Twister.

Kapamilya actor Albie Casino, who was Andi’s exboyfriend, said that he felt relieved after an alleged DNA test revealed that he’s not Ellie’s real father. The actress, however, denied that such test happened. in a statement released last Friday, september 30, the “Camp sawi” star asked the public to put her daughter’s paternity issue to rest. Ac-

cording to her, her main goal is to protect Ellie’s privacy.

“Although she was born into a showbiz family, as a mother, i would like to shield her from the intrigues and gossip that are part of the industry. Growing up, Ellie knew who her father was and he has been there for her, and that’s all that matter,” the statement said. “i hope this will put the issue to rest, out of concern for my very young daughter. i’m requesting everyone to respect the privacy of Ellie.”

Former Miss World Megan Young portrays the love interest of Primetime King Dingdong Dantes in GMA’s newest teleserye, “Alyas Robin Hood.”

Kapuso talent Tom Rodriguez, lead actor in the teleserye “Someone to Watch Over Me,” plays a young business owner who has Alzheimer’s Disease.

sharon Cuneta never lets bashers affect her

by MJ

MArfori ManilaTimes.net

Actors Jake Vargas, Aljur Abrenica, Derrick Monasterio and Rocco Nacino recently had a successful concert at the Music Museum in Greenhills.

MEGAsTAR sharon Cuneta was definitely in the mood for some chit chat and gamely sat for a three-hour Q&A with the press for her comeback concert sharon at The Theatre at solaire. slated on October 15 and

22, the two-nighter will be her first major concert in the Philippines since 2012. sharon went from giddy to emotional as she talked about all the recent developments in her career and personal life.

One of the most followed celebrities on social media— both in the positive and negative sense—she had no qualms saying that she has grown a thick skin toward her bashers. When sharon returned to TV via ABs-CBN’s “The Voice Kids” early this year, her weight was the cruel subject of many netizens’ posts. her take on certain issues also invited many disagreeable webbies.

“As long as you ignore [them], mamamatay naman Sharon Cuneta iyong hindi totoo eh (what isn’t romeo.

“Anybody who is nice to true will just fizzle out),” she my daughter, who makes her generally said of social media a better person, and brings bashing. her closer to the family i will so as a gift to her fans, the techie 50-year-old promised to like—and Aly is like that!”

Moving on to her weight be active again on instagram, loss, sharon proudly declared Twitter, Facebook, and is even she has lost more than 60 asking her daughters Frankie pounds from her “tikim-tikim and Miel Pangilinan to teach diet.” “Tikim” the Filipino her snapchat! word for “tasting something,” The showbiz darling also means the celebrity does not vows never to allow anymore deprive herself with the food bashers to affect her like beshe likes to eat, but has a little fore when she went off social of her favorites as she diets. media, but made clear that Besides working out for her, there is only one criticism she her latest and most successful will accept.

“That is if i should be called attempt at weight loss gives her a better disposition in her a failure if one of my children life. end up a failure in their lives “Oh My God there is because of a negative attitude. absolutely no comparison to But that’s not likely to happen because we raised them well.” where i am now from two years ago!” she exclaimed. i am in a sharon has two daughters with her husband senator Fran- much much better place. i feel cis Pangilinan, and an adopted good not just physically but… i was able to get through losing son. my mom [Elaine Cuneta]. The Meanwhile, as for her sadness… everything. God is eldest KC Concepcion—her good.” daughter with first husband With her new found happiGabby Concepcion—the Mega ness, she just let out a boistermom openly shared that she ous laugh when asked about is fond of her current beau, her supposed “Bilibid prison Azkals team captain Aly Bor-

performance,” in 2012, which a witness at the controversial senate inquiry on extra judicial killings and the drug problem blurted out. sharon clarified that she performed for inmates as part of a reachout program for TV5 back then, which was organized by civil society leader Gang Badoy Capati of RockEd Philippines.

The Megastar animatedly chatted that she even performed with the bands from Bilibid, bought two paintings from inmates, and sang with them all for the sake of giving them hope and inspiration. she quickly pointed out too that she never met any drug lords when she went there. “i never met anyone there in the way that they were trying to insinuate. i’ve never been chummy or will ever be chummy with drug lords, nor have i ever received any money from them. Eh di sana matagal na akong payat! if i did, then i would have been thinner a long time ago!” she laughed uncontrollably again.

Now that’s how you clarify an issue!

World War ii in the Philippines...

From Page SF2 The exhibition is sponsored by the American Legion War Memorial Commission and the American Legion Eighth District Council, Department of California, in collaboration with Memorare Manila 1945, the National Park service, the National Japanese American historical society, hamilton Field history Museum and the Philippine scouts heritage society.

