FILAM April 2019

Issue 14, April 2019

Hudson Yards pioneer Romel Canete hails ‘smart,

More stories on the web @ TheFilAm.net

Lady Mabuhay and the ‘empowering’ art of burlesque p13

ambitious’ landmark p6

Grace Labaguis’s brave, new world p8

Letter from the Publisher

I

The power of a count

n our American Republic, there are two ways an individual can wield power.

The first is by voting, and you have to be a citizen to do that. The second is by being counted in a once-every-10-year census, and you don’t have to be a citizen to participate.

Voting allows one to choose the officials who will manage our public lives. Even if we detest the banality of officials or their corruption, the vote represents a choice on governance.

The census is a bit more nuanced but probably just as critical. U.S. Census 2020 is supposed to count everyone who is living in the country.

It doesn’t matter if you are here legally or not. When you fill out the form, you are counted and the information you provide is supposed to be confidential.

The numbers dictate how a $7 trillion pie of benefits is to be divided.

It will determine how many seats in Congress a state gets, how much funding a school gets, what social service programs will be given priority. In a word, states or areas with bigger populations are allotted more benefits based purely on numbers.

Covered in the count are issues related to population; fertility, mortality, and growth rates; urban

ing the citizenship question is a “blatant attempt” to suppress the count in Democratic-leaning states, such as New York, and “switch the funding to red states” – referring to states such as Alabama or Mississippi.

The lawsuit to block the citizenship question is now pending in the U.S. Supreme Court, and a verdict is not expected until June. “We will go to the mat on this,” she said.

The drive for activists in New York City is to bolster the response rate of people living in the metropolis: from Washington Heights at the northern tip of Manhattan to the southern reaches of Brooklyn. In Elmhurst, Queens – where many Filipino Americans live -- the response rate in the 2010 census was at 64.2 percent. If you think that is good, think again. The response rate nationwide is 76 percent.

‘We in New York are fighting for our fair share.’ Grand Central Terminal photo by There are four ways to fill out Nicolai Berntsen/Unsplash the census form: Online, by phone, and rural population distribution; she said speaking before the commuby mail, or door-to-door. The last population projections, including age, nity and ethnic media at the Craig method of knocking on apartments sex, and marital status characterisNewmark Graduate School of Jourand houses is “not as accurate,” she tics; labor force size; and minority nalism at CUNY. said. “We have quite a ways to go.” population estimates.

She viewed with disdain the The immigration battle plays an For Julie Menin, a daughter of attempt by the Trump administraenormous role in the census, which Holocaust survivors and who was tion to insert a “citizenship question” – we repeat -- is a count of everyone recently named director of census in the census form as a tactic to living in the United States. Nowhere for New York City, the issue is fairly ensure minority communities are in the U.S. Constitution does it say straightforward. “We in New York undercounted and denied services the census is a count of citizens.

City are fighting for our fair share,” they are entitled to. She said insertRene Pastor

Founding Editor Cristina DC Pastor Business & Advertising Manager Rene Pastor

Contributing Writers

Address P.O. Box 8071 New York, NY 10116 Contact Editorial: 848-219-0069 Advertising: 732-428-6318 Thefilamny@gmail.com

Tricia J. Capistrano

Angelito Cabigao

Joel David

Ludy AstraquilloOngkeko

Wendell Gaa Maricar CP Hampton

The FilAm is a publication of A&V Editorial THE FILAM |

2

Mariel Padilla Lindy Rosales

HRW’s Carlos Conde sees

a PHL spinning out of control

By Cristina DC Pastor

The former journalist gives his analysis of the political situation in the Philippines.

Photo by Lambert Parong

It sounded like an echo of the 1980s, when the Philippines was a bleak, depressing nation of murders, human rights abuses, and political opportunism.

T

hat’s what Human Rights Watch researcher Carlos Conde’s assessment sounded when he spoke before a Kapihan forum organized by the Fil-Am Press Club. In that gathering held at the Asian American Writers Workshop, he said some Philippine officials, instead of denouncing President Rodrigo Duterte’s horrendous human rights tactics, are aping him.

“There are mini-Dutertes all over,” he said.

Conde also said the following: • Drug war killings haven’t stopped, and they’re happening all over; • The Makati Business Club has no backbone to speak on the killings;

• There is an epidemic of “guns for hire;” • The political opposition is in disarray; • The arrest of Rappler publisher Maria Ressa has a chilling effect on the press; • The judicial system is dysfunctional.

The New York-based Human Rights Watch has said Duterte’s drug war has resulted in the killing of an estimated 12,000 drug suspects as of 2018. The number is rising but is “hard to verify” because the killings are happening all over the country and “people have stopped counting.” The Philippine Human Rights Commission, which is supposed to monitor the murders is “underresourced” and has no access to police reports, he said.

Conde noted with alarm how some local politicians are following the Duterte playbook just to be able to stay in office.

“There is a climate of intimidation, harassment and fear,” he said.

He expressed dismay that the political opposition has not even shown its support for Senator Leila de Lima, who has been in jail for more than two years now. She was imprisoned supposedly for her connection to an underground THE FILAM |

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President Rodrigo Duterte: Drug-related killings have not stopped. Photo: Wikimedia Commons drug dealing syndicate when she was Justice secretary. She maintained she is being persecuted for being a vocal critic of Duterte’s dismal human rights record from his time as the feared mayor of Davao City.

Said Conde, “The political opposition doesn’t have the kind of voice expected of them. They are not voicing concerns about Leila de Lima. The opposition is non-existent as far as De Lima is concerned.”

He said the Duterte government is determined to silence the press, and the arrest of Rappler’s Ressa over a libel law applied arbitrarily “is used as an example.”

“She’s being singled out, targeted,” he said.

He said the definition of libel is now being interpreted arbitrarily such that something published in 1851 and republished today may make libel a “continuing offense.” Such, he added, is having a chilling effect on the press.

Despite the continuing harassment on Rappler over its ownership and so-called violation of the libel law, Conde is confident Rappler will persist and continue to publish.

“The role of the press is crucial,” he said.

DoE’s new deputy chancellor is the ‘proudly Pinay’ Hydra Mendoza

H

ydra Mendoza is the New York City Department of Education’s Deputy Chancellor for Community Empowerment, Partnerships, and Communications, a newly created role. She stepped down from her role as president of the San Francisco Board of Education to accept the NYC position.

