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JOURNAL

. c o m T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c a n C o m m u n i t y N e w s pa p e r DECEMBER 16-22, 2010

Volume 22 - No. 41 • 2 Sections – 22 Pages

Fil-Am leaders support SAVE Act

by Dymphna

Calica-La AjPress

Putt

Saying it will be beneficial to the economy of both countries, Filipino community leaders are supporting a bill that allows the Philippines to export garments to the US duty-free.

“It will help revitalize the textile and apparel industries of both countries,” the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NaFFAA) said in a statement.

The Save Our Industries (SAVE) Act is a bilateral agreement between the US and the Philippines that would allow the latter to export locally assembled garments duty-free provided that these are made from fabric that was made and bought from the US. “This is a win-win legislation for both the Philippines and the US,” NaFFAA national chairman Eduardo Navarra said.

Navarra in his statement urged Filipino-Americans in the US to contact the senators and representatives in their state to urge them to support the SAVE Act when the new Congress convenes in January.

“Expanding business opportunities and sustaining jobs at a time of great economic stress will mutually benefit both countries,” Navarra said.

The Philippine government earlier has reached out to the Fil-Am community to PAGE A3

DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM across America

California’s Asian vote discussed at USC STUDENTS, professors and analysts convened for a discussion on the Asian American and Latino voter poll in the past November 2010 election on Dec. 9 at the University of Southern California.

Manuel Pastor, Professor of American Studies and Ethnicity at USC and director of the Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration at USC; along with Jane Junn, Professor of Political Science at USC, research director of USC College/Los Angeles Times Poll; and Daniel Ichinose, director of Demographic Research Project at Asian Pacific American Legal Center, presented graphs and charts representing specific data from their recent poll.

“One thing about this poll is that it was right on the money,“ Pastor said. “This was the poll that had the most success at the top PAGE A4

UNITY in the COMMUNITY. Leaders of four Filipino-American groups were inducted en masse last Dec. 12 at the National Federation of Filipino American Association’s (NaFFAA) holiday party. The joint officer -installation was testament to NaFFAA’s ‘community of one’ thrust, where Fil-Ams are encouraged to be proud of their regional affiliations and even more proud of their being Filipinos. More photos in B7.

AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

Filvets urged to create will, inform organizations of executor

by Joseph

Pimentel AJPress

LOS ANGELES—Filipino World War II veteran Miguel Narzabal always told those around him that if anything happened to him, his son Diego would take care of it.

When the 88-year-old Narzabal died suddenly of a heart attack two months ago, his son Diego, who lives in Tayabas, Quezon, Philippines, thought he’d be able to leave the country and bury his father in a Riverside cemetery.

But when the US embassy denied Diego’s visa to the US twice in a two-month span, no one knew what to do with Narzabal’s body.

“It was really sad because there was nobody here taking charge of his [Narzabal’s] burial wishes,” said Dr. Jenny Batongmalaque,

a friend of Narzabal and the Executive Director of the Filipino Veterans Foundation. “Every time I spoke to Diego, he kept telling me to not to worry about it, that he would take care of everything but I don’t think he anticipated the US embassy denying him.”

“After the second denial, he was crying to me on the phone because he couldn’t give his dad a proper burial,” added Batongmalaque, whom Diego, after the second denial, endorsed to handle his dad’s final arrangements. “How can this happen to a hero of WWII? That’s why we’re telling all of our veterans, most of them in there 80’s and alone here, to let us know who will take care of their final arrangements and next of kin.”

World War II hero Like many Filipino WWII veterans in the 1990’s, Narzabal took PAGE A3

Fil-Am couple jailed in Florida Pacquiao next bout set for exploiting Pinoy workers for May 7 in Las Vegas

by Jose

Katigbak

Philstar.com

by Abac

Cordero Philstar.com

FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

PH initiates UN resolution

The Philippines is asking members of the United Nations (UN) to include disability issues and persons with disabilities when reviewing its Millennium Development Goals (MDG).

At the same time, it had asked governments to step up efforts to assess how this group of individuals can benefit from these goals.

In a draft resolution submitted last Dec. 3, the Philippine Permanent Mission to the UN has called for “national, bilateral and multilateral policies and programs to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities.”

“The Philippines has expressed concern that while the member states of the UN strive to achieve the 2015 targets of their commitments in the (MDG), efforts and strategies to that end may not effectively filter down to persons with disabilities,” Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Libran Cabactulan said in a statement.

The MDGs are international development goals that include eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, fighting AIDS, and

MANILA—Manny Pacquiao is WASHINGTON—A Filipino-American couple has been sentenced to a combined 129 months in prison for forcing in no hurry to decide on his next 39 Filipino nationals to work against their will in country opponent even if someone very clubs and hotels in Southeast Florida, the US Immigration close to him said it’s going to be and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Secu- Shane Mosley who will fight the Filipino superstar on May 7 in rity Investigations said.

Federal prosecutors said Sophia Manuel and Alfonso Las Vegas.

“Wala pa (Nothing yet),” said Baldonado Jr., owners of Quality Staffing Services Corp., a labor contracting service, compelled the victims to work Pacquiao Tuesday evening durunder threat of having them arrested and deported, know- ing a special, closed-door dining they faced serious economic harm and possible incar- ner hosted for him by the Arums, Top Rank chief Bob and ceration for nonpayment of debts in the Philippines.

Manuel was sentenced last Friday to 78 months in fed- his gracious wife Lovee, at the Red Restaurant of Shangri-La eral prison and Baldonado to 51 months in prison.

Manuel also was sentenced for making false statements Makati.

A BIG delegation of 19 Filipino food exPAGE A3 porters recently visited Los Angeles for an PAGE A3 AJPress file photo by Robert Macabagdal PAGE A3 “Outbound Business Matching (OBM) Mission” organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and jointly implemented through the Bureau of Export Trade PromoON December 13, President Obama The bill will increase federal funding for tion (BETP) and the Philippine Trade and signed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act school lunches by about 6 cents per child Investment Center (PITC), Los Angeles, Deinto law. and allow the Secretary of Agriculture to set partment of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through Flanked by Cabinet officials, top Demo- standards for foods sold in schools. It will the Office of the Philippine Consulate Genercrats and schoolchildren in green and yel- also help combat childhood hunger by makal, Los Angeles, USA., the Subic Bay Metrolow uniforms, President Obama said that ing more than 100,000 children on Medicpolitan Authority (SBMA), and the Philippine “across the country, too many kids don’t aid eligible for free lunch.

Food Industry. have access to healthy meals. We’ve seen Championed by First Lady Michelle Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo-Aragon, the connection between what kids eat and Obama, the bill is an important advanceVice Consul Dan Espiritu and Trade Reprehow well they perform in school,” he said, ment of the Obama Administration’s goal sentative Archie Gomez from PTIC-LA hosted speaking at Harriet Tubman Elementary of solving the problem of childhood obesity the delegation in Los Angeles.

School in Northwest Washington. “We need within a generation. The signing of the bill The goals of the trade mission were not to make sure our kids have the energy and into law capped months of advocacy by the only to penetrate the Filipino-American capacity to go toe-to-toe with their peers.” first lady. market but to also expand their business by The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act will “While we may sometimes have our difpenetrating major ethnic consumers in the US like the Hispanics, other Asians, and the NV Senator John Ensign was visited by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto Romulo during improve the quality of school breakfasts, ferences, we can all agree that in the United the latter’s stop at Washington DC. Issues discussed include bills pending in US Congress that lunches and other foods sold in schools while States of America, no child should go to mainstream American market.

The food exporters from the Philippines would benefit Filipinos such as the SAVE Act and the Family Reunification Bill. Romulo also also strengthening nutrition programs that school hungry,” Michelle Obama said Monpresented recent developments in the Philippines to the NV rep. NV is home to the 4th largest serve young children, including WIC and the day. “All children should have the basic nuPAGE A5 Filipino population in the US. DFA photo Child and Adult Care Food Program.

PAGE A4

Pinoys target ethnic consumers

Obama signs Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act

3700 W. Desert Inn Road Las Vegas, NV 89102 • Tel: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, New York/NEW JERSEY

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DECEMBER 16-22, 2010 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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From The Front Page

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Fil-Am leaders support... PH initiates UN resolution PAGE A1 ask for support of these bills that will help improve the textile and garments industries in both countries.

Philippine Trade Representative Archimedes Gomez told a forum in Las Vegas last August that it is counting on Fil-Ams in Nevada, California and Texas to help push and promote convincing our legislators to pass the SAVE Act. The pending legislation—Senate bill 3170 House bill 3039 bill is expected to save and create up to 200,000 jobs in the Philippines. At the same time, some 3,000 US jobs in the US are seen to be a result of the bill.

In the proposed legislation, garments crafted from fabric made of US yarn and natural Philippine fabric like abaca or pineapple will be exported to the US at a 50% duty reduction.

House Resolution 3039 was sponsored by Democrat Congressman Jim McDermott of Washington and Republican Congressman Brian Bilbray of California . In the Senate, meanwhile, Democrat senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii and, Republican senator Christopher Bond, from Missouri , sponsored Senate Bill 3170.

Gomez had said approval of the proposed legislation will benefit the Filipino-American community.

“Whatever increase in the Philippines’ GDP (gross domestic product) and available jobs, it will translate to increased activity in the economy. That will redound to the benefits of the Filipino Americans,” Gomez said in an earlier interview.

The bill, if approved, would, for the first time give US textile producers a significant market for their products in Asia, a PTIC presentation showed.

Citing figures of the Confederation of Garment exporters, Gomez explained that some $200 million worth of US fabric will be bought in the first two years if the bill is passed. This amount will increase to $500 million in five years.

PAGE A1 developing a global partnership for development. These goals, established during the 2000 UN millennium summit, are expected to be achieved by 2015 as agreed upon by all 192 UN member states and other international organizations.

“The Philippines has consistently stressed the importance of including the improvement of the plight of persons with disabilities as an integral part in the MDGs,” Cabactulan said.

He added there is a need for conscious efforts to put the issue of persons with disabilities in the MDG strategies and mechanisms.

The UN resolution, called Realizing the Millennium Development Goals for Persons with Disabilities Towards 2015 and Beyond, will be submitted to the UN General Assembly during its 66th session.

It was initiated by the Philippines along with Tanzania .

In its statement, the Philippine permanent mission said the resolution also called on governments to strengthen the collection and compilation of data about the situ-

Pacquiao next bout set for...

Filvets urged to create will...

PAGE A1 The Arums are in town, as well as Pacquiao’s chief trainer, Freddie Roach, and world champion Juan Manuel Lopez. They will all fly to General Santos City tomorrow for Pacquiao’s grand birthday bash.

A source revealed that Mosley already has the inside track among the candidates, including Juan Manuel Marquez and Andre Berto, mainly because of his popularity and ability to draw the pay-per-view numbers.

Pacquiao, however, is holding on to his decision, making sure that he likes everything written in the contract proposal submitted to him by Arum. It’s possible that he may be looking to add a little more spice to it.

The fight is going to be at 147 lb, and Pacquiao said he’s right on weight, walking around these days at 143 to 144.

Arum had hoped that Pacquiao could decide before he flies back home on Sunday. But yes, it seems that the ageless promoter will have to wait a little longer, probably even after the Christmas holidays.

“We need to work on the dates, the schedules, that’s why I wanted him to decide before I fly home,” said Arum.

Pacquiao will turn 32 tomorrow, and has over 1,500 people invited to his party. After Christmas, the congressman from Sarangani will fly to Japan and Australia for a long-delayed vacation with his family.

Over dinner, with just a dozen guests around the table, including Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee, former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson and his lovely companion, Roach, Juan Manuel Lopez, Mike Koncz and two scribes, Arum bared the new date.

