NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
T HE F ILIPINO A MERICAN C OMMUNITY N EWSPAPER
Volume 17 - No. 28 • 3 Sections – 20 Pages
JULY 27-AUGUST 2, 2018
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FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Calif. sanctuary policies still dividing state leaders NO other issue has embattled voters more than immigration. In California, which is home to the largest undocumented immigrant population in the country, that issue has divided the state’s leaders along party lines, especially with the battle of SB 54, also known as the California Values Act which serves as the state’s “sanctuary” law. Generally, “sanctuary” policies prohibit state officials and law enforcement from turning over information to federal immigration agencies that would lead to the capture and detention of unauthorized immigrants. These policies came to prominence following the election of President Donald Trump, who promised to toughen U.S. immigration policy and practices. California Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB 54 into law and it went into effect on Jan. 1, 2018. Since then, the state has faced backlash from the Trump administration which filed a PAGE A2
Hundreds of migrant parents may have been deported without their children
Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
Arroyo’s return to power: What it means and what could happen next by KRISTINE JOY
Philstar.com
PATAG
HOURS before President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his third State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 23, a power struggle among lawmakers unfolded before the public. On the morning of July 23, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (Davao del Norte) addressed his colleagues and listed the House’s achievements under his leadership. He did not touch on reported talks to oust him as speaker, which grew stronger over the weekend.
In what was seen as an attempt to stop the change in leadership, the House adjourned its session before noon, missing the anticipated ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Bill to the dismay of many. Minutes after the session was adjourned, a manifesto was passed around among the members of the House, signifying a vote to elect Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (Pampanga) as House speaker. In a muted—literally and figuratively—affair, Arroyo took her oath as House speaker. But it was still Alvarez who greeted Duterte upon his arrivat the Batasan. The apparent power struggle PAGE A2
In a power struggle that unfolded on July 24, Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (Pampanga) has been elected speaker of the House of Representatives, replacing Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez (Davao Del Norte). PPD file photo by Toto Lozano
Duterte: My visit to ‘friend’ Trump in US just a matter of scheduling
US government has until July 26 to meet reunification deadline
U.S. Justice Department attorneys said in a court filing Monday, July 23, that over 460 migrant parents separated from their children under the government’s “zero-tolerance” policy may have already been deported without their kids. The report comes just days ahead of a deadline to reunite over 2,500 children ages five to 17 with their parents, provided the parents do not have safety concerns or criminal history that make them ineligible. Justice Department lawyers in the status PAGE A4
U.S. President Donald Trump sits beside Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte during the ASEAN gala dinner on November 12, 2017. Malacañang photo by NESTOR CORRALES Inquirer.net
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, July 25, said his visit to the United States is just a matter of “scheduling.” This appears to be a softening of his previous hardline stance against visiting the Philippines’ traditional ally. PAGE A4
SONA 2018. President Rodrigo Duterte greets some guests after delivering his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives Complex in Constitution Hills, Quezon City on Monday, July 23. Duterte began his SONA by saying that his controversial war on drugs “is far from over,” stressing that he would be more “relentless and chilling” as the day it began. He also hit human rights advocates and church leaders for criticizing his war on drugs, noting that their protests would never dissuade him from continuing the campaign. Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez
New Tourism Board head urges young travelers to explore PH NEWLY-APPOINTED Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) head Arnold Gonzales has reached out to young Filipinos urging them to travel around the Philippines. He also added that the country still has a lot of attractions for them to discover. “Discovering the Philippines is a rewarding experience as it allow us to deeply understand our culture and reconnect with our heritage,” said Gonzales in a Sunstar report. “Through our own discoveries, we will be able to see what makes this country unique and worth visiting,” he said.
He also added that more Filipinos will appreciate the country better if travel do mestically, to discover more unknown places. Gonzales, who replaced former TPB head Cesar Montano, was at the recent 5th International Travel Fair when he challenged young Filipino travelers to explore more destinations in the Philippines. In 2017, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed in its data that tourism accounted for 12.2 percent of the country’s economy. It also showed that it added to the Philippines’ GDP amounting to
Duterte vows to pursue ‘chilling’ fight vs drugs by CATHERINE
S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net
TBP head Arnold Gonzales
P1.93 trillion, up by 24.2 percent from 2016. Tourism receipts of foreign visitors and Filipinos permanently residing abroad grew by 43.9 percent in 2017, amounting to P448.6 billion, from P311.7 billion in 2016. PAGE A3
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte vowed to pursue a “relentless” and “chilling” war against illegal drugs, as he laid out his plans for the remaining half of his six-year term in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 23. In a 48-minute, expletive-free speech, Duterte said his twoyear-old war against illegal drugs was “far from over.” “Let me begin by putting it bluntly: the war against illegal drugs is far from over. Where before, the war resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs worth millions of pesos, today, they run [into] billions in peso value. I can
Senators slam Arroyo’s election as Speaker by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
FORMER President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s election as Speaker of the House of Representatives was slammed by her critics on Tuesday, July
24, saying it might be part of a plan to put her back at the top as prime minister. The coup that Arroyo and her allies pulled on Monday, July 23, to topple Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarwez PAGE A5
For the first time after Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo unseated Davao Del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, the two lawmakers personally met. Photo courtesy of Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales
only shudder at the harm that those drugs could have caused had they reached the streets of every province, city, municipality, barangay and community throughout the country,” Duterte said. “This is why the illegal drugs war will not be sidelined. Instead, it will be as relentless and chilling, if you will, as on the day it began,” he said. The president then slammed human rights activists who have criticized the thousands of deaths caused by the anti-drug war, calling their efforts “misdirected.” “If you think that I can be dissuaded from continuing this fight because of [your]demonstrations, your protests, which I find, by the way, misdirected, then you got
it all wrong. Your concern is human rights, mine is human lives,” he said. The bloody campaign against drugs killed 4,354 people from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2018, based on the government’s #RealNumbersPH. These fatalities reportedly resisted arrest during the 102,630 legitimate police operations conducted during the period. The anti-drug raids have also resulted in the arrest of 147,802 drug personalities, including 229 elected officials, 52 uniformed personnel and 245 government employees. Known for his long, impromptu speeches, Duterte stuck to his prepared text except for a few PAGE A2
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Arroyo’s return to power... PAGE A1 delayed the president’s constitutionally mandated speech by more than an hour. After Duterte finished his SONA, lawmakers and guests started pouring out of the plenary and giving their comments to the president’s speech, but some solons stayed back at the plenary to deliberate on change of leadership at the lower chamber. At around 8:51 p.m., Arroyo, a former president charged with graft, made a political comeback: She had officially unseated Alvarez—who had had her unseated as deputy speaker in 2017—as leader of the House of Representatives. House speaker’s powers The speaker is the fourth highest official in the Philippine government and is elected by a majority vote among members of the House of Representatives. According to the House website, the speaker “presides over the session, decides on all ques-
tions of order; subject to appeal by any member, signs all acts, resolutions, memorials, writs, warrants and subpoenas issued by or upon order of the House; appoints, suspends, dismisses or disciplines House personnel and exercise administrative functions.” According to the rules adopted by the House of the 17th Congress, the speaker also prepares the legislative agenda for each regular session and has the responsibility “to ensure full deliberation and swift approval of measures included therein.” The speaker is also tasked with conducting monthly caucuses, or as often as necessary, to discuss priority measures and to thresh out issues and concerns among members. They also “exercise general supervision over all committees and, in furtherance thereof, conduct regular monthly meetings with the chairpersons and vicechairpersons of all standing and special committees” to review
From the Front Page
performance and to check that the panels’ priorities “are attuned to the legislative agenda of the House.” Among the legislative measures that Duterte is pushing is the shift to a federal form of government. Before he was replaced, Alvarez presided over a House that readily affirmed and later approved two extensions of martial law over Mindanao. It also impeached Andy Bautista as Commission on Elections chairman and set in motion the removal of Maria Lourdes Sereno as chief justice. After he had voiced displeasure at the Commission on Human Rights, a member of the Alvarez-led majority proposed and managed to get approval from the body for an annual budget of P1,000 for the constitutional body. That decision was walked back after outrage online and opposition from the Senate. Aside from pushing the legislative agenda, a speaker also has PAGE A3
EX-PRESIDENTS. Former President Fidel V. Ramos extends his hand to greet former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada upon arrival at the House of Representatives to attend President Rodrigo Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on Monday, July 23. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Calif. sanctuary policies still dividing... PAGE A1 lawsuit against the state with the support of several conservativeleaning cities like Los Alamitos, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, which launched its own lawsuit against the state. As the national discourse over immigration policy continues to heat up, the war that has waged for sanctuary policies also become a key campaign issue for the midterm elections in November. Republican candidate John Cox, a San Diego-area businessman, said that if he was elected governor, he would scrap SB 54. “I won’t enforce it,” Cox said in April 2018. “Every public official should comply with the law. The alternative is chaos.” Cox’s opponent, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, has been vocal about his support for SB 54 and has pledged to stand up against the Trump administration. “We cannot let this small, scared bully hurt our economy and turn ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] into his
own personal army of hate,” Newsom, the former mayor of the sanctuary city San Francisco, said in a tweet directed at Trump following the massive ICE operations in the state this year. Earlier this month, a federal judge in California rejected the Trump administration’s lawsuit against the state SB 54 and AB 103, which allows the CA attorney general entrance into immigration detention facilities for inspection. “Plaintiff’s argument that SB 54 makes immigration enforcement far more burdensome begs the question: more burdensome than what? The laws make enforcement more burdensome than it would be if state and local law enforcement provided immigration officers with their assistance. But refusing to help is not the same as impeding,” U.S. District Court Judge John Mendez wrote in his ruling, as previously reported by the Asian Journal. “If history has taught us anything…it is more important to stand for what is right today than to apologize for our inten-
tional unwillingness to act against wrong tomorrow,” said Chet Hewitt, president of Sierra Health Foundation, in the Sacramento Bee . “California’s sanctuary state posture is our collective voice of opposition and humanity in a time when a lot more of both are desperately needed. Janet Napolitano, president of the University of California system and the former Secretary of Homeland Security under Obama, said that the sanctuary state law specifies the priorities of law enforcement without sacrificing public safety. “The so-called sanctuary laws already contain some important exceptions where public safety is concerned,” said Napolitano, who also served six years as the governor of Arizona. “They simply prioritize how the state’s law enforcement resources will be used, leaving it to the feds to carry out immigration enforcement, which is inherently a federal issue. It is entirely appropriate for California to stand up for itself here.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
Duterte vows to pursue ‘chilling’... PAGE A1 adlibs. Duterte’s first SONA in 2016 lasted for one hour and 32 minutes while his second SONA lasted two hours. Duterte drew 34 applauses from the audience in his third SONA. Red tape, Bangsamoro Law Duterte ordered government agencies to faithfully implement the law against red tape, saying some offices had a “lousy and corrupt bureaucracy.” He told government offices “with a number of red tape-related reports from the public” to make their services “truly customer-friendly.” Duterte signed Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 in May this year. To achieve peace and development in Mindanao, Duterte said he would sign the Bangsamoro Organic Law in 48 hours. “When the approved version is transmitted and received by my office… The law has been passed actually and I intend to… Give me 48 hours to sign it and ratify the law,” he said. Duterte was supposed to sign the proposed measure on Tuesday, July 24 but this did not happen as the House adjourned its
session before it could be ratified. The Senate was able to ratify the reconciled version of the bill. Duterte, the first Philippine president from Mindanao, earlier certified the bill as urgent, prompting Congress to fast-track the passage of the draft measure. The bicameral conference committee approved the final version of the bill on July 18. The historic law abolishes the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) established in 1989 to administer Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces. The ARMM will then be replaced by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Cha-cha Duterte also expressed confidence that Filipinos would rally behind his administration’s push for charter change. Shifting to federalism from a unitary system is among the key campaign pledges of Duterte, who promised during the 2016 campaign to spread resources and political power to the countryside. He thanked members of his consultative committee on charter change particularly former chief justice Reynato Puno and former Senate president Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. for working
on the draft federal charter. The president also reiterated that he did not want to stay in power beyond the end of his term in 2022 under the 1987 Constitution or any other charter. “I have no illusions of occupying this office one day longer than what the Constitution under which I was elected, or under whatever constitution there might be, [requires].” Sea dispute, ‘endo’ In his speech, Duterte also boasted about his administration’s “improved” relationship with China, but assured the public that such renewed affinity between the two countries did not mean the Philippines wavering on territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). “Our improved relationship with China, however, does not mean that we will waver in our commitment to defend our interests in the West Philippine Sea. This is why we engage China through bilateral and multilateral platforms such as the Asean-China and the Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism,” he said. Duterte also admitted his hands were tied on the issue of ending contractualization in the country. “Read my lips, I understand PAGE A4
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Arroyo’s return to power... PAGE A2 the authority to “sign all acts, resolutions, memorials, writs, warrants and subpoenae that may be issued by or upon order of the House.” In consultation with the Committee on Rules, the speaker is tasked with coming up with guidelines “governing public access to personal data and related information, including Statements of Assets and Liabilities, of Members of the House.” The speaker also has the power to review, approve and sign contracts on behalf of the House of Representatives. Arroyo as prime minister? Sens. Grace Poe and Panfilo Lacson have expressed worry at Arroyo’s ascension to power as her being a step closer to becoming a prime minister. Speaking to reporters after SONA, Poe warned that the change in House leadership “gives a bad impression.” “They have something that they want to push for—a change in our constitution,” she added. However, the final draft of the Federal Charter, as crafted by the consultative committee handpicked by Duterte, does not mention a position for a prime minister. The president is expected to back this draft, as he has touted the federal form of government even before he has come to the presidency. The proposed federal form of government will retain the three branches of government in the 1987 Constitution: An Executive branch led by a president and vice president elected as a team; a legislature with a Senate and House of Representatives, and the judiciary with a federal supreme court. However, Congress could convene itself into a Constituent Assembly and work on a charter different from the one submitted by
the president’s consultative committee. A ConAss would allow the members to vote on amendments of the Constitution and introduce revisions to the charter. It is one of the three ways to revise the Constitution, with the other two being through a constitutional convention, where the public can elect delegates to amend the charter, and through a people’s initiative, where voters across the country will be allowed to either approve or reject proposals. A group of academics already flagged this mode to amend the Constitution as they said, the process “must be much more participatory.” Should a parliamentary form of government, instead of presidential form, be pushed and approved in Congress, and the amendments ratified in a plebiscite, the Philippines would have a prime minister. The prime minister will be chosen from within the ranks of the legislative branch. With Arroyo’s rise to be the top legislative leader at the House of Representatives, she may be one of the candidates to assume this position. A prime minister, under a parliamentary government, will serve as head of government while a president will act as head of state. Sen. Lacson, however, warned that if Arroyo’s “ascension to the speakership is a prelude to becoming prime minister, they better think twice because the Senate, both majority and minority have agreed to close ranks to defend and assert our role under the 1987 Constitution in revising or amending the same.” “That, I can say with certainty and conviction,” the senator stressed. a joint exploration with China in the South China Sea, even suggesting that the two countries adopt a ‘60-40’ sharing deal. China claims about 90 percent
New Tourism Board head... PAGE A1 Recognizing Cebu Ranked as the eight Best Island in the World and sixth Best Island in Asia in the 2018 Travel + Leisure survey, tourism players believe that Cebu should expect more tourist arrivals this year. Apart from its global recognition, it also recently opened its new airport terminal. “This honor, plus our new beautiful airport terminal, coming five-star hotels and resorts, and the new eco-tourism activities developed by the municipalities will help further increase the arrivals of tourists,” said Edwin Ortiz, tourism committee chair of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Ortiz, however, emphasized that in spite of the recognition, Cebu will also face a bigger challenge to maintain — or better yet, exceed — the current ranking. “I hope we will not rest on our laurels as the reality is other Asian countries who also
