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October 10-13, 2015
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Volume 25 - No. 79 • 4 Sections – 38 Pages
Also published in: • Orange County/Inland Empire • Northern California • Las Vegas • New York/ New Jersey
USA
DATELINE Gov. Brown signs bill aimed at eliminating gender wage gap FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
CALIFORNIA Governor Jerry Brown made a landmark decision toward closing the longstanding wage gap between men and women by signing one of the toughest pay equity laws in the nation on Tuesday, Oct. 6, The California Fair Pay Act, first introduced and authored by Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), was the response to a report by the US Census Bureau and Equal Rights Advocates, which found that women in California working full time made an average of 84 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2013. “The inequities that have plagued our state and have burdened women forever are slowly being resolved with this kind of bill,” Brown said at a ceremony at the Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park in Richmond, California. The measure will also give employees more grounds for challenging perceived dis-
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=fid\i =`c`g`ef ZXi [\Xc\i gc\X[j ^l`ckp kf ]iXl[ `e [\ZX[\j$fc[ ZXj\ Eminiano “Jun” Reodica Jr., 71, entered his plea a day before he was scheduled to go to trial in A PHILIPPINE native who op- Los Angeles, City News Service erated a large car dealership in reported, admitting to defraudGlendora, California before flee- ing banks out of nearly $50 miling the United States nearly 30 lion in the 1980s. At the time, years ago pleaded guilty Mon- Reodica was president of Grand day, Oct. 5, to federal charges for Wilshire Group of Companies, bank fraud and lying to banks, which included Grand Chevrolet, according to the US Attorney’s then the country’s third-largest Office. car dealership. by AGNES
CONSTANTE AJPress
He further admitted to engaging in schemes to defraud banks and making false statements to at least five banks from 1984 to 1988, according to a release from the US Attorney’s Office. Among these banks include First Central Bank, First Los Angeles Bank, Imperial Savings, Manilabank and Union Bank. Specifically, Reodica admitted to simultaneously promising the same
by GIL
Inquirer.net
WHAT Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. rematch? Top Rank CEO Bob Arum said reported talks regarding a potential sequel of the May 2 megafight are all bull. Arum, talking to Yahoo! Sports Kevin Iole, responded to an AFP report where Pacquiao supposedly said that his team is negotiating for a rematch. “I will fight anybody, anywhere. I’m probably going to fight before the election,” Pacquiao was quoted as saying. “I have no idea what he’s talking about,” Arum told Iole. “He said it, not me. But I have had no talks with anyone about that.
C. CABACUNGAN AND NIKKO DIZON Inquirer.net
A UNITED Nations body has called for a “reconsideration” of the bail plea of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, calling her detention “arbitrary” and a violation of international law. The UN High Commission on Human Rights Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) issued the opinion on Oct. 2 on a complaint filed by Arroyo’s lawyer, London-based barrister Amal Alamuddin-Clooney, the Lebanese-born wife of Hollywood actor George Clooney. But Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabo-
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China’s 9-dash threatens rule of law, Justice Carpio tells D.C.
WASHINGTON, DC—Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio of the Philippines’ Supreme Court, delivering a lecture hosted by a think tank October 5, issued a challenge to the international community on China’s territorial claims in
the South China Sea. “Will the world community allow a single state to rewrite the Law of the Sea, so this single state can exercise indisputable sovereignty to almost an entire sea, subject the high seas to its sovereign jurisdiction, and seize
large areas of other coastal states’ EEZs (exclusive economic zone), which are their legal maritime entitlements under both customary international law and UNCLOS?” Carpio asked during his lecture on
Arum says Manny PacquiaoMayweather rematch talks ‘all BS’ by BONG LOZADA
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She’s getting due process under PH laws–Palace
Las Vegas mom pleads guilty to husband’s murder
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UN slams Gloria Arroyo detention
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A LAS VEGAS mother of four pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and first-degree murder with use of a deadly weapon on Thursday, Oct. 1, after admitting that she ordered to have her husband killed in order to collect his life insurance. Michelle Antwanette Paet, 33, D`Z_\cc\ GX\k G_fkf Zflik\jp f] CXj M\^Xj sobbed in court, as D\kifgfc`kXe Gfc`Z\ ;\gXikd\ek she revealed that she and her thenboyfriend, Michael Rudolph Rodriguez, planned to murder Nathan Paet, who was a US Air Force service member and Iraq War veteran from Guam. By pleading guilty, she avoids the death penalty. Her sentencing is scheduled for De-
car contract as collateral to two different banks. Press reports in the 1980s told the story of how Reodica initially worked as a busboy at restaurants in Los Angeles and then went on to own one of America’s largest dealerships. However, when investigations into the business began as it was collapsing in 1988, Reodica fled
None. Zero. Not one.” A r u m added Mayweather’s retirement after the Andre Berto fight would prevent the rematch and that a fight 9fY 8ild in Dubai is something Money would never approve of. “Mayweather is retired and I take him at his word. But second, you know there is no way that Mayweather is ever going to fight in the Gulf, even if he did decide to fight again, so it’s all bullsh*t.” ■
SEAFOOD CITY 1
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Sy, Zobel, Aboitiz among Asia’s top 50 richest families by DORIS
DUMLAO-ABADILLA Inquirer.net
THEY have built their massive fortune through several generations, growing and diversifying their empire while keeping the family in control of the boardroom. They lead conglomerates with combined market value of P1.5 trillion or about 12 percent of the Philippine economy. They are the Sy, Zobel and Aboitiz families—three clans from the Philippines which landed on Forbes Asia magazine’s list of 50 richest families in Asia for 2015. This is Forbes Asia’s inaugural list of Asia’s top busi-
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A OCTOBER 10-13, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
Former Filipino car dealer pleads guilty… UN slams Gloria Arroyo …
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to the Philippines. A 1994 indictment filed against Reodica stated that lenders who approved substantial lines of credit to his dealership were allegedly impressed with his highrisk customers’ ability to make on-time monthly payments on their auto loans. Afterward, it was found that
Reodica hid from banks that customers were delinquent on their auto loan payments, that his employees allegedly made payments for delinquent customers, that he repossessed and resold cars without informing banks, and that he erased negative information on customers’ credit reports, according to a 2014 Asian Journal report.
The fraudulent scheme further involved employees who were instructed to forge customer signatures on car contracts. The forged contracts would then be promised to a second bank. Reodica also admitted he directed his employees to take loans for cars they weren’t actually buying, as a means of
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taje-Tang Thursday defended the First Division’s decision to deny Arroyo’s plea for bail, insisting that the graft court did not violate any international law. Malacañang also stood firm that the government has not violated the rights of Arroyo, who remains in hospital detention u PAGE A3 while on trial for plunder.
International lawyer Amal Alamuddin Clooney and former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Philstar.com photos
Clooney sent the news of the WGAD’s decision to endorse in full all arguments of Arroyo to her Filipino lawyer, Lorenzo Gadon, in an e-mail on Wednesday. “Mrs. Arroyo and her legal team welcome the UN’s expert opinion and urged the Philippine government to comply with it immediately,” Clooney said. In the decision quoted by Clooney, the WGAD—which she described as a “prominent UN body composed of five independent human rights experts—urged the Sandiganbayan to reconsider Arroyo’s petition for bail and accord her with “an enforceable right to compensation for the deprivation of liberty, which already occurred.” Clooney said the WGAD requested the Philippine government to ensure “fair trials” and proceed with the cases without undue delay. Illegal detention In her e-mail, Clooney said the UN body found Arroyo’s detention arbitrary and illegal because “the Sandiganbayan failed to take into account her individual circumstances, failed to consider measures alternative to pretrial detention, and because of undue delays in proceedings against her.” The WGAD also found her detention “politically motivated” because her confinement was due to “her exercise of her right to take part in government and the conduct of public affairs” and “because of her political… opinion,” Clooney said. She reported that the UN body underscored the Aquino administration’s decision to stop Ar-
royo from traveling in November 2011 in defiance of a Supreme Court ruling allowing her to seek medical treatment for her neck and spine illnesses. Philippine laws In an interview with reporters during the Sandiganbayan’s budget presentation at the House of Representatives Thursday, Tang said: “We have our own judicial process that has to be observed and the First Division of the court has precisely observed this process in place. I don’t think the court has violated any international law and the court has always observed all the processes that are in place in the country.” She said the Sandiganbayan would not change its decision unless there was a “radical or significant material change in her case.” In Malacañang, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Arroyo had been “accorded such due process and has availed herself of various legal remedies under Philippine laws.” Arroyo’s case is being heard by Philippine courts, independent bodies that have the “sole jurisdiction” to decide on the detention of accused like her, Coloma said. “The Philippine government or any international body, for that matter, cannot interfere nor influence the course of an independent judicial proceeding,” he said. Appropriate response Coloma said, however, that the government had taken note of
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From the Front page
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 10-13, 2015
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China’s 9-dash threatens rule…
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China’s nine-dash line claim and the South China Sea dispute at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). “Maritime security and the South China Sea will continue to impact US-China relations and China’s relations with its neighbors. We are pleased Justice Carpio’s speaking tour in the US kicks off today at CSIS. His thoughts will certainly enrich the discourse on what has been characterized by Professor Michael Tkacik of Stephen Austin State University as possibly the single most important dispute in the world today,” Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said in his remarks. Affects whole world According to Carpio, China’s national boundaries under the nine-dash line have effects not only on the Philippines, but also on other countries in the region and the world. “The Philippines loses about 80 percent of its EEZs facing the West Philippine Sea, including the entire Reed Bank and part of the Malampaya gas field. Malaysia loses about 80 percent of its EEZ in Sabah and Sarawak facing the South China Sea, as well as most of its active oil fields in the same area. Vietnam loses about 50 percent of its total EEZ. Brunei loses about 90 percent of its total EEZ. Indonesia loses about 30 percent of its EEZ facing the South China Sea in Natuna Islands, whose surrounding waters
comprise the largest gas field in Southeast Asia,” said Carpio. Through the nine-dash line, China claims the high seas, which, under international law, are considered global commons. Any country in the world, including those that are landlocked, can exploit national resources in high seas, hence, the entire world is affected by China’s expansive claim, Carpio explained. UNCLOS violation The Justice reiterated that activities by China to enforce the nine-dash claim violate the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Such activities threaten peace, security and stability in the region, he argued. In 2002 China, along with member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed that the South China Sea dispute shall be resolved “in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.” Eleven years later, China has begun insisting that historical facts be accepted as additional basis of its claim. “After the Philippines filed in January 2013 its arbitration case against China under UNCLOS, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi declared that the South China Sea dispute should be resolved in accordance with historical facts and
international law,” said Carpio. No historical basis However, according to Carpio, the nine-dash line has no historical basis. Official and unofficial maps of China from 1136 during the Song Dynasty until the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1912 show that the southernmost territory of China has always been Hainan Island. Hua Yi Tu, a Chinese stone map from the 12th century, excludes disputed islands in the South China Sea from China’s territory. The 1986 Huang Chan Zhi Sheng Yu Di Quan Tu or The Qing Empire’s Complete Map of All Provinces shows that Hainan Island was a part of Guangdong Province and became a separate province only in 1988. Official and unofficial maps of the Philippines from 1636 until 1933 show that Scarborough Shoal has always been part of the Philippines. The 1734 Murillo Velarde Map shows Scarborough Shoal and some features in the Spratly Group of Islands as part of the Philippines. The Islas Filipinas, Mapa General Observatorio de Manila published in Washington, D.C. in 1899 by the US Coast and Geodetic Survey shows Bajo Masinloc, which also refers to Scarborough Shoal, as Philippine territory. According to Carpio, the Philippines has not only historical basis for its claim to Scarborough Shoal, but also legal basis.
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Former Filipino car dealer pleads guilty… PAGE A2 t
bringing more money into the dealership. The 1994 indictment claimed that those cars would be sold to dealership customers; the dealership would then make payments on the employee loans and include the fraudulent sales in their reports to persuade investors to continue financing the operation, according to court documents. In a September 1988 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Imperial Savings lawyer Victor Vilaplana called Reodica’s scheme “one of the most elaborate and well-conceived scams imaginable.” A number of investors in Reodica’s scam, including Imperial Savings, suffered financially after Grand Chevrolet filed for
bankruptcy in 1988. Filipino professionals, many of whom were doctors, were among those who invested in Reodica’s business. Some families also had to file for bankruptcy, according to a 2014 Asian Journal report. In 1992, Reodica became an Australian citizen under the name Roberto Abrian Coscolluela, Jr., according to court documents. He lived in Australia for two decades where he defrauded customers, posing as an accountant, real estate agent and insurance agent in Cairns and Brisbane. Court records and sources from Brisbane allege that Reodica, as Coscolleula, defrauded several members of the Filipino-Australian community. Authorities arrested Reodica
at Los Angeles International Airport in November 2012, during a layover on a flight to Canada. Traveling under his Australian alias, Reodica was requested by airport security to complete a fingerprint scan, which revealed his identity. “The guilty pleas by this defendant should be a warning to all fugitives facing charges in federal court that the United States Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office have a very long memory,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker of the Central District of California. Reodica will be sentenced in February 2016. He faces up to 79 years in federal prison and a $6.5 million fine or two times the loss that resulted in his offenses. n
WORLD ANIMAL DAY. A child interacts with a Bengal tiger named “Noynoy” at the Malabon Zoo in Malabon City. World Animal Day is celebrated every 4th of October which coincides with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals. Inquirer.net photo by Nino Jesus Orbeta
Sy, Zobel, Aboitiz among Asia’s top 50… PAGE A1 t
ness dynasties which, the magazine said, was in recognition that “family was at the core of Asia’s biggest conglomerates and some of its best-known brands.” Tim Ferguson, editor of Forbes Asia, said: “Just as a family business brings its useful product to market and evolves from there, this inaugural ranking opens the door to new discoveries in future years.” The list was topped by South Korea’s leading chaebol or business family—the Lee clan—which controls the Samsung Group. It has an estimated wealth of $26.6 billion. Samsung Group’s revenue in 2014 was equivalent to 22 percent of South Korea’s gross domestic product. Forbes Asia sees many business dynasties holding wide regional sway with their sprawling, cross-border empires. The list recognizes such prominence as well as the succession and operational challenges inherent in family businesses. To qualify, a family’s wealth and participation in building that fortune has to extend to at least three generations while the minimum combined net wealth to make the cut was $2.9 billion. Nearly half of the richest families in Asia are of Chinese descent, but none of them is based in mainland China, where conglomerates are young and run
by first generations, Forbes Asia said. Families from India hold 14 of the 50 spots, making it the nation with the highest representatives of top business dynasties in the region. From the Philippines, the family of tycoon Henry Sy—whose SM Investments Corp. operates the country’s biggest banking, real estate and retailing businesses—ranked No. 13. The real estate business under SM Prime Holdings is now one of the largest in Southeast Asia. The wealth of the Sy family is estimated at $12.3 billion. Flagship conglomerate SM Investments Corp., which has a market capitalization of P706 billion, is the country’s most valuable company. The Zobels ranked 35th, with an estimated wealth of $4.2 billion. The Zobels lead the country’s oldest conglomerate, Ayala Corp., which is into property, banking, telecommunications, utilities, power generation, infrastructure, electronics manufacturing and education ventures. Ayala Corp. is valued by the market at P477 billion. The Aboitiz family, with an estimated wealth of $3.6 billion, landed 44th on the list. The Cebu-based family is into power generation, banking, food, real estate, cement, ship building and infrastructure businesses. Hold-
ing firm Aboitiz Equity Ventures is valued by the market at P320 billion. Origins Sy family patriarch Henry Sy Sr. migrated from the impoverished town of Hong Xi in Long Hu, Jinjiang in Fujian when he was a teenager to live in the Philippines with his father, Xiu Shi Sy, who was operating a small-time grocery business. Much has been written about his early struggles especially during World War II when his family lost everything, prompted his father to go back to China. Henry Sy decided to stay in the country, initially getting into merchandise trading and eventually striking a gold mine in retailing and shopping mall development. Since then, he has become a legend at spotting opportunities, drawing consumers to wherever he puts up a new SM shopping mall in the Philippines. Forbes Asia said: “…The family’s growth plans involve building micro cities around some of its existing mall properties. The family also has a stake in privately owned electricity firm National Grid Corp., which supplies power to the entire country. Sy’s children are all involved in management. They meet weekly over lunch to discuss the business. Grandchildren are taking active roles,” the magazine said.