Former First Lady and now Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda R. Marcos, a very special friend of the Top Rank chief, was supposed to come, but because of her congressional duties she failed.

Her grandson, Matthew Manotoc, came instead.

“The fight’s going to happen on May 7 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas,” said Arum, who had originally penciled April 16 as the date of Pacquiao’s next fight.

advantage of a US immigration law that provided Filipino veterans that served during the war citizenship. A widower, he left behind his four grown children to live alone in the US. “It’s hard to be alone here in the US,” said Ramon T. Lladoc, an 87year-old Filipino WWII veteran and friend of Narzabal. “My family is also in the Philippines so we have rely on each other here.”

During WWII in the Philippines, Narzabal, then 20-years-old, joined a guerilla unit formed by Army Major Bernard L. Anderson. The unit became to be known as “Anderson’s Battalion”, a successful platoon recording more than 3,000 Japanese killed and 1,000 captured.

After the war, Narzabal settled in his hometown of Tayabas, Quezon where he raised a family and farmed the land.

In the 1990’s, at the age of 73, Narzabal left his home and fought his toughest battle.

Alone in the US and living in Los Angeles, he joined the Filipino WWII veterans’ movement when he found out that he, like many of his Filipino counterparts, found themselves bereft of recognition of services when it came to applying for Veterans benefits claims. He joined and eventually became an officer in the Filipino Veterans Foundation and fought for VA benefits for him and his comrades.

When President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery Act of 2008, it included the recognition of services of the surviving Filipino WWII veterans and one-time bonus of $9,000 or $15,000 depending on the veterans residency. Along with the one-time balloon payment, Narzabal also started receiving disability compensation but he was only receiving 70 percent.

Many Filipino WWII veterans and Batongmalaque told Narzabal to take his money and go back home to the Philippines and rejoin his family. But Narzabal wanted to wait for 100 percent disability payment.

“He waited because he knew once he goes back to the Philippines, his disability payment would be cut to 50 percent. That’s the law,” said Batongmalaque. “But that 50 percent goes a long way in the Philippines.”

Proper burial On September 28, Narzabal began complaining of chest pains to his

ation of persons with disabilities.

It also requested the UN system to facilitate technical assistance within existing resources, including the provision of assistance for capacity-building.

The resolution “takes the promise made by governments at the MDG summit a step closer to our vision of improving the lives of persons with disabilities,” Cabactulan said.

It emphasizes the need for governments and the international community to take concrete action to ensure that persons with disabilities fully participate in all aspects of society and development efforts, he added.

For its part, the Philippine government is taking steps to ensure that national policies and programs are inclusive and accessible to all. At the same time, it integrates the needs of persons with disabilities in all aspects of social, political and economic development efforts, Cabactulan said.

Last year, the Philippines enacted Republic Act 10070, known as An Act Establishing an Institutional Mechanism to Ensure the Implementation of Programs and

PAGE A1

Ambassador Cabactulan speaks with officials from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and the World Health Organization during the panel discussion on ‘Keeping the Promise: Realizing the Millennium Development Goals for Persons with Disabilities Towards 2015 and Beyond.’

Photo courtesy of Department of Foreign Affairs

Services for Persons with disabilities in Every Province, City and Municipality.

Under the law, national agencies and local government units are mandated to implement policies, plans and programs for the promotion of the welfare of persons with disabilities. It also tasked these agencies to enter into joint ventures with organizations of persons with disabilities to explore livelihood opportunities and other undertakings that

will enhance the health, physical fitness and the economic and social well beings of these individuals.

“National efforts, however, to be truly effective, must be complemented by regional and international efforts and we cannot overemphasize the importance of disability inclusive development cooperation within the framework of bilateral, regional and multilateral initiatives,” Cabactulan said.

(AJPress)

landlady. Two hours later, he passed away.

Usually, final arrangements are made right away when some one passes away. In this case, with Narzabal’s next of kin more than 7,000 miles away, no one was able to sign the death certificate or make any plans for the remains.

For two months, Narzabal’s body decomposed in the hospital morgue.

Finally, when Diego’s visa was denied a second time, he requested to have his father’s remains be flown to the Philippines but the body was not embalmed and so badly decomposed that the only option was cremation.

“I know the family did not want his father to be cremated,” said Batongmalaque, “It was the only way.”

On December 8, the 69th anniversary of the outbreak of WWII in the Philippines, Batongmalaque, a handful of members of the Filipino Veterans Foundation, and friends held a funeral mass for Narzabal at the St. Columban’s Church in Los Angeles.

Batongmalaque said Narzabal’s death serves as a lesson to the surviving Filipino WWII veterans in the US. Many veterans are still awaiting some form of payment either disability or other benefits.

She said it’s important for them to create a will and inform the local Filipino veterans organization of their next of kin that way they would know how to make final arrangements in case of emergency.

“Miguel was a World War II hero, he deserved a better and proper burial,” she said.

FIl-Am couple jailed...

PAGE A1 on an application she filed with the US Department of Labor to obtain foreign labor certifications and visas under the federal H2B guest worker program.

Prosecutors said Manuel and Baldonado seized the passports of the workers upon arrival, forced them to stay in quarters provided and did not allow them to leave without an escort.

“These deplorable conditions will not be tolerated in this country and ICE will continue its commitment to rescue victims of this form of modern day slavery and arrest the traffickers that exploit them,” said ICE Director John Morton.

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DECEMBER 16-22, 2010 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USA

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Winston Damarillo, Three-time Red Herring Awardee

The key driver of the Philippines’ IT industry

by Joseph

Pimentel / AJPress

WHEN prominent technology publication Red Herring announced that Morph Labs made it to their Asia’s Top 100 Tech Companies award list this year, Filipino businessman Winston Damarillo wanted people to know that the company he founded is based in the Philippines.

The Philippines is not exactly a hub of technology and innovation, trailing powerhouse Japan, Korea and China and even India in Asia but Damarillo felt it was important for people to recognize that there is great technology capability in the Philippines.

Damarillo said Red Herring recognizes the top 100 companies in Asia every year for the past several years and as far as he knows only two Philippine based tech companies have ever won it.

“It’s sad,” said Damarillo to the Asian Journal. “The award recognizes companies in Asia and the Philippines has only had two winners, I think we should be getting five to ten companies on that list. That is one area that needs to be discussed.”

“We haven’t built really good products yet,” he added. “If all we’re doing is outsourcing then we’re not getting the leverage or running a product and until we build great products we’ll continue to lose talents in the Philippines.”

Damarillo is trying to do his part in developing, providing and marketing the Philippines as a place to develop business especially in technology.

He is regarded as a key driver in the development of the Philippine IT industry and sits on the board and serves as the international marketing director for the Philippine Software Industry Association, a non-profit organization that promotes the growth and global competitiveness of the Philippine software industry.

He’s also a Young Global Leader (YGL) honoree for 2010 and an active participant of the World Economic Forum, a place where young leaders envision and create a brighter future.

Winning a Red Herring award is nothing new for Damarillo.

The 40-year-old De La Salle University Philippines graduate has been CEO to two other Red Herring awardees.

A s i d e f r o m Morph Labs, Damarill o

California’s Asian vote...

PAGE A1

of the ticket.”

APALC is the nation’s largest organization providing legal services and civil rights advocacy on behalf of Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities. According to the data Ichinose presented, Governor-elect, Jerry Brown, could not have won without the immigrant vote.

“White voters were equally likely to support Brown versus Meg Whitman,” Ichinose said. “In contrast, Asian American and Latino voters supported Brown convincingly.”

Meg Whitman, Brown’s opponent in the election, faced controversy regarding her former housekeeper, Nicky Diaz ; it was an event that affected the Latino vote.

“She did very badly among the Latino voters that were Spanishdominant,” Pastor said.

Asians clearly voted Democrat in the election and contributed to

founded Exist Global, which won the award in 2006, and Simula Labs in 2007.

Damarillo, a Chinese-Filipino, said there’s no secret to creating a successful business just hard work.

After graduating from De La Salle with a BS in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, Damarillo moved to the US at the age of 19 and began his career at Intel as a venture capital professional.

He stayed with the company for eight years before leaving to start his own business Global Gateway Innovation Exchange (G2iX), which focuses on building start-up technology companies.

Right away, G2iX was very successful in building start-up companies and selling them for a large profit. Within the past five years, he’s founded and sold three companies, Gluecode to IBM in 2005 for $60 million, LogicBlaze to Progress Software in 2007 and Webtide to Intalio in 2009.

“It’s a very rewarding experience to build a company from the ground up and sell it,” he said. “I made my engineers a lot of money but one thing I failed to do or wished I could have done better after I sold my first company was to market the Philippines. From then on in, I make sure the companies that I build I highlight that it’s engineered in the Philippines, it’s run by a Filipino team and CEO.” Damarillo said he tries to stay ahead of the game when it comes to creating a start-up.

“I like to discover products and technology just before it becomes mainstream,” he said.

“I like to be far ahead of the game and I want to keep doing that. That’s my strength and I’m really good at finding out what’s next.”

PH as a technology resource Damarillo, who grew up in Mindanao, said it’s time for Filipinos to start opening businesses in the country.

With a new administration, there’s a sense of hope, he said.

He said the foundation to start up technology companies in IT and software – businesses that don’t require a lot of overhead - is there in the Philippines but there are still a lot of things lacking.

Among them, he said, are mentors.

“We need to invite the global Filipinos and get together and unite and the success of Democrats statewide, thus making immigration itself an important topic to candidates running for office in California. According to Ichinose’s data, Asians and Latinos were mostly in agreement on the topic of immigration.

Evidence of disagreement appeared in Ichinose’s graph showing 73% of Asian voters in support of a $1000 fine on employers hiring illegal immigrants, while only 42% of the Latino voters were in support.

Of course, there were difficulties while conducting these surveys, including barriers in language, despite surveys conducted in a preferred language.

“One has to understand how difficult it is to translate phrases such as “global warming,” Junn said.

The poll was opened for further discussion by a Q & A which left the speakers with favored results. According to Pastor, the Q & A brought on very sophisticated questions from the roughly 40-person audience.

“We had a much bigger turnout than we thought,” Pastor said.

(Terence Calacsan)

coordinate and invest back into the country,” he said. “We would be able to develop our own industry there. Another thing is Filipinos helping Filipinos. Not just sending money back but really investing. It’s a good time to do it.”

He also said it’s time to create world class opportunities for Filipinos so they don’t have to leave the country for a better opportunity elsewhere.

“That all goes back to entrepreneurship,” he said. “There needs to be more companies there. If we don’t create more companies there, there will always be more people leaving and you won’t see any world class opportunities there so that’s what we need to do.

It’s going to take a while maybe five to ten years but if we focus and have a good partnership with businesses, government and academia it’s possible.”

Damarillo is doing his part in the process of helping Filipinos start their own business and bring companies to the Philippines for business.

Now, it’s time for other Filipinos to do theirs.

“Don’t settle,” he said. “That’s the problem with Filipinos. We’re happy with certain levels in life but there [are] substantial rewards [in] starting your own business.” n

Obama signs healthy, hunger...

PAGE A1 trition they need to learn and grow. . . . Our hopes for their future should drive every decision we make. Nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our children. Nothing.”

Many well-known celebrity chefs including Jamie Oliver, Rachael Ray, and Cat Cora have supported the bill, which passed the House by a vote of 264 to 157.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and nationally-renowned cook and healthy kids advocate Rachael Ray held a conference call with reporters last Monday to discuss the impact of the Healthy, HungerFree Kids Act being signed into law by President Obama.