have natural attractions are fast catching up when it comes to welcoming foreigners and learning the English language to make traveling in their countries easier,” Ortiz said. For this, Ortiz hailed the joint efforts between Cebu’s local government and private sector to solve the worsening traffic, safety and security, as well as eco-tourism and initiatives to improve cleanliness and sanitation. Gonzales on the other hand, believes that apart from foreign travelers, promoting domestic travel would identify gaps and challenges in the industry. Traveling in the country, he said, would allow Filipinos to communicate with their kababayans, learn from their ideals and dialect, and understand their way of living. “This will allow us to know what brings us closer rather than recognize what sets us apart,” he said. (AJPress)
of the South China Sea but this is being disputed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims. In 2016, a Hague-based arbitral tribunal ruled that China’s maritime claim has no legal basis but Beijing refused to recognize the ruling. China has built structures, including military facilities on Kagitingan (Fiery Cross), Panganiban (Mischief), Zamora (Subi), Burgos (Gaven), Kennan (Hughes), Mabini (Johnson) and Calderon (Cuarteron) Reefs, areas off the province of Palawan that are also being claimed by the Philippines. Despite Duterte’s effort to portray China as a friend of the Philippines, majority of Filipinos think Beijing should not be allowed to militarize the disputed areas. Eight out of 10 Filipinos or 81 percent think the government should not “leave China alone with its infrastructures and military presence” in Philippine-claimed areas in the South China Sea, according to a Social Weather Stations poll conducted last June. The president has repeatedly said that insisting on the Philippines’ maritime claims would create “trouble” and that a war with China would only result in a “massacre” of Filipino soldiers. Officials have denied that Duterte has abandoned the Philippines’ claims, saying the President is just pursuing non-contentious aspects of Manila’s relationship with Beijing such as economic cooperation. They insist that Duterte will not give up even an inch of the Philippines’ territory to other countries. (With Job Manahan) n
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 27 - AUGUST 2, 2018
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Civil rights advocates urge public to comment on 2020 Censusfordable prices by Mark Hedin Ethnic Media Services
CIVIL rights leaders joined census policy experts on Tuesday, July 17, in an urgent plea, particularly to communities of color, for a show of public activism and force to derail a fast-moving Trump administration effort to officially ignore them. The fight begins by taking full advantage of a narrow window of opportunity in which to speak out against it. That window closes on Aug. 7, the deadline for public comment on the administration’s last-minute plan to, as part of the 2020 census, ask every single person in the United States if they’re legal citizens. The plan is being sold as an effort to ensure voting accuracy, but is widely seen as obvious discrimination against communities of color and the poor by discouraging their participation in the census. Census data drives the allocation of political representation, business’ investment and funding decisions for transportation and hundreds of other government and private programs. By adding the citizenship question to the 2020 census, along with cutting its funding and changing how the counting will be done, the government is on course to ensure that millions of people in the United States will not be counted. “The 2020 census is one of the most urgent civil rights issues facing the country,” said Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference Education Fund. “And right now, every per-
son in America has the opportunity to help ensure the count is fair and accurate for all communities.” Gupta, along with other representatives of Asian American, Latino, African American communities and census veteran Terri Ann Lowenthal, emphasized the importance of reaching out the Census Bureau either through the website censuscounts.org or by writing, and to do so by 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 7 at the very latest. “There will be no extensions for submitting public comments,” Lowenthal warned. “Historically, public comments, comments from stakeholders, has been influential,” she said. Lowenthal is policy advisor to the Leadership Conference Education Fund and former staff director for the House Census and Population Subcommittee. “We need the American people’s help more than ever,” said Arturo Vargas, of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. “Census Bureau and NALEO research shows that the citizenship question in the 2020 census will significantly depress response rates. This will lead to an inaccurate and unfair count.” The Census has been conducted every 10 years since 1790. It’s mandated in the U.S. Constitution. Typically, changes in its questionnaire and collection method are carefully planned and field-tested for years before they’re implemented. Not so during the Trump administration and the GOP-led Congress of recent years. Gupta credited the idea of asking people
about their citizenship to the hard line anti-immigrant positions of disgraced Trump advisor Steve Bannon and Kansas Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Kris Kobach. Kobach has made a name for himself purging tens of thousands of mostly non-white voters from registration rolls with his Interstate Voter Registration Crosscheck program — not to be confused with ICE’s Operation Cross Check arrest sweeps — which targets people whose names can be confused with those of other voters, such as people named Lee, Jackson or Garcia, for instance. In more than 99 percent of those cases, the alleged fraud by the disenfranchised voters was unfounded. “We have never witnessed a more systematic and thorough taking-down of the census,” said Jeri Green, of the National Urban League, a decades-long partner with the U.S. Census. “From severe underfunding to de-scaled and terminated critical research to the still-vacant two top leadership positions at the Census Bureau and now the political foisting of an untested, unjust and unconstitutional citizenship question on the backs of already vulnerable, historically undercounted populations ... the trickle down impact of an inaccurate 2020 census would be severe to the black population, whose inner city and rural communities risk losing the most in terms of federal funding, political representation and equal rights under the law.” “Getting the census right is PAGE A5
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Jordan Clarkson eyed for Gilas in Asiad Duterte vows to pursue ‘chilling’... by Joey
Villar
Philstar.com
FIL-AM guard Jordan Clarkson may end up spearheading a Gilas Pilipinas team seeing action in the Asian Games this August in Jakarta, Indonesia. Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas on Tuesday, July 24, said Clarkson, who currently plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers, was part of the retooled 18-player men’s basketball roster submitted by Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios to Asiad organizers Monday. “Clarkson is part of the list submitted by Sonny Barrios. We hope he could play,� said Vargas. Clarkson, who owns a Philippine passport, has practiced with the national team a few years ago but has never played a single game. There is a chance he would in Jakarta. If Clarkson is a go, Vargas said there is a strong possibility Clarkson may also end up as the country’s Asiad flag-bearer. “If he (Clarkson) agrees, why
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that this does not satisfy all sectors. I share their sentiment; I truly do. Much as I would like to do the impossible, that power is not vested upon me by the Constitution. And neither will I make both ends meet even if I violate the laws to achieve that purpose. Simply, it is not part of my territory,� he said. But the president renewed his call for Congress to pass legislation of ending the practice of contractualization “once and for all.� Duterte signed on May 1 Executive Order 51 prohibiting the illegal contracting and sub-contracting of workers. He said the campaign against “endo� had resulted in the regularization of 300,000 workers. Labor groups such as the Kilusang Mayo Uno want more, saying the president should have signed an EO that bans all forms of contractualization. Jordan Clarkson Philstar.com photo Land use, Boracay, mining The president called on the The team is composed of mostnot?� said Vargas. Senate to “urgently pass the NaVargas, however, said there ly players from Rain or Shine. Vargas has yet to say who will tional Land Use Act,� which he was no finality yet on whether or not Clarkson will play but they coach the team, although NLEX said would address competing are currently talking to the Cava- coach Yeng Guiao’s name was land requirements for food, housing, business and environmental initially floated. n liers for a release. conservation. “What has happened to Boracay is just an indication of the long-overdue need to rationalize, in a holistic and sustainable manner, the utilization, management, and development of our lands,� Duterte said, referring to the popular tourist destination that he shut down earlier this year for a cleanup. He reiterated his warning to miners against destroying the environment, insisting that extractive industries “must be used for the benefit of the Filipino people, not just a select few.� “To the mining industry, I say this once again and maybe for the last time, do not destroy the environment or compromise our
resources; repair what you have mismanaged. Try to change [your]management radically because this time you will have restrictive policies. The prohibition of open pit mining is one. It is destroying my country. It is destroying the environment. It will destroy the world of tomorrow for our children,� he said. ‘Pass Train 2’ Duterte said tax reform would push through, adding such initiative was “incorrectly� blamed for rising consumer prices. The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or Train, which took effect on January 1 and raised duties on sugar-sweetened drinks, fuel and cars, has generated much-needed revenue to fund government infrastructure projects, according to Duterte. “This year, we are giving P149 billion worth of subsidies to the poor and vulnerable. Next year, the amount will be increased to P169 billion. But no amount of subsidy can help the poor if some businesses take advantage of the situation to make more money. I ask businesses to cooperate with us in charging a fair price,� he said. Duterte then warned rice hoarders, cartels and their protectors, to “stop messing with the people.� “Power sometimes is not a good thing. But I hope I will not have to use it against you. Consider yourselves warned; mend your ways now or the full force of the State shall be brought to bear upon you. I am directing all intelligence agencies to unmask the perpetrators of this economic sabotage and our law enforcement agencies to bring them to justice,� he said. Third telco Duterte promised that the third telecommunications player, to be selected soon by the government to compete with the duopoly of
PAGE A1 report to Southern California U.S. District Judge Dana M. Sabraw said that 879 children have been reunited with their parents, up from the 450 reported Friday, July 20. It added that 538 have been cleared to be reunited pending transportation arrangements, which means that at least half of the 2,551 would be reunited by the Thursday, July 26, deadline. Another 917 were found to be either “not yet known to be eligi-
ble,� or ineligible for reunification. The cases of the 463 parents no longer in the U.S. are said to be currently “under review,� adding to concerns that more parents may have been deported without their children than previously thought. Sabraw set the 30-day reunification deadline last month and wanted to know how many of the over 2,500 parents eligible for reunions were no longer in the U.S. Last Monday, he issued an order to temporarily suspend the federal
Globe Telecom and PLDT, should be “reliable, inexpensive and secure.� “My administration remains firm in its resolve to ensure that the country’s telecommunications services are reliable, inexpensive and secure. A draft Terms of Reference for the entry of a new, major industry player is at hand,� he said. However, Duterte said the government’s efforts to usher in a new major player “shall be rendered futile if we do not improve its odds of success in an industry that has long been dominated by a well-entrenched duopoly.� “We shall, therefore, lower interconnection rates between all industry players. Not only to lessen the cost to the consumers as it will also lower the costs [for the]incoming player to access existing networks, [thereby creating]a market environment that is more conducive to competition,� he said. ‘Defeatist speech’ Minority senators described the third SONA as a defeatist speech filled with promises already made during the 2016 election campaign. “The promise to continue relentlessly on the war on drugs is, as has been admitted, chilling and also senseless. Because daily killings have not solved and will not solve the drug problem,� said Sen. Francis “Kiko� Pangilinan, president of the Liberal Party. Sen. Ana Theresia “Risa� Hontiveros described it as a rerun. “Empty rhetoric. Hollow pronouncements. No real achievements. No vision,� she said. Another opposition senator, Antonio Trillanes 4th said Duterte’s address was an admission of non-achievement. “Worse, it was an admission that Duterte doesn’t have a clue PAGE A5
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government from deporting families yet to be reunited. The government has said that parents had willingly left the U.S. without their children, giving written consent after being informed in their native language. But immigration advocates and attorneys have argued that many parents were not fully aware of what was happening and may have been pressured into signing papers out of desperation. PAGE A5
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Civil rights advocates urge public... PAGE A3 critical for Asian Americans,” said John C. Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice. “Inclusion of this untested question will lead to an inaccurate and unfair count of the American population and would be a derogation of the Constitution. “We know the real motivation behind this decision,” said Yang, who also cited Kobach’s role. “We want to make clear that our community’s concerns will be heard, that our community will not be made invisible.” “The American public must hold its government accountable,” Vargas said. “History is watching.” There are currently seven federal lawsuits filed by an array of cities, counties, states, challenging plans for census 2020, particu-
larly over the citizenship question, Yang noted. But there will be other battles to come. Green also described “prison-based gerrymandering” whereby incarcerated people will be counted as residents of where they’re locked up, rather than of their communities, and the percapita benefits will therefore accrue to the region of the jail or prison. There are also plans to rely more than ever on online responses for data collection, and away from mailed questionnaires with follow-up by census staff for non-respondents, thus creating a “digital divide” whereby those for whom computer access is more difficult are more likely to be left out. One strategy to help overcome that, Green said, is strengthening partnerships with libraries and
librarians, “the most trusted institutions in grass-roots neighborhoods.” But in the short term, the emphasis is on convincing the Census Bureau and its Commerce Department overseer of the importance of dropping plans to query people on their or their co-habitants’ citizenship status. Censuscounts.org is sponsored by the Asian Americans Advancing Justice, NALEO and the Leadership Conference Education Fund. The census’ own web site claims to welcome comments, but the most recent news article posted there is from early March, before the citizenship question was proposed, and despite touting its presence on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and “other social media channels” there is no easily accessible channel for discussion of any census processes or decision. ■
PAGE A2 on how to solve the serious problems being faced by our country most of which he created in the first place,” he added. Representatives Edcel Lagman of Albay and Tomasito Villarin of Akbayan party-list made the same observations, but were surprised that there were no attacks on the opposition. “The people want economic reforms to arrest poverty. Yet the president insists on the full implementation of the TRAIN Law which has triggered the rise of inflation to 6.1 percent on food and non-alcoholic beverages, thus exacerbating food poverty, further reducing the people’s purchasing power, and decreasing the value of real wages,” Lagman said. Other lawmakers were positive. Muntinlupa Rep. Rozzano Rufino Biazon posted on Twitter that Duterte’s third SONA was clear
on its objectives. “A SONA that I wanted to hear…one w/ a legislative agenda, a statement on the president’s stand on issues & a delivery that was fitting not just for his domestic audience but the international community. Regardless of one’s political leanings, it was a SONA one could listen to,” he tweeted. Rep. Sherwin Tugna of the party-list Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption said in a text message: “We applaud the president’s SONA. He stayed with his prepared speech. What our party list found the most for the benefit of the people is his mention of the National Land Use act.” Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali agreed. “I am happy with his SONA message because it was clear and he defined his programs, what he wants to continue. I think his message is clear that he will con-
tinue his advocacy on criminality, on drugs, and on corruption, and federalism,” he said. Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said President Duterte was able to enumerate his priorities in his third SONA. “He mentioned the things that I wanted to hear like endo, rice tariffication, federalism, and the fight against inflation,” he said. Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, however, expressed hope the president and his economic managers would reconsider their stance on the TRAIN law. “I maintain my view that we need to consider the suspension of the excise taxes on fuels—not the entire law—in order to protect Filipino consumers from spiraling prices of goods,” he said. (With reports from Jefferson Antiporda, Bernadette Tamayo, Llanesca Panti, Reina Tolentino, Roy Narra and Mary Gleefer Jalea/ManilalTimes.net)
Duterte vows to pursue ‘chilling’...
Hundreds of migrant parents... PAGE A4 The Los Angeles Times reported earlier this month of a father who was deported back to his home country without his daughter, claiming that he did not recall ever making an agreement to do so. Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) said that the father had agreed to be sent home without her. “We have concerns about misinformation given to these parents about their rights to fight deporta-
tion without their children,” said American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) attorney Stephen Kang, as quoted by the Washington Post. “If this number turns out to be as large as the report suggests, this is going to be a big issue for us,” he said. “We have a lot of questions.” The government ran into troubles earlier this month in meeting its first deadline to reunite the over 100 separated children under the age of five.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order last month to stop separations after receiving criticism including from those in his own party. The court order and deadlines set by Sabraw to reunite children with their parents came as a response to a lawsuit against the Trump administration by ACLU. Another hearing for the updates on the reunification process was slated for Tuesday evening, July 24. (Rae Ann Varona /AJPress) ■
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 27 - AUGUST 2, 2018
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NASA to team up with Filipino scientists on special project SCIENTISTS from the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are expected to return to Manila next year for a project with Filipino scientists. The $20-million CAMP2Ex Project seeks to better understand the cloud formation in the western part of the Philippines, which is one of word’s most unpredictable regions for weather and climate models, the U.S. Embassy said. The project will involve the use of aircraft and satellite technology to study cloud formation and rainfall in the country. “As part of the project, NASA and Filipino scientists will undertake a comprehensive effort to map and model the meteorological system of the Philippines, generating high quality data that will inform disaster risk reduction and preparedness,” the U.S. Embassy said. Project partners from the Philippines include state weather bureau PAGASA, the Manila Observatory of Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines. The project is set to begin in mid-2019. Two Filipino-made satellites are currently in space — Diwata-1 and Maya-1 — which are being used for research purposes. NASA scientists arre in the country to participate in the National Science Technology Week to interact with Filipino scientists,
Dr. Hal Maring answers questions on space debris and NASA missions to Mars during the National Science and Technology Week exhibit at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Photo courtesy of U.S. Embassy in Manila
engineering students and high school teachers. As part of the visit, CAMP2Ex project lead scientist Hal Maring mentored Filipino high school teachers on techniques for teaching science and meteorology. “I was impressed by the STEM teachers’ intense interest in inspiring their students. We had a productive time discussing how to teach climate and environmental science to Filipino youth,” Maring said. NASA scientists also participated in several events such as presentations and interactive exhibits on scientific research and technology.