Many thought she was named after the Greek mythical serpent with nine heads. Hydra shared a more interesting story. Her mother was in labor and her father was driving the car to reach the hospital as soon as possible. Then came a freight train going in the same direction. Every time her father would gain ground, the train would run faster ahead of him.

It happened several times until her father just gave up. Each box car train that outran her father was the identity of the train “Hydra Cushion.” And so, her father decided right then and there to name his infant daughter Hydra, in the hope she would be one who is determined to succeed and to win no matter the odds.

At a recent event of the Filipina Women’s Network held at the Philippine Center, Hydra introduced herself to the FilAm community of New York: “I’m the daughter of Filipino parents who immigrated to the U.S. in 1964. My father served in the military for 28 years and brought my three older sisters to the States.”

“My younger brother and I were born in the U.S. and grew up in a very dynamic household of siblings who are able to speak their home language and had a true appreciation of their (Filipino) heritage and culture against their American-born English-speaking siblings.

“My brother and I didn’t understand the sacrifices made by (our older siblings) or our parents.

“After living in over 12 countries and cities, attending four different high schools and landing in San Francisco, my life unfolded in ways I never imagined.

“Although being a sportscaster or professional team lawyer was my dream after college, I oddly ended up working in real estate and finance. I muddled through a few years enjoying my comfortable life. But I didn’t feel influential or impactful.

“I stumbled into the education world by taking a brain development class after having my daughter 23 years ago.’’

She wanted to learn how best to raise her daughter and fell in love with early childhood development theories. Thus, she started teaching in pre-school which turned into a three-year stint. During that time, she became parent president of the nursery school and became responsible for operations, developed curriculum, and conducted outreach to the community.

She served on the PTA and co-chaired the School Site Council prior to being appointed by then-Mayor Gavin

With House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in San Francisco.

Newsom (now California governor) as his first and only senior adviser on education from 2005 to 2011.

However, while serving the Mayor of San FranHydra with her family: Son Santiago, daughter Ashoka, cisco, she was encouraged by Newsom to run for and husband Eric the Board of Education, and she won. When she ran again, she won the position of president two times, the first Filipina ever elected in San Francisco. She FWN’s third book “Disrupt 3.0,” Hydra was the keynote served as president at the same time remaining as speaker. The event was in partnership with the Philipsenior education adviser to Newsom in 2005 and later pine Consulate under Consul General Claro Cristobal. to Mayor Edwin Lee starting 2011.

She told her audience, “I still have moments of When Mayor Lee died suddenly in December 2017, being the only woman in the room, the only Filipina and her mother passed away three months later, the elected (in San Francisco), the only Filipino someone emotional toll on Hydra was too much she asked for has ever met…I have been mistaken more than once three months leave of absence during the summer of as the assistant and not the Deputy Chancellor. I 2018. know when to yield my power and influence and when It was around this time that the City of New York to let others realize their mistakes on their own.” came into the picture. Her former superintendent Hydra Mendoza remained true to her name both when she was president of the Board of Education, ways: As the train that always wins and as the Greek is now New York City Schools Chancellor Richard myth of a serpent that grows two heads each time Carranza. He reached out to ask her advice regarding a head is cut off. With each position she holds, she the need for a position that would communicate and grows stronger in power and influence. empower parents and their community in an effective She is married a second time to a San Francisco way. He saw how during his time in San Francisco native, Eric McDonnell, who is the Chief Operating Hydra “galvanized neighborhoods and communities Officer for the Galt Foundation. Eric fully supported to strive towards equity for all students.” her decision to leave San Francisco and come to New He suggested a senior level position to elevate York City. Her adult children are daughter Ashoka his goal, and that was how Hydra was appointed by and son Santiago. Ashoka is the Bay Area program Mayor Bill de Blasio in August 2018, as the Deputy coordinator at the Civic Spark Fellows Program, and Chancellor for Community Empowerment, PartnerSantiago is a junior at the University of California ships, and Communications.

Santa Cruz studying Anthropology and Critical Race During a recent forum of the Filipina Women’s Netand Ethnic Studies. They are both very proud of their work held at the Philippine Center and the launch of the mother.

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Aging and ageism according

to DF TA' s Jennine Ventura

By Cristina Dc Pastor

Sotera Domingo is an 84-year-old retired nurse who has lived in Richmond Hill for more than 35 years. Since her husband died three years ago, grief has taken its toll on her health. Her cancer has returned, and she has mood swings triggered by recurring depression. Caring friends and neighbors bring her meals and Uber takes her to her medical appointments.

S

otera is among the nearly 1.6 million New York residents aged 60 and older, a population served by the New York City Department for the Aging, or DFTA. Although she reads the papers, she has never heard of DFTA, and because she is set in her ways, she balks at getting the city government involved in her life.

“As long as someone does my laundry and cooks for me, I’m good,” she often said jokingly.

Not everyone is fortunate like Sotera who owns her apartment and lives on her comfortable retirement pension.

Some older New Yorkers have only a few hundred dollars in the bank, live in low-income housing, and rely on DFTA for services such as home-delivered meals, assistance with Medicare, and access to senior centers where they can go to socialize.

DFTA is the agency that advocates for the city’s aging population through public policy, social services, and legislation.

“What we are most known for is our senior center networks,” said Jennine Ventura, DFTA’s Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, in an interview with The FilAm. The agency has 249 senior centers that provide educational and recreational programs, case assistance information and, referrals.

“Almost all of our sites provide meals,” she added.

Ventura, a Brooklyn-born Filipino American heads the Intergovernmental Affairs department that establishes a working relationship with various agencies in the service of the city’s aging population.

“We are the largest area agency on aging in the United States,” she said.

“It is our mission to work to eliminate ageism and ensure the dignity and quality of life of New York’s diverse, older adults.”

DFTA has recently rolled out a new “home-sharing” ad campaign for seniors. The idea is to find creative ways to address the issue of high housing costs. For instance, a senior can offer a room in his or her home to someone who may not be able to afford rent but can offer companionship or help with domestic chores like housecleaning, grocery shopping or laundry.

Many housemates do, however, split housing costs.

“It’s not like going on Craigslist and finding a roommate,” said Zenovia Earle, DFTA’s Director of Public Affairs. “There’s a matching program, and there are visits to make sure the matches are made properly.”

