San Francisco Edition -- September 25 -- Oct 1, 2015

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Volume 14 - No. 39 • 3 Sections – 20 Pages

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DATELINE

USA

from The AJPreSS NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Fil-Am nominated to head Defense Health Agency PreSIDeNT Barack obama has nominated a filipina for a high-ranking promotion in the United States Navy. rear Admiral raquel C. Bono, who was promoted in September 2014, was nominated by the president to the rank of Vice Admiral and for the position of Defense health Agency (DhA) director. She currently serves as director of the DhA’s National Capital region medical Directorate and the 11th chief of the Navy medical Corps.

If Bono’s nomination is approved, she will become the highest-ranking filipino-American naval officer in the US. The news was announced by Defense Secretary Ash Carter on Thursday, Sept. 17.

As DhA director, she will oversee an organization responsible for executing the military health program, including providing comPAGE A3

Fil-Am teen pleads not guilty in killing of 8-year-old girl

A fILIPINo-American teenager who was charged as an adult in the murder of an 8-yearold girl earlier this year in Santa Cruz, California, pleaded not guilty monday, Sept. 21.

Adrian Jerry Gonzalez, 15, faces one count of murder with the special circumstance that he allegedly kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and tied up madyson “maddy” middleton before killing her, according to Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeffrey rosell. Gonzalez is also accused of lying in wait.

The teen has also been charged with one count of kidnapping and four other sexual assault-related offenses, according to rosell.

“We have charged this individual as an adult with the crimes for which he is responsible,” he said. “We are going to bring him to justice.”

At Gonzalez’s first court appearance on Thursday, July 30, the 15-year-old did not enter a plea. Later at his arraignment on monday, Sept. 21, he pleaded not guilty, Inquirer. net reported.

PAGE A3

S e Pt e mbe r 2 5 - o c t o be r 1 , 2 0 1 5

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEw YORk/NEw JERSEY

SWS presidential survey: Poe, Binay, Roxas ‘statistically tied’

by Catherine

S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

NeXT year’s presidential elections would be a neck and neck race among the top three frontrunners, results of the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) sur-

vey said.

According to the SWS presidential preference survey, Sen. Grace Poe, Vice President Jejomar Binay and former Interior Secretary manuel roxas II are “statistically tied.”

Poe–an independent who declared her intention to vie for the nation’s top-most elective position just last week–got the nod of 26 percent of the 1,200 responFormer Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, Vice President Jejomar Binay and dents surveyed while Binay and Sen. Grace Poe are leading the latest Social Weather Stations presidential Philstar.com photos PAGE A2 survey.

Papal visit: Pope Francis welcomed to the US Pope addresses President obama, urges action on global issues, and celebrates Mass by allySon

eSCobar

AJPress

oN his first day in the US, Pope francis has begun his full agenda, bringing together political leaders and thousands of believers from around the nation.

The Pope arrived in the afternoon on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at Joint Base Andrews in maryland, where he was welcomed by President obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and their families. his trip to the US will last six days, visiting Washington D.C., New York, and Philadelphia.

Pope francis, 78, is the third pope to visit the nation’s capital, and the fourth to visit the United States--nearly 50 years after Pope Paul IV made the first visit by a pontiff in 1965.

Before his arrival, the Pope spent four days in Cuba visiting with religious leaders and families, and celebrating holy mass at the Basilica of the President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama wave goodbye to Pope Francis as his motorcade departs Joint Base Andrews, Md., Shrine of the Virgin of Charity in Santiago. on Tuesday, Sept. 22.

White House photo by Pete Souza PAGE A2

Filipino community ignored at 5M Planning Commission Hearing hUNDreDS of members of the San francisco filipino community present at a Planning Commission hearing for 10 hours urged the Commission to discontinue a planned 5m project, but their testimonies fell on deaf ears. Untouched by the impassioned pleas, the filipino community erupted in frustration and disappointment when the Commissioners decided to go ahead with the project.

The 4-acre development

site at fifth and mission being pushed by landowners hearst Corporation and developers forest City proposes over 600 units of market rate housing and over 650,000 square feet of office space, with only 8.5 percent (58 units) of affordable housing units on site.

“The 5m Project will cause the third wave of displacement for filipino communities in San francisco” says Angelica Cabande, Director of the South of market

Community Action Network (SomCAN), a lead organization in the citywide community coalition, Soma Action Committee (SmAC). Gentrification is the racialized displacement of low-income people—the out-migration of longtime residents, many of whom may be renters, lowincome residents, and people of color. It seems the Planning Commission played their part in ensuring that filipinos will continue to be displaced from

their neighborhoods. filipinos were first displaced from manilatown adjacent to Chinatown in the evictions from the I-hotel in a decade long struggle beginning in the late 1960s. Then filipinos were displaced in the 1980’s through redevelopment to create what was misidentified as a “new neighborhood to be called Yerba Buena that turned a once dilapidated area of the city into an urban oasis.”

“We resent the fact that once again, the City and developers are treating a working class community filled with people of color as blight.

We are a thriving community that supports diversity, families and the cultural heritage of filipinos who have called Soma home for generations.

Instead, we’re treated like second class citizens whose existing community planning efforts and legitimate conPAGE A2

Binay’s ‘stars’ to come out ‘in due time’ Coloma denies NY Times report stating by teSSa

MauriCio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

SeN. Nancy Binay on Tuesday, Sept. 22 said celebrities who support her father’s bid for the presidency will come out soon.

“Sa tamang panahon [In due time],” Binay quipped, quoting the famous lesson of Lola Nidora

Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay

in “eat Bulaga’s” popular “Kalyeserye.”

In a brief one-on-one with The Manila Times before Vice President Jejomar Binay arrived at a roundtable with select members of the entertainment press in a Quezon City restaurant, Sen. Binay explained why they have not identified the stars who will support her father.

“Based on experience, we don’t want to risk dragging them [celebrity supporters] into our situation,” she said, obviously referring to allegations of corruption against the Vice President and several other members of their family.

“If you remember, when Congressman manny Pacquiao attended the UNA [United Nationalist Alliance] rally in support of my dad, he suddenly had the BIr [Bureau of Internal revenue] harassing him,” according to the senator.

She said the Vice President, even in his mayoral campaigns in

makati City, hardly brought along celebrity endorsers in his sorties.

“Usually, it’s our children who would sing or dance,” she laughed. “even when he [Binay] ran for Vice President in 2010, robin Padilla only joined him on very few occasions.”

The Binay camp confirmed that as far as actors go, Alma moreno is organizing a women’s group in mindanao to rally behind the Vice President’s campaign. [The actress gathered some influence in the South during her five-year marriage to marawi City mayor Sultan fahad “Pre” Salic].

But if Vice President Binay had to choose celebrity endorsers for what will be the toughest fight of his political life, he would go for the phenomenal tandem of AlDub. Binay cited the AlDub phenomenon for it allowed him to take a swipe at his political enemies.

“Talung-talo na nung AlDub PAGE A3

PH requested $300 million in military aid by agneS

ConStante AJPress

AmID ongoing territorial quarrels about the South China Sea, the Aquino administration requested $300 million in military aid from the United States, according to a report by the New York Times. however, Philippine Presidential Communications Secretary herminio Coloma, Jr. repudiated the report, citing a lack of explicit information on the claim.

“Wala tayong tuwirang information tungkol diyan at kailangan muna nating alamin kung ano ang isinasaad ng ulat na ‘yan at berepikahin kung merong batayan (We don’t have any direct information about that matter and we first need to know what the report said and verify if there is proof),” Coloma said in a press

briefing, according to Philstar.

The Sept. 19 report by the Times stated that the Philippines’ request was rejected on the grounds of potential corruption and worries about the country’s ability to handle such an incoming of resources.

PAGE A2

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A

september 25-october 1, 2015 • NorcAL AsIAN JoUrNAL

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

From the Front Page

SWS presidential survey: Poe...

PAGE A1 Roxas got 24 and 20 percentage points, respectively.

The survey, which was reportedly designed by BusinessWorld, asked the respondents to select one name from an alphabetically-arranged list of possible presidential candidates.

It was conducted from September 2 to 5.

The respondents were asked, “Among the names found in this list, who will you probably vote for as President of the Philippines if elections were held today?”

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte came in fourth with 11 percent followed by Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero with 4 percent, deposed president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada had 3 percent, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago had 2 percent and former sena-

tor Manuel Villar Jr., 1 percent.

Former senator Panfilo Lacson and Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Loren Legarda each obtained 0.8 percent.

Two percent of the respondents were undecided.

Meanwhile, Poe and his running mate Escudero led the vicepresidential race in the September 2015 pre-election survey.

Based on the survey, 27 percent of registered voters chose Poe while 20 percent picked Escudero.

Duterte scored 9 percent, Marcos had 7 percent, Estrada had 7 percent, Cayetano 5 percent, Legarda 5 percent, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto had 4 percent, Senator Antonio F. Trillanes 4th also had 4 percent, Lacson had 3 percent, Camarines Rep. Leni Robredo had 3 percent, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada had 2 percent and Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza, 0.9 percent.

Three percent of those polled were undecided.

Poe said she is looking forward to the next survey, which she said would reflect how the people take her intention to be the next leader of the land.

“I thank our countrymen for their continued confidence in me and my performance and hopes for the country,” she told reporters.

“I’m looking forward to the proceeding surveys where the respondents are already aware of my intention to run and have also had a preview of the programs I wish to promote and support,” the senator said.

Rico Quicho, the Vice President’s political spokesman, said the survey will inspire Binay and his supporters to work harder.

“The elections will be a battle for every single vote and the Vice President will continue to personally meet with the people around the country,” Quicho added.

Coloma denies NY Times report...

PAGE A1 A Philippine official who spoke to the Times on the condition of anonymity said the Aquino administration requested for the aid this year because “it needs a substantial buildup of planes and ships to deter Chinese expansionism.”

Philippine lawmakers in 1991 voted to expel American troops from the country to break free from the “shackles of dictatorship.” But with continuing disputes in the South China Sea, the Philippines is considering whether or not to invite the US Navy back to Subic Bay, accord-

ing to the Times, a naval base that was involved in nearly each American conflict in the 20th century.

Last year, the Philippine government signed a 10-year agreement that would allow America to station weapons, troops and military equipment at bases throughout the country, which would prepare for the return of America to some facilities, such as Subic Bay and Clark Air Base, the Times reported.

However, the arrangement faces legal challenges and mixed feelings from Filipinos, who largely perceive the United States

in a positive light but are unsure about American troops being stationed in the Philippines.

Furthermore, there are worries about how China could respond to American aid.

“When the elephants brawl, ants should be spared,” said Rene Augusto Saguisag, among a group of former senators who voted to dismiss American troops in 1991, according to the Times.

Saguisag has also petitioned the Philippines Supreme Court to block the military agreement.

“The US and China should leave us alone and not involve us in the quarrels of the strong.”

Secretary Coloma dismissed the claim in the Times’ report, based on the fact that US military bases are not permitted to operate in the Philippines.

“Labag sa Konstitusyon ‘yung pagkakaroon ng mga foreign military troops. At kahit kailanman ay hindi gumagawa ng labag sa Konstitusyon o batas ang ating pamahalaan. Kaya walang batayan at walang katotohanan ang paratang na iyan (It’s against the [Philippine] Constitution to have foreign military troops. And our government has never committed any violations against the Constitution or the PAGE A4

Papal visit: Pope Francis welcomed to the...

PAGE A1

Pope Francis was welcomed at the White House on the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 23, greeting thousands who eagerly waited for hours on the South Lawn for a glimpse of the Roman Catholic Church leader. He arrived in a modest black Fiat at the South Portico of the White House, where Obama greeted and escorted him onto a redcarpeted stage in front of 11,000 ticketed guests.

Obama thanked Pope Francis for his help in facilitating friendly diplomatic relations with Cuba, and hailed him for speaking out for the poor, ill and impoverished, and for his focus on climate change, the New York Times said.

“Holy Father, you remind us that we have a sacred obligation to protect our planet--God’s magnificent gift to us,” Obama said. “We support your call to all world leaders to support the communities most vulnerable to a changing climate and to come together to preserve our precious world for future generations.”

After a Marine band played the American national anthem and the Pontifical anthem, Pope Francis stood to make his first major speech in English.

“As the son of an immigrant family, I am happy to be a guest in this country, which was largely built by such families,” he opened. “I look forward to these days of encounter and dialogue, in which I hope to listen to, and share, many of the hopes and dreams of the American people.”

The Pontiff spoke about issues that cut to the heart of American politics, including immigration, climate change, and caring for the poorest of the poor. In his heavy Spanish accent, he also quoted from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

“American Catholics are committed to building a society which is truly tolerant and inclusive, to safeguarding the rights of individuals and communities, and to rejecting every form of unjust discrimination….we can say that we have defaulted on a promissory note, and now is the

time to honor it.”

Pope Francis also lifted up the right to religious liberty, calling it “one of America’s most precious possessions,” reported The Huffington Post.

“As my brothers, the United States Bishops, have reminded us, all are called to be vigilant, precisely as good citizens, to preserve and defend that freedom from everything that would threaten or compromise it,” he said.

The Pope applauded Obama for his efforts on reducing air pollution and establishing climate change, calling it a problem that “can no longer be left to a future generation.” He quoted from his second encyclical Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home, which discusses the Catholic teaching on ecology, climate change, and care for the environment: “[…]We are living at a critical moment of history.

We still have time to make the changes needed to bring about a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change.”

PAGE A4

Filipino community ignored...

PAGE A1 cerns are completely ignored,” Cabande says. The highest concentration of Filipinos in San Francisco live in SoMa. Artists came out strong against the 5M project, especially because of the lack of community outreach and involvement. “It is at the end of the process where so much of the decisions have already been decided and our suggestion are only taken in advisement and not consideration.

It feels as if we are just another diversity box to be checked,” says Lorna Velasco, Artistic Director of Bindlestiff Studio, a 26year old theater space in SoMa. “We should be invited a place at the table where we could be heard from the very beginning of the process, not near the end where we are an afterthought,” she says.

While efforts to pass the Filipino Heritage District have been sidelined since 2008, the 5M Project sails through exception after exception creating a new

precedent in the City where massive upzoning and increased land value is granted to developers without concern over existing zoning, City-led public processes, or impact to existing residents. The nearly 400-foot massive office building proposed at 5M is on a Youth and Family Special Use District and will completely destroy any protections afforded by this zoning.

“We demand an anti-displacement and stabilization plan,” was a repeated refrain from the residents, artists, and staff of community-serving organizations of the South of Market. What the Planning Department presented instead was an incomplete and misleading map of of the surrounding area, thrown together last minute and summarily criticized by several speakers, including Jadma Noronha of Mission SRO Collaborative.