Lt. Col. John stevens, a hero of WWii (Midway, Palmyra,Okinawa) and Korean War, will open the exhibition.

The October 29 Conference will feature speakers from the Philippines and across the United states who will give different perspectives of the war. survivors of WWii in the Philippines will speak about their experiences in two panels: Life during the Japanese Occupation and

Children of the War. Descendants of Philippine scouts, Philippine Commonwealth, Filipino guerrillas and nurses will speak about the experiences of their loved ones during the war. Many of these stories have not yet been published. Opening remarks will be made by two retired U.s. Army generals of Filipino descent: Maj. General (Ret.) Antonio Taguba and Maj. General (Ret.) Eldon Regua.

The California state Board of Education recently approved the inclusion of WWii in the Philippines in the history curriculum framework for Grade 11 U.s. history (Chapter 16). The Bataan Legacy historical society worked closely with the California Department of Education to make this possible and has started the process of creating a sample curriculum template that schools can use to implement the new history framework.

entertainment

SF5

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - October 7, 2016

Sarah Geronimo enjoying break from showbiz

by Christina

alpad ManilaTimes.net

Jake Ejercito and his daughter Ellie (from Jake’s Instagram)…Jake and Andi Eigenmann (from Andi’s Instagram)… and Jake with his dad, Pres./Mayor Erap Estrada, taken (by your Funfarer last March when Jake was here on vacation from school in Singapore)

Jake Ejercito to Andi Eigenmann’s daughter: You will always be my princess by riCky lo Philstar.com

ALMOSt two weeks after Max Eigenmann confirmed on the radio program “Good times with Mo (twister)” that Jake Ejercito is, indeed, the father of Ellie, daughter of Max’s half-sister Andi Eigenmann, as proven by a “paternity test,” Daddy Jake has remained mum in Singapore where he’s pursuing a Master’s Degree in Marketing.

In effect, perhaps unwittingly, Max “exonerated” Albie casiño who was a “suspect” but whose family, particularly Albie’s mom Rina, insisted on a DNA test to settle the matter altogether.

But in a message he posted on his Instagram, although he didn’t categorically admit it, Jake actually said it all. Here’s what he wrote obviously addressed to Ellie (who is turning four years old next month), as is: there will have been a lot of things you’ve heard and read by now and I’m glad you’ve somehow stumbled upon this. cause this is one of the very few truths that matter.

It may have taken me years to find out by myself, but I’ve been here for you even before your first precious breath — nothing and

no one has or will ever change that.

You’ve only brought good things to my life and I promise to do the same to you a hundredfold. Know that everything has been and will always be for you.

And that I will hold you hand the whole way through.

I can’t wait till you start asking me questions. Although words will certainly fail to express how much I love you, our love story is filled with fun, optimism and immeasurable bliss. It’s a story of a million beautiful memories that no one can ever take away from us and I’d endlessly be proud to share it with you.

As we always tell each other whenever we part ways or go to sleep, you will always be my princess and I, your first love.

Stay real and stay bright, my love x Actually, as I was saying, as early as last March in an exclusive interview with Funfare before he went back to Singapore, Jake said when asked abut Ellie, “I treat her as my daughter.” At that time, Jake’s dad, pres./Mayor Erap Estrada was with us but I guess Erap was then “clueless” about the whole thing, or he just wasn’t interested in trivial matters that, to showbiz-watchers, were,

Savor Filipino returns...

From Page SF3 Ang of Filipino pop-up pinoy Heritage. “there will be a ton of talent in the same house all with one goal — push Filipino cuisine. Buksan opens the possibilities beyond home-cooked Filipino food. the Filipino Food Movement has paved the way

for Filipino chefs and foodies, connecting the dots from homecooks to well-known chefs all over the globe. It’s time for the world to know about Filipino cuisine.”

On social media: Facebook: www.facebook. com/theFilipinoFoodMove-

believe it or not, a matter of life and death.

I called up Erap.

How many grandchildren do you have all in all?

Erap: Hmmmm….(He lost count. I guess, probably, 10?)

Your youngest apo is the talk of the town.

Erap: Who? Ellie, daughter of Andi Eigenmann. Jake has been confirmed to be the father.

Erap: When I asked (Jake) about it, he said, “Wala.” He denied it.

When was that?

Erap: Noon pa ‘yon. After that, hindi na kami nag-usap tungkol dyan ni Jake.”

Oh, is Erap the last to know?

