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As Poe declares 2016 bid, Malacañang confident Filipinos will support Roxas

by Louis

Bacani Philstar.com

mANILA—Ahead of sen. Grace Poe’s announcement of her presidential candidacy, malacañang expressed confidence on Wednesday, sept. 16 that voters will still support

DATELINE

the administration’s standard-bearer in the 2016 elections.

In a press briefing, Presidential spokesperson edwin Lacierda said unlike other poll candidates who are promising change, the administration and manuel roxas II are running on a platform of continuity.

“We are confident of our campaign platform. We are confident that the people, as they continue to see the benefits that they receive, the people will rely and trust the ‘Daang Matuwid’ coalition and platform,” Lacierda said. taking an apparent swipe at Poe’s

perceived promise of change, Lacierda said the administration’s reforms should be continued for the Philippines to prosper. “her ads stated ‘bagong umaga,’ so she’s talking about change,” he said.

“We’re running on a platform of conPAGE A2 Mar Roxas

Erice: We groomed Poe, then she left us

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Senate-approved plan would promote legal services for lowincome Californians

CALIforNIA lawmakers approved and sent to Governor Jerry Brown a plan to help low-income residents have greater access to legal services. the bill, known as senate Bill 134, would allow the state Bar to collect PAGE A3

Sen. Robert Hertzberg

Inquirer.net photo

by Marc Jayson

cayaByaB

Inquirer.net

HELLO TO A NEW DAWN. Sen. Grace Poe waves to supporters shortly after declaring her intention to seek the presidency in 2016. The much-anticipated but predictable announcement on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at Ang Bahay ng Alumni inside the UP Diliman campus capped months of speculation about the senator’s plans. The ruling Liberal Party had been courting her as running mate for its presidential bet, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.

Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez

CALooCAN rep. edgar erice on Wednesday, sept.

16 expressed dismay that senator Grace Poe has declared her presidential bid even after the Liberal Party (LP) invested in her in the 2013 elections.

“Kawalan (sa LP) kasi kasama namin siya sa Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice team PNoy noong 2013.

We invested with her, then iniwan niya kami,” erice said.

Poe topped the 2013 senatorial elections when she ran as an independent under the administration coalition team PNoy led by the LP. A political affairs officer for the LP, erice said it may be the LP’s loss that Poe refused its offer to run as vice president of its standard bearer, Interior sec. mar roxas. But the party is not harboring ill PAGE A2

Fil-Am among jail UNA exec: Binay’s GOP hopefuls face off in second debate deputies charged for running mate a presidential wannabe death of inmate by chrisTina

three correctional officers at a santa Clara County jail were charged on tuesday, sept.

8 with the murder of a mentally ill inmate who was found dead in his cell in late August. the District Attorney’s office filed charges against 28-year-old fil-Am Jereh Catbagan Fil-Am Jereh Lubrin, 28, was one of Lubrin, from san California, three Santa Clara County deputies Jose, farris, charged on Tuesday, Sept. 8 for the matthew murder of an inmate. Credit: Santa 27, and rafael roClara County Sheriff’s Office PAGE A3

by Dennis

carcaMo Philstar.com

mANILA—the camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay is now looking at three presidential wannabes to be the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) standard bearer’s runningmate in the 2016 presidential elections.

UNA secretary General JV Bautista said Binay has yet to talk to the prospective running mates, all of whom have expressed their respective presidential bids, about his offer. “he has not talked to them yet. It still is on the level of the search committee but it’s almost final... it has already entered the stage of selection. When we say selection, it is now a matter of him talking to the potential candidate,” Bautista said. he said that the three prospective vice presidential bets have equal chances of being selected as Binay’s partner in the polls.

PAGE A3

Pacquiao is OK with no rematch with Mayweather by oLiver

Teves Philstar.com

mANILA—manny Pacquiao doubts he will have a rematch with floyd mayweather because

Manny Pacquiao AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

the American says he’s retiring. surgery for afterwards.

And besides, boxing is not his PAGE A3 priority these days. mayweather beat Pacquiao in boxing’s richest fight in may, and after he defeated Andre Berto last week for the 49th win of his undefeated career, he said he will retire.

“Boxing is not my focus because I can only fight next year, to give my shoulder a rest,” Pacquiao told said on Wednesday, sept. 16.

Pacquiao was still rehabilitating the right rotator cuff that was injured before the fight, and had

M. orieL anD agnes consTanTe AJPress

sImI Valley—fIfteeN republican presidential candidates took the stage on Wednesday, sept. 16 in a two-segment debate hosted

by CNN at the ronald reagan Presidential Library’s Air force one Pavilion. the afternoon kicked off with second-tier candidates south Carolina senator Lindsey Graham, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Pennsylvania senator rick santorum and former New York Governor George Pataki, all of whom have been at the bottom of the polls. though Donald trump was not onstage during the first segment, he was still a prominent point of discussion, as moderator Jake tapper asked Jindal about his recent comments targeting trump.

“Let’s stop treating Donald trump like a republican,” Jindal retorted. “he’s not a conservative.”

Pataki later chimed in to complain that there were other issues to discuss -- given it’s an “impor-

tant election” -- yet the opening questions were about the real-estate mogul and republican frontrunner.

“I will vote for the republican nominee but let me say this flat out, Donald trump is unfit to be President of the United states or the republican party’s nominee,” he said. the four candidates tackled the issue of deportation and what the United states should do with the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country.

Graham and santorum said America needs a rational immigration system because of its declining workforce, noting that American workers are the most affected.

“We’re not going to deport 11 million undocumented immigrants here illegally, but we’ll start with felons, and off they go. And, as to the rest, you can stay, but you got to learn our language,” Graham said.

Graham also added that “in my world hispanics are Americans,” noting that republican candidates PAGE A2

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september 18-24, 2015 • NOrCAL AsIAN JOUrNAL

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From the Front Page

As Poe declares Erice: We groomed Poe...

2016 bid...

GOP hopefuls face off...

to move on from courting Poe. “Well, makaka-move on na rin kami kasi we can finally choose

our vice presidential candidate,” Erice said.

“Kasama namin siya noon sa pagsusulong sa tuwid na daan, pero ganun talaga… We cannot

deny the fact the Senator Poe is popular. Siguro na-overwhelm siya sa kanyang popularidad kaya siya tutuloy sa pagtakbo sa pagka-presidente,” he added.

sinabi ng ating Pangulo,” the Palhour increase throughout a threePAGE A1 ace officiaL said. year period.

Poe is scheduled to announce could target Hispanic voters next “How are we gonna win if 90 her candidacy this afternoon at year. percent of Americans don’t think the University of the Philippines “[I]mmigration without as- we care about them and their Diliman. similation is invasion,” Jindal said. chance to rise in America?” SanLacierda refused to comment “We need to insist the people who torum said. on what could possibly happen in come here come here legally, learn However, Graham countered today’s event.

English, adopt our values, roll up that a federal increase in the miniDuring the 2013 senatorial their sleeves and get to work. We mum wage would be detrimental election, Poe ran under the ad- do need to secure the border.” to businesses. ministration ticket and received The remaining 11 candidates Hours before the debate, imthe highest number of votes. migration advocates bearing signs (former Florida Governor Jeb After topping the recent sur- and oversized papier mache cari- Bush, neurosurgeon Ben Carson, veys on voters’ preference for cature heads of Trump, Rubio and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, president, Poe was initially con- Walker flocked to the entrance of Texas Senator Ted Cruz, former sidered by Aquino as the possible the Reagan Library to protest the Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiostandard-bearer of the adminis- Republican candidates’ stances on rina, former Arkansas Governor tration. not granting citizenship to illegal Mike Huckabee, Ohio Governor Aquino eventually endorsed immigrants.

John Kasich, Kentucky Senator Roxas as his preferred successor, Candidates also shared their Rand Paul, Florida Senator Marsaying the latter is more experi- positions on minimum wage, with co Rubio, businessman Donald enced than Poe. Santorum proposing a 50-cent per Trump and Wisconsin Governor

Scott Walker) took to the stage at 5pm PST. Each candidate was positioned on stage based on their rankings in recent polls.

A day before the debate, a CBS/ New York Times poll indicated that non-politicians Trump and Carson have the most support with 27 percent and 23 percent, respectively, of Republican voters backing the candidates.

Trailing behind are presidential hopefuls are Bush, Huckabee and Rubio, all of whom have received 6 percent of support from Republican primary voters, according to the same poll.

In Wednesday’s debate, CNN sought to capture the GOP candidates’ combative spirit through inperson engagement and on camera, the New York Times reported, as opposed to the first debate, which was hosted by Fox News.

In the first such encounter among

Republican candidates, the Times reported that Fox relied much on three experienced moderators to pose challenging questions that led candidates to deliver prepared answers and sparse memorable moments on stage.

“My goal is more about: Let’s draw the contrasts between the candidates, and have them fight it out over these policies, over who has the best approach to Putin, over who has the best approach to taxes, over who believes what over immigration reform,” said Tapper, CNN’s chief Washington correspondent, who moderated Wednesday’s debate. “Have them lay it all out so voters can see it.”

Tapper was joined in the questioning by CNN chief political correspondent Dana Bash and Salem Radio Network talk show host Hugh Hewitt.

Analysts expected a showdown PAGE A4

PAGE A1

feelings against Poe. Erice said it is time for the LP

PAGE A1

tinuity. For every country, if you look at the Asian countries that have prospered, it’s because... the good economic policies have continued.”

As Poe is also expected to present her platform, Lacierda said Roxas will present his policies in time.

Lacierda said he believes that Filipinos will trust Aquino’s words that Roxas is capable of sustaining the reforms of the administration.

“He (Roxas) will be doing policy speeches but klaro naman sa sinasabi ni Pangulong Aquino itong… ang 2016 po ay magiging referendum po ng Daang Matuwid and naniniwala po tayo na ang ating mga kababayan ay marami pong maniniwala po sa

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must retain talented attorneys to ensure that their clientele consistently receive an acceptable level of service and equal access to justice,” Hertzberg told the committee.

In a bill analysis, the Judiciary Committee staff explained that the program is authorized by legislation carried by Hertzberg when he was in the Assembly. The Loan Repayment Program was created years ago to help lower student debt of attorneys agreeing to practice in certain public-interest areas of law. The bill became law in 2001, but the program has never been funded.

A budget item that would have appropriated $100,000 for startup costs was vetoed by then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2007.

The California Student Aid Commission would administer the program, such as establishing eligibility and selecting participants eligible for up to $11,000 for four years of service in qualifying agencies.

How the commission would access the funds collected by the State Bar is not yet certain, the Judiciary Committee said. No opposition was received, the analysis said.

While the clients continue to have the right to claim their property, the property is transferred to the state General Fund after being held three years.

A similar program in Oregon has collected more than $450,000 since 2010.

Supporters of the bill include the California Public Defenders Association, California State Conference of the NAACP, Equal Justice Works, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Legal Aid Association of California, Hastings and McGeorge law schools, Ventura County Public Defender’s Office, and Worksafe.

Gov. Brown has 30 days to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without his signature.

“Too often we grant rights without providing the tools to make those rights real. Here is a creative way to ensure those rights,” Hertzberg said. (Allyson Escobar/AJPress)

Fil-Am among jail deputies...

PAGE A1 driguez, 27, who were suspected of murdering 31-year-old Michael Tyree.

“Michael Tyree was not protected by those correctional officers who were supposed to protect him,” Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen told press. “Instead, they killed him and we have now charged them with murder.”

Court documents reveal that Lubrin, Farris and Rodriguez reported finding Tyree unresponsive, naked and covered in feces and vomit in his cell after midnight on Aug. 27. They tried to revive him, Sheriff Laurie Smith told the Los Angeles Times.

However, an investigation found that the three beat Tyree to death on Aug. 26. Earlier that night, a jail nurse told Lubrin that Tyree pocketed his prescription medicine instead of swallowing it. Lubrin then confronted Tyree to take his pills.

Documents show that later on in the evening that Lubrin and Farris conducted a routine search of the cells, while the inmates were participating in “program time” in the common areas.

Rodriguez joined the two officers to confront inmate Juan Villa.

They allegedly hit Villa in the head and twisted his arms, according to the investigative report prepared

by Sergeant Marc Carrasco. The three also face assault charges for this encounter.

They then continued their search of other cells, including Tyree’s. Lubrin and Farris allegedly entered Tyree’s one-man cell while Rodriguez waited outside the door.

Carrasco’s report stated that Tyree reportedly asked “Do I have to get up?” and was ordered to get up by Farris.

“Inmate Tyree’s distinctive voice

could be heard screaming, ‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Stop,’” Carrasco detailed. “Screaming could be heard throughout the pod for several minutes and was accompanied by the sounds of thumping, wall banging and what sounded like blows to a person’s body. At some point during the screaming period, Officer Rodriguez closed the door so that it was open a small amount.”

Tyree died “within minutes to no more than one hour,” the report said, after the incident with the officers left him with wounds on his eye, chin and cheek; bruises above his left ear; and injuries on his upper arms, legs, back and hips. The injury on Tyree’s lower left back ruptured his spleen and liver and caused internal bleeding, Carrasco stated.

“The officers then left Inmate Tyree’s cell continuing their searches. They did not call for medical assistance for Inmate Tyree,” the report said.

After midnight, Lubrin went back to the cell for the routine welfare check and radioed, “man down” upon finding Tyree’s body.

Tyree was subsequently pronounced dead at 12:35 am.

An attorney for Tyree’s family said he was schizophrenic and had battled mental illness most of his adult life, according to an NBC report. He was reportedly going to enter a residential treatment program at the Momentum Crisis Residential Treatment Center, a nonprofit for substance abuse, after serving his five-day sentence for petty theft and drug possession.

The death of Tyree — who was housed in a special wing of the jail reserved for inmates in protective custody or with special PAGE A4

Pacquiao is OK with no rematch...

PAGE A1 As a congressman, he said he was focused on building homes for the homeless in his southern home province of Sarangani.

“I’m OK. Whether there is a second (bout with Mayweather), it’s not a problem,” he said. “I heard he has retired, so it doesn’t matter.”

For his next fight, he said he will take on any other contender, “because I do not choose my opponents.”

Pacquiao also said he was waiting to see if U.S. boxing authorities will sanction Mayweather for taking an IV drip after the weigh-in for their fight in Las Vegas.

Punishment seemed unlikely, as Mayweather has been supported by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, to which he disclosed the infusion beforehand. The

USADA said it contained no prohibited substances.

Pacquiao’s camp was critical of anti-doping authorities who did not allow him to take medication for his rotator cuff injury before the fight.

On Mayweather’s IV, he said: “What I want to know and clarify is if he committed an offense, how will the rules be applied?”

Regarding the Philippines general election in May 2016, Pacquiao refused to disclose his plans. He told reporters he will soon announce whether he will run for re-election or governor of his province, or seek a seat in the Senate.

He is expected to make his announcement, and the presidential candidate he will support, before the Oct. 16 deadline for filing of candidacy papers.