The Filipino community erupted over the Planning Commission’s decision to continue the 5M Project. In the first ever

“mike check” at Planning Commission, Filipina leaders yelled “Who are you building for?” and “Plan for people, not for profits!” backed by dozens of community members in a people’s filibuster of the hearing.

The 11-hour Planning Commission Hearing on 5M was a display of cross-community organizing, with allies representing groups from the Mission, Excelsior, the Tenderloin, Potrero, Cathedral Hill, Rincon Hill and Chinatown.

The 5M Project disrespects “the hundreds of volunteers in D6 and across San Francisco donating their time to community planning. It dismisses their contributions by exempting 5M from the planning process through ordinances, a Special Use District and Development Agreement before any meaningful community engagement,” says Marlayne Morgan of the Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods and Neighborhood Network, endorsers of SMAC. Not all the Planning Commissioners were in support of the project. “We greatly appreciate the support we received from Commissioner Dennis Richards, who put forward a motion to continue the project, and Commissioners Kathrin Moore and Cindy Wu for voting down the project,” says Theresa Imperial of Veterans Equity Center. “It’s disappointing, yet to be expected that the four Mayoral appointees, President Fong, and Commissioners Johnson, Antonini and Hillis, all voted in favor of the project and against a continuance. We know that Mayor Ed Lee has been pushing hard for the project and we’re disheartened that after being a tenant lawyer in the I-Hotel struggle, Mayor Lee is now turning his back on Filipinos.”

One of the most heartfelt public comments came from Samantha Penaflor Dizon of Kearny Street Workshop in SoMa, “Bright future you’re shaping but who is it for? Not the people who built it. I don’t see the Filipino community anymore?

Exclusive future you’re shaping without existing culture at its core? Forgetting the people who built it -- deals cut behind closed doors.” (WestBay)

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

Dateline USa

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SeptembeR 25-OCtObeR 1, 2015

A

Victims of wildfires should reschedule their appointments, arrange to replace lost immigration documents SAN FRANCISCO—The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) advises any immigrants who were evacuated or who lost their homes as a result of the recent wildfires, and had appointments with USCIS, that they can conveniently reschedule their appointments by calling the customer service phone number, 1(800)375-5283. InfoPass appointments as well as interview appointments for permanent residency or citizenship can be rescheduled in this way.

Applicants for federal disaster assistance may need to prove citizenship or immigration status.

Naturalized citizens may also be required to show their certificates to replace passports, register to vote, or apply for federal benefits not related to the fires. Filing quickly to

replace a lost certificate can avoid inconvenience in the future.

Fee waivers are available for those who can’t afford to pay for USCIS services. USCIS understands that some people may not be able to provide evidence of income and assets due to their homes having been destroyed. A list of alternative evidence to support a fee waiver can be found in the instructions for Form I-912.

USCIS will also consider waiving the fee for the collection of biometrics, which is required when filing a Form I-90, if requested by a customer affected by the fires. All requests are considered on a caseby-case basis.

Fee waiver requests submitted in connection with the following three applications are covered by this announcement: Application

to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90); Application for Replacement Naturalization or Citizenship Document (Form N565); and Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765).

A Request for Fee Waiver (Form I912) should accompany any filing.

These forms can be downloaded for free from the USCIS web site, www.uscis.gov.

Those who would like to come to the USCIS offices in San Francisco or San Jose to talk to an information officer and pick up forms should make an appointment, if possible, at the USCIS Website by clicking on “make an appointment.” After filing to replace a lost permanent resident card, customers may make an appointment to have a temporary replacement issued.

Fil-Am nominated to head Defense...

PAGE A1 mon health services for military hospitals and clinics, overseeing Tricare, and managing the system’s information technology, education, training, research and facilities programs.

Vice Admiral Matthew L. Nathan, the Navy surgeon general, has described Bono as a “role model for others to emulate,” acknowledging the contributions of her veteran family.

Bono’s grandfather served as a Filipino obstetrician in the US Army as a colonel during World War II, according to Inquirer.

Twenty years later, Bono’s parents migrated to the US and settled in Minnesota, where her father finished his surgical residency and joined the Navy Reserve, retiring as a captain.

Bono and her younger brother, retired Rear Admiral Anatolio B. “AB” Cruz III, made US Navy history in 2012 when they became the first and only Filipino siblings to hold flag-officer

ranks simultaneously, the DHA reported.

Cruz served as deputy commander of the US Naval Forces Southern Command and deputy commander, US Fourth Fleet.

“These two Navy officers are serving as prime examples of the diversity found within the Navy’s ranks,” said a press release from the US Department of Defense in 2012.

Service to others, service to country Commissioned in June 1979, Rear Admiral Raquel Bono received her baccalaureate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and attended medical school at Texas Tech University, according to her official biography.

As the eldest child, she initially wanted to go into nursing, but her father challenged her to go even further to become a doctor. “[Raquel] was the smart one and very disciplined at everything she did,” brother AB Cruz

Fil-Am teen pleads not guilty...

PAGE A1 Gonzalez’s lawyer Larry Biggam told reporters, “Our job is to review the evidence, conduct our own investigation, and make sure that the minor—like every citizen accused—receives a fair trial.”

Maddy was last seen around 5:05pm on Sunday, July 26 riding her white Razor scooter in the Tannery Arts Center on River Street, a public-private nonprofit artists colony in Santa Cruz where both she and Gonzalez lived. Her disappearance prompted a frantic overnight search, and FBI investigators went door-to-door looking for clues. The massive search involved volunteers from neighbors, to officials, to relatives and friends.

Around 250 people live in the Tannery Arts Center complex, including about 50 children.

At 7:55pm on Monday, July 27, a little more than 24 hours after she disappeared, a police detective discovered Maddy’s body—4 feet tall, 46 pounds—lying at the bottom of the recycling bin, which had already been searched once by volunteers.

Investigators reportedly saw Gonzalez standing near the bin, causing automatic suspicion.

Police believe he was watching them as they searched, and said they have evidence tying him directly to Maddy.

The boy was detained and later arrested on suspicion of homicide, and is being held in a juvenile detention facility.

Gonzalez was described as a well-liked, quiet and polite young man and a “yo-yo expert.” According to a former classmate, Gonzalez’s father was absent and his mother is from Romblon, an island in the Luzon region of the Philippines.

Residents at the eight-acre complex were “stunned” to learn their neighbor was suspected in the killing.

“We’re just devastated. These are two of our kids, and one is dead and one has been taken away. And it’s horrible. It’s just horrible,” said resident Yasmina Porter, whose two children, ages 11 and 13, had regularly played with both the young victim and the suspect.

“From the community’s standpoint, we mostly feel like these are our babies,” Porter said.

“This is the most horrible thing you can imagine.”

Santa Cruz police Chief Kevin Vogel said Gonzalez lured Maddy to his family’s upstairs apartment, where they were alone, and killed her. He then reportedly carried her body downstairs to a garage and hid it in the recycling bin. Police officials believe Maddy willingly went to Gonzalez’s apartment because she knew and trusted him.

“She was 8 years old. She had a reasonable amount of trust in him,” Vogel said. “They were “It is my belief that [Maddy] was killed even before we got the phone call Sunday at about 6pm, when she was first reported missing,” he added.

Gonzalez is being tried as an adult on the counts of murder, kidnapping, and rape. In their decision to determine charges, prosecutors looked at the Filipino teen’s age, his criminal record, the nature of the crime and how the offense was committed, Rosell said.

If convicted of the charges, Gonzalez may face life in prison.

Because of his age, he is not eligible for the death penalty.

He was ordered to re-appear in court on Oct. 29.

An autopsy of Maddy shows that she died of asphyxiation and stab wounds to the neck.

“People do things for lots of different reasons,” Rosell said.

“Sometimes we understand them, sometimes we don’t.” (Allyson Escobar/AJPress)

Binay’s ‘stars’ to come out...

PAGE A1 [Kaleyeserye] yung teleserye sa Senado [The AlDub kalyeserye has eclipsed the Senate teleserye],” he also quipped. “That soap opera [in the Senate] has been going on for over a year and it’s already waning.”

“When I go around the country, I tell people who may just start believing these lies that I’m used to this kind of demolition job. Even when I was mayor of Makati, I had sacks upon sacks of allegations filed against me. But have I ever even been suspended or convicted of any crime?” he asked rhetorically. “The answer is never.”

“The Senate inquiry should be made in aid of legislation. If they really had something against me, they should try me in a court of law,” the Vice President said.

When asked whether he has ever thought of giving up his bid for the presidency amid the seem-

ingly endless controversies, Binay replied, “Have you ever read the book by JFK [John F. Kennedy], Profiles in Courage? He said public service is a beautiful profession, and my quest for the presidency is just a continuation of my passion for public service.”

He promised that if he makes it to Malacañang, he will not take revenge on his enemies because he wants his administration to be “healing and unifying.”

Indulging a “showbiz” question, the Vice President said if his life story were to become a movie, he would choose Alden Richards to portray his character (Alden is the “Al” in “AlDub”).

“Pero maputi ho siya [But he is fair-skinned],” reacted one columnist.

“Bakit, puwede namang kulayan si Alden, di ba [Why, we can color Alden],” the Vice President retorted.

commented. “Dad set the bar and she raised that bar. Quite frankly, she deserved to make flag before I did.”

Bono was well trained in the health professions; after completing a surgical internship, Trauma and Critical Care fellowship, and her general surgery residency at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. She was the first woman to graduate from the program.

“What I enjoyed about being in the Navy was that I always felt confident in my ability to be advanced was going to be based on my capabilities and my performance. I felt that I had an eq-

WORLD CLASS ATHLETES. President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a Team Philippines jacket from the athletes and coaches of the Philippine representatives to the International Cheer Union 2015 World Cheerleading Championships for a photo opportunity during the courtesy call at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday, Sept. 21. Team Philippines bagged a silver and two bronze medals in the 2015 International Cheer Union (ICU) World Cheerleading Championships at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida in April.

Malacañang photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr.

uitable opportunity to succeed,” Bono said in a 2012 interview with the Asian Journal.

Shortly after training, Bono saw duty in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm as head, Casualty Receiving, Fleet Hospital Five in Saudi Arabia from August 1990 to March 1991.

Later, she was stationed at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth as a surgeon in the General Surgery department; surgical intensivist in the Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Unit, and attending surgeon at the Burn Trauma Unit at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

Other prestigious duties/positions she held were director of Restorative Care, medical corps career planning officer,

director for Medical-Surgical Services at the National Naval Medical Center, and executive assistant to the 35th Navy Surgeon General and Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. She also held many top positions, such as commanding officer, chief of staff, deputy director of the Office of the assistant secretary of Defense, Health Affairs (OASD/HA), director of Medical Resources, Plans and Policy (N093), Chief of Naval Operations, and in 2011, the command surgeon of U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, as well as acting commander Joint Task Force National Capital Region Medical (2013).

As of 2014, Bono currently serves as director, National Cap-

ital Region Medical Directorate of the Defense Health Agency, and as the 11th Chief, Navy Medical Corps.

Bono’s personal decorations and recognitions include Defense Superior Service Medal (2), Legion of Merit Medal (4), Meritorious Service Medal (2), and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal (2). She was also awarded in 2009 as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina American Women in the US. “Service to others; service to country,” Bono said of her words to live by. “It was ingrained in us by our father and mother in gratitude to their adopted country, the United States.” (Allyson Escobar/AJPress)

A

september 25-october 1, 2015 • NorcAL AsIAN JoUrNAL

Dateline USa

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

Lawmakers push initiative to end California death penalty

by Allyson

EscobAr

AJPress

A BALLOT proposal that could completely abolish California’s death penalty is already on life support.

The initiative would strike death as a possible punishment from the state’s Penal Code, substituting life imprisonment without parole.

California state law currently allows for the death penalty.

“The death penalty in America may be living on borrowed time,”

USA Today reported.

The ballot’s proponent, actor Mike Farrell, would have 180 days from when the secretary of state’s office enters the measure into circulation to collect the needed 365,880 signatures.

California has not executed a death row inmate in nearly a decade, with the last one being in 2006, according to The Sacramento Bee. Farrell’s initiative also stresses in calling the death penalty an “empty promise” that drains public resources.

“The state spends millions of taxpayer dollars providing lawyers for death row inmates, only to see the murderers it has sentenced to death by execution die of old age in prison,” the proposal reads.

In June, death penalty advocates who sued in Sacramento Superior Court in 2014 won a critical settlement when the state agreed to develop a new method for lethal injection executions, using just one drug.

Opponents of the death penalty argue that it will take more time and money drawing up a new procedure to restart executions in California, with many legal obstacles to face.

California currently houses the nation’s largest number of

condemned inmates, nearly onequarter of the more than 3,000 nationwide. The list also includes 21 women housed at a state prison in Chowchilla.

Other opponents say they doubt any more prisoners will be executed at all, as more voters turn against the practice and they continue to challenge the state in court at every turn.

Currently in California, nearly 20 inmates on death row are believed to have exhausted all appeals and be eligible for execution. However, the state lacks a court-approved way to kill them.

“There seems to be a massive reassessment underway in this country in terms of capital punishment,” said Kathryn Kase, execu-

Coloma denies NY Times report...

PAGE A2 laws of our government. There is no proof and there is no truth to that accusation),” Coloma said, according to Philstar.

In the disputed territory that China has pushed to established as its own, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam are among other countries claiming certain parts of it. However,

China’s efforts have affected the Philippines the most.

“The fight hasn’t even started yet, and it looks like the Philippines government has already surrendered,” Renato Etac, 35, a fishing boat captain who says Chinese vessels in the area routinely chase and attempt to ram his ship, told the Times. “I can’t even count

tive director of the Texas Defender Service, which provides legal aid for those facing death row. “Everywhere you look with the death penalty, there’s a problem.”

Farrell’s ballot also points to the “fatal mistakes” of innocent people being carelessly sentenced to death as a reason to end capital punishment in California.

“Wrongful convictions rob innocent people of decades of their lives, waste tax dollars, and retraumatize the victims’ families, while the real killers remain free to kill again,” the proposal said.

In 2012, California voters rejected a death penalty repeal-known as Proposition 34--by a 52 to 48 percent margin. Polls have consistently shown general public

support for capital punishment.

A growing number of states– seven, since 2007–have already abolished the death penalty. Earlier this year, Nebraska, traditionally a conservative state, became the 19th state to ban capital punishment.

The federal government has not carried out an execution since 2003. An unofficial moratorium has been declared, pending the completion of a Justice Department review of the death penalty ordered by President Obama.

However, the average time spent on death row for those eventually executed continued to rise until 2011, with a peak of 16.5 years, before slightly dipping to 15.5 years in 2013. n

the Chinese ships I see, there are so many.”

If the pact between the US and Philippines pulls through, America would be able to position itself less than 500 miles away from the new islands built

by China.