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From the Front page
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UN slams Gloria Arroyo … PAGE A2 t
the WGAD opinion. The government, he added, “will prepare an appropriate response, according to the WGAD’s rules.” Outgoing Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Thursday said she had yet to read the WGAD opinion but she criticized the UN body’s findings. “They should understand what’s in our Constitution and our rules of court,” De Lima said. “It’s as if they were taking the issue of the denial of bail, but it’s in our Constitution, it’s in our laws. While international law forms part of the law of the land under the doctrine of incorpora-
tion, what’s in our laws should be obeyed,” she added. Senate President Franklin Drilon said Arroyo was being tried according to Philippine laws. “We have our laws here. She is being tried in accordance with our laws,” he said. PH can’t be forced In an interview with reporters Thursday, Gadon admitted the UN body could only pursuade and not force the Philippine government to follow its recommendation. He said, however, that he hoped the government would heed the WGAD because state agencies were the respondents in the case. He also noted that the case
was obviously weak and that Arroyo was being singled out because all of her corespondents had been granted bail. Arroyo appealed to the Supreme Court in April after the Sandiganbayan last year denied the petition for bail she filed in January 2013 and a supplemental motion she filed in October of the same year. Arroyo is detained at Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City while being tried on charges of plunder involving alleged use of P366 million in intelligence funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office “for personal gain” in the last three years of her administration, from 2008 to 2010. n
China’s 9-dash threatens rule…
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“The 1898 Treaty of Paris between Spain and the United States drew a rectangular line wherein Spain ceded to the United States all of Spain’s territories found within treaty lines. Scarborough Shoal lies outside of the treaty lines. However, two years later, in the 1900 Treaty of Washington, Spain clarified that it had also relinquished to the United States all title and claim which Spain may have had at the time of the conclusion of the Treaty of Paris, to any and all islands belonging to the Philippine Archipelago, lying outside
the lines of the Treaty of Paris. Thus, Spain ceded Scarborough Shoal to the United States under the 1900 Treaty of Washington,” said Carpio. Will stand by Tribunal The visiting Justice ended his lecture by reiterating that the Philippines will stand by UNCLOS and the ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal with regard to the maritime dispute. “If UNCLOS does not apply to the South China Sea dispute, as when China’s nine-dashed lines are allowed to gobble up the EEZs of coastal states as well as the high seas, then UNCLOS, the
constitution for the oceans and seas, cannot also apply to any maritime dispute in the rest of the oceans and seas of our planet. It will be the beginning of the end for UNCLOS. The rule of the naval cannon will prevail in the oceans and seas of our planet, no longer the rule of law. There will be a naval arms race among coastal countries,” said Carpio. Washington, D.C. is the first stop of Carpio’s US tour to conduct lectures on the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea dispute. He will bring the lecture to New York City and San Francisco in the next few days. (Inquirer.net)
COW JOINS NAVAL EXERCISES. A cow walks past Philippine Marines as they attack a mock enemy target during the Philippine-US joint naval training exercise at the Philippine Naval Station in San Antonio, Zambales on Friday, Oct. 9. Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez
Sy, Zobel, Aboitiz among Asia’s top 50… PAGE A3 t
Ayala Corp. is now run by seventh generation Zobels. The conglomerate traces its roots to Casa Roxas, which was set up in 1834. Based on published history, Casa Roxas was put up by Antonio de Ayala, a poor young man from the small town of Ayala in Spain’s Basque region, who came to the Philippines and worked as assistant to Domingo Roxas, descendant of settlers who had arrived by way of Acapulco in the late 1770s. While the Spanish upper class looked down on farming and working on soil, Roxas went deep into agriculture, cultivating sugar and cotton in his Batangas PAGE A1 t cember 14, according to The As- and Laguna farms. Together, sociated Press. She could either these two men put up a Manila face life in prison without parole business house that would enor the possibility of release after gage in commercial production of spirits, among others. 21 years. From that small distillery esProsecutor Frank Coumou told the jury that Rodriguez waited tablished 181 years ago, Ayala outside the Paet residence on is now one of country’s largest Dec. 1, 2010, and was signaled by conglomerates and a holding a text message that Nathan Paet company for Ayala Land, Bank was getting ready to leave for of the Philippine Islands, Globe Telecom and Manila Water. work at Nellis Air Force Base. One of the messages Michelle Paet sent read, “He’s rushing to get out the door. Lol.” Nathan Paet was shot five PAGE A1 t times in the back by Rodriguez crimination and injustice, the Los and reportedly collapsed in front Angeles Times reported. It proof his wife and their four chil- hibits employees from facing redren, before being pronounced taliation for discussing their pay rates, and allows them to chaldead at a nearby hospital. According to police, neighbors lenge pay disparities at work. “Today is a momentous day for saw a black Cadillac leave the u PAGE A6 California, and it is long overdue.
Las Vegas…
Seven siblings control more than one-third of the company, Forbes Asia said, counting three of the eighth generation now involved in the business. Jaime Zobel de Ayala II, the eldest son, is chair and CEO while brother Fernando is president and COO. Aboitiz Equity Ventures was founded by Paulino Aboitiz, a son of a Spanish farmer, in the late 1800s after he migrated to the Philippines from Spain. This group began as an abaca-trading and general-merchandise venture and later moved into inter-island shipping, transporting goods across the Visayas. AEV went public in 1994 but construction and shipbuilding businesses were kept privately held. Forbes Asia noted that 19 family members, mostly fourth- and fifth-generation Aboitizes, were involved in day-to-day operations. “The family, known to hold reunions for 400-plus relatives, has a constitution and formal process for those descendants interested
in joining the company,” the magazine said. Being an Aboitiz is not an automatic ticket to employment in the family business. Each family member has to seek employment elsewhere and only those who show great potential are invited to join the conglomerate. Asia’s richest Asia’s 10 richest families and their estimated net worth are as follow: • Lee of South Korea, $26.6B • Lee of Hong Kong, $24.1B • Ambani from India, $21.5B • Chearavanont of Thailand, $19.9B • Kwok of Hong Kong, $19.5B • Kwek/Quek of Singapore, Malaysia, $18.9B • Premji of India, $17B • Tsai (Financial) of Taiwan, $15.1B • Hinduja of India, UK, $15B • Mistry from India, $14.9B Forbes Asia said the list was compiled after reviewing families of 550 members of Forbes 11 Asian Rich Lists (excluding Australia). n
Gov. Brown signs bill aimed at eliminating… Equal pay isn’t just the right thing for women, it’s the right thing for our economy and for California,” said Sen. Jackson at the event. “Courts have interpreted current law to mean that male and female workers must hold exactly the same jobs to require equal pay…Now they’re going to have
to value the work equally.” Gov. Brown’s office also said in a statement that the bill was “among the strongest in the nation,” receiving bipartisan support, according to Reuters. “[This measure] is a very important milestone,” he said,
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 10-13, 2015
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Poll: Support for Hillary Clinton drops among California Democrats by Allyson
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GOVERNMENT PROGRAM. President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Pagpupugay sa mga Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Iskolars at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Tuesday, Oct. 6. The program aims to showcase the successful implementation of TESDA Scholarship Programs, celebrate the various achievements of scholars, and recognize the successful partnership of TESDA with various organizations. Malacañang photo by Rodolfo Manabat
142 shootings at US schools since 2013 to New Mexico. Many of the red dots are shooting incidents AJPress which occurred over 2013-2015 THE mass shooting which oc- throughout the mid- and Southcurred last week at Oregon’s west, and scattered throughout Umpqua Community College the West Coast. The statistics include a numwas just one of a drastically rising number of school shootings ber of incidents in which a gun that have occurred recently in was fired on campus, but no one was hit, reported Vox. The serithe US. Everytownresearch.org, an ous incidents have killed a total initiative within the pro-gun Ev- of 73 people, many of them stuerytown for Gun Safety Support dents. Everytown defines a school Fund, published a report on Saturday, Oct. 3 documenting every shooting as “any incident where reported single school shooting a firearm is discharged inside a across America since 2013. Ac- school building or on a school cording to the report, there have campus or grounds, as docubeen at least 142 school shoot- mented by the press and conings--the average of nearly one firmed through further inquiries with law enforcement.” It also a week. “How many more before our includes cases where a gun leaders pass common-sense laws went off accidentally, or where to prevent gun violence and save a would-be killer missed his tarlives?” the report asks. “Com- gets or surrendered. The map illustrates the obvious munities all over the country live in fear of gun violence. That’s threat guns pose to schools, in unacceptable. We should feel addition to their toll on students secure in sending our children to and faculty. 1/16 page HORIZONTAL Many of the cases of fatal school--comforted by the knowlshootings or gun injuries on the edge that they’re safe.” 3.87”W The report also 3.75”H includes an map reveals problems between interactive map of the US, with romantic partners or friends. clickable red dots on practically “This speaks to why, according every single state from Maine to gun researchers, the mere by Allyson
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presence of many guns makes society more dangerous,” wrote Zack Beauchamp on Vox. “When people routinely carry deadly weapons, the chances of emotionally charged conversations spiraling out of control are substantially higher.” A report by the Urban Institute also showed that in the single school district of Washington, DC, at least 336 gunshots were fired in the vicinity of campuses in one school year. Noting earlier incidents in Columbine, Virginia Tech, and Sandy Hook, studies have shown
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CALIFORNIA Democrats are losing faith in Hillary Clinton. According to a new Field Poll, the former first lady and secretary of state’s support has dramatically plummeted in the Golden State. Clinton has dropped 19 points since May, and 26 points since February, reported the San Jose Mercury News. In contrast, Clinton’s closest rival Bernie Sanders has surged in support, the poll found. “I think it primarily has to do with the fact that over the past few months almost all the news voters have heard about Hillary Clinton has been about this email scandal, and not her policy positions,” said Field Poll Director Mark DiCamillo. “The campaign is pretty much in a defensive mode and that’s never a good thing.” California Dems also think it would be a “good thing” for Vice President Joe Biden to enter next year’s presidential race, looking for something to get excited about. “Certainly we’ve been hearing a lot from the Republican side, they’ve been having spirited debates,” DiCamillo added. “Maybe Democrats would like to see a little more attention paid to their side, and if Biden got in, that would add a little more balance and drama to the campaign.” 63 percent of likely voters said
it would be a good thing if Biden, a strongly Catholic Democrat, runs for president. In contrast, only 15 percent said they would actually back him if he does. “What that says to me is that Democratic voters really would like the opportunity to see their candidate against any and all comers, and Biden would certainly be welcomed into the race,” he said. “That might turn more attention to the Democratic primary.” According to Reuters, an earlier Field Poll conducted in May found that 66 percent of likely primary voters supported Clinton as first lady during the administration of her husband, former President Bill Clinton, and later a US senator from New York. With four months to go before the first Iowa caucuses, and eight months before California voters decide on candidates, “it’s way too early to say what will happen,” DiCamillo said. “Especially given the upcoming Democratic debates, early primary results in other states, and whatever conclusion a federal investigation reaches on whether Clinton’s email practices jeopardized classified information.” With the email server controversy and ongoing questions about the Benghazi attack, DiCamillo noted, “If [Hillary] can effectively get people talking more about her issues than her emails, she has plenty of time to bounce back and widen her lead again.”