The opening of the week-long event, organized by the Department of Science and Technology, included the NASA and the US Embassy’s handing over of specialized lenses for mosquito identification to the agency’s Philippine Science High Schools Program. “The lenses were provided through the U.S. governmentfunded Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment Program, a US-led initiative to promote citizen science to fight mosquito-borne diseases in 22 countries, including the Philippines,” the U.S. Embassy said. (Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com)
female Speaker of the House after receiving the support of 184 congressmen. Senator Grace Poe also expressed her thoughts, warning that the leader of Congress would be nearly as powerful as the president in the proposed parliamentary government. “So let us say the speaker now would be the speaker during that time. Is that the kind of change you want? We all know what we went through for nine, 10 years,” Poe said. She also pointed out that Arroyo’s term was marked by corruption, high prices of basic goods and gasoline, and weakening of the peso against the dollar. “People want change, but not the kind of change that would bring us to a more desperate situation,” Poe said. Senator JV Ejercito said the situation in the House must have been so bad for Arroyo to
be considered for speaker. Senator Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile, made a jab towards Duterte’s leadership, pointing out that the “debacle” at the House reflected the “chaos and incompetence plaguing the Duterte government.” According to her, Duterte’s allies squabbling over power in full view of the country and the international community just minutes before he was to address a joint session of Congress was a sign of weakness. “They chose to disrespect their own president and attend to their own ambitions in full view of the nation. For almost an hour, it seemed that nobody was in control,” Hontiveros said. “This is the true state of the nation. It is petty infighting, backstabbing and brinkmanship, all done at the people’s expense. This is nothing short of an embarrassment. It is a clear failure in leadership,” she added. ■
Senators slam Arroyo’s election... PAGE A1
from the top post in the House was described by Senator Panfilo Lacson as “awkward, ugly, low and disgraceful.” He also called Arroyo’s election as speaker an argument against moves for the parliamentary system shift. “Regardless of whether it was Representative Arroyo or somebody else replacing the ousted speaker, what happened yesterday is a strong argument against a parliamentary form of government where patronage politics plays a major, if not the only, role in selecting our country’s top leader,” he said. According to Lacson, if there is a plan to make Arroyo prime minister, those behind it should rethink what they are plotting as the Senate would not allow it. Arroyo, who was President from 2001 to 2010 and was detained for five years for alleged graft, was sworn in as the first
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julY 27- AuGuST 2, 2018 • NORCAl ASIAN jOuRNAl
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Dateline PhiliPPines
Carpio turns down chief justice post nominations MANILA — Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on Tuesday has officially turned down his nominations to become the Philippines’ next chief justice. In a report by The Star, Carpio has filed a letter to the Judicial and Bar Council formally declining the nominations. Apart from his automatic nomination to the chief justice post, the most senior official of the high court has received recommendations from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and former Chief Justice Hilario Davide. The IBP, that boasts of 40,000 lawyer-members, said that Carpio as the country’s top judge will mark the “return to, and recognition of the wisdom, of the long-standing tradition of seniority in the appointment to the highest office of the judiciary, the Supreme Court chief justice.”
case,” Davide added. The two nominations came even after Carpio has earlier said in a TV interview that he would decline his nomination to the chief justice post. The senior justice said that he has to be consistent with his position on the government’s quo warranto ruling that ousted Maria Lourdes Sereno as chief justice. “On a personal level, because I have voted against it, I don’t want to benefit from it, so I will decline any nomination,” Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio Carpio added. Davide, for his part, “prayed” Carpio was a member of the that JBC will “not...give due legal team that fought, and won, course” to Carpio’s stand “in the the country’s case on the West highest interest of public ser- Philippine Sea before a United vice.” Nations-backed tribunal. He con“Delicadeza should no longer tinues to issue statements that be invoked because the deci- run in contrast with the current sion in the quo warranto case is administration’s position on the final. It has become the law of the PAGE A9
NDRRMC: Over 250,000 families affected by days of rain, flooding MANILA — More than 250,000 households in seven regions were affected by the flooding and continuous downpour caused by the southwest monsoon enhanced by tropical cyclones that hit the country in recent weeks. According to the National Risk Reduction and Management Council, as reported by state-
run Philippine News Agency, there were 250,000 families or 1,132,666 individuals affected by Tropical Storm Henry, Tropical Storm Inday and Tropical Depression Josie as of Tuesday. These people reside in 1,011 barangays located in Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Cordillera Administrative Region
and the National Capital Region. There were also 14,551 families (61,674 individuals) being aided in 302 evacuation centers. Four people were confirmed dead in the aftermath of heavy rains and flooding. NDRRMC added that the damage was placed at P817 million with P456 million for infrastrucPAGE A9
OPENING CEREMONIES. Senators of the 17th Congress posed inside the plenary hall for a traditional group photo after the Opening Ceremonies of the Third Regular Session on Monday, July 23. Senate photo
After delay due to leadership row, House ratifies Bangsamoro bill by Audrey
MorAllo Philstar.com
MANILA — The House on Tuesday, July 24 ratified the Bangsamoro Organic Law after the chamber failed to act on it Monday, July 23 because of an ugly leadership row. Speaker Gloria MacapagalArroyo (Pampanga) on Tuesday vowed that it would be the chamber’s priority on Tuesday. The Senate ratified the bill on Monday, which means President
Rodrigo Duterte can sign it into law as soon as it is transmitted to Malacañang. The ratification of the measure, which was supposed to happen in time for President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address, was delayed after an intense and dramatic leadership tug-of-war between Arroyo and former Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez (Davao del Norte) which played out on national television and in front of political and diplomatic guests on Monday. President Rodrigo Duterte’s annual constitutionally-mandated address to the nation was also delayed by more than an hour after chaos erupted in the House over Arroyo’s attempt. The political intramurals lasted hours after Duterte’s State of the Nation Address, which was upstaged by the leadership row. Arroyo was eventually elected after 184 members of the House voted for her while 12 abstained from the process. Arriving after her successful bid to wrest control of the speaker’s gavel, Arroyo thanked her colleagues who supported her. She also vowed that her leadership would be focused on two objectives: steering the legislative agenda of Duterte and extending help to those representatives whose districts were badly affected by the rains in recent weeks. “We must ensure that BOL is ratified today,” Arroyo told re-
porters upon her arrival at the legislature’s complex in Quezon City. Arroyo, whose political career was thought to be dead during former President Benigno Aquino III’s administration, is a former president who served for nine years. She first arrived in the presidential palace after a militarybacked popular uprising ousted former President Joseph Estrada. Estrada was later convicted of plunder but was pardoned by Arroyo. In 2004 after she initially said that she would not run for reelection, she sought her own term and won the presidency amid allegations of massive cheating. Upon stepping down from power, she was incarcerated under Aquino for allegations of graft during her term. Rep. Rolando Andaya (Camarines Sur), a deputy speaker and one of Arroyo’s lieutenants, apologized to the guests for the fracas that happened in front of them. He, however, stressed that this was how democracy worked. Senate President Vicente Sotto III meanwhile said that the president almost walked out of the House session hall due to the delays in his speech. He said that Duterte threatened to leave unless the row was fixed. n
Duterte: My visit to ‘friend’ Trump... PAGE A1 Duterte had said earlier that he would never go to the US during his term as President after Washington became critical of his drug war and anti-criminality campaign. But this was during the administration of former President Barack Obama. It appears that his stand is now changing as he hailed on Wednesday his friendship with U.S. President Donald Trump. “He (Trump) is my friend and of course I have been invited to the United States several times, but you know, it’s not because of anybody or any place there, it has something to do with the schedule,” Duterte said in a speech in during the Asia Pacific Health Islands Conference in Davao City. The president said long-haul flights from Manila to Washington would “kill” him. “The long haul 13 to 14 hours would kill me,” he said. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim had said earlier that Duterte’s visit to the U.S. is just a “question of scheduling.” “President Trump has already invited President Duterte to visit Washington,” Kim said. “But obviously, there are lots of important developments here in the Philippines and I think it’s a question of scheduling as to
when President Duterte will be able visit the United States,” Kim said. Kim added that the U.S. is working on the second meeting between the two leaders, citing “strong interest” from both sides. “I think there’s strong interest in both sides and facilitating a visit to Washington so we’ll continue to work on it,” he said. The two presidents have already met in Manila during the country’s hosting of the 31 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in November last year. “I think President Trump and President Duterte have a very strong relationship,” Kim said. “It was very evident during President Trump’s visit last November that the two gentlemen share much in common including on the importance of rule of law even as the Philippines continues to pursue the serious challenge of illegal drugs in the Philippines,” he added. During a meeting with Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also relayed hopes for a second meeting between President Duterte and Trump in Washington. (With a report from Anthony Esquerra/ Inquirer.net)
Poe warns public over Arroyo’s election as speaker by Audrey
MorAllo Philstar.com
MANILA — Sen. Grace Poe on Tuesday, July 24, warned the public against possible moves to shift to a parliamentary form of government amid efforts to amend the 1987 Constitution after Gloria Arroyo was elected speaker of the House. In an interview with reporters, Poe, without mentioning the name of Arroyo, reminded the public about the scandals that exploded during the nine-year presidency of the former leader such as the election cheating allegations, rising inflation and the depreciation of the peso. Philstar.com photo Poe’s father, the late actor Fer- Sen. Grace Poe nando Poe Jr., and Arroyo fought monhts after allegations of masa hotly-contested 2004 presiden- sive electoral cheating emerged. Poe said that her father might tial election. Arroyo won the vote, but just PAGE A9
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 27 - AUGUST 2, 2018
BUSINESS NEwS
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Palace says government working to reduce inflation Duterte backs 3rd player that provides best service quality, affordable prices by Alexis
RomeRo Philstar.com
THE government is working to reduce inflation and to assist families hit by rising prices of goods, Malacañang said Sunday, July 22, after a nationwide poll found more Filipino families considered themselves poor. A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted in June showed that 48 percent of respondents, which translates to about 11.1 million families, regarded themselves as poor. It was higher by six percentage points than the 42 percent or about 9.9 million families who held such view in March. The survey also found 34 percent of respondents or an estimated 7.8 million families viewing themselves as “food poor,” up by five points from the previous quarter. The poll was released as the administration is facing backlash over the tax reform law, which critics have blamed for the rising prices of commodities. Economic managers insist that the higher prices are mainly caused by spiraling prices of oil in the international market and a weak peso. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the administration is taking the findings of the SWS poll seriously. “We are putting in place longterm solutions to significantly reduce inflation and help poor Fili-
by miguel
CAmus Inquirer.net
A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted in June showed that 48 percent of respondents, which translates to about 11.1 million families, regarded themselves as poor. Photo by Michael Varcas/Philstar.com
pino families, such as pushing for rice tariffication as rice accounts for around 20 percent of the total consumption of the poor and implementing our Build, Build, Build program to lower the transport cost of food and goods,” Roque said in a statement. He added that the higher food prices had something to do with delays in the distribution of food imports. “As government reported earlier this month when June inflation numbers were announced, families felt the pinch of higher food prices, particularly the accelerated increase in the price of rice during the survey period, due primarily to weather-related delays in distribution of cheap imports,” Roque said, noting that
rice inflation consistently picked up from one percent in January to 4.7 percent in June. Roque said self-rated poverty dropped in Luzon areas outside Metro Manila, where rice prices are lower. He said agencies have undertaken measures to assist sectors vulnerable to price spikes. The government, through the social welfare department, had distributed unconditional cash transfers to only around 3.8 million of the 10 million total beneficiaries at the time of the survey, the presidential spokesman said. Roque also cited the transportation department’s Pantawid Pasada Program for jeepney operators with valid franchises, which started this month. n
DBP launches deposit drive by mARy
gRACe Philstar.com
PAdin
STATE-run Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) recently launched a deposit generation campaign to encourage more Filipinos to open bank accounts, thereby expanding its deposit base and improving financial inclusion in the country. According to DBP president and chief executive officer Cecilia Borromeo, the deposit campaign offers an incentive for new DBP depositors, aimed at bringing in P4 billion in fresh deposits for the bank. Borromeo said it would also help the bank achieve its target of bringing in 400,000 new private depositors this year, especially small depositors residing
institution, while firming up its capability as the country’s infrastructure bank,” Borromeo said. Under the campaign, each new depositor will have the chance to win one of three P1-million cash prizes in raffle draws upon opening a DBP peso or US Dollar current or savings account, and/or According to DBP president and chief executive term deposit accounts. officer Cecilia Borromeo, the deposit campaign Every P2,000 average daily offers an incentive for new DBP depositors, balance for 91 days entitles new aimed at bringing in P4 billion in fresh deposits depositors to one electronic raffor the bank. File photo by Philstar fle entry. in underserved and unbanked According to Borromeo, the areas in the country. new deposits to be generated “DBP is poised to welcome by the campaign will beef up new customers, development the DBP’s lending capability as partners and allies into the DBP it seeks to fund more projects in fold. DBP hopes this campaign priority areas, such as infrastrucwill bring in new, low-cost funds ture and logistics; micro, small that will in turn finance the vari- and medium enterprises; social ous development projects of the u PAGE A9
President Rodrigo Duterte renewed his call for more competition in the telecommunications space—a sign that the third telco initiative remained a priority for his government despite recent delays. Duterte, who in the past had criticized industry incumbents PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom for their service quality and cost, managed to give the initiative a much-needed push during his third State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 23. In his speech, the president said the selection rules for the third telco player will be finalized soon. “The terms will be fair, reasonable and comprehensive,” Duterte said. “It will be inclusive so it will be open to all interested private parties, both foreign and local.” Up until last Friday, July 20,
File photo by Inquirer
the chances that even the selection process itself would get off the ground were uncertain. The final terms of reference, which would outline how a new major player would be chosen, had stalled given differing views
within a government oversight committee established last April. On one hand, Eliseo Rio Jr., acting secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT),
u PAGE A9
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JULY 27- AUGUST 2, 2018 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPINION
Politics as usual
FEATURES
ORDINARY folks couldn’t care less who heads the two chambers of Congress. Power plays and backstabbing are so chronic in the two chambers that even the most accomplished wheeler-dealer can be ousted any time. What causes concern is when the political intramurals affect national interest. On Monday, July 23, power play in the House of Representatives stalled the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which Malacañang had hoped President Duterte could sign in time for his third State of the Nation Address or SONA. The ratification was stalled at the House because the camp of Davao del Norte First District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez got wind of plans to unseat him as speaker, with Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to be installed as his replacement. The House session was abruptly adjourned at around noon. The former president, now much recovered since her days of wearing a neck brace and sitting in a wheelchair while under “hospital arrest” on charges of plunder, had previously denied being interested in the speaker’s post. Efforts to unseat Alvarez continued, with Arroyo getting at least 161 congressmen to sign a petition installing her as speaker. Before Duterte’s SONA, the public address system at the Batasang Pambansa was switched off, forcing Arroyo to