“The issue of the West Philippines Sea is a shared responsibility of the Philippines and the United States,” said Fernando Manalo, a Philippine defense of-

ficial, according to the Times.

However, US Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), told the publication it would take time for the two countries to re-establish a trust.

“If you look what happened in Subic Bay, that was a pretty abrupt turnaround by the Philippines. I think memory probably lingers both in the Philippines and the United States,” Sullivan said. n

Papal visit: Pope Francis welcomed to the...

PAGE A2

“As Christians inspired by this certainty, we wish to commit ourselves to the conscious and responsible care for our common home.”

He finished with a cry for Americans to “support the efforts of the international community to protect the vulnerable in our world,” and to continue fueling “integral and inclusive models of development, so that our brothers and sisters everywhere may know the blessings of peace and prosperity which God calls for all his children.”

After a private meeting with Obama following the ceremony, the Pope held a meeting and prayer service with US bishops at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in D.C., followed by a Holy Canonization Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic Church in the US. At the afternoon mass, Francis canonized Blessed Junipero Serra, an 18th century Spanish Franciscan priest who led the

California Missions movement, including nine missions from San Diego to San Francisco. Father Serra became the first saint canonized on US soil.

The Holy Mass--Pope Francis’ first-ever Mass in the US--was celebrated in Spanish, with at least 20,000 devoted believers in attendance.

“You shake our conscience from slumber. You call on us to rejoice in good news and give us confidence that we can come together, in humility and service, and pursue a world that is more loving, more just and more free,” President Obama told the Pontiff earlier.

On Thursday, Sept. 24, Francis will make a historic visit to Capitol Hill, becoming the first pope to address a joint meeting of Congress, according to the New York Times. He was invited

by House Speaker John A. Boehner.

“The pope will not be speaking primarily as a politician. He will not be speaking like a technical expert. He will not be speaking like a high UN official,” said

Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Vatican’s permanent observer to the United Nations. “But he will be speaking, above all, as a pastor, as a religious leader, as a Father.”

Francis is expected to speak about issues close to his heart, once again bringing up the Catholic stance on climate change, immigration issues, and religious freedom. He will also likely touch upon sensitive issues that divide him from popular American thought, including abortion and the definition of marriage.

“Pope Francis is the ultimate Washington outsider. His priorities are not Washington’s priorities,” John Carr, director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University, told CNN. “We think we are the center of the world. We are not the center of Pope Francis’ world.”

Aside from his modest, humble lifestyle, Francis has been known for his blunt critiques of society and global economics, commenting on everything from capital-

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ism to foreign economics.

“Poverty, social justice, climate change, and what we call peaceful institutions and societies,” Archbishop Auza said.

“These are also the priorities of the Catholic Church.”

Surveys show broad support among Americans for Pope Francis and his direction in leading the Catholic Church.

A New York Times/CBS News poll found that 41 percent of Americans had a favorable view of Francis, compared with 8 percent of a negative view. The same poll also found that 63 percent of American Catholics approved of Francis, about 20 percentage points higher than his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Francis will also address the headquarters of the United Nations in New York on Sept. 25, where he will meet with world leaders to discuss global issues in light of Catholic perspectives. He will celebrate Holy Mass Friday night at Madison Square Garden, then depart to Philadelphia for the weekend to attend the World Meeting of Families. (With reports from Momar G. Visaya / AJPress)

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Marcos to announce presidential bid in Pangasinan?

by Perseus

eCheminada Philstar.com

MANILA—Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. could announce his presidential bid during a gathering of northern Luzon political leaders in Mangaldan, Pangasinan on Sunday, Sept.

27, according to top officials of the newly formed Pagkaka-isa ng Mga Pilipino Para sa Pilipinas (PPP).

Vicente Millora and Jose Malvar Villegas, PPP chairman and president, respectively, told The REVELRY. Thousands of pilgrims join the procession of Our Lady of Penafrancia locally named Star that they expect Marcos to as “INA” in Naga City before the fluvial parade in Naga River on Saturday, Sept. 19. announce his candidacy durInquirer.net photo by Mark Alvic Esplana ing the gathering organized by “Marcos friends” in Pangasinan and other parts of Luzon.

“Senator Marcos is definitely running as president, not vice president, it’s just a matter of time, we are preparing for the big event,” Millora said.

16 Filipino fishermen sue China at UN over sea dispute

by Gabriel

Cardinoza Inquirer.net

INFANTA, Pangasinan—Sixteen fishermen from a western Pangasinan town on Tuesday, Sept. 22 appealed to the United Nations to ask China to respect their rights over their traditional fishing grounds in the Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. In a 26-page petition e-mailed to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and to the UN special rapporteurs on the right to food and on the negative impact of the unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, the fishermen said that China must respect their right to livelihood, adequate food and life.

The petition was signed by Mario Tabat, 59; Domingo Cabacungan, 43; Elmer Roldan, 28; Edwin Roldan, 23; Alladin Muñoz, 44; Bonifacio Villaram, 32; Rani Espinosa, 36; Francisco Bugawe, 45; Sonny Sibulan, 24; Oliver Bejar, 25; Ruel Beltran, 43; Peljun Poloso, 41; Jowe Legaspi, 45; Vicente Paluan Jr., 38; Ricardo Paluan, 46; and Eddie Salvador, 30.

They were represented by lawyers Harry Roque Jr. and Gilbert Andres of the Center for International Law Inc., a nongovernment organization.

Roque said that since April

2012 the fishermen have been experiencing harassment from the Chinese Coast Guard and other Chinese maritime agencies.

The Scarborough Shoal, also called Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc, is a triangular chain of reefs and rocks surrounding a lagoon. It has a perimeter of 46 kilometers and an area of 150 square kilometers, making it a rich fishing ground.

The shoal is 240 km from the coastline of Zambales and western Pangasinan and is within the 370-km exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.

Roque cited an incident involving Poloso, a resident of the fishing village of Cato here, whose fishing boat, “Ruvina,” was rammed three times by a Chinese vessel while fishing with his eight crew members at the shoal in March.

“After the Ruvina was rammed, Chinese Coast Guard rubber boats sped toward [Poloso’s fishing boat]. Each rubber boat had 10 personnel on board, some of whom were armed with automatic rifles,” Roque said.

He said Poloso and his crew were also driven out of the shoal

by Chinese Coast Guard personnel using water cannons on three occasions when they went there to fish from January to February this year.

He said the PPP, a coalition of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) and Partido ng Mangagawa at Magsasaka (PMM), had applied for registration at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as a political party for the 2016 presidential election.

The KBL was founded by former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1978 while the PMM was registered as a political party in 1963.

Earlier, Marcos loyalist Oliver Lozano launched the Kilusang Bagong Liwanag—also using the same acronym—to mobilize support from civic groups for the Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presidential bid of Marcos.

Millora said the PPP has or- tonomous Region in Muslim ganized its national council of Mindanao. leaders, the coalition’s highest He said the Nacionalista Party governing body.

(NP) might not support the presThe new coalition has elected idential bid of Marcos because its vice presidents for Luzon, of its existing coalition with the Visayas, Mindanao and the Au- ruling Liberal Party (LP), which

is fielding former interior secretary Manuel Roxas II as standard bearer.

“The LP and its allies are adopting a no-Marcos policy in selecting their national and local candidates,” Millora said.

Duterte urges supporters to stop ‘Million People March’ by rosette

adel

Philstar.com

MANILA—Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte on Monday called on his supporters to halt the “Million People March” scheduled Saturday, Sept. 26 to urge him to pursue his presidential bid.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte asks his supporters to stop the rally slated on September 26.

“They request for me to run for president. I would like you to do me a favor this time. Pakisabi lang sa lahat huwag nilang gawin sana iyan kasi it would complicate matters. Baka sabihin ng tao atrasabante ako,” Duterte said on Monday, Sept. 21.

Supporters of Duterte organized the gathering dubbed “Million March: Run Duterte Run” to show their support for Duterte’s presidential bid despite his consistent pronouncement that he will not run.

The rally now dubbed as ‘The People’s Call for the People’s President’ was initially scheduled afternoon of Sept. 15, 2015 at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila but was moved 2pm of Sept.

26, 2015 at the Burnham Gardens in front of Quirino Grand-

stand, Manila.

On the Facebook page, Rodrigo Duterte Thumbs-Up Fever 2016, would-be participants of the rally were asked to tie red and blue ribbons bonded by yellow string in cars, and bring candles for the candle lighting ceremony.

“We will all gather together to convince our beloved Mayor Duterte to be our leader...,” the Facebook invitation read.

“Be part of the change - be part of history as we urge the next president to accept the call of the people!!! #Duterte2016,” it added.

Despite the public clamor and supporters’ dismay, Duterte remained consistent with his decision to not run as president.

Duterte reasoned out the lack of finances needed for the campaign and his family among his consid-

erations for not pushing through his presidential bid.

“Ang problema sa akin, ganito.

Hindi ako nanghingi ng pera.

Wala akong pera; wala akong bilyon na naipon. Wala akong alkansya,” Duterte said during the press conference.

He stressed that he had no ambition to take the highest post in the country.

“Wala talaga akong ambisyon mag-presidente,” he added.

Last September 8, Duterte made an official announcement that he will not run for president in the 2016 elections. He added that he will retire after his term as Davao City Mayor.

Duterte said his daughter Sara Duterte will instead run for Davao City Mayor in the coming election.

Nancy Binay not inhibiting in case vs Poe, vows fairness MANILA—Sen. Nancy Binay insisted that she will not inhibit in the disqualification case filed against Sen. Grace Poe as the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) starts its oral arguments on the case.

Binay also vowed to be fair in handling Poe’s case.

The nine-member SET, headed by Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, is set to resolve wheth-

er Poe is a natural-born Filipino citizen or not.

The SET has earlier dropped the residency issue against Poe, citing that it was a “non-issue.”

Defeated senatorial candidate Rizalito David filed the disqualification case against Poe. He vowed to bring the case before the Supreme Court (SC) if he loses in the SET. The SET is composed of its chair, Justice An-

tonio Carpio, Supreme Court Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo-De Castro and Arturo Brion, Sens. Loren Legarda, Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Pia Cayetano, Cynthia Villar and Nancy Binay.

Poe will run against Binay’s father, Vice President Jejomar Binay, and Interior Secretary Mar Roxas for the presidency in the 2016 elections. (Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com)

A

september 25-october 1, 2015 • NorcAL AsIAN JoUrNAL

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OpiniOn

Features

Haunted

IT seems like a lifetime ago when on Sept. 21, 1972, former Pres.

Ferdinand E. Marcos declared martial law in the Philippines. Fortythree years have passed, but the wretched moments of the martial law era have continued to linger on, especially for the people who had to endure it.

From this period in Philippine history, Filipinos must appreciate the genuine meaning of democracy.

It is empowered by the will of the people. It gives the citizenry the power to overturn the culture of corruption, unethical conduct, and self-serving antics of politics.

Around the country, various human rights groups and militant organizations staged protests on Monday, Sept. 21, to call for justice for the victims of human rights abuses during martial law and condemn the “continuing repression and terror” in the country.

“It is true that we need to remind the current and future generations of this dark period of history.

However, it seems that it is the Aquino government that has not learned any of the lessons of the past, as it continues to repeat the crimes of the dictator,” said Members of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) chairperson Carol Araullo said.

For his part, Sen. Bam Aquino urged the nation to continue retelling the stories of martial law, saying “the sacrifices, atrocities and heroism during the darkest years in our country’s history should not be forgotten and must be imparted to today’s generation.”

As a stronger reminder of that tumultuous era, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will construct a P500-million memorial museum for arti-

facts, memorabilia and other items related to the martial law era under the Marcos dictatorship. Around 10,000 materials gathered from 75,000 victims of human rights abuses at the height of military rule in the country will be housed in the memorial museum.

In 2013, the Philippine government passed the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Law, to recognize human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrest and detention under the martial law and indemnify them and their families for the suffering they were put through.

Those qualified were encouraged to file a claim with the Human Rights Claim Board for reparation and/or recognition, as stated in Section 16 of the Act. Successful claimants will secure compensation from the P10-billion with interest worth of funds transferred to the Philippine government by the Swiss Federal Supreme Court in 1997.

According to Sen. Francis Escudero, “this is a first of such human rights legislation in the world where a state recognizes a previous administration’s fault against its own people and not only provides for, but also actually appropriates for reparation.”

However, the fight goes on for those who have filed for their claims. Franciscan Sister Crescencia Lucero of the religious superiors’ Justice and

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Peace Commission alleged that many victims have already applied but have yet to receive their compensation.

“They should be given what is due them,” Lucero said as she urged the current administration to speed up the process.

This compensation is not a gift to cheer the victims. It is giving what they deserve to help repair the damages done onto them and make up for what they lost. While the law may have vindicated them, remnants of the martial law era will stay with them until they receive just compensation. (AJPress)

The ‘Pope Francis Effect’ hits Kababayans in America POPE Francis arrived in the United States on Tuesday, Sept. 22 for a six-day visit, exciting kababayans who wished they were in Manila when the Pontiff visited the Philippines last January.

It is this excitement that compelled many FilAms to travel to Washington DC, New York, or Philadelphia to see the Pope in person and be blessed by his messages of inclusive love, hope, justice and mercy.

The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast Balitang America even reported how some Filipinas even joined the 100-mile walking pilgrimage from Pennsylvania to Washington DC to see the Pope and to share with the Leaders of the Catholic Church a message: dignity for America’s immigrants!

Some of these Filipinas are from Southern California, who are among 100 women who walked the 100 miles for the “We Belong Together” campaign in honor of immigration reform and the first US visit of Pope Francis.

“This issue of immigration is a human rights issue,” said The Fil-Am Aqui Soriano Versoza of the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) Perspective in a Balitang America report.

“It’s also an issue of women in particular because those that are impacted by all these policies this broken immigration Gel SantoS-ReloS system those are impacted the most are women and children”.

Balitang America’s News Bureau Chief Paul Henson reported from The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where Pope Francis will celebrate his first mass in the US. He talked to Bishop Richard Garcia of the Diocese of Monterey, who says the faith of Filipino-Americans has been instrumental in sustaining the spiritual life of the Catholic Church in America.

“They’re keeping our faith alive. I really love

the Filipino people for that because of the devotion they have for the Blessed Mother, for example,” Garcia told Henson in the report.

Here are the comments of Filipinos in America as gathered by Balitang America, in joyful anticipation of the Pope’s visit: “Sa akin nag-resonate is his [Pope Francis’] love for the poor, and the underprivileged, and we are the one that are blessed and we should share it with other people.” — Nenita Aure “Yung issue sa global warming…We are stewards of the Earth, so nag-resonate talaga sa akin [Pope Francis’s message]. — Rosemarie Zamora “Open siya [Pope Francis] sa lahat ng tao, yung nakikinig siya sa lahat ng opinyon pero sinusunod pa rin niya yung mga utos ng Diyos…Yung being merciful, and yung being welcoming sa lahat ng

tao.” — Cecile Salonga “I hope he would be.. a help to the community and to the politicians to invite them to help the struggles of the Filipino World War Two veterans.