DFTA has countless initiatives for the elderly in the areas of health and social services, public safety, community and civic participation that are at the heart of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s “Age-friendly NYC: New Commitments for a City for All Ages” initiative. Ventura also highlighted a couple of legislative proposals she was confident would get the City Council vote.

One is the Mental Health First Aid bill introduced by Council Member Diana Ayala. Once approved, the law will require case workers to undergo training in mental health first aid similar to CPR. Explained Ventura, “It’s a one day, eight-hour training conducted by the

‘We have 249 senior centers, almost all of them provide meals.’ The FilAm Photo

THE FILAM |

Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The idea is for people who work with home-bound older adults, who are frail or at risk of social isolation, to detect the early signs and to refer persons who may need help.”

Another piece of legislation that previously passed is the Silver Alert bill. Similar to the Amber Alert for missing children, this program assists seniors who may be experiencing disorientation from dementia and other health conditions. A notification goes out when there is a report of a missing elderly person, said Ventura.

She also spoke about a DFTA program that seeks to address age discrimination so that people who are 55 years and older can receive training and stay in the work force.

“Eliminating ageism is part of DFTA’s mission. Older adults are seen as reliable, on time, willing to learn, 5

and also consistent as an employee compared to some who have lots of different competing interests or are still trying to figure out what they want to do. Seniors are looking to just be in the work force, and they want to stay engaged in their communities,” she said.

Ventura, whose parents are both health care professionals, is a member of the National Executive Committee of Gabriela USA, a Filipino American grassroots organization for women. An only child, she was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Queens, where she attended private Catholic schools and moved to the public-school system in high school. She joined DFTA in 2012. Her pathway to city government began in 2002 when she became a legislative fellow for then Council Member de Blasio. She attended the School of Public Affairs at Baruch College.

Hudson Yards pioneer Romel Canete: ‘Ambitious and smart’ NYC landmark

By Cristina DC Pastor

Romel Canete could not believe that Hudson Yards, an ambitious real estate project on Manhattan’s West Side, is finally completed and recently opened to the public.

“A culmination of years of steadfast determination to build a pioneering, smart and massive development with a unique New York character,” he said.

He was part of the project from Day One. In 2004, the Cebu-born Canete, then a consultant at real estate firm Newmark Knight Frank, represented the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board in evaluating bids from various developers in this massive 28-acre location. Once the site of a rail yard, the project covered a swath of the Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen neighborhoods, spanning 30th to 42nd streets Romel was part of the project from Day One. between 8th and 11th Avenue.

The project was put on hold following New York’s “I headed the group that evaluated the bids. failed bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympics in 2004 but Imagine 48 hours of no sleep,” he said. was resurrected in 2007 when the redevelopment was up Currently vice chairman at Newmark Grubb for another bid. This time, Newmark reviewed the devel- Knight Frank, a leading commercial real opment bids on behalf of the Hudson Yards Development estate advisory firm, Canete is one of very few Corp., a city agency overseeing the project.

Filipinos involved in the upper echelon of the “I have been personally involved in the first and Hudson Yards project that started during the second bidding process,” Canete, 61, shared before a time of Mayor Michael Bloomberg. At the time Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce Breakfast in 2004, he already had 15 years of experience The Vessel opened on March 15. Photo: Unsplash Series in 2018. “I thought, at the time, I may not see it in as a consultant with Newmark and counted my lifetime, that what’s happening now is not going to among his diverse clients the likes of Morgan Stanley, to the Batasang Pambansa parliament representing happen because it was so expensive.”

Nokia Siemens Network, PWC, EY, and the United the youth sector.

“Close to 2008 nobody was thinking of developing.

Nations, assisting them with relocations and expan“I did not intend to stay in politics forever,” he said.

The economy was falling apart,” he told The FilAm in a sions, and other lease-related negotiations. In 2012, he “Politics was not an end game to me, just a stepping stone.” phone interview. was awarded the prestigious NY real estate industry’s His pivot however came during a rough period in the Eventually, the market turned around. Construction “Most Ingenious Deal of the Year” award. market. He went to the U.S. to get his MBA from the resumed, and before he knew it most of the buildings Canete’s background has roots in Ferdinand MarWharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. were already leased. He said the original estimated cost cos-era youth politics.

“I graduated in 1988, which was a most difficult in 2004 to build a platform to cover the railyard was $1 He was a young student at UP Cebu when he became moment because 1987 was the October market crash, billion. “Imagine the cost overruns (over the years).” chairman of Imee Marcos’s Kabataang Barangay, and which was similar to the 2008 financial crisis. There Today, Hudson Yards, a series of skyscrapers housing later became its national president holding office in were massive lay-offs, and jobs were extremely difficult upscale apartments, retail shops, restaurants, and Manila. For four years, he was shuttling back and forth to find. I wanted to go home,” he said. offices, is touted as leading the “construction boom” in from Cebu to Manila to carry out his two duties. He Eventually, he found work in a small firm before NYC. According to The Real Deal website, Black Rock was studying to be a doctor (B.S. Biology) then, but joining Newmark in 1989 as a financial analyst. and Time Warner are among the prized tenants. Canbecause of the demands of his organizing work, he Canete lives in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, with his ete said other notables include KKR, big accounting shifted course to Business Management. wife Ruby Ann. They have three children. Their recently financial services, such as Ernst & Young and Accen“I cannot be traveling and studying on the plane all the married eldest Mikel, 35, was operations manager of the ture, retailers Coach and L’Oreal, and the law firm time,” he said. “It’s mentally challenging.” company that launched Uber in the Philippines. He and Skadden Arps. The Vessel, the most spectacular -- and Concededly, politics took over his early life. He his wife Christine welcomed their first child, Charles most photographed -- structure, is an “encapsulation became a city councilor in Cebu, part of his mandate as Patrick, last year. Daughters Rubie, 27, works as a finanof the collective visions, efforts and great leadership a KB leader. In the 1984 national elections, Canete was cial analyst for Newmark in Houston, and Dylan, 25, is a from various stakeholders,” he said. voted among peers and appointed by President Marcos Business Development Manager at Criteo in New York.

THE FILAM |

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Senior Asians urged to hang up on robocalls Older Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are often targets of certain fraud, according to an AARP fraud survey.