shout at her supporters following her “oath-taking.” There were unconfirmed reports of the speaker’s mace being spirited away. The public would probably find it entertaining if the feuding camps would hurl chairs at each other or engage in fisticuffs, as in the legislative chambers of certain countries. What is not amusing is when the feuding derails programs and projects. Proponents and supporters of the Bangsamoro Organic Law had looked forward to its ratification yesterday and enactment by the President. Now the BOL will have to wait a few more days as the President said he needed about 48 hours to comb through the final version, saying he wanted to make sure there were no last-minute insertions by lawmakers that he might not like. The statement sounded like a half-joke. He did not mention the House infighting as he stuck to his prepared speech. Undoubtedly, however, the President would want his political allies to make sure that their feuds would not derail his legislative agenda as he starts his third year in power. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS PRESIDENT Donald Trump has yet again outdone himself in the past week in sowing contradictions, conspiracy theories and chaos in the United States. It’s a gift that keeps on giving to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who according to the findings of U.S. intelligence agencies, aims to sow chaos and discord among the people of the United States and among the member countries of the free world. In the aftermath of his disastrous summit with the Russian dictator in Helsinki — which has left every American guessing what he discussed with Putin in private — and after another provocative storm of tweets (in all caps) warning Iran that continued threats would result in “consequences the likes of which few throughout history have ever suffered before,” Trump addressed the annual convention of the nonpartisan Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Kansas
Trump revises his ‘version of truth,’ tweets that Russia pushes to help Democrats win in the 2018 Midterm Elections City, Missouri, and converted it to be a political rally to lash out at his critics. Many people at the VFW event were hoping the president would use the event as an opportunity “to listen — and we mean really listen — to some of the heroes who will be on hand to hear him,” as stated in an editorial published by the Kansas City ADD: Star. The editorial was in response to Trump’s provocative tweet to Iran, reminiscent of his “fire and fury” threat of war with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un a year ago. “They surely will have something to say about the realities of war and the horrors of combat,” the newspaper’s editorial board stated. “Those insights would be good for Trump to hear now as he continues to rattle his saber at foes around the globe.” Instead, Trump told the veterans, “Don’t believe the crap you hear from these people — the fake news.” With his ever loyal fan base watching on television,
Reveille
RAMON FAROLAN AS Tropical Storms “Inday” and “Josie” continue to bring heavy rains and strong winds to most areas in Metro Manila, I am reminded of “Ondoy,” which caused so much damage in our community nine years ago. When “Ondoy” struck in October 2009, it converted our main living room into a pool of murky water, much of it from a creek just beside the house. So many books, family albums and documents disappeared under water, rendered beyond recovery and restoration. The lesson from Ondoy was that, through the years, we all tend to accumulate things that are of no real value to our lives, things that should have been thrown or given away long ago. Its clear message: As we travel through life, we can do with fewer material possessions that will only weigh us down.With the weather changing abruptly, I am stuck watching TV, surfing from one station to another, and the most interesting and amazing program is that of Christiane Amanpour of CNN. Her guest is Richard Clarke, a former counterterrorism expert of both Bush presidents—George H.W. Bush
Philstar.com photo
and son George. In a stunning accusation directed at President Donald Trump, Clarke described the U.S. president as a “controlled asset.” In the intelligence community, a controlled asset is one who speaks and acts on the basis of how his handler or case officer wants him to behave. The asset may be controlled for a number of reasons: One, he is on the payroll of the controlling party or, second, he could be facing threats of unsavory revelations about possible money dealings or sexual encounters. Trump has been the object of salacious reports regarding his sexual adventures in Moscow as a private businessman. All these make him vulnerable to blackmail. Clarke’s accusation implies that someone, possibly an outsider, is handling the U.S. president. For those of us interested in events taking place outside the country, we might recall that, a few days earlier, the U.S. president called out his Nato allies and urged them to meet agreed-upon defense expenditures amounting to 2 percent of the gross domestic product of their countries, and possibly an even higher figure of 4 percent of GDP. Fair enough. But then he slammed Germany in particular for agreeing to a pipeline project that he believed gave Moscow too much
Trump added, “What you’re seeing and what you’re reading is not what’s happening.” Such propaganda message is necessary in Trump’s universe to insulate his fans from the barrage of news reports that do not fit in his “version” of the truth, especially in light of the ongoing Mueller probe into the alleged collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign to damage Hillary Clinton’s campaign and help Trump win. After siding with Putin in the dictator’s denial of interfering in the U.S. election, and after saying he does not believe Russia continues to hack into the 2018 midterm elections, Trump now revises his narrative and expressed concern about Russian interference in the 2018 ADD: midterm elections. On Tuesday, July 24, Trump tweeted, “I’m very concerned that Russia will be fighting very hard to have an impact on the upcoming Election. Based on the fact that no President has been
tougher on Russia than me, they will be pushing very hard for the Democrats. They definitely don’t want Trump!”. Many wonder why Trump would have the audacity to spread such “conspiracy theory” when he, just like in his many conspiracy theories in the past, has no evidence to back up such crazy outrageous claim. The problem with this narrative is the fact that in the recently concluded “summit” where Putin admitted during the news conference while he was there standing side by side with the U.S. president that he wanted Trump to win. Let me quote that part of the transcript of the news conference: Reporter: Did you want President Trump to win the election and did you direct any of your officials to help him do that? Putin: Yes, I wanted him to win. Because he talked about bringing the U.S.-Russia relationship back to normal.
Who in their right mind would believe Trump when facts show that Putin hated Obama, Clinton, the Democratic Party and had interfered in the 2016 Elections to help Trump win by cyber warfare against the Democrats. This was based on the findings of U.S. intelligence agencies and the Senate Intelligence Committee, which has already warned about Russia’s continued attack in our 2018 election process, our power grid, and the state websites to steal voter data. Who in their right mind and with open eyes would not see how Trump has been so friendly and meek as a lamb in front of Putin and has not personally called the Russian dictator out for Russia’s assault in our democracy, even inviting him for a second summit in the White House? OF COURSE, there are people who will blindly believe all of Trump’s “version of truth” despite what actual real facts really say. Could Trump be concerned
about the defeat of Republicans this November because of his own doing that he is already conditioning the minds of his fan base that such victory of the Democrats in the midterm election was because of Russia’s interference — an attempt to turn the table and absolve him of the allegations of collusion with Russia whatever the conclusion of the Mueller investigation may be? AND IF THE GOP wins and retains the majority in both the Senate and the House, could such “version of the truth” foster the narrative that he, indeed, is America’s “favorite president”? When could it be a result of Russia’s unbridled continued interference in our elections to help Trump keep his power? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https:// www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
How America treats its allies
influence over its economy. He said that “Germany is totally controlled by Russia.” This was certainly not the best way to talk about friends. Prior to a visit with Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom, Trump publicly called her Brexit handling “unfortunate” and said he advised her against it, adding that May’s blueprint would probably kill any bilateral trade deal between the two countries. To stick the knife even deeper, Trump praised Boris Johnson, the resigned former foreign secretary, as a great future prime minister of the country. With hundreds of thousands of Londoners on the streets protesting his visit, he was carefully taken in and out of locations, mostly by helicopter, so as not to feel the “warmth” of London’s welcome. In a recent Fox News interview, Trump expressed concern about Montenegro, Nato’s 29th and newest member, asking whether the United States should go to war to defend Montenegro. That sounds like the beginning of the end of a U.S.-led Nato. Under Article 5 of Nato’s charter, an attack on one member is an attack on all. Of the three meetings on his swing to Europe, Nato and the United Kingdom, and a Helsinki summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump boast-
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet on Monday, July 16 in Helsinki, Finland. Official White House photo by Shealah Craighea
fully declared that the Helsinki trip would probably be the easiest to tackle. He was sadly mistaken. During the press conference with Putin, in reply to questions regarding Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. elections, Trump declared, “I have great confidence in my intelligence people, but I will tell you that President Putin was extremely
strong and powerful in his denial today.” By that statement, he appeared to side with the Russians against the findings of his own intelligence agencies. There was not a word of criticism or rebuke against Putin. U.S. Sen. John McCain described Trump’s behavior as “one of the most disgraceful performances by an American president. The damage he in-
flicted is difficult to calculate.” In exile after the end of the Vietnam War, Gen. Nguyen Van Thieu, who served as South Vietnam’s president, summarized the South Vietnamese experience with the United States: “It is easy to be an enemy of the United States, but so difficult to be a friend” (from “The Road Not Taken,” by Max Boot). (Inquirer.net)
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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Deutsche Bank sees BSP turning more hawkish amid overheating fears by Lawrence
agcaoiLi Philstar.com
DEUTSCHE Bank sees the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) turning more hawkish and may raise interest rates by 150 basis points until next year as the steady rise in core inflation continues to show evidence of overheating. Michael Spencer, chief economist for Asia at Deutsche Bank, said the Monetary Board may raise benchmark rates by 100 basis points in the second half and by another 50 basis points in the first half of next year. “The BSP appears now to agree that policy has been too loose. With a newly hawkish central bank, we now expect they will try to close this gap, whereas previously we thought they would pursue an easier policy stance,” he said. The policy rates are currently 75 basis points below the curve as real policy rate is -1.7 percent or the lowest since March 2009, suggesting inappropriately loose monetary policy for an economy growing above potential with inflation above the central bank’s target. The central bank has delivered back-to-back rate hikes with a cumulative 50 basis point increase in May and June to curb rising inflationary pressures. It raised interest rates for the first time in more than three years with a 25 basis point hike on May 10 followed by another
NDRRMC: Over 250,000 families... PAGE A6 ture and P362 million for agriculture. The province of Pangasinan has been placed under a state of calamity Monday following the
PAGE A6 have sent her a message after Monday’s development. “Let’s not get into that. That’s a different thing, very personal. Michael Spencer, chief economist for Asia at Deutsche Bank, said the Monetary Board may raise I don’t understand, but my fabenchmark rates by 100 basis points in the second half and by another 50 basis points in the ther might have made sent me first half of next year. File photo by Philstar a message,” Poe told reporters when asked about her mother’s higher energy costs,” he said. 25 basis points last June 20. reaction to Arroyo’s election as Spencer expects a slower However, inflation leapt to a fresh five-year high of 5.2 per- economic growth of 6.3 percent speaker. Poe said that Arroyo and her cent in June from 4.6 percent for the Philippines this year and in May, bringing the six-month further to 5.7 percent next year. allies might aim for a parliamen“Our forecast has growth tary form of government in which average to 4.3 percent and exceeding the BSP’s two to four slowing to below potential only in the first half of 2019 and while percent target. In its latest Asia Economics the base effect on this year’s tax Monthly report titled “Stand- increase should see inflation PAGE A7 ing Firm against Headwinds,” drop about 60 basis in the first had championed a set of rules Deutsche Bank said the coun- quarter next year and oil prices that would choose a new player try’s inflation would average 4.9 should be lower, domestic infla- based on population coverage, percent this year before easing tionary pressures are unlikely to investment and internet speed. to 4.3 percent next year. The abate until 2020,” he said. The rules were called the highAccording to Spencer, rice est committed level of service BSP has set an inflation target of two to four percent for 2018 prices would fall later this year (HCLoS) model. as the government anticipates and 2019. He was at odds with the Depart“We see the steady rise in the passage of the new tarrifica- ment of Finance, which had wantcore inflation since 2016 as evi- tion scheme, bringing down the ed an auction where the minimum dence of overheating. Even if price of the staple by as much as bid was set at over P6 billion. the underlying cause is rising 10 percent. Last Friday, most of the overDeutsche Bank also sees the sight committee members voted oil prices, these appear to have been passed on to consumers of peso weakening further against in favor of the HCLoS model, howa wide range of products over the dollar, albeit at a slower ever, certain conditions were set. the past two years, consistent pace. It sees the peso depreciatThe process could move faster with an economy growing at ing to 54.3 in the third quarter given that Duterte, during his adleast at potential and allowing and to 55.2 in the fourth quar- dress on Monday, also appeared firms ample room to pass on ter.n to endorse the HCLoS model of the DICT. In choosing a new player, the president said his sole condition was that “the chosen entity must On Thursday, the JBC will close ardo-De Castro, Diosdado Peralta provide the best possible services the open call for applications for and Lucas Bersamin. at reasonably accessible prices.” Velasco is due to retire on Authe country’s top judge post. Duterte also spoke of supportOthers who are automatically gust 8, while De Castro will hang ing a market environment that nominated to the chief justice up her SC justice robes on Octo- was more “conducive to compepost are Associate Justices Pres- ber 8. (Kristine Joy Patag/Phil- tition.” bitero Velasco Jr., Teresita Leon- star.com) n He said the third telco initiative “would be rendered futile if we do not improve its odds of success in an industry that is long dominated by a well-entrenched more unbanked Filipinos into pealing options in the landscape duopoly.” the financial mainstream. In its of saving and investment in the Earlier this year, PLDT and 2017 financial inclusion survey, country. Globe have responded to the In 2017, DBP’s deposits grew specter of new competition, both the BSP reported that 77 percent or almost four out of five 15.7 percent to P412.36 billion. committing to spend over P100 This was sustained in the first billion this year to boost their Filipino adults do not have bank quarter with total deposits grow- mobile and fixed-line services. accounts. Borromeo expressed confi- ing 32.5 percent to P428.5 bil- PLDT alone is spending a record dence that the campaign would lion.Meanwhile, the bank’s gross P58 billion for 2018. also attract the public to look revenues rose nine percent to According to the DICT, the at DBP “as one of the more ap- P5.77 billion. n company or group chosen to
DBP launches deposit drive PAGE A7 services and the environment. “We will be using these deposits to lend more to local government units, water districts, electric cooperatives, and for the construction of more schools and hospitals,” she said. The campaign is also in line with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) efforts to introduce
A
heavy rains and flooding caused by “Inday” and “Josie.” Tropical Depression Josie left the Philippine area of responsibility Monday but state weather bureau PAGASA is monitoring a
low pressure area off Central Luzon. The weather disturbance is expected to develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours. (Gaea Katreena Cabico/ Philstar.com) n
Poe warns public over Arroyo’s election...
Carpio turns down chief justice post... PAGE A6 maritime dispute with China. Carpio, in a separate interview on CNN Philippines, earlier said the Philippines’ sovereignty is “far more important than any position.”
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 27 - AUGUST 2, 2018
the leader of legislature was the head of the government and was given enormous powers. The senator also questioned why Arroyo, who was said to be gravely ill during her incarceration due to corruption charges, was suddenly in the pink of health enough to lead the House. Arroyo won on Monday a leadership struggle in the House against Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez (Davao Del Norte), who is a long-time ally President Rodrigo
Duterte. Plans to oust Alvarez were already afoot as early as last weekend, and they were supposedly led by Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. Arroyo is a veteran of Philippine politics and is the daughter of another former president, Diosdado Macapagal. His ascension to the speaker’s rostrum makrs history as she becomes the first woman to lead the chamber. n
Duterte backs 3rd player that provides... become the third telco will gain access to a coveted set of 3G, 4G and potential 5G radio frequencies. These will allow it to provide a slew of mobile services such as text messaging, voice calls and internet browsing. Under the draft HCLoS rules, the minimum annual standards were set at 30 percent in terms of national population coverage, 5 Megabits per second for internet speed and P40 billion in capital and operational expenditure per year over a five-year commitment period. Bidders can offer better terms in each of those metrics to score more points in the selection process. Rio said last week he was still targeting to wrap up the selection process before the end of 2018. Among the conditions set on Friday was the resolution of a long-running legal case over a set of 3G frequencies. Rio said they were working to secure compromise agreements with the petitioners. Other factors previously cited by the oversight committee included the formulation of a common tower policy, a final agreement between stakeholders of the government’s power transmission assets over its dark fiber network, and lower interconnection rates. During his address on Monday, Duterte said interconnection rates would be lowered. This was announced by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) last July 19.