Not only the Filipinos but all of the veterans in America….I [also] hope the Pope would try to convince the leaders that..they could avoid any wars and protect the humanity from harm.” — Bernie Ganon, Filipino American Service Group, Inc. “That is what we like with the Pope… He’s pushing for family reunification. remember the Immigration Bill has been dead in the US Congress because the Republicans won’t even [vote on it]”. — Arturo Garcia, Justice for Filipino American Veterans. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos

Shouting match at the Palace, a warning from the generals Commentary

Francisco s. TaTad Malacañang sources have revealed that a nasty shouting match transpired between President B.S. Aquino III and Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad after the Supreme Court ordered the Ombudsman to have them investigated and possibly charged for their role in the manipulation and misuse of the constitutionally outlawed Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) amounting to P150 billion.

It is not known who got the upper hand, but PNoy reportedly blamed Abad for the DAP scandal, and Abad reportedly shot back by reminding PNoy that the program had the President’s full approval and that it was used to bribe Congress in order to remove Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona and implement the rest of his “personal program.”

This reveals two things. First, PNoy is now under investigation by the Ombudsman for possible impeachment, and he is pissed off by it, despite the fact that he remains in virtual control of the impeachment process and has less than a year to stay in office. By tradition, although not specified in the Constitution, the President is immune from suit; but the Supreme Court

effectively divested him of his immunity when it struck down the DAP as unconstitutional and ordered the prosecution of all those involved in it. He is the official author of the DAP. Still, PNoy obviously did not expect to be investigated by the very Ombudsman he had appointed after driving her predecessor out of office, in order to go after his enemies and political targets. He apparently blames Abad for this.

Second, the “fear” Aquino has instilled in his Cabinet members appears to have worn off. Abad’s heated exchange with Aquino shows this. It is a dangerous precedent that could be imitated by other members of the original Hyatt-10, said to be the real power running the Aquino government under Abad. This is the same group, with some minor modifications, which President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ousted from her Cabinet while threatening to oust her.

Not only is Abad the “brains” of Aquino’s ingenious schemes to take full control of the government’s resources; his entire family is virtually in charge of the entire financial and budgetary operations of the government. While he controls the entire Department of Budget and Management (DBM), his only daughter runs the Presidential Management Staff, his only son holds a pivotal position in the Office of the Secretary of Finance; and his wife is not only Executive Vice President of the Liberal Party but also senior Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

In the relationship between Aquino and Abad, the latter is seen as the puppet master, and the former the puppet. Although it has not happened before that the puppet masters had to answer to the puppet, it is happening now, so the relationship is strained, to say the least. It could strain further as more serious cases are brought before the Supreme Court against the Aquino government’s undiminished effort to put vast sums of money under the sole discretion and control of the President. One probable suit could be against the P424.15 billion in lump-sum appropriations embedded in nine strategic departments and two agencies of the government in the 2015 General Appropriations Act, in contemptuous disregard of the Supreme Court ruling declaring such lump sums unconstitutional and void.

The worst is yet to come.

The generals speak out But it is not only the Cabinet that’s on fire. The military, police and entire security sector is equally on fire. And Aquino’s recent reckless statement about an “alternative truth” on the Mamasapano massacre, which cost the lives of 44 Special Action Force police commandos on Jan. 25, 2015 in the hands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, has unduly stoked that fire. PNoy’s statement has prompted a closer look at what the various official inquiries had said and did not say about the massacre. It is now clear to all and sundry —-

infinitely clearer than before— that the truth about the most important issues on Mamasapano was never aired. Why did Aquino discard the established PNP chain of command, and put an important police operations in the hands of a suspended PNP chief? Why did PNoy give the stand-down order which barred the military reinforcement unit from giving support to the beleaguered SAF contingent at the most critical time?

What the public heard on these questions was either a Sphinx-like silence or an elephantine lie. Now, if Aquino really wants to set the record straight, he has to tell us the “untold and unvarnished truth,” rather than an “alternative” one; otherwise, what he really needs is an “alternative lie” to replace the existing one. The search for the real truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth has now been complicated by the latest press reports from abroad on certain details of the Mamasapano affair, which the government had until now suppressed.

A report in the Sept. 16, 2015 issue of the Los Angeles Times, and reprinted on this paper on Sept. 18, 2015, says that “five or six US counter-terrorism advisors assisted (the SAF commandos) from a police command post nearby, tracking the assault team in live video from a US surveillance aircraft circling overhead. Their main role was to provide tactical, live intelligence.” At no point during the inquiries were we ever told that the US government was in-

volved in Operation Exodus; in fact, the US Embassy repeatedly denied any US involvement, even without anyone suggesting it. In light of the LA Times story, the government has a duty to bare all the facts about the US involvement.

Aquino has tried to minimize the public distress over Mamasapano by trying to steamroll the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, arising from the highly questionable Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), which seeks to replace the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) with a new autonomous political entity for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Although fraught with constitutional infirmities, Aquino wanted the proposed BBL rushed to satisfy the desire of Malaysia and other foreign entities.

It took Sen. Ferdinand (Bongbong) Marcos Jr. and a wide array of concerned Filipinos to stop the proposed law from being bulldozed through Congress. But PNoy’s zeal is undiminished. He wants the widely opposed bill passed before he leaves office. Stories have since circulated in the Malaysian political circuit that some $700 million had been coursed through the Malaysian Prime Minister’s office to facilitate the passage of the proposed BBL. It could be pure spin, but it is repeated on both sides of the Sulu Sea with relish, showing what

the CAB/FAB/BBL means to interested parties. But if Aquino is determined to press its passage, an important segment of the military has warned him not to force it.

In a full-page ad in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Sept.

14, 2015, 31 retired senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, reservists and veterans expressed “great apprehension and alarm” over the FAB and the CAB, and strong opposition to the passage of the proposed BBL, in its original form, “even as it now undergoes congressional scrutiny.”

Among the signatories were former Secretary of National Defense and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Renato de Villla, former AFP Chiefs of Staff Gen. Generoso S. Senga, Gen. Alexander Yano, Gen. Efren Abu, Gen. Dionisio Santiago, former Vice of Staff Lt. Gen. Alfredo Filler, Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan, chairman and president of the Association of General and Flag Officers (AGPO), Lt. Gen. Raul S. Urgello, chairman and president, KAMPILAN, Inc., Maj. Gen. Jose Magno, former Commander, CENCOM and SOUTHCOM, Rear Admiral Tagumpay Jardiniano, former Flag Officer in Command, Phillipine Navy, Brig. Gen. Danilo D. Lim, RAM Foundation, Inc. They had never signed any similar declaration on any issue before.

PAGE A7

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Dateline PhiliPPines

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SeptembeR 25-OCtObeR 1, 2015

2016 election candidates won’t be forced to join debates by Comelec

by Tina

G. SanToS Inquirer.net

PrESIDEnTIAL and vice presidential candidates in the 2016 elections will not be forced to participate in the debates set to be organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“We will not force anybody to join the debates. Kung gusto o ayaw, okay lang,” said Comelec Chair Andres Bautista on Monday, Sept. 21 following the poll officials’ preliminary meeting with executives of various media organizations.

As far as the Comelec is concerned, Bautista said they just want to provide a platform for voters to effectively assess the candidates for president and vice president.

“We are doing the candidates a favor by providing a venue, a free venue where they can ventilate their arguments, where they can discuss their platforms of government,” said Bautista, adding that the Comelec, together with the Kapisanan ng Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, would be formulating the guidelines for the debates.

Although participating in the debates would only be on a vol-

untary basis, Bautista warned that the candidates’ non-appearance might not be helpful to their candidacy.

“Ang kanilang pagpunta o hindi pagpunta ay may mensahe din,” the poll chief said.

Section 7 of the Fair Election Act states that the Comelec “may require national television and radio networks to sponsor at least three national debates among presidential candidates and at least one among vice presidential candidates.”

During the meeting, Bautista said the proposed presidential debates will be done thrice with the one in Mindanao (between February 8-22); Visayas (between March 8-21); and Luzon (between April 12-15); while a vice presidential debate is being scheduled in Metro Manila between April 4-8.

Among the issues that could be debated upon are agricultural development, poverty reduction, charter change, peace and order, disaster preparedness, healthcare, education, corruption, public transportation, traffic, electoral reforms, foreign policy, tax reform, and national defense.

Bautista said the debates aim to assist voters in making informed choices during election day.

“It also aims to encourage candidates to focus on substantive issues and public policy pronouncements and provide a mechanism for exacting accountability among elected officials wit regard to their campaign promises,” he said.

He also said earlier that he has already directed their regional and provincial election supervisors to organize similar debates in their area as part of their campaign to shift the elections to be more platform-based rather than focused on personalities.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the debates are a UMBRELLA COUNTRY. Commuters rush through the flooded streets of the Metro to catch the MRT train as thunderstorms and heavy rainfall means to level the political play- stoke fears of being stranded and trapped again in the city’s monstrous traffic.

Inquirer.net photo by Jilson Seckler Tiu ing field especially for candidates who have less financial resources.

Jimenez also urged would-be candidates to include the deby TeTch TorreS-TupaS rizal Monument, a cultural arti- demolition. bates in their campaign itinerary Inquirer.net fact that is undoubtedly part of “In particular, the Honorable as early as now.

THE Solicitor-General on the cultural treasure of the na- Court may require the City May“Sana ngayon pa lang, sinasa- Tuesday, Sept. 22 pushed for tion,” he said. or of Manila: (1) to require DMCI ma niyo na sa campaign sked nyo the demolition of the controverThe Solicitor-General repre- to make necessary changes in ang debate para no excuses later sial Torre de Manila for violatsents the national Museum and the construction of the Torre de on,” said Jimenez in his Twitter ing not only the local laws but the national Commission for Manila or (2) to demolish the account (@jabjimenez). the Constitution.

Culture and the Arts (nCCA). same to the extent that it impairs In a 46-page memorandum The government lawyer said the sightline of the rizal Monudated September 21, Solicitor- demolition should not be at the ment,” Hilbay added.

General Florin Hilbay said “an expense of the government.

The government’s argument order of demolition is a natural Hilbay added that the high is contained in a memorandum lated issues, such as the ongo- consequence of the finding that court could order the City of Ma- submitted to the Supreme Court ing effort of the Commission on the Torre de Manila was built in nila to cause Torre de Manila’s following six oral arguments.

Elections to install the Venezu- violation of national and local elan firm Smartmatic once again laws.”

Hilbay said the rizal Monuat the heart of the 2016 elections, and the determined ef- ment is legally protected since it fort of the oligarchy—-with tacit forms part of the “cultural comsupport from Malacañang— to mons of the republic.”

“The Constitution declares impose a non-Filipino presidential candidate on the Filipino vot- that all the country’s artistic and ers, in contemptuous disregard historical wealth constitutes the of the Constitution. I would not cultural treasure of the nation suggest that the security sector and shall be under the protecis prepared, as it was in 1986, tion of the State. The accompato take direct political action nying mandate is for the State to against the administration, but it conserve, promote and popularis as clear as daylight that as the ize the nation’s historical and constitutional protector of the cultural heritage,” he said addpeople and the State, the Armed ing that even if there is no statForces of the Philippines (AFP) ute, the constitutional mandate will not allow itself to be used by to protect the country’s cultural the Aquino administration or the heritage, including the rizal Monument, still exists. oligarchy for its own ends.

“Thus, as a matter of prinIt could on the other hand support popular action by the ciple, even in the absence of a people fighting for their rights statute, the constitutional manand liberties against a malevo- date to protect the country’s lent regime. This is what many historic wealth and conserve the seem to be praying for. (Mani- nation’s historical and cultural heritage exists in relation to the laTimes.net)

Torre de Manila demolition pushed

Shouting match at the Palace...

PAGE A6 Saying that “the implementation of these crafty agreements is an express trip to the dismemberment of the country’s territory and the creation of a Moro state in Mindanao,” and the “renewal of organized violence and horrendous destruction of life and property,” they expressed “unsullied support” for the SC petition filed by PHILCOnSA president Congressman Martin romualdez, Archbishops ramon Arguelles of Lipa, romulo de la Cruz of Zamboanga, Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla of Davao, former national security adviser norberto Gonzales, and this writer, asking the High Court to declare the FAB and the CAB unconstitutional and void.

The manifesto caught Pnoy completely by surprise. He reportedly complained that the generals and flag officers could have talked to him first, or to the junior officers who, according to him, were fully supportive of

the FAB, the CAB, and the BBL. But the signatories saw no need to talk to Aquino first because, according to them, he “never listens;” as far as the talking to the junior officers is concerned, the retired generals and flag officers are in constant touch with them, and Aquino was being delusional when he said they were in favor of any law that would balkanize Mindanao.

Pnoy instructed Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin to dialog with the signatories and verify if they had indeed signed the manifesto and why. But only a few managed to show up for the proposed dialogue with Gazmin, whose reputation appears to have suffered within the military and defense establishment because of unconfirmed yet unrefuted allegations about infected defense contracts related to the AFP modernization program.

Beyond the FAB/CAB/BBL, it is safe to assume that the security sector has developed a clear position on some election-re-

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 25-OCTOBER 1, 2015

CJ

Journal

Your Immigration Solution Atty. RobeRt Reeves MichAel bhotiwihok And nAncy MilleR ON April 9, 2015, the Administrative Appeals Office issued Matter of Simeio Solutions, LLC (“Simeio”) holding that an employer is required to file an amended or new H-1B petition before transferring an employee to a new place of employment not covered by an existing, approved H-1B petition. The decision raised several questions.

On July 21, 2015, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) issued Final Guidance to clarify when an employer must file an amended or new H-1B petition for compliancewith Simeio.

While the Final Guidance quelled some concerns, the USCIS may address questions not resolved by the Final Guidance in the future.

The Final Guidance focuses on three time frames when an employer must comply with Simeio.

First, is the Safe Harbor. If an employee moved to a new area of employment on or before April 9, 2015 and the employer failed to file an amended or new H-1B petition, the employer may file the amended or new petition by January 15, 2016 and it will be considered timely filed.

Second, if the employee’s change in place of employment requiring a new LCA occurred after April 9, 2015 but before August 19, 2015, the employer must file an amended or new H1B petition by January 15, 2016.

Failure to file by January 15, 2016 will cause the employer to be out of compliance and the employee may be found to have failed to maintain H-1B status.

Third, applies to those changes occurring on or after August 19, 2015. An employer must file an amended or new H-1B petition before the employee starts working at a new place of employment not covered by an existing, approved H-1B petition.