The Washington Times reported that President Obama joked about the consequences if the bill was not signed into law. “Had I not been able to get this bill passed, I would be sleeping on the couch,” he said. The first lady, laughing, replied, “Let’s just say it got done.” (AJPress)

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DECEMBER 16-22, 2010 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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House votes again to lift restrictions on gays WASHINGTON—For the second time this year the House voted to dismantle the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, giving the Senate a final shot in the waning days of this Congress at changing a law requiring thousands of uniformed gays to hide their sexual identity.

The strong 250-175 House vote Wednesday propels the issue to the Senate, where supporters of repeal say they have the votes but perhaps not the time to get the bill to the floor. It could be the last chance for some time to end the 1993 law that forbids recruiters from asking about sexual orientation and troops from acknowledging that they are gay.

Democratic leaders in the Senate say they are committed to bringing the bill to the floor before Congress adjourns for the year. But they are challenged by opposition from some Republicans and a daunting agenda that includes finishing work on legislation to fund the government and ratifying a nuclear arms treaty with Russia.

No time has been set for a Senate vote on repealing “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Failure to overturn the policy this year could relegate

the issue to the back burner next year when Republicans, who are far less supportive of allowing openly gay individuals to serve in the military, take over the House and gain strength in the Senate.

President Barack Obama, in a statement Wednesday night, said he applauded the House vote. In reiterating his support for ending the ban, he pointed to backing for repeal from the defense secretary and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“Moving forward with the repeal is not only the right thing to do, it will also give our military the clarity and certainty it deserves,” Obama said. “We must ensure that Americans who are willing to risk their lives for their country are treated fairly and equally by their country.”

Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said in a statement after the House vote that Defense Secretary Robert Gates encourages the Senate to lift the ban and thus enable the Defense Department “to carefully and responsibly manage a change in this policy instead of risking an abrupt change resulting from a decision in the courts.”

Last May the House voted 234-194 in fa-

Pinoys target ethnic consumers PAGE A1

which participated in the OBM were Aiza’s Sweets (pastillas and cashew marzipan), Amarich Marketing International (brewed coffee), Bonsure Evergreen International Corp, (shredded tuna), Concio’s Food Corporation (bottled gourmet balut), Cormel Foods (sukang Iloko), Jamla Corporation (hot chocolate), Mapagmahal Foods/Q.F.C. USA Inc (dalandan and calamansi concentrates), Marigold Manufacturing Corp (Mama Sita products), Marikina Food Corporation (HOBE pancit bihon noodles), Mega Fishing Corporation (sardines), MLGS Herb Products (malunggay products), Monde M.Y.San Corporation (snack

crackers), Monde Nissin Corporation (Voice combo sandwich), Namica Enterprises Inc (tea bags), Navarro Foods International Inc (crab paste), Sasmuan Delicacies (polvoron), Universal Robina Corporation and Weambard International Traders Inc (fruit concentrates). These products are guaranteed to meet the US import requirements on food safety and quality.

Held from December 2-8, 2010, the OBM had three components, namely: (1) Overseas Sales Promotion at Seafood City dubbed as “Barkadahan Food Fair”; (2) Business Matching/ Meetings; and (3) Meetings with Asian, Hispanics and US main-

vor of repeal legislation as part of a larger defense bill. The measure has stalled twice in the Senate, where Republicans have objected to taking up the defense bill laded with contentious issues, including “don’t ask, don’t tell.”

“Now is the time for us to act,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday, and “close the door on a fundamental unfairness in our nation.”

Gaveling the end of the vote was Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., one of the House’s few openly gay members. Frank, in his floor speech, said it was “bigoted nonsense” that “the presence of someone like me will so destabilize our brave young men and women that they will be unable to do their duty.”

“This vote,” said Rep. Patrick Murphy, DPa., the Iraq war veteran who sponsored the bill, “is about whether we’re going to continue telling people willing to die for our freedoms that they need to lie in order to do so.”

Many Republicans, led by Sen. John McCain of Arizona, argue that it would be a mistake for the military to undergo a major cultural change while the nation is fighting two wars. (AP)

stream supermarkets/hypermarkets. A market survey of fresh and processed foods in major hypermarkets/supermarkets was also conducted.

During the press briefing, Ferdie Chanpongco, Monde Nissin Corp Export Manager and Head of the Delegation, said that FilAms should not only buy Filipino products but also encourage their non-Filipino friends to try and enjoy our products. “That is why we called our fair at Seafood City Eagle Rock PlazaBarkadahan Food Fair or BFF for short. BFF also means Bring Foreigner Friends to let them sample our delicious products,” said Ferdie. “The best promotion is sampling that’s why we had that 2-day event at Seafood City to give our target

The Filipino food exporters with Trade Representative Archie Gomez, Vice Consul Dan Espiritu and other members of the Mission.

market a taste of our products,” he added.

The business matching event at the Pacific Palm Resort Hotel in the City of Industry was intended to broaden the market base of the retailers by expanding their reach to new generations of Filipinos and other ethnic consumers. The market survey took the exporters to different mainstream and Asian supermarkets to provide them a glimpse of the market outside the Filipino ethnic market for their future expansion.

“If there are Chinese or Thai or Hispanic food sections in US supermarkets, why not a Filipino food section as well?” said Chanpongco.

Other members of the trade mission stressed the fact that buying Philippine-made products will help so many of our kababayans in their livelihood and boost the country’s economy.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., gestures during a news conference on the House vote to repeal the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy on Dec. 15, in Washington.

AP photo

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DECEMBER 16-22, 2010 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

Opinion

Features

Guaranteed security PHILIPPINE tourism almost stands alone worldwide as a place that still has tremendous potential. Although affected by recent controversies mainly because of issues in security, the Philippines is well on its way to establishing itself as a major player in the tourism industry.

The hostage-taking incident that happened on Aug. 23 is still a serious matter that needs to be dealt with by the government in order to move forward and achieve the industry’s goals. As conclusion to the second report by the presidential review committee on the Manila bus-hostage taking incident, the government introduced institutional reforms in law enforcement agencies and upgrading its crisis management capacity.

In a statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the government will now implement some proposed changes in crisis management and police procedures, coordination, and emergency protocols applicable to acts of violence.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police is aiming to deploy more policemen in the top 14 destinations in country. Aside from Metro Manila and Cebu, other deployment priorities based on the top tourist destination list of the DoT are Camarines Sur, Baguio City, Davao City, Boracay in Aklan, Cagayan de Oro, Zambales, Bohol, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, Camiguin, Cagayan Valley, Negros Oriental and Ilocos Norte.

Under this program, a special team of touristoriented security and police assistance will ensure

more protection for local and foreign tourists. So far, a total of 185 policemen have finished their training under the program and are now patrolling tourism spots in Manila. A well equippedoperations center has also been set up to better coordinate actions during crises at the highest level.

The government’s commitment to promote and improve Philippine tourism is apparent. What everyone should see now is actions being taken, and positive results must be felt.

With abundance in natural wonders and the warmth of its people, the Philippines has an edge over its neighbors and anticipating a major flow of tourists should not be a goal anymore but a given fact. With the rise in the number of tourist arrivals comes an increase in job opportunities, something we could all look forward to.

Expanding tourism in the country promises beneficial effects but it is also a strategic endeavor that must pan out favorably. Ensuring a foolproof security as a top priority by the government is a step on building a foundation that will help restore the confidence among local and foreign tourists regarding the country’s safety and security. (AJPress)

EDITORIAL

Philstar.com photo

Filipino legal victories in the US OUR kababayans received early Christmas presents through legal victories won early in the month of December. Last December 10, Balitang America reported a string of good news befitting International Human Rights Day. Filipinos had a lot to celebrate about.

First, Filipino caregivers Victoria Aquino and her co-worker Lourdes Torres won a settlement of over $71,000 in back wages. Through the help of Marci Seville of the nonprofit organization Women’s Employment Rights Clinic in the bay Area—they were finally able to receive their proper wages as live-in caregivers after working so hard seven days a week, being on call for 24 hours, with each caring for six elderly and disabled patients.

Aquino and Torres represent the plight of many of our Filipino caregivers working in America who have been abused by their employers, overworked and underpaid with almost no care and benefits to hold on to and protect them—especially in times of sickness and injury.

Some of our kababayans endure the abuses of care home operators because of their immigration status, scared of being prosecuted and deported when they come out and complain against their employers.

Seville said their group plan Sophia Manuel, owner of to release a “Know Your Rights” The Fil-Am the Quality Staffing Corporaguidebook for caregivers and tion Services and the masterwork with organizations like the Perspective mind of this human trafficking Filipino Community Center to operation was sentenced to reach out to abused caregivers, 78 months while her husband legal or undocumented.

Alfonso was sentenced to 51 Advocates stress that this fight Gel Santos-Relos months in federal prison. is not just workers right issues, Kababayans victimized by but also covers the right of the patient to quality the couple came to the United States in 2007 care that they will not get from an overworked and 2008 as “guest workers” after paying about and exhausted caregivers. $5,000 each in recruitment and placement fees— If you are an abused caregiver and would want money that most of them had to borrow just to to fight for your right and know how the law can have a shot in fulfilling their American dream to protect you despite your legal status, contact the help their families back home.

Filipino Community center at (415) 333-6267.

However, when they arrived in the US, they *** were subjected to inhumane treatment, forced to The other recent legal victory of Filipinos was provide cheap labor and services to some hotels bittersweet as it was a case of Filipinos vs Fili- and resorts in South Florida. The victims said pinos. In West Palm Beach Florida, a Filipino they were repeatedly threatened with arrest and couple has been sentenced to maximum prison deportation, if they failed to perform their jobs. time for human trafficking.

When they could not take the abuse anymore, Balitang America Correspondent Don Tagala these 39 Filipino workers ran away from their reported that Sophia Manuel and her husband employers and sought help. Former Florida AsAlfonso Baldonado forced at least 39 of our sistant Attorney General Marissa de Guzman kababayans to work, under threat of arrest and Cobb represented them in their legal battle deportation. against Manuel and Baldonado.

T-Visas are now being processed by the Department of Homeland Security for these Filipinos who were victims of human trafficking. This will allow them to work legally in the United States and file for US citizenship, which will eventually give them the privilege of petitioning their immediate family members to join them in America in the near future.

The victory of these 39 Filipinos is also considered a landmark case as this is the first visa fraud successfully prosecuted in the State of Florida. *** This double victory of abused Filipinos in America wouldn’t have happened if our kababayans chose to suffer in silence and not muster enough courage to fight for their rights. If you are a victim of human rights and labor abuses and you do not know what to do and where to start, feel free to write me a letter or email me so I can refer you to the person or organization who can help you. *** 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,facebook. com/gelrelos, twitter.com/gelsantosrelos.

Joke only?

What do US comedians and Filipino commentators have in common?

When both groups start poking fun at the Presidency, their President will soon be having a season of headaches. At the very least, it signals that CTALK the “magic” is gone and gloves will Cito Beltran soon come off.

It does not matter how popular the president may be, the jabs and jest at the President’s expense is one of those anecdotal observations that there is discontent and this is manifested through “comic relief.”

By masking criticism with humor and laughter, we make light of what is actually a growing concern or disappointment. In fact it’s very Filipino to send out a serious message by way of a joke in order to save face or not to dishonor someone.

However, comic relief can only last so long and this is followed by satire, sarcasm, and eventually unfolds to full-blown criticisms and attacks.

Ever since President Noynoy Aquino was elected, his people have consistently shoved his high ratings at the face of his critics. Tactically speaking this helps keep their enemies in place and makes criticism a lot harder to justify.

People have even asked me: “how do we reconcile the reality of poor or average performance versus PNoy’s consistently high-ranking?”

I am no social scientist but on a personal level, I sincerely believe that every Filipino wants PNoy to succeed but that should not be mistaken as popularity on his part. While we did not all vote for him, we are all one with him because another failed and disappointing administration is unacceptable.