Only 47 percent of likely voters in next June’s Democratic primary now support Clinton. Meanwhile, Bernie Sanders’ support has grown from 9 percent in May to 35 percent currently. The selfdescribed “socialist” and Vermont senator has his strongest support in the actively liberal Bay Area, at 38 percent (to Clinton’s 45 percent). California is almost certain to be carried by a Democrat in November, the Mercury News reported. However, the Field Poll survey of 391 Democratic likely voters (from Sept. 17 to Oct. 4, with a five-percentage-point margin of error) seems to reflect the party’s inconsistency as candidates prepare for the first of six televised debates, hosted by CNN next Tuesday, Oct. 13 in Las Vegas. Beyond the Golden State, Sanders has closed the gap so that Clinton now leads by only 16 percentage points, according to an average of recent national polls compiled by Real Clear Politics. In Iowa, she leads Sanders by six points. In New Hampshire, Sanders leads Clinton by 11 points. Despite wavering from some supporters, California remains a rich source of campaign cash for Clinton -- she was in the Bay Area just last week to raise money in Saratoga, Belvedere, Orinda and San Francisco. Clinton is still the most likely
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A OCTOBER 10-13, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Dateline USa
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Brown signs into law bill aimed at eliminating racial profiling by Agnes
ConstAnte AJPress
CALIFORNIA Gov. Jerry Brown on Saturday, Oct. 3, signed into law a measure aimed at eliminating racial and identity profiling in law enforcement. AB953 enacts the Racial and Identity Profiling Act of 2015, which requires that law enforcement officials gather and release data on all stops made, that they abide by a revised definition of racial profiling – racial or identity profiling, and that a State Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory (RIPA) Board be established to oversee the execution of the law and analyze the data. A statewide coalition took to the front of the 77th Division LAPD station in South Central Los Angeles on Wednesday, Oct. 7, to inform law enforcement agencies about the upcoming changes. Family members and friends of individuals killed by law enforcement and youth who have regularly been subject to racial profiling were among people present at the police station and expressed thanks for the bill’s passage. “[Racial] profiling really goes on...throughout the streets of L.A... every day,” said Brandy Brown, a friend and neighbor of Ezell Ford, a black man who was shot and killed by law enforcement in August 2014. “Our lives are numbered every day we get up in the morning to get dressed for school or wherever we’re going.” “I thank God that I’m able to stand here today and work on AB953 and thank God that AB953 passed because maybe we would have more lives saved because of [it],” she said. Under the new law, authored by Assemblywoman Shirley Weber (D-San Diego), agencies must report information about stops made, including: the time, date and location of the stop; the reason for the stop; the outcome of the stop, such as a citation or arrest; the warning or violation cited if a warning or citation is issued; the offense charged if an arrest is made; and race or ethnicity, gender and approximate
Gov. Jerry Brown
age of the individual stopped, based on the perception of the peace officer who makes the stop -- this data cannot be requested from the person stopped. Mariella Saba with the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition cited data indicating that African Americans are the most affected by racial profiling. Additionally, she said that of 300 to 400 racial profiling complaints filed with the City of Los Angeles, the LAPD says zero are sustained on a yearly basis. Saba also cited a statistic stating that since the beginning of the year up until Oct. 3, when the bill was signed into law, 881 individuals have been killed by police. “So that’s what moves us to be here because these issues are very serious and we know that this is a tremendous step, passing this bill. But it’s a step and the accountability, the internal process that is going to have to happen within the department to really address racism.... It’s going to have to be a deep long process,” she said. AB953 stipulates that agencies employing 1,000 or more peace officers will be required to submit its first round of reports no later than April 1, 2019. With the LAPD employing approximately 9,000 sworn officers, according to its website, the agency will be subject to the 2019 deadline. While Asian Americans are not affected by profiling to the same extent as African Americans and
Latinos, Betty Hung, policy director at Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles, said AB953 is important to all Californians. “Racial and identity profiling and police brutality are issues that affect all communities but disproportionally affect Black and Latino communities. So we believe very strongly that it’s important to stand up for Black Lives Matter and also recognize that by addressing racial profiling and racial discrimination, that can strengthen and expand our democracy for everyone, including Asian Americans,” she said. The RIPA board will include up to 19 members, including but not limited to: the Attorney General, president of the California Public Defenders Association, the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol, or their designees. A university professor specializing in policing, and racial and identity equity, two religious clergy members specializing in addressing and reducing racial and identity bias toward individuals and groups; and two representatives of human or civil rights tax-exempt organizations specializing in civil or human rights are also among others who will participate in the board. At the end of Monday’s press conference, Pastor Cue Jn-Marie from The Row Church applauded members of the South Central community for speaking out and advocating for AB953. “They say the voice of the people in South Central don’t make a difference. Well we’re here to tell you it did make a difference.... In our communities, this is not a war zone. We don’t want to be treated like a war zone. We care about the public’s safety, and we’re here to say that we need to re-imagine and redefine public safety. But we can’t do it with the old paradigm of racism and racial profiling,” he said. Organizations that cosponsored AB953 include Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles, American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, L.A. Voice and the Youth Justice Coalition. n
Las Vegas mom pleads guilty to husband’s…
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Paet residence. Afterward, other witnesses reported that they saw Rodriguez at Jessica Ashley and Corry Hawkins’ apartment, where he allegedly burned his clothes in their fireplace. Ashley and Hawkins are considered codefendants and are still awaiting trial, The Associated Press said. Rodriguez, 36, who was found guilty of murder, conspiracy, burglary and weapon possession on Sept. 25, is expected to be sentenced separately and will face life in prison without parole. He has agreed to the life sentence and to waive future appeals to avoid the death sentence. Arrest records show that Rodriguez had previously been convicted of attempted forgery charges in 2007
and 2008. Michelle Paet and Rodriguez met each other while working at a telemarketing company in Las Vegas. The two reportedly planned the murder two months before and were going to be together after. Michelle Paet revealed that the murder plot was conspired to collect $650,000 in life insurance — $400,000 from the military and $250,000 from her husband’s insurance policy. In court on Thursday, she tearfully apologized to her slain husband’s relatives. “I’m sorry. I love you guys. I love my kids,” she said. Nathan Paet’s mother, Carmelita Paet, said that she accepted Michelle’s apology and did not
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want the death penalty. “We did not want that because Guam doesn’t have it,” Carmenita Paet said, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal “It’s never been an option back home, so we’re not used to that idea. And honestly right now, I feel that killing another person would not bring my son back. It’s not going to do anybody any good. It just breaks my heart, really, to think of killing another person. It doesn’t matter what they’ve done. I can’t handle that idea.” A source told the Asian Journal that Michelle Paet is of Filipino descent, and had met Nathan Paet in Guam. The two were high school sweethearts and were married in 2006. (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)
PH-US JOINT MILITARY EXERCISES. Philippine and US Marine troops simulate a boat raid by using a Riverine Utility Craft during joint military exercises at the Marine Base Gregorio Lim in Ternate, Cavite on Thursday, Oct. 8. The Philippine and US Marine Crops are conducting various drills on artillery operations, special operations, combined arms training, command exercises, base defense and amphibious operations. Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande
Gov. Brown signs bill aimed at eliminating…
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adding it will help California in “reaching toward greater equity.” Employers sued by workers would have to show that wage differences are “due to factors other than sex,” such as merit or seniority; that they are job-related and reasonable; and that they are not due to discrimination. Workers who believe they have been discriminated against said Tuesday that the new law would help bolster future labor cases. Employers will now be “accountable to pay women fairly,” said Aileen Rizo, a math consultant for the Fresno County Office of Education, who is suing the agency for allegedly paying her male colleague $12,000 more a year for the same work. The California Chamber of Commerce initially opposed the bill, but last week the business group said it ultimately changed its mind because “the legislation created a fair balance for workers and employers.” Republican lawmakers and national women’s rights leaders said the legislation was “a model for other states and for
Congress,” where similar efforts have been stalled by Republican opposition. Businesses said they expected more lawsuits once the new rules take effect on January 1. Equal Rights Advocates pointed out that wage disparities were particularly stark for Latina and African-American women. Women of color and mothers “continue to lose precious income to a pervasive, genderbased wage gap,” said Jennifer Reisch, legal director of Equal Rights Advocates. It is also said that about 1.75 homes in California are headed by women, and the wage gap between the sexes costs families in the state roughly $39 billion in a year. “The win here is undeniable. We think of 2015 as the year of fair pay,” said Equal Rights Advocates Executive Director Noreen Farrell. The bill was also part of a package of reforms that has been pushed by California’s Legislative Women’s Caucus, which also aimed to make workplace scheduling more accommodating to families, and to increase federal
aid to infants and children. The bills have not yet passed. The Obama administration has also made gender pay discrimination a priority in its agenda. In 2009, the White House signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and took some executive actions on the issue last year. California already has laws that ban employers from paying women less than men for the same jobs. The new California Fair Pay Act will broaden this prohibition, by saying bosses cannot pay their employees less than those of the opposite sex for “substantially similar work,” even if their titles are different or they have different job sites. The new law is the strongest in the US, according to the National Partnership for Women & Families, a Washington-based nonprofit advocacy group focused on fairness in the workplace. Commented Hollywood actress Patricia Arquette, who publically called for gender wage equality in her Academy Awards acceptance speech, “This [law] is a critical step toward ensuring that women in California are seen and valued as equals.” (Allyson Escobar/AJPress)
“Each time this happens, I’m going to say that we can actually do something about it. But we are going to have to change our laws. This is not something I can do by myself,” he said from the White House, demanding help from Congress to make gun control legislation possible and prevent any more risks. It was the President’s 15th address to the nation about a shooting incident during his administration, according to the White House Press Pool. “We are not the only country on Earth that has people with mental illnesses or want to do harm to other people. We are the only advanced country on Earth
that sees these kinds of mass shootings every few months,” Obama said, urging Americans to speak up about their views of gun control, and to vote for officials who reflect these views. “In our country when someone asks ‘did you hear about this school shooting?’ we need to ask, ‘which one?’ and that needs to change,” Colin Goddard, a survivor of the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting and a policy advocate at Everyone, told Newsweek. “I hope and pray that I don’t have to come out again during my tenure as president to offer my condolences to families in these circumstances,” Obama said. n
142 shootings at US schools since…
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the long-term impacts on the community as a whole--including reduced student enrollment, depression, and standardized test scores lowered by nearly 5 percent. The Umpqua shooting in Oregon is the 45th school shooting in 2015. The event incited an emotional, heated response from President Obama, who strongly advocated for gun control in a press conference following the incident. “My response here at this podium ends up being routine. The conversation and the aftermath of it, we’ve become numb to this,” Obama said on Thursday, Oct. 1st. “It cannot be this easy for someone who wants to inflict harm on other people to get his or her hands on a gun.”
Poll: Support for Hillary… PAGE A5 t
to win California’s primary and the nomination,” said Jack Citrin, director of UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies. “If only because she stands a better chance against any Republican nominee. It’s improbable to me that someone with Bernie Sanders’ background would be nominated, especially once people start thinking about what’s likely to happen in the general election.” “She communicates well with other countries...it isn’t just us, it’s the world, and we have to remember that,” Laurie Koester, 64, told the Field Poll. She also likes Clinton’s environmental views and how she handled Republican attacks on her trustworthiness, “with grace and aplomb.” Yet on Biden’s experience, Koester said: “[Biden] can enrich the race’s dialogue. He can kind of show her the ropes.” Overall, the Field Poll of Cali-
fornia Democratic likely voters found: - 47 percent support Hillary Clinton (down 19 points from May) while 35 percent support Bernie Sanders (up 26 points from May). - Clinton’s support is weakest (45 percent) and Sanders’ support is strongest (38 percent) in the Bay Area. - Clinton is doing much better (52 percent) than Sanders (22 percent) among Latino voters. - 63 percent believe it would be a good thing for Vice President Joe Biden to enter the race, but only 15 percent said they would vote for him if he does. - Fewer voters say they’d be enthusiastic about having Clinton as the party’s nominee: 37 percent now, compared to 46 percent in May. Another 42 percent say they would be satisfied if Clinton wins the nomination, while 26 percent would be dissatisfied. n
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A
Plaque set for first Fil-Am Olympic diving gold medalist
RAINY SEASON. While the rainy season is officially over, there are still at least seven cyclones expected to enter the Philippines until the end of the year. Shelly Ignacio of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said by phone on Friday that there were still 7 to 12 tropical cyclones that may affect the country. Light rains may still prevail every now and then despite the termination of the southwest monsoon, she said. Inquirer.net photo
US Navy ship plans to sail near Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;islandsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; BEIJING â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Beijing expressed â&#x20AC;&#x153;serious concernâ&#x20AC;? on Thursday, Oct. 8, about a reported US plan to challenge Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s South China Sea territorial claims by sailing a Navy ship near one of its newly built artificial islands. The US newspaper Navy Times reported on Wednesday, Oct. 7, that the Navy may soon receive approval for the mission to sail inside the 22-kilometer (12-nautical mile) territorial limit surrounding one of the man-made structures. That would drive home Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stance that the artificial islands do not constitute sovereign territory and build a legal case under international law for the US position, the newspaper said. Five other governments also claim the region in part or in total. The United States doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take a formal position on sovereignty but insists on freedom of navigation in the vital sea lanes and airspace above. Asked about the report at a daily briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said China had long made clear its position on the South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety, along with its islands, reefs and atolls. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have not noticed the latest report you have mentioned. However, having heard what you said, we express serious concern about it,â&#x20AC;? Hua said. China and the United States have discussed the issue on numerous occasions, including during President Xi Jinpingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state
visit to Washington last month, Hua said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hope the US can look upon the current situation of the South China Sea from an objective and fair perspective and play a constructive role together with
China in keeping the peace and stability in the South China Sea,â&#x20AC;? Hua said. The Navy Times report said rumors had been circulating since May about plans to send
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SAN FRANCISCO â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Filipino American Olympic heroine Victoria Manalo Draves will be honored with a special plaque unveiling October 10 by the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA). Draves was the first American woman to win two gold medals for diving and became the first woman of Filipino heritage to win an Olympic gold medal. She won them in both springboard and platform at the 1948 Olympics in London. Born in the South of Market area in 1924, Draves attended school on the same site that would become the neighborhood park named in her honor in 2006. The plaque ceremony on October 10 will be held at Victoria Manalo Draves Park, located at Folsom and Sixth Street. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Victoria Manalo Draves was a brilliant athlete and a great role model for both women and Asian American communities,â&#x20AC;? said District 6 Supervisor Jane Kim
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whose district includes Victoria Manalo Draves Park. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am proud to be honoring her legacy as an athlete and as an Asian American woman who never gave up on her dreams despite the discrimination that she faced.â&#x20AC;? She did not try diving until the age of 16. A year later, she attempted to join the Fairmont Hotel Swimming and Diving Club but was rejected because of her
Filipino name, according to The New York Times. She was able to compete only after changing her last name to Taylor, her motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maiden name. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Bronze Plaque in honor of Victoria Manalo Draves contributes to the vibrancy of San Francisco and illustrates Rec and Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s partnership with the SoMA community,â&#x20AC;? said Rudy
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A OCTOBER 10-13, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Dateline USa
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Does DACA make you more dateable? by Michael lozano NewAmericaMedia
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Two years ago, everything seemed to fall into place for Chando Kem, from his mental state to his work and love life. That was when the Long Beach resident applied for and received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a program that grants certain undocumented youth temporary relief from deportation, a social security number, and a permit to work. “Now I’m not afraid to walk anywhere,” said the native of Cambodia who has lived most of his life undocumented. Kem may only be 21, but he has been through a lot. He’s worked under the table and been robbed of overtime pay due to him. Without an I.D., he’s missed out on memories with friends at clubs. Without a license, he has had to pick up his dates on the bus, sometimes being late. Deportation was always at the back of his mind. “My whole life got better,” said Kem, laughing, after he qualified for the program in February 2013. “Mentally, I feel more relief and more legitimate. I’m not going to be deported.” Since it was launched by President Obama in 2012, DACA has benefitted the lives of over 680,000 people like Kem so far, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data. Besides a healthier state of mind, Kem now has a betterpaying job as an outreach ambassador for Long Beach City College. “Prior to that, I felt like I was stuck in limbo, not being able to grow,” said Kem, who worked only under the table jobs before. Kem used to work as a wedding server at a Long Beach restaurant, juggling school part-time. He often served during breaks and was not paid the overtime hours he performed. “It was rough because I worked from 6 PM to 3 AM. We were always understaffed. Yeah, it was tiring,” Kem recalled. He estimates the employer robbed him of “a few thousand” dollars in overtime. Now that he has a work permit through DACA, Kem was able to find a job that he loves. “This job is awesome. They work with my schedule. They respect my time,” said Kem, who provides
college resources to high school students. “I want to reach the undocumented kids that feel shy,” he said. Free from deportation, and with a better job, dates on the bus are also no more: Kem has a driver’s license, and it does not have the distinguishing mark that AB 60 licenses have. Some immigrants feared that the mark, which states “Federal Limits Apply,” may lead to profiling. “I can commute wherever I want, whenever I want,” said Kem, who doesn’t bug his friends for rides anymore. He was often late to dates, especially when he missed the bus. His dates would ask him why he couldn’t drive. “Prior to DACA, I felt a stigma,” said Kem. “Especially when you’re in the dating stage, I don’t really tell people, ‘Hey, I’m undocumented.’” It’s the same stigma that keeps many Asian-Pacific Islander (API) youth from applying to DACA, Kem says. Only 21 percent of eligible Asians have applied for DACA, compared to 77 percent of Latinos, according to a report by the Migration Policy Institute that looks at immigrants from the top four counties in Asia and the top 12 countries in Latin America. “We’re culturally more reserved and more timid to talk about undocumented status,” Kem explained. “Culturally, it’s [seen as] a shameful thing to come here illegally.” The Migration Policy Institute estimates there are 152,000 Asian immigrants who are eligible for DACA, the largest concentration of them in California. Kem was a Dream Summer intern this past season, where he worked to educate people in API communities about DACA. He discovered that many did not
know what DACA was. Asian Americans need to join the immigration movement to diversify it, Kem said, perform more outreach, and gain as strong a media presence on the issue of immigration as Latinos have. “That really brings power to the Latino voice,” Kem said. “Stigma is silencing,” Kem said. “The more you talk about it, the more you kill stigma.” For all its privileges, DACA does have its limits. It costs $465 to apply and also to renew, and beneficiaries can apply to travel outside the country only for humanitarian, educational, or job-related reasons. The last time Kem was in his Cambodian hometown of Phnom Penh was when he was seven. Since then, his mother, a business owner in Phnom Penh, has visited him in Long Beach sporadically throughout the years. Yet many areas of Kem’s life have improved thanks to DACA. In particular, Kem’s dating life has gotten better. He recently picked up his girlfriend in his 2002 Toyota Solara for a date to Disneyland. He was on time. “What are you waiting for?” Kem asks those who haven’t applied yet. “Opportunity [comes] to you,” he says, when you are able to get a social security number, a work permit, or an unmarked driver’s license. “It’s a tremendous change to your life.” This profile was produced for New America Media in collaboration with Ready California (Ready-California.org), a statewide coalition working to ensure that the maximum number of eligible Californians benefit from DACA and DAPA. For more information about how to apply for DACA, go to: www.ilrc. org/daca.