The NTC issued a memorandum circular ordering the reduction of the voice call interconnection rate to P0.50 per minute from P2.50. For short messaging services, the rate was lowered to P0.05 per message from P0.15. With lower rates, the NTC hopes these savings will be passed on to consumers and make it easier for price-conscious subscribers to move between telco providers, including a third player. Earlier this month, the common tower guidelines that outline a policy on infrastructure sharing were released. A number of companies vying to become the third player have also recently started to seal agreements to use the spare fiber assets of the National Transmission Corp. and private concessionaire National Grid Corp. of the Philippines. The DICT has put up additional safeguards to ensure that government’s interests are protected. It said spectrum user fees, some of which have not been reviewed since 1998, will be increased. In the case of a third telco, it will be required to post hefty bonds and deposit payments. A key provision under the draft rules stated that a third telco would be barred from merging with a company with a market share of at least 40 percent. That definition covers incumbents PLDT and Globe. Doing so will force the third telco to return the frequencies to the government “without condition”, the rules showed.n
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GACCE’s “Allegories”: Staying true to the story through the arts Exhibit runs until September 14 by
A PICTURE or a painting may be inanimate, but it can always tell a whole story. Even the most abstract painting can be interpreted in so many ways — either by the artist, or by the people who see it. With its objective to show the audience the use of symbols or images to communicate a hidden or deeper meaning of an idea or concept, the Global Artists’ Creative Collaboration for Empowerment (GACCE) is inviting everyone to visit its art exhibit entitled, “Allegories” at the Phantom Gallery in Milpitas. The exhibit opened on Monday, July 23, with former Sity of Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteves cutting the ribbon. An allegory as described in this exhibit is a work of art in which the characters, images, and/or events act as symbols to convey a message. In this exhibit, the images and symbols are expected to teach lessons, explain moral concepts, and show the artist’s views on certain situations or issues representing real-world occurrences. An allegory is a very specific type of story, as it must stay true to the message for the
Malou liwanag-bledsoe / AJPress
entirety of the story. GACCE is the first and only Filipino initiated state registered art organization fiscally sponsored by the New York Foundation for the Arts. Featured artists GACCE is proud to feature professional artists, who are not only artistically talented, but also well respected in the art and academic community. Anna Kim - Arts graduate, an impressionist, resident artist of The Alameda Artwork Studios-the largest hub of Bay Area Artists. She is known for her floating floras and other objects of interest. Dr. Bernadette Escalona-Cooper, BFA, M.A. and Ed.D - an eclectic-impressionist, veteran artist, Chairman and Founder of GACCE, a seasoned educator, art professor, researcher and likewise a resident artist of The Alameda Artwork Studios. She is known for her metaphoric rendition of subject matters from floras to human interest themes that generate conversations of phenomena. Michelangelo Mayo - Arts graduate, a
seasoned print artist who started interest in art at the age of 7 years old whose style is a juxtaposition of prints, image transfer and acrylic in-lay of colors. His subjects depict lucid meanings of interweaved elements of art. Roberto Carlos, BFA - Graphics, a veteran graphic artist and photographer, President of GACCE, and Adjunct Instructor of Fresno Community College. His subjects describe experiences and inherent qualities of nature and human expressions. These artists envisioned symbols as important components in conveying messages and believes that visual communications are crucial to bringing about opinions. This exhibit was shown in congruence to GACCE’s vision of integrating art towards multicultural community building promoting social justice and equity. It is hoped that it reaches as much wider audience as possible. GACCE’s “Allegories” exhibit is open to the public until September 14, 2018 at the Milpitas Community Center, 457 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milipitas.
Guest of honor former City of Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteves (far left) with featured artists Anna Kim, Dr. Bernadette Escalona-Cooper, Roberto Carlos and Michaelangelo Mayo, with visiting guest artist from the Philippines Mildred Realuyo during the exhibit’s opening last Monday, July 23.
Roberto Carlos with his piece.
Michaelangelo Mayo with his works.
Dr. Bernadette Escalona-Cooper with her art pieces.
Anna Kim with her paintings.
Billy Kidd on being a female, Filipina, magician Filipina-Polish magician stars on CW hit show, ‘Masters of Illusion’
by Rae
ann VaRona AJPress
Filipina-Polish magician Billy Kidd once again starred in the CW hit television show “Masters of Illusion” on Friday, July 13 — joining the lineup for the second year in a row. Since starting her career in magic, Kidd has performed at numerous events and venues around the world including Hollywood’s famous Magic Castle. Among her many features and performances, Kidd has also hosted television shows such as “Break Magic” (also known as “The Magic of Science”) on the Discovery Channel, and competed on the Syfy channels’ “Wizard Wars” show in the U.S. She was also featured on ITV’s show “The Next Great Magician,” on BBC’s “Now You See It,” and was cast as a full time Wizard on season two of legendary magic duo Penn & Teller’s show after receiving a standing ovation from the two. But becoming a magician wasn’t something Kidd grew up wanting to do, and was in fact something that caught her attention way later in life. Making of a magician “Magic wasn’t even on my radar whatsoever,” Kidd told the Asian Journal, adding that she was never one of those kids who had their own magic kit to play with. “I wish I had that story, but I don’t,” she added. Born in Canada, Kidd has gotten away with being an actress since she was just 11 years old, something she’s called magic in itself. The life of being able to miss periods of school, playing around, and getting paid for it made what she described as the “best life ever.” But her introduction to magic came much later at a
music festival where she saw a street magician from Australia doing a classic cups and balls trick in which balls appear and disappear under the cups at random. “That moment completely changed me,” said Kidd who is now based in London where she runs the Krowd Keepers Magic Theatre nearby, and conducts a nose-flute ensemble on the side. Going up to the magician for advice, she was instead given a list of books to get. “I literally went straight to the first second-hand shop that I could find, and there was the book he told me about,” said Kidd, saying that she saw it as a sign. Years later, books are still her go to source for magic, especially when it comes to crafting new tricks. “There are probably more books written about magic than probably any other subject in the world, believe it or not,” said Kidd. She pointed out that magicians have been around for a really long time, with many of their tricks hidden in some of the thousands of available books. For example, a lot of the tricks magicians often do are re-adapted classic routines made more contemporary in presentation, she added. She likened it to the relationship of a playwright and an actor. “You can learn all of these old tricks that someone else came up with,” said Kidd. “They’re so strong that they still work up to this day.” She added, “It’s a constant creative process, but luckily as a magician, we have so much history that we can pull from.” On being Filipina and female In the world of magic that has been and continues to be predominantly dominated by male magicians such as Dai
Filipina Magician Billy Kidd featured on CW hit television show, Masters of Illusion.
Vernon, Harry Houdini, David Copperfield, David Blaine, and Criss Angel among others, Kidd said the lack of female magicians wasn’t something that automatically stood out to her when she started. “I guess there’s pressure to kind of prove yourself in a way and be good, but I didn’t really mingle too much in that area because for me it was like, this is what I love to do and if I’m good enough, I’ll get work,” said Kidd. But because the industry has been male dominated for so many years, there are some unavoidable differences she’s noticed along the way. “I think the biggest challenge of being a female magician is the fact that because it’s mostly male dominated, many tricks were designed for men initially because of how society works and how things have been in the world,” said Kidd. That, and the lack of pocket space in female clothing, she added while laughing.
“It’s like non-existent,” said Kidd. To Kidd, interest in magic has always been more connected to personality. None the less, Kidd believes there’s an opportunity for everyone to get into magic, especially because of television and the internet. Referring to the numerous magic shows that have been screened in the past years, she said magic may seem a little bit cooler than it was before. “Just a little bit, but not too much,” she joked. In regard to being a Filipina magician, she said there too was an opportunity for Filipinos to get into magic despite it not yet being a big part of the pop-culture scene in which Filipino fans often look to. Kidd went to Manila back when she launched her Discovery Channel show, “That Magic of Science.” While there, the half-Filipina magician said she got to visit a local magic club and
Photos courtesy of Masters of Illusion
got to know a community of Filipino magicians. Master of Illusion On the fifth season of “Master of Illusion,” Kidd said viewers can expect her to show a different side of her work — playing more with atmosphere and suspense instead of comedy. The show, hosted by Dean Cain, features 42 of the world’s greatest magicians including sixteen new magicians bringing a good variety to the acts. It airs every Friday nationwide on the CW at 8:00 p.m./7:00 p.m. Central. “If you’ve never seen magic before, it’s a great show to watch because it’s for the whole family,” said Kidd. Of why she loves being a magician, Kidd pointed to two reasons. The first being the feeling she gets when seeing people in awe and wonder from watching a trick, and the second being the freedom that comes with the job. “I just love the freedom of
it,” said Kidd. “I get to travel all around the world with a deck of cards in my hand and nothing is more liberating than that for me.”
Now in its 5th anniversary, Masters of Illusion features magic performances by 42 cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists, and performers.
USCIS officers given greater authority to deny immigration applications Your Immigration Solution Brittany M. Milliasseau SHORTLY after issuing a policy memorandum that significantly expands its authority to issue Notices to Appear (NTAs) referring individuals to immigration court for deportation proceedings, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a new policy memorandum giving USCIS adjudicators greater discretion to deny applications for immigration benefits. The policy memorandum issued on July 13, 2018 provides USCIS adjudicating officers with “full discretion to deny applications, petitions, and requests” without first issuing requests for additional information or providing the applicant with notice of an intended denial. USCIS is the federal agency that is responsible for reviewing and adjudicating immigration applications and petitions such as applications for green cards, citizenship, asylum, as well as employment-based petitions such as H-1B and EB-5 investor petitions. Under its new policy, USCIS may issue denials of applications in certain situations without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). This new policy is in stark contrast to USCIS’ prior policy, which was to issue an RFE or a NOID unless there was “no possibility” that a deficiency could be cured by submission of additional evidence. While the burden of proof remains on the applicant, petitioner, or requestor to establish eligibility for an immigration benefit, USCIS’ previous policy was more forgiving. In essence, under prior policy, the USCIS would only deny an application or petition
without issuing a RFE or NOID if the application warranted a statutory denial, such as a denial based on a nonexistent immigration benefit. Now, however, USCIS can issue denials based on a lack of “sufficient initial evidence” without giving applicants or petitioners the opportunity to correct their mistakes. The policy memorandum gives USCIS officers the discretion to deny the benefit request if all required initial evidence is not submitted with the benefit request. An example of an application that may be automatically denied is a request for a Waiver of Inadmissibility (I-601) that does not include supporting documentation of extreme hardship. Previously, applicants would always be given the opportunity to supplement their applications at a later time. Another potential example of an automatic denial includes applicants for permanent resident status (green card) through adjustments of status (I-485) who do not include a sufficient Affidavit of Support (I-864) from their petitioner and/or co-sponsor. It is also possible that the USCIS may deny the application instead of issuing a RFE in situations as easily correctable as when the petitioner and/or co-sponsor fails to submit evidence that they earn a sufficient income. This new USCIS policy goes into effect on September 11, 2018. And while the new policy eliminates the requirement to issue an RFE and give petitioners or applicants the opportunity to correct a mistake, it also expands USCIS’ authority to issue follow-up RFEs when submitted evidence “opens up new lines of inquiry.” It also provides USCIS officers with the discretion to validate assertions or corroborate evidence by consulting USCIS or other governmental files, systems, and databases or other publicly available information that is readily accessible.
It is essential that applications and petitions are as detailed and thorough as possible and contain all required evidence at the time of filing. Applicants should no longer automatically expect USCIS to inform them if required information or documentation is missing. If any required evidence is omitted, even inadvertently, the application may be denied without the applicant being afforded an opportunity to correct the deficiency or provide further information. In addition to the loss of filing fees, a denial could have serious consequences on an immigration case and could lead to barriers for future immigration benefits. If you are considering filing an application for an immigration benefit, it is more important than ever to make sure you have a highly competent immigration attorney who will completely and accurately prepare the application or petition. This is true even if you believe you have an “easy” or “routine” immigration case. The stakes are higher than ever now in light of the recent guidance directing USCIS officers to refer individuals to immigration court following the denial of an application or petition. As such, all potential applicants should seek guidance and assistance from a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney before applying for an immigration benefit. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Pasadena, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. 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)
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Scarlet Snow Belo: A day in the life of a celebrity toddler By Monet
Lu
CHILDREN are so much fun to be around. They make you feel young at heart. I love watching videos of funny babies and smart kids, and speaking of which, I can’t get enough of this little girl whose ‘skin is white as snow,’ hence, her parents named her Scarlet Snow – and she has become an online celebrity with over 2 million followers on Instagram. Scarlet Snow Belo is
Vicki Belo-Kho’s third child, and her first and only child with Hayden Kho. Scarlet was conceived via IVF, and was introduced to the public in 2016. I’ve known Vicki and Hayden for a long time and I’ve witnessed the storms they’ve surpassed as a couple and before they were married — which is also why I find their online videos really enchanting. I love seeing how supportive and hands-on Vicky and Hayden are with their celebrity toddler. Scarlet sure knows a lot of stuff, from Chinese language to gymnastics! She actually has a full schedule which starts with play school in the morning. By 5 p.m., she is done with her lessons,
about the same time that her parents come home from work. At some point in the evening, Scarlet will have story time with her dad, who is, according to Vicki, “the best storyteller in the world.” In an interview with Rappler, Vicki talked about Scarlet’s daily routine. “We have so many lessons for her, so she starts with Chinese, Mandarin, she has swimming, she has gymnastics, she has reading class, she has piano, she has voice. She enjoys it,” Vicki said. Scarlet turned 3 years old last March. The adorable toddler celebrated with a rainbow-and-dinosaur-themed bash. The birthday girl wore a Continued on Page SF7
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celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 27, 2018
celebrity world By Ferdie Villar GMA 7 Kapuso Primetime King and Queen Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera head the list of prominent personalities celebrating their birthdays this August. The happily married couple — who tied the knot on December 30, 2014 — are still going strong in both their personal life and career. Dingdong is celebrating his birthday on Thursday, August 2, while Marian is turning another year on Sunday, August 12. Other celebrities who will celebrate their birthdays this month are: August 1 - Action star Cesar Montano, Daly City community leader Vilma Guinto Peoro, and former Club Royale Queen Maria Clara Mendoza Viray;
August 4 - Former U.S. President Barack Obama who is turning 57, and Filipina choreographer Maribeth Bichara; August 6 - Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano; August 7 - San Jose businesswoman Meriam Charisma; August 9 - TV host and actress Mariel Rodriguez, who is now happily married to action star Robin Padilla; August 10 - Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha; August 11 - ABS-CBN 2 Chairman Emeritus Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III; August 12 - Actor Aga Mulach, and actress Iza Calzado; August 13 - Insurance agent Ramon Petros; August 15 - Filipina caregiver Elaine Estabrooks; August 17 - Singer/com-
Happily married couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera heads list of August birthday celebrants
Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha will celebrate her birthday on Friday, August 10.