A

El Niño ‘likely, but no guarantees’

Senate-approved plan would...

PAGE A1 unclaimed donations from members to fund a student loan repayment program for public interest attorneys.

“Every year, thousands of young lawyers graduate from law school with a desire to launch their careers performing public service,” said Sen. Robert Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys), who helped author the bill. “Faced with skyrocketing education costs, however, more and more of our finest legal minds are opting instead to go straight into private practice.”

Lawyers of both parties described the legislation, SB 134, as an “innovative revenue source for a worthy program,” said a statement from the office of Hertzberg in Sacramento.

“There is too little incentive to work in public-interest areas of law today because the pay often is substantially lower than in private practice,” Hertzberg, who is also a lawyer, said.

SB 134 would support a loanassistance program for attorneys committed to serving the public interest, by using unclaimed funds in lawyer trust accounts.

The proposal was unanimously approved in June by the state Senate.

SB 134 was previously approved by the Judiciary and Appropriations committees, also without a dissenting vote. The bill was next approved by the Assembly.

If the bill becomes law, an option to donate to the Public Interest Attorney Loan Repayment Program could be added to State Bar dues statements as soon as next year, the Metropolitan NewsEnterprise reported.

According to the American Bar Association, the average debt of a 2012 law school graduate was about $85,000 when graduating from a public school, and $122,000 from a private school.

“This level of debt makes it difficult for attorneys to pay off their debt, despite any interest in public service,” Hertzberg’s office said in a statement.

As a direct result, legal-service advocates (such as child support agencies) have found it increasingly difficult to keep talented attorneys staffed.

“Public interest law offices

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SeptembeR 18-24, 2015

by Allyson

EscobAr

AJPress

CLIMATE scientists say powerful tropical storm El Niño is on track to become “one of the most powerful on record” – also strongly suggesting that the West Coast could face heavy rainfall this winter.

“But El Niño still hasn’t sealed the deal, and there still needs to be a dramatic change in the winds in the Pacific Ocean if it is to be as strong as it might be,” said Bill Patzert, climatologist for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Cañada Flintridge, California.

“It’s still very impressive, but it’s a marathon with an El Niño,” Patzert said. “At 20 miles, do you hit the wall? Or do you pick up the pace?”

At this point, El Niño is strong and could be even stronger than the 1997-98 storm, which brought heavy rains, deadly flooding and mudslides across California, giving the southern state double its rainfall and the mountains double the snowpack, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The latest National Weather

Service’s Climate Prediction Center’s forecast, issued Thursday, Sept. 10, said that computer models unanimously favor a strong El Niño, and that there is a 95 percent chance that the storm will continue through the winter.

The rains prove beneficial for California, which is experiencing its fourth year of severe drought.

The Climate Prediction Center’s deputy director, Mike Halpert, said Thursday that sea-surface temperatures in a benchmark location of the Pacific Ocean are now exceeding 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit above the average. Those are the highest temperatures recorded “for the first time since the end of the 1997-98 El Niño.”

“The present El Niño is already one of the strongest on record and is expected to strengthen further through the late fall or early winter months,” said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with Stanford University. “At this juncture, the likeliest outcome for California is a wetter-than-average winter.”

According to Swain, California could receive stronger storms

than typical, especially between December through March. With sea temperatures particularly warm offshore, that could bring even more atmospheric moisture to fuel storm systems bound for this state, he wrote on his blog.

“All of this suggests that there could be a substantially increased risk of precipitation-related hazards this winter in California, including flooding and landslides,” Swain said.

The harsh effects of the drought -- deaths of trees, thick ash and debris left behind by wildfires -- could also increase the risk of mudslides and debris flow this winter.

California has already been feeling the effects of El Niño, with an increased number of hurricanes in the eastern Pacific that have sent intense storms over the state this summer. El Niño is a factor in the rising humidity and scattered thunderstorms and flooding over the Southland this week.

“This El Niño is already happening and it’s already having impacts,” Patzert said, “as warm ocean water from the western Pa-

cific Ocean surges to the Americas.”

“But for this coming El Niño to rival the infamous “Godzilla El Niño” of 1997-98, the east-towest trade winds of the Pacific Ocean along the equator need to dramatically collapse, which would allow the sea near Peru to warm up even further. And that hasn’t happened yet,” Patzert added.

“At this point, there’s no guarantees.”

Weather experts are also warning that while more rainfall would certainly be welcome, there is virtually no hope that one rainy winter could reverse the severe effects of the four-year drought.

It would take many years of above-average rain and snow to officially end the drought and refill empty, dried-up reservoirs and wells, experts say.

“Californians should continue to use water carefully and sparingly in the face of the ongoing extreme drought,” state climatologist Michael L. Anderson said in a statement. “Californians should not count on El Niño to end the drought.” n

UNA exec: Binay’s running mate...

PAGE A1

Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay

Bautista said that Binay’s running mate should not only be popular but has the capability to run the country in case something happens to the president.

“He has become a vice president so in his experience the vice president should also be somebody who can take the reins of

the government in case something happens to him. In other words, somebody who will not only be winnable but who will be very capable,” he said.

He said UNA is expected to make the announcement of Binay’s running mate and complete senatorial slate on the last week of September.

A

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september 18-24, 2015 • NOrCAL AsIAN JOUrNAL

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Filipino caregiver wanted for alleged $193K theft in Maryland Nearly 4,000 foster kids in Calif. live in group homes

BETHESDA, Maryland—Police in Montgomery County believe that a Filipino caregiver, who was arrested for allegedly stealing $193,000 from an elderly couple and fled after posting bail bond, is now hiding in the Philippines.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department has issued an active arrest warrant for Alexander Manguiam, 46, who was already facing charges of theft scheme $100,000+, theft $100,000+ and stealing property of a vulnerable adult, ac-

cording to an August 25 WJLA (ABC7) report.

Manguiam was reportedly hired in February 2010 to care for a Bethesda couple then in their late 80s in declining health. The husband passed away in February 2013. His wife was confined to a bed and wheelchair but is still alive today.

In September 2013, Wells Fargo Bank’s financial crimes unit contacted Montgomery County Police after flagging a forged check Manguiam had

deposited in his personal account.

After an investigation, detectives found that Manguiam allegedly altered 44 of his paychecks, for instance, in one case he turned a check for $1,630 into $4,630.

In 21 other instances, Manguiam allegedly stole checks from the elderly couple’s dining room cupboard drawer and later made them out to himself.

The grand total stolen over three years was $193,608.

Police arrested Manguiam in December 2014. He later posted bond and moved into a friend’s Silver Spring home while awaiting trial.

But Manguiam did not show up for his August 7, court date at Montgomery County Circuit Court. He had to surrender his Filipino passport prior to posting bond, but authorities fear Manguiam still managed to flee to the Philippines. (Inquirer.net)

PALO ALTO—The number of foster children in California who live in family-like placements, instead of shelters or group homes, has declined since 1998, according to the Lucille Packard Foundation for Children’s Health.

Children fare best in families. To preserve the wellbeing of children who enter the foster care system, out-of-home placements must be in the setting that most closely resembles family life. The same holds true for children in the child welfare system.

The Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 was meant to ensure that children in the child welfare system grow up in families-cared for in their own homes or the homes of relatives whenever possible, or in new permanent homes if not. While the vast majority (more than 80 percent) of foster children in California are living in family-

GOP hopefuls face off...

PAGE A2 between Trump and Fiorina, former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, during the second round of the debate, as Wednesday would be the first time Trump would come face-toface on live television with Fiorina after he insulted her “face.”

As election season continues, the RNC is planning to engage more Filipino-American communities in Nevada and other battleground states. On Wednesday, it hosted a debate watch party with Fil-Am Mayor Ron Falconi of Brunswick, Ohio and the local community.

“The Republican National Committee (RNC) continues to lay the groundwork for our eventual nominee by engaging and having a strong presence with our Filipino

communities across the country.

Unlike the DNC, the RNC has staff and volunteers listening to the concerns of Filipinos and encouraging them to get involved with the Republican Leadership Initiative in an effort to take back the White House in 2016,” Ninio Fetalvo, RNC APA Press Secretary, told the Asian Journal on Wednesday.

Ahead of the debate, the Democratic National Committee took to a conference call on Tuesday, Sept. 15 to discuss how the Republican presidential candidates’ policies do not benefit the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

Reps. Judy Chu, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and Mike Honda, both from California, brought up

Fil-Am among jail deputies...

PAGE A1

needs — has reopened the debate about how jails treat mentally ill inmates.

“This is a tragic sad heartbreaking event,” family attorney Paula Canny said. “And that Michael Tyree, even though he was an inmate in jail, he was a person of value and inmates are to be respected. Michael was somebody’s brother, somebody’s son, somebody’s cousin, somebody’s nephew.”

Since the arrest on Sept. 3, Lubrin’s family and friends have stood by him, describing him as a loving and caring individual.

“He likes his job, and he works well with his sergeant and all of the good people there,” Lubrin’s father Dwight told the San Jose Mercury News. The report also said Lubrin told his father that “something had happened with an inmate” at the jail and told his mother, Julieta, “don’t worry. I didn’t do anything.”

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like placements (i.e., in Foster Homes or Foster Family Agency Homes, with Guardians or KinRelatives, or in Pre-Adoptive families), between 1998-2014, the proportion of children living in these types of placements did not grow; rather, it saw a slight decline.

That means that each year, there remains a substantial number of foster children living in non-family placements, such as shelters, group homes, and other congregate or temporary placements.

In 2014, there were nearly 4,000 foster children living in group homes, one of the least optimal placement options.

The US foster care system aims to provide temporary living arrangements for children while attempting to safely reunite children with parents, or to find other permanent homes.

In reality, many foster children spend years in the system,

and move between multiple homes. Children age 6-20, as well as those with disabilities or illnesses, and those of African American and American Indian descent, comprise a disproportionate number of youth in the foster care system Children in the system face higher risks of physical and mental health problems as well as academic barriers.

Advocates of providing all children with safe, permanent homes, urge policymakers to ensure that prevention services, mental health resources and educational support are available to foster children, their biological parents, and their foster parents.

Efforts, they say, should also be made to recruit and support foster families who are kin to the children in their care, as well as non-kin families who are wellsuited to provide homes to these children in need. (Inquirer.net)

candidates’ positions on immigration, education, the economy and others pertinent to AAPIs. Chu specifically pointed out how Trump and Rubio and Walker support building a 1,900-mile fence along the southern US border, that Trump is in favor of mass deportation, and that Carson has backed the use of drones on American soil to secure the border. She also spoke about how Bush has called for a crackdown on visa overstays, which Chu called a “coded attack on AAPI immigrants.”

“The ultimate irony here is that conservative champion Ronald Reagan primed legislation giving legal status to up to three million undocumented immigrants. With policies like that, Ronald Reagan would most likely be in the happy hour debate if he was a candidate in this cycle. It’s just another indication of how extreme the Re-

publican party has become,” Chu said.

The GOP candidates’ stances on the the economy -- with Trump in support of maintaining the federal minimum wage at $7.25 per hour and other Republican hopefuls saying there shouldn’t be a minimum wage -- would not be well-received among middle-class Americans, according to Chu. “That line of thinking won’t be popular with middle-class working Americans who’ve seen their wages remain stagnant for decades, while the richest have seen their income skyrocket,” she said.

Despite the fact Trump is ahead in the polls, Honda said that was OK with him.

“If Trump is leading, it’s fine with me. Any of our candidates can beat any of those candidates hands down without even trying,” he said.

Lubrin was hired as a correctional officer at the Santa Clara County Main Jail in 2012, a step in his dream of being in law enforcement. Lubrin was inspired by his grandfather, according to Dwight, who was a second lieutenant in the Philippine Army.

“He looked up to my dad,’’ Dwight said.

Rodriguez said that he was inside Tyree’s cell for the search that night, but never had physical contact with Tyree.

“It sucks being in here for something I didn’t do,” Rodriguez said.

Lubrin, Farris and Rodriguez

are scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 18. If convicted, they could face life in prison.

“These men violated the law, human dignity, and the job that they were sworn to do,” District Attorney Rosen said in a statement. “They may have thought that their violence, enacted late at night in the obscurity of a jail cell and against a helpless and mentally ill inmate, was invisible. Today we see it for all of its brutality. Mr. Tyree was not invisible. His death was not invisible. We will see that there is justice." (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)

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IMF: Outlook for PH economy remains favorable Abaya: ‘Sore losers’ delaying gov’t projects

THE International Monetary Fund remains bullish on the Philippine economy “despite uneven and generally weaker global growth prospects.”

The IMF gave this assessment in a press release after the conclusion of the 2015 Article IV Consultation between the Philippines and the IMF on August 26.

The IMF’s Title IV Staff Report noted the Philippines’ continued strong economic growth, which is in line with the economy’s potential growth of 6.5 percent.

The IMF’s Executive Directors, agreeing with the appraisal of the IMF staff report, commended “the Philippine authorities’ prudent macroeconomic management,” which has helped contribute to strong economic growth and for having “set the stage for favorable growth prospects despite external headwinds.”

Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. expressed appreciation for the effort of the IMF staff and the assessment of the Executive Board.

“Our economic performance can be credited to the good governance model of President Benigno S. Aquino III under the Daang Matuwid or the ‘Straight Path,’ as well as the sound macroeconomic management imple-

mented by Philippine economic managers,” the Ambassador said.

The following are the notable findings in the Staff Report: IMF recognized that internal revenue increased as a share of GDP due to improvements in the Philippines’ tax administration.

The Philippines’ economic growth is expected to pick up slightly in 2015 to 6.2 percent as lower commodity prices lift household consumption and improved budget execution raises public spending. The IMF added that over the medium term, the country’s economic growth is projected at 6.5 percent, which is in line with the Philippines’ potential growth. Public and private investments are projected to lead economic growth, with public infrastructure spending and expansion of PPP projects crowding in private investments.

IMF added that despite a favorable outlook, factors such as global financial volatility, weak budget execution and weatherrelated conditions tilt risks toward the downside. However, the IMF noted that Philippine authorities are well equipped to respond as needed with suitable policies should any of these risk

scenarios materialize, particularly given the strong fundamentals, ample policy space, and strong foreign reserve position.

“As our country continues to reach new heights in political and economic affairs, the Philippine government remains committed to enhancing inclusive growth,” Cuisia stressed, specifically citingthe government’s commitment to rollout reforms to improve revenue collection.

Also highlighted in the Staff Report is the Philippine government’s bolstering of growth-inclusive budgetary expenditures.

These programs include the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s conditional cash transfer program, the expansion of the Philippines’ education program from Kindergarten to the Grade 12 level, and expansion of the health insurance program to cover the poor and informal sectors.

Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds annual bilateral discussions with member governments to assess each country’s economic health and determine any potential financial concerns. (Inquirer.net)

HOLIDAY. Pres. Benigno Aquino III has declared Friday, Sept. 25, which marks the Muslim holiday Eidul Adha, as a regular holiday.