In addition, employers must

Final guidance after Simeo when to file amended or new H-1B petition comply with Notices of Intent to Revoke, Notices of Intent to Deny and Requests For Evidence (“RFE”) issued before July 21, 2015. Where a Notice of Intent to Revoke was received by the employer and the response period has not ended, filing an amended or new H-1B petition along with the prior response may avert revocation.

In instances where an employer received a RFE or Notice of Intent to Deny, the safe harbor period may be satisfied if a certified copy of the LCA for the new employee work location was included at filing. It is important to note that an employer may not file an amended or new petition as a response to a RFE or Notice of Intent to Deny.

When an amended or new H-1B petition is denied, but the original petition is valid, the employee may return to the original place of employment. Also,the employee must be able to maintain valid nonimmigrant status at the original place of employment.

For pending petitions, the filing of an amended or new petition allows for an employee’s worksite location change. In circumstances where the employee’s H-1B status expires while successive amended or new petitions are pending, denials for any petition, requests to amend, or extensions of status will result in denials of successive requests.

Under the Final Guidance, there are limited exceptions for employers. An employer does not need to file an amended petition when the employee moves within an “area of intended employment,” provided that no material changes in employment exist and the original LCA is posted at the new location. Short term placements (generally up to 30 days) of an employee at a new worksite do not require an amended or new petition. The same holds true for non-work-

See well for a lifetime Tips for keeping your eyes healthy as you age

AS you age, you may notice changes in your vision such as having difficulty focusing on upclose objects or needing more light to see well. It is important to note, however, that vision loss and blindness are not a normal part of aging.

There are many things you can do to keep your eyes healthy and make sure you are seeing your best. Follow these simple steps for maintaining healthy vision well into your golden years.

Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam. You might think your vision is fine or that your eyes are healthy, but visiting your eye care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to really be sure. During this exam, your eye care professional places drops in your eyes to dilate, or widen, the pupil to allow more light to enter the eye the same way an open door lets more light into a dark room.

This enables your eye care professional to get a good look at the back of the eyes and examine them for any signs of damage or

disease. After this exam, your eye care professional can also let you know if your vision can benefit from glasses or contact lenses.

Know your risk factors. As you get older, you are at higher risk of developing age- related eye diseases and conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract, diabetic eye disease, dry eye, and glaucoma.

Having a family history of eye disease also puts you at higher risk for diseases like glaucoma and AMD. Finally, being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions that can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease. If you are having trouble maintaining a healthy weight, talk to your doctor.

Eat right to protect your sight.

You’ve heard carrots are good for your eyes.

But eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens is important for keeping your eyes healthy, too. Research has also

site locations such as where an employee participates in developmental activity, where an employee spends little time, or when an employee’s job is peripatetic in nature. Peripatetic in nature means an employee is primarily at one worksite location and travels to other locations for short periods of time.

It bears noting that Simeio presumes prior Labor Condition Application (“LCA”) compliancemeaning the employer has filed an LCA before the employee changes worksite location. If LCA deficiencies exist, then filing an amended H-1B petition under Simeio will neither protect the employer nor employee.

A new environment of compliance has been created where employers must understand the post Simeio world to avoid adverse action. Without this indispensable knowledge, employers run the risk losing valuable company assets like employees, time, and money. Further, H-1B employees run the risk of falling out status which could negatively impact their ability to continue to live and work in the United States.

Employers should consult an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney for an understating of Simeio compliance GET an early start on October’s Filipino American Hisand whether an amended or new tory Month and learn about the rich, complex legacy of H-1B petition is necessary.

Filipino-Americans and the Pacific Coast salmon trade *** Atty. Reeves has represented clients in with a FREE ranger program and a special event featurnumerous landmark immigration cases that ing local writers and poets on Saturday, September 26, have set new policies regarding INS action 2015 at the Star of Alaska at the San Francisco Maritime and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located National HIstorical Park on Hyde Street Pier.

Admission is free (the standard fee of $5 is waived for in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas September 26, National Public Lands Day) and Makati City.

There will be a ranger-led program focusing on the Telephone: (800) 795-8009 Star of Alaska period from 2:15pm to 3pm. From 3pm to E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com 4:30pm, join writers and poets Joanna Matys, Sean ManWebsite: www.rreeves.com. zano, Edwin Lozada, Abigail Licad and Oscar Penara*** The analysis and suggestions offered in nda.

Special thanks to the Philippine American Writers and this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the Artists, Inc. (PAWA) and the Filipino American National personalized representation that is essential Historical Society (FAHNS). For more information about to every case.

(Advertising Supplement) this event, please call (415) 561-7170. n

shown that there are eye health benefits from eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut. A healthy diet can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which can help protect your vision.

Don’t smoke. Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. Research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing AMD, cataract, and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to vision loss and blindness.

Use protective eyewear.

Wear protective eyewear such as goggles and safety glasses, shields, and eye guards when playing sports or doing activities around the home and encourage your family and friends to do the same. Most protective eyewear lenses are made of polycarbonate, which is 10 times stronger than other plastics. Many eye care providers sell protective eyewear, as do some sporting goods stores.

For more information, visit www.nei.nih.gov/agingeye. n

Serving Salmon: Alaskeros, the Changes to whole farm Alaska Packers Association, and revenue insurance the Salmon Trade on Sept. 26 could increase access 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.

u PAGE CJ2

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SEPTEMBER 25-OCTOBER 1, 2015 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

C

alendar of Events

across

Community Journal

America

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

PASCPA-LA Installation & Induction The Philippine American Society of Certified Public Accountants (PASCPA-LA) will hold its 29th Installation of Officers and Induction of New Members for 2015-2016 on Saturday, September 26 at the Embassy Suites (800 N. Central Ave., Glendale, CA 91203). Networking starts at 4:30 pm and the Program starts at 7:00 pm. The theme for this event is “Leading the Path to our Future Leaders.” Our Incoming Officers include President, Marie Domingo; EVP, Vee Cristobal; VP-Membership, Fernando Austria; VP-Membership Youth, Kathleen Reyes; VP-CPE Val Creus; VP-Community Service, Monette Santillan-Rivera; Secretary, Sheila Falcon; Treasurer, John Domingo; Auditor, Sonia Laureano; PRO, Jason Malabute; Board of Directors, Glo Cajanap, Pete Sinambal, Tess Miguel, Enrico Pena and Erika Dumandan. For more information and sponsorships, please call the Incoming President, Marie Domingo at (323) 256-7770, the Event Coordinator, Glo Cajanap at (818)913-1991 and VP-Membership, Fernando Austria at (213) 400-2744. Please RSVP at events@pascpa.org.

Association of Oriental Mindoro 22nd Anniversary Celebration & Induction Ball What: Association of Oriental Mindoro 22nd Anniversary Celebration and Induction Ball When: Saturday, September 26 Where: The Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel (5855 West Century Blvd. Los Angeles, CA) Time: 6:00pm, No Host Cocktail; 7:00pm Dinner Attire: Strictly Formal Donation: $65 (prepaid admission only) Please contact: Elsie Amansec - (310) 376-5260, Fred Villao - (714) 932-1932, Erli Conti - (818) 425-5926.

For additional information, please email me Nilda at frednil620@sbcglobal.net or nildavillao@ yahoo.com, or visit http://www.omasc.org/.

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Philippine Heritage Institute International Presents Tribute 2015 The legacy of Naomi Palma-Armada, who died of a heart attack June 10, lives on.

On October 3, from 6pm to midnight, the Philippine Heritage Institute International (PHII), a private non-profit foundation founded by Naomi in 1989, will present Tribute 2015: White House Millennium Council Award to Outstanding Filipino American Nurses (on its 17th year) and President’s Award: Profiles of Service, Pillars of Community (on its 8th year) at the Sheraton Cerritos Hotel (12725 Center Court Drive, Cerritos, CA 90703). Parking for the event is free. Attire: Formal or Filipiniana. Music provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For more information, contact president Josie E. de Jesus (714) 272-0300; joestarisdejesus@gmail. com, or event chair Norma Merza (562) 947-0248; norma.merza@yahoo.com.

Fil-Am History Month Films & “Talk Story” Time Please join us at the Carson Library (151 E. Carson St. Carson, CA 90745) on Oct 3rd, from 1-4pm, at the Carson Library to hear stories of individuals from the books, “Filipinos in Carson and the South Bay” and “Hawaiians in Los Angeles.” Join with FANHS-LA Chapter, the Filipino American Library, Friends of the Carson Library, APALA, and other community leaders as we celebrate October as Filipino American History Month and the birthday of Larry Itliong, one of the main organizers of the 1965 UFW Delano Grape Strike. There will also be a screenings of Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the UFW, and America Aloha: Hula Beyond Hawaii; both are educational documentary films about the Filipino and Hawaiian experience in America. This is a FREE event with a talk, book signings by the authors, and light refreshments afterwards. For more information and to RSVP, please contact roseeibanez@ gmail.com.

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Kultura: A Filipino American Food & Arts Festival Kultura Festival, an all-ages, contemporary Filipino-American food and arts festival, will take place in Logan Square’s Emporium Arcade Bar in Chicago on Sunday, October 4, from 11 AM to 6 PM. Presented by Filipino Kitchen, this festival is carefully curated to appeal to those who personally identify with Filipino culture, food, and those who are curious or uninitiated. With a craft beer bar, food trucks, special guest chefs, and an expected 2,000 festival guests and staff, Kultura Festival aims to highlight the best of Filipino cuisine to Chicago and the Midwest. Tickets can be purchased for $10 general admission at https://ti.to/filipino-kitchen/kultura-festival, $5 for students and seniors. More information can be found at http://filipino.kitchen/kulturafestival.

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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.

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UNITED LAB-USA 32nd Anniversary The UNITED LAB-USA will celebrate their 32nd Anniversary on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at Royal Garden in Cerritos. The association is headed by Rey Guieb, President. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For other questions, please call Felix Belen, outgoing president at (626) 839-0736.

UERMMMC - Medical Alumni Association Inaugural Ball The University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center - Medical Alumni Association of Southern California (UERMMMC - MAASC ), a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation which participates in many humanitarian projects and medical missions to barangays in the Philippines, will hold its Inaugural Ball and Dinner=Dance on October 17, 2015 at the Manhattan Beach Marriott (1400 Parkview Avenue; Manhattan Beach, CA 90266). Proceeds from the event will benefit underserved areas and families in Lucena, Quezon and District 2 of Pampanga (Lubao, Sasmuan, Guagua, Floridablanca) who are in need of medical and surgical care. The theme of the Inaugural Ball will be “A Black and White Event.” The evening starts at 6:00pm. Tickets are $90 per person and are tax deductible; VIP packages ranging from $500 and up are also available. For more information, please call Dr. Teri Pastor at 310707-8480, Gloria Legaspi at 951-496-0536 and Lucy Babaran at 818-395-9348. We thank our guests and sponsors for their generous support!

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. LiLLi B. BAcuLi I. VISA Bulletin changes. Beginning with the October Bulletin, the Visa Bulletin will include two charts of relevant dates for both the family- and employment-based categories: (1) the “Final Action Dates” chart; and (2) the “Dates for Filing” chart.

The “Final Action Dates” chart includes the same “cut-off” data that has historically been published in the Visa Bulletin. Applicants with priority dates earlier than the “Final Action Date” that is listed for their preference category and country of chargeability are immediately eligible for final action on their immigrant visa case in that particular month.

In general, USCIS will continue to follow the “Final Action Date” chart for the acceptance of adjustment of status applications.

However, if USCIS determines that there are additional visas available it may exercise its discretion to accept adjustment of status applications in accordance with the “Dates for Filing” chart.

Each month, the Visa Bulletin will indicate whether USCIS will accept adjustment applications during the upcoming month in accordance with the “Dates for Filing” chart. For the month of October, USCIS has agreed to permit both family- and employment-based immigrants to use the “Dates for Filing” chart to file adjustment of status applications. Thus, individuals who have a priority date earlier than the “Filing Date” cut-off for the month of October may submit an adjustment of status application in October.

Individuals who are the beneficiaries of an approved family-based or employment-based petition may now be eligible to

The Metamorphosis

ErniE D. DELfin (Part 1 of 2)

WHAT do the Rotary International (RI) and Gawad Kalinga (GK) have in common?

A person’s ten fingers are not enough to count the many humanitarian works these two non-governmental organizations (NGO) are doing in their common or parallel missions such as: alleviating poverty and hunger, improving the quality of education, health, livelihood projects, promoting peace and justice, etc. Just consider Gawad Kalinga’s battle cry: “End Poverty in the Philippines by 2024!” and “Walang Iwanan!” (Nobody left behind!), or be inspired by Rotary’s themes (chosen by the Rotary International President every year) such as “Be a Gift to the World,” “Service Above Self,” or “Mankind is our Business;” and you will feel that their rai’son d‘etre is a very serious matter. That explains why both organizations have attracted millions of supporters throughout the world.

Both NGOs have ambitious yet achievable goals that our world needs to enhance the quality of life, especially the next generations. Started by one person with a very small group of professionals, the founders had lofty dreams and a noble vision that if society’s problems are created by man, then the solutions can also be manmade.

In 1905, Rotary was founded by lawyer Paul Harris, with two of his friends, who saw the need for the establishment of a public restroom that was non-existent at that time in Chicago and that became their first community service. Today, that humanitarian and “Service Above Self” projects have expanded to bigger causes, like the eradication of polio which is now supported by over 35,000 Rotary Clubs, with about 1.25 million members in over 200 countries. (The Philippines has 10 Rotary Districts with approximately 100 clubs in

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

Recent developments in immigration law submit an adjustment of status application if they are otherwise eligible to adjust status and if their priority dates are earlier than the cut-off date for the month of October. Cut-off dates will vary each month depending on visa availability.

Prospective adjustment applicants should note that not all beneficiaries of an approved family-based or employment-based petition are necessarily eligible to adjust status to that of a lawful permanent resident. In some cases, certain waivers of inadmissibility might apply.

II. Changes in filing an Application for Naturalization. Beginning September 19, 2015 Naturalization applicants will be able to use credit cards to pay the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, fee of $595 and the biometrics fee of $85, if applicable.

Additionally, USCIS has developed new online tools to help lawful permanent residents prepare for naturalization, locate English and citizenship classes, determine eligibility and apply for naturalization. As an initial effort, a new interactive practice civics test is available in English, with other languages to follow.

Individuals can also find English language and citizenship preparation classes in their local area using a new online class locator.

A note regarding past criminal convictions or commission of certain acts or crimes. The filing of an application to become a United States citizen might instead land a person in Deportation Proceedings, in particular if there is a past criminal conviction or even significant misdemeanors.

The Record of Conviction (ROC) details an individual’s criminal history – his/her arrest,

Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship.