S

cammers often use caller ID spoofing to mask their true location, making it appear that they’re calling from a legitimate or local number to raise the odds that you’ll pick up. If you do, the robotic voice on the other end might claim to represent a utility, name-brand company or government agency, like Medicare, the Internal Revenue Service, and Consulates. It might tell you to press a particular key to learn more, or to get off a call list.

Maneesha Mithal, Associate Director for the FTC’s Division of Privacy & Identity Protection, said “We’re happy to be a part of getting the word out to Asian American Pacific Islander communities and encouraging people to report scams to the FTC. The more we hear from people, the more we can help fight scams.”

Whatever the message, don’t engage.

Doing so can lead you to a real live scammer, who’ll pressure you to make

a purchase or pump you for personal information, like a credit card or Social Security number. Even just pressing a key or answering a question alerts scammers that they’ve hit on a “live” number, and they’ll call it again and again.

DOs: • Do hang up on illegal robocalls.

• Do put your phone number on the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call Registry. It won’t stop fraudulent calls, but it will make them easier to spot because most legitimate telemarketers won’t call you if you’re on the registry.

• Do consider using a call-blocking app or device to screen your calls and weed out spam and scams. You can also ask your phone service provider if it offers any such tools.

• Do review a company’s privacy policies before you give it permission to call you. You might be authorizing THE FILAM |

them to share your contact information with others.

DON’Ts: • Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. The FCC recommends letting them go to voicemail.

• Don’t press any keys or say anything in response to a prerecorded message. This lets scammers know yours is a working number and will lead to more spam calls.

• Don’t follow instructions to “speak to a live operator.” This will likely transfer you to a call center for an aggressive sales pitch or a phishing expedition.

• Don’t judge a call by caller ID alone. Scammers mask their location by tricking your phone into displaying a legitimate government or corporate number, or one similar to your own (a practice called “neighbor spoofing”).

“We must all vigilantly protect our information and can all play an active 7

Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers.

Photo by Gervyn Louis/ Unsplash role in trying to stamp out potential fraud by reporting any suspicious activity,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy. “Report fraud at ftc.gov/complaint and visit aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork for more information.” — AARP

COVER STORY

Grace Labaguis’s brave new world

By Cristina DC Pastor

It was, Grace Hufano Labaguis thought then, a “trial visit,” leaving her two sons in Manila in 2001 to see what the future looked like in the U.S. while her husband worked in Saipan. ||Then 9/11 happened.

“Ako lang mag-isa, everyone was worried about me,” she said.

But six months after the World Trade Center attacks, her husband, Ronald and their eldest son Marc joined her in New York. Younger son David was still a baby and was left with his grandmother in the Philippines.

If ‘survival’ was a cultural shibboleth, Grace has plenty of it in her pockets. She went from selling Magic Mic to a string of small, episodic jobs until she was able to create her own company, Synergy Production and Marketing, Inc. It services clients, such as money remittance companies and counts GMA Pinoy TV as her banner account.

In partnership with the Philippine Consulate, Grace now prints a directory of Filipino American community organizations, making her also a budding publisher. From about a hundred organizations three years ago, this important guidebook for newly-arrived Filipinos now has more than 300 clubs listed, a sort of bible that ordains one’s legitimacy. “This is something I’m really proud of,” said Grace in an interview with The FilAm. It looked like sales is really up her alley. Grace did not realize that until she came to America and was put to a test.

“Life here is a challenge. We start somewhere and as we go along we find what we want to do, what we’re looking for,” she said.

Grace followed her calling in various versions of sales and marketing. She promoted concerts and parades, mounted beauty pageants, brought top Filipino talents to New York, and made sure she was engaged in young FilAms’ pursuits in music, theater, and the search for identity. She was all over the community supporting organizations, sometimes calling the shots if needed. She made friends, some foes, but always hers is the image of a woman not unfamiliar with leadership and firmly in charge.

“I’m very active in the community,” she said, sharing the occasional frustration of not being able to support every organization that sought her

Mother’s Day flowers from her boys She was at her pinnacle. Her father, from whom she has been estranged for many years, sent her a charming text message of congratulations. “I’m so proud of you. You have reached the crowning glory of your career. I can rest now.”

||A family divided

Fil-Am Directory: Organizations listed in this booklet are considered legit by the community. help. “The hardest part is you’re not able to please everybody.”

In 2008 she created Essential Consulting Services, LLC -- now Synergy Production and Marketing, Inc. -- and opened an office in Midtown.

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Grace’s parents separated as she was starting college. She would hear fights, and then her dad -- an Army colonel when he retired -- had moved out. She was the youngest of four siblings in a middle-class family. Her mother was a traditional housewife who made sure the children were washed up, fed, and went to school. Grace did not see her father for a long time although she was sure she acquired his traits of decisiveness, resolve, and being able to honor his word.

“I’m like my Papa, when I say something I will really do it,” she said. He passed away in April 2017.

She met Ronald Labaguis, a native of Mindoro, on her last year at Maryknoll. With a few school credits left, she joined a friend who applied at Jollibee where Ron was head of the crew. They married not too long after and the couple settled in Saipan where he found work at Hard Rock Cafe. After the birth of their second son David, that’s when Grace bravely ventured out to the U.S. Mainland. “We started from scratch talaga.”

After a long separation, David finally arrived in the U.S. two years ago, completing the family. He now goes to a community college and has told his parents about his dream of becoming a surgeon.

‘Kuya’ Marc works at Withum, a top tax firm in New Jersey, and is reviewing for his accounting license. Ron, for the last 15 years, has been with Sofitel New York as a wait staff.

Her niche in marketing firmly established, Grace is set to make Synergy a full-service public relations and marketing company. Like the butterfly she surrounds herself with, Grace sees in its rainbow of colors life’s attainable goals, in its evolution her continued growth and accomplishments.

A family road trip to Pennsylvania with husband Ron, and sons Marc and David.

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Real estate closing costs guide for NYC

A Bite of the Big Apple

By Edwin Josue Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

This closing costs guide is designed to give you an estimate of the general costs associated with the sale or purchase of a cooperative, condominium or house. Please note that these are only ranges and approximations and that potential sellers and purchasers must consult their real estate attorney for specifics. We do not represent that these are the entirety of potential costs, but are only to be used as a guide. Professional fees, including brokerage and legal, are negotiable. This guide was last updated July 2016.