MOBBED. SM opened a new mall on Friday, Oct. 9 in Cabanatuan City and it was well met by the Cabanatueños. Like, really well met. This curious appreciation for this new commercial center becomes understandable after the fact that it is the newest mall to open in Cabanatuan in the last decade. Inquirer.net photo by Edgar Allan Rayo
thiS Week in RevieW US Kevin McCarthy drops out for House Speaker FOLLOWING the retirement of John Boehner, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy has suddenly dropped out of the race as Boehner’s successor. “If we’re going to unite and be strong, we need a new face to do that,” McCarthy told reporters, adding that he did not to win on the House floor with barely enough votes. The decision came without warning as House Republicans were in a closed-door meeting to select their nominee for the next speaker. There is no clear successor for the position, throwing the House of Representatives into an uncertain “chaos.” Following the announcement, Boehner subsequently postponed the vote. House Rep. Paul Ryan has told House Republicans privately that he is considering a run for the position.
Fatal school shooting in Arizona EARLY Friday morning, Oct. 9, an 18-year-old freshman at Northern Arizona University opened fire on a group of students after a conflict in a campus parking lot, leaving one student dead and three severely injured, according to university officials. The shooter, identified as Steven Jones, surrendered his handgun to campus police and was taken into custody. “We don’t know the facts yet about what brought them together, or what caused the confrontation,” said NAU campus police Chief Greg Fowler. “The condition of the three injured students [is] not known, but it would be safe to say [they were shot] multiple times.” The shooting was the second on/near a college campus to leave a student dead.
Disney reveals first Pacific Islander princess, Moana 14-YEAR-old Auli’I Cravalho, a native Hawaiian, will be the voice of Disney’s newest princess from the Pacific. Cravalho won the role of Moana, a brave young girl who lived 2,000 years ago who will embark on a journey to fulfill her ancestors’ quest in a new animated film. “She’s brave, she is so empowered, she knows what she wants and she’s not afraid to get it, and I think that’s something I can relate to as well,” the young actress from Oahu said. The studio also released a screengrab of the young, curly-haired princess along with another character, the demi-god Maui, who will be voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Moana will hit theaters on Nov. 23, 2016.
New research says overthinking “worriers” are hidden creative geniuses A RECENT study by cognitive science researchers Dr. Adam Perkins, Danilo Arnone, Jonathan Smallwood, and Dean Mobbs looks at the worriers and “over-thinkers” of the world as highly intelligent, creative geniuses. The researcher’s made a connection between anxiety and a stronger imagination, saying people who are often worried are “incredibly developed, creative people…due to high levels of spontaneous activity in the parts of the medial prefrontal cortext…high scorers on neuroticism have a highly active imagination.” In other words, worry has helped people make insanely beneficial, creative decisions that affect humankind. “Vivid imaginations have helped humanity’s best nature,” said Dr. Perkins. “Cheerful, happy-go-lucky people by definition do not brood about problems and so must be at a disadvantage when problem-solving compared to a more neurotic person.”
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US Navy ship plans to sail near China’s new ‘…
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a ship through China’s claimed territorial waters. It cited three Pentagon officials speaking on background as saying that Navy officials now believe “approval of the mission is imminent.” It’s not clear how China might respond to such an action, although Beijing issued a formal protest over an incident in May in which a Chinese Navy dispatcher demanded eight times that a US Navy P8-A Poseidon surveillance aircraft leave the area as it flew over Fiery Cross Reef, where China has conducted extensive reclamation work. The US crew responded that
WHAT WE WANT. Students participating in the nationwide simultaneous letter-writing to the Next President show their handwritten pieces. The event was held to mark National Letter Writing Day and the World Post Day which are aimed to bring back old-fashioned letter writing in the Digital Information Age. ManilaTimes.net photo by Miguel De Guzman
Carson, Calif. salutes immigrants at Fil-Am History Month fest by Florante
Peter Ibanez Inquirer.net
ARSON, Calif. — The City of Carson boasts that it was the first city to formally recognize and declare every October 25 as “Larry Itliong Day” in honor of the labor leader’s birthday. It has also long observed October as Filipino American History Month. Last Saturday, October 3, with the Filipino and American flags fluttering in the morning breeze beside the statue of Jose Rizal at the Carson Community Center, Mayor Pro Tem Elito Santarina welcomed dignitaries and community leaders to start the month-long celebrations. Among the guests were Philippines Vice Consul, Dyan Miranda-Pastrana, State Senator Isadore Hall III and Carson Mayor Albert Robles. Award-winning singer Christine Love and Manny Evaldez entertained attendees. Longtime community activist and author of Filipinos in Carson and the South Bay Roselyn Estepa Ibanez (who is married to this reporter) delivered the keynote address, recalling her own life as part of an immigrant U.S. Navy family. She recalled not being encouraged to speak any Philippine dialect. Her father, a proud U.S. Navy man, had her stand up on a table in the local Filipino barbershop at age five to recite the pledge of allegiance, to show off her unac-
cented English-speaking skills. Like most immigrant parents, her parents wanted their children to quickly assimilate into mainstream America, get an education and a good career to have a better life. Ibanez narrated the waves of immigration, starting with youthful pioneering plantation and cannery workers and student pensionados from the early 1900s, and even earlier, enterprising Manilamen who jumped ship from Spanish galleons and established the first settlement in the Bayous of New Orleans as early as the 1700s. Next came WWII Veterans who had to petition to be able to join the U.S. Army at the outbreak of the war and who eventually brought back war brides and started families and communities in cities near military bases, like San Diego, Alameda and Long Beach in California. After the 1965 change in U.S. immigration policy, the floodgates opened, allowing the yearly arrival of 20,000 Filipino professionals and skilled workers, which included nurses, engineers, accountants and other technicians as well as allowing for family reunification. But there were challenges along the way. Ibanez quoted Johnny Itliong, son of the labor hero, Larry Itliong, “My father came to this country when he was only 15 years old, because
American was the land of opportunity. Once he came there were many hardships and injustices as to how they were treated. Just after one year in America, my dad was striking and picketing for better working conditions in the lettuce fields of Seattle. My father taught me how to be a good man, to be a good leader and to be a good father.” She also told the story of a more recent immigrant in the 1970s, her friend Carolyn Ojeda-Kimbrough, who recently retired as a California State Fullerton professor of Asian American Studies. Ojeda-Kimbrough recalled not knowing anybody but her family when she first arrived she believing that Filipinos had only arrived after 1965. That is until she met a young Filipino American whom she at first believed was just being snooty because she did not speak Tagalog, whom she believed was just being snooty, but who instead educated her on Filipinos’ long history in America. It changed her life. “I was lucky I came in the ‘70s when many of the manongs were still alive,” Ojeda-Kimbrough later recalled. “I met Philip Vera Cruz and many of the leaders of the UFW and learned their history with racism, discrimination, anti-miscegenation, their struggle for equality. I had the benefit of learning directly from their stories. The manongs are gone now but their stories have not
Plaque set…
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Asercion, executive director of NaFFAA Region VIII. Since many people who use Victoria Manalo Draves Park do not know who she was or what she accomplished, the community wanted to provide that history by installing a plaque near the entrance of the park that tells her story and celebrates her achievements. “Ms. Draves is an idol for young boys and girls everywhere, she changed diving forever,” said Phil Ginsburg, SF Rec & Park General Manager. “We’re proud to be able to tell her story in the park named for her.” In addition to the unveiling of the plaque, there will be a live performance of Singkil by Johnny Velasco Dance Troupe. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. with the National Anthems of both the United States and the Philippines. (Inquirer,net) been forgotten. I became a college professor who would teach the new generation of Filipino Americans of their history in this country.” Ibanez urged attendees to continue learning from the stories that make up the collective Filipino American experience. “There are many untold stories to be told, there are many books to be written and to be read. There will be many histories to be made,” she concluded. Later that afternoon at the Carson Regional Public Library, patrons were treated to a program also celebrating Filipino American history month, jointly sponsored by the Filipino American Library, FANHS-LA Chapter, Friends of the Carson Library and Inquirer.net. n
they were flying through international airspace. The United States and its allies, including the Philippines, have repeatedly called on China to stop the massive island construction, saying it has increased tensions in an increasingly militarized area and threatened regional stability. They say the project, which includes the construction of buildings, ports and airstrips, violates a 2002 regional pact signed by Beijing which urges rival claimants not to undertake new con-
struction or take any step that would worsen tensions. Speaking in July, the commander of the US Pacific Fleet, Adm. Scott Swift, said Washington did not recognize any of the territorial claims and its position won’t change even if disputed areas are reinforced by construction work. “We recognize those claims as being contested and the contested nature of those claims is unchanged despite the reclamation efforts of any country, any country, not just China,” Swift said. (Inquirer.net)
A10 OCTOBER 10-13, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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OpiniOn
Features
Make autonomy work THERE are debates on whether or not to declare the demise of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. As originally agreed upon by the peace panels of the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the BBL does look dead in the two chambers of Congress, where members are busy drafting their own respective versions of the measure. The peace initiative in the Muslim areas of Mindanao, however, is certain to continue. And the area itself where peace is needed can do with continuing support from the government and other concerned sectors. There is an existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, created by law and supported by a peace pact forged in 1996 with the original separatist group, the Moro National Liberation Front, from which the MILF broke away. The ARMM has a government in place, with its budget part of the annual General Appropriations Act. Last Monday, the House of Representatives approved the proposed P29.4-billion ARMM budget for 2016. That’s a lot of public funds for a region that the Aquino administration, in pushing for a new peace pact and the creation of a new Bangsamoro entity, has dismissed as a “failed experiment.” If the ARMM is a failed experiment, the current administration, in office for over five years, will have to share part of the
blame. With the fate of the BBL in limbo, the government must continue providing basic services to the people of the ARMM while at the same time intensifying development efforts in the region. There should be a stronger push to create meaningful jobs and livelihood opportunities in the ARMM, particularly in agriculture. The ARMM is blessed with rich natural resources and has potentials for tourism. The government must not pin all its hopes on the peace process with the MILF to promote development and push investments in an autonomous region whose existence is recognized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Even while the government continues to pursue peace with the MILF and other armed elements in the Muslim regions, there must be more effort to bring development to the ARMM. Muslim autonomy is in place and it should be made to work. (Philstar.com)
Guest Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Do you support the law that allows a terminally ill patient to have the option of physician-assisted suicide? WHAT would you do if you are very sick, suffering from excruciating pain because of an illness that has no cure? What would you do if your days are numbered and you would just rely on pain medication to manage the severe pain, which would just make you sleep…and sleep… and sleep…only to wake up and feel the pain and again? Such was the unfortunate case of Brittany Maynard, a 29-year-old brain cancer patient, who had to move from California to Oregon to take advantage of that state’s assisted suicide law and die there. “My wife, Brittany Maynard, spoke up last year to make a difference for terminally ill individuals who are facing a potentially harsh dying process,” intimated Maynard’s widower, Dan Diaz. They lobbied passionately for the bill when it was before the legislature in California.
As Reuters reported, those Last Monday, Oct. 5, Califorwho advocated for the passage nia became the fifth state in the The Fil-Am of the physician-assisted suicide nation to legalize assisted suibill have tried for decades to cide for terminally ill patients. Perspective help end-stage cancer and other Oregon, Washington, Montana patients to die with less pain and Vermont were the four states and suffering. They failed six that approved of this measure times in the legislature or the ahead of California. The bill was ballot box before finally winning signed into law by Governor Jer- Gel sAntos-relos passage last month. ry Brown, despite intense oppoThe bill faced strong opposition from some sition from some religious and disability rights religious groups, including the Roman Catholic groups. The new California law allows doctors to pre- Church, and from advocates for people with disscribe medication to end a patient’s life if two doc- abilities. They contended that unscrupulous caretors agree the person has only six months to live givers or relatives could pressure vulnerable patients to take their own lives. and is mentally competent. Reuters further reported that those who opThis law, which goes into effect on January 1, makes it a felony to pressure anyone into request- posed worry that the bill would invite insurance companies to take advantage of poor patients by ing or taking assisted suicide drugs.