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

Gawad Kalinga-Rotary: Not only building houses but building people too each district with an approximate membership of about 20,000 men and women, that does not include the thousands of Rotaractors (in colleges) or Interactors (in high schools) with over 1.25 million members.

More info at www.rotary.org.).

Gawad Kalinga, on the other hand, just turned 12 years old, started by Antonio Meloto, with his brothers and sisters-in-Christ who were members of a Catholic lay organization called Couples for Christ in the Philippines, as a part of their outreach service to the “least of their brothers and sisters” in the poor communities in Metro Manila. GK has made some noticeable transformation in people in many successful GK Villages. It has successfully facilitated or enabled the founding of over 2,000 villages and has been replicated in half a dozen countries like Cambodia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Although originally only in Christian communities, it is also thriving in the deep South of Mindanao where Muslims are the majority, simply because the basic human needs of food shelter and clothing and children’s health and education transcend religion, dialects or tribal origins. For more information, visit www.gk1world.com and www.gkerc.org. *** Probably over 95 percent of people I meet do not know what Gawad Kalinga is and what it does. To help spread the word of what our GK e-Rotary Club and our sister club of Urdaneta City Rotary Club are embarking to do, allow me to “advertise” about our bold project of building another GK Village in Pangasinan.

I learned about this movement as early as 2005 when I was president of our Rotary Clubs of Cerritos when a friend, Jess Cifra (then the president of the Rotary Club of Loyola Heights, Quezon City), spoke before our club. Thereafter, our club, together with the Rotary Clubs of Signal Hill and Anaheim Hills donated a several

Changes to whole farm…

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what s/he plead to, and the final judgment/sentence. The relief(s) available to an individual facing removal/deportation proceedings will depend largely on that individual’s record of conviction.

Not every criminal conviction will result in deportation and not every deportation proceeding will lead to an order of deportation. Nevertheless, commission of certain acts or crimes, and/or convictions will render a non-citizen inadmissible and/ or deportable, and will run the risk of being placed in deportation proceedings. An individual should act quickly and consult both with a criminal attorney and with an experienced criminal immigration attorney who handles deportation defense, to mitigate the negative consequences of a criminal conviction to his/her immigration status.

It is important to be informed and know your options. An experienced immigration firm or attorney will be able to help you understand what immigration terms mean specific to the regulations, what steps might be taken for your particular case, and the options available to you under the evolving immigration laws. ***

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)

thousand dollars (then, it was less than $2,000, per house) to build a few houses at the GK Brookside Village in Quezon City.

“Gawad Kalinga” means “to give care.” It is a Philippine-based movement that aims to end poverty by 2024 by first restoring the dignity of the poor. It employs an integrated and proven holistic approach to empowerment with values-formation and leadership development at its core. GK’s work does not end after building the house, but it continues to BUILD UP the person and his family. Likened somewhat to the US–based Habitat for Humanity, made popular by the many years of physical involvement of President Jimmy Carter working as a carpenter building houses, I believe that GK is a better program as it is holistic in its approach to help a person reach his potential.

The transformation of a very low self-esteem people in GK Villages -- before they became a part of a community that looks after each other -- to more confident and useful citizens has been documented a thousand times. These transformed individuals are becoming the role models for others who knew them before they were GK resident. Many poor people disqualified themselves to become GK beneficiaries for any number of reasons, like addiction to drugs or alcohol, laziness, living together and having children without marriage, or simply refusing to undergo the screening process and values-formation classes that are required for all candidates to be considered as a GK house beneficiary. (To be continued next week) *** Food for thought: “No one would remember the Good Samaritan if he only had good intentions. He had money as well.”

— Margaret Thatcher *** Email: ernie.delfin@gmail.com or zhunrize.foundation@gmail.com Websites: www.rotaryeclubGlobalKalingaD3780.org www.foundation4nextgen.zhuncity.com

First Annual 100-mile ‘Links for Humanity’ bike ride takes aim at racism

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The first annual “Links for Humanity” bike ride will take place this year on Oct. 17, stretching 100 miles along Highway 1 from Carmel to Cambria, to raise awareness around racial unity. Riders will include founder Alan Whitsett and 12 other riders, an ethnically diverse group representing every continent.

Using bike-mounted, handheld and drone cameras, a team of videographers will document the ride in hopes of raising awareness of racism and commitment to social unity, and spark interest in participating in future rides around the country.

Whitsett is planning to cover logistical costs of this first ride with a crowdfunding campaign.

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Community Journal

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Employment-based green card revoked because of fake job

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ A COUPLE came to my office for a consultation who was in tears and panic because their “American Dream” was crumbling around them. They are already permanent residents (green card holders), but just received a notice that the USCIS was intending to revoke their green cards! The reason? They had a fraudulent employment petition, based on a fake job.

According to this couple, upon arriving in the US, they went to an immigration consultant (rather than an attorney) for advice, assistance, and representation.

The consultant told them he had several staffing agencies and promised them that, for a hefty fee, one of his staffing agencies could petition them for an employment-based green card.

What’s more, they did not even have to work for the petitioner!

Although those promises were too good to be true, the couple quickly took the bait, and put down their hard-earned money.

After all, what a deal! While other people had to “play by the rules” (by having a “real” employer petition them), this couple was elated they had found a shortcut or quick-fix to their immigration situation. And, when their green cards were later granted, they convinced themselves that they had “gotten away with it.”

Now, their green cards were being revoked/rescinded, and they will likely be placed in deportation/removal proceedings. According to the USCIS’s notice, the consultant’s offices were raided, and he confessed to his fraudulent employment schemes: that although his corporations had petitioned hundreds of people, there really were never any “real” jobs. His records (including the names and addresses of his “clients”) were also seized and reviewed in detail by the government.

The USCIS apparently has been tracking all those “employees” petitioned by this consultant’s

shell (or bogus) corporations.

And that was how this couple got caught! Sometimes, people are “caught” with “fake job” green cards when they apply for citizenship, and they are questioned at their naturalization interview on whether they ever worked for that employer, and are told to provide verifiable pay stubs and tax returns to prove it.

Fortunately for this couple, there are other forms of relief (or defenses) available to them, if and when removal/deportation defense is required.

If you obtained a green card through a fake job, you may already want to consider seeking the advice and guidance of a reputable attorney, to see if there is a way to repair the damage, or to already consider your options and defenses if you should ever receive the same type of notice from the USCIS, that your green card is being revoked. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an

Mining memories of Mindoro

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

“I soon realized that no journey carries one far unless, as it extends into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within.”

Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Conclusion)

MORE than a decade later, I went in his stead. It was something I had planned on doing for some time, as a quiet tribute. For my part, I wanted to understand how such a place shaped who he is and what moved him to sail the seven seas for 40 years as a ship captain, hauling logs and cars and tons of containers from port to port— from Siberia 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 surprised with the changes in his old hometown.

Gone are the slow, ponderous boats to Calapan that seemed more like floating coffins decades ago. Gone is the mixture of smells—of sweat, salt spray, gasoline and livestock —which would make me throw up when the swells were big. Of course, it didn’t help that I made it worse.

Progress has caught up with the place somewhat. Now, for half the length of a Disney movie which gets shown onboard, you can get there from Batangas pier which has bus routes coming from Plaza Lawton and Cubao. The Aboitiz-owned Super Cat hydrofoil boats with theater style seating and airconditioning, that ply the shark-infested, tricky waters between the two ports of Batangas City and Calapan have made it easy to island hop.

Fast, efficient and affordable, the sleek boats skim the surface in no time flat, particularly during good weather when these can run with the tide. These have become a boon to Mindoro that now connects Luzon to the Visayas region by sea and land, via buses that ran in tandem regularly plying the length of the Mindoro highway corridor.

Many people own cellphones and are nimble with their fingers as they go about texting through their days. There are cellphone towers in the middle of ricefields.

My resident cousin, Andy who

— Lillian Smith

acted as our tour guide, says that most would rather forego food than have to go without a load of prepaid minutes.

Periodically as you drive along the highway, and in the towns, you will see modest-sized homes with Italianate designs sticking out from among thatched huts in the middle of rice paddies.

Andy says that such progress is due to the fact that someone from that household is working as a domestic help somewhere in Europe and the euros are what keeps the local economy afloat.

We spent a day to visit White Beach at Puerto Galera, famous worldwide for their dive sites and its calm, protected waters and its coffee colored sand, a distant second to the pristine white sands of Boracay. We stopped by Tamaraw Falls at San Teodoro,

“

and honky tonk joints spike during Holy Week and the summer months, Puerto Galera is all business, crass and hard-nosed. Take the time to check out this place before it gets much too commercial for one’s tastes, while nature is still at the helm of this vanishing beauty.

My sister Mitch and her husband, Bob, who live in Texas went on vacation to Mindoro more recently. They discovered a delightful best kept secret of a resort called Coco Beach. It is a banca ride away from Puerto Galera. It provides above standard amenities and an ambience that is worth the money one normally spends to experience the serenity of nature and island living, at least for a while. They are planning a sequel to their island adventure.

December isn’t the best time to go to Mindoro.

Nature, in a grouchy mood, throws a hissy fit around this time. The seas are choppy. Rain clouds hover about, casting a pall of unwelcoming soupy grey but I was determined to go, in fair or foul weather. The rivers are swollen overrunning their banks and Naujan, which never had floods before, is now consistently subject to flooding due to some public works project.

During the first night, the wind howled, the waves crested and the sea, all but roared in our ears.

The fish weren’t biting and the fishermen, pulling in their nets, have practically nothing, save some flotsam and jetsam and detritus from an ill-tempered sea, to show for all their efforts – just slim pickings of espada fish to tide themselves over for the day.

Still, they look to the sea for sustenance and they know, it will be good again.

Thankfully, the rains held off and a bit of sun sneaked out as a grudging welcome the following day and the day after that and all was well. Two dolphins swim-

Periodically as you drive along the highway, and in the towns, you will see modest-sized homes with Italianate designs sticking out from among thatched huts in the middle of rice paddies.

Dr. Val’s Dental Views Dr. VAlerie

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 25-OCTOBER 1, 2015

De leon

THE bacteria in our bodies vastly outnumber our human cells! And no matter how much we brush, floss, or rinse, our mouths will always be home to billions of microbes. However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing!

Different types of bacteria keep others in check, and most aren’t anything to worry about.

But maintaining this balance requires some effort on your part— to support the good bacteria and limit the growth of the bad.

Our oral ecosystems Recent studies estimate that there are about 1000 species of oral bacteria, with 100 to 200 in any given individual. Microbes live off nutrients found in saliva, and on our gums, teeth and tongues. In a healthy mouth, beneficial bacteria fight disease-causing germs and fungi. They’re actually our immune system’s first responders! The constant flow of saliva also helps keep acid-producing bacteria from getting es-

an intense gusher that day because of the recent rains.

On the approach to Puerto Galera from Calapan, the ride takes you to a scenic, elevated zigzag route carved from the land exposing prized Mindoro white marble on the mountainside and above lush banana plantations, showing the sea in all its glory.

At the beach are the usual trappings of Philippine tourism: persistent, persuasive peddlers of pearl and coral rings, earrings and necklace, skilled masseuses offering their services, restaurants, money changers, banana boat rides, souvenir shops, tattoo shops, dive shops and big outrigger boats spewing out tourists directly from Batangas City pier.

Particularly when all the room rates of the smattering of hotels

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The delicate balance of oral bacteria tablished. But even with all these defenses, harmful microbes can still upset the balance.

Bad bacteria causes bad breath Poor oral hygiene and other conditions like dry mouth create an environment in which harmful bacteria thrive. An excess of sugar residue from candy, soda and other foods speeds up the already explosive microbe growth.

The bacterial imbalance can result in chronic bad breath, canker sores, higher risk of illness, tooth decay and other problems.

Steps for a healthy oral environment By following a good oral care routine, you can make sure the scale is always tipped in favor of the good bacteria! Create an oral environment that promotes beneficial microbes with these five steps: • Brush your teeth twice a day.

• Floss daily, and scrape your tongue daily.

• Limit consumption of foods high in sugars, and rinse with

water after eating • Avoid dry mouth by chewing sugar-free gum.

• Don’t share toothbrushes or other items that touch the mouth.

Since every oral environment is different, there may be other factors that are influencing your personal flora and fauna. As you come in for regular dental checkups, we can keep tabs on your unique oral profile. Together, we’ll determine a personalized plan if anything needs to be changed to keep your mouth at its healthiest.

We’re honored to be your partner in the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. Thank you for being our valued patient! *** If you have questions, pls call Dr. Valerie de Leon at (650) 697–9000 or visit our website at www.millbraesmiles.com.

She is with Millbrae Smile Center located at 15 El Camino Real, Millbrae 94030. She is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, ADA, CDA and SMCDS. Please call for a free consultation.

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ENCORE EPISODE ON ‘CITIZEN PINOY!’ Watch to get answers to these questions: my children have four different fathers, and the Embassy told me to leave them behind. How can I now bring my children to the US? Will buying a house lead to a green card? I am working in the Middle East. What is the best way to immigrate to the US? Catch this encore episode of your information-packed, award-winning public service program on -- ‘Citizen Pinoy: Your Tanong, My Sagot’ T–on Sunday, September 27 at 6:15pm PST/EST (9:15pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers). active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-

enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No 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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SEPTEMBER 25-OCTOBER 1, 2015 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Problem Solved Atty. Kelly O’Reilly EDWARD, a 45 year-old married man from Manila came to the United States in 1999. His mom and dad are US citizens and filed a petition for him in December 1994. He has been waiting 20 years for his priority date to become current so that he could adjust status in the United States. Edward has been checking the visa bulletin every month only to see it move about 10 to 15 days each month.

In September 2015, the priority date for his F-3 preference category for the Philippines was only current to September 15, 1993.

At this rate, Edward would have to wait at least another year or perhaps much longer.

On September 9, the October 2015 visa bulletin was issued.

The priority date for the F-3 preference category only moved about 15 days to October 1993.

However, a significant change occurred in the October visa bulletin which proved to be very beneficiary to Edward. The US State Department announced that starting from October 2015, the State Department will not issue two separate priority date charts. The first chart of priority dates is the original chart which shows if a visa is available. However, a second chart which is titled “DATES FOR FILING VISA APPLICATIONS” indi-

Community Journal

File your green card Tri Cities to celebrate Filipino-American History Month at the Fremont Main Library application now cates advanced priority dates to allow individuals that have priority dates current on the second chart to file for adjustment of status while waiting for the actual priority date to become current. An application for adjustment of status will afford the applicant an employment authorization and advanced parole for travel.

For example, the second priority chart indicates that the F3 preference category for the Philippines is August 1, 1995, which is almost 2 years further than the actual priority date. In Edward’s situation, he would be eligible to file for adjustment of status in October 2015 as opposed to waiting for another year or more. During this time, he would be eligible for a work permit and advanced parole to travel.