CONDOMINIUM PROPERTIES SELLER CLOSING COSTS NYC Transfer Tax:

NYC Administrative Fees: NYS Transfer Tax: NYS Equalization Filing Fee Title Closer Pick-up/Payoff Fee: Seller’s Attorney: Satisfaction of Mortgage Recording Fee: Broker: Federal Withholding Tax (FIRPTA):

Residential: Below $500,000 = 1% of purchase price $500,000 or above = 1.425% of purchase price Commercial/Bulk Sale Rate: Below $500,000 = 1.425% of purchase price $500,000 or above = 2.262% of purchase price Residential Deed Transfers = $125 Commercial Deed Transfers = $250 $4 per $1,000 of purchase price (0.4% of purchase price) $125 (for one to three family and condo) $175-$250/Mortgage $2,500+ $110/Mortgage 6% 15% of purchase price for non-exempt Foreign Seller

CONDOMINIUM PROPERTIES PURCHASER CLOSING COSTS Varies depending on purchase price but regulated by NYS Statute. Best to use an online rate calculator from any Fee Title Insurance: reputable title company website (Approximately $4 per $1,000 of purchase price) Reduced rate applies for simultaneous Purchase and Mortgage (if applicable). Also, best to use online rate calculator Mortgage Title Insurance: for accuracy. (Approximately $1 per $1,000 of loan amount) Real Estate Tax Adjustment: Real Estate Tax Adjustment: Purchaser reimburses Seller for any prepaid common Common Charge Adjustment: charge payments Deed Recording Fees: $250-$750 Title and Municipal Search: $350-$500 Title Endorsements: $75-$150 Homeowner’s Policy $300-$750 costs will vary depending on coverage selected Required by Lender: by borrower/purchaser. Check with insurance agent E Tax Filing (Acris): $100 1% of entire purchase price, where the price is $1,000,000 Mansion Tax: or more

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Kitchen

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MORTGAGE ASSOCIATED FEES: Mortgage Recording Tax (paid by borrower): (less outside the City of New York)

If applicable: Mortgage less than $500,000 = 1.80% of mortgage amount (minus $30 for 1 or 2 family dwellings) Mortgage $500,000 and above on 1-3 family residential dwelling = 1.925% of mortgage amount (minus $30 for 1 or 2 family dwellings) Mortgage on all other property $500,000 and over = 2.80% of mortgage amount

Bank Application Fee:

$750-$1,250

Appraisal:

$400-$1,500

Bank Attorney:

$850-$1,200

Credit Report Fee:

$50-$100/Applicant

Purchase Application Fee:

$500-$1,000

Credit Report Fee:

Credit Report Fee:

Move-in Deposit:

$500-$1,000 (usually refundable if no damage)

Move-in Fee:

$350-$1,000

Purchaser’s Attorney:

$2,500+

UCC-I Filing Fee:

$75-$125

NEW CONSTRUCTION/ SPONSOR: (additional fees)

Purchaser will pay costs normally paid by the Seller such as Seller attorney fees and NYC and NYS Real Property Transfer Taxes (see below)

Resident Manager’s (Super’s) Unit: (if applicable)

Purchaser pays for this in some cases calculated as a percentage of the common interest associated with unit as part of the Condominium Building

Working Capital Fund Contribution:

One-time charge of approximately 1-2 months of common charges

Sponsor Attorney Fees:

$2,500-$3,000 (negotiable)

Sponsor’s NYC and NYS Transfer Tax: Determined by FIRST calculating the transfer taxes on the purchase price using the following guidelines:

Bathroom

NYC Transfer Tax

Below $500,000 = 1% of purchase price $500,000 or above = 1.425% of purchase price

NYS Transfer Tax:

$4 per $1,000 of purchase price (.4% of purchase price)

ONCE the figure of NYC and NYS taxes is determined, THEN, the taxes are RECALCULATED based on the sum of the original Purchase Price AND the NYC and NYS transfer taxes (may trigger Mansion Tax).

Compilation of information courtesy of Peter Graubard, Esq., Neal B. Garfinkel, Esq., Keith A. Schuman, Esq., Diane E. Lengar, Esq., and Judd DeRario.

Living room

FEATURED PROPERTY 45 Tudor City Place - Apt. 2114 Co- Broker: Ester L. Lim, Lic. Real Estate Salesperson Halstead Manhattan LLC Tel No. 212-381-3390

Edwin Josue is a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker at Halstead Manhattan, LLC located at 499 Park Avenue, 14th Fl., NY, NY 10022.

He can be reached at O: 212-381-3304 C: 917-560-6874 or at ejosue@halstead.com.

Halstead.com.

Promoted Content

To be continued THE FILAM |

11

Calendar

of Events

||April 14, 6 p.m.

||July 28

Gary V Live in New York The Town Hall 123 W 43rd St, NYC

Central Park Triathlon Central Park Lasker Pool NYC

||August 30 – September 2

||April 24

Fighting Anti-Asian Discrimination in the 19th Century: A Tour Asian/Pacific/American Institute at NYU 8 Washington Mews, New York, New York 10003

20th Grand Reunion and Convention, University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America, Inc. Crowne Plaza Hotel at San Francisco Airport, Burlingame, California

||April 26, 9 a.m.

Organizing 2.0 Annual Training Event The Murphy Institute, CUNY SLU 25 W 43rd St, Fl 19th

||April 27,

7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

PNA New York Spring Conference: Reimagine and Transcend the Culture of Nursing NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital 301 East 17th Street, Manhattan, NYC

||April 28

Cherry Blossom Festival Brooklyn Botanic Garden

||May 3

2nd Annual Gatsby Charity Gala Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel 40 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie N.Y.

||May 4

7th Annual Asian Burlesque Extravaganza (le) poisson rouge 158 Bleecker St, NYC

||June 2

Philippine Independence Day Parade Madison Avenue, NYC

||May 5,

8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

||September 8

2019 Outstanding Foreign Workers Awards Night Astoria World Manor 25-22 Astoria Blvd. Queens

||September 21

Rooftop Penthouse Spring Fling Party 230 5th Ave. Penthouse, 20th fl.

9th Annual All About Downtown Jersey City Street Fair Grove PATH Plaza 319 Grove St, Jersey City

||May 13,

||October 12

7:30 p.m.