After a week of pregnant silence, Andi issued a statement saying that she deliberately kept mum about the matter to protect her daughter’s privacy. through it all, she had only harsh words about Albie whose career was ruined (he was being built up as the loveteam-mate of Kathryn Bernardo in the remake ofMara clara until the controversy exploded, with Daniel padilla as the beneficiary since he eventually ended up as Kathryn’s partner; good thing Albie is fast recovering lost ground). ment/ Instagram: the Food: www. instagram.com/filipinofoodmovement/ the people: www.instagram. com/savorfilipino/ Hashtags: #SavorFilipino16 | #FilipinoFoodMovement *Many thanks to Jessica Kopach of The JKo Agency and Joanne Boston of the Filipino Food Movement.

ExcEpt for intermittent sightings by chance or the occasional event, fans hardly see pop princess and actress Sarah Geronimo these days. When they do though, they feel happy despite missing their idol since she seems to be enjoying her two-month break.

In her short hiatus, Geronimo has been spotted enjoying the outdoors and doing activities that millennials like her had long ticked off their bucket lists— climbing mountain summits, or swimming with the butandings of Oslob, among others. Moreover, fans and observers are all the more thrilled that Geronimo is experiencing life with her beau, the handsome actor and singer Matteo Guidicelli.

Indeed, the 28-year-old superstar’s break is long overdue. Since she began joining singing contests at age four, music—and her career—had become her whole life. At 14, she gained her biggest break winning Star for a Night, and thereafter was nonstop in recording albums, mounting concerts, and starring in tV shows and blockbuster movies. On top

of these, she also goes abroad for concert tours and personal appearances.

Grateful for her success, Geronimo realized lately that her thriving career has its downside too. For one, it affected her health and also deprived her from experiencing the simple things in life. Her situation led to her decision to take a break and to reflect. catching up with the pop princess, The Manila Times witnessed Geronimo in another endeavor she had long wanted to do—to advocate the welfare of children as she took the kids of Gawad Kalinga to Museo pambata for a day of fun with “Ate Sarah.”

During the course of her two-month break, which has the permission of her management company Viva and home network ABS-cBN, Geronimo is thriving on many realizations. “there comes a time in our lives when we’ve already achieved our dreams, but we suddenly ask ourselves, ‘Am I on the right path? Is this [entertaining]my sole purpose?’ And then it dawned on me: success and happiness becomes temporary when you can’t share it. Somehow you’ll feel

Sarah Geronimo

empty inside. the most important thing is to make ‘sharing’ your main goal,” Geronimo intimated to The Manila Times.

With this realization, the celebrity said she has adopted a new philosophy in life, which she is excited to bring to her work when she returns to the spotlight.

“I can say that I am 100-percent back on track. I have a new mindset and I am now, more than ever, energized and motivated to work,” Geronimo exclaimed. career-wise, she is all the more excited to return to the set, stage and recording studio with a free reign on her art.

the 9th Annual San Francisco...

From Page SF3 Goodman, Artie Shaw, cab calloway, Lawrence Welk, & Louis Armstrong. they performed at the famous coconut Grove Ballroom in Salt Lake city., Utah.

Lorenzo calica professionally played the sax, flute and clarinet. He also played the violin, piano, banjo/guitar, and drums.

He wrote and composed music arrangements for all the bands he played in. In 1942, he composed and published two music sheets of his own music in San Francisco before he joined the U.S. Army.

After he retired from Mare Island Naval Shipyard in 1970 the family moved back to San Francisco and Lorenzo calica remained active, played for the

SF Filipino Senior community center and other events for various Filipino organizations in the Bay Area.

Sugar Pie DeSanto Born peylia Marsema Balinton on October 16, 1935 in Brooklyn, New York; DeSanto is a Fil-Am rhythm-and-blues singer whose career flourished in the 1950s and 1960s. Her family moved to San Francisco, where she spent most of her early life.

She was discovered by Johnny Otis in 1955 and toured with the Johnny Otis Revue, where she was given her stage name, Sugar pie. In 1959 and 1960, she toured with the James Brown Revue.

In 1960, DeSanto’s single

“I want to Know” reached No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot R&B chart which she recorded with then husband, pee Wee Kingsley.

She later on moved to chicago to continue her flourishing career as a recording artist and writer. She eventually moved back to the Bay Area, settling in Oakland.

DeSanto was given a Bay Area Music Award in 1999 for best female blues singer.

In September 2008, she was given a pioneer Award by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

She received a lifetime achievement award from the Goldie Awards in November 2009. *Photos of Lorenzo Calica courtesy of Calica family and SF Fil-Am Jazz Festival

SF6

The As ian Jour na l SF M A G A Z I NE - O c tobe r 7 , 2 0 1 6

seafood city fpfc