These changes affect not only family-based petitions, but also employment-based petitions.

Therefore, for those people who are waiting for an employment based petition to become current in the US, may be eligible to file for adjustment of status earlier so that they do not have to worry about the limitations of their nonimmigrant visas. The US Department hopes to relieve some of the agony of waiting for prolonged priority dates with this new policy.

This significant change will benefit all immigrants in the

US with a petition from a family member or employer. However, one must still be admissible and otherwise eligible for adjustment of status. Therefore, it is important to note that the visa bulletin change does not affect an individual’s eligibility for adjustment of status. Rather, it only changes WHEN the application may be submitted. Premature or incorrect filing could lead to denials, wasted filing fees or perhaps even removal proceedings.

It is important that you consult with a competent immigration attorney to determine whether you are eligible to apply for adjustment of status now. At Wilner & O’Reilly, we are former immigration officers, board-certified specialists and true immigration experts. We have offices conveniently located in Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, Sacramento, San Francisco, and Utah. Schedule your free consultation today. *** Kelly O’Reilly is a nationally known immigration expert and former immigration officer. He is a highly sought after speaker on immigration and employment compliance issues. Mr. O’Reilly serves as the current chair of the Riverside County Bar Association Immigration section and is a partner in the full-service immigration firm of the Wilner & O’Reilly where he provides free consultations. Mr. O’Reilly can be contacted at (714) 919-8880 and he welcomes email inquiries at koreilly@ wilneroreilly.com.

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First Annual 100-mile ‘Links for Humanity’…

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Next year, “Links for Humanity” aims to expand participation to 250 riders. The long-term goal is to create a nonprofit organization that funds educational programs focused on racial sensitivity, and implement opportunity programs that provide for underprivileged youth.

“The support we’ve received to make this project a reality has solidified my belief that we’re not the only people who feel that racism’s role in our society is unacceptable,” said Whitsett. “Rather than argue or debate about it, this team of racially diverse riders is going to make a statement about what we can accomplish when we work together toward a common goal.”

EMPLOYMENT

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Since its conception just over two months ago, “Links for Humanity” has received support from local community leaders, universities, charities and businesses such as Eyenoo, Garmin, El Paseo Limousines (San Jose), and Summit Bicycles (Los Gatos).

The Links for Humanity story After Whitsett cycled with his club one Saturday, a discussion emerged that set in motion this project. He realized that a pace line in a cycling group literally and metaphorically illustrated his thoughts against racism. In a pace line, riders must rely on and trust each other. It takes a tremendous amount of concentration to maintain a safe gap with the person in front of you

and ride steadily, so that the person behind you can do the same. If you are troubled by irrelevant details such as the color of a rider’s legs, you become a liability to others.

“In a pace line, riders work together as one living, breathing entity with a single purpose: to get to the finish line together.

This chain is the metaphor behind “Links for Humanity.” The pace line rides like a chain with interdependent links to achieve a common goal, much like the links in the chain that propel our bicycles. Like the links in the chain of humanity, if that chain is broken, everyone suffers,” continued Whitsett.

For more information about Links for Humanity go to http:// linksforhumanity.org. n

ON Saturday, October 17, the Fremont Main Library and the East Bay chapter of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) will host a daylong program of Fil-Am culture and arts to celebrate FilipinoAmerican History month in the Tri City area. The event will be held in the Fukaya Room of the library on 2400 Stevenson Boulevard, Fremont 94538 from 10:30am to 4pm.

Founded in 1982, FANHS seeks to educate our community about the history and rich cultural heritage of Filipinos in the United States.

A variety of activities throughout the day promises to keep the audience engaged, featuring: • Readings and book signings by authors of Beyond Lumpia, Pansit and Seven Manangs Wild, an anthology featuring many stories about second, third, and fourth generation Filipinos, revealing the pride felt by the authors in their Filipino heritage;

• Teri Bautista’s presentation of the 400-year Fil-Am historical timeline; • Harana the Movie, the story of the art of the Philippine serenade, will be shown in its entirety with an introduction by co-producer Fides Enriquez; • Special guest Constance Santos, a 93-year-old manang who was a pioneer in the Chicago Fil-Am community and co-founder of the only FilipinoAmerican Credit Union in the US, will describe her voyage by ship with her mother in 1929 from the Philippines to America; • Senkotiros Internationals of San Leandro will demonstrate the Filipino art of stick fighting.

Musical entertainment will be provided by The American Center of Philippine Arts Rondalla Ensemble and Brian Villa Connor, a local Fil-Am classical pianist and guitarist, will perform his own compositions. Additionally, Rosalinda Canlas and her daughter Camille Canlas-La-

fam, a local actress, will provide a special program for children, reading stories from Filipino authors on the Children’s Area stage.

Victoria Santos, president of East Bay FANHS, who spearheaded this program comments: “FANHS is sponsoring several events like this throughout the United States in October which has been designated FilipinoAmerican History Month. The large Tri City Filipino American community deserves its own celebration and I hope residents and non-residents alike will join us in this celebration. I’m grateful that the Fremont Main Library supports programs like this which target our diverse community.”

Events at the Fremont Library are free of charge.

The Fremont Library is located at 2400 Stevenson Boulevard, Fremont 94538.

Fore more information: (510) 623-7655 or victoria@vjsantos.com. n

Godless road sign vandalized near San Luis Obispo A VANDAL has spray painted over part of an Atheists United Adopt-a-Highway road sign.

The sign is located on the southbound Highway 101, near Atascadero.

The vandalism was discovered Saturday, September 19 by members of Atheists United San Luis Obispo (AU SLO). The California Department of Transportation has been notified.

“This shows loud and clear just how necessary our group is,” said Steve Arkowitz, Coordinator of the Central Coast Coalition of Reason. “Whenever an atheist is public about her or his identity, there are others who will seek to impose and proselytize their opposing views. This is why our group seeks to offer a safe space for freedom of conscience.”

“AU SLO stands for reason, compassion, and tolerance for all people,” said Arkowitz. “The highway sign is a symbol of the positive work we are dedicated to performing in our local community for the benefit of citizens of all sincerely-held beliefs.”

With this section of highway, the atheist community in San Luis Obispo will participate in the forthcoming statewide Coastal Cleanup.

“Hopefully this vandalism will

inspire more non-theistic people around San Luis Obispo to realize how important it is to join with others of like mind,” added Dr. Jason D. Heap, executive director for the United Coalition of Reason, the parent organization of the Central Coast Coalition of Reason. “Only by working together can we end bigotry against philosophical and religious minorities.”

Atheists United of San Luis Obispo (www.auslo.org) is a meeting place for all atheists, agnostics, and science-based skeptics to get to know each other, share ideas and build a community of like-minded individuals in San Luis Obispo County. We have a vibrant and active organization that offers a variety of events to

suit individual interests.

The Central Coast Coalition of Reason (www.CentralCoastCoR. org) is an alliance of four atheist, freethought, and humanist groups working together on the Central Coast of California. Our goals are to foster a sense of community among like-minded people and raise public awareness that those who don’t believe in a god or gods are ethical and contributing members of our community.

The United Coalition of Reason (www.UnitedCoR.org) exists to raise the visibility and sense of unity among local groups in the community of reason by providing funding and expertise to help them cooperate toward the goal of raising their public visibility. n

PAGE CJ3 t

destinations, like luminous rosary beads glowing in the darkness.

The call of the sea is strong in this place. With a knowing nod, I headed back to the cottage finally understanding why my father chose the life he lived. ***

Mining memories of…

ming and jumping alongside the Super Cat on the day we sailed must have been good signs.

On our last night, I stood outside on the shore beneath a velvet sky, clear of clouds and peppered with the brightest stars and watched the long, slow, rhythmic procession of tiny pinprick points of light from distant ships passing by the island headed for unknown

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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‘Mud SpotS and Candy SprinkleS’ by ChriStine Villa

A book on teaching kids about self-esteem, self-image and bullying

by Malou liwanag-Bledsoe/AJPress

WE are all born different—in size, shape, color, culture—and yet many of us tend to criticize others just because they meet society’s unrealistic standards today. If us, adults are bad on nitpicking a person’s flaws, at least at times we tend to hold back mean words because we want to be accused of behaving badly.

Children however, are the worse critics. They are fearless, honest, perceptive and have yet to grasp the real concept of “beauty is within.” In Christine Villa’s book Mud Spots and Candy Sprinkles, young readers (as well as older) are taught about building self-esteem, beauty and self-image. Also, in this era where bullying from your peers is as easy as a click of a computer mouse, the book ventures on the importance of kindness.

Christine’s inspiration for Mud Spots is partly a reflection of her own childhood and teenage life. “I lacked self-

esteem because I was bullied and teased for being short and ugly. Even family members had openly confessed that they didn’t think I was pretty enough,” she said in an interview with the Asian Journal.

“On some rare occasions, I still battle with lack of self-love and self-acceptance so I wrote this book for readers of all ages for myself as a reminder that we don’t need the approval of others to define who we are.”

In the story, the main character—Molly—is an adorable redhead, freckles and all. Upset at her freckles or “mud spots,” she tried to get rid of them by going through all kinds of “beauty” method.

Although the pressures of teasing from her classmates made her wish that the “mud spots” would disappear from her face, Molly’s parents were always there to remind her that she is beautiful and is loved just how she is.

“I believe it is essential that

young children are taught as early as possible the value of loving and accepting ourselves unconditionally,” shared Christine. “In this day and age with the pressure of peers, media, and society; a child needs guidance and guidelines to what the true meaning of beauty is.

Parents can start doing so by showing the child that he/she is beautiful inside and out.”

Having published two other

books (The Magic Paintbrush, 2014 and The Eskalets, 2015 both through CreateSpace), Christine said that she had her fair share of challenges in publishing Mud Spots.

“The biggest challenge in writing this easy reader book is revising it. Like any other children’s book, it has to be written with a set of guidelines in mind such as the following: Are the dialogues age-appropriate? Do they sound natural? Does the story read well out loud? Have I made use of dramatized scenes to show—rather than tell—the story,” she said.

Another thing hurdle she had to deal with was coming up with enough funds as selfpublishing a picture book is expensive due to the illustrations needed for each page.

“Fortunately, I found Kathleen Sue Mallari on Odesk (now owned by Upwork), a Filipino residing in the Philippines who is much more affordable than illustrators who live and work

here in the US,” she explained.

“I picked her out also because I wanted to help promote how talented Filipinos are and I never regretted hiring her because she did an excellent job illustrating Mud Spots and Sprinkles.”

Christine is also an awardwinning poet. Her haiku and tanka have been published in various international journals and e-books. She is the founder and editor of Frameless Sky (framelessskey. weebly.com), a bi-annual video journal showcasing haiku and tanka poets, visual artists, and musicians. Aside from being a writer, she is a camera bug and a jewelry maker.

Sharing that when she was younger she never pursued her love for writing, Christine people should dare to take the first step in making their dreams happen. “Writing took a backseat most of my life until one day an encounter with nature rekindled my passion,” she said. “Life has pleasant surprises and it’s up to us whether

Author Christine Villa

Book illustrator Kathleen Sue Mallari

to seize the moment and dare to reach for our dreams no matter what age we are. At 51, I became a published children’s book author. I knew I wanted to write, but I never expected to be writing for children.”

If you want to purchase a signed copy of Mud Spots and Candy Sprinkles and/or Christine’s other books, you can visit her website at www. christinevilla.com. They are also available at CreateSpace and Amazon.

Graton Resort & Casino breaks ground John Arcilla happy on $175 Million Resort expansion over ‘Heneral Luna’ as ROHNERT PARK—The leadership of the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria broke ground last September 2 on a $175 million expansion of the Graton Resort & Casino, the Bay Area’s largest gaming and entertainment destination. The expansion includes a 200-guest room resort that also features a spa, meeting and convention space and pool area. The 342,000square-foot addition will expand the amenities at the existing $800 million casino and entertainment facility that opened in November 2013 with a full array of gaming, dining and entertainment.

Located just off US Highway 101 at Golf Course Drive West in Rohnert Park, Calif., the Graton Resort & Casino is owned by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and is managed by Station Casinos LLC. The six-story hotel will seamlessly connect to the south side of the existing facility near Daily Grill and M.Y. Noodles restaurants. The hotel will feature a variety of guest rooms and suites from a typical guest room of more than 500 square feet to suites of up to 2,600 square feet.

It will also feature an opulent lobby and bar, a luxurious spa and 20,000 square feet of flexible event and convention space that includes seven separate rooms as well as pre-function areas and smaller breakout meeting rooms.

The centerpiece of the resort will be a pool area that will serve as an extension of the hotel lobby and will provide an outdoor connection to the convention and meeting space.

Construction commenced following the groundbreaking ceremony and the resort is antici-

PH’s entry to Oscars

by Joyce JiMenez

their producer Nando Ortigas has taken for this film since there was MANILA—John Arcilla is hap- no assurance that the film will be py that his film Heneral Luna was a hit. chosen to be Philippines’ entry for “Ang laki ng tiwala niya doon the Best in Foreign Language film sa pelikula, sa cast, the way it was category of the Oscars. written tsaka doon sa director The film’s promoters anna nagbigay siya talaga nang nounced the good news through napakalaking halaga para doon their Facebook account on Monsa pelikula,” he said referring to day, Sept. 21 Ortigas.

He admits not expecting the “Parang ang hope na lang warm reception their film is now ng lahat maging word of mouth getting from the public. talaga siya para bumaik [ang “Noong una nagsimula kami nagastos]. Nagho-hope na lang 91 theaters kasi pinilit ‘yon, kasi siya at nagwi-wish, pero talagang naniniwala ang producer namin nag-take siya ng risk,” he added. na magiging word of mouth ito.

It was recently announced Tapos after a week 39 na lang, that Heneral Luna will have so medyo [nakakalungkot]. Pero a US screening. Some of the hiningi ng tao, ngayon 105 na, cast members will join the mas malaki pa doon sa una,” he US tour for the movie that said on Tuesday, Sept. 22. will happen from October to Arcilla is thankful for the risk November.

Philstar.com

Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris (extreme right) leads Tribal Council leaders of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in the groundbreaking rites last Sept. 2 for the planned hotel/convention space at the Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park, CA. This new phase is expected to be completed in about a year.

pated to open in the fall 2016.

The expansion will create more than 1,000 construction jobs throughout the various stages of development and will utilize nearly 100 California-based companies. The resort expansion was designed by Friedmutter Group, and PENTA Building Group will serve as the general contractor.

The ceremonial groundbreaking rites were led by Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris and other members of the Tribal Council, Graton’s General Manager Joe Hasson, as well as other Graton Resort & Casino and Station Casinos officials. Also present were Sonoma County Supervisor David Rabbitt and Rohnert Park Councilmember Jake MacKenzie, and other invited guests.