“The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) recommends that the observance of Eid’l Adha in the Philippines be on 25 September 2015 based on the Islamic Calendar and the declaration made by Saudi Arabia’s highest religious authority, thereby amending its earlier recommendation to observe the occasion on 24 September 2015,” Proclamation no. 1128 said.

by Gil

CabaCunGan Inquirer.net

TRAnSPORTATIOn Secretary Joseph Abaya on Tuesday, Sept.

15 blamed losing bidders for the delays in government flagship projects like airports and seaports, at the hearing on his department’s budget at the House of Representatives.

Abaya told the lawmakers: “There are many contractors in the DOTC that use MRs (motion for reconsideration) as their next course of action after not winning a bid. It’s like the elections—nobody loses, all were cheated.”

He was reacting to a complaint

by Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe, Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento and Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon about the inordinate delays in the awarding of flagship projects by the DOTC. Batocabe said that DOTC’s project deployment record was abysmal compared to the Department of Public Works and Highways and Philippine Ports

Authority (PPA) which manage to award their projects ahead of schedule.

‘Extremely’ delayed Under the Government Procurement Act, state agencies are mandated to implement projects within 144 days from the date of the bid announcement.

Batocabe pointed out that DOTC projects, like the Bicol International Airport and the rehabilitation of the Legazpi Airport and key shipping ports, were extremely delayed.

“The Bicol airport project was begun in 2009, with a promised completion date of 2016.

Six years later, the airport isn’t even halfway done. With further delays, it won’t be finished on time,” Batocabe said.

“This is not an isolated case.

Be it big or small, DOTC projects were all belatedly awarded in violation of the procurement act,” he added, citing the Pili port development (138 days delayed), the Dimasalang port (175 days delayed),

the Prieto Diaz port (70 days delayed) and the Legazpi airport development (92 days delayed).

Ridon said he had received reports the DOTC has been delaying the bidding of at least 10 airport projects nationwide for no apparent reason.

He said this has raised suspicions that projects were being manipulated by “powerful political forces.”

Abaya, however, told the lawmakers the DOTC had no reason to delay projects because their performance bonuses depended on how fast they implemented them.

Abaya said the DOTC’s budget has grown three to four times since 2012 but the number of its personnel, specifically engineers and bidding experts, has remained the same.

He said the DOTC should not be compared to the DPWH which has a “highly distributed procurement system” all the way down to the district level.

Speaker vows to pass BBL before end of the month

by Jose

Rodel Clapano Philstar.com

MAnILA—Leaders of the House of Representatives said they would exert all efforts to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which seeks to create a new autonomous region in Mindanao, before the end of the month.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chairman of the ad hoc committee that drafted the proposed law, issued the statement during the opening of the exhibit of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process in the House of Representatives.

“A lot of people see this (BBL) as solving the persistent and recurring conflict in Mindanao.

This is the best solution we have at this time. Despite the fact that time is short, we are giving this our best shot,” Belmonte told reporters.

He appealed to his colleagues to be present during plenary sessions so that the deliberations on the BBL can continue and be voted upon before the end of the month.

Government peace panel head Miriam Coronel-Ferrer chats with MILF chief negotiator Mohager Iqbal during the opening of the exhibit of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process at the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Philstar.com photo

“Let’s all vote on it (BBL). Even if you’re against it, just vote… but let’s all be there,” he said.

Addressing lawmakers and other concerned sectors, Belmonte said the country is now in “very interesting times and every other critical piece of legislation must be backed by the support of the general public.”

“Unfortunately, camps who

oppose the passage of the BBL sow misinformation to gain unfair public support. Myths are crafted to erode the momentum of the proposed bill, raising questions on constitutionality and distribution of power and resources,” he said.

Rodriguez said the House will ensure that it will not pass a BBL PAGE A7

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september 18-24, 2015 • NOrCAL AsIAN JOUrNAL

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AFP exec: China reclamation halt not true

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

HERITAGE REDISCOVERED. A hidden heritage has been “rediscovered” deep in the mountains of San Remigio town, Antique province. A cluster of rice terraces spread in a combined area of 600 hectares has been preserved by the Iraynon Bukidnon, an indigenous group in Barangay (village) General Fullon, and is deemed a cultural treasure.

Inquirer.net photo by Ruperto Quitag

Leyte rebuilding fast after ‘Yolanda,’ says UN official THe Philippines, which suffered the wrath of the most powerful storm ever to hit land in 2013, could complete its rebuilding in as little as two years, a UN official said on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Areas ravaged by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan) had shown dramatic improvement since the disaster barely two years ago, said Margareta Wahlstrom, United Nations special representative on disaster risk reduction.

Wahlstrom made the remarks after a visit to Leyte which suffered the brunt of Yolanda which devastated an area the size of Portugal and left at least 7,350 people dead or missing in November 2013.

“It was encouraging to see how much progress they have had in two years,” she told reporters on the sidelines of forum on disaster relief.

She said that usually, when major disasters strike, it takes up to 10 years for the affected area to fully recover.

However Leyte was reviving quite quickly with a lot of investment and construction going on and the agricultural sector making “huge progress.” “We don’t need to think about 10 years.

We can think about two years,” she said.

“If you go there now, you will already see important change.

If you go there in another two years and it (the recovery) continues at the same pace as of

now, it will be very visibly a new place,” Wahlstrom said.

She credited local towns for diversifying their economies and for efforts to rebuild their infrastructure.

Whole towns were destroyed

by Yolanda with the government forced to provide survivors with temporary shelters which were criticised for being unsafe and poorly built.

But Wahlstrom said she had seen a lot of permanent housing being constructed with many people ready to move in.

The Philippines is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, at risk from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and an average 20 typhoons yearly.

(Inquirer.net)

Lumad leaders blame NPA for Mindanao killings by aLexis

roMero Philstar.com

MANILA—The embattled military on Tuesday linked to the media Lumad leaders who claim that the New People’s Army (NPA) are to blame for the killings of indigenous peoples in Mindanao.

The Lumads, who held the press conference in Camp Aguinaldo in the presence of soldiers, denied activists claims of widespread militarization in the countryside.

They also claimed that the communist rebels, not soldiers, are the ones manipulating indigenous peoples and occupying communities.

“There are no armed government forces in the community.

The NPA rebels are the ones occupying our area to control indigenous peoples and seize ancestral lands,” said Datu Malapandaw Nestor Apas of

the Langilan Manobo tribe in Davao del Norte.

“We are not lapdogs of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines). We were not ordered to do this,” he added.

The military is being blamed for the spate of Lumad killings in Mindanao, including the murder of emerito Samarca, executive director of Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADeV) and indigenous people’s leaders Dionel Campos and Bello Sinzo in Lianga town last September 1.

Activists said the three were killed by an Army-supported paramilitary group called Magahat-Bagani Force.

The military, however, denied the allegations and attributed the incident to “tribal conflict.”

The press conference was held amid mounting calls to

punish the group behind the Lumad killings and to investigate the alleged militarization in Mindanao.

Art Tariman, convenor of the Victim of Injustice, Terrorism and Criminality in Mindanao and the one who asked the military to connect the Lumads to the media, said the indigenous peoples paid for their airfare to Manila.

The military, however, was mum when asked if the Lumads are staying in one of its headquarters while they are in the metropolis.

Datu Marcial Belandres of the Igua clan in Barobo, Surigao del Sur, said the NPA has attacked communities who refused to be under its control.

When asked if they have evidence that would prove that the communist rebels are behind the violent activities, Apas said, “For sure there is evidence but

Viray

MANILA—There is no truth to China’s earlier announcement that it has stopped its reclamation activities over the disputed West Philippine Sea, the Armed Forces Western Command said on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Western Command head Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez on Tuesday said that China is still conducting construction activi-

ties in the disputed territory.

“They told the world that they have completed four reclamation projects but they never did announce that they have stopped their construction works. It’s just technicalities,” Lopez said.

Lopez, however, clarified that the Chinese have stopped all reclamation activities but are now conducting vertical construction activities in Mischief, Subi and Fiery Cross Reefs.

The West Command official noted that construction activities in the said areas are “going full blast.”

He noted that the facilities being constructed in the areas may be used for humanitarian and military use.

“We will see, we have to be very vigilant in monitoring,” Lopez said.

The said facilities are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

PH gov’t owes veterans, other pensioners P17B

by JuLie

M. aureLio Inquirer.net

THe goverment owes P17 billion in administrative disability benefits to more than 80,000 pensioners, including war veterans and the surviving spouses, due to lack of funds.

The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office lamented that the welfare and well-being of the veterans were not being prioritized. At the same time, the legislature has failed to enact laws to upgrade the benefits of pensioners.

“We do not want to blame anybody for this. We just want the truth to come out, just the facts,” said ernesto Carolina, PVAO administrator.

As of August, the government’s obligation in total administration disability pension arrears was P17.53 billion to some 83,346 beneficiaries, including living veterans, the surviving spouses of deceased veterans and other pensioners.

Under the law, a veteran who reaches 70 years old is deemed totally disabled and is entitled to a P1,700 monthly pension. we do not have it right now.”

“The datus are right when they said that the NPA is just making these things up,” he added.

When asked whether the military helped the Lumads reach the media because it is trying to save its image, Maj. emmanuel Garcia of the AFP Civil Relations Service said, “We just want to ferret out the truth.”

Protesters are blocked by soldiers in anti-riot gears during a rally to condemn the killings of three Lumad leaders in Surigao Del Sur at the general headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Quezon City.

Under the law, the non-payment of the total administrative disability pension to pensioners may be a violation of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which guarantees “immediate and adequate care” to veterans and their beneficiaries.

The law mandating the payment of the total administrative disability pension was passed in 1994. However, the government only began paying this in 2010, leading to unpaid pension obligations worth P25 million in 2010.

The government began paying the pension to 28,993 World War II veterans in April 2010, covering the period of 2003 to 2009. The payment then was P4.1 billion which came from the PVAO’s reform dividends.

The payment was implemented using the Direct Remittance Pension Servicing System, which also purged invalid pensioners from the list.

The DRPSS facilitates payment through direct remittance to the pensioners’ bank accounts with PVAO-accredited banks and financial institutions, instead of the old

method of sending checks by mail.

As of September 2013, the government settled P2.9 billion in outstanding pension arrears to living veterans, bringing the total payment to P6.9 billion.

Data from the PVAO showed that since January 2011 up to the present, the government has been able to pay the monthly total administrative disability pension.

However, veterans who died before the government started paying the pension in 2010 have not been paid.

In a statement, the PVAO said it has recommended to President Aquino that the government immediately pay the pension arrearages to the surviving spouses aged 80 and above.

It was learned that P243 million was appropriated in the 2015 budget for the surviving spouses.

There are 16,237 surviving spouses above 80 years old who will benefit from this, the PVAO said as it sought an additional P2.7 billion for the purpose.

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SeptembeR 18-24, 2015

Napeñas laments anti-SAF stories

by Jaymee

T. Gamil

Inquirer.net

The University of the Philippines is still the top university in the country, according to the QS World Rankings.

Top Philippine universities slip in world rankings MaNILa—the country’s leading universities slipped further in the Qs 2015 World Rankings. the University of the Philippines (UP) still topped the online rankings of Philippine universities with an overall rank of 401st to 410th, a significant drop from last year’s 367. ateneo De Manila University (aDMU) ranked 501st to 550th, lower than its overall ranking of 461st to 470th last year. the overall world ranking of De La salle University also slipped from 651st to 700th to 7001st.

Meanwhile, the University of santo tomas maintained its ranking of 701st in the world’s top universities.

UP ranked 257th while aDMU ranked 395th in terms of academic reputation.

In terms of employer reputation, UP scored 201 followed by aDMU with 259, DLsU with 291 and Ust with 384. the Massachusetts Institute of technology is still the top university in the world. six performance indicators were used to assess the world’s top universities - global reputation, research impact, staffing levels and international reputation.

What’s the objective behind the recently emerging new details, or versions, of the Mamasapano debacle?

Getulio Napeñas, former head of the special action Force (saF), posed this question, as he dismissed Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) reports that a “Caucasian” was killed in the Jan. 25 police operation in Maguindanao province and that international terrorist Zulkifli bin hir alias “Marwan” was killed by his aides, not the saF commandos. sought for comment, the former saF commander maintained in a phone interview with the Inquirer on tuesday, sept. 15: “there was no other nationality, foreigner, or american … involved in the combat operations. and I stand by that. I know my men who went there.”

Napeñas pointed out that the rumor about a Caucasian being killed in Mamasapano had surfaced before. he explained that it might be because two of the slain saF troopers had Caucasian-like features: PO2 Romeo Cempron and PO4 Noel Golocan. asked who were behind the video, he said, “there’s only one possibility, and they are people out to discredit the saF.” “Of course, the MILF. they want public acceptance because of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL),” Napeñas said. “Now, if they think they could do this to get the BBL approved in Congress, I think,

they are making a mistake.” the surfacing of the video followed a report, also from unnamed MILF sources, that it was Marwan’s aides, not the saF, who killed the terrorist. the report, in turn, came in the wake of a statement made by President aquino in a forum with the Inquirer last week that there may be an “alternative version” of the events in Mamasapano. the elite Philippine National Police team lost 44 men in the Jan. 25 operation when they got caught in a firefight with the MILF and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the area. survivors, as quoted by the Philippine National Police board of inquiry who looked into the matter, earlier said Marwan was killed in his hut in a firefight with the saF strike force. the commandos managed to cut off a finger for DNa identification.

Napeñas was relieved of his post following the bloody operation.

Napeñas said it was “painful” that the saF’s accomplishment taking out Marwan was now being belied by MILF claims “without proof or basis.”

“Isn’t that a slap on our faces?

It’s an insult, painful for us, not only the saF but for the entire PNP,” he said.

Napeñas also pointed out that the PNP, senate, house of Representatives and Department of Justice had investigated the Mamasapano debacle. “there was nothing about that. then suddenly the MILF spoke. It is a slap on the Philippine investigative agencies, a slap on the whole Philippine nation by the MILF. all the investigating agencies are being discredited by the MILF statement that is without basis,” Napeñas said. “after how many months did they put this out? What is their objective? the saF is being discredited, the entire nation,” he said.

Napeñas said he “welcomed” any new investigation into the Mamasapano incident.

“We welcome that because we have only one truth,” he said.

“Most importantly, they should bring out witnesses and evidence of these so-called alternate versions or alternative truths. the burden of proof is on them.” asked about the video of the purported Caucasian fatality, the PNP spokesman, supt. Wilben

Mayor, maintained: “a series of investigations were made relative to the incident in Mamasapano.

Unless contrary evidence will be presented, its findings stand.” the executive summary of the report of the PNP board on Mamasapano, released in March, stated: “the Us was involved in the intelligence operations and medical evacuations. No Us personnel/troops were involved in the actual combat operation. the Us supported the operation by providing technical support to enhance monitoring of the troops on the ground. they were also involved in the identification of Marwan through DNa analysis.”