offering to pay for the cost of life-ending drugs, but not for the expensive treatments that could save lives. Like the Maynards, supporters of the bill said the measure would allow people who are terminally ill to die with dignity and greater comfort. Reuters further said the law will expire after 10 years unless extended. This was a compromise with lawmakers who were worried about unintended consequences such as the targeting of the poor, elderly and disabled. Do you support this new law? Would you choose this option for yourself, if ever? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
Infants’ spiritual lessons for nurturing parents/grandparents “IN the infant stage, the primary spiritual agenda re- Rhizomes volves around oneness and togetherness. This is when the deepest bonding takes place. The child Prosy AbArquezand parent infuse DelAcruz, J.D. each other, rhythmically synchronizing their body and mind to the other. The child’s breath, cries, and gaze merge with the parent’s original biological and psychological signature, creating a new template. The parent’s mindset, including fantasies, fears, inhibitions, and courage are registered in the infant’s body at a cellular level. Everything is stored, enriching the blood, making the skin smoother, strengthening the muscles. The way a child’s parents burst into laughter or smiles only hesitatingly, welcome the rain on their face or run for cover, embrace their fears or cower in shame, invite challenges or succumb to doubt, panic or calmly soothe their infant when it cries—all of this is noted by the infant, who is soaking it in. This is where the bricks and mortar of the infant’s sense of self are laid, and where the parent first forms its identity as a caregiver and nurturer.” —Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D., The Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering our Children, Preface by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, 2010. When I became pregnant with my first child, Corina, I opted for parenting classes. My intention was to be a nurturing mother who loved my daughter unconditionally, and one who can also provide the space for her to gain independence, self-reliance and be decisive. I stumbled into Magda Gerber’s philosophy of Raising Self-Confident Children, who derived her parenting principles from watching orphans, raised in one of Hungary’s orphanages. As they grew, they became self-confident chil-
dren. She debunked the myth that foster children cannot become healthy self-confident children. Her philosophy anchored on “respect for, and trust in the baby to be an initiator, an explorer, and a self-learner.” Babies have innate wisdom from birth. From that innate wisdom, we take cues and respond to their needs, Magda told us. Like diapering changes, or changing clothes, or feeding them, we can watch for their cues, request for their cooperation and respect their boundaries. A chore becomes an invitation, to dance and to be in synchrony: the parent with her infant or the grandparent with her grandbaby. The infant is not pulling away, but learns to be a teammate, and the parent/grandparent becomes a patient and communicative caregiver. Both souls are then enriched with the experience, a smile to the caregiver and more conversations from the caregiver to the infant and gratification becomes the results for both. Magda encouraged us, the parents, to provide a 24/7 safe environment, free of hazards -- nothing that would make the babies fall and with no objects that could harm them. When an infant is lavished with this conscious presence, a quality kind of attention, as in an adult observing his/her play, displaying a keen interest in who they are. These actions lead to making the child feel more secure, appreciated and that “secure perspective becomes the way that the child sees life.” Raising them with this full measure of respect communicates to an infant, that s/he is a human being, and not as an object, with either a pacifier on her mouth, or placed in a walker. (The New York Times report on research studies by pediatricians showed walkers de-
layed infants’ brain development.) Magda Gerber emphasized growing infants to be “an authentic being who feels secure, autonomous and competent.” Mutuality of respect Magda showed the parents a safe play area: a wooden deck, framed on three sides, with adults blocking the entrance. She laid out a simple rug, and some toys: toys that did not make noise, unless they were picked up and shaken by the infants. Some had shapes which infants can hold onto, like a simple handkerchief, held it up in the air, to be looked at. I watched several infants gravitate to the colored handkerchiefs and kept themselves occupied at this simple play. Another held a plastic ball with many holes, big enough for infants’ fingers to grab onto, while a stack of plastic cups and even stainless spoons were in one corner for the toddlers. While Magda was teaching the parents, the infants were busy. The infants were laid on their backs, some were able to turn over and did. Others crawled. But they stayed occupied with their toys, undisturbed by adults’ instructions or cues. Magda got us to recognize that it is about making the infants first, respecting their needs first, and with that invested primacy of respect, the infants respond back by respecting parents. I tried this with my two children, raising them to be self-confident, decisive with what they want to be, and now competent, self-reliant and quite compassionate productive adult/citizens. They are not perfect, but to this parent, I admire them for showing me how to balance life with fun and convictions to pursue their careers and social causes. With Princess Princess’s day starts with a greeting, with both grandparents giving her hearty kisses and a welcome fit for a Princess. She responds with joy, kick-
Princess
Photo by Enrique Delacruz
ing both of her legs and the biggest smiles. I simply sit beside her and with my smartphone, record her moves from play to play. Let me share a highlight: one day, my husband, Enrique was playing the violin for her. Princess crawled to her xylophone, a toy I gave to her three weeks ago and showed her once how to use the sticks. That day, she took one of the sticks and pounded on her xylophone. At such a young age, she interacted. When I needed to write an article, I waited until she was asleep. But, one day, I couldn’t, so I set up a play zone in the library. As she crawled towards the piano, I knew that was my cue to stop. We sat on the piano bench and she touched the piano keys. After the requisite attention she needed, I put her down to play again. When I respected her needs, she ended up respecting mine. Not all days are idyllic, but most days are. Dr. Tsabary reminds us that caring for infants teaches us to access the deep-
est parts of our hearts and souls. We imprint our children with how we care for them, much like what Magda Gerber taught us. Teach them that they are royalties deserving of our quality attention, and they become independent, self-reliant, self-confident, competent individuals. But also, we must teach them how to pray and how to love God with all of our beings, as we are loved by God, who created us all in His likeness. *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for Asian Journal Press for 8 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in the field of science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium and Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, in pursuit of her love for arts.
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Dateline PhiliPPines
MAMASAPANO INCIDENT COMMITTEE REPORT. Minority Floor Leader Juan Ponce Enrile inquires about the status of the committee report on the Mamasapano incident during the plenary proceedings. “It is not only for the courage, the valor, and the sacrifices of the fallen and surviving SAF members in that ghastly and brutal carnage to be placed in the annals of this august Chamber, but also to demonstrate to the general public and to let the people know how their Senate dealt with the complex issues that were discovered and brought to light during the Senate investigation,” Enrile said in his privilege speech. Senate photo by Joe Arazas
Gabriela calls for Pemberton’s conviction a year after Laude’s death by Yuji
Vincent Gonzales Inquirer.net
DAYS before the first anniversary of the murder of Jennifer Laude, women’s group Gabriela on Friday reiterated its call for justice, saying US Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton should be convicted after admitting that he choked the Filipino transgender. “Pemberton has admitted to strangling Jennifer after he discovered her gender. This is clear proof of his guilt and we are hoping that justice will prevail this time,” Gabriela secretary general Joms Salvador said in a statement. In October last year, Laude was found dead in a bathroom of a motel in Olongapo City. In a hearing on Laude’s murder in August, Scott admitted that he choked Laude, whom he met at a bar, after finding out that she was also a “man.” In his testimony, Scott said he got angry when he reached down between Laude’s legs during a sex act and discovered his part-
ner had a penis, as he felt he was being raped by another man. In May, Philippine National Police medico-legal officer and pathologist Dr. Maritess Ombao testified that Laude died due to strangulation and asphyxia by drowning. Salvador lamented that cases of violence committed by American troops in the past did not progress in courts because of alleged intervention of the United States with settlements. “Recently, reports of offers for settlement with amounts ranging from P21M to P38M plus US visas were floated but were rejected by the Laude family,” Salvador said. “The US will do everything, from fair to foul, to protect its interests. What is at stake here is beyond Jennifer Laude and Pemberton but its politico-military policy Pivot to Asia. It is aware of the consequences of Jennifer’s murder on the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Mutual Defense Treaty,” she added. Reiterating Gabriela’s call to convict Pemberton of murder
and jail him in a Philippine facility, Salvador warned that the US could be arranging a “compromise conviction on homicide rather than murder to appease the family and the protesters but will nevertheless insist on retaining custody of Pemberton based on VFA provisions.” “The US already won the case even before it began because of the VFA. The compromise will be met because Pemberton’s guilt cannot be denied,” Salvador said. “Jail Pemberton in Philippine jail, based on our laws. Punishment for violence against women is a noncompromise. Only in this way can we send the message that the Filipino people, especially women, will not allow the US or any other country to trample on our sovereignty,” she added. Pemberton, who is facing a murder charge over Laude’s death at the Olongapo Regional Trial Court Branch 74 following a December 2012 complaint, is currently detained at the Joint US Military Assistance Group facility of Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. n
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Junjun Binay’s camp questions ‘suspicious’ timing of dismissal order by Yuji
BUDGET HEARING. Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, chair of the Senate Finance Subcommittee G, listens to the presentation of Secretary Sonny Coloma on the proposed 2016 Budget of the Presidential Communications Operations Office and its attached agencies during a public hearing, Thursday, Oct. 8. Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo
Vincent Gonzales Inquirer.net
THE camp of dismissed Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay on Friday, Oct. 9 questioned the supposedly suspicious timing of the Ombudsman’s order to dismiss the former from service and disqualify him from holding any public office over the controversial Makati parking building. Binay’s lawyer Atty. Claro Certeza expressed doubts as to why the order came just days before the start of the filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2016 elections. “Ang tingin ko ‘yun ang gusto nilang gawin—kapag si Mayor Junjun eh magfile ng COC, eh wala pang eleksyon mate-technical na siya,” Certeza said over Radyo Inquirer 990AM. Certeza said the order was also meant to damage the presidential bid of Binay’s father, Vice
President Jejomar Binay, who is also facing corruption allegations over anomalous deals when he was still Makati mayor. “Ito rin ang paraan para ang kanyang ama eh mabahiran ng kontrobersiya,” Certeza said. In a separate interview with ABS-CBN News Channel, Certeza said the timing will negatively impact both the Vice President and his son. “The Ombudsman is more concerned with propagating this resolution to the media than to the parties themselves,” he said. “It’s an indirect way of attacking and destroying the credibility of the Vice President.” Saying that their camp has already presented all evidence to the Ombudsman, Certeza maintained that there were no grounds to dismiss the younger Binay. “Kailngan talagang suriin ‘yang reso na ‘yan para tayo ay
maliwanagan ano ba talaga ang batayan,” Certeza said, noting that they have yet to receive a copy of the order. “Lalung-lalo nang walang batayan na ma-forfeit kung ano mang benepisyo meron siya. Hayaan n’yo munang mabasa ko ang resolution,” he added. Citing grave misconduct and dishonesty, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales has ordered the dismissal of Binay over the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall Building II. She also ordered Binay’s perpetual disqualification from office and forfeiture of his retirement benefits. Certeza said their next move was to go to the Court of Appeals, “but the problem is the decision is immediately executory.” “Pag-aaralan ko muna kung kailangan mag-file ng motion for reconsideration o derekta na akong mag-appeal sa mataas na hukuman,” he said. n
BoC vows to speed up cargo inspection as holiday season nears Remembering ‘People’s Dragon’ Joker Arroyo by Prinz
by rosette
P. MaGtulis
Philstar.com
MANILA – In preparation for the Christmas season, the Bureau of Customs has tightened its rules on holding up suspected cargoes for inspection to fast track their release and avoid a repeat of a port congestion last year. “Effective immediately, shipments can only be held through a validly issued alert order. Any official, employee or person who aids in detaining a shipment in a manner not compliant with this shall be subject to administrative and criminal actions,” Customs said in a statement on Oct. 8. Alert orders are issued to shipments which are found to have contain potential illegal imports or in violation of existing trade laws. The order allows Customs to conduct personal inspection aside from the common X-ray evaluation. Seeing potential abuse in holding up cargoes, the lifting of an alert order by Office of the Commissioner should act as a free-pass to the shipment which should not be held by any other Customs official. Previously, alert orders can be issued and lifted by the commissioner, deputy commissioners for intelligence and enforcement
adel
Philstar.com
The Bureau of Customs is tasked to collect P436.59 billion this year.
groups as well as all district collectors. The new regulations limit the lifting of the alert order to the Customs chief and the district collector in charge of the shipment. “A shipment already alerted and examined shall not be subject to another alert or examination to minimize unnecessary costs for importers,” the bureau said. “Once the alert order has been lifted and the shipment has been tagged in the On-Line Release System, no alerting office can hold it any further for whatever reason, unless a recommenda-
Philstar.com file photo
tion is submitted to the commissioner for an issuance of a special stop order,” it explained. Agaton Uvero, deputy commissioner for assessment and operations coordinating group, said the new rules will help prevent congestion at the country’s ports during the holiday season when shipments dramatically increase. “(This) will address the apprehensions of… traders, importers, shipping lines and forwarders with regard to the possible repeat of the port congestion problems last year which resulted (in) billions of losses to the business
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MANILA – Former Sen. Joker Arroyo, a human rights lawyer and freedom fighter, shocked the public of his sudden demise at the age of 88. Arroyo, also known as “People’s Dragon” or “Pipol’s Dragon” and popular for his motto “’Pag bad ka, lagot ka!” left a legacy in fighting for freedom rights. He was born on Jan. 5, 1927 in Naga City, Camarines Sur. After graduating at the Ateneo de Manila and UP College of Law, Arroyo served the public by handling more human rights cases than any other lawyer from 1972 to 1986. His passion for human and freedom rights raised Arroyo’s national consciousness that lead to challenging Proclamation 1080 imposing martial law before the Supreme Court. He questioned the 1973 Constitution promulgated after then President Ferdinand Marcos’s declaration of military rule. During the period of martial law, Arroyo defended several political detainees which include Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Eugenio Lopez Jr., Serge Osmeña III, Jose Maria Sison, Jovito Salonga, Nene Pimentel, Eva Kalaw, Renato Tañada, Eduardo Olaguer
In this January 2012 file photo, Sen. Joker Arroyo sits as a senator-judge at the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona. After years in law profession and public service, Arroyo passed away at the age of 88. Senate PRIB
and many others. For opposing Marcos’s iron rule, Arroyo went through physical and mental torture. He was imprisoned in a military stockade, gassed, injured and hospitalized during protest rallies. Arroyo also served as counsel of former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino in the snap elections in 1986, co-founded MABINI and FLAG with other human rights lawyer, and became member of the American Bar Association and Senior Lawyers Division. Prior to becoming a senator, Arroyo had gone through a long
journey of serving the public. He first became the Executive Secretary in the Aquino cabinet from 1986 to 1992, chair of Philippine National Bank and as Executive Director for the Philippines in the Asian Development Bank from 1986 to1990, and even served as the 1st District of Makati from 1992 to 1998 before he stepped up as a senator in 2001. During his three terms as a congressman for Makati, Arroyo obtained 80-percent of the votes cast in the election that earned him an Outstanding Congressman of the Year and the title
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PH among worst places to die – study by CharMie Joy
Pagulong Philstar.com
MANILA – A 2015 Quality of Death study index has listed the Philippines as one of the worst places to die, next to Iraq and Bangladesh. The Economist Intelligence Unit report, commissioned by Singapore nonprofit Lien Foundation, indicated that the Philippines, out of 80 countries, scored poorly in terms of the quality of end-of-life care available. The quality of death index was measured across five categories – palliative and healthcare envi-
ronment, human resources, affordable care, quality of care and level of community engagement. The low ranking of the Philippines in the overall scores of quality of death index was attributed to the severe shortage of specialized palliative care professionals, lack of governmentled strategy for the development and promotion of national palliative care, limited number of government subsidies or programs for individuals accessing palliative care services, and limited public understanding and awareness of palliative care services.