According to Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris, who, incidentally has Filipino heritage through his grandfather who was a manong, Graton wanted to do something modern and classic for the

planned hotel. “We wanted to do something modern and classic, that worked in color, and with the stones and the wood and the surrounding environment.

So if you look at the colors and you look at the hills, there is a continuity,” he said, adding that this portion – what they refer to as phase two -- was always part of a larger plan.

Sarris revealed during the event that their Tribe’s compact with the Governor will have a significant impact on the local community. “Each tribe has to do a compact with the Governor in lieu of taxes where we revenue share. The Governor allowed us to make a deal where instead of the bulk of the money going to the state, the bulk of it will, after our debt is paid off, come back to the local community. And I think that is win-win situation, and a great model. That money, when it comes back, has all been earmarked; a large portion of it

Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris (right) and Graton General Manager Joe Hasson (right) after the groundbreaking rites.

will go to environment restoration and organic farming,” Sarris said. “That’s an important aspect of our compact. It’s precedentsetting with the Governor.”

For his part, General Manager Joe Hasson said, “With 200 new rooms, we can take care of guests around the clock if they need some place to rest. This will be a great plus to the business. We expect that it will make the casino busier. Certainly the convention center and meeting space can accommodate a thousand people. That creates a whole new dimension that doesn’t exist today… Spa, swimming people… all of which add to our ability to take great care of guests.”

He continued: “We know that guests want a convenient hotel, and they want a hotel of high caliber such as what we’ll build. It’s always been part of the plan here to build a hotel. It was important for the Tribe to get the casino open first and to get its fiscal footing. From there, we’re building the hotel and in about a year we’re excited to open it up.”

Both the Tribal Chair and General Manager also had messages for the Filipino community.

“We certainly welcome the Filipino community. Our business is a rainbow of people, including the Filipino community. We know many, many of our guests are the loyal members of Graton rewards, and they are, indeed, from the Filipino community. And we welcome them and thank them graciously for their business,” Hasson said.

For this part, Sarris exclaimed,

John Arcilla is happy that his film “Heneral Luna” was chosen to be Philippines’ entry for the Best Foreign Language film category of the Academy Awards.

Screen Captured from YouTube.com

‘AlDub’ makes history anew with 12M tweets by arvin

Mendoza Inquirer.net

ALDUB’S “Saturdate” is something fans should celebrate.

The hashtag for the latest episode of Eat Bulaga’s “Kalyeserye”, #ALDUBMostAwaitedDate, broke Twitter records worldwide once again after scoring more than 12.1 million tweets in a span of 24 hours.

Millions of Filipinos basked in excitement and love chills on Saturday, Sept. 19 as spiltscreen couple Alden Richards and Maine “Yaya Dub” MenContinued on Page SF3 doza met for the third time on

their first ever date.

The whopping Twitter figure was achieved through the help of AlDub nation, the national couple’s army of fans.

Twitter user Jerick Carlo Almeda (@pagkalaagan), a web programmer and self-proclaimed “official statistician of AlDub Nation” worked closely with another user ALDUB STATISTICS (@ineffable888) to monitor the hashtag count by the hour of the whole Saturday and to tweet the latest updates to the whole AlDub fandom.

According to their final and Continued on Page SF3

Djoanna Garcia-Kocher: On faith, fame and friendship

but did not feel that she has a real relationship with God. But now, by the grace of God, she dedicates more time to church and bible studies. And says that she prays every single day San FranciSco of her life. Djoanna goes to The Church on the Way in Van

By Monet Lu Nuys, CA. When I asked her to describe her faith now, she A GrEAT Athenian playsaid, “God steered me toward wright named Euripides wrote the right direction. Without this about friends: “Friends God, I wouldn’t be where I am show their love in times of right now. My faith is the most trouble, not in happiness. “ I important thing in my life. It have not read Euripides’ work is non-negotiable. I will never but is quote described exactly give it up. It is The one thing what I experienced with one of to the US when she married that I will never compromise.” my dearest friends, Djoanna. her husband, Vincent Kocher.

I’ve known Djoanna as a Djoanna Garcia-Kocher is Vincent is a Filipino from Davao very compassionate person. It one of the greatest individuwho is one of the reasons my is nice to see her having a far als I know. I met Djoanna in dear friend Djoanna is always greater reason to be that way. the early 90s when things were blooming. Djoanna and her And that is because of her faith less complicated and having husband stayed in Monterey, in Christ. She said that they’ve “friends” was not based on get- CA for a while and then moved never been so much happier. ting a number of “likes.” There to San Diego. In 2007, Djoanna She and her husband live a very were no social media then; received a wonderful business simple life. They try to live withfriends met face to face when opportunity from her friend that in their means and enjoy the they need a shoulder to cry made her decide to move to blessings that come their way. on. Djoanna became my adviLA. Djoanna is the owner and As I recall when I ran to her sor when I was going through CEO of Helping Hands of Bevin times of trouble, I couldn’t the worst times in my life. She erly Hills Home Care Services. help but appreciate how deepwould always listen to me, and They provide nursing and care- ly rooted our friendship is, and in all my troubles she would tell giving services to seniors. They how much impact her words me one thing – “Monet, you are looking to expand soon, as brought to me. I remember her have to seek God.” God wills. saying, “When you encounter I had the privilege of writAside from being a sucthese challenges, you have suring her life story in my column cessful wife and a hardworking render to our Savior. It has to and I hope that after reading business owner, Djoanna is a be His will, not our will that has this, you would have a different passionate singer. She still goes to be done. Whatever happens, perspective on faith, fame and to singing engagements and I will continue to pray for you.” friendship. gigs when she can. She tries to To my God-fearing friend Djoanna was a former find time to improve her craft, Djoanna and her husband: singer-actress in the Philippines. which she believes is her pasThank you for your prayers and She started out as a contestant sion and her first love – after for the gift of friendship. I hope in Tawag ng Tanghalan, a talent God and her husband. She says that God will continue to bless search show when she was 15 that singing really makes her all your endeavors. years old. Soon after, ABS-CBN really happy. In her own words: *** gave her more projects, and “You get a certain high when Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardone of them was a TV show you sing in front of audiences winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own named “Stop, look and listen,” who appreciate it.” chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern which co-stars the late Jay As Djoanna and I were California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Ilagan, Tirso Cruz, Eddie Mertalking, I asked her to talk Monet is known as an all-around artiste cado and Tina revilla, among about her faith. She recounted who produces sold-out fashion and awards others. During her flourishing everything with joy and pure shows as well as unforgettable marketing career, she had a relationship conviction. She said she becampaigns. Monet is also the founder with former Caloocan Mayor came a born again Christian in of the revolutionary all-natural beauty Macario “Boy” Asistio. They 1980. However, she thinks that products such as Enlighten, your solution have 2 daughters and now have during that time, her faith was to discoloration. To contact Monet, please 4 grandchildren. not as deep as it should be. She visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at In 2001, Djoanna moved would go through the motions monetsalon@aol.com

entertainment SF3 The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – September 25, 2015

‘AlDub’ makes history anew with...

From Page SF2 unofficial report, the #ALDUBMostAwaitedDate hit a total of 12,125,300 tweets by 12 am Sunday.

The count started on Saturday 12 am with 505,900 tweets.

By 1 pm, the latest hashtag reached 7,497,200 tweets, surpassing the show’s previous feat for #ALDUBTheAbduction which earned 6.4 million.

By 3 pm, a little after the show ended, the hashtag breached the 10 million mark almost all fans aimed for.

Alden Richards and Maine “Yaya Dub” meet for their first date.

Graton Resort & Casino...

From Page SF2 “I love you, I’m one of you… my grandfather was a manong. I was adopted as a kid; my real last name is Hilario. We’re Visayan.”

He added, when asked how he felt about the occasion, “My feeling is happiness and joy that things have gone so well. And that patience and taking the high road has paid off. And I hope now we have something that many people will benefit from and enjoy.”

Graton resort & Casino and all of its new offerings will join the existing array of more than 130 popular table games; 3,000 slot and video poker games; live poker; an 8,700-square-foot events center for concerts and special events; and a dozen restaurants and bars including Tony’s of North Beach operated by 11-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani, M.Y. Noodles by renowned Chef Martin Yan, 630 Park Steakhouse and Daily Grill as well as a variety of casual dining choices inside the 500seat Marketplace. Learn more at: www.GratonresortCasino.com, www.facebook.com/GratonCasino or www.twitter.com/PlayGraton.

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria In 1992, the Tribe was established as the Federated Coast Miwok; then, upon federal restoration in 2000, renamed the Federated Indians of Graton

rancheria. The 1,300-member tribe consists of both Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo people.

Their tribal ancestors existed for thousands of years in what is now Marin and southern Sonoma counties. Under the leadership of its Tribal Chairman, Greg Sarris, the tribe is the owner of Graton resort & Casino.

The Development/management Partner, Station Casinos Llc Graton resort & Casino was developed and is managed on behalf of the Tribe by Station

Casinos LLC., a Las Vegas-based gaming and hospitality firm founded in 1976 in Las Vegas by the Fertitta family. Station Casinos is a division of Fertitta Entertainment, a global entertainment group and Native American management company recognized as an industry leader in the design, development and operation of integrated resort and entertainment destinations. Station Casinos owns and operates 19 resorts and casinos throughout Nevada. *Advertising Supplement

SF4

celebrityworld

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - September 25, 2015

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar ActreSS, singer and tV host toni Gonzaga admitted that she did not expect to win when she attended the 63rd Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards last Sunday night, September 20. toni won her first Best Actress award for her role in Olivia Lamasan’s Starting Over Again. the actress said that she was originally there only to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Eat Bulaga! hosts Joey de Leon, and Vic and tito Sotto.

“I still couldn’t believe I won until I was handed the trophy,” she added. toni also won Female Face of the Night, alongside the Male Face of the Night, actor richard Gutierrez.

Meanwhile, Allen Dizon was on a roll this year as he

Toni Gonzaga on winning FAMAS Best Actress: ‘I still couldn’t believe I won’

received his eighth Best Actor award for his performance as a coffin maker in Jason Paul Laxamana’s film, Magkakabaung.”

In an interview with the Inquirer, Allen said that although he has won best actor for the same role in different international film festivals in New York, Hanoi and Dublin; the award from FAMAS is different.

“It’s still different and more memorable if the award you get is from fellow Filipinos,” he said and then added, “there’s nothing more fulfilling than being recognized by your own people.

Other winners in this year’s FAMAS Awards are: Best Film - Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo Best Director - enzo Wil-

Actor Allen Dizon, who has won numerous international awards from various film festivals, won Best Actor at the recent FAMAS awards for the film “Magkakabaung.”

Asia’s Queen of Song Pilita Corrales will return to the Bay Area via a solo concert on Friday, October 9, at the Creative Arts Theatre, 250 School St., Pittsburg at 7:30pm.

liams (Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo) Best Supporting Actress - Sylvia Sanchez (The Trial) Best Supporting Actor Gabby eigenmann (Asintado) Best child Performer Miggs cuaderno (Asintado) Best Screenplay and Story - The Trial / ricky Lee, enrico Santos and Kriz Gazmen Best cinematography carlo Mendoza (Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo) Best Original theme Song - Hindi Pa tapos ang Laban by

“Showtime co-host and singer Billy Crawford is not the host of the newest game show on ABS-CBN, “Playtime.”

Gloc 9 (Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo) Best Production Design - roy Lahica and Joel Bilbao (Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo) Best editing - carlo Francisco Manatad (Feng Shui 2) Best Sound - Addiss tabong (Feng Shui 2) Best Musical Score - cesar Francisco (She’s Dating the Gangster) Best Visual effects - erick torrente (Magnum Muslim .357) Film critics choice Award - elwood Perez’s Esoterika: Maynila Special awards Public Service - Kaye Dacer and Julius Babao Dr. Jose Perez Memorial Award - Lhar Santiago Arturo Padua Memorial Award - emy Abuan FAMAS Presidential Awardee - Dr. Marcelo ramirez

Actress Toni Gonzaga won her first Best Actress award at the recent FAMAS for his performance in the film “Starting Over Again.”

The Association of Filipino-American Seniors of Alum Rock proclaimed San Jose fashionable lady Susan Pacifico (far left) as 2nd Princess during their annual celebration held recently. Shown in photo with Ms. Pacifico are Erlinda Milanes and Mike Milanes.

Ken Chan, the newest discovery of GMA Pinoy TV, will play the lead role in the new teleserye, “Destiny Rose.”

Handsome actor Rayver Cruz is one of the stars of the movie “Ex With Benefits,” co-produced by Star Cinema and Viva Films. The movie cast is headed by Derek Ramsay and Coleen Garcia.

Jessy Mendiola denies split with JM De Guzman

In this April 12, 2015 file photo, JM de Guzman and Jessy Mendiola attend the DZMM Takbo 2015 at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.

MANILA—Jessy Mendiola and JM De Guzman are still together, amid rumors that they have broken up.

According to a report by MJ Felipe in ABS-cBN’s news program Bandila aired tuesday, Sept. 22 the actress said she and JM have not broken up.

However, the report added that Jessy refused to grant Bandila a full interview. rumors that Jessy and JM have broken up surfaced after the ABS-cBN actress was reportedly involved in the controversial drunken incident with actor en-

rique Gil inside a plane en route to London for a show earlier this month. the two did not attend the Star Magic Ball on September 12, which further fanned the rumors. coincidentally, rumors that JM will be replaced in two major projects also surfaced following reports of their breakup. there are reports that JM will be removed from the ABScBN afternoon drama All of Me and will be replaced by Albert Martinez.

Albert addressed this issue during the press conference for

the upcoming ABS-cBN show FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, which he is also a part of.

“Hindi ko alam, unless they present a new [proposal]... kasi, sa akin, ang talagang commitment ko lang is doon sa pilot. Now, kung babalik ako, they have to present panibagong [proposal],” he said.

Albert also said: “right now, ang ano lang namin is ‘yung schedule nga nito (Ang Probinsyano), so I don’t know kung ano ang mangyayari.”

“Hopefully, maayos lahat, kasi napakagaling namang artista ni JM, sayang naman. Saka ang ganda ng story, eh. Ayoko nang galawin ‘yun, eh.”

A Pang-Masa showbiz column published also claims that JM will be replaced in Walang Forever, the Metro Manila Film Festival entry he is slated to star in with Jennylyn Mercado.

“Nakausap namin si Atty. Joji Alonzo kahapon at kinumpirma nga niyang papalitan na si JM de Guzman bilang leading man ni Jennylyn Mercado sa Metro Manila Film Festival entry niyang Walang Forever,” the report said.

(Philstar.com)

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