In Zamboanga City, an elite police commander, whose men were among those killed in the Mamasapano clash, said witnesses should corroborate the “alternative version” claim on the incident. “they should come out with witnesses,” supt. Reynald arino, commanding officer of the 5th special action Force Battalion, said in Zamboanga City. Of the 44 saF commandos killed, 35 were arino’s men. he maintained that Marwan was killed by saF commandos.

Speaker vows to pass BBL...

PAGE A5 that is not legally sound or unconstitutional, but a version that will be inclusive enough to integrate the needs and concerns of all.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief negotiator Mohaquer Iqbal said he believes the issue of lack of quorum in the house is just a “fleeting problem.”

“I still trust in the collective wisdom of Congress to pass the BBL,” Iqbal said at the event.

Meanwhile, Zamboanga City Rep. Celso Lobregat said the Department of National Defense (DND) and the armed Forces of the Philippines (aFP) have no knowledge of the reported normalization fund that was included in the peace agreement forged with the MILF.

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OpiniOn

Features

Election season AS early as now, Filipinos are encouraged to exercise their right to vote and do so prudently in next year’s elections. With a number of high profile politicians involved in controversies recently, political reform in the Philippines is hounded by higher a public expectation, making next year’s polls even more crucial. Filipinos must realize the power that belongs to them, which is to choose the leaders they think will represent their interests. They must do so by exercise the right of suffrage with tenacity and good cheer.

Because of such pressure, every vote (from the estimated 54 million registered Filipino voters) has become more precious than ever. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) attempts to capture two million more qualified voters into the system until the deadline of December 15 this year.

However, with less than eight months before the 2016 national and local elections, the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed that only three in four Filipinos are eligible to vote. As much as 46.6 million Filipino voters are at risk of disenfranchisement after the recent SWS poll showed that only 76 percent of 1,200 respondents are registered voters and have had their biometrics digitally recorded.

It was also revealed in the June survey that 16 percent of the respondents—equivalent to 9.7 million—are registered voters but have not yet submitted their biometric data.Meanwhile, eight percent of the respondents, or 4.7 million Filipinos, are not yet registered voters.

The Comelec refuted these figures from SWS and

clarified that based on its own records, voters who do not have biometrics data have gone down to 3.1 million. It added that regardless of SWS’ questionable results, the Comelec records are the official data that would used for next year’s polls. The voter registration is set to end on Oct. 31, and there are still 3,130,377 votes to be accounted for.

Meanwhile, to up the ante for next year’s polls, the Comelec is also pushing for the the conduct of debates for all candidates in the 2016 polls. Sen. Loren Legarda, chairman of the Senate committee on finance, said the voters deserve to know the candidates’ stand on various issues and that holding debates is one of the best ways to bring the platforms of candidates to the electorate.

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, chairman the Senate committee on electoral reforms, supported the initiative and said there are already proposed laws to make debates among candidates mandatory.

The Comelec also aims to get Filipino citizens abroad interested to vote in 2016 by presidential candidates for their specific plans for overseas Filipino workers and disseminate copies of these plans to embassies abroad. There are eight million potential voters abroad, but only but only 1.2 million have registered so far.

“Sooner or later, maybe not only the candidates, also our people will come to realize that the OFW vote could be a game changer, not only in the senatorial but even in the presidential elections,” Comelec commissioner Arthur Lim said. Lim added that the

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Comelec is working closely with the Dept. of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to attract more overseas absentee voters to register and participate.

The Comelec is also encouraging the Filipino youth, which accounts for at least 37 percent of the 2016 electorate, to register and vote. Manila-Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said today’s youth “unlike generations past, have access to high technology and a wealth of information. More importantly, young people, still have the energy and idealism to effect positive change in the country.”

The election fever brings a feeling of obligation

towards the citizens and those who aspire for positions in the government. Future leaders depend heir success to the citizens of the nation and may serve as their motivation to work for the people and the common good.

To weed out the traditional politicians (trapos) from actual leaders, the Filipino electorate must use this opportunity to educate themselves and create sensible demands for greater social or economic equality. This will force politicians to campaign toward some of their requests to make their votes count. (AJPress)

Title II threatens minority populations, small businesses detrimental effect EArLIEr this year, on investment, with the Federal Communica- Commentary some ISPs showing a tions Commission (FCC) decline of as much as voted along party lines 29 percent, compared to reclassify Internet to this time last year.

Service Providers (ISPs) Typically, these as public utilities and companies spend bilto regulate the Internet lions every year to under outdated Title II Bill imada expand and enhance regulations. The negative effects of these burdensome regula- network infrastructure, in order to meet tions are quickly materializing. There are consumer demand, deliver new innovanow clear indications that Title II harms tions, and remain competitive. Those broadband investment and innovation, billions constitute economic growth, and which in turn harms many diverse com- they create jobs and bring important benmunities and small businesses across the efits to consumers and businesses. This decline means that both those who decountry.

Our country’s largest ISPs just issued pend on the Internet the most and those their second quarter S.E.C filings, and who struggle to get access will be negathese filings made it clear that the FCC’s tively affected as broadband providers Open Internet Order has already had a and tech companies continue to react to

heavy regulation.

These falling investment numbers offer a warning about this new regulatory environment, and that’s a warning we cannot afford to ignore. There is much at stake, including economic growth, jobs, and opportunity for minority populations – particularly the Asian American community. recent Pew research shows that Asian Americans are enthusiastic users of the Internet and rely on broadband more so than other groups. When it comes to broadband adoption, 97 percent of English-speaking Asian Americans use the Internet compared to 78 percent of blacks, 81 percent of Hispanics, and 85 percent of Whites. Embracing policies like Title II will only lead to the deterioration of a resource that has become indispensable to so many people.

The Internet is an essential tool espe-

cially for those who live in remote areas where educational and professional opportunities may not be as widely available as in other parts of the country. Broadband is an important resource for people in rural areas to excel through online education and career development programs.

When overbearing regulations threaten access to Internet innovations, those who rely on that access the most also stand to lose the most.

Having the latest broadband technology is also necessary for small businesses to connect with new markets and offer modern customer services. In California, there are over 600,000 Asian Pacific Islanderowned businesses. These businesses generate over $181 billion in annual revenue, employ over 910,135 people, and have an annual payroll of $26 billion. Heavy federal regulations place a huge burden

on our tech startups and entrepreneurs.

Other businesses throughout the country will also suffer if burdensome regulations continue to make it more difficult to benefit from modern broadband services.

These early signs of trouble caused by Title II regulations should not be taken lightly. It’s not too late to heed those warnings and correct course, thereby securing a future of innovation, possibilities, and continued investment, not only for the benefit of our Asian Pacific Islander communities and businesses but for our overall economy and for all Americans. *** Bill Imada is the Chairman and Chief Connectivity Officer of the IW Group, Inc. Imada is also a Board Member of the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, and Co-Founder/Board Member of the Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship.

Where has Sen. Grace Poe Llamanzares’ sense of honor and shame gone?

THIS question has to be asked in light of Opinion Mrs. Llamanzares’s completely crass effort to promote herself as a possible presidential candidate, despite the clear language of the Constitution that Francisco TaTad renders her ineligible to seek the presidency or the vice presidency or even to remain in the Senate, where she was “elected” in 2013 after making false claims about her citizenship and residency.

She is now facing a disqualification suit before the Senate Electoral Tribunal for making those false claims, and the case is set for oral arguments at the Supreme Court on September 21. She has submitted to the SET some documents in her defense, including two certificates of live birth, in an effort to show that she is a natural-born Filipino, who has resided in the country for six years and six months immediately preceding the election – longer than the two years required of senatorial candidates.

Both certificates are spurious, and tend to support the position of the petitioner rather than that of the defense. Thus, during the preliminary conference at the Supreme Court last Friday (Sept. 11), petitioner rizalito David, through counsel Manuelito Luna, adopted the same certificates as part of his evidence, to the visible chagrin and consternation of the defense.

Justice Antonio Carpio, who chairs the SET, suggested that petitioner drop the residency issue and concentrate on the citizenship issue instead. And David agreed. The conscript media saw this as round One for Mrs. Llamanzares, but this is rather naive. She has not won any round at all; to the contrary, Carpio’s suggestion may have brought the play closer to “sudden death.”

In a sense, the residency issue is already subsumed in the citizenship issue.

Unless the Court declares Mrs. Llaman-

zares a natural-born citizen, in spite of the Constitution and the circumstances of her birth, which show her to have been stateless at birth, there would be no need to raise the residency or any other issue to oust her from office. Once the Court declares she is not a natural-born citizen – or even a legally naturalized Filipino – it would not matter anymore how long she has been in the country.

The first certificate of live birth, dated Nov. 27, 1968, shows that Mary Grace was born a foundling, and found in the parish church of Jaro, Iloilo on Sept. 3, 1968 at 9:30 am by Edgardo Militar who later put her in the custody of Emiliano Militar of Sta Isabel Street, Jaro. But the typewritten document contains so many handwritten alterations, which render it void and worthless. It identifies the child as Mary Grace Natividad Contreras Militar, without indicating how she got her surname “Contreras Militar,” but this name is bracketed (as if for deletion) and on top of it is written “Sonora Poe.” Its most fatal flaw is a handwritten note of seven short lines on its upper right hand saying the child was “adopted by the spouses ronald Allan Poe and Jesusa Sonora Poe as per Court Order, Municipal Court, San Juan, rizal, by Judge Alfredo Gorgonio dated May 13, 1974, under Special Proclamation No. 138.”

The order itself is legally questionable because adoption cases normally belong to the jurisdiction of the regional trial court, rather than to the municipal court. But the more important issue is, how did a legal document dated Nov. 27, 1968 manage to take cognizance of an adoption decision, which purportedly took place six years later? This appears to be conclusive proof that the certificate was manufactured on or after May 13, 1974, and is therefore null and void ab initio. It has no legal value; it cannot be the source or

proof of any claim that Mrs. Llamanzares was born a Filipino or became a naturalborn Filipino after her birth. One is either a natural-born Filipino or not upon birth; nobody becomes a natural-born Filipino after birth.

The second certificate of live birth is no less invalid than the first. Dated May 4, 2006, or 38 years after Mrs. Llamanzares was born, it was executed by Mrs. Jesusa Sonora Poe, her adoptive mother, who identifies the child no longer as Mary Grace Natividad Militar but rather as Mary Grace Sonora Poe, allegedly born to herself (Jesusa) and to her husband ronald Allan Poe in Jaro, Iloilo City on Sept.

3, 1968, several months before they were married on Dec. 25, 1968 in Valenzuela, Bulacan. No medical or legal evidence exists to show that Mrs. Poe ever conceived and delivered a child during her marriage to the famous actor Fernando Poe, Jr. who died on Dec. 13, 2004. All the known facts about Mrs. Llamanzares’ birth, including public statements made

by Mrs. Poe and Mrs. Llamanzares herself, contradict this false claim.

And yet in her 2006 petition for “reacquisition” of her non-existent Philippine citizenship, and her certificate of candidacy for the Senate in 2013, Mrs. Llamanzares repeats her false claim that she is a natural-born citizen, born to the spouses ronald and Jesusa Poe in Jaro, Iloilo on Sept. 3, 1968. And so far she has gotten away with it! How many times must someone tell a brazen lie before he or she is stopped repeating it and profiting from it? Or does Mrs. Llamanzares believe in the Nazi propaganda dictum that a lie repeated consistently ultimately becomes a truth?

If she has not read the Constitution, Mrs. Llamanzares has enough lawyer friends, beginning with her apparent gray eminence Sen. Francis Escudero, to tell her what the Constitution says. It says no person may be elected President, Vice President, Senator or Congressman unless he is, among other things, a naturalborn citizen of the Philippines – meaning,

“a citizen of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect his citizenship.”

The Constitution means exactly what it says, and there is only one way of understanding it – the way the people, who are the real authors of the document, understand it. It is pure conceit for Mrs. Llamanzares’ swaggering financiers and legal supporters to boast that the Constitution could be interpreted any which way they would like to interpret it, and that with their power and money they could make the Court dance to their wicked tune.

This is an obscenity and there is no basis for it. On Aug. 18, 2015, the Supreme Court unseated a popularly elected town mayor in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte for having failed to comply with the requirements of his reacquisition of citizenship, after having been a citizen of the United States. This is the case of rommel Arnado, a former natural-born citizen, who became an American because of naturalization, relinquished his US citizenship, and on July 10, 2008 took an oath of allegiance to the republic of the Philippines, pursuant to rA 9225, or the Dual Citizenship Law of 2003. However he used his US passport to travel at least twice to the US after taking his oath of allegiance. The Court interpreted this use of the US passport as an act of recanting his renunciation of his US citizenship.

Except for the fact that Mrs. Llamanzares was never a natural-born Filipino who became a US citizen after 2003, and therefore not qualified to benefit from the Dual Citizenship Law, the Arnado case is virtually on all fours with that of Mrs. Llamanzares; she continued to use her US passport until 2009 after she took her oath of allegiance to the Philippine government in 2006. But even without going into this, her not being a former natural-born Filipino disqualifies her from being covered by rA 9225, and her false claim that she is natural-born renders her “reacquired citizenship” null and void.

The dire implications of this must have

dawned on Mrs. Llamanzares and her defense counsel during the preliminary conference that they decided to appeal to popular passion rather than to the law. She has therefore decided to launch her candidacy, based on her alleged (but unverified) popularity. On Monday, the first full page ad on the Philippine Daily Inquirer, costing at least P400,000, launched the so-called “ALL4GP MOVEMENT” (All for Grace Poe Movement) with the image of Mrs. Llamanzares standing beside FPJ and the following text: “Kami ay nagbuklod upang ipaglaban ang katuparan ng ating mga pangarap.

Salamat FPJ, sa iyong anak nanatiling buhay ang aming pag-asa para sa bagong umaga!

Ikaw at Ako, anuman ang Lahi, samasama para sa Ganap na Pagbabago!”

(We have banded together to fight for the fulfillment of our dreams. Thank you FPJ, in your offspring lives our hope for a new tomorrow. You and I, whatever our race, all together for real change!”)

The Llamanzares camp is expected to make some announcements today. But the central message is out – you and I, whatever our race, and whatever the Constitution says, should stand together for Grace Poe. All the fortune tellers, fengshui dabblers and soothsayers have been mobilized to predict Mrs. Llamanzares’ unstoppable “victory,” just as about a year ago they started predicting the presidency of Alan Peter Cayetano.

Assuming pigs will finally fly, and the whole Court is bought to pronounce Mrs. Llamanzares as a natural-born citizen, this could be the first time the country will have a president with no clear nationality, but with an American husband and American children º an American family.