David Canepa, who currently serves on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, will celebrate his 43rd birthday on Tuesday, August 28. He is shown in photo with his close friend, beauty impresario Ferdie Syquia de Villar.
poser Ogie Alcasid, and Broadway star Rachelle Ann Go; August 19 - Filipina fashion model Jessica Apolinario, and Regal film producer Mother Lily Monteverde; August 20 - Actress and former beauty queen Jean Saburit, the late undisputed King of Philippine Movies Fernando Poe Jr. and realtor Raquel Mapote; August 22 - Actress Jean Garcia, former beauty queen Carolyn Magsibay, TV host/ singer Nikki Gil, and Asia’s Well-loved Filipina in San Francisco Elaine EstaQueen of Songs Pilita Corrales; Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales will celebrate brooks will celebrate her birthday on Wednesday, August 24 - Senator Franher birthday on Wednesday, August 22. August 15. cis “Kiko” Pangilinan; GMA Pinoy TV’s Primetime King and Queen Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera heads the list of August Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano will celebrate his August 27 - Movie queen birthday celebrants. birthday on Monday, August 6. Amalia Fuentes; August 28 - San Mateo Supervisor David Canepa; Immigrant August 30 - TV producer/ director Edgar Mortiz, and Living: 101 comedienne Pokwang; and Beyond August 31 - Veteran actor (8th of a series) Karim Kiram, and Daly City woman in jeans but wearing together a Bucket List series of M onette political leader Tony Bayuban. AdevA MAglAyA a silver cross like mine. She sorts. To all celebrants, a very Handsome actor Aga Mulach will celebrate his Comedienne Pokwang will celebrate her birthday smiled and came over and introHer story stuns me. It never happy birthday! birthday on Sunday, August 12. on Thursday, August 30. duced herself. She was a young occurred to me that while we “SISTER, do you speak sister of ours from the Dominiare busy making plans, the Big Italian? can Republic who had been in Man upstairs also has plans. Can I talk to you? one of our houses in Brazil, and And whether we like it or not, I am very angry with God.” said that she had met me in one I turned my head and it was we are part of His plan. It is up to each one of us to find out our of my trips there. (We have a a beautiful lady, elegantly cause for canonization which part in God’s grand plan and dressed. had been initiated in Brazil.) I thought, “She has tortured decide to get in with the proSo I asked why she was in the gram or not. Yes, God loves us eyes.” airport, and she said she had I am suspending my idea se- so much, He gave us free will. just come from Rome where she So enjoy this story. The acries for a Bucket To-Do List for had participated in the preparations happened in airports just the time being to share a story C<>8C @DD@>I8K@FE `j X 9@> @JJL< k_\j\ [Xpj% D8EP `e fli Zfddle`kp E<<; tory course for final profession, before boarding. Time was on told to me by Sister Anna. pfli j\im`Z\j% K_\i\ Xi\ k_fljXe[j n_f dXp nXek kf \og\[`k\ k_\`i i\j`[\eZp fi and that she was on her way to her side. She checked in way A little back story… glijl\ ]lcc Z`k`q\ej_`g Ylk [feËk befn _fn kf Y\^`e Xe[ n_\i\ kf ^f% her boarding gate for her flight Anna Cinco was a classmate early and didn’t miss her flight. to the Dominican Republic. We might be able to widen in high school who graduated Since she was young and was our perspective just a tad and way up the rungs and copped not familiar with Madrid airport, realize in time that we are each a college degree majoring in and I knew her boarding gate Mathematics. She taught at the a piece of colorful mosaic in 8J@8E AFLIE8CËJ GIF=<JJ@FE8C J<IM@:<J ;@I<:KFIP# n`cc efn Y\ God’s Grand Mural for HIS story was half an hour’s walk away, I International School in Manila ilee`e^ n\\bcp# \m\ip =i`[Xp f] Efik_\ie :Xc`]fie`X <[`k`fe% insisted on going with her. We about us.] for a while and decided to join laughed and chatted along the HE HAS PLANS, TOO. the religious life thereafter. way, and I was sorry to leave By Sister Anna Cinco, Hijas She lived in Rome for more her at her boarding gate. I still de Jesus than a decade working on the 8AËj GJ; ZXe _\cg PFL i\XZ_ flk kf k_\d X]]fi[XYcp Xe[ \]]\Zk`m\cp% had plenty of time before my In 2015 I had to make a canonization of Mother Candida scheduled flight, so without any 12-day trip to Spain and then Maria de Jesus, foundress of hurry, I began walking back to a 9-day trip to Rome. Usually, her religious order, Hijas de my own boarding gate. Jesus. Mother Candida is now a for these short trips, I plan and Then I heard a voice say saint with documented miracles make to-do lists way ahead, in Spanish, “Sister, Sister!” because I cannot afford to miss ascribed to her intercession. And as I stopped and looked Sister Anna speaks Spanish and anything. 8jb XYflk fli GIFDFK@FE8C @EKIF;L:KFIP G8:B8>< GI@:@E> n_`Z_ ilej One day, as I was coming to back, I saw a dark young man Italian fluently. pfli X[ n\\bcp ]fi dXo`dld \ogfjli\ Xk kilcp X]]fi[XYc\ iXk\j% running towards me. And he the end of my stay in SalamanHer story is not cut and said, “Sister, do you speak ca, I was praying in the chapel dried as all that. There are before the Blessed Sacrament. I Spanish? Can I talk to you, twists and turns in every life Fli gi`ek \[`k`fej ile `e kXe[\d n`k_ 8AËj Gi`ek <[`k`fe Fec`e\% took out my to-do list for Spain, please?” I wondered what for, story and hers is no different. Fec`e\1 _kkg1&&`jjll%Zfd&Xj`XeaflieXc[`^`kXc\[`k`fe but stopped. And he began to checked it carefully, and saw She told me the Cliff Notes that I had pretty much achieved walk with me, and tell me about version of her conversion from his problems. It was hard to talk what I had come for. I was very someone who repudiated and while walking, and I was afraid did not need God at one point. satisfied with myself, when the we were getting too far from his thought came to me, “I have a But that riveting story when boarding gate, so I invited him list, too.” Startled, I looked at she became, as she describes to sit down with me. He was a the tabernacle. how her young, irrepressible migrant worker from Mexico “I have a list, too.” students at the International who had marital problems “You have a list, Lord?”, I School saw her at the time of and did not know what to do. asked. her epiphany, “positively radiI listened to him in sympathy, “Yes, I have a list.” ant,” is for yet another day. and pretty soon he was in I pondered that for a few I reconnected with her on a tears. I looked around with moments. Of course, He has a trip to Europe in 2011 with my some embarrassment. People list. husband spending a wonderSo I prayed, “Make me open were beginning to look at us. I ful spring day in Rome: dusting prayed for wisdom. After some to Your plans, Lord. Give me a off the cobwebs of the past, time, he stopped and asked docile heart, a docile spirit.” cracking jokes (yes, religious me, “Sister, is there still hope The day after, I left for people have a squeaky clean for us? for me?” Madrid for a 2-day stay. I had sense of humor that will have I directed that question to you ROTFLOLing, that is, rolling a few things more to do there. the Lord, and found myself sayWhen the day of my departure on the floor laughing out loud), ing, “Of course, there is hope for Rome came, since I was scarfing down pizza margherfor you. Look, I shouldn’t even going to the airport alone, I ita at one of those small joints decided to go early and leave a be here. My boarding gate is by the Vatican and walking wide margin for the unforeseen. half an hour away, on the other aimlessly about, shopping for side of the airport. But the Lord When I reached Barajas, I had Italian-made sandals on the brought me here because He almost the whole morning to sidewalks while slurping on wanted to reach you! So yes, scoops of gelato, all three of us wait. So I sat by my boarding there is hope for you.” I myself looking positively ghetto. HAH! gate and buried my head in a book about causes for canoniza- was surprised at my answer... A perfect day in my book … His face began to clear, and tion. I emailed her just recently then light up, and by the time Suddenly I heard someone hoping to see her in Rome we parted, he was smiling. He say, “Anna Cinco!” Surprised, again this summer, mentionI looked up - it was a young Continued on Page SF8 ing in passing that I am putting
The Bucket List GOD has a list, too.
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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 27, 2018
Immigration Corner atty. MiChael GurFinkel, eSQ In a previous article, I wrote about USCIS issuing a Policy Memorandum (PM) about the various categories of cases where a person could face deportation/removal if USCIS denied their petition, application, or other immigration benefit. Here are some possible real-life situations where people could face deportation/removal: A HUSBAND’S 30-YEAR-OLD “SECRET” ALMOST DERAILED THE FAMILY’S GREEN CARDS ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Leading U.S. immigra1. A person enters the tion attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL was able to revive Alice’s petition by her U.S. citizen father, after it was terminated due to the petitioner’s death. The U.S. as a visitor and is given family was then eligible to get their visas years ahead of schedule by using the priority date of Alice’s Lebanese husband, Andre. But Andre refused to come six months on his I-94. Before to the U.S. because of a “secret” he had kept for 30 years, preventing him from going back to the U.S. Atty. Gurfinkel worked “miracles” to resolve the the expiration of his status, he mystery behind this fascinating success story, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising supplement) applies for an extension, but then moves. USCIS sends a request for evidence (RFE) to his address of record, which the person never receives because advantage of, and really cherish, around waiting to vanish into he moved. The application for oblivion. That will come soon His generosity.” extension is then denied due enough. Let us just try our best to “abandonment” because no I love to “bulakbol,” since PhiliP S. Chua, to delay the inevitable as much response was received for the we did not have much time for MD, FaCS, FPCS as we can by a wiser, more it in medical school, in our resiRFE. USCIS could then issue efficient, and more productive dency training, and during our a notice to appear (NTA) and LAST year, my wife, Farida, management of our remaining medical practice. Gallivanting place the person in removal/deand I were out to lunch with time. Also, I suggest that, even now that I am retired is fantasportation proceedings. some friends, the youngest ones at a ripe old age, not taking any tic. Indeed, life is wonderful! I 2. Similar case, where the in their early 70s. During our calculated risk at all is the great- person applies for an extension, wish it would go on forever. conversation, a surgical colest risk in itself and that success but USCIS denies the extension There are so many things league, UP Class ’57, who was comes only to those who have to do, now that we have time after the I-94 expires, concludin his mid-80s — sharp, brilliant, wisdom and the courage to fail. to ourselves. I, for one, enjoy ing the person hasn’t justified and witty as ever — said in a I have always been fasciwriting, surfing the world wide or documented the reason serious tone of total surrender nated by the idea of influencing or purpose for extending his web of the internet (sans social as he clasped his cane, “Philip, people for the better, so my media), gardening, performing stay. As a result of the denial, we are now in the departure fellowmen could live a healthier magic illusion, traveling, cruising the person could be placed in lounge, waiting for our number lifestyle, habits, and behavior. with family and friends, going deportation proceedings. to be called.” In our new world of informaon medical missions and doing 3. A person is petitioned by I told him much as I loved tion technology, I have decided an elderly parent or an unemother humanitarian endeavors and respected him as a friend early on to expand on my health ployed spouse, who submits just like many of you. Indeed, I truly admired, I begged to writings which I started at the the bonus time we are blessed an affidavit of support. USCIS disagree with the implication Arellano (Public) High School with is an added gift from determines the petitioner is and the “final destination” of and launched my personal cam- not earning enough money and heaven, bestowed, for us to his thoughts. I said, “if we are paign for public health educadenies the case on the grounds in the departure lounge, we are continue to attain joy, a sense tion when I arrived in the United of fulfillment, inner satisfaction, that the beneficiary is likely there eagerly waiting for our States in 1963. This has led and peace. After all, as ancient to become a “public charge.” next flight to tour more exciting me to write a weekly medical philosophers had written, huAs result of the denial, the places in this wonderful world column in two newspapers in man beings are on this good beneficiary could face deportaand enjoy to the hilt whatever the Philippines, five publications earth to achieve and savor tion/removal. time we have left.” I continued in the United States, and three happiness. 4. A person enters the U.S. “I will not sit around, waiting for websites on the internet, to the These precious fleeting moas a visitor, and then files for my number, and waste God’s present. This obsession has also change of status to student. ments we still have in our life’s precious blessing of time, just resulted in the publication of bank account of time ought not USCIS denies the change of waiting to die…I still have a lot to be squandered by sitting status after the I-94 expires. of plans and want to take full Continued on Page SF7
Health@Heart
The departure lounge
You could face deportation/ removal if your case or extension is denied
Because the person would now be out of status or “unlawfully present,” they could face removal/deportation. 5. A person is in H-1B status, based on a previously approved petition, and applies for an extension. USCIS denies the extension, concluding that the position was not a “specialty occupation,” even though they had previously approved the original H-1B petition. This denial results in the person being out of status. They could now face removal/deportation. 6. A person obtained a green card either through employment or marriage to a U.S. citizen. It turns out they never worked for the employer or never lived with the U.S. citizen spouse. They now apply for naturalization, and USCIS discovers their fraud. Not only will their naturalization application be denied, but USCIS could likely seek to revoke their green card and place them in deportation/removal. Once a person is placed in removal proceedings, they have to appear in court, or they will be ordered deported in their absence (in absentia), which could affect their future ability to obtain immigration benefits. Because of the USCIS’s new policy of considering almost everyone an “enforcement priority” and issuing NTA’s for almost every immigration violation, the courts will be packed and backlogged, and it might take years before the person will have his day in court. Depending on the reasons for the denial, a person could possibly be taken into custody and detained while waiting for a court date. Therefore, if person was merely filing for an extension of their visitor’s visa to go to Disneyland or spend more time with their family, but the exten-
sion was denied, they could be placed in removal proceedings, and they may now have to remain in the U.S. for months or years. But if they remained in the U.S. for over 180 days, they also triggered the 3/10year bar. And if they leave, they “self-deport.” It remains to be seen how this new PM will be put into effect, but as you can see, even the most minor immigration violation or infraction could result in removal/deportation. That is why if you have any immigration issues or benefits, you should seek the advice of an attorney, who can advise you of your eligibility and chances of success, especially in this new climate of enhanced immigration enforcement, where almost everyone who is not a citizen is considered an enforcement priority. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/ GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @ GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)
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entertainment The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 27, 2018
Erich Gonzales prefers to keep mum about her love life by ALFRED
BAYLE
Inquirer.net
ERICH Gonzales chose to remain quiet when asked about her love life. “Dumadating pala sa punto habang tumatanda tayo na gusto natin ng tahimik na lang na buhay. Na kung ano yung sa ’yo, yung personal mong buhay sa ’yo na lang. Puwede naman pala, may choice ka. (There comes a time as we age that we want a quiet life–such that what’s personal remains personal. I realized it can be done, that you have a choice),” said Gonzales. Gonzales chose to keep her personal and love life a private matter when asked about her current relationship status on the evening talk show “Tonight
with Boy Abunda.” The actress found age to be a factor on how a person perceives privacy–the older one gets, the more a person prefers to keep personal matters personal. Gonzales also talked about the part she played in putting together the latest film she starred in, “We Will Not Die Tonight,” which is directed by Richard Somes. Apart from doing her own stunts and fight scenes, Gonzales also worked as a co-producer. She claimed to have financed the principal photography for the project. “Makikita mo talaga lahat ng ginagawa sa pagbuo ng isang pelikula. Mahirap sya tito Boy (You really get to see the entire process of making a film. It’s not easy, tito Boy),” said the actress.