Lea Salonga in The Human Heart Tour Sony Hall 235 West 46th St.

||June 12,

||May 17,

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

Vice Ganda: Ang Fantastic Concert ng Vaklang Twoooh Newark Symphony Hall 1020 Broad Street, Newark NJ

||May 24

The Crooner meets the Soul Diva!

Feinstein's/54 Below 254 W 54th St, NYC

THE FILAM |

Selected Shorts: A Celebration of James Baldwin Symphony Space 2537 Broadway

||July 14

7th Annual Summer Potluck Picnic for Young FilAm Families Contact info@filschool-nynj.org or call 774.257.4669 for location

12

Create Your Own Social Media Filter Pioneer Works 159 Pioneer St, Brooklyn

||2020

July 1 Filipino American National Historical Society Metro NY Chapter National Conference Waikiki Marriott Beach Resort & Spa

Burlesque: Freedom, femininity and the Filipino psyche

I

By Elizabeth Cueva

have always been a fan of the beautiful Dita Von Teese, whose burlesque shows exuded glamour, grace and glitter. To me, she had elevated the art of the tease. I had pored through a coffee table book of hers and was enticed by all those luxurious lingerie and accoutrements that made women — and men — go to shops called Agent Provocateur and La Perla.

I had always been curious to see this sensuous performance art in New York as I have never seen an actual show in the city until last week’s mildly rainy Tuesday night. In the past, I have seen some burlesque extravaganza shows at the Moulin Rouge in Paris and in the former Flamingo in Las Vegas.

However, these shows were geared for a larger touristy audience, but never in an intimate setting.

Sid’s Gold’s Request Room is a cozy spot for an introductory foray on burlesque. The place was nondescript that my friend and I almost missed it.

The front part consisted of a vintage-y bar that’s almost like a speakeasy. The stage and alcove where the show was held were hidden behind dark curtains at the back room of the bar.

The ushers and servers were congenial. There was a cover charge of a sliding scale of $5 to $20 and the food and drinks were reasonably priced and tasty. We were directed to a pink-lit alcove booth with a good view of the piano bar and the stage. On the dot, at 8 p.m., the show started with the gracious hostess — and producer — named Trinity Starlight introducing the diminutive and voluptuous Filipina-American, Lady Mabuhay, to open the show. At first, the emcee called her “May Buhay” and promptly corrected her pronunciation to “Mah-boo-hay!” How apt her stage name is because she filled that floor with her exuberance and vitality as she gyrated and slowly peeled off her clothes.

Then, came the zaftig all-American beauty named Madame Brassiere. Then, the soulful and smoldering Nina Josephine to be followed by the tall and slim Cleopatra Jones-looking Rain Supreme. One by one, the performers floated around the room in their perfumed feathered costumes as they slithered gracefully and teasingly took off their garments piece by piece — mask first, then one glove, then the other glove, robe, corset, brassiere, girdle then other accoutrements until they were down to their itty-bitty garments of nipple tassles and g-strings. No, there was no full nudity, only a gradual disrobing so that there was always something left to tease the imagination.

Lady Mabuhay: Burlesque is an empowering form of expression and entertainment.

In this intimate venue, burlesque was participatory as they encouraged the viewers to signify their appreciation by clapping, hooting and howling. The mixed audience looked respectable and were initially reserved and shy. The dancers approached the audience members as they performed.

Though fun-loving and game, the audience were well-mannered as they knew not to touch the performers and to respect them as artists. There was also what they called a “kitty pick-up” such that if one chose to pick up the garments left behind by the dancers, one had to do so provocatively.

During the intermission, there was an auction where the audience could bid on anything from intimate toys to special gifts from the performers. The producer and hostess of the show called Essence Revealed, Tiffany Starlight, and the performer Lady Mabuhay, managed to visit our alcove to say hello and made us “feel at home” as we were neophytes in such shows. Talking with them, these performers revealed themselves as intelligent and self-possessed women who see burlesque as an empowering form of expression and entertainment The finale was reserved for the East Harlem Goddess of Burlesque, no other than the lovely hostess herself, Tiffany Starlight. The women came in all shapes and sizes, all races, colors and ethnicity — all exhibiting confidence and gracefulness. The performers surely felt comfortable THE FILAM |

13

in their own skins. They all displayed strength in their softness, beauty and mystery — the power of femininity.

For the Filipino-American community, views about burlesque are evolving. Lots may think of it as controversial, voyeuristic and sexually titillating. Personally, I found the show not at all raunchy. Surely, it was erotic and sensuous, but the ladies with their beautiful costumes and graceful moves gave a classy performance. Burlesque is not tantamount to bawdy. It is a form of theatrical performance art. Burlesque is an all-inclusive art form for women of all shapes and sizes expressing themselves freely and celebrating beauty and femininity. It can be both appealing and empowering for both the performers and the audience. How liberating!

M. Elizabeth Cueva, Esq. is a public sector human rights lawyer who advocates gender equality and equal access and opportunity for all. She also believes in feminism without losing femininity.

at the Golden Globes

Fans eager to see Gary V

in ‘miracle’ concert after surgery After a very long time, Gary Valenciano – once known as the Michael Jackson of the Philippines – will be returning to New York for a solo concert at The Town Hall on April 14.

“It’s been a while,” according to Robert Mendoza and his wife Melissa of Mountaintop Productions who are co-producers of the concert “He’s Back: Gary V Live in New York.” It will be the first time Gary is returning to do a major concert following an open-heart surgery and after doctors had declared he had no kidney cancer.

“This is a miracle for Gary,” said Robert. “He wanted to make this tour, to thank everyone for their support, thank everyone that he survived.”

Maricel Salubayba, who was president of the Gary V fans club in NYC in 1990, does not recall the last time Gary had a solo concert in New York and moonwalked his way back to his fans’ affections. Although her recollection is a rich one that goes way back 1988 when a concert for Gary was organized by a group of businessmen led by Jose Ojeda. That concert was held at Madison Square Garden. Since then Gary has been coming back every two or three years. She thinks Gary has had anywhere from 10 to 15 concerts in New York alone, 25 to 30 counting all his performances across the U.S. Maricel was in all of them, helping out as a production assistant. That’s how she came to know Gary and his family, sealing a friendship that has endured to this day. “I will be a PA again for this concert.”

Fans, like NaFFAA New York State Treasurer Jan Andrada, have remained steadfast in their admiration. They spoke of a man of tremendous talent, devoted to his family, and unshakeable in his Christian faith.