There was a time within memory when even the most shameless politicians would have hesitated and said, “nakahihiya!” (So shameful!) to attempt anything like this. But all that is gone. In this time of Grace Poe Llamanzares, honor is something you feed to the dogs. (fstatad@gmail.com)

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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Your Immigration Solution Atty. RobeRt Reeves ben LovemAn And nAncy miLLeR UNITED States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Department of State (DOS) have announced a significant modification to the visa bulletin system. The change is part of President Obama’s package of administrative actions aimed at improving the immigration system. The new system allows thousands of people to file their applications for adjustment of status (green cards) with USCIS in advance of the date that their application can be approved. Allowing early filing will provide huge benefits for potential applicants who will be eligible for employment authorization, advance parole, job portability, and other benefits based on the ability to file their adjustment of status applications early.

Effective October 1, 2015, the visa bulletin will include two separate charts for each employment and family-based visa categories.

The two charts will be posted in the visa bulletin and will be labeled as “Application Final Action Dates” (the date when DOS or USCIS may issue a visa or approve an adjustment of status application) and “Dates for Filing Applications” (the earliest date on which an applicant may submit a visa application with DOS or adjustment application with USCIS). In practice it appears that the date for filing chart will indicate dates well in advance of the final action dates chart. For instance, on October 1, 2015 the F-1 Family Preference for the Philippines (unmarried son or daughter of US citizen) date for filing will be September 1, 2005 whereas the final action date will be June 1, 2001. This means that eligible applicants with priority dates earlier than the filing date can submit their applications for adjustment of status (if in the US) beginning on October 1, 2015 but

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 18-24, 2015

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Journal Early filing for green ACT issues call to action to cards and EADs is here improve education system

that the application will likely not approved for several years. The filing date is well in advance of the action date for several other categories including the F2B, F2A and EB-3 categories.

The beneficial effects of the addition of this new earlier date for filing chart will primarily accrue to persons inside the United States who are either maintaining lawful status or are covered

by INA § 245(i) (because they are the principal or derivative beneficiary of a petition of labor certification filed earlier than January 14, 1998 or earlier than April 30, 2001 and they were physically present in the US on December 20, 2000). For applicants outside the United States the date for filing chart may correspond with the date that the National Visa sends out notice that they may submit their visa applications and pay visa fees. However, they will still need to wait until their priority date is earlier than the date listed in the final action date to be eligible to receive a visa.

For persons in the US, the change is extremely important and the benefit will be clear. Applicants in the US will be able to submit their adjustment applications based on the date for filing chart and then, on the basis of the pending application, they will be eligible for temporary and renewable work authorization and travel permission. Further, for employment based applicants, the ability to file an adjustment application early should lead to greater job flexibility and the ability for derivatives spouses and children to obtain employment authorization. While the new system is extremely beneficial to numerous potential applicants it does not eliminate backlogs or necessarily even reduce current wait times. What it does is provide benefits to a portion of the applicants, here in the US, who are waiting in those back-

logs for the chance to become a resident.

The new two chart system raises issues which have not yet been addressed by USCIS or DOS in connection with this announcement. For instance, it remains to be seen which chart will be used to determine when the visa is considered to be available for the purposes of the Child Status Protection Act. Allowing applicants to use the date for filing chart for the CSPA would be a major benefit (to applicants abroad and in the US) because the earlier a visa is considered available, the earlier the applicant can lock in their children’s ages under the CSPA. For instance, an EB-3 applicant from the Philippines with a priority date earlier than January 1, 2015 could lock in their children’s age now whereas under the prior system they might have had to wait eight or more years in order to do so.

The new visa bulletin system represents a fundamental change to the way visa and adjustment of status applicants will be treated under the law. The change may impact many aspects of a potential applicant’s case. If you or a loved one believe this new system will impact your case you should contact an experienced immigration attorney immediately to discuss the potential benefits to your case. *** Atty. Reeves has represented clients in numerous landmark immigration cases that have set new policies regarding INS action and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

IOWA CITY, Iowa – US high school graduates continue to make little progress in college and career readiness, according to The Condition of College & Career Readiness 2015, the latest annual student readiness report from ACT, released today. The lack of growth has prompted ACT to issue a call to action to policymakers, educators, students and parents, urging them to do their part to help improve educational outcomes and support college and career readiness for all students.

“The needle is barely moving on college and career readiness, and that means far too many young people will continue to struggle after they graduate from high school,” said ACT Chief Executive Officer Jon Whitmore. “This should be a wake-up call for our nation.”

The report, based on data from a record 1.9 million ACT-tested students – nearly 60 percent of the 2015 US graduating class – shows very little change in overall college readiness over the past several years.

This year, 40 percent of graduates showed strong readiness, meeting the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks in at least three of the four core subject areas (English, math, reading and science). That percentage has stayed virtually flat over the past five years.

In contrast, 31 percent of students did not meet readiness levels in any of the four subject areas.

This figure is unchanged from the past two years and slightly higher than in 2011 and 2012.

These general findings from ACT mirror those of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and other large-scale academic achievement studies, which show that US students have not progressed over the past several years in terms of their preparedness for success after high school.

The ACT numbers translate to serious repercussions for students making the transition to college and career. Previous ACT research suggests that fewer than 20 percent of those students who met none of the benchmarks are likely to earn a two- or four-year college degree within six years.

That compares to nearly 60 percent of students who met at least three benchmarks who will likely earn a degree.

“We’ve got to move past the numbers and focus on how this will impact students’ lives,” said Whitmore. “We’re talking about hundreds of thousands of U.S. high school graduates who won’t earn a two- or four-year college degree because they aren’t academically prepared to do so.

In the increasingly competitive job market, where decent jobs are requiring more advanced skills

and training, this is a huge problem.”

Readiness levels remain weakest among underserved minority groups. African American, American Indian, Hispanic and native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students trail far behind their white and Asian peers in readiness in each of the four subject areas – as is also true in college enrollment and graduation rates – with no signs of closing those gaps.

“Our nation’s most underserved students too often are being neglected, trapped in poor education systems and lacking access to critical information and resources in order to navigate the system,” said ACT President Jon Erickson. “We simply must do better. It’s time to step up our efforts to provide them and all students with quality tools, skills and behaviors that prepare them for success.”

ACT issues call to action The ACT report issues a call to action to federal, state and local policymakers and agency heads, urging them to work to improve the education system as a whole.

“We can’t accept this lack of progress,” said Erickson. “It will have a long-term negative impact on our nation’s economic growth, as our education and economic agendas are intertwined. It’s time to face the fact that educational outcomes aren’t improving fast enough. We must take decisive steps to help more students over that barrier.”

The report offers specific recommendations to the education community at large to help improve educational outcomes.

• Promote system alignment – Encourage education system alignment so that all components of the system – standards, curricula, instruction and assessments – work together to achieve desired goals.

• Support and develop teachers – Develop robust teacher evaluation systems based on student growth, strengthen teacher education and professional development programs and increase teacher pay.

• Safeguard and use data responsibly – Ensure that student data are used in a way that balances the potential to help students improve with the responsibility to ensure students’ privacy and confidentiality.

ACT also calls on students and their parents to take control of their own futures, urging them to take a more active role in planning and preparing for success after high school.

“Don’t count on the system to keep you informed and aware of what you need to do,” said Erickson. “That’s the path that too many are fol-

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SEPTEMBER 18-24, 2015 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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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 SEPTEMBER 19

Citizenship Day 2015 The Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association is having a FREE Citizenship Day event on September 19, from 10:00am to 3:00pm, to assist low-income, 18+ immigrants eligible for US citizenship with the full naturalization process. Every case will be reviewed by a legal attorney. Please call us at 407-841-8310 ext. 3123 for an appointment and any questions you may have. Thank You!

Heal the Bay Coastal Cleanup Day Heal the Bay, a volunteer-run nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the health and safety of Southland beaches and waterways, will host the 26th annual Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, Sept. 19. More than 10,000 Southland residents and volunteers will mobilize from 9am to noon at more than 50 cleanup sites, from Compton to Malibu, to help remove trash along Los Angeles County beaches and inland waterways, parks, creeks, lakes, highways and alleys. Coastal Cleanup Day participants have collected more than 1 million pounds of trash in Los Angeles County since 1990. By removing debris from beaches and inland neighborhoods, volunteers reduce blight, protect marine animals and bolster the regional economy. Join the world’s biggest single-day volunteer event! Attendees will receive hands-on education about the easy steps they can take to local watersheds and neighborhoods clean, and participants will be given a voucher for free sustainable seafood tacos at any Rubio’s restaurant while extensive supplies last. For volunteers, Cancer Treatment Centers of America will be distributing free tubes of sunscreen at all sites, and Heal the Bay will be hosting a number of community-building activities, such as a sand castle-building contest. Heal the Bay seeks volunteers of all ages and physical abilities, and no special equipment or experience is necessary. For registration information and cleanup tips, please visit www.healthebay.org/ccd.

Contact Alys Arenas, (310) 451-1500, x148, aarenas@healthebay.org, or Matthew King, (310) 451-1500, x137; cell: (310) 463-6266 for more details.

PiLiPinO inTER-CLuB OPEn invitational Golf Tournament The 11th annual PILIPINO INTER-CLUB OPEN (PICO) is open to fellow master golfers from the tri-state area. The charity tournament will be held on Saturday, September 19, at Royce Brook Golf Club (201 Hamilton Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844). It will be a shotgun start @ 1:30 pm. Registration is $120 each player; includes golf cart and food after the game. Come early for registration, refreshments, and mini contests. Come and join the quest for individual and team honors by class. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Family Center Christian Church, and donations are 100% tax deductible. Sign-up now at http://www. spgolfclub.com/PICO. For more details, please contact Ed Badiola 908-531-7377, or Justil Cruz 973-926-1400.

uBLA: Kaaldawan of the 41st Penafrancia Fiesta 2015 Most Reverend Gerald Eugene Wilkerson, D.D., V.G., former Bishop of the San Fernando Valley Pastoral Region, will preside over a concelebrated High Mass to highlight the Kaaldawan (Feast Day) of the 41st Annual Penafrancia Fiesta on Saturday, September 19, at 10:00am, through the United Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA). Bicolanos are inviting all Marian devotees, Filipinos and other Catholics regardless of ethnicity, to join them in the day-long fiesta in honor of their regional patroness, Our Lady of Penafrancia, in the open air of Lincoln Park and Lake: 3529 N. Mission Road, Los Angeles, CA 90031 (corner E. Valley Blvd.) near downtown. There is a solemn Eucharist Mass schedule with music by Saint Anthony Claret Holy Rosary Choir, followed by a kaaldawan celebration including a novena, Fluvial parade of the Holy Virgin, lunch, and cultural entertainment highlighting Bicolano and Filipino culture.

The 8-day novena will start on the afternoon of Friday, September 11 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hollywood. The 2015 Penafrancia Fiesta will end on Sunday, September 27, with a fellowship ball at Montery Hill Restaurant (3700 W. Ramona Blvd., Monterey Park, CA 91754) at 5:30pm. For a full schedule, novenas, and more information, please contact UBLA President Lanie Berrei (818) 281-3169.

SEPTEMBER 20

Virgen De Los Remedios 59th Canonical Coronation Anniversary When: Sunday, September 20, (2:30 PM Assembly for procession) Where: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels (555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012) Contact: Vidal Aguas, aguadelosangeles@aol.com.

S E P T E M B E R 24

Laudato Si (Praise Be To you, O Lord) caring for our common home Laudato Si (Praise Be To You, O Lord!) is Pope Francis’ encyclical on “CARING FOR OUR COMMON HOME” which addresses the grave impact of climate change in world’s communities and ecosystems. On Thursday, September 24, Climate Scientist, Dr. Josh Fisher, from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory will explain the scientific foundation of climate change, which is well-aligned with Pope Francis’ letter. The event will take place 7 to 9 PM at Holy Name of Mary Parish in San Dimas (724 E. Bonita Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773). All are invited, and free refreshments and childcare will be provided. For more information, please contact Charlie Martinez, Director of Pastoral Ministries at charlie@hnmparish.org.

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 -26

CELEBRATE LOCAL with San Diego Restaurant Week!

This September, San Diego Restaurant Week, presented by Lexus Dealerships of San Diego, will CELEBRATE LOCAL... keepin’ it fresh - really fresh. San Diego Restaurant week returns September 20th - September 26th for ONE WEEK ONLY to “Celebrate Local” at all 180+ participating restaurants. Choose from a three-course dinner or two-course lunch deal to satisfy your cravings. NEW THIS YEAR, San Diego Restaurant Week will be partnering with Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank to provide backpacks for children in need within the San Diego community during the ALL FOR KIDS campaign. Ditch the dirty dishes and join over 150,000 fellow diners as we celebrate San Diego’s thriving culinary scene and the homegrown, local businesses that provide us with the produce and products we love! Tickets are not necessary for this delectable week of discounted dining, but reservations are recommended! Visit SanDiegoRestaurantWeek.com for more information, including a list of participating restaurants, or to make your reservations in advance!

S E P T E M B E R 25 -26

2nd Grand Reunion GOT (RETiRED) from Cerveza San Miguel uS CHAPTER Where: Gold Coast Casino & Hotel (4000 Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89103) When: Sept. 25 and 26; Grand Reunion Sept. 26 at 7:00 pm For details and information, please contact Renato Umayam at 323-841-3516, Nida Matias at 818-394-9178, Greg Lacondola at 702-334-8068, or Arnold Navarro at 318-779-6254.

S E P T E M B E R 26

Philippine Medical Association Event The Officers and Members of the Philippine Medical Association headed by President Dr. Arnel Joaquin, and Auxiliary President Divinia Encina will be holding a whole day event to be held at the Reef on the Water in Long Beach, CA on September 26. Assemblyman Rob Bonta and the Philippine Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim will participate in the discussion of the law that was passed by the State Legislature regarding full immunization of children before going to school with no exemption. There will be a Dinner Show with performances by the Tausala Polynesian Dancers. It will be a Luau event wherein all the past Presidents of the Auxiliary will be presented after their 35 years of service to the PMASC. The dinner ticket is $70.00 (if paid before August 31) and $80.00 after the due date. For dinner show reservations: please contact Noli R. Zosa, M.D. or Mrs. Nena Zosa at (562) 572- 2481.

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LA Builder Lions Club 25th Anniversary The Los Angeles Builder Lions Club will celebrate their 25th Anniversary and Annual Outstanding Parents Night on October 10, 2015 at the Almansor Court banquet hall (700 S Almansor St, Alhambra, CA 91801). Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band.

For further questions, please call Lion Bill Menor (323) 465-0613, Lion Yoli Ramo (213) 3051332, chairpersons or Lion Tita James, co-chair at (818) 203-2325.

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

The CTV Files Atty. Dennis ChuA, esq.

ON September 9, 2015, the government announced that it will now allow individuals who have been waiting for their priority dates to be current both in the family based and employment based category to start their immigrant visa applications or file their applications for adjustment of status earlier. In line with this new policy of the government, the US Department of State will be releasing two separate charts which shall be posted in the visa bulletin. The first chart is the “Final Action Date” which lists down when the priority dates for each preference category and country of chargeability will be current.

The second chart is the “Date for Filing Applications” chart which lists down the cutoff dates for those who can start the processing of their immigrant visa applications.