Out of a list of 80 countries, the Philippines was placed near bottom when it comes to providing quality palliative care services. The country ranked 78th while Thailand came in 44th, China 71st and India 67th. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom was considered the best place to die in the world, along with other rich nations such as Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Belgium, Taiwan, Germany, the Netherlands and the US, respectively. In Asia, the top places in the good death race are Taiwan (6th), Singapore (12th), Japan (14th) and South Korea (18th). n
OFW party-list rep to run for president by rosette
adel
Philstar.com
MANILA – An Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Family Club party-list representative and former Kuwait ambassador on Thursday, Oct. 8 announced his presidential bid in 2016. “I’m running for president. I’m happy to inform you I have a complete slate. I have a vice presidential candidate, 12 senators. I’m running under a Comelec-accredited party,” Rep. Roy Señeres said in a press conference. Señeres said he declared his intention to run for the highest post since he was urged by a manifesto from the OFW FORSE (Friends of Roy Señeres Everywhere), the ATAKK (Alisin
ang Tanikala ng Kontraktwalisasyon at Kurapsyon), and the Respect our Security of Employment Movement. Señeres hopes that he will not be considered as a nuisance candidate since he has proven his electability as congressman. The party-list lawmaker also said he has yet to announce his running mate and 12 senatorial candidates. Señeres and his entire slate will run under the Partido ng Manggagawa at Magsasaka (PMM) led by lawyer Jose Malvar Villegas. In 1998, then Defense Sec. Renato de Villa in 1998 also ran as president in the same political party. The OFW advocate said he aims to champion the cause of OFWs and contractuals as well
as job order employment and corruption. “According to latest statistics, there are 15 million contractuals working in giant malls and chain restaurants. This is against the law and the Constitution because the Constitution says every worker must have security of tenure. They cannot be dismissed from work without just and authorized cause,” Señeres. The former Kuwait ambassador helped Sarah Balabagan during his tenure. Señeres was the fourth official to declare presidential bid. He will join Liberal Party’s Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, United Nationalist Alliance Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay and Sen. Grace Poe in the presidential derby. n
Remembering ‘People’s Dragon’ Joker…
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“Scrooge of the Congress.” In his senatorial career, he also became remarkable for serving as the lead prosecutor during the impeachment trial of former President and current Manila
Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada. The University Library on Monday, Oct. 5, 2015 released an image from a yearbook showing Sen. Joker Arroyo, Bachelor of Laws of batch 1955. UP Library/ The Philippinensian, 1955
BoC vows to speed up…
community,” Uvero was quoted in the statement as saying. Manila ports got congested last year after an expanded a truck ban in the Metro extended hours trucks were not allowed to ply the area. The move was intended to ease heavy traffic, but businesses said this also delayed deliveries to outlets. After seven months, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada lifted his
order. Customs manages the country’s ports and collects state revenues through its trade facilitation mandate. As of August, the bureau, which traditionally accounts for a fifth of state revenues, has collected P235.6 billion, inching up by 1 percent from last year, Treasury data showed. It is tasked to collect P436.59 billion this year. n
Philstar.com file photo
PH leads climate-vulnerable countries in crafting action plan by Prinz
P. Magtulis Philstar.com
MANILA – The Philippines led 19 other countries in agreeing to a high-level initiative that lays out financial means to combat climate change, which strips their vulnerable economies by more than $40 billion a year on top of tens of thousands of fatalities. The Vulnerable 20 (V20) Group, led by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, on Thursday concluded their inaugural meetings in Lima, Peru with the approval of an action plan to tackle changing climate for the next five years. “We are united in our shared vulnerability and exposure to a changing climate,” the V20 said on its communique issued after the meetings. “We, the V20, commit to act collectively and decisively to promote the mobilization of public and private climate finance from wide ranging sources, including international, regional and domestic mobilization,” the group said. In a major first step, the V20 agreed to set up climate risk pooling mechanism, where both governments and the private sector would contribute and provide
insurance mechanisms to absorb the impact of natural calamities. The pool, among others, would work as a shared facility where risks are distributed across member-countries. In such a way, the fund could get activated once a disaster hits a particular V20 member. Risk-adaptation measures will also be a key component of the fund, where contributions will be based on “risk-determined pricing” and “index-based” risk transfers. Since state revenues need to be available upon disposal, the V20 group also expressed support to “innovative” revenue generation methods, including the imposition of financial transaction tax. “The same can generate additional resources sourced from capital markets, while serving as a stabilizing financial measure,” the group explained. Finally, the group also advocated for revisions on globally-accepted financial accounting models to include climate change costs and effects. They said both the public and private sectors should ensure funds are available for mobilization. According to estimates provided, the V20 states suffer an
average of 50,000 deaths every year to climate hazards. Financial losses account for about 2.5 percent of economic output or about $45 billion. Both figures could rise in 20 years. “Given this and the extent to which climate change has set back the lives of our people, denied human rights, and devastated our homes and entire nations, we recognize climate action as a foremost humanitarian priority for the international community,” the group said. The V20 is chaired by the Philippines with the following members: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bhutan, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Kiribati, Madagascar, Maldives, Nepal, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, TimorLeste, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Vietnam. The inaugural meeting was held in conjunction with the annual gathering of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, whose representatives also took part in the negotiations. “We look for a new international partnership with development partners, business and public-private arrangements to support the realization of V20 ambitions,” the group said. n
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Despite playing several roles and contributions in law profession and public service, Arroyo remained humble and true to his virtue. His statement of assets, liabilities and net worth says his wealth remained almost the same since he entered the public service in 1986 up to the present. Arroyo gained several awards for his significant contributions, these include the Philippine Bar Association’s Most Distinguished Award for Justice as a “man beholden to no one except to his country” and a Senate Resolution 100 enacted in the 8th Congress commending him for his invaluable services to the Filipino people. Arroyo met his Creator late Monday due to heart attack. He passed away at an undisclosed hospital abroad. n
According to estimates provided, the V20 states suffer an average of 50,000 deaths every year to climate hazards.
210 57
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SHOWBIZ&STYLE
Journal Pinay’s blind audition wows ‘The Voice US’ judges Kris Aquino: ‘I’m a jerk’
maNILa - another Pinay is making waves in a singing competition. amy Vachal wowed “the
Voice” judges adam Levine, Gwen Stefani, Pharell Williams, and Blake Shelton when she did her blind audition for the reality
26-year-old Pinay Amy Vachal wowed the four judges of “The Voice” during the blind auditions for the show’s ninth season.
singing competitionon tuesday, Oct. 6. the 26-year-old performed the song “Dream a Little Dream of me” while playing the guitar. She immediately made Gwen, Pharell and Blake turn their seats, while adam wasn’t able to do so since his team is already full. after amy’s performance, adam expressed his sadness that he was not able to turn his chair for her. “You can win this whole thing,” he added. Blake had nothing but good words for her as well and added, “You’re on a different path than anybody else. I’m so impressed.” In the end, amy chose Pharell to be her coach for the show’s ninth season. (Philstar.com)
by arvin
Mendoza Inquirer.net
“I’m a jerk. I’m sorry.” this was what actress Kris aquino posted on her Instagram on Wednesday, Oct. 7, confirming reports that she begged off from her upcoming movie with mayor Herbert Bautista. the movie, entitled “all You Need is Pag-ibig,” is supposed to be one of the official entries at this year’s metro manila Film Festival. On the post, aquino tagged Star cinema’s managing director malou Santos, the movie’s creative writer Kriz Gazmen and director antoinette Jadaone. aquino further expressed her apologetic message: “I’m sorry for
the stress I put you through, the many wasted hours working on the project, and all the effort you exerted. I was wrong to commit to something that in all honesty, I am emotionally, physically [and] mentally not ready for.” Not mentioning which specific movie, the “Queen of all media” earlier announced on a separate Instagram post that she is backing out of a project because of some conflict in schedule with the cinematographer she wants to work with. “this is about a film, and just 1 request on my end after endless compromising to honor my commitment… But [with] a storyline that would lay bare all my insecuriKris Aquino PAGE B2
Remember these tips on how to improve your memory by Mayenne
CarMona Philstar.com
Fact: Brain power can be improved at any age. the human brain has an astonishing ability called neuroplasticity. It enables
the brain to adapt and change even into old age. the brain has that uncanny ability to reshape itself in order to increase your cognitive abilities, enhance your ability to learn new information,
The brain has that uncanny ability to reshape itself in order to increase your cognitive abilities, enhance your ability to learn new information, and improve your memory at any age. Philstar.com photo
and improve your memory at any age. Here are some tips on how to improve your memory: • Give your brain a workout. You have to challenge yourself to learn something new. Learn a new language, a new skill like dancing or a sport, playing a musical instrument or a new piano piece. In short, anything that requires mental effort. Keep pushing the envelope; if a new skill becomes too easy, go to the next level. choose activities that are challenging but at the same time, enjoyable and satisfying. • Don’t skip the physical exercise. Physical exercise helps the brain stay sharp as it increases oxygen to the brain and reduces the risk of disorders that lead to memory loss such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It also reduces stress hormones and plays an important role in neuroplasticity by boosting growth factors and stimulating new neuronal PAGE B3
This could be our most groundbreaking story yet. Lloyd LaCuesta, Former Broadcast Journalist Mona Lisa Yuchengco, Magazine Publisher AARP Members
Dahil sa Volunteering resources ng AARP, sina Lloyd at Lisa at iba pang kagaya nila ay makakahanap ng paraan to give back to the community, enriching their own lives and the lives of the many they touch. As a prominent journalist and publisher, Lloyd and Mona Lisa informed audiences around the country. Naniniwala silang sharing is caring, and giving back to the community remains their passion. “When we turned 50, we found that AARP was like a support group with great resources and platforms. Learning about others’ experiences made us realize how connected we are with others.” They continue to reach out further to the children of the U.S. and the Philippines sa pagbibigay ng kanilang oras, experience at educational assistance sa mga batang kaisipan. With AARP’s great variety of Volunteer resources, ikaw rin ay makakahanap ng exciting at fulfilling opportunities to live a fuller life. Visit aarp.org/aapi or call 1-866-805-1986 today.
AARP is a non-profit organization committed to enhancing your life at 50-plus by providing trusted and useful resources to help you stay active, engaged and vibrant. Caregiving • Health & Wellness • Fraud Watch • Volunteer • Life Reimagined
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Features
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Hollymont Castle’s celestial welcome for UST Medicine Class of ‘67 Bohol Children Bamboo Moonlighting by Mylah de
leon
HOLLYWOOD – The human splendor of medicine and its myriad of varied arenas call for a clear mind, a kind heart and a dedication not only to science but also to humanity. What is it like to be sick, to be cured, to lose or to triumph? One wonders if the whole spectrum of human emotions could ever be eloquently recorded. It’s the written word that sometimes gives the doctor time and voice when ques-
UST Doctors Class of 67
tions arise. In an era of managed care, when medicine is becoming more institutionalized and impersonal, malpractice hangs over every physician’s head. It stirs and puts issues on their lives and treatment decision. A surgeon’s fingers are more at home in the steaming gullies of the body than tripping the dry keys of a laptop. When a surgeon feels the slow side of intestines against the backside or when a cardiac surgeon palms the human heart as if it was some captive bird, is there enough glory from the search? Are all these but a search for some meaning in ritual of a scalpel? Surgery can be murderous, painful, healing and full of love. Dr. Richard Selzer said: “Perhaps if one were to cut out a heart,
Photos by Bobby Crisostomo
Ensemble in Concert
The Maestro and Dr. Erlinda Grey hosted the celebration
a lobe of the liver, a single convolution of the brain, and paste it to a page, it would speak with more eloquence that all the words of Balzac. Such a piece would need no literary style, no mass erudition or history, but in its very shape and feel would tell all the frailty and strength, the despair and nobility of man. What? Publish a heart? A little piece of bone? Preposterous. Still I fear that is what it may require to reveal the truth that lies hidden in the body. Not all the undressings of Rabelais, Chekhov, or even William Carlos Williams have wrested it free.” The University of Santo Thomas (UST) Medicine Class of ’67 is a beloved, brilliant bunch scattered throughout the world. They came for the reunion with the backdrop of a medical mission all over the archipelago. Of the less than a hundred who came, almost 90
percent were still married, especially among the high school sweethearts. They’ve reconnected and sort of looked after each other through the years. They remembered and recalled memories over laughter and mirth of the less serious ones. Those who watched movies during the board exams turned out to be the more intense doctors in their later years. They had Operation Reach Out Surgical and Medical Mission where skilled dedicated, selfless surgeons gave their time and courage to share a common goal for humanity each year. They’ve built hospitals and dealt with health oriented endeavors that opened doors to their fellow Filipinos. The Hollymont Castle and the Maestro The castle is beautiful, peerPAGE B6
PReSeNTeD by Bible Christian Fellowship Church in Los Angeles, the one-of-a-kind Bohol Children Bamboo ensemble, hailing from Alicia, in Bohol province, will perform at various locations during their first-ever concert tour in the US. The ensemble group was started in 1994 by Catalino Salarda from Katipunan elementary School in Alicia, Bohol, who was cutting bamboo when he realized the bamboo poles were making notes. “Why not create musical instruments from bamboos?” he asked. The idea for a rondallastyle children’s ensemble group at the school was born. 23 young performers from the Bohol community will perform in the Southern California-based concert using traditional bamboo instruments, including a ukulele, drums, flutes, marimba, tweeters, and bass. The instruments are all fashioned out of bamboo slats and poles, handmade in Bohol. The Bamboo ensemble, first composed of twelve children, performed in open community events and gained more exposure, later joining the Loboc Children’s Choir and the Dimiao Children’s Rondalla to become known as young, promising cultural performers in the region. They eventually partnered with local agencies and NGOs to help cover the costs of native instruments, traditional costumes, and repairs. The group became well known with local Bohol administrators including Governor edgar Chatto and Congressman Arturo Yap, eventually renaming itself the ALICIA MUSIKA KAWAYAN.
The group of talented young performers has grown tremendously since its humble beginnings, expanding their shows to outside of their province. Several venues they have performed at have include WOW Philippines in Intramuros, Manila (2003), Cebu Coliseum (2004), Mandaue City (2005), Musikahan sa Tagum in Davao (2007), and the Bohol International Choir Competition in Tagbilaran City, Bohol (20142015). For many of these young performers, it is their first time to visit the US, and they are eager to share their talents with the larger community. The children all come from different barrios, surviving through poor conditions and typhoon-like storms in Bohol region, and have kept up their livelihood learning popular folk songs and cultural tunes of Philippine culture. The concert on Saturday, Oct. 24 will take place at Rosemont elementary School Auditorium (421 Rosemont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026) at 6:30pm; on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Bible Christian Fellowship Church (456 Rosemont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026) at 6:30pm; and on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA - 3200 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026) at 6:30pm. There will also be special guests, inspiring music, and traditional dances of the Philippines. Light refreshments will be served. Ticket prices vary from $10, $25, and $50. For tickets and more information, please call (213) 249-6672. (Advertising Supplement)
Kris Aquino: ‘I’m... PAGE B1 ties—the treatment given to me had the harsh but realistic words: ‘Sya si Kris- ang babaeng laging di pinipili,’” she said. “And yet, I was a good sport and said GO, let’s do it. But tonight I got word that the only person I asked for, my cinematographer just couldn’t do the project because of scheduling conflicts—I said NO. His job was to hold a mirror to my heart [and] soul for you to see in our movie, and I knew I’d be in good hands,” she explained. Aquino was referring to Neil Daza, the cinematographer of her
latest movie “etiquette for Mistresses” which has been warmly welcomed by moviegoers. For Aquino, Daza did a great job in bringing the best out of her in “etiquette for Mistresses.” Aquino said she knows how to prioritize taking care of herself. “Simpleng alaga lang sana sa isang project [with] a pressure packed timeline. It just didn’t fall into place.” “That’s why I choose to walk away. And put myself first, not because I want to be difficult, but simply because I’ve earned the privilege to say NO [with] courage [and] dignity,” she concluded.
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 10-13, 2015
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Daughter’s petition reclassified when her mother became a US citizen — Is there still hope? Get the answer and more this Sunday on ‘Citizen Pinoy: Your Tanong, My Sagot’ LEADING US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel continues to answer Kapamilyas one-on-one and face-to-face, in his Law Offices in Glendale, California. Can my US citizen father petition a daughter from his first marriage, even if he already has another family in the US? I’m a US citizen and mar-
Remember these tips... PAGE B1
CAN A DAUGHTER IMMIGRATE SOONER IF HER MOTHER NATURALIZED AND HER PETITION WAS RECLASSIFIED? THIS QUESTION AND MORE WILL BE ANSWERED THIS SUNDAY! Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel answers this question from Louise (top left). Ramon (top right) asks what is the fastest way he can be with his wife, and Kristine (center bottom photo) asks if her husband can get his green card in the US despite being out-of-status for a long time. Get answers to these questions and more, on a brand new episode of the information-packed, award-winning public service program — “Citizen Pinoy,” this Sunday, October 11 at 6:15 pm PST/EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).
Curtain call for Elizabeth Ramsey by EudEn
ValdEz ManilaTimes
ELIzAbETH Ramsey, known for her combined singing and comedic chops, passed away in “her sleep” on Thursday. She was 83. Her daughter Jaya, also a singer, confirmed her passing through her Facebook account. “Mama beth is now with our Lord . . . 83 years has been full. Love and laughter, she has given not just our family but [also] the whole nation. Thank you for your love and prayers and I rejoice because she passes in her sleep. In peace. In God’s loving arms. bye Mama, until we meet again. I love you forever. Thank you Jesus,” her message posted on Facebook on Thursday, Oct. 8 said. Ramsey is an iconic showbiz personality in the Philippines–with dark skin and curly hair–courtesy of her Filipino-Jamaican blood. She was last seen on local television in May when she appeared as surprise guest at the first season of the local adaptation of “Your Face Sounds Familiar” in AbS-CbN. In that episode, celebrity contestant Melai Canteveros impersonated the veteran singer-comedienne while the latter watched in the audience. In August, however, Ramsey
Elizabeth Ramsey
was brought to the Philippine Heart Center after she suffered a seizure when her glucose level shot up to 500. “Praise God for his mercy. Mama beth Ramsey did not have a stroke. Instead a seizure due to diabetes/hyperglycemia,” Jaya explained. born in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, Ramsey’s parents were Arturo Ramsey, a Jamaican sailor, and Marcelina Indino, a SpanishFilipino. Ramsey has three children with her first husband–Isaac, Anna and Susan Johnson. After her husband’s death, she met Ray Kagahastian, a Filipino, with whom she has a daughter, Maria Luisa “Jaya” Ramsey, before
separating. In an interview with dzMM’s Jobert Sucaldito and Ahwel Paz in March 2014, she said she was 16 years old when she started singing with a band to earn money for her sick mother. She then went to Manila and took a job as a housemaid. “That’s the only remedy para makarating ako dito. Hindi alam ng mother ko na nawala ako sa amin. Lagi akong nawawala eh. I’m an adventurer. Suwerte ako… pero hindi rin suwerte, kasi hindi ako nadidisgrasya pag lumalayas. Yung iba pag-uwi, may dalang bata. Disgrasya dito, disgrasya doon. Dalawang bata, iba ang ama. Ako, pag-alis ko ganyan… pag-uwi ko, ganyan rin ako… walang tsismis, PAGE B6
connections. Aerobic exercise is good for the brain, so choose the activities that keep your blood pumping. In general, what is good for the heart is great for the brain. • Get your ZZZZs. Sleep is critical to learning and memory as it is necessary for memory consolidation with the key memoryenhancing activity occurring during the deepest stages of sleep. 95% of adults need between 7.5 and nine hours of sleep. Sleep experts advise that we should go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time each morning. We should avoid all screens for at least an hour before bed. The blue light emitted by TVs, tablets, phones, and computers triggers wakefulness and suppresses sleep hormones, such as melatonin, that make you sleepy. And most of all, cut back on caffeine as it may interfere with sleep at night. • Make time for friends and have healthy relationships. Research shows that having meaningful friendships and a strong support system is vital not only to emotional health but also to brain health. In a recent Harvard study, PAGE B6
ried my husband who has been out-of-status since 2004. Can he get a green card in the US even if he was out-of-status for a long time? What is the fastest way for a US citizen to bring his new wife over to the US? Catch an all-new edition of your information-packed, award-winning public service
program on television – Citizen Pinoy: Your Tanong, My Sagot–on Sunday, October 11 at 6:15 pm PST/EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers). Also, for latest immigration news and updates, please “like” and “share” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gurfinkellaw. (Advertising Supplement)
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The Global Kababayan
Features
Programming of Kababayan Today, October 12-16, 2015
G. TönGi Octtober 12 - Kababayan Today will present a screening of the film, “Remembering Our Manong.” According to www. fanhs-national.org, this feature length documentary film explores the history of the earliest Filipino immigrants in Sonoma County. Mostly single young men, they began arriving in California in the 1920s. The manongs’ (elders) story is one of tenacity and endurance coupled with an extraordinary sense of community. In the film, their inspirational story is told by surviving family members, descendants of former employers, and other key figures in Sonoma County. Sponsored in part by the California Council for the Humanities, the film was produced in 2008 by a core team of mostly Filipina Americans impassioned with the determination to ensure that the manongs will always be remembered. Regular programming of Kababayan Today will be moved to 4pm-5pm to accommodate the broadcast of this film in celebration of the Filipino American History Month. October 13 - A special episode that features Filipino-Americans who served in the United States Armed Forces. There will also be
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 10-13, 2015
Ms. Olivia Quido-Co: ‘Beauty’ in the Life of a Beauty Expert By Monet
interviews with descendants of Fil-Ams who served. They represent a large demographic of our kababayans from San Diego. October 14 - Midweek News Updates from the Asian Journal, an Alaskero story with Oscar Penaranda and Highlights from Mia McLeod & Associates 10th year anniversary party. Professor Emeritus Enrique Dela Cruz, one of the co-authors of “The Forbidden Book”, shares his research and knowledge on the Philippine American War. October 15 - Learn about the Sakada Story, the story of Filipinos mostly from the Ilocos Region who worked in the Plantations of Hawaii October 16 - We will feature the children of the Manong Generation to be presented by an exclusive excerpt by author Peter Jamero from the book “The Bridge Generation.” *** Giselle “G” Töngi is the host and producer of Kababayan Today, a daily talk show that features relevant topics for Filipino’s living in America. Her aim is to bridge not only the cultural gap between America & the Philippines but to help with the generational gap between our own people. She is married with two
children and is based in Southern California and makes frequent trips in the Pacific Rim to Hawaii and Manila to feature fellow kababayans who are empowering the FilAm community.
Lu
AS many would say, “Beauty comes in many forms.” From someone coming from the aesthetics department, I know this by heart. It is the very core of my project, “The Beautiful Life Celebration,”which celebrates the beauty in life. Whether it is through one’s beautiful career, passion and even womanhood. Today, it is my honor to tell the story of our 2015 Beautiful Life Celebration’s Woman of the Year, Ms. Olivia Quido. My earliest recollection of Olivia Quido-Co (most commonly known to her clients and friends as “Ms. O”) is when I met her in 2003 at a convention in LA. She was in her booth when I approached her and asked if I can feature her in one of my shows. She was still starting out as an esthetician. Back then, she was just renting out a small space for her skincare business. Now, they have successfully branched out into two outlets, one in Cerritos and the other in Eagle Rock—talk about hard work and determination. Yet, aside from Ms. O’s impressive work ethics, she has passion and an astounding faith that “can move mountains.” When she told me about her plans, I instantly believed with all my heart that this woman is going to make it. I know when a person is dead serious and determined to fulfill her passion. One important quality that stands out in Ms. O is her faith in Christ. She is a born-again Christian who lives out her faith and strives to “do the will of God.” She says that her life verses include: Malachi 3:10, “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my
Fight the flu while resting at home
Director of Adult Care Nursing Services Tony Reyes, RN, MSN, MHA, CEN, NE-BC
WHEN you’re ill, you want to see the doctor, not the waiting room. Enjoy the convenience of online scheduling with InQuicker, our online ER waiting service at Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center. If you’re not in a life-threatening or emergency situation, simply log on to the Glendale Memorial website to choose a projected treatment time and relax at home until it’s time to be seen. According to the 2011 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care
Survey, the average ER wait time from door-to-provider is approximately 30 minutes. With InQuicker, our Glendale Memorial ER patients experience an average wait time of 15 minutes or less – half of the national average. Director of Adult Care Nursing Services Tony Reyes, RN, MSN, MHA, CEN, NE-BC explains, “We don’t see our patients as numbers on a chart but as a crucial member of the health care team deserving of our respect. Our nurses and doctors listen carefully to you in
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order to offer you the best health outcomes possible. At the end of the day, each patient is a part of our hospital family.” And don’t forget to get your flu shot, and wash your hands often to protect yourself from the flu and other illnesses. Check out InQuicker at dignityhealth. org/glendalememorial. For a free referral to a Glendale Memorial Hospital-affiliated physician, call our Doctor Finder service at (818)502-2378. (Advertising Supplement)
house. And thereby put me to the test… if I will not open the windows of heaven for you…” Another one is Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the Kingdom of God… and all these things will be added to you.” Olivia and her family goes to Shepherd of the Hills for Sunday Service. I love that I can always come to her for advice. She has the wisest words to calm my fears and worries. When I was going through a lot in my life, she was there for me. She is, for me, a living testimony of what a Woman of God is like. Before her success in the skin care business she started out as a regular employee. After finishing her course in Cosmetology (with focus on skincare) she worked at a spa in Monterey Park. After realizing that her meager income just won’t cut it, she decided to open up her own business. She rented a small room inside Lody Styling Center in Artesia. The owner, Lody Garcia maybe saw what I see in Ms. O, that she became one of the people who helped Ms. O build her brand and network. Lody stands as Ms. O’s second mom. Right now, Ms. O owns and operates O Skin Care+Spa (Medical Spa). It is a complete medical service facility that specializes on a wide a range of skin treatment, from facials to 3D eyebrow sculpting and stem cell rejuvenation, among others. She also has TV beauty segment in “Adobo Nation” called, “Beauty by Ms. O.” It is featured every Sunday at 6:45pm through Kapamilya TFC. When I asked Olivia to talk
about the beautiful life she lives, she said, “Everyday is a day to give thanks to the Lord for the beautiful life he has given me through the years. I have nothing else to ask Him because I honestly believe that He has blessed me with everything – and even more. I love being able to help others look beautiful, but most importantly, I love the opportunity to show God’s love and share His Word to my clients. As Matthew 4:19 says, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ – This is what I long to do for the rest of my life. A life of worship to God is for me is the most beautiful life anyone could live” Olivia is married to her equally talented husband, Jason Co, whom she considers an “engineer trapped in a financial advisor’s body.” She says her husband handles and operates their spa machines. He is very supportive and a great father to their three beautiful children namely, Faith (6), Timothy (4), and twins, Toby and Julia, who are turning 1 this October 23. To my friend who knows a lot about Beauty, thank you for showing us what real beauty is like. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon. com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
B OCTOBER 10-13, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Features
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99 Ranch Market collaborates with Amazon Prime Now, free two hours delivery goes live
WITH customer convenience in mind, 99 Ranch Market is proud to introduce grocery shopping at your finger tips. 99 Ranch Market collaborates with online retail giant, Amazon Prime Now, for the ultimate online grocery shopping experience. The dream of picking groceries from your beloved Asian grocer is now fulfilled. In a society of mobile technology and convenience, 99 Ranch Market understands the value of efficiency for people who are too busy with life. Starting today, simply click on the items you need on Amazon Prime Now, sit back or head back to work and groceries are delivered directly to your door. On Amazon Prime Now, products range from ethnic groceries reminding you the taste of your hometown, to freshly picked fruits and crisp vegetables. Get Matcha flavored Pocky or a piece of exotic dragon fruit, all available with a simple click. Enjoy convenience and an effortless grocery shopping experience!
Amazon Prime Now is serving in selected zip codes only in Los Angeles metropolitan area and Orange County area. As a member of Amazon Prime Now, customers are qualified to receive free two hour delivery service. Customers can also place orders or track their purchases via Amazon Prime Now app on their smart phones. In just two hours, customers can treat themselves with the freshest ingredients and without the hassle of driving in traffic. 99 Ranch Market strives to provide high quality, great prices and a comfortable shopping environment for our customers. The collaboration with Amazon Prime Now means that 99 Ranch Market branches will be able to offer the freshest Asian products and the fastest delivery service to its participating communities. Now that 99 Ranch Market offers online shopping and home delivery, the establishment continues to satisfy customer needs and food cravings at any time within a click. (Advertising Supplement)
Remember these tips... PAGE B3 researchers found that people with the most active social lives had the slowest rate of memory decline. • Keep stress in check. Stress is one of the brain’s worst enemies. Chronic stress destroys brain cells and is linked to memory loss. • Have a good laugh. Laughter is the best medicine and that holds true for the brain and memory. Listening to jokes and working out punch lines activate areas of the brain vital to learning
and creativity. • Eat a brain-boosting diet. Get your Omega 3 fatty acids that are so beneficial for brain health. Like cold water fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, halibut, trout, mackerel, sardines. Non-seafood items include walnuts, ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil, winter squash, kidney and pinto beans, spinach broccoli, and soybeans. Diets high in saturated fats, such as red meat, whole milk, butter, cheese, cream, and ice cream, increase your risk of dementia.
99 Ranch Market’s Toyota Prius V Sweepstakes drawing was a rush of excitement. After three months of entries, customers were so happy to finally find out who was the winner of the brand new $24,000 hybrid car. Shuffling through tickets collected from participating 99 Ranch Market stores, the final grand prize winner was Mei. C from West Covina. AJPress photos by Ding Carreon
Eat more fruits and vegetables as they are packed with antioxidants that protect the brain cells from damage. • Identify and treat health problems. There are many diseases, mental health disorders, and medications that interfere with memory. Cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, such as cholesterol and high blood pressure, diabetes, hormonal imbalance, thyroid imbalances, depression, and some medications, can cause cognitive impairment, forgetfulness, sluggish thinking, and confusion, and memory loss.
Curtain call for Elizabeth... PAGE B3 walang excitement [Being a housemaid was my ticket to Manila. My mother did not know that I had left home. I am always missing. I am an adventurer. I am lucky… but I am also not lucky, because nothing happens to me when I leave home. Others when they come home, they carry a child. Accident here, accident there. Two kids, different fathers. Me, when I leave home, I am like this… when I return, I am still like this… no gossip, no excitement],” she said, drawing laughter. According to Ramsey, her father tried but failed to encourage to finish her studies. “Books, pencils and pens did not appeal to me. My attention was in Song Hits. For me, studying was a waste of time. I didn’t like it. My mind was running on song lyrics so that’s what I pursued,” she said in Filipino. But when she went home to Negros, her father who got disappointed with what she did, took her to Cebu and made her marry an African-American man. “I was 19. I thought it was just a
joke then I gave birth to Isaac and Anna. But I still wanted to go on singing. I said to myself, ‘I’ll one day escape from this’ and then I took my children and went to Bacolod City [Negros Occidental] where I met rich people there while singing in gambling dens,” she said. “While I was already performing, I was still not content with what I was doing. I wanted to see my name Elizabeth Ramsey in the headlines.” When she went back to Cebu to ask her husband for monetary support, she got pregnant with her third child. Ramsey, however, pressed on to Manila where she gave birth. She then met a neighbor who had a “combo” (band). “I taught them how to sing rock and roll and together we auditioned at Student Canteen,” she said. Ramsey eventually emerged as champion in the noontime show’s singing contest. “That’s a dream that took me 10 years to achieve. Hindi ako bumitiw [I didn’t give up],” she said. Her Student Canteen stint paved the way for her to perform in the
now defunct Manila Grand Opera House. “[Rene Nieves, brother of comedian Chiquito, brought me to Opera House, then Clover Theater, I was with Kate dela Cruz [hailed as the Queen of Filipino Jazz and Queen of Bodabil],” Ramsey said. In the 1960s, her career went full throttle when she became a regular in stage shows at the now defunct Clover Theater and Manila Grand Opera House. During this phase, she was also dubbed the country’s “Queen of Rock and Roll.” Since then, Filipinos have loved her unique and funny style in performing, which was thickly accented by her native Visayan tongue. Besides her successful musical career, she has also acted alongside Filipino acting greats like the late Fernando Poe Jr.–most notable in the 1959 film Princesa Naranja–and Chiquito. She also appeared in various TV commercials from the 1970s to the 1980s. Her latest commercial was for a vinegar brand with actor Derek Ramsay.
Metro Box Cargo begins SoCal operations METRO Box Cargo, an NVOCCbonded and -licensed company, has started its operations in Southern California by recently opening a branch inside the Island Pacific Supermarket in Canoga Park, California. Metro Box Cargo, a Northern California-based freight forwarding company, offers balikbayan box shipment to the Philippines, as well as container shipment for returning residents and vehicle shipment. It is headed by Egay and Mabelle Tajonera, who both have extensive experience in the cargo forwarding industry. According to Egay and Mabelle, Metro Box Cargo will soon be expanding their reach by opening other branches soon in both Northern and Southern California to better reach and service their customers. The hardworking couple added that Metro Box Cargo will soon offer money remittance services to their clients, making it easier for customers to do their transactions in just one place With Metro Box Cargo, you are assured that they will handle your ‘padala’ to your loved ones with care. Aside from picking up your
Metro Box Cargo, led by Egay and Mabelle Tajonera (3rd and 4th, from left), recently opened their first branch in Southern California, inside the Island Pacific Supermarket in Canoga Park.
box, they will give you a replacement box and exert their best efforts in giving you the ultimate in customer service. Metro Box Cargo has its own warehouse, fleet of drivers and trucks in the Philippines to assure customers that their balikbayan boxes are handled efficiently and with the utmost care until they reach their destinations. Currently, Metro Box Cargo is offering a buy 1 box, get 1 free promo for its customers in Southern California. Take advantage
of this great offer – may libreng promo box to stuff more goodies for your family and loved ones back home. So, send your balikbayan boxes to your loved ones in the Philippines now, in time for the Holiday Season! Call Metro Box Cargo toll-free at 1-855-355-6387 or (213) 453-6705 to inquire about balikbayan box rates and shipment deadlines, or visit the Metro Box Cargo website: www.metroboxcargo.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Holly Mont Castle’s celestial welcome... PAGE B2 less on its grace and splendor. To visit it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — sharing one moment in time with a man who represents another era; an aristocratic world of opulence and elegance set high on the hills, under the famed Hollywood sign in a “historic” castle that once belonged to the legendary actress Barbara
The audience enthused by the Maestro’s dramatic narration.
The Moonlighter finally grabbed his attention.
Stanwyck. It is a veritable museum of century-old handcrafted furniture, antiques and priceless treasures that he has collected from his travels throughout the world — among them the bedroom of England’s King Edward the VII, which is a masterpiece by the esteemed Victorian craftsman, James Lamb. On Thursday night, Oct. 1, there was a big celebration at the Hollymont Castle welcoming the UST Medicine Class of 1967, with Maestro Dexter and Dr. Erlinda Grey as their special guests. The Maestro played the “Magic Piano,” which took a decade to be reunited with him. He performed richer and deeper musical interpretation of Revolutionary Etude, Raindrop Prelude, Minute Waltz, Funeral March, Ballades, Scherzos, Heroic A flat Polonaise. The piano was not an instrument in his hands, but joy, chagrin, death, romance — the feeble utterings of a
Photos by Bobby Crisostomo
man near his death; birth and life combined — mourning over the fate of his country in resignation. Love wept in his blessed fingers. Elite guests grew admiration from every note he touched at the Parisian Music Saloon of the castle. He lifted his hands high and came crashing down the keys. As he swept up and down, the keys almost snapped—each time he played the Heroic Polanaise. No piano was safe in a stupor, that spoke of crescendo difficulties and embellishments as they flowed with galvanizing electricity. The whole castle was filled with immeasurable wax light, breathtaking phantasmagoria captured in the magical lens of Bobby Crisostomo. The UST Reunion Party was an event that soared into heights of happiness among kindred spirits. From our hearts, thank you Maestro and Dr. Erlinda!
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 10-13, 2015
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COMMUNITY Journal
Your Immigration Solution Atty. RobeRt Reeves GReGoRy J. boult And nAncy MilleR APPLYING for naturalization (citizenship) is the final step in the immigration process for many immigrants. While the general requirements to establish eligibility for naturalization appear straight-forward, they often are not. Many naturalization applicants are surprised when their applications are denied. The immigration laws and regulations which control eligibility for naturalization are littered with traps and pitfalls which the unsuspecting applicant may not recognize until it is too late. All applicants for naturalization must establish that they are persons of good moral character during a prescribed period of time prior to submitting their applications (one, three or five years, depending on what grounds one is applying under). While the immigration laws itemize specific acts which preclude an applicant from establishing good moral character, this list is not exclusive – there are many other acts which may hinder or prevent a good moral character finding. In addition, while good moral character must be established for a prescribed period of time prior to submitting an application, acts outside of the prescribed period can be considered in determining an applicant’s good moral character. Many acts that one might not think of as evidencing bad moral character may nevertheless be considered in making a good moral character determination. One such act is the willful failure to pay support for dependents. For instance, it is extremely difficult to establish good moral character when one is not complying with a child support order. Even the failure to support a dependent without an underlying court order can prove problematic. Another act, which is often a surprise to many applicants, is
Am I eligible to naturalize? Avoiding the pitfalls to becoming a US citizen engaging in an extramarital affair which tended to destroy an existing marriage. This issue often arises when an applicant had a child outside of a prior marriage. Other acts which may result in the delay or the denial of an application for naturalization include the submission of fraudulent or improperly prepared income tax returns. Tax returns often come under scrutiny because individuals file under the incorrect category, claim ineligible dependents, or fail to report all of their earnings. In some instances, even the receipt of public assistance can cause the delay or denial of an application for naturalization. Criminal convictions are often an issue in establishing an applicant’s good moral character. While a disqualifying criminal conviction in the prescribed period of good moral character will automatically render an individual ineligible for naturalization, a disqualifying criminal offense outside of the prescribed period can cause an application for naturalization to be denied. The government is afforded broad discretion to examine otherwise non-disqualifying criminal convictions outside the prescribed period to determine if the underlying facts warrant a favorable finding of good moral character. Therefore, as a result, an analysis of good moral character extends far beyond the prescribed period. These issues may not result in an automatic denial but they must
be adequately explained. Other pitfalls and traps also lurk for the unsuspecting applicant. One common example is the Selective Service requirement which directs all male citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States who are between the ages of eighteen and twenty-six to register with the government. Unfortunately, many lawful permanent residents fail to register. As a result, many of these individuals are compelled to wait until five years after they turn twenty-six before they are eligible to apply for naturalization. Others may face the daunting, although not impossible, task of legally justifying their failure to register. While certain acts may automatically disqualify an individual from eligibility for naturalization, the government’s very broad discretion spans many acts which most applicants never realize could negatively affect their applications. In order to insure that no unnecessary delays, or a denial, are encountered, each prospective applicant should obtain a clear and thorough understanding of not only the process of applying for naturalization, but also the potential pitfalls and traps which must be avoided to insure the timely success of their application. An experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney will advise an individual of his or her eligibility for naturalization, identify the prospective
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 10-13, 2015
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C OCTOBER 10-13, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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BOC Commissioner Alberto Lina:
The man who thinks outside the box by Maria
NiMfa Nadtja VillaVer AJ Press
When one has a gathering inside his home, he makes sure that all guests entering the house don’t bring anything that can be of harm to any of his family members and other guests. This is Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Alberto “Bert” Lina’s mantra: protecting the country from smuggled goods such as illegal drugs and unlicensed firearms. Unshakeable purpose Serving under the BOC is not new to Lina. He previously served as the head of the BOC during former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s administration, where he was known for his Run After the Smugglers (RATS) program. But he resigned in July 2005 together with nine other top government officials at the height of the ‘Hello Garci’ scandal involving Arroyo, which tainted their perception of the former president’s leadership. After his first BOC stint, Lina returned to his forwarding and logistics business. In April of this year, he came back to the BOC following the resignation of John Philip P. Sevilla. Lina accepted the responsibility to lead the agency once again because of his desire to help the country through public service. Since Lina re-assumed the position of commissioner, the BOC has taken measures to alleviate some of the biggest problems facing the Philippines, including smuggling. In August, the agency announced that its officials would be conducting random inspections on balikbayan boxes. This policy immediately triggered criticisms from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families; for them, balikbayan boxes serve as a symbol of modern day heroes’ sweat and tears, manifested in giving something to their loved ones back home. But the BOC policy was never about desecrating the value of the cherished boxes. “We have all the purity of purpose. One is to implement the law,” Lina told the Asian Journal in an exclusive interview. The agency monitors all items that enter the borders of the country. Among its major responsibilities include: assessing and collecting lawful revenues from imported articles, as well as all other fees, fines and penalties accruing under the tariff and customs laws; preventing and suppressing smuggling and other frauds; and enforcing tariff and customs laws relating to the tariff and customs administration. It is also tasked with supervising and handling foreign mail that arrives in the Philippines, to collect lawful duties on dutiable articles thus imported and to prevent smuggling through the medium of such mail. In his role as BOC head, Lina said he is only executing the functions of the bureau as mandated by the law. “At nakita natin talaga yung surge na ginagamit ang balikbayan boxes para sa regulated drugs and firearms. (We really see the surge in the use of balikbayan boxes for regulated drugs and firearms.) It’s very alarming,” he said. Prior to the announcement of the random inspection policy on balikbayan boxes, the agency conducted a random search of container vans in some warehouses. Lina ordered the opening of three to four of 1,500 containers in the facility. From the inspection, BOC officials found out various appliances and items -- such as refrigerators and televisions, used clothing, and even motorcycles -- all hidden behind balikbayan boxes. Based on the BOC’s estimate, it appears that P250 million to P416 million are lost monthly through smuggling using balikbayan boxes. Figures estimate that the government loses P3 billion to P6 billion every year due to
smuggling through balikbayan boxes. Last September, the agency seized 402 allegedly undeclared balikbayan boxes filled with assorted goods from Singapore worth over P1.7 million. The consolidator only declared 133 packages of household goods and personal effects, but failed to declare the other 402. From the undeclared boxes, 380 contained pre-mixed flour and pork floss reportedly consigned to popular Singaporean brand BreadTalk; seven boxes contained ball casters reportedly consigned to Seek and Find Instaparts Corp.; seven boxes, each with 200 Quebee protective eyewear, reportedly consigned to Basic Occupational; and five boxes with 144 pairs of Worksafe protective eyewear, reportedly consigned to Worksafe. “But at the end of the day, hindi naman kayo [balikbayan]. Actually, yung mga smugglers who are using the balikbayan mode ang aking tinitingnan (But at the end of the day, it’s not the OFWs. I’m actually looking after the smugglers who are using the balikbayan mode),” he said. A channel of peace and order Along with smuggling issues, the random inspection policy has caused some uproar. And as a result, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), which was pending for almost seven years, has been revived. The act will introduce reforms to the BOC, including raising the tax exemption for tax and duty-free items and goods sent home by OFWs to their loved ones from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the present P10,000 to P150,000. The term ‘balikbayan box’ has also been redefined to its original concept as a package brought to the country by Filipinos who are returning home. A real patriot Dura lex, sed lex— the law is harsh, but it is the law. It shouldn’t be difficult to follow if one is not violating any law. In a statement issued by the Malacañang at the height of the balikbayan box issue, “There will be no random or arbitrary physical inspection of balikbayan boxes. Moving forward, all containers of balikbayan boxes should undergo mandatory X-ray and K-9 examination – at no cost to the sender or the OFW.” Before Lina leaves his post, he has a gift for Filipinos, especially balikbayans. Along with the enactment of the CMTA, the BOC will launch a mobile application called Electronic 2 Mobile Customs. Aside from a comprehensive FAQ sheet, the BOC’s m-commerce setup promises appropriate service-products attainable using a full end-to-end clearance process that includes (a) text broadcast, wherein BOC sends e-mail message to the brokers, importers of the arrival of their shipments, potential problem and requirements; (b) online payment through M-Payment; (c) E-Lodgment/E-Payment/E-OLRS, a web-enabled clearance process for the Air Express Cargo clients; (d) mobile-release instruction for importers and brokers; and (e) e2m CUSTOMS SYSTEM. Through Internet-based and wireless technologies, the application will streamline imports and exports processing and improve trade facilitation among the BOC, other government agencies and its stakeholders anywhere, anytime—all toward the realization of the National and ASEAN Single Windows Lina has eight months remaining at the BOC, and his mission continues to stand: guard the country while providing the paramount services for the welfare of the Filipinos. “Ginagawa ko ang trabaho ko kesa I’ll be sorry for the rest of my life na hindi ko ginawa yung trabaho ko (I’m doing my job rather than I’ll be sorry for the rest of my life that I didn’t do my job),” he said.
(L-R) Edgardo H. Cayton, President & CEO of Dynamic Outsource Solutions 1, Inc.; Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Alberto Lina; Art Alejandrino, former Director of ZestAir; Roger L. Oriel, Publisher and CEO of Asian Journal Publications, Inc; and Vince Samson, VP for Marketing & Special Events of Balikbayan Magazine. AJ Press Photos ny: Noel Ty
Bureau of Customs (BOC) building. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Commissioner Bert Lina shares with Asian Journal Publications team his programs for the remaining months of his BOC stint.
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Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon I HEAR this all the time. People who are in debt are barely making it by living paycheck to paycheck so how can they even think about saving for the future? Are you in this situation right now? If so, you need to do something about it or you will never be able to get ahead financially. According to a recent study, one out of five families owes more on credit cards and other unsecured debt than they have in savings. The recent recession only added to their existing debt. Some have taken money out of their retirement plans in order to avoid bankruptcy. Others continue to drain their life savings hoping that things will soon get better. What I have learned as a bankruptcy attorney over the last 18 years is that hope is not a good plan. There is nothing wrong with hoping for the better, of course. But hoping without acting will not change anything in your life. Yesterday, I was counseling a man who got into serious debt by borrowing from several payday loan companies. And in case you didn’t know, payday loans are the worst- they should be illegal, in my opinion. They charge people outrageous interest rates and ask
Community Journal
Don’t let your debt problems drain your family’