“Gary V is the real Mr. Pure Energy,” said Jan. “Every time he is on stage, he brings the house down. He sings, he dances, he communicates his energy to everyone.”

Real estate professional Edwin Josue, who was part of the group that originally set the stage for the first concert in 1988, said Gary is a kind and prayerful person.

“Mabait siya and very spiritual,” he recalled.

“Every time there’s a meeting he would always invoke the Holy Spirit. He’s a Born-Again Christian.” He gave Gary and wife Angeli a tour around

NYC is his first major concert after a series of medical issues.

Facebook photo

Maricel Salubayba, who was president of his fans club in the 1990s. the city, and became a friend over the years.

Cherry Marmes Smyth, founder of KIDS Philippines, is another Gary adorer.

“I love Gary V!” she said. “We saw his concerts in Boston and New Jersey. His songs are inspirational

THE FILAM |

15

and motivational. One thing I love about him is he never forgets to praise the Lord during his concert.”

Je Olaguera of Infinity Entertainment will be watching Gary for the first time.

“I’ve always wanted to watch his concerts when I was still in the Philippines, but never got the chance. So when I heard he’s going to be here, I secured tickets as close to the stage as possible. I have two VIP tickets,” she said. “I wish he’ll perform ‘Heto na Naman’ and ‘Each Passing Night.’

That’ll be awesome!”

Down-to-earth and very close to his family, was how Maricel remembered the remarkable performer who has charmed audiences since the 1980s with his ballads and spiritual songs, and vigorous dance moves. “He’s very interactive with his fans,” she said.

For her, the whole meaning of Gary’s upcoming concert is to see whether he is truly back “100 percent” as the livewire entertainer whose popularity has never waned through more than three decades.

“That’s what I want to see, his positive energy, that he can still do what he used to,” Maricel said.

And if not? “It will not disappoint me because I know he will do the best he can.” -- Cristina DC Pastor

Reckless in Oahu

By Danielle Vania Bonus

Hawaii was never on my radar only for the mere fact that having family in the Philippines makes island adventures affordable and much more pleasurable. But recently, I stumbled on this great opportunity to leave this ice chest of a town to visit a friend on the island of Oahu. This forced me into researching sites and attractions in the area.

I

wasn’t pleased with the information given on Pinterest or TripAdvisor. Hikes through scenic trails and surfing seemed exhausting when I just really wanted to relax so, I left my friend, a local in the area, in charge of all the finer details of my trip.

Little did I know that his idea of fun would be close encounters with death. I’m laughing about it now but while I was there, I might have wanted to make a few morbid phone calls to mom.

Riding around the island with a Zero brand motorcycle, we attracted a lot of attention with the locals. Motorcycle enthusiasts either considered it an overpriced version of a scooter without an engine or functional choice with a commanding torch to help maneuver around island traffic. For me at first, it was a beast ready to take my life away. I never understood the extent of my fragility until that moment. Try being on a motorcycle at 80mph zipping through H1 traffic with a windbreaker jacket partially zipped, ready to parachute you off the bike. I was terrified. However, I did catch on rather quickly.

I zipped up my jacket all the way each time and learned to move with the bike. I started feeling like I was Charlotte Blackwood in “Top Gun” straddled up and cozy behind her leading man, Maverick. I’m not going to lie, I played “Danger Zone,” by Kenny Loggins a few times in my head during some of those rides.

I almost flew off a bike, got a beatdown from a linebacker and now I was about to be tested again at the Mermaid Caves. It was only then where my friend expressed his outlook on life and said, “I feel the most alive when I push my limits to the edge.” It was already too late to back out. It was only the last few days of my trip, so I just decided to go with the flow, or I should I say tosses.

We waited for the waves to calm before making the leap. My millennial mindset to get everything on camera made the reckless decision to have my phone in hand just before I jumped and off, I went into the water with one good hand.

My pro-dogpaddling skills were no match for the waves that were about to come in. The waves forced me under water, and I had to latch on to a

huge rock. My friend grabbed my phone and told me to get away from the rock just before another big wave hit causing me to slam into the rock scratching parts of my legs.

Trying to make it to shore, I had to latch on to a few more rocks for quick breaths of air. One time my friend just held me up while he was under water. I knew I was going to survive, I just didn’t know in what condition.

I was all smiles by the end of the trip. It was an experience of a lifetime and I’m almost looking forward to another crazy adventure. Anyway, a little recklessness never hurt anyone.

Drinks and ‘pupus’ for happy hour

THE FILAM |

16

Making the leap

Arvin Amatorio announces

run for Bergenfield mayor

A

t the Bergenfield Boro Park where the freshwater lake lay still and the geese seemed to tiptoe around it, Councilman Arvin Amatorio laid out his plans for the town of Bergenfield.

“Economic development, tax stabilization, infrastructure improvement and, transportation,” he said, speaking mildly but forcefully. “I would like Bergenfield to have a light rail transit to cut the hours commuting to New York. It would require a lot of efforts from State officials but I want to start and push the issue.

The rest of my programs I am confident I can achieve with the support of my colleagues in the Council.”

Arvin, 47, was voicing plans to bring the town – recognized as one of the safest municipalities in the U.S. – to a different level. He wanted Bergenfield to remain a quaint residential suburb ideal for raising a family yet one that thrives alongside a large, dashing city like New York.

Arvin and his wife Ilya Evangelista were newly married and lived in Upper Manhattan when they discovered Bergenfield. Only 15 minutes by car, they frequented the town for grocery shopping. “That’s where we bought our food. It is closer than Jersey City or Chinatown,” he said in an interview with The FilAm. Bergenfield – founded by nomadic Dutch farmers in the 1800s — was where the couple bought their first property. Where they were blessed with two boys, Lance and Andrew.

Where his law practice, Amatorio Law, originated. Where his political fortune continues to rise. Where he is now aspiring to become mayor.

||Why he wants to be mayor

“This is a great community,” he began. “I’ve seen the changes, the progress, the people. If I were mayor, I think I can do more and better

By Cristina DC Pastor

“We look for grants and we are successful in our budget preparations.

As chair of the finance committee, I make sure those things are happening,” he continued.