For those individuals who are currently in the United States and are eligible for adjustment of status, they must refer to the “Date for Filing Application” chart if they can now file their application for adjustment of status. If these individuals fall within the cutoff date, they may now file their adjustment of status application with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) even

The Metamorphosis

ernie D. Delfin (Part 3 of 3)

OUR stay in Laoac afforded us to pay visit to the tombs of my departed parents, my two sisters and a niece in the local cemetery, and also to visit the famous Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Manaoag, now a Basilica, and my high school alma mater, Holy Rosary Academy, (now a branch of the Colegio De San Juan De Letran). After hectic days in my hometown, we proceeded to the town of Villasis, where we formally awarded the last four Gawad Kalinga houses to several family beneficiaries.

We were hosted by our friends and fellow Rotarians, Pete and Rose Montilla, who founded the GK Villasis Namnama Village I. The event was well planned, starting with mid morning merienda of tinupig, fresh fruits, coffee and juices, while waiting for the guests coming as far as Mindoro, Manila, Laguna and Tarlac. Our own Rotary District Governor from Quezon City, Gov. Dr. Rey David (D3780) and his classmate from Tarlac, Governor Mai Ocampo (D3790) graced the occasion and witnessed the awarding of the houses that completed GK Villasis Namnama Village. Celebrating this event with us were also some GK National officers led by Jose Ma. Montelibano and Dolphy Lanuza and government officials from Villasis, Urdaneta and Laoac, Pangasinan, led by Laoac Mayor Boying Alarcio.

After the short presentations of the children as well as the parents of the GK Village – to give their pasasalamat and gratitude for giving them a place they can call their home and more promising future – came the blessings

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USCIS now allows early filing of green card applications if their priority date listed in the Final Action Date chart is not yet current. With the early filing of an application for adjustment of status, they will be able to obtain an employment authorization document to allow them to work while waiting for their priority date to be current.

To illustrate, an individual is the beneficiary of an immigrant petition filed by his employer under the third preference category.

For the Philippines, the US Department of State is processing immigrant visa petitions with the priority date of January 1, 2007.

Before the announcement of the new policy, individuals would have to wait for the priority date to be current before they can even file for adjustment of status. With this new policy in place, they can now file for their adjustment of status application if their priority date falls within the cutoff date of January 1, 2015 even if their priority date is not yet current.

For those individuals who are outside the United States, the National Visa Center will be notifying these individuals for them to begin assembling and submitting their documentation to begin the immigrant visa application process.

Individuals who are covered

by this new policy may now file their application for adjustment of status this October.

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, Sacramento 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 inperson or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (415) 495-8088; (619) 955-6277; (916) 449-3923 Dchua@ctvattys.com.

***

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 inperson 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.

(Advertising Supplement)

US-born son’s first visit to his father’s roots in the Philippines of the houses by a parish priest assigned to the local Guadalupe Church located in the same compound as the GK Village.

Thereafter, the symbolic giving of an oversized wooden key to the last four houses to the family beneficiaries was done by this Rotarian-columnist, followed by another sumptuous lunch locally prepared by the GK residents.

In my brief remarks, I tried to convey that “this event is not only a historical event but also an emotional moment for me,” simply because I could vividly reminisce and empathize with the life of these village children.

Why? Simply because half a century ago, I was like any of these young boys that had almost nothing but their youthful dreams with a faith-filled prayer coupled with the hope or “namnama” that someday, they will also have the life that they dream about.

Unfortunately, many of those dreams remained just a dream, as it is indeed very challenging and almost impossible for most to unshackled the pangs of poverty that many were born into. People need people (as a popular song of yesteryears declares), to share and lend a hand to sever strong chains of poverty. In my case, it was the Dominican Fathers who offered me scholarship to Letran where I graduated with a Degree in Business Administration, then becoming a CPA that granted me a passport to better things.

“With that brief background, I am here now and in the years ahead to give back, to share my many blessings from God above, and to lend a hand and to help empower some who are not as fortunate. That is the mission and vision of our Rotary Club and the ‘reason for being’ of our Ga-

wad Kalinga Movement! For us, this mission of humanitarian service of giving hope and lending a hand is one formula of a rich and meaningful life. For us, that is a truer definition of success that cannot be measured.”

Ending my brief speech, I took the courage and moment to acknowledge my son’s last full day in the Philippines, by quoting Martin Buxbaum, What is a Real Success: “. . . YOU can use most any measure when you’re speaking of success. You can measure it in fancy home, expensive car or dress; but the measure of your real success is one you cannot spend. It’s the way your son describes you when he’s talking to a friend!”

Knowing my son the last 28 years, I am certain that he will be describing his recent cultural adventure and his unforgettable unique experiences in his Dad’s homeland to his friends, especially after a very especial fatherson bonding for two solid weeks!

(Upon my arrival a month later, his sister told me that he already narrated his experiences to her and some friends that his trip was indeed wonderful and that everything was great except those bold pesky mosquitoes that tried incessantly to taste his fresh American blood!)

The Metamorphosis food for thought: “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.”

– Emily Dickinson In my next column: Rotary and Gawad Kalinga: Building houses and building up people. *** Email: ernie.delfin@gmail.com or zhunrize.foundation@gmail.com Websites: www.rotaryeclubGlobalKalingaD3780.org www.foundation4nextgen.zhuncity.com

ACT issues call to action to…

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lowing, and it’s clearly not working. Take charge early in the student’s educational career, learn what it takes to succeed and make sure you are getting what you need.”

ACT offers free solutions to help students, parents and counselors get a head start on finding their passion and planning for the future. These solutions include ACT Profile, which is a free college and career planning community, and the World-ofWork Map, which guides students toward careers that match their interests based on their responses to the ACT Interest Inventory, completed by students when they register for the ACT test.

Gap between aspirations and outcomes ACT findings point to a gap between students’ aspirations and actual outcomes. Eighty-six percent of ACT-tested 2015 graduates – approximately 1.6 million students – said they aspired to enroll in postsecondary education of some kind.

Based on previous research, however, ACT projects only around 69 percent – approximately 1.3 million graduates – actually will enroll. This means more than 300,000 students who may have college aspirations will not actually attend a two- or fouryear college this fall.

“We must work to close this aspiration gap and ensure that more students reach their goal of continuing their education,” said Erickson. “One big way to accomplish that goal is to make sure more students are aware of and ready for college and career when they graduate from high school.”

About the ACT The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement test that measures the skills taught in schools and deemed important for success in first-year college courses. The content of the ACT is informed by results of the ACT National Curriculum Survey conducted every three to four years among thousands of elementary, middle and high school teachers

and instructors of first-year college courses across the United States. The data obtained in the survey allow ACT to ensure that its assessments measure the skills most important for success after high school.

ACT research shows that students who meet the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks are more likely to persist in college and earn a degree than those who don’t. The benchmarks specify the minimum score students must earn on each of the four ACT subject tests to have about a 75 percent chance of earning a grade of C or higher and a 50 percent chance of earning a B or higher in a typical credit-bearing first-year college course in that subject area.

The ACT was administered as a required statewide achievement test in 13 states for the graduating class of 2015, allowing these states to monitor student progress in college and career readiness as well as track school, district and state performance over time. For the 2016 graduating class, that number will grow to 18 states, plus three additional states that fund the ACT on an optional basis.

The national and state ACT Condition of College & Career Readiness 2015 reports can be viewed and downloaded for free on the ACT website at: www.act.org/readiness/2015.

ACT is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success. Headquartered in Iowa City, Iowa, ACT is trusted as the nation’s leader in college and career readiness, providing highquality achievement assessments grounded in more than 50 years of research and experience.

ACT offers a uniquely integrated continuum of solutions that help people succeed from elementary school through career, providing insights that unlock potential. To learn more about ACT, go to www.act.org. n

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

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ STARTING in October 2015, the Department of State (DOS) and the USCIS will utilize a new format for priority dates. (I posted those priority dates already on my website).There will be two separate charts (or priority dates) for people to follow or monitor: • Dates for filing applications (earliest date when a person may file for adjustment of status or for an immigrant visa) • Application “final action dates” (dates when visas may finally be issued.)

The “final action dates” are simply the old “priority dates” that have been listed on the Visa Bulletin for decades. When the dates in the “final action dates” chart are current, a person’s visa can be issued (if he is outside of the U.S.) or adjustment application approved (if he is in the U.S.), and they receive their green card.

The new chart shows the “dates for filing,” but it is really not a new concept. The State Department has been following this practice for years for people applying for their immigrant visas abroad. Months before the priority date is actually “current,” applicants were able to submit forms and documentation to the NVC, so that by the time the priority date was current, the case is “ready to go” for visa issuance.

That same concept will now be applied to the filing of an adjustment of status application (Form I-485). People will be able to file for adjustment of status (and

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA

Community Journal

work authorization) months (or sometimes years) before their priority date (or final action date) is actually current. Once the adjustment application and work authorization are filed, the person could be issued the work authorization and renew it each year, until the final action date is current and the adjustment of status is granted.

Allowing the “early” filing of adjustment applications could have tremendous advantages.

For example, the priority date for “filing applications” for employment-based third preference (EB-3) and other workers (OW) is January 1, 2015. However, the “visa issuance” date for the same two categories is January 1, 2007. This apparently means that workers in the EB-3 and OW categories may file for adjustment of status and work authorization, if the “filing date” (or the old priority date) on their case is earlier than January 1, 2015.

However, no visa will be issued (or adjustment of status will not be granted) until the January 1, 2007 “visa issuance” priority date is current. Under this example, a person may file for adjustment of status if they have a priority date earlier than January 1, 2015, and renew work authorizations for approximately 8 years until the “visa issuance” date is reached, and adjustment of status is granted.

There are other advantages as well. The law allows a person to change jobs or employers if their adjustment of status application has been pending for over 180

days, as long as it is a similar job, and the new employer is willing to continue the case. Some people may, under certain circumstances, obtain “advance parole” to travel outside the US while their adjustment application is pending. This may give them the chance to visit their family years earlier than if they had to wait for the “visa issuance date” to become current.

However, in November 2015, the filing dates may dramatically change, and in some cases could only be a few months ahead of the visa issuance date, rather than years. Therefore, you may want to take advantage of the October 2015 dates. In addition, if you are out of status, you may not be eligible to file for adjustment of status unless you have the benefit of Section 245(i).

If the priority date (on your employment or family based petition) is now “current” in the application filing date chart, you should seek the advice and guidance of an attorney, who can evaluate your situation, and determine if you can file for adjustment of status (and work authorization) years before your “visa issuance” priority date becomes current. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and

Mining memories of Mindoro “Take care of all your memories, for you cannot relive them.”

— Robert Frost

ters and cousins in the beaches of Kanipisan and Aplaya. These were seaside beach towns abutting this tiny town called Naujan. It was the place my father, Manolo, the eldest of a brood of siblings, were born and raised.

Those memories sparkle. They were happy, carefree, innocent, idyllic days of sun, sand, sea and simple pleasures. Lola would instruct Miguel, a trusted farm hand to bring us to the niyugan, or coconut plantation. Miguel would know exactly which trees to climb and with his gulok, (a Tagalog term for a machete), chop off the young nuts which fell to the ground with a thud.

We drank cool, clear coconut juice straight out of its shell and with a teaspoon in one hand, scraped off the sides of the young nut, called malauhog by locals. These are young coconut flesh, resembling the consistency of early stage, transparent phlegm. Alright. Ewwwww. But who cares? When you’re young, unpretentious and really hungry, your grumbling stomach is the boss.

Calapan is the entryway from the Luzon mainland by air, land and sea to Oriental Mindoro. It enjoys a geographical proximity to the mainland and the shipping routes. It has a small pier in a cove where boats coming from Batangas docked. Calapan provides a bit of excitement that a sleepy town like Naujan couldn’t muster. In recent years, an SM store in town was a definite cause for celebration.

Tio Oscar, my father’s youngest brother, was the town entrepreneur cum inventor who tried his hand at many things. He was short in stature but I remember him as a big kid with a pure sense of fun. He drove around town in an old, rickety opentopped, army surplus World War II vintage weapons carrier which he used for business and leisure. He hauled huge blocks of ice coated with ipa, those rice husks used to prevent the ice from melting for the hot, dusty trip between Calapan and the only restaurant in Naujan, which he and his wife Tia Celia, owned

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Many older Asian American and Pacific Islanders rely on Social Security as primary source of income AARP Public Policy Institute finds Social Security keeps people out of poverty WASHINGTON, DC– Social Security is critical to the retirement security of older Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), according to AARP Public Policy Institute’s new fact sheet. Sixtyfive percent of AAPIs age 65 and older receive Social Security benefits, including twenty-eight percent who rely on it as their primary source of family income.

Nine percent of older AAPIs rely on Social Security as their only source of family income.

“Social Security: Who’s Counting on It?” provides insight into how Social Security benefits all Americans. Last year, about 59 million people received Social Security, a federal program designed to protect individuals who can no longer work and their families from loss of income due to retirement, disability, or death.

“Following the 80th anniversary of Social Security last month, it is a lifeline for many AAPIs that helps keep them and their families out of poverty,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience. “AARP works to strengthen Social Security because the vast majority of Americans of all ages believe it is important to provide financial security for everyone.”

As recent immigrants, AAPIs have lower median Social Security incomes according to an AARP report issued last year. Therefore they are less likely than African Americans, Hispanics, and whites to depend on Social Se-

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October 2015 visa bulletin allows early filing of adjustment applications and work authorizations

(First of 2 parts)

EVERY place I have ever been to is made significant by the images and thoughts I have of people, places and experiences that still live on in my memory. For Mindoro, it’s memories of my father, this place called Naujan and sizzling hot summer days.

While my father worked as ship captain plying the interisland routes and waterways and later on, the high seas on international assignments, my mother raised a big brood of seven girls and a boy practically all by herself. During school breaks, she would pack the girls off for summer vacation to our grandparents’ home in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. It was then a half day’s trip from Manila via Batangas City. I was so excited, I thought my heart would burst.

Time can dull memories and I wasn’t ready to let go of the past just yet. Not until I’ve come full circle. I was determined to see this place one more time to rekindle the memories of glorious summers spent as a pintsized kid gamboling about like a frisky, wet puppy, with my sis-

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 18-24, 2015

curity for 50 percent or more of their family income.

Older minorities are less likely than whites to have family income other than Social Security.

A little more than half (53.4 percent) of AAPIs age 65 and older own have income from assets, but only a quarter (24.4 percent) have income from pensions and retirement savings.

Other key findings: • Social Security income kept roughly 33 percent of older Americans, about 14.7 million people, out of poverty. The poor (income below poverty line) and the near-poor (income between 100 and 150 percent of the poverty line) rely on Social Security for a significant share of their family income.

• Social Security benefits are particularly important for women because, on average, women live longer and earn less than men do, so they are more dependent than men are on Social Security’s progressive benefit and inflationadjusted, lifetime income.