Sharon Cuneta named History Maker for bringing impact to the nation’s life and culture
nation’s life and culture. Past winners include esteemed Inquirer.net independent film director IT’S apparent that Megastar Brillante Mendoza, composer Sharon Cuneta’s star status just Ryan Cayabyab, Olympic silver couldn’t get any more palpable. medalist Hidilyn Diaz and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach to Cuneta recently took to her name a few. Instagram to share to her fans “We are deeply compelled that she had been presented by your distinguished credenthe “HISTORY Maker Award” tials and wish to recognize this 2018 by HISTORY, the your outstanding achieveleading international factual ments with the HISTORY Maker entertainment brand of A+E Award alongside other Filipino Networks Asia. luminaries from across different A+E Networks Asia is fields of expertise,” the letter owned by the award-winstated. ning, global media company No doubt Cuneta has imA+E Networks, whose brands Erich Gonzales wants personal matters to remain personal. Photo from Instagram/@erichgg include television channels such mortalized herself in Philippine showbiz, with no less than 50 “We Will Not Die Tonight” as HISTORY (formerly The Hismovies under her belt and an tory Channel), FYI, and Lifetime. will be released in Philiparmful of prestigious awards “What an honor. Thank You, pine theaters on Aug.15. The from the likes of The Filipino movie had its premiere during Jesus, for another wonderful Academy of Movie Arts and Scisurprise!” Cuneta wrote on her the opening of the New York ences (FAMAS) Awards, Gawad Instagram last July 21. “I am Asian Film Festival 2018 on Urian Awards, and the Metro overwhelmed. My heart!” June 29. Manila Film Festival Awards, Cuneta shared the letter among others. of A+E Networks to her, which The awarding ceremony bore that the History Maker Award is given only to a special will be held at the World Trade Center Manila on August 11, few whose talent and sacrifices and will be one of the highhave had an impact on the by CODY
CEPEDA
McDonald’s and Uber Eats Partner to Give Away ‘90s-Inspired Clothing, Accessories for McDelivery Customers
partner. Fans across the globe will also see McDelivery turn routine In celebration of Global McDelivery Day, merchandise is available by moments into unforgettable memories with fun celebrations ordering McDelivery via Uber Eats in the U.S. starting July 19 like: In Belgium, people will be commitment to continue bringStates. Italy, Japan and Taiwan, CHICAGO, Ill — McDoning people together by deliver- able to stop by a special mobile will activate at a later date. ald’s, one of the largest sources kiosk in the middle of two large ing food, fun and memorable In the U.S., fans can get their of food delivery across the cities, for a chance to get free experiences.” hands on a free surprise item globe, is partnering with Uber McDelivery After decades of delivery from the Throwback Collection Eats to give away ‘90’s-inspired In Costa Rica and Panama, success in Asia and the Middle while supplies last with a $5 clothing items and accessoprofessional football players East, McDonald’s began ofminimum McDelivery* order ries to McDelivery customers will be conducting surprise and fering delivery in the U.S. in from a participating restaurant around the world. delight deliveries to unsuspectpartnership with Uber Eats in on July 19, beginning at lunchItems offered around the 2017. A pilot that started in 200 ing fans time**. world include a fresh denim In the U.S., Ronald McDonrestaurants has since grown to “We have made significant jacket with patches, Big Mac ald House Charities in Ohio and more than 5,000 restaurants in progress expanding delivery hip pack and World Famous Michigan will receive special the U.S. There are more than to more customers around the Fries bandana. Details on which deliveries throughout McDeliv12,000 restaurants that offer globe, making it even easier to items are available in which McDelivery globally. In addition ery Day enjoy those delicious feel good countries as well as how to get “We’re thrilled to be celto countries where McDonald’s moments McDonald’s prothem are available at McDelivutilizes end-to-end owned deliv- ebrating the continued growth vides,” said McDonald’s Senior eryatMcDonalds.com. of Uber Eats’ partnership with Vice President, Corporate Strat- ery service models, this global McDonald’s Global McDeMcDonald’s on Global McDeegy and Business Development, celebration is in partnership livery Day is occurring in 24 livery Day. Through Uber Eats, Lucy Brady. “Our second Global with Uber Eats, McDonald’s markets, with the majority on we’re able to deliver McDonlargest global McDelivery McDelivery Day celebrates our July 19th, including the United
ald’s customers a delicious and convenient dining experience,” said Liz Meyerdirk, Global Head of Business Development for Uber Eats. For more information about McDelivery and the special deliveries on Global McDelivery Day, go to McDeliveryatMcDonalds.com or follow along with the day’s surprises on Twitter with the #McDelivery hashtag. For information on cities and
Megastar Sharon Cunete will be receiving the History Maker Award 2018 on August 11. Photo from Instagram/@reallysharoncuneta3
lights of HISTORY Con 2018. The world-class convention marks this year as their third, with its first two being an overwhelming success as attendees ballooned from 50,000 in 2016 to around 68,000 last 2017. One can only imagine the hoards of people who’d be flocking once again for this year’s convention. Meanwhile, Cuneta’s HISTORY Maker Award is in itself just another mark to attest to her being a timeless icon — an icon who is truly most-deserving of the title “Megastar”.
restaurants that the McDelivery Collection will be available from, go to McDeliveryatMcDonalds. com. Continued on Page SF8
Recent USCIS policy changes could lead to loss of status or deportation even for minor errors The CTV Files Atty. LiLLi B. BAcuLi NEW Policy changes are underway within the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that may “pave the way for sudden visa denials and referrals for deportation,” as CBS News reports. Recent policy changes will include allowing immigration officers to reject visa applications immediately due to missing or inaccurate information. Previously, USCIS will issue “Requests for Evidence” (RFE) if there are missing information, allowing applicants to address gaps in their paperwork. “Notices of Intent to Deny” were also issued, as per prior guidance, which gave applicants a 30-day warning that their application would
likely be rejected. Applications affected by these policies and its recent changes in policy apply to: (i) applications and renewals of temporary (non-immigrant) visas, and (ii) permanent resident status (immigrant) visas. Securing such visas are required in order for non-U.S. citizen foreign nationals to legally live and work in the United States. The policy changes are set to take effect September 11 and would allow USCIS to “deny the (application) for failure to establish eligibility based on lack of required initial evidence.” These policy changes mean that visa applicants can suddenly find themselves on a track toward deportation. The June 28 memorandum allows Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to refer applicants for deportation as soon as their visas are denied. Rejected applicants are also left with no legal immigration status. Now more than ever, we urge people to seek legal and competent counsel especially
with regard to their immigration concerns, and in particular, in their immigration applications. It is important to be vigilant and understand how immigration policy changes may affect you or your loved ones. It is important to consult with a licensed, competent, and experienced immigration attorney who will be able to walk you through your and your family’s immigration questions. *** Atty. Lilli Berbano Baculi is an associate attorney with Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or email CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (619) 955-6277; (415) 4958088; (916) 449-3923; lbaculi@ctvattys. com; www.chuatinsayvega.com. (Advertising Supplement)
EMPLOYMENT
“Actually, it’s partly her, it’s partly Hayden. She says, ‘Mommy, I wanna be a mermaid. Mommy, I wanna be a crayon.’ So, that’s why as much as possible, we find it (the costume),” Belo told Philstar.com.
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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 27, 2018
The departure lounge
From Page SF5 the book, “Let’s Stop “Killing” Our Children,” a primer on disease prevention and healthy lifestyle starting from the cellular (DNA-Telomere) level to protect the integrity of the DNA to preempt diseases. I often say that leaving this world after this life is not a tragedy. Dying without significance, without making a difference, without leaving behind a good and lasting legacy, is. All of us, humbly including myself, are certainly bestowing upon the world a legacy of love, charity, compassion, talent, and service we each have given during our lifetime. We have also transmitted our good culture, tradition, and values to our children and their children, who could now build on them and endeavor for a better world for mankind. Whenever asked if I am retired, I always reply “Yes, I am RE-tired…now equipped with a new set of tires to zoom around the racetrack of life another few laps,” this time with greater wisIn the same interview, dom, clearer vision, and better Scarlet’s mom said that oriented concerns for the future Scarlet daughter also gets her of our children, grandchildren, share of spanking when neces- and humankind as a whole. sary. After all, we are part and parcel “We discipline her and of the universe, no matter how don’t spoil her as much as we miniscule we are in the nanoscan,” Belo said, adding “Now, cale of the galaxy. we still discipline her like a You may not realize it, but normal girl. She got spanked. But now, not anymore. She really made the products for does not cry anymore. She’s Scarlet talaga. We used to buy more behaved now. She’s a her all natural baby products big girl now!” from abroad. When we’re I also learned that their looking for an endorser, our little darling gets paid as a first choice turned us down Belo endorser. In an interview kasi wala kaming budget for the launch of Watsons’ masyado so sabi ko, ‘Si Scarlet Beauty Transformation camna lang! (We don’t have a paign, Hayden told Philstar. big budget so I said ‘Scarlet com that as a Belo endorser, instead’),” Belo said. Scarlet receives a minimum And since Scarlet is fee, which they put into the already an Internet star, I wonchild’s trust fund. der if her parents are open to “Ay, oo naman! Of her getting into show busicourse, the daddy will never ness — and this is her mom’s agree (for her to work for response: “She’s got a lot of free),” he said. offers, but we don’t think it’s “From the beginning, we the right time for her. We’d
the world is really better off because you happened to be here. Just think of the good children you have raised, the people you have helped, the patients you have cured, the strangers you have ministered to with compassion, and the countless lives your children and grandchildren will make better in the generations to come. Like in the 1946 American Christmas movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, starring James Stewart and directed by Frank Capra, based on a poignant 1939 story, “The Greatest Gift,” by Philip Van Doren Stern, think for a moment what it would have meant to the hundreds, thousands, of lives you have touched if you had not been born. Move the hands of time back to that day, and undo all the things associated with you, erase all events and all your contributions to society like you never existed. Just think about it. Only then would you realize that, indeed, you are significant, and that you have really made a difference and will continue to do so. That, in essence, is the legacy you are leaving behind with pride, a sacred legacy of a fulfilled life on this planet. It is, indeed, a wonderful life. And I truly believe that the greater and more exciting wonders are still to come. Let us continue to take good care
of ourselves and be as healthy as we can be, ready for the next chapter in our sojourn on earth. Growing old is a great privilege denied by many. Let us relish every second we have left. So, whenever we feel we are in the departure lounge of our being, let us give thanks to God for all our blessings, celebrate our life, and chart our next course and destination, even without our favorite GPS, to more marvelous journeys and adventures ahead of us, with our loved ones and friends, and savor our time together, on faraway vacations as often as still possible, or even on staycations at our cozy home, creating countless more fabulous memories to cherish and keep us warm in the winter of our life. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. For more data, visit philipSchua. com; comments questions: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.
rather have her stay in private.” “We’re inspired because many people say she’s good vibes,” said Belo. “Many people say that when they’re having a bad day, which also happens to me, I just watch her videos and I laugh na lang, so I get what they mean.” I totally agree! This charming little girl has been winning so many hearts, including mine. The good thing about it is that she is clearly having a good time entertaining us (her followers) while her parents bond with her in the process. That’s a win-win!
To Vicki and Hayden, you are doing a great job as parents. I am proud of what you’ve become and I hope to see Scarlet soon!
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Scarlet Snow Belo: A day...
From Page SF3 Dolce and Gabbana dress that matched her mother’s. Speaking of outfits, I read about how Scarlet would actually request her own #OoTD costumes (so adorable!)
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*** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
SF8
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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 27, 2018
Sares Regis Group sponsors Sunnyvale “Head-To-Toe” program $150,000 raised to provide low-income students with school supplies and shoes
SUNNYVALE, CA –The Sares Regis Group of Northern California (SRGNC) Education and Community Foundation, in partnership with Hunter Storm and other partners of the CityLine Sunnyvale project have raised $150,000 from the firm’s business partners to support “Head-to-Toe: Backpack Day,” Sunnyvale Community Services’ (SCS) annual back-to-school pro-
gram. The funding will help provide 1,800 low-income school children in Sunnyvale with much-needed backpacks, school supplies, gift certificates for new shoes, and will also distribute over 3,000 bags of nutritious food during the summer months. With this donation, SRGNC, Hunter Storm, and their partners are the Premier Program Sponsors of Head-to-Toe.
This commitment comes from an ongoing collaboration between Sares Regis, Hunter Storm, and the City of Sunnyvale to develop CityLine Sunnyvale, a multi-phase redevelopment project over 36 acres in the heart of downtown Sunnyvale. To fund the SCS program, SRGNC reached out to its business partners working on CityLine Sunnyvale Continued on Page SF9
The Bucket List
From Page SF4 still emails me once in a while. So I continued with my trip to Rome, still pondering what had happened. Toward the end of my stay in Rome, I did the same thing – tick off items on my list. Then, on the day of my departure, the Superior, who was bringing me to the airport, asked if I would mind leaving early for the airport, since she had to get back to the house for an appointment. I said, why, no, I would not mind at all. I always bring material to read. So we reached the airport early, and I found that my boarding gate had not even appeared on the screen. I took one of the seats nearby. You know, those airport seats where people sit back to back. I had just opened my book, when I heard a voice behind me say in Italian, “Sister, do you speak Italian? Can I talk to you? I am very angry with God.” I turned my head and it was a beautiful lady, elegantly dressed. I thought, “She has tortured eyes.” Saying, “May I sit beside you, then?”, I went over to do so. Then I saw that she was reading a Spanish book, so I asked, “Do you speak Spanish?” And she said she was from Argentina. “Fine,” I said, “I
speak Spanish better than Italian. Let’s talk in Spanish.” And she began talking. I listened to her (prayerfully) for about an hour - it was a list of problems, sick family members, one trial after another, anger with God, etc. And I thought, looking at her, “Without those problems, she would be very self-satisfied, with no thought of God whatever, angry or not.” So when she had come to the end of her list and was looking at me expectantly, I said, “So now you wanted to tell God how angry you are with Him?” And she nodded her head vigorously and asked, “Is that wrong, Sister?” I answered slowly, “I guess, when things were going right, you never talked to Him. Now you are angry with Him, but at least you are talking with Him, right?” Her eyes flew open in surprise, then she began to nod slowly, and as she saw me smile, she began to laugh. We laughed together for a while. And I said, “Don’t you think God prefers this, than have you go back to ignoring Him?” Her face changed completely. And we continued talking happily, and she laughed heartily when I told her that story of St. Teresa of Avila, that in one of her travels,
“... her saddle slipped, and she found herself head down under the belly of a donkey as she crossed a stream. Complaining to the Lord of her treatment, she heard him reply, “Teresa, whom the Lord loves, he chastises. This is how I treat all my friends.” She replied tartly, “No wonder you have so few!” (http://www.paceminterris.org/experience-pacem/thehermitages/st-teresa-of-avila/) Time passed quickly, and I had to catch my flight. The lady had already told me her name (she was from Argentina but she was married to an Italian), and said she was so happy to have met me and talked with me. She invited me for coffee, but I had to go. And as I walked to my boarding gate, I remembered that thought, “I have a list, too.” And I realized that had I fallen short of my to-do lists for Salamanca and Rome, the entire trip would still have been worthwhile if only for these two of His children... Next week: Another idea to consider for The Bucket List … *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
From Page SF6 *$1 $2 $3 Dollar Menu pricing not valid for delivery. Delivery prices may be higher than at restaurants. Uber Eats booking fee applies. See the Uber Eats app for details. **At participating McDonald’s. Visit www.mcdeliveryatmcdonalds.com for participating restaurants. Items will be available on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last, with $5 minimum purchase (excluding taxes and applicable Uber Eats fees) beginning at 10:30 or 11:00 am, depending on lunch menu start time at your local participating restaurant. Check the restaurant page on Uber Eats for lunch hours. Limit one
item per order. McDonald’s McDonald’s is the world’s leading global foodservice retailer with over 37,000 locations in over 100 countries. Over 90% of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business men and women. McDelivery With over two decades of delivery experience in Asia and the Middle East, McDonald’s is already one of the largest global delivery players. Around the world, McDonald’s utilizes several different models for McDelivery including partnering with various third parties for order and delivery fulfillment.
Calendar of Events across
McDelivery is currently available from more than 12,000 restaurants in nearly 60 countries. Uber Eats Uber Eats is Uber’s standalone meal delivery app that makes getting food as easy as requesting a ride, whether you’re at home, the office, or the park. Uber is leveraging its technology and expanding its driver partner network to deliver food to hungry customers who can track their order, get an upfront delivery time, and use the same account they use to take rides. Uber Eats is available globally in more than 250 cities, bringing millions of people food in as little as 30-minutes.