Public Works & Parks and Police are his other committees. Arvin is the council’s liaison official to the Rent Leveling Board, the Veterans Advisory Committee, and the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

||Losing his mom

With New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy during the re-election campaign for Senator Bob Menendez

‘I would like to bring Bergenfield to a different level.’ The FilAm Photo

things, or I can do things differently.”

On his fifth year as a councilman – at one time the Council President — Arvin has been given paramount roles. As chairman of the finance committee, he fought tax increases, such that Bergenfield never had to raise taxes for two consecutive years.

THE FILAM |

“Despite the fact that everybody is trying to increase their property taxes, we didn’t raise property taxes,” he said. “Zero last year, zero this year.” Asked how they are financing their town-wide projects, he said Bergenfield is spending conservatively and collecting taxes efficiently.

18

When his mother was seriously ill late last year, often their conversation revolved around the notion that he would become mayor. “I would tell her, mom you should get well. I want you to be there when I’m sworn in,” he recounted.

His mother, retired public school teacher Sonia Gomez Amatorio, would pass away in February unable to witness her fifth child’s further ascent into local politics. Sonia, who married into the prominent Angara clan of Baler, was herself into local politics in the province of Aurora.

She was a long-time member of the municipal council. “She gave me some advice,” said Arvin.

There was an outpouring of love at her funeral, Arvin said to himself, “I thought I was popular but when my mom died the whole town was there.”

Arvin’s father, Librado Angara Amatorio, was also a public school teacher. In fact, Arvin himself started working as a teacher when he first came to New York, although he had earned a Law degree from San Sebastian College. He passed the New York bar and quickly shifted from education to law.

||Biggest ethnic group

There are at least 5K Filipinos in Bergenfield – with a population of about 27K — many of them property owners, as Arvin brushed aside unwanted comparisons with the

estimated 20K Filipinos in Jersey City.

“It is not fair,” he said to compare Filipinos in both areas although they are geographically in close proximity.

Filipinos are the biggest ethnic group in Bergenfield, he declared.

“Most Filipinos are professionals.

Our household median income is $81K and the town’s median family income is almost $97K.” Here is how he would dichotomize the FilAms in Bergenfield and FilAms in Jersey City.

“If you are by yourself and you prefer to stay in an apartment with close commute to the city, Jersey City is for you. Many people in Bergenfield live in single detach properties. We have kababayans also who prefer to stay in some of the apartments in our town. For me, what matters is we all come from same ethnic background and it is important for us to be united.”

The Filipino, Arvin proudly notes, is ably represented in the town’s political leadership.

Robert Rivas, historically the first Filipino mayor in New Jersey, was Bergenfield’s chief executive from 2000 to 2002.

In the current council, there is businessman Buddy Deauna, who won an easy victory in 2016. He owns the Asian Pacific Travel agency that has been in town since 1994. All three are Democratic Party members.

“I didn’t think I would be into politics,” Arvin thought, looking back at how it all began.

“But we are the biggest ethnic community here, and we have this personality where we don’t want to complain. If you attend property tax hearings, very few Filipinos are complaining although they have complaints. I took it upon myself, OK, let me do it, let me try.”

At younger son Andrew’s christening.

With wife Ilya Evangelista and son Lance who is now 12 years old.

Not a fan of Brie Larson as Captain Marvel

T

he woman Captain Marvel stars the American actress with a Swedish name, Brie Larson.

I have much respect for her after observing her acting talent in “Short Term 12” and her Oscar-winning role for Best Actress in the drama-thriller “Room.” I was further lured to see her debut on the big screen as a super heroine after viewing an online interview of Larson by our own Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.

“Captain Marvel” unfurls the story of Carol Danvers, a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot who happens to be a member of the Starforce operatives of the Kree alien species on their capital planet of Hala. Gifted with superhuman strength, flight ability, and the power to emit photo energy bursts from her hands, she trains to be one of the elite commandos of the Kree Starforce under the tutelage of her mentor and commanding officer Yon-Rogg, played by actor Jude Law. She finds the power to escape from her captors and land on planet Earth — specifically to 1990sera America — where she allies herself with Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), an agent of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division, better known as S.H.I.E.L.D. while they are pursued by Talos and his team.

I personally enjoyed this film and would recommend repeated viewings, but I did have a few issues with it.

Brie Larson was not my ideal choice for the starring

By Wendell Gaa

Women as superheroes in ‘Captain Marvel’ and ‘Wonder Woman.’ role. As superb an actress as she is, I honestly felt that the way the movie’s screen writers depicted Carol Danvers as a character lacked nuance and made her seem wooden and aloof. She just didn’t emit as much of an inspiring emotional impact on myself compared to big screen portrayals of other Marvel superheroes.

I further didn’t feel a surge of “women empowerment” from this film’s portrayal of Captain Marvel herself, at least not in the same way that “Black Panther” was a milestone cinematic love letter to global African culture. On the other hand, if you are just taking this movie for the entertaining and exciting action/sci-fi that it is, then you will thoroughly enjoy it. Proof that a superhero need not be judged on the basis of gender.

THE FILAM |

19

Perhaps this was the whole objective of the filmmakers. That blockbuster superhero movies starring women are finally being accepted as the norm, and not just some passing trend.

In this sense, I feel that “Captain Marvel” successfully proves that “Wonder Woman” was no fluke.

Mass audiences will pay to see female superhero movies on the big screen, which is indeed a great thing.

The other strengths of “Captain Marvel” are definitely its extraordinary visual graphics, especially of the intergalactic battle scenes with Danvers and her allies. It should be noted that one of the film’s visual development concept illustrators is our very own, FilAm artist Anthony Francisco of Marvel Studios in Los Angeles. It is surely great to know that once again, one of our own has contributed to the amazing visuals of this latest Marvel creation.

The movie does a rather decent job of depicting daily life in the 1990s, from the mundane to the major. For those like myself who came of age in that decade (at least in the U.S.), the very sight and mention of cultural milestones — such as Blockbuster Video, “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “Silence of the Lambs” — will no doubt spark nostalgia. Throughout nearly the entire film, you will notice the absence of smart phones, and instead see the everyday technology of the time which are now deemed “dinosaur relics,” including the pager, Windows 95 and the CD-ROM!

Issue 14, April 2019

Gary V returns for a ‘miracle’ concert p15

DoE’s Hydra Mendoza: Keeping parents and public schools tight p4

Arvin Amatorio: Aspiring to be mayor of Bergenfield p18