• Social Security is currently fully funded with $2.8 trillion in reserves, but in 2020 will begin to be drawn down these reserves in order to continue paying full benefits. At this rate, Social Security reserves will be depleted in 2034, less than 20 years from now.

Visit www.aarp.org/ppi to read AARP Public Policy Institute’s fact sheet and find more information about Social Security. Visit www.aarp.org/aapi to read AARP’s report Are Asian American and Pacific Islanders

Financially Secure?

About AARP AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world’s largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

(Advertising Supplement)

THREE PETITIONS BY TWO MOTHERS AND A “SISTER/MOTHER” CREATE VISA CONFUSION — ON A SPECIAL ENCORE EPISODE OF ‘CITIZEN PINOY’. A teenage pregnancy forced Armi (middle) to keep the birth of her son, Kevin (right), a secret. Kevin’s birth certificate listed his grandmother (Armi’s mother) as his mother. Years later, Armi became a US citizen. She petitioned her mother immediately. When Armi’s mother arrived in the US as an immigrant, she petitioned all of Armi’s brothers, including Kevin, who is actually her grandchild (Armi’s son).

Armi also filed a sibling petition for Kevin. After much guilt and reflection, Armi decided to come out with the truth to set things straight and admitted to Kevin that she is his biological mother. After that major revelation, Armi filed a petition for Kevin (now as parent-child petition). This resulted in three distinctive petitions filed for Kevin (as a grandchild, Armi’s brother, and son) which caused a major confusion for the National Visa Center. Watch this inspiring story and find out how Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel helped Armi and Kevin on an encore episode of ‘Citizen Pinoy’ – on Sunday 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. 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)

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Community Journal

SEPTEMBER 18-24, 2015 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Filipinos needed for UCSF Pilipino Changes to whole farm revenue Americans Go4Health Weight-Loss Program insurance could increase access to prevent diabetes and heart disease FILIPINO-Americans have one of the highest rates of Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease in the United States. Type 2 Diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke and many other health problems. Dr. Melinda Sarmiento-Bender of the University of California in San Francisco (UCSF) is conducting an important study focused on preventing diabetes and heart disease among Filipino-Americans.

This is a 6-month lifestyle intervention promoting weight-loss through physical activity and healthy eating using your smartphone and mobile app.

If you are a Filipino over 18 years old, have Type 2 Diabetes and are taking metformin (not taking insulin) you can join the UCSF Pilipino Americans Go4Health Weight Loss Program study. The program aims to decrease diabetes and heart disease risks through weight loss, healthy eating, and physical activity with personal tailored coaching. You should not have any disabilities limiting your ability to walk at least 20 minutes.

You will be asked to use your smartphone (iPhone or Android), wear a pedometer every day, and join a private Facebook group.

Participation requires a 6-month commitment that includes one office visit per month, 3 physical exams, and 3 blood draws. Participants will receive up to $80 and can keep the Fitbit Zip pedometer ($60 value) for completing all 6-month study requirements.

If you are interested, please call (415) 483-0992 or e-mail pilipinos@ucsf.edu Your participation will help to understand why Filipinos are at such high risk for diabetes and heart disease, and to find ways to prevent these risks among the Filipino community! n

USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) recently announced expansion of Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) crop insurance to all states and counties. WFRP was first made available for the 2015 crop year, and provides revenue insurance coverage on all of a farmer’s crops and animals under one policy.

The policy was previously limited to certain states and counties.

In addition, USDA RMA made some other key changes to the policy that will help break down barriers to access for beginning farmers, integrated crop and livestock producers, and for

those who direct market their farm products.

Beginning farmers now only have to show three years of tax records to qualify for WFRP. Previously they had to show five years of records to qualify. This is a positive change that we hope will open the policy to more beginning farmers.

Another important change includes the elimination of the 35 percent limit on expected revenue from animals and animal products, and greenhouse and nursery crops. RMA will leave intact the $1 million cap on revenue from these sources. This is

one of the biggest barriers integrated crop and livestock farmers had to accessing WFRP. Farmers who sell through direct markets will now be allowed to use their existing price records to calculate their revenue during the insurance year. Previously, farmers had to prove their revenue through third-party verified records, which is difficult if not impossible for those farmers who market directly through roadside stands and farmers’ markets.

For more information: www.rma.usda.gov/fcic/2015/ 812wholefarm.pdf. (Traci Bruckner/ Center for Rural Affairs)

2015 South San Francisco Farmers’ Former PVB employees 2016 Grand Reunion Market open through Oct. 24

FORMER employees of Philippine Veterans Bank will hold their Grand Reunion on February 21, 2016 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas, Manila.

We are trying to reach out to all members residing all over the world to disseminate information about the upcoming event. For more details about

PAGE CJ3 t

the reunion, please contact the following members through their Facebook accounts: Southern California – Aurora Carillo Northern California – Angie Virola Philippines – Lourdes Barbero Ramos and Lyn Lagpitanghap We look to forward to see you all! n

skin products The FDA has also expressed safety concerns about products sold as skin lighteners and antiaging treatments that remove freckles, blemishes and wrinkles that might contain mercury. Skin products that contain mercury—promoted as cosmetics-- are manufactured abroad and sold illegally in the United States—often in shops in Latino, Asian, African or Middle Eastern neighborhoods and online.

• Exposure to mercury can have serious health consequenc-

es. It can damage the kidneys and nervous system and interfere with the development of the brain in unborn children and very young children.

• Skin bleaching drug products containing ammoniated mercury are new drugs and are required to go through the FDA-approval process .

• FDA does not allow mercury in drugs or in cosmetics, unless under very specific conditions.

For more information: www. fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm294849.htm n

to South Africa, from Pusan to Peru— bringing with him my mother’s keepsake, a small image of the Nuestra Senora de Antipolo, before the wanderlust gave out and he finally found home. He would have been sur-

prised with the changes in his old hometown. (To be continued) ***

EMPLOYMENT

FOR SALE

Mining memories of…

and operated at the time.

During those days, electricity was miserly meted out from 6 in the evening till 6 in the morning — that is, — when the generators were working. The ice would chill Tio Oscar’s stash of soda in a cooler during the day and he would use the rest for the crushed ice for the best halohalo in town.

It was said that his halo-halo was so scrumptiously delicious, it would entice barefoot hordes of Mangyans to come down from the mountains and give themselves the cool treat.

When Tio Oscar’s chores were done, he would then haul all of us, a ragtag band of scrawny, eager-beaver kids, off to the beach. We would bury our soda stash in the cold wet sand to chill it and rush to the sea and swim with abandon until our fingers and toes were wrinkled, our skin a few shades darker. By then we had worked up a fierce appetite.

Tio Oscar’s hungry horde of kids would then mow down grilled fish either banak or banglis, tulingan, halabos na hipon and steaming rice mixed with

EMPLOYMENT

raw eggs complimented by chopped-up pajo, red eggs and tomatoes. We built black sand sculptures which killjoy waves promptly crushed and swept back out to sea. We would kibitz and swarm about like pesky flies at the abundant haul of fishermen pulling in their nets bursting with their fresh catch of the day from the sea. Those were beautiful summer days. Life was good.

Those days have ebbed and are gone forever. But pure joy still flows back with remembrance. I wanted to revisit the former site of my grandparent’s old place in the center of town where my father was born in 1912. Vicente Adeva, my Lolo was an insular (meaning island) teacher who received his civil service appointment on July 01, 1907.

One of the sepia photos my brother recovered from the old house was of Lolo who as Provincial Treasurer, and then Secretary posed with provincial officials and the American Governor General, Theodore Roosevelt Jr. The tall strapping American was appointed by President Herbert Hoover in 1932 as Governor

Grill’s Rotisserie Chicken and more!! There will also be free CalFresh screening and enrollment this weekend.

Also check out the South San Francisco Farmers’ Market video highlighting everything the market has to offer on YouTube.

Lastly, don’t forget to Share Facebook video post for a free basket of strawberries on Facebook.

Additional information on special events throughout the season will be available on the

THE South San Francisco Farmers’ Market season opened Saturday, May 2nd at Orange Memorial Park and continues every Saturday from 10am – 2pm, until October 24. A variety of activities for all ages and interests are featured each Saturday.

This week at your Farmers’ Market, South San Francisco General of what was then called Parks and Recreation will have the Philippine Islands. Papa was an informational table. Stop by immensely proud of his roots the South San Francisco Farmand proud of being a Naujeno ers’ and enjoy some of the great even when he lived in the US af- produce and try some of Country ter retirement.

While living in Glendale, California in his mid-eighties, he always looked forward to dressing to the nines in a tuxedo, and tripping the light fantastic whirlTHE Food and Drug Admining about on the dance floor with my mother or his daugh- istration (FDA) recently issued ters for the Naujeno Annual Ball a warning to consumers about in some posh Los Angeles hotel, Injectable skin lightening prodhalf a world away from the place ucts: Injectable Skin Products: he loved. He may have wanted What You Should Know. These to reconnect with a few remain- products are potentially unsafe ing old timers, people he had and ineffective.

• They may contain unknown common ties with while growing up. But mostly during his harmful ingredients or contamilast years, he was simply happy nants.

• Unsafe and improper injecand content being home with tion practices may transmit dismy mother.

If he had the chance how- ease, cause infection and result ever, he would have wanted to in serious injury.

Mercury poisoning linked to visit the place where he grew up —just one more time— before sudden death on a dreary and For my part, I wanted to undercold winter’s day overtook him. stand how such a place shaped who he is and what moved him He was 87 years old.

More than a decade later, I to sail the seven seas for 40 years went in his stead. It was some- as a ship captain, hauling logs thing I had planned on doing for and cars and tons of containers some time, as a quiet tribute. from port to port— from Siberia

City of South San Francisco’s website and on the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association website. We hope to see Saturday!

For more information on South San Francisco Farmers’ Market please visit the City’s Farmers’ Market facebook page or visit the South San Francisco City website.

Or Pacific Coast Farmer’s Market Associates at www.pcfma. com. You can also find PCFMA on Facebook. n

FDA warning: Injectable skin lightening products and skin products that contain mercury

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

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Friday, September 18, 2015

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 18, 2015

‘AlAmAt/legends’: PArAngAl dAnce comPAny’s 7th AnniversAry offering

Taking you on a journey about the cultural traditions of the Filipino culture

by Malou liwanag-Bledsoe/AJPress

SEVEN years ago, a group of people established a dance company to give tribute to Philippine heritage. Aiming to serve as a bridge to inspire and connect Filipino-Americans to their roots, Parangal (meaning “tribute) Dance Company has become one of the most respected Filipino folk dance groups in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Through the years, Parangal has provided workshops in ethnic attire, music and dance inspired from the cultures of the Philippines. In fact, art directors; choreographers and/or members immerse themselves fully by going to the Philippines to meet resource people and tribal groups to keep it authentic.

Now celebrating their seventh year, Parangal Dance Company has worked hard to present their anniversary offering on October 3 through Alamat.

“Alamat means legends, stories, events, or symbolic char-

acters that originate from specific group of indigenous or cultural groups,” said Parangal Founder and President Eric Solano. “We are excited to present legends and cultural traditions of Kalinga, Ga’dang, Tboli, Bagobo-Tagabawa and Maranao.”

Solano explained that they followed the same core of elements in Alamat. This meant doing research and getting in touch with cultural bearers and/or resources.

“What makes Alamat unique from our previous productions is that we will showcase stories/legends, cultural traditions, events, and characters that are important to each indigenous groups,” Solano shared.

They are also thankful for many firsts—having Cordillerainspired pieces from their Kalinga resource, master weaver (and the only one in the Bay Area/California) Jenny Bawer-Young, and who will also be performing with the

Resource persons for Ga’dang Ampara Mabanag and Margareth Balansi.

One of Parangal’s resource people, Arlyne Salazar of the BagoboTagabawa.

Jenny Bawer-Young, Kalinga resource person and master weaver who is also based here in CaliforniaBay Area.

group; several dances including The Legend of Sarimanok which were all learned from the Philippines by a group of Parangal members; amazing illustration work by artist Don Aguillo; and receiving funding support from Alliance for California Traditional Arts and San Mateo County Arts Grants Program.

Preparations for Alamat started as early as July 2014 by connecting and interviewing resources, said Solano. However, research work started in 2011 with the Bagobo-Tagabawa, then Ga’dang, Kalinga, Tboli (as well as a workshop in Leyte with Leyte Dance Theatre for The Legend of Sarimanok) in 2014.

Parangal has also made strides during their seventh year.

Aside from becoming a 501c3 non-profit organization, they also were invited to represent the Philippines at the Folkmoot USA International Festival in North Carolina. Their 18 cast members performed with the Cherokee and companies from other coun-

TBOLI. **Nga Libun / Tboli /Lake Sebu, South Cotabato Province, Mindanao. A cautionary tale of pride and revenge, and the tragic and fiery catastrophe wrought upon the village’s Datu and his people.

tries like Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Estonia and Puerto Rico. The Parangal Rondalla Ensemble also made their debut performance under the direction of Major Julian, and joined by Marlon Dumlao, Vanessa Gomez Brake and Rey Amado Arcilla.

Still with its milestones, Solano admits that funding remains a challenge. “Now that we are a 501c3, we hope and ask the community to consider to be a ‘kabalikat’ of Parangal in helping us continue to research in the Philippines and share the knowledge with the community so we can create awareness and learn more about culture, traditions and struggles of our Philippine indigenous people.”

He would also like to thank his resources for sharing their legends and traditions with Parangal in making Alamat: Jenny Bawer-Young (Kalinga; Bay Area, California) the cultural masters of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts -- Amparo Mabanag and

MARANAO. The Legend of Sarimanok / Maranao / Lake Lanao, Lanao del Sur Province, Mindanao. A Prince endeavors to catch the Sarimanok as a gift for the King. Though replete with danger, success brings good fortune to the one who captures the mythical

Margareth Balansi from the Gadang community of Paracelis, Mountain Province; and Sonia D. Mangune and Arlyne D. Salazar from Bagobo-Tagabawa of Toril, Davao City and Silin Awed for Tboli of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; as well as the Leyte Dance Theater and Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group.

“Let us and Alamat take you back on a journey and to the villages of (the) Philippines without leaving the Bay Area,” said Solano. “We are here today bcause the indigenous people who have and continue to preserve their culture and traditions. The elders/culture bearers/resources of Kalinga, Ga’dang, Tboli, Bagobo-Tagabawa, and Maranao have entrusted Parangal with valuable information about them and that we will present onstage.

Join us in giving back to cultural resources and elders (so) that we can also be a source of inspiration to them so they will continue to dance, play music, weave, bead, chant, and pass on their

knowledge of traditions to the next generation.”

Watch Parangal’s Alamat, Legends on Saturday, October 3, 2015; at Skyline College Theater, 3300 College Dr., Building One, San Bruno, CA 94066. Show times are at 2pm and 7pm.