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Solo exhibit of Fil-Am Artist Lynda A. N. Reyes in Burbank The Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center, the municipal gallery of Burbank, is proud to present the Solo Exhibit of artist Lynda A. N. Reyes from July 6 to the 26,2018. The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, July 6 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. The gallery is located at 1100 West Clarke Avenue, Burbank, California 91506. The exhibit will highlight her watercolor and oil paintings that have been featured in museum exhibits in California, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Montana and in national juried shows in Berkeley, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Burbank, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Sta. Monica, Glendale, Brea in Orange County and in international shows in Kentucky, Canada, Maryland, Wisconsin, Colorado and New York. Paintings that have given her recognition, as well as new works will all in one big venue. For more information about the artist, visit www.lyndaanreyes.com or contact her at lyndaanreyes@gmail.com. For information about the gallery, call 818-238-5397 or visit www. burbankca.gov/cac. The gallery hours are Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
J U LY 27
Social entrepreneurship workshop in Los Angeles Come for “A STORY OF HOPE,” a FREE workshop on social entrepreneurship and social tourism on Friday, July 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., featuring Mr. Thomas Graham, British author of “The Genius of the Poor.” Hosted by the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC), the event encourages Fil-Ams to reconnect with their heritage through a new way of travel-driven experience, with the possibility of seeking new business in the Philippines. Space is limited, register online at www.cofacc.org. Venue is the New York Life General Office Building (6300 Wilshire Blvd Ste 2200, Los Angeles, CA 90048).
Trade and investment forum in Long Beach, CA From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, July 27, join the international trade finance seminar “How to Export Your Product Overseas” at the Chart House at CalState Long Beach. There will be speakers from EXIM Bank, the SBA< CITD Long Beach, and Philippine officials. For more information, please contact Peter Ramirez at (213) 440-2707.
J U LY 28
Masskara Festival in Long Beach, CA The Long Beach Bacolod Association (LBBA) invites the public to the Masskara Festival on Saturday, July 28 at the Recreation Park (Bandshell between Park Ave. & Federation Ave. 4900 E. 7th Street, Long Beach, CA) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival is organized by LBBA, in partnership with Sister Cities of Long Beach, Inc. and the City of Long Beach, as part of the cultural and tourism exchanges to further strengthen the newly revived Long Beach-Bacolod Sister City relationship. The Masskara Festival is a well-known regional event in Bacolod, Philippines, similar to the Mardi Gras event in New Orleans with colorful costumes and unusual masks. The festival will showcase Filipino culture and heritage through food, songs, dances and performances. The Consulate General strongly encourages members of the Filipino community to support and attend the first event of the Long Beach-Bacolod Sister city partnership after its rebirth in 2017. To get more information about the festival, please contact the following: Mr. Peter Ramirez, President of LBBA, email: peter.ramirez@unicomglobal.com; or Ms. Evelyn Andamo, email: evelyn.andamo@gmail.com.
LA Builder Lions Club to hold installation of new officers The Los Angeles Builder Lions Club will hold their 28th Installation on new officers on Saturday, July 28 from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Oxford Palace Hotel (745 S. Oxford Ave, Los Angeles, CA). Music will be provided by Lion Willie Manacsa. Please RSVP to any of the following officers: Lion President Ken Marchand (818)749-1076; Lion Tita James (818)203-2325 or PZC Lion Yoli Ramo at (213)305-1332.
J U LY 3 1
Wealth strategies workshop in Sherman Oaks, CA Join this free “Proven Wealth Strategies Workshop” on Tuesday, July 31 at 6 to 8 p.m., where Wealth Financial Life Inc. will help you you learn the basics about money, uncover myths on how money really works, and tips to diversify considering taxes. Hosted by the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACCGLA) at 5121 Van Nuys Blvd, BFG Room, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. To register, email info@wflife.com or call (858) 4581380.
AU G U ST 1
Screening of “Ignatius of Loyola” film in New York Produced by Jesuit Communications Philippines (JesCom), “Ignatius of Loyola” is a modern and very human take on the story of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, often called ‘The Saint of Second Chances.’ As a brash, hot-headed soldier in a time of political upheaval in Spain, the young Iñigo went from living a life of brutal violence and debauchery, to becoming one of the greatest saints in the history of the Church. This film chronicles Iñigo’s torturous struggle to turn from darkness to light—a struggle that nearly destroyed him, but also gave him the key to a spiritual weapon that continues to save lives to this very day. Hosted by the Magis Theatre Company, Loida Nicolas Lewis, and Dr. Angie Cruz, come and watch Ignatius of Loyola on Wednesday, August 1 at 6:00 p.m. at the Wallace Hall, Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, 980 Park Avenue, New York City. For inquiries, call 212-756-8958. (Note: This movie is not suitable for young children).
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
Wieckowski, South Bay legislators honor Lick Observatory on its 130th anniversary SAN JOSE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; State Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) presented a state resolution on Monday, July 23, to University of California, Santa Cruz Chancellor George Blumenthal and staff, faculty and community leaders on behalf of the South Bay legislative delegation in honor of the 130th Anniversary of the Lick Observatory. The presentation took place at the observatoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 36-inch Great Refractor telescope. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Human progress does not end with us looking up at the stars, but rather challenging ourselves to define what the next frontier will be,â&#x20AC;? said Wieckowski, the chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are here to recognize Lick for being a resource for our state for more than a century, and we are grateful to the team who continues to maintain this observatory. The research and
cording to Lickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. More educational programs here than 100 observers are pursunot only broaden our horizons, ing science programs at Lick they inspire students who will at any given time. It is also the become the next generation of UCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief site for testing new astronomers.â&#x20AC;? Lick serves astronomers from technologies and instruments for optical astronomy. all eight University of California The observatory, located on astronomy campuses, as well Mt. Hamilton, is visited by about as Lawrence Livermore Na35,000 children and adults. tional Laboratory and Lawrence Senator Wieckowski repreBerkeley National Laboratory. sents the 10th District, which The University of California includes parts of Santa Clara owns and operates the facility. County and southern Alameda It began operations in 1888 and County. was founded by a bequest from James Lick. The gift was the largest philanthropic gift in the history of science. Lick Observatoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s users range in age from undergraduates UC Santa Cruz Chancellor George Blumenthal receives state resolution from to the most senior Senator Bob Wieckowski and Assemblymember Ash Kalra, on behalf of astronomers in the the South Bay state delegation, in honor of the Lick Observatoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 130th UC system, acanniversary.
Sares Regis Group sponsors...
From Page SF8 and other SRGNC projects. Community businesses are encouraged to contribute to the program, which is still in need of donations to meet its goals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are extremely grateful to Sares Regis for reaching out to its wide network and helping us to meet our ambitious financial goal for Headto-Toe this year,â&#x20AC;? says Marie Bernard, Executive Director of Sunnyvale Community Services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The rising cost of housing, food, transportation, and medical expenses in Silicon Valley is putting extreme financial distress on families, many of whom are working multiple minimum-wage jobs or living on fixed incomes. With this generous donation, Sares Regis and the CityLine team have more than earned its Premier Program Sponsor title for our Head-to-Toe summer program.â&#x20AC;? The Head-to-Toe program is part of SCSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission to prevent homelessness and hunger in the local community.
The program is closely aligned with the SRGNC Education and Community Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emphasis on education and communityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;SRGNC has previously partnered with schools and given grants to local organizations in an effort to improve local communities throughout the Bay Area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud to give back to our own community in this way, as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something that is an integral part of our Foundation and who we are,â&#x20AC;? says Rob Wagner, managing director of SRGNC. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We established this Foundation with the goal of giving back to the communities in which we live and work, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re grateful that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been given the opportunity to make a difference for so many children living in Sunnyvale. We hope that other area businesses will step up and contribute to this important cause. Thank you to Sunnyvale Community Services for recognizing how important it is for the City and local businesses to take collective
action towards helping those in need.â&#x20AC;? This year, Sunnyvale children are scheduled to receive their new backpacks, school supplies, shoe gift cards, food, and more on Friday, August 3rd. Sharkie from the San Jose Sharks, Belle and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast, and the Paw Patrol will all stop by throughout the day to bring extra smiles to childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faces while they select their special backpack for the new school year. For a complete list of firms who have partnered in this donation, please visit the SCS 2018 Head-to-Toe donor website at http://svcommunityservices.org/donate-backpack-day/. Sunnyvale Community Services Sunnyvale Community Services is a private, nonprofit emergency assistance agency that works to prevent homelessness and hunger for low-income families in the local community. SCS provides financial aid, food and
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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 27, 2018
South San Francisco Police Department swears in new officers, dispatchers, and parking enforcement officers Family, friends and colleagues gathered for a special badge and swearing in ceremony Tuesday, July 17, in the City Council Chambers as South San Francisco Chief of Police, Jeff Azzopardi, promoted one officer, reclassified a dispatcher, and welcomed three new officers, two dispatchers, and two parking enforcement officers. City Clerk Krista Martinelli administered the oath to the team members in front of a standingroom only crowd. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is an exciting time for South San Francisco and an exciting time to serve our City,â&#x20AC;? said Chief Azzopardi. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also exciting is that many of our new recruits grew up in South San Francisco, so they are already very familiar and eager to serve this community in which they were raised.â&#x20AC;? The following people were sworn into the South San Francisco Police Department: â&#x20AC;˘ Officer Scott Peradotto - attended City College of San Francisco as well as graduated from the police academy at the College of San Mateo. â&#x20AC;˘ Officer Robert Roman - attended Skyline College and Canada College, as well as graduated from the police academy at the College of San Mateo.
â&#x20AC;˘ Officer Christian Zocca - enlisted in the United States Army and specialized in Air Defense Artillery as a Corporal. He now serves in the Army Reserves, and is working towards his Associates Degree in Psychology at Skyline. Zocca attended the police academy at Coyote Valley in San Jose. â&#x20AC;˘ Dispatcher Alejandra Gonzalez - attended San Francisco State University where she earned her Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Criminal Justice and Latina/ Latino Studies. â&#x20AC;˘ Dispatcher Kelly Ostello - attended San Francisco State University where she earned her Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Liberal Studies. â&#x20AC;˘ Parking Enforcement Officer Alexis Juarez - is currently working towards her Associates Degree at Skyline college and plans to earn a Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Psychology. â&#x20AC;˘ Parking Enforcement Officer Lexis Ocampo - is currently working towards her Associates Degree in Criminal Justice at
Skyline College and plans to earn a Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Criminal Justice from San Francisco State University Payal Ram, who was a Parking Enforcement Officer for the City of South San Francisco is now serving the department as a dispatcher. Ram is fluent in speaking Hindi and her long term goals are to earn a Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree and become a South San Francisco Police Officer. Lastly, Chief Azzopardi promoted Officer Rebecca Dabney to Corporal. Corporal Dabney has served the department for the past 11 years. In 2010, Dabney was selected to become a K-9 Officer. Dabney and her K-9 partner, Ares, have won numerous awards and K-9 competitions. Dabney is also very involved in San Mateo Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA) program and uses her expertise to train new South San Francisco officers with domestic violence investigations.
nutrition programs, and case management for families and individuals including veterans, along with referrals to relevant benefits and services. In 2017, SCS assisted 8,300 unduplicated individuals, an increase of 20 percent over the prior two years. For more information, visit www.svcommunityservices.org. Sares Regis Group Foundation Sares Regis Group
Foundation is part of the Sares Regis Group of Northern California and its affiliates, a privately held commercial real estate development, project management, investment, and property management firm based in San Mateo, California. As leading developers and managers of commercial and residential real estate in the Western United States, the companies have more than 6.5 million square feet of
commercial properties valued at $500 million and over 2,800 residential units under development. The Foundation was established in 2015 with the goal of partnering with local non-profits, schools and organizations to give back to its local community and has awarded over 35 grants to local Bay Area organizations since its inception. For more information, please visit: www. SRGNC.com.
Pilgrimage to Some of ITALYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Highlights and Miracles of the Eucharist 6SLULWXDO 'LUHFWRU 5(9 -2(/ %8*$6 ĹĄ 1RYHPEHU WR 1RYHPEHU 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; 86$ 520( 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH Upon our arrival in Rome, our Tour Escort will welcome us to Italy. Rome is the heart, home and the spiritual capital of over one billion Catholics all over the world. After a short panoramic orientation of this Eternal City to us Roman Catholics, we will have our dinner and overnight rest at this great ancient City. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 3DSDO $XGLHQFH 5RPH This morning before we continue with our tour, we will have a Papal Audience. Then after, we will visit the famous Coliseum and see the Forum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the world. Celebrate the Holy Eucharist at St Peter Basilica St Joseph Chapel .Short stop in Trevi Fountain, before heading to our Hotel. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D)
'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH %DVLOLFDV We will visit the Vatican Museum this morning and the Sistine Chapel to admire the awesome masterpieces of Michaelangelo, and even ancient Greek and Roman artists. the largest church in Roman Catholicism, St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basilica. Holy Eucharist at ST Mary Major, Followed by visit of the Basilica. We continue to visit the rest of the major Basilicas within the walls of Rome, and St. John Lateran, St Paul Outside the Wall. We will also pray at the Scala Santa or the Holy Stairs. St. Helena transported the steps from Jerusalem; the same steps that Christ ascended to receive Pilateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unjust condemnation. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY )UL Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR 2018 is the 100th Anniversary of the stigmatization of St Pio. Church Will have Monthly Pastoral Program of Activities for the whole year. San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina from 28 July, 1916 until his death on 23 September, 1968. Enjoy the drive going to San Giovanni, after we check in our Hotel. vWe visit the Shrines of St Padre Pio of Pietralcina as well as the places associated with him, such as the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace that contains his tomb. Here, we spend some time meditating, see his room, his confessional box and the cruciďŹ x that gave him his supernatural Crucifying stigmata, Celebrate Holy Eucharist (Hotel Gran Paradiso) DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN San Giovanni Rotondo (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6DW Ĺ&#x; 6$1 *,29$11, 52721'2 This Morning we visit the new and Modern Basilica of St Padre Pio, See his uncorrupt body. Celebrate Holy Eucharist Spend some time meditating in this awesome Basilica. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO (Hotel Gran Paradiso)
'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6XQ Ĺ&#x; 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR /DQFLDQR /RUHWR MASS AND BREAKFAST. We arrive at Lanciano, famous for the Miracle of the Eucharist. Near the Piazza Plebiscito, the Miracle is inside the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. The miracle took place during the 8th century when a Basiline monk doubted the Real Presence of our Lord in the Eucharist. He found himself holding the host that had changed into Real Flesh and the Wine on the altar had changed into Real Blood. We continue our pilgrimage to the great Marian shrine of Loreto to see the famous sacred home of the most Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Since 1294 the holy home has been located inside the Basilica of Loreto. Celebrate Holy Eucharist in Lanciano. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN Assisi. 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; /RUHWR $VVLVL Today we explore the hilltop birthplace of St Francis of Assisi. In the Crypt of St Francis Basilica lies the tomb of one of the most humble and beloved Saints of all times, St. Francis of Assisi, Holy Eucharist at the Crypt of St. Francis See the Basilica of St Clare, with her incorrupt body, and the little Church of St. Damiano and its CruciďŹ x from which Jesus spoke to Francis about his mission in 1206: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Go, Francis, and rebuild my house, which as you see is falling into ruin.â&#x20AC;? We visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, located in the lower plains of Assisi, and the place where the miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi took place in 1240. The small Church of the Porziuncola is inside the Basilica itself. Pope Honorius III granted a plenary indulgence for those entering this humble Church on August 1st and 2nd every year, with Confession, reception of the Eucharist and no attachment to venial sins. (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; $VVLVL 6LHQD )ORUHQFH We will spend half day in Siena. Begin in the old town center with a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico. Built in the 13th century, it is a treasure chest of the Renaissance art and dedicated to St Catherine of Siena. You will learn about the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history while admiring itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cathedrals, Museum, and libraries .Also you will admire the famous piazza del Campo, one of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great medieval squares. Continue to Florence. (BB,D) We start with a guided walking tour of Florence, this fascinating city with its Piazza, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giottoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist. Rest of the day free (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; )ORUHQFH 5RPH Leave Florence around 2PM Arrived Rome almost dinner time (BB.D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 86$ End of our wonderful Pilgrimage
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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - July 27, 2018