Popularity is momentary and moves up or down from season to season.

PNoy’s score if you will, is no longer about PNoy’s popularity as narrow-minded surveys would have you think. Rather his scores are more about us than about him. The scores are a reflection of our collective aspiration for change and progress and an equal dose of denial, that people are beginning to be annoyed or let down because of many un-kept PNoy promises or poor performance of his amateur team.

If the media criticizes government, it is as golfers say “par for the course” But should we be concerned when people start making fun of the President or use him as material for jokes? I don’t know if the public should be, but President Noynoy Aquino should start paying attention.

In fact when the Human Rights Commissioner said, “Mr. President, pls pay attention” to his face, it is a clear indication that even with his allies some of the “Magic” has worn off.

In several parties I’ve attended, people have been having a good laugh about the comic jabs that respected broadcaster Deo Macalma has been giving at the expense of “Presidente PNoy Haciendero” who he jokingly claims has not held a single full-formal cabinet meeting in Malacañang Palace.

So now, people are astounded by claims that informal cabinet meetings happen at swanky cafes and pubs. Part of the joke even goes that just before one meeting at the Chef & Brewer, the main man had to deal with a minor accident where he scraped the mag wheels of “his” Porsche while parking close to the gutter. All these presently solicit a good -natured laugh. However, it is clearly at the President’s expense.

So far most of the news we have heard about this administration or PNoy, falls under the category of “Whine and dine”, meaning it’s either about the administration whining about the Supreme Court, the media, travel advisories, the Catholic church etc, Or it’s about the latest date, dining outlet or after hours meeting at some popular bar.

While the President’s men may simply be soliciting public sympathy, there comes a point when people have had enough and expects action and results. Like kids in the playground, the president’s people keep running and crying “foul” or calling those who oppose them as “bullies” like in the case of the Supreme Court ruling on Truth Commission.

But in the playground of life whining solicits teasing.

Instead of getting sympathy, people are now making fun of this administration calling them “lampa” (weakling), “bano” “lousy” and “iyakin” (cry babies). Unfortunately, even the President has slowly become part of the target.

While the President still has some “magic” left, he should start breaking ranks with his Kakampi, Kapuso, Kapatid or Cabalen and start talking to his “Kaaway.”

Whether real or imaginary, your enemies often knows more about you than you are willing to admit. Some or all of it may be a repeat of what you already know, but every now and then you may discover that those you dislike have greater passion and reason than your own team.

At the very least, you could share a beer, have a few laughs and maybe, just maybe get to know someone better.

To put things in perspective, PNoy started out just like US President Obama, carried the promise, or hope of change we can believe in. Both faced a daunting task and had several miss-steps. In fairness to President Obama he did not hole up at the Oval Office or hide behind the presidential seal.

He played basketball, drank beer, appeared on TV and dealt with the ugly and difficult reality of leading a nation under duress. President Noynoy Aquino has been doing a lot of good things as well as taking the bullet for his people.

Unfortunately, several of his men and women have done such a bad job of things and now the joke is on the President. This, Mr. President, is no laughing matter. (Philstar.com)

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

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Dateline Philippines

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 16-22, 2010

Dateline Philippines

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Webb, 5 others freed

by Edu

Punay

Philstar.com

MANILA—After 15 years behind bars, Hubert Webb and five others convicted for the sensational Vizconde massacre in 1991 walked out of prison after being cleared by the Supreme Court (SC).

Voting 7-4 with four abstentions, the High Court ruled that Parañaque Regional Trial Court Branch 274 judge and now Court of Appeals Justice Amelita Tolentino erred in handing down in January 2000 a guilty verdict on Webb, Hospicio “Pyke” Fernandez, Antonio “Tony Boy” Lejano, Michael Gatchalian, Peter Estrada, and Miguel “Ging” Rodriguez for the crime of rape with homicide.

The SC’s ruling covered former policeman Gerardo Biong who was released last month after serving his 12-year sentence for destroying evidence including bloodstained clothing.

The CA upheld Tolentino’s ruling on Dec. 15, 2005.

“They should be released soon unless they are held for any other unlawful cause,” court administrator and SC spokesman Jose Midas Marquez told a press conference.

“There is no more motion for reconsideration that can be filed.

That would be tantamount to double jeopardy,” he added.

Marquez stressed that even if guilt was not proven beyond reasonable doubt, the freed convict cannot be automatically considered innocent.

He added that Webb and the other convicts may claim damages from the government for being wrongly imprisoned.

“They would have to file a separate case for that, and their claims would have to be proven,” Marquez said.

Marquez also vehemently denied allegations of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption that money changed hands in the acquittal of Webb and the six others.

“It would be better if they read the majority decision,” he said.

He declined to comment when asked if VACC founding chair Dante Jimenez could be penalized for hurling profanities at the justices in a press conference.

‘Lingering doubt’ The 38-page decision penned

by Associate Justice Roberto Abad cited “reasonable and lingering doubt on the guilt of the accused” as well as “failure of prosecution to establish the guilt beyond reasonable doubt.”

“In our criminal justice system, what is important is, not whether the court entertains doubts about the innocence of the accused since an open mind is willing to explore all possibilities, but whether it entertains a reasonable, lingering doubt as to his guilt. For it would be a serious mistake to send an innocent man to jail where such kind of doubt hangs on to one’s inner being, like a piece of meat lodged immovable between teeth,” the SC stressed.

Six magistrates concurred with the ruling: Associate Justices Conchita Carpio-Morales, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Jose Perez, Jose Mendoza and Ma. Lourdes Sereno.

The SC also cited “inherent inconsistencies” in the testimony of Jessica Alfaro, saying she was an asset of the National Bureau of Investigation and that she was coached to testify after she presented herself as replacement of a witness she had promised but failed to produce.

“Alfaro was the NBI’s star witness, their badge of excellent

investigative work. After claiming that they had solved the crime of the decade, the NBI people had a stake in making her sound credible and obviously, they gave her all the preparations she needed for the job of becoming a fairly good substitute witness,” it explained.

“But was it possible for Alfaro to lie with such abundant details, some of which even tallied with the physical evidence at the scene of the crime? No doubt, yes,” the SC added.

The SC cited for instance Alfaro’s error in personally identifying Rodriguez. She pinpointed a certain Michael Rodriguez in a police lineup, a drug dependent from the Bicutan Rehabilitation Center.

“She ran berserk, slapping and kicking Michael, exclaiming, ‘How can I forget your face. We just saw each other in a disco one month ago and you told me then that you will kill me’ but as it turned out, he was not the Miguel Rodriguez the accused in this case,” it recalled.

Another inconsistency in Alfaro’s testimony, according to the High Court, was her claim that she left the house and went to her car because she was afraid to be caught. But this was inconsistent with her subsequent claim that she went back to the house to watch Webb rape Carmela on the floor of the master’s bedroom and kill Carmela’s mother and younger sister.

Alfaro then testified that she got scared again and went out of the house after Webb gave her a

threatening look.

“This emotional pendulum swing indicates a witness who was confused with her own lies,” the SC stressed.

Webb in the US The High Court also believed Webb’s alibi that he was in the US when the crime was committed on June 29, 1991, saying documents supported his claim.

“Alfaro’s quality as a witness and her inconsistent, if not inherently unbelievable, testimony cannot be the positive identification that jurisprudence acknowledges as sufficient to jettison a denial and an alibi,” it stressed.

The SC ruled that the documents submitted by Webb’s lawyers during the trial, including two immigration checks showing he left for San Francisco in California on March 9, 1991 and returned to the country on Oct. 26, 1992, were authentic.

“The prosecution did not bother to present evidence to impeach the entries in Webb’s passport and the certifications of the Philippine and US immigration services regarding his travel to the US and back.

The prosecution’s rebuttal evidence of the fear of the unknown (was) planted in the lower court’s minds,” the SC added.

Dissenting opinion Chief Justice Renato Corona dissented along with Associate Justices Martin Villarama Jr., Teresita Leonardo-de Castro and Arturo Brion.

In an 88-page dissenting opinion penned by Justice Villarama,

Vizconde massacre timeline JUNE 30, 1991 – Night of the murder Found dead inside their residence along Vinzons Street, BF Homes Subdivision, Parañaque City were Estrellita Vizconde, 47 (who suffered 13 stab wounds); Carmela Vizconde, 18 (17 stab wounds with evidence of rape); and Jennifer Vizconde, 7 (19 stab wounds).

Sept. 27, 1991 - Police invite 5 men for questioning Southern Police District police invite 5 men for questioning after a witness near the Vizconde residence allegedly saw them before the massacre took place. Among them was Hubert Webb, son of then Congressman Freddie Webb. The other four were Cas Yap, Miguel Rodriguez, Michael Gatchalian and Randolf Nanong.

Oct. 20, 1991 - Five Vizconde slay suspects arrested Five suspects in the killing are arrested: Ben Baydo, the alleged mastermind, Angelito Santos, Rolando Mendoza, Robert Barasso and his brother Bellardo Jr. June 14, 1993 - Vizconde Massacre solved; ‘brains,’ three others fall Police finish investigation of the Vizconde case with the arrest of the suspected mastermind and three other suspects, two of them policemen.

Arrested are engineer Danilo Agwas, the alleged mastermind; SPO3 Angel Viaje, PO3 Rodolfo Colado and Ruben Pineda, a civilian.

June 24, 1993 - PACC takes over probe July 16, 1993 – DOJ dismisses case against second batch of suspects The case against the second batch of suspects was based on extraPAGE A8

Former senator Freddie Webb leads son Hubert out of the New Bilibid Prisons after the Supreme Court acquitted the younger Webb and five others.

Phlstar.com photo

the minority upheld the findings of the RTC and CA that Alfaro’s testimony was credible.

Villarama said five witnesses had corroborated Alfaro’s testimony.

“Appellants’ (Webb and coaccused) presence at the scene of the crime before, during and after its commission was duly established. Their respective participation, acts and declarations were likewise detailed by Alfaro, who was shown to be a credible witness,” he said.

Villarama said Webb’s defense of “alibi” that he was in the US from March 9, 1991 to Oct. 26, 1992 “is inherently weak.”

“Given the financial resources and political influence of his family, it was not unlikely that Webb could have traveled back to the Philippines before June 29-30, 1991 and then departed for the US again, and returning to the Philippines in October 1992,” Villarama said.

“There clearly exists, therefore, such possibility of Webb’s presence at the scene of the crime at the time of its commission, and his excuse cannot be deemed airtight,” he added.

According to Villarama, Webb’s travel documents were “unreliable proof of his absence in the Philip-

pines at the time of the commission of the crime charged.”

“The non-submission in evidence of his original passport, which was not formally offered and made part of the records, had deprived the RTC, CA and this Court the opportunity to examine

the same. Such original is a crucial piece of evidence which unfortunately was placed beyond judicial scrutiny,” Villarama said.

He also said the existence of conspiracy among the accused was “satisfactorily proven by the prosecution.”

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DECEMBER 16-22, 2010 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

Vizconde massacre...

PAGE A7 judicial confessions of accused Rodolfo Collado and Angel Viaje who claimed they were tortured

by Parañaque police while under detention.

Aug. 16, 1995 – Fifth Vizconde suspect yields Another principal suspect in the 1991 Vizconde Massacre surrenders to the police. Michael Gatchalian, 27, is the fifth suspect to be placed in police custody after Hubert Webb, Peter Estrada, Pyke Fernandez and Miguel Rodriguez.

Aug. 21, 1995 – Biong surrenders to NBI Former Parañaque policeman Gerardo Biong, charged in court as an accessory to the murders, surrenders.

Biong was dismissed from the service by the National Police Commission in 1993 after he was found guilty of bungling the investigation by causing the destruction of evidence at the crime scene.

Sept. 4, 1995 – Webb and six others plead not guilty during arraignment

Dateline Philippines Dec. 14, 1995 - Webbs’ laundry woman new Vizconde witness A former laundrywoman for the Webb family takes the stand as a witness for the prosecution. Mila Gaviola’s testimony centers on her claim that she washed a bloody shirt belonging to Hubert Webb, the morning after the murders.

Jan. 6, 2000 – RTC judge hands down verdict on Vizconde massacre case Judge Amelita Tolentino hands down a 186-page decision declaring Hubert Webb and his co-accused Michael Gatchalian, Hospicio Fernandez, Peter Estrada, Antonio Lejano and Miguel Rodriguez guilty and sentences them to life in.

They are also ordered to pay the Vizconde family P3 million in damages.

Biong is found guilty of tampering with evidence and sentenced to 15 years.

Dec. 15, 2005 - CA upholds ruling on Vizconde slays The Court of Appeals (CA) upholds the decision of a Parañaque City court convicting Webb and the others accused of the massacre.

The CA also upholds Judge Tolentino’s ruling finding Biong guilty as an accessory.

Jan. 3, 2006 - Cop in Vizconde case seeks verdict reversal Biong asks the Court of Appeals to reverse its decision.

Through his lawyer, Biong said the claims of star witness Jessica Alfaro that he had worked as a driver-employee of former Sen. Freddie Webb were based only on gossip.

Nov. 17, 2006 - SC grants Viz-

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BELEN CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES. If Pampanga is the country’s “parol” (lanterns) capital, Tarlac is fast gaining a reputation for the ingenuity and beauty of its “belen” (Nativity scenes). Moncada’s elaborate belen is just one of so many unique Christmas tableaus that are lighting up all 18 towns of Tarlac this season and attracting holiday tourists.

Inquirer.net photo

conde appeal more time The Supreme Court grants the request of the CA for more time to review the pending motions for recommendations of those convicted for the massacre. Capital punishment was abolished earlier in the year.

April 22, 2010 - Supreme Court orders DNA testing in Vizconde slay case Supreme Court orders the reopening of the case and grants the request of convicted killer Webb for the forensic examination of evidence.

In a resolution unanimously

approved by the justices during their summer session in Baguio City, the SC grants Webb’s request for the DNA testing of the semen specimen taken from the body of rape-slay victim Carmela Vizconde.

April 23, 2010 - NBI executive orders physical inventory of evidence A National Bureau of Investigation official has ordered a physical inventory of evidence in the Vizconde murder case following the SC’s order to reopen the case.

But three days later the NBI admits it does not have the semen

No need to apologize to US over Nobel Prize issue

by Delon

Porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA—There is no need for the Philippine government to apologize to the US over the decision of President Aquino not to send a representative to the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to a Chinese democracy activist.

“I don’t think it behooves the Philippines to explain to any other country. We are a sovereign country,” he told Palace reporters in a chance interview, when asked about reports the US government resented the country’s support for China’s boycott.

Aquino said he will have a meeting with US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. this week.

“I think it was the ambassador who asked for the meeting. We have not had an opportunity to touch base from the early stage.

We managed to talk about a wide range of topics. But more than anything, we are touching base again,” he related.

According to the President, it will be an “informal chat with the representative of one of our oldest and most steadfast allies,” referring to the US.

He also denied receiving any request from the US government to support the cause. “That hasn’t come to my attention, at least not formally.”

Again, he repeated that his primary concern on the issue was the fate of the five Filipinos who face death in China over infractions they have committed, and that adding insult to injury in the country’s diplomatic relations with China is the last thing he wants.

“We’ve had strained relations because of the (Quirino Grandstand hostage) incident and so many other things, my interest has to be first with the Filipinos.

We have immediate problems, among them all those incarcerated in China,” he maintained.

Meantime, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile supported

taken from the body of Carmela but that it had turned it over to the Parañaque RTC in 1996.

Earlier, the Parañaque court’s staff reported to the SC that the specimen is not in their custody.

Nov. 29, 2010 - Vizconde cop now a free man Biong walks out of the New Bilibid Prisons a free man. Biong, 60, was among the 124 prisoners freed from NBP following the recommendation of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

Dec. 14, 2010 - SC acquits Webb, 6 others in Vizconde massacre.

Aquino’s decision not to send a representative to the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Norway.

“In my view I probably would have decided the issue in the same way that the administration decided it if I were in their place”” he said, saying China’s influence as an emerging world power can no longer be ignored.

China has condemned the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize on Liu Xiaobo, who was sentenced in December 2009 to 11 years in jail for subversion following his call for reform in China’s one-party communist rule.

China and 18 other countries, including the Philippines, did not send representatives to the ceremony where an empty chair stood for the imprisoned Liu. At least 45 countries were reported to have attended the ceremony, which was also graced by ranking US officials.

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Dateline Philippines

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 16-22, 2010

A

Don’t attack Supreme Court, Congress advised

by Tetch

Torres Inquirer.net

RESTORE MANILA PARKS. A woman and her family spend time at the newly renovated Rizal Park Children’s Playground. Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim said the government is in the process of rebuilding Manila’s old parks and other nearly forgotten tourist destinations in the city.

Philstar.com photo

Palace: No reason for HK to issue black alert vs PH

by Aurea

Calica Philstar.com

MANILA—Malacañang said that there is no basis for Hong Kong to issue another black travel alert against the Philippines because of the commemoration of the Rizal Day 2000 bombing.

“We don’t know where that was coming from. Some of the countries have downgraded their travel advisories. So we have no knowledge on what basis did Hong Kong issue that black travel alert,” said presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda. Lacierda said the Palace would ask the Department of Foreign Affairs what action they had taken regarding the new travel alert.

“But so far, again, we are wondering where that came from,” he said.

Lacierda also said he could not understand why the United Kingdom issued a travel advisory and included a warning against rabies.

“Rabies? Well, I’ll have to ask (Health) Secretary (Enrique) Ona if there’s a rising incident of rabies,” Lacierda said.

Asked if it was a bit too much for the UK to cite that in its travel advisory, Lacierda said he would have to confirm first with Ona. The Hong Kong government

clarified that there is nothing new with their travel advisory against the Philippines.

The Security Bureau said they only updated their travel alert to include “possible terrorist threats” earlier cited by the governments of Australia, Canada, China and the United Kingdom.

“Some overseas administrations had noted the risk on possible terrorist attacks, including places frequented by foreigners, such as large shopping malls and convention centers,” the Security Bureau said in its outbound travel alert as it further listed down the links to the travel advisories of the four countries.

A Security Bureau spokesman explained that the additional information in the outbound travel alert was only intended to provide information on assessments made

by other governments.

“The additional information is not an updated assessment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The same was done to other countries where a travel alert is in force,” the spokesman said in a statement.

MANILA—A think-tank warned against Congress’ attempt to impeach Chief Justice Renato Corona following the Supreme Court’s decision declaring as unconstitutional the law creating the Truth Commission.

Forensic Law and Policy Strategies Inc. or Forensic Solutions, headed by former justice secretary Alberto Agra, said that the legislative department, which is a co-equal branch of the judiciary should respect the latter’s independence because “judicial independence is the backbone of any democracy.

“It is essential not only to the preservation of our justice system, but to the survival of our constitutional democracy as we know it,” said Forensic Solutions in a statement.

Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr., chairman of the House Committee on Justice, earlier said he and his fellow lawmakers are mulling the filing of an impeachment case against Corona.

Tupas made the statement after the high court ruled against the constitutionality of Executive Order 1 which created the body that will look into the alleged corruption during the Arroyo administration.

“The power of the legislative branch to impeach is not

a punitive remedy available to its members against the coequal judiciary whenever the latter’s decisions fail to serve the former’s political agenda,” the group said.

“Political retaliation is not a ground for impeachment,” it added.

The group also pointed that the power to impeach should not be used to intimidate members of the judiciary.

The group added that there

are other ways of expressing its grievance to the court aside from airing threatening impeachment or airing it through the media.

“The primary forum for the redress of grievances brought to court remains to be the courts in the halls of justice, not the halls of public opinion,” it said adding that it can be done through a motion for reconsideration since the decision is not yet final.

Dateline Philippines

A10 DECEMBER 16-22, 2010 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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More OFW kin turn to savings

by Lawrence

Agcaoili Philstar.com

MANILA—More beneficiaries of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are turning to savings instead of making major purchases such as house and lot, appliances, and motor vehicles, a survey conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the fourth quarter 2010 Consumer Expectations Survey (CES) showed an increase in the percentage of households with family members abroad that

allocated portions of their remittances to savings and a decline in the percentage for those shifting to investments and other major purchases.

Guinigundo said that it was important to note that the number of Filipinos who save the money sent home by their relatives abroad to 43.7 percent in the fourth quarter of the year from 43 percent in the third quarter.

He pointed out that the percentage of Filipino families with OFW relatives overseas who are turning to savings has increased signifi-

cantly from 7.2 percent in the first quarter of 2007 when the survey started.

On the other hand, he explained that the percentage of those who apportioned part of their remittances for major purchases and investments declined.

The survey revealed that the percentage of those who used the money sent home by their relatives abroad to purchase appliances fell to 28.9 percent in the fourth quarter from 31 percent in the third quarter while those who allocated their remittances for the acquisition of house and lot declined to 11.3 percent from 15.5 percent.

Meanwhile, those who used the money sent home by their loved ones abroad to buy cars fell to 7.7 percent in the fourt quarter from 11.3 percent in the third quarter.

Furthermore, the data showed that beneficiaries of OFWs who invest their remittances declined to 5.8 percent from seven percent.

HERITAGE TREE. Students of St. Theresa’s College in Quezon City walk past a huge acacia tree, about 25 meters high and having a trunk diameter of 1.5 meters, inside the school compound. A marker declaring it a heritage tree was unveiled by officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and STC. Inquirer.net photo

UN prods PH on Millennium Development Goal by

Cynthia Balana Inquirer.net

MANILA—The Philippines’ performance in meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) has remained “generally low” with barely five years into the deadline to achieve the goals set by the United Nations, according to a UN official in the Philippines.

Renaud Meyer, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Director to the Philippines, revealed the country’s dismal performance based on the MDG Report launched early this September.

“Accelerating progress to attain the MDGs requires increased resources to deliver what has been promised to those for whom the MDGs are not a reality,” said Meyer during a public forum on promoting human rights, justice, integrity and democracy at the University of the Philippines

last week.

The MDGs are eight international development goals that all 192 UN member states and at least 23 international organizations have agreed to achieve by the year 2015.

They goals are to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; achieve universal primary education; promote gender equality and empower women; reduce child mortality rate; improve maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases; ensure environmental sustainability; and develop a global partnership for development.

According to Meyer, poverty incidence in the Philippines has risen from 30 percent in 2003 to 33 percent in 2006 as the population increased from 80 to 86 million.

He said that problems in

providing access to primary education have been prevailing as 5.2 million Filipino schoolage children have not entered school. Also, 53 percent of these school age children are not enrolled in Grade 1, while the majority usually drops out after reaching Grade 1, according to Meyer.

Meyer likewise said that the Philippines has been facing difficulty meeting MDG 5 on improving maternal health as 54 percent of pregnancies (1.9 million women) were unplanned.

He said the lack of access to reproductive health services has caused 11 mothers to die every day due to pregnancy-related causes. There is also concern on the high incidence of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) cases with 126 new cases reported in 2009, the high-

est since 1984.

Meyer noted that meager resources due to corruption hurt the country’s chances in achieving the MDGs. “We all know that corruption heavily impacts and diverts meager resources meant to deliver services to the poor.

Concretely, this translates to lesser government budget to fund critical MDG services,” he said.

Meyer said that recent estimates put the cost of corruption at about 20 to 30 percent of the national budget.

“This means less classrooms, less hospitals, less kilometers of farm to market roads for farmers, less protection from diseases in remote communities, less potable water for waterless villages. In all these aspects, it is the poor who suffer the most,” he added.

PNoy: Philippines to improve business environment in 2011 MANILA—The Philippine government will strive to build on its strengths to entice more investments and generate greater confidence among local businessmen next year, President Benigno Aquino III said.

Aquino made the statement in an ambush interview at the Palace Reception Hall, when asked to comment on the general attitude of caution in terms of economic growth in 2011, which is forecast to slow down to 5 percent, and his own expectations.

“As far as the country is concerned, we will make sure that our strengths are even more demonstrated to the rest of the world and entice them to invest more in this country and also give confidence even to our local businessmen; that now is the time to really pump prime the economy in a faster clip,” said Aquino.

He said that while “factors within the Philippines” point to further growth in 2011, this may be affected by external factors such as the pace of economic recovery elsewhere. (Philstar.com)

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News Briefs Aquino leads barangays for good governance Believing that “good governance starts in the community,” President Aquino led 42,000 barangays nationwide last Dec. 11 in reciting the Panunumpa Para sa Mabuting Pamamahala Tungo sa Tuwid na Landas for an effective public service rooting from the smallest political unit of the country.

In his speech held in his hometown in Tarlac City, President Aquino noted that the first barangay assembly under his term will serve as an opportunity for the newly-elected barangay officials to make their plans and programs known to the public for the next three years, and the barangay constituents to raise any concerns if there are any.

Under Proclamation 74 issued by President Aquino, the Barangay Assembly Day is held every Dec. 11 nationwide, requires a barangay assembly every first Saturday of March and third Saturday of October as stated in the 1991 Local Government Code.

DSWD spares street children this Christmas, prohibits street caroling The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced recently the program Paskong Ligtas sa Batang Kalye, a program that prevents street children from caroling and begging on the major roads by suggesting to them alternative activities.

DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Juliano-Soliman said that the Paskong Ligtas sa Batang Kalye program is one of the projects that aims home-based income generating opportunities for street families to keep them from begging or selling in the streets.

In cooperation with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Paskong Ligtas sa Batang Kalye program will be implemented in the areas within Metro Manila where most street families and street children are situated according to an article posted on the DSWD site.

Court dismisses case vs Hayden MANILA—Citing insufficiency of evidence, a Pasig City judge dismissed the case against Hayden Kho Jr. regarding his sex video with actress Katrina Halili, which circulated on the Internet last year.

Judge Rodolfo Bonifacio of the Pasig City regional trial court (RTC) branch 159 also dismissed for lack of merit the P100-million civil damages claimed by Halili against Kho. In his 10-page decision penned Dec. 10, Bonifacio granted the demurer to evidence filed

by Kho, which in layman’s terms is equivalent to motion to dismiss in a civil case.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a case of violation against women and their children against Kho before the Pasig RTC Dec. 7 last year after the sex video of the accused and Halili circulated on the Internet.

To date, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has not yet established who uploaded the sex video, which circulated all over the world.

Bonifacio pointed out in his decision that Halili’s admission during the Senate hearing last May 8, 2009 that she consented to the taking by the accused of three prior video recordings showing her and the accused together performing salacious acts “clearly indicates that she agreed to the taking, or at the very least knew, of the subject sex video recording.” (Philstar. com)

PNP finds ways to address firearms shortage To address the shortage of firearms among the 132,000-police force in the country, Philippine National Police Chief Raul Bacalzo said that the PNP is currently adopting a strategy that attends to each officer’s need of firearms for law enforcement.

Bacalzo said that to attend to the shortage of firearms among policemen, the PNP allows police officers to use their registered firearms instead to compensate for the ideal requirement advised by local police experts that every police officer in the Philippines should have both short and long firearms in performing security measures.

With a 50 percent fill-up on long firearms and 70 percent on short firearms, Bacalzo said that they are currently issuing one firearm to one officer, with its size depending on the assignment. The PNP chief also said that elite forces that are sent to fight rebels and crime syndicates require the long firearms while policemen stationed on posts usually get the short firearms.

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 16-22, 2010

A11

China, US perceive GMA as good leader

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

M A NILA — C h i n a a n d t h e United States perceived former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as a good leader because she had shown being in control, leaked diplomatic cables from the US embassy in Beijing to Washington showed.

Online whistle-blower WikiLeaks leaked the diplomatic cable “Progress in the Philippines, but More Needed” detailing discussions on Southeast Asia between Eric John, then US deputy assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (EAP), and two senior Chinese diplomats. The leaked cable was dated March 5, 2007.

Hu Zhengyue, then China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs director general for Asian Affairs, discussed with John his country’s efforts in dealing with the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations.

“Beijing sees President Gloria Arroyo as a good leader because she has shown that she is in control.”

DAS John agreed President Arroyo has stabilized Philippine leadership and enacted strong fiscal and economic policy, but stressed that Beijing and Washington must encourage Manila to continue working hard to promote transparency and good governance, according to the leaked diplomatic cable.

John also cited what he saw as successful US-backed counter terrorism in Mindanao.

Hu observed that China’s and US initiatives in the Philippines are complementary even if the two powers are “working from different directions.”

He underlined China’s investments in Philippine agricultural system and transportation infrastructure, and saw poverty as the key challenge facing the Philippines.

Hu said Beijing recognized corruption as the second biggest problem facing the Philippines, but admitted it “cannot do much about that.”

One of the most high profile cases of private sector corruption during the Arroyo administration was the national broadband network (NBN) project involving China’s ZTE Corp.

The $329-million NBN deal

was signed on April 21, 2007.

Allegations of massive corruption prompted the Arroyo administration to cancel the agreement.

Transparency International, in its Global Corruption Report, said it was “disconcerting” that the company at the center of the controversy had not been made to account for the irregularity.

The report also highlighted the reported collusion among foreign contractors and officials in anomalous multimillion-dol-

lar foreign-funded infrastructure projects in Visayas and Mindanao.

Large foreign contractors allegedly colluded with one another to rig bidding processes, and, in doing so, dictated the terms of the bids in violation of government rules and policies.

Chinese Ambassador Liu Jianchao said the scrapping of the deal was an “unfortunate” incident but also a “learning experience” for both China and the Philippines.

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News Feature

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 16-22, 2010

VEGAS&STYLE Journal

Yahoo’s Most Irresistible Lyrics for 2010

Charice’s ‘Pyramid’ ranks fourth among top 10 songs Top website Yahoo! recently released their choice of 10 songs that have the “Most Irresistible Lyrics” for 2010 and Charice’s Billboard Dance chart-topper Pyramid ranked fourth place.

Flamingo Las Vegas Celebrates the Holidays with Boyz II Men LAS VEGAS—Four-time Grammy-winning R&B group Boyz II Men has marked their first-ever extended engagement on the famed Las Vegas Strip when they opened at Flamingo Las Vegas last Dec. 14 for a four-week seasonal celebration in the legendary Flamingo Showroom. The special holiday show will feature all of the group’s hits, some unexpected songs done in the famous Boyz II Men style and enough holiday tunes to get everyone in the festive spirit of the season.

Formed in 1990, the best-selling R&B group Boyz II Men has continued to make successful albums, sell out stadiums worldwide and keep a vast fan base over the course of 20 years. Best known for their heartfelt hits such as End of the Road and A Song for Mama, the all male group continues to prove that R&B will never lose its audience. Selling more than 60 million records in their career from albums including the self-titled Boyz II Men to Christmas Interpretations and most recently the 2009 Grammy-nominated R&B Album of the Year Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA, the group has no plans of stopping as they approach their 20th anniversary in entertainment.

The harmonic ensemble is comprised of Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Wanya Morris. Boyz II Men’s brotherhood, as well as their love for music, has allowed them to enjoy a successful career. They are now excited to bring that success to this special concert engagement at Flamingo Las Vegas along with a good measure of holiday spirit.

“We are thrilled to be doing a holiday show in Las Vegas and be in the famous Flamingo Showroom to share our songs from such a renowned stage,” said Nathan Morris. His band mate Shawn Stockman added, “It seemed so right to bring this show to a city steeped in such entertainment history during this special time of year. We have always wanted to do a longer run in Las Vegas and all the pieces came together this time to make our dream come true.”

Boyz II Men are icons in the music industry and count among their fans idols such as Stevie Wonder and new sensations like Justin Bieber. With their rich Motown heritage and their ability to win new fans show after show, this will be a holiday celebration not to be missed. This holiday show is produced by Boyz II Men’s Manager Joe Mulvihill and Adam Steck of SPI Entertainment.

“Boyz II Men is truly an iconic musical group and have touched so many lives in the past two decades, including mine. I couldn’t be more excited or proud to be producing their first extended engagement on the Las Vegas Strip,” said Steck of bringing the holiday celebration to Flamingo Las Vegas.

Show time is 7:30pm. each night and show dates will be Dec. 14 – 18, 21 – 24, 26, 28 – 30 and Jan. 1 – 2 and 5 – 9. Ticket prices are $59, $79 and $125 plus taxes and fees. The $125 ticket includes a VIP Meet ‘n Greet with the group. Tickets are available at the Flamingo Box Office, by phone at (702) 733-3333 or (800) 221-7299 or by visiting www.flamingolasvegas.com.

Pyramid is the lead single of Charice from her self-titled debut album. The song was written by David Jassy, Niclas Molinder, Joacim Persson, Johan Alkenäs, Drew Scott and R&B singer Lyrica Anderson and produced by Twin. The album version was released to US mainstream radio on March 15, 2010. It is Charice’s first single to achieve mainstream airplay.

The promotional music video for the track was released on March 2, 2010, showing Charice and Iyaz in the studio singing and recording the vocals to the song.

The official music video for the track was shot at the Orpheum Theatre, in downtown Los Angeles and was directed by Scott Speer, premiering on Oprah Winfrey’s website.

Kimberly Chun, writer of the Yahoo! article on the 2010 Most Irresistible Lyrics described Charice’s song as “homegrown yet polished breed of gospel-tinged pop-R&B,” with “potentially forbidding metaphors… dispelled by the 18-year-old’s feisty, soul-stirring performance—and a charisma, on full display in the song’s video. The article said Charice’s performance for the single removes all doubts about her talent. “The lyrics of Pyramid don’t venture further than assurances that ‘We took it from the bottom up / And even in a desert storm / Sturdy as a rock we hold / Wishing every moment froze.’”

Other songs that made it to the top 10 list are: (1) Baby (Justin Bieber); (2) Love The Way You Lie (Eminem feat. Rihanna); (3) Bad Romance (Lady Gaga); (5) Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars) (6) Tik Tok (Ke$ha); (7) Solo (Iyaz); (8) Two Is Better Than One (Boys Like Girls feat. Taylor Swift); (9) Hey Soul Sister (Train); and (10) Fireflies (Owl City). (AJPress)

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Features

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Sugar for diabetics? Absolutely!

For decades, the coconut and its by-products have been demonized as very unhealthy: They increase cholesterol, raise blood sugar levels, too much calories, ad nauseam. Nothing could be farther from the truth!

Let’s take coconut nectar sugar (Yes, there is such a sweetener! And no, not all sugars are created equal, as you will soon see.)

If you’re a diabetic or are simply concerned about not being one, you avoid consuming natural sugar because it may wreak havoc on your health.

So, by default you switch to artificial sugar sweeteners. But why? They’re “artificial.” What’s good about that? On the other hand, you can’t insist on natural sugar like cane sugar, not when you have concerns about your blood sugar.

So guess what, let me introduce you to coconut nectar sugar—a much better alternative not only because it has that “toasty” cane sugar flavor but because it has a very low Glycemic Index (GI) of 35% as opposed to 60+% for cane sugar and 50+% for maple sugar. (Glycemic Index ranks food according to their effect on blood glucose- the lower the index, the better.) This makes it ideal for those with diabetic issues or simply for those who want to sweeten their food or beverages without feeling guilty.

And here’s more: It’s highly nutritious, considered as protection against atherosclerosis and related illnesses, supports the immune system, promotes weight loss, lowers bad cholesterol, improves digestion, provides a quick boost of energy, to name a few! The internet is replete with articles

on the goodness of coconuts. You may want to check it out.

Ok? Ok! Now, let’s say hello to OK Coconut Nectar Sugar- the Better-Sugar-Than-Sugar Sugar.

It’s 100% pure coconut nectar sugar with no additives, preservatives nor adulterants; it is also 100% organically grown in the Philippines, i.e. no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are ever used. We process our sugar in the conventional way so as to preserve its natural and original goodness.

With Ok Coconut Nectar Sugar, you can most certainly enjoy it in your coffee, tea, beverage, baked goodies or anywhere that sugar is used.

No Guilt! In fact, the only “guilt” you’ll feel is if you don’t tell others how fantastic this product is.

Incidentally, the same coconut nectar is processed into syrup, which is available in bottles. Just as healthy and delicious, they’re great for pancakes, ice cream toppings and many other mouthwatering applications.

And you know what, we are very proud to say that these products are a source of livelihood for our less-fortunate brothers and sisters in the Philippines- small farmers, sap tappers and all those who put their energy and dedication into producing the best and healthiest sweetener in the world.

For more information, please visit our website at www.okusame.com.

These products, including OK Extra Virgin CocoA s m all g ro u p o f P C S nut Oil are available in all Seafood City Supermarket locations. Please go to its website- www.seafoodc- alumni from Batch 1969 came together to meet on October ity.com for the location nearest you.

(Advertising Supplement) 16, 2010 for a no-host lunch at Manila Sunset Restaurant in Los Angeles. The group then trooped to the beautiful home of Angel and Dr.Terri Aguinaldo. Nestled at the exclusive Emerald Isle highland area of Glendale, which affords glorious views as far as Catalina Island to the west on a clear day, the place was the perfect venue

The Asian American Group (AAG) distributed free Thanksgiving turkeys to patients at the Valley Pediatric and Specialty Center last November 23. AAG officers Mike and Rita Vaswani headed the turkey drive whch was also participated in by Cielo Martinez, Dr Teresita Lu Melocoton and Dr. Emelina Quisumbing.

Paco Catholic School HS ’69 Reunion for the get-together. There was music, side-splitting laughter, dancing, karaoke singing, piano playing and chatting till midnight amid mugs of brewed coffee, Filipino food fare and the incessant clicking of cameras.

Linda Dabbay Caro flew in from the East Coast just the night before and bunked with Cynthia Payumo Adao of Los Angeles. Karmen Alzona Smiley and her husband, Harold,

drove from San Diego. Leda Villanueva San Luis, with her husband, Dr. Ed, deftly juggling two social invites, came from Long Beach. Leilanie Pekson Panyawai, though busy, made time to be there. Lorna Tanate Nueva Espana of LA and part-time Las Vegas resident, came with a special cake of white chocolate customized for the occasion by that baker par excellence, Mr. Payard of Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

Check out Payard’s at that posh hotel and prepare to be amazed with his delicious, visually appealing confections. Lorna’s husband, Roger, made it to the Emerald Isle segment of the reunion. Monette Adeva Maglaya of Glendale was there as well.

Ms. Lara, one of their teachers and a long-time resident of Bell graced the occasion.

The mini-reunion was spearheaded by Cora deVera, the inveterate sixty-niner who is mainly regarded as the glue that holds members of this batch together for reunions of this sort. She was visiting the US, with her husband, retired General Freddie de Vera. Cora enlisted the gracious cooperation of Angel Aguinaldo who opened his home as venue.

Despite the soupy, cool autumn weather, this event, punctuated by raucous, squeals of laughter PAGE B8

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 16-22, 2010

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Calendar of Events across

America

D EC E M B E R 1 7

6th Annual Parol Parade and Contest All are invited to watch the 6th Annual Parol Parade on Dec. 17 at 5:30pm. The parade route will start from the Manila Terrace Social Hall 2328 W. Temple St., Los Angeles CA, 90026. It will then proceed from Temple St to Carondolet St to Council St to Park View St to Beverly Blvd To Rampart to Benton Way and will end at the Center of Hope at Temple St. For more information contact Erlinda Lim (213) 924-4048 or Leo Pandac at (213) 810-0279.

AFAA Christmas Party The Association of Filipino American Accountants (AFAA) New York chapter will hold its annual Christmas party at the Astoria World Manor, Astoria, Queens on December 17 starting at 7pm. Dinner $50 per person. For more information please contact Neva Fajardo, AFAA NY Secretary (718) 275-1422.

Cinelayan Filipino Film Festival Mark December 17 on your calendars for the Filipino Film Festival happening at the Portland Community College Cascade Campus (Terrel Hall 122) at 3am-6am. For inquiries and reservations email cinemalayan2010@gmail.com.

Simbang Gabi 2010 The Filipino-American Association of Idaho, Inc. invites you to A Filipino Traditional Mass Celebrated by Fr. Victor Manuel called the Simbang Gabi 2010 happening on December 17, 6pm at the Sacred Heart Church 811 Latah ST Boise. For inquiries,please contact: Jimmy Lara 559-4284, Auring Arellano 375-4781, Irene Berntsen 860-2046, Tita Veloso 375-7481, Edith Teves 841-6623 (Event Coordinator).

JFAV/SPACE Joint Christmas Party The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and Seniors for PACE will hold a joint Christmas Party as it end-year event for 2010 on Friday, Dec. 17 from 11:30am-3pm at the Kapistahan Grill at Luzon Plaza. 1925 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026. There will be a voluntary donation of $ 10 at the door for the JFAV Defense Fund for the civil suit that was filed in San Francisco Federal Court. But nobobdy will be turned away for non-donation For more information please contact Al P. Garcia at (213) 241-0995 or Ernest Tamayo at (213) 503-0429 Email as at jfav_us@yahoo.com or visit our facebook account at jfav-los angeles.

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Honoring a Christmas Tradition

Memories of homeland come aglow with holiday foods at Manila Sunset To Filipinos living in America, Christmas in the homeland is a sentimental collage of memories about religious events, family gatherings, brightly-lit trees and parols, carols everywhere and simbang-gabi.

In those balmy, nifty days of the season, especially the chilly mornings after misa de gallo, people heading home drop by at sidewalk stalls to partake of bibingkang galapong, puto-bumbong and other delicacies.

Happily for Filipinos in America, commemorating the Christmas holidays is not purely nostalgic recollections. Right here, in several cities in the US, Manila Sunset offers a variety of special Filipino foods such as pancit malabon, bibingkang galapong puto-bumbong, dinuguan at puto, goto and other delicacies prepared in the old-fashioned traditional way.

Banking on heirloom recipes and many years of family experience, starting with “Mommy’s Best” eateries in Metro Manila, Manila Sunset opened its first store in Los Angeles, California, in the Christmas season of 1985. Since then, its most famous products, bibingkang galapong, puto-bumbong, and pansit malabon, have become a part of many Filipino Christmas tables and family gatherings.

“For 25 years now, we have never used shortcuts in the preparation of our well-guarded family recipes,” said a Manila Sunset spokesman. “We have never, and will never, use rice flour for our bibingka. Instead, aged jasmine rice is wet-ground and cooked in specially-made ovens simulating the old-style cooking of the rice cake with heat on top and under the pan.”

This Holiday season, Manila Sunset has prepared, aside from their regular fare, a variety of foods available in festive party trays.

“With the holiday rush, we remind customers to place their orders early,” according to a Manila Sunset announcement. “We will expedite orders to the utmost convenience of our patrons in this occasion of joy and sharing.”

Customers are encouraged to consult the managers of the Manila Sunset branch near them for product availability, recommendations and special requests.

The Manila Sunset phone numbers are: Los Angeles (323) 665-1010; West Covina (626) 912-7672; Cerritos (562) 809-5800; North Hills (818) 895-2001; Rancho Cucamonga (909) 484-0980; San Diego (619) 474-0421; Concord (925) 969-9616 and Las Vegas (702) 233-5888.

Most Manila Sunset branches will be open on Dec. 24 for pick-up of orders only, from 10am to 5pm. It will be closed Dec. 25 to 26. Likewise, on Dec. 31, it will be open from 10am to 5pm also for pick-up of orders only. It will be closed on Jan. 1 and 2.

Manila Sunset is celebrating a milestone this year, the 25th anniversary of the first Manila Sunset in America.

“We are happy and proud of this achievement and we know this was made possible by the continuing support of our customers and the Filipino community in general. For this, we are truly grateful,” said Ben Halili, Manila Sunset CEO. “Let us hope, in this happiest of seasons that we Filipino-Americans in this country continue to stay together as we assimilate the best of where we came from with the best of where we are now. The Manila Sunset Family wishes you all Maligayang Pasko at Masaganang Bagong Taon.”

(Advertising Supplement)

Simbang Gabi sa Philippine Center Everyone is invited to attend the Simbang Gabi at the Philippine Center, 556 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10036 on Dec. 17 at 7pm. The mass’ main celebrant is Rev. Msgr. Oscar Aquino assisted by Rev. Fr. Jomar Legaspi. For more information please call Ner Martinez (347) 837-5853, Fe Martinez (973) 222-0085, Sofie Abad (347) 453-9851, and Art Diongon (917) 822-9225.

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FASO at the Monrovia Public Library Holiday and classical sounds from the Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra at the Monrovia Public Library – 321 S. Myrtle Ave. Monrovia, CA 91016. Admission is free! Violin and Guitar Duo from 2pm–3pm at the library lobby, Clarinet Quartet from 3pm–4pm and Flute Ensemble from 4pm–4:45pm at the Library Community Room. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library.

Holiday Ball 2010 The Filipino-American Association of Idaho Inc., invites you to come and enjoy a spectacular evening of fine dining and dancing in the Holiday Ball of 2010 with music by the Mix Emotions Band on Dec. 18, 6pm, at the Red Lion Hotel Downtown 1800 Fairview Ave., Boise ID 83702.

For more information, please call: Jimmy Lara at 559-4284, Billy Reyes at 440-4921, Lani Bright at 407-1101, Irene Berntsen at 860-2046, and Auring Arellano at 375-7481.

SISA Annual Christmas Party The SISA’s Christmas Party 2010 will take place on the 18th of December at 5pm at the Granada Pavilion (near Trader Joe’s/Chase Bank, next to PepBoys/PetAdventure). Address: 11128 Balboa Blvd. Granada Hills CA. There will be dancing and it’s potluck! Holiday attire: purple and/or green. Contact Erlyne Arugay at (818) 624-3369 or Ludi Santos-Martin at (818) 267-4618.

PASCPA annual Christmas Party Let’s all come together and celebrate, bring all your loved ones and friends on December 18, 2010 Saturday, starting 4pm at The Philippine Village, 4515 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041. Entrance Fee: $15 per head, All kids come FREE. Bring a gift worth $15 for “White Elephant.”

SMISAN Christmas Party Please join us for dining and dancing at the SMISAN Christmas Party on Dec. 18 fro 6:30pmmidnight at Danceworld USA, 1950 South Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146. Suggested donation is $25. Bring a gift worth at least $10 for gift exchange if you want to participate. For RSVP please call Alex Pena (702) 373-9522 and Madelyn Banez (702) 370-3152.

International Migrants Day health screening for immigrants Philippine Forum, in collaboration with Kalusugan Coalition, La Guardia Nursing Club, APICHA, and Wyckoff Hospital, bring a health screening to Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Woodside. From 10am - 2pm, everyone may avail of services and screenings at Bayanihan Filipino Community Center at 4021 69th Street, Woodside, NY 11377. Services will include blood pressure screenings, cholesterol and glucose screenings, HIV testing, STD screening, and patient teach-ins. Nurses are on hand for consultations for the community members in the area. Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Woodside are neighborhoods with very high concentrations of Filipino, Latino, and South Asian recent immigrants.

Aurorans to hold Christmas Party The Aurora Inter-Organizational Alliance-USA will hold its annual Christmas celebration on December 18, Saturday, starting at 4 pm at the house of Mr Ed and Linda Querijero, in Cerritos, California. California-based immigrants from the municipalities of Baler, San Luis, Maria Aurora, Dingalan, Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Casiguran and Dilasag are hereby enjoined to grace the affair.

Aurorans are urged to get in touch with Treasurer Lucy-Gonzales-Entac (818) 428-9906, Secretary Violy Feraren, (562) 466-6403, Roland Protesta (562) 691-2136 Dr. Belen Guerrero (626) 749-5806, Robert Teh (818) 331-7586, Primo Teh (323) 728-8365, Letty Porter (619) 829-7693, Rose Mangosong (805) 478-4784.

Paskong Pilipino Everyone is invited to attend the Paskong Pilipino on Dec. 18 at the St. Paul UMC, 33350 Peace Terrace, Fremont, CA 94555. The event will have three parts Himig Pasko, Simbang Gabi, and Salo-salo.

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FAAWC Simbang Gabi 2010 Thee Filipino-American Association of Western Connecticut (FAAWC) will hold a ‘Simbang Gabi’ mass from 3pm - 9pm at the St. Rose Church at Newtown, CT.

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Celebration The Orleans Hotel and Casino is proud to present the Philippine Music Icon, Imelda Papin in a one-night concert called the Celebration,on Dec. 26, 8pm at the Orleans Showroom. Performing with Imelda Papin are: John Gummoe of The Cascades together with Ron Dante (who sang Sugar, Sugar). The Orleans Hotel & Casino is located at 4500 W. Tropicana Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89103. Ticket prices are $40, $60, and $80. For tickets, you can visit www.orleanscasino.com or call the ticket box office at (702) 365-7075 or 1-800- 365-7111.

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Amore, An Afternoon of Timeless Music with Philippine’s Prince of Operatic Pop Ahiah Center for Spiritual Awakening presents “Amore, An Afternoon of Timeless Music with Philippine’s Prince of Operatic Pop,” Jonathan Badon on January 9, 2pm, at 277 North El Molino Ave. Pasadena, Ca. 91101.Donation is only $20. For more details, you can text or call Genny Go at (626) 278-1970 or (626) 795-4216 office.

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

Bibingkang Galapong, puto bumbong and other Manila Sunset products bring back the joys and comfort of Philippine Christmas past.

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Features

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 16-22, 2010

AAG Christmas Party CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION was the focus of the recent gathering of the Asian American Group (AAG) and their special guests at the Palace Station Hotel last December 10th. NV state officials Atty General Catherine Cortez Masto and Sheriff Doug Guillespie, long with FBI special agent Kevin Favreau were only a few of the numerous special guests invited. AAG is the largest Asian American group in Las Vegas.

*AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal

JOLLIBEE LOCATIONS Nevada

MARYLAND PARKWAY 3890 S. Maryland Parkway Ste A1 Las Vegas, NV 89109 (702) 893-3005

VILLAGE SQUARE (Drive-Thru) 9430 W. Sahara Ave. Ste 100A Las Vegas, NV 89117 (702) 483-6731

Northern California CONCORD (925) 609-8476

UNION CITY (24Hrs Drive-Thru) (510) 324-2075

SAN JOSE (408) 238-8763

DALY CITY (24 Hrs Drive-Thru) (650) 755-4848

MILPITAS - GREAT MALL (408) 719-1344

STOCKTON (209) 956-4321

SACRAMENTO (916) 424-5440

VALLEJO (707) 647-3549

SAN BRUNO (650) 588-6998

Southern California AMAR (Drive-Thru) (626) 810-8319

CERRITOS (562) 924-7263

PANORAMA CITY (818) 442-9403

BEVERLY BLVD. (Drive-Thru) (323) 906-8617

CHINO (909) 590-0044

PUENTE HILLS MALL (626) 810-8900

Eagle Rock Plaza (323) 258-5664

SOUTHBAY PAVILION (310) 538-8080

CARSON (310) 513-1941

San Diego MIRA MESA (858) 271-8296

NATIONAL CITY (24 Hrs Drive-Thru) (619) 474-0973

Washington TUKWILA 1374 Southcenter Mall Tukwila, WA 98188

PLAZA BONITA (619) 479-8512

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 16-22, 2010

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FOUR FIL-AM groups celebrated Christmas in unison along with members of the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NaFFAA) at the latter’s holiday party at Palace Station Hotel last Dec. 12.

Fil-Am judge Cedric Kearns inducted into office the leaders of the four organizations namely, the Alpha Phi Omega (APO), the Filipino-American Professionals Association (FAPA), the Philippine Bisayan Society of NV (PBSN), and the Ilocano American Association of NV (IAAN).

Entertainment was provided by the Kalahi Philippine Folkloric Ensemble and the Filipiniana Dance Troupe of NV, among others.

Founding chair Gloria Caoile, in her message, said NaFFAA was founded with a vision to unite Filipinos of various regional Judge Kearns (far right) joins the APO delegation which was comprised of (L-R) Primi Carmona, Romeo Cabulang, Ruby backgrounds to create a community of one Fernandez, Jayton Bucoy, Soc Cardoso, Romy Guideng, Lyn Perez, John Sanchez, and Teddy Ramos. in America. *AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal

The PBSN group was joined by Judges Kearns (6th from left) and Moss (5th from left). Standing L-R: Romeo Jurani -founder and past chair, Gina Baumann- PRO. Edith Ocampo - asst treasurer, Nadia Jurani -founder, Marian Pearson –president, Jean Celemin -founder and publication officer, Martin Celemin -founder and past chair, Lettie Newman-PRO, Liza Barte, and Clark Barte. Sitting L-R: Brandon Pearson, Janelle Domdom, Morgan Baumann, and Vincent Barte

White House Commissioner on APIs and IAAN founder Rozita Lee (4th from left) is joined by Fil-Am judges Moss (3rd from left) and Kearns (5th from left) for a photo with other members (1st row L-R): Greg Cordero, Alex Pena, Jun Bulosan, and Chris Andres. Standing (L-R): Amie Belmonte, Diane Smith, Judge Moss, Ms. Rozita Lee, Judge Kerns, Leo Belmonte, Romy Guideng, Madeline Mendoza, Janette Serrano, and Lerma Cordero.

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Fil-Am judges Kearns (4th from right) and Moss (5th from right) join FAPA officers L-R: Arthur De Joya - advisor, Noel Casimiro -director, Michael Payne -assistant treasurer, Jude Nazareth -secretary, Jacque De Joya -director, Gemma Nazareno -director, Sead Besic -vice president, Ranier Galgana -president, and Rex Velasquez -director. Other FAPA officers not in the photo are: Ed Balecha director, Bobby Macabagdal -director, Davor Kolacevski -treasurer, and Dr. Salvador Borromeo -director.

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House passes DREAM Act, Senate vote forthcoming

Your Immigration Solution Atty. Robert Reeves Jeff L. Khurgel IMMIGRATION Reform advocates around the country were enthralled last Wednesday when the DREAM Act, recently advanced by Senate Leader Harry Reid, passed the House of Representatives.

The bill, which passed the House in the final days of Democratic control, was favored by a vote of 216 to 198. By now, supporters of the proposed law are aware that their optimism must be tempered by caution. Under discussion for almost a decade, the legislation would give certain undocumented immigrants the chance to stay in the US by serving in the military or attending college if they entered the US before the age of 16 and have no serious law-enforcement violations. Qualified applicants would receive an interim conditional permanent-residency status and many would be on track for gradual naturalization. An estimated 2.1 million immigrants already in the US may qualify for benefits under the act.

The newest incarnation of the DREAM Act is a stricter version, in an attempt to engender bipartisan support. The revised bill would still offer a path to citizenship to immigrants who entered the country illegally as minors if they graduate from high school and pursue college or military service, but the path would take longer and exclude more immigrants.

Senator Reid’s proposal lowers the maximum age of eligibility to 30 from 35, creates a 13-year wait for citizenship and closes some of the loopholes that immigration reform opponents have argued were too broad-sweeping and generous.

All prior version of the DREAM Act have excluded immigrants with serious criminal records, but the compromised version also disqualifies immigrants convicted of evading the draft, smuggling, voter and marriage fraud, as well as other misdemeanor and felony crimes. Qualifying DREAM Act beneficiaries would not be able to become US Citizens until at least 2024, until which time they would

not be eligible to vote, to petition certain relatives for immigration benefits, or to receive most forms of public assistance.

Proponents of the bill feel that it would allow young immigrants with clean criminal records and promising futures the platform from which to build a responsible life. In one fell swoop; the law would create legal taxpayers out of people who were once confined to living in the shadows, motivate young immigrants to attend college and attain necessary skills to use in the American workplace, and entice immigrants to join the military at a time when our forces need bolstering.

Critics of the bill hope that it is once again defeated. They have applied the contentious and misleading label of “amnesty” to the bill and have made unsubstantiated exaggerations about the effects of passage, including that the bill would benefit criminals.

On the contrary, the DREAM Act is comprised of strict eligibility parameters and would only benefit a very narrow percentage of the

immigrant population – excluding serious criminals. As described above, the newest iteration of the bill creates heightened eligibility requirements, making it tougher than before to qualify. In order to be approved, an immigrant’s entire period of time in the US will be examined, and an officer of the Department of Homeland Security will need to make the determination that the applicant has been a person of good moral character.

The next stage in advancing the DREAM Act is a Senate to vote on the bill – which originally was to take place last Thursday. However, in a strategic move, Senator Reid decided to delay the vote until after legislation regarding tax cuts is finalized. It is thought that doing so will raise chances of bipartisan cooperation. Meanwhile, DREAM Act supporters hope that the delay will allow them more time to make their voices heard.

For years, voters have looked to Congress for leadership and wisdom in enacting a solution to the nation’s immigration system. With the passage of the DREAM Act, Congress can make Americans proud by moving beyond petty party politics to fix a system that needs mending, for the benefit of all Americans. It is now clear that a vote on the DREAM Act will be

forthcoming. Supporters should continue to contact their Senators to express their support for passage. *** Atty. Reeves has represented clients in numerous landmark immigration cases that have set new policies regarding INS action and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located in Pasadena, San

Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

Paco Catholic...

PAGE B2 and reminiscences of high school days in high definition down memory lane made it truly an October to remember.

PCS Batch HS 1969 - L to R: Esther Cunanan from an earlier PCS batch, Ms. Lara, Cynthia Payumo Adao; Lorna Tanate Nueva Espana, Monette Adeva Maglaya, Leda Villanueva San Luis, Linda Dabbay Caro, Cora Arroyo de Vera and Angel Aguinaldo. Not in the photo but were in attendance at some point during the day are Leilanie Pekson Panyawai and Karmen Alzona Smiley.

3 7 0 0 W. D e s e r t I n n R o a d L a s Ve g a s , N V 8 9 1 02 • Te l . ( 7 02 ) 7 9 2 - 6 67 8 • Fa x . ( 7 02 ) 7 9 2 . 6 87 9

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 16-22, 2010

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B10 DECEMBER 16-22, 2010 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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