Tickets are: Group (6 or more) - $20 (main show) / $15 (matinee), Senior (65) / Child (12) / Student - $20 (main) / $15 (matinee) and General (from August to show) - $35 (main) / $30 (matinee). Website fees not included in pricing.

For tickets, go to www. eventbrite.com/e/parangaldance-company-presents-alamatlegends-tickets-16456885989.

To know more about Parangal Dance Company visit www. parangal.org or like them on Facebook.com/Parangal. *Kalinga cover illustration image design by Don Aguillo, concept by June Arellano. Inside photos by This is It Photography, editors Denise Wong and Voltaire Gunjab.

features SF3

Let’s talk about The ‘AlDub’ Fever

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – September 18, 2015

Effective solutions to hair loss San FranciSco

By Monet

Lu

A coupLe of days ago, I overheard some of my customers talking about a certain “Yaya Dub” and “Alden” with the highest level of excitement. They were exchanging opinions about how “Lola Nidora” is getting in the way of true love, and that the “diary” will reveal so much more, and now—the latest update—is the meet up between “Yaya” and “Alden,” who (also according to them) have never met each other since the whole thing started. Just hearing them chat as though they personally know the characters is enough to get my curiosity piqued. unlike my customers, I have no clue about who these characters are. And yes, I must be living under a rock because I didn’t know the latest craze that’s been spreading like wildfire!

So like the “martian-whodoes-not-know-aldub” that I am, I looked them up and I discovered that this “AlDub” Mania has spread over the philippines like an airborne disease, and people outside the philippines are following suit. To date, this TV skit-segment has reached over 4 million tweets!

There is no escaping the “AlDub” fever and I’m just happy I caught on sooner than later.

Dr. Vicki Belo

HeLLo everyone!

I am so thrilled by the influx of your emails! And as I am so happy that you trust me with your Alden Richards Maine Mendoza aka Yaya Dub concerns, I would also like to share and-jerry smile to look wackily So, what’s in it that makes it something close to my heart. ugly (which is never the case-coz viral? Let’s talk about the AlDub Recently, my beloved daughter she so adorable). And in the fever, shall we? cristalle is finally engaged! As middle of them lip syncing songs a mother I always wanted my When AlDub fanatics post and dubbing lines flawlessly, the anything AlDub-related, everydaughter to be happy with somestern and typical Lola-character one jumps right in. And it’s hard one who will cherish and honor played by Wally Bayola steps in to resist the urge to check them her. She found the right partner out. And when you start watching and ruins their flirting session. in Justin. I was able to sneak a I would bet that just by that their skit and following them on photo from behind-the-scenes every social media platform, that’s description alone, you are sold. of that wonderful moment when I was. it – you’re hooked. Welcome to Justin proposed!

But for the benefit of those club!

Now on to our letter sender : I’ll play skeptic and say that at who were like me—before I beDear Dr. Vicki, first you wouldn’t really get it. You came pretty fond of them—who Doc, I am a marine engineer do not know anything about would think to yourself: “how is by profession. I have been happily AlDub, let me give you a brief this weird couple flirting stupidly married for eight years and have on screen pass as comic?” But the overview. children now. However, my wife AlDub became a phenomenal noticed lately that I have lost hair longer you watch Alden “Bae Alden” Richards swoon his beloved Filipino love team by accident. at the upper back of my head. It by flashing his deeper-than-deep- It is not one of those love teams has gotten thin and it looks like that are products of a movie dimples and lip syncs to every the eye of the storm. My wife cliché love song ever written, you promo or a teleserye gimmick. always watches your show and has get stuck. Then you watch Maine That’s probably one of the main encouraged me to consult with reasons why people are attracted you. I hope you can help me with “Yaya Dub” Mendoza does her signature nostril-flare and tomContinued on Page SF4 this. I have also attached a photo for reference.

Thanks, Enzo Hi enzo, There are many causes of Canada to source 100 percent cage-free eggs within 10 years hair loss among men. Some are acquired from genetic, envioAK BRooK, Ill—To meet ronmental pollutants, or stress. consumers’ changing expectaothers are caused by changes in tions and preferences, McDonhormones, getting scars due to ald’s announced that it will fully surgery or health problems like transition to cage-free eggs for its nearly 16,000 restaurants in the and socially conscious practices uS and canada over the next 10 for the animals in our supply years. chain,” said Marion Gross, senior “our customers are increasvice president and chief Supply ingly interested in knowing more chain officer of McDonald’s about their food and where it North America. “This is a bold comes from,” said McDonald’s move and we’re confident in our uSA president Mike Andres. ability to provide a quality, safe, “our decision to source only and consistent supply.” cage-free eggs reinforces the on an annual basis, focus we’re placing on food qual- McDonald’s uSA purchases apity and our menu to meet what proximately two billion eggs and consumers truly want.”

McDonald’s canada purchases “We’re proud of the work 120 million eggs to serve on its we’re doing with farmers and sup- breakfast menus, which includes pliers to advance environmentally popular breakfast sandwiches,

McDonald’s to fully transition to cage-free eggs for all restaurants in the uS and canada McDonald’s USA and

Naked Truth

diabetes and high blood pressure.

Seems like in your photo your are showing early signs of receding hair line and bald patches. What is important is you see a doctor. We have to be sure that your hair loss is nothing short of a health problem. If that’s the case, you have to get well first and we can proceed with your hair loss treatment after.

Think of it this way, the soil is the scalp and the plant is the hair.

When the plant is damaged, it dies and gets removed from the soil, same is your hair follicles. We have invasive and non invasive procedures for hair loss depending on the condition and severity. We have something called MesoHair, where we infuse “fertilizers” to your scalpt to enduce hairgrowth.

For our invasive procedure and still the most effective means to address hairloss, Belo uses an advanced technology to automatically harvest and implant hair follicles to the balding area without removing the scalp. It is called the NeoGrafting. What makes it better is that the results are natural looking hair re-growth, it is least invasive with little to no discomfort, minimal downtime and no linear scar. And it is also FDA-cleared procedure.

Hope this helps you, enzo, on your problem.

So let’s have more stories coming in! Feel free to let me know about you. Send it to vicki@ belomed.com.

Love, Dr. Belo

such as the egg McMuffin and egg White Delight. Since 2011, McDonald’s uSA has been purchasing more than 13 million cage-free eggs annually.

“Animal welfare has always been important to us and our customers,” added Gross.

“Today’s announcement is another big milestone building on our work with industry experts and suppliers to improve the treatment of animals.”

Herbruck’s poultry Ranch, a family-owned and operated farm in Michigan, has worked with

McDonald’s for decades to supply nutritious eggs. “cage-free systems play an important role in our work to keep hens healthy and meet the growing consumer demand for responsibly-sourced food,” said Greg Herbruck, executive vice president of Herbruck’s poultry Ranch. “We welcome McDonald’s actions to continue these efforts and are pleased to join them in sourcing cage-free eggs across their supply chain. We continue embracing new technologies and Continued on Page SF4

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celebrityworld

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 18, 2015

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar SULTRY singer/actress Vina Morales’ heart is a-flutter these days because after seven years, she finally has found a new love.

The Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita star share a photo of her and her French boyfriend on Instagram. The shot was taken during Vina’s recently concluded ASAP Live in London show, held at the SSe Arena in wembley last September 6.

In the caption Vina wrote, “I rarely posted photos from my London trip. But this one I would like to share to you all...

Yes it was indeed a happy and a beautiful day in London.”

The singer/actress also shared that she and her boyfriend met through Ilocos sur Governor Chavit Singson. The good part about it is that theirs is not a long-distance relationship as her boyfriend is based in the Philippines.

Ah, love! we wish Vina all the best in her new found love! *** Congratulations are in order for actress Isabel oli and hus-

band, actor/dancer John Prats.

The couple recently confirmed that they are expecting their first child, four months after their wedding.

Isabel made the announcement via her Instagram account last September 15, posting a photo about a baby being “the best gift,” especially for her upcoming birthday on october 20. “we are happy to know that here will be a sweet addition to our lovely family. I’m already in love with you my lil precious one,” she wrote and then added, “Thank You so much Lord Jesus Christ for this gift.”

Again, congratulations John and oli! *** The Queen of All Media Kris Aquino revealed last September 16 that she is leaving her late night talk show Aquino & Abunda Tonight. Before anyone starts speculating that politics or any kind of controversy is behind about her leaving the show, the 44-year-old Kris explained the real reason.

Vina Morales finds love anew with French boyfriend

Vina Morales’ heart is in the right place now as she found a new love with her new French boyfriend. The singer/actress recently posted a photo of them during the post-celebration party of ‘ASAP Live in London show.

during the press conference for her upcoming film, etiquette for Mistresses, Kris said that she is leaving the show for health reasons.

Alden Richards is making a name for himself as the other half of the now famous AlDub love team and kalyeserye broadcasted daily on ‘Eat Bulaga.’

Marc Evan Perez, son of Antioch community leaders Anthony and Vangie Perez, will celebrate his third birthday on Saturday, September 26 with a party at their residence in Edgewood Drive. Marc Evan is shown in photo with his aunt Joy de Mesa Cabrera and cousin Joseph.

Adding that she will be back in the show next Monday, September 21, for her final week, Kris explained that with all the health issues she’s been having lately she is unable to shoot a movie and do two daily shows.

The actress was hospitalized last August 25 after a severe

San Mateo religious leader Joe Santos and his wife, Lyn, hosted a welcome party for Rev. Fr. Sonny Ramirez OP of Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City recently. Shown in photo above are Mario Santos, Fr. Ramirez, Joe Santos and Merla Cardenas.

Congratulations to actress Isabel Oli and husband, actor John Prats as they are expecting their first child.

The couple tied the knot four months ago.

The Queen of All Media recently announced that she is leaving her late night talk show, ‘Aquino & Abunda Tonight’ due to health reasons. Co-host Boy Abunda will be taking the reins after her departure from the show.

vascular headache caused her blood pressure to shoot up.

According to Kris, she could have had a stroke.

Co-host Boy Abunda will take over after her departure from the show.

“Rightfully, the show should be Boy Abunda Tonight kasi

Actor Dennis Trillo is the lead in GMA Pinoy TV’s newest primetime teleserye, ‘My Faithful Husband.’

three months na halos na siya mag-isa. And I’m so happy for him and I’m just also happy that next week, I’m being given the chance to close it properly,” she said.

They do say, “Health is wealth,” so we can’t blame her for leaving the show. we only wish better health for Kris!

explore the world with Lifestyle Network’s new travel shows Feed into that summertime wanderlust with the channel’s latest programming additions

Redwood City—Lifestyle Network awakens the adventurer within with the latest travel titles to join its programming line-up. whether the dream destination is posh private resorts, zen and relaxation spots far away from city life, or unique metropolitan treasures, Lifestyle Network pulls up at all stops. explore the world like never before, from diving into the spectacular underworld to walking through treetops and swinging across rope bridges. Trek through Phuket to Moscow, Mongolia to Bangkok, to uncover mysteries and marvels in Japan. Explore Asia on Mondays at 9pm PT. Travel Thru History on Friday

nights at 9pm PT with the show that explores fascinating historical and cultural experiences.

Join model and actress Jaymee ong and her sister, Lindsay, on their quest to find the top spas of the continent.

Spa Seekers goes great lengths – Indonesia to Maldives, Thailand to Taiwan with only one goal in mind: To find and present you with the best spas of Asia on Sundays at 6pm PT. Elite Access is hosted by the International travel writer and Hong Kong socialite, Nora Leung, who goes around the world, discovering the best the world has to offer on wednesdays at 9pm PT.

“For our global Filipina viewers, life is one big adventure,” said Aileen Paredes, Channel Head for Lifestyle Network Global. “our new programs were thoughtfully curated by our team, understanding that discovery and exploration enrich our experience, whether it means traveling by plane to a far off place or getting to a backyard gem by foot.” don’t forget to keep discovering cities’ history, cuisine, and culture on XP GUIDE and continue following hot backpacker Jason Godfrey as he uncovers all the awesome things that make the Philippines a perfect TEN. Check local cable listings for Lifestyle Network.

Let’s talk about The ‘AlDub’...

From Page SF3 to them. The moniker, “Aldub” is a combination of the names, Alden and ‘dub—short for, “Yaya dub.”

The love team is played by Alden Richards, a Filipino matinee idol and Maine Mendoza, who is an ordinary Filipina who became an internet sensation for her “dubsmashes.” She was discovered and sought by the show’s staff to play Yaya dub—the nanny of an “evil grandmother.”

The “love team-up” started when Maine Mendoza zoned out of her character being the grumpy nanny, when Alden was seen watching her doing her act.

She became conscious and next thing you know, they were being teased together, thus creating an unexpected and extraordinary chemistry on TV. This is how Eat Bulaga!’s Kalyeserye birthed the “Aldub”.

Aldub can be seen in Eat Bulaga!’s Kalyeserye (a series done live in the streets). It’s the first ever street-skit that aired on TV. The characters, despite of the scenes being impromptu, are witty and natural. Their antics are attracting more and more audiences in and out of the country.

And this is where it gets even interesting; Since everything is not scripted and Lola Nidora’s scenes are filmed live in the streets, while Alden is in the studio, the two love birds have not met each other personally. Therefore contributing to the suspense and “kilig” leading to the day when they will finally meet face to face.

As one critic said, “This Aldub craze started to take over the world through different social media and continued to cause commotion in everybody’s schedule for the day.”

I most certainly agree. In fact

Mcdonald’s to fully transition...

From Page SF3 strategies to ensure our hens are well-cared for.”

In 2000, Mcdonald’s USA was the first food service company to adopt a standard for hen housing systems, which provided more space per bird than the industry standard. In 2010, the company initiated research with the Coalition for a Sustainable egg Supply to better understand the impact of various hen housing systems on animal health and welfare, the environment, worker health, food safety and food affordability.

This research provided important insights into the trade-offs of various housing systems for the company to make informed sourcing decisions.

Today’s news follows other actions announced this year by Mcdonald’s USA to source only chicken raised without antibiotics important to human medicine by 2017 and to offer milk jugs of low-fat white milk and fat-free chocolate milk from cows that have not been treated with rbST, an artificial growth hormone.

In addition, Mcdonald’s USA

writing about this had me smiling the whole time.

It’s nice to see something on TV that is “organically” pleasing to watch. out of the many things that media tried to manufacture, this one—I have to admit—they did right. Good job to the creators of Aldub. Borrowing the words of Lola Nidora, things are done right “sa tamang panahon.”

Goodluck Alden and Yaya dub! #kiligpamore *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

introduced the Artisan Grilled Chicken patty, seasoned with simple, everyday ingredients and introduced a new contemporary salad blend of romaine, baby spinach and baby kale.

Mcdonald’s is also moving from liquid margarine to real butter on english muffins, biscuits and bagels on the breakfast menu and has introduced a new Buttermilk Crispy Chicken, which uses real buttermilk in the breading.

Mcdonald’s Canada introduced a salad leaf blend, including baby kale, in its three chef-inspired contemporary salads in May 2015. *Advertising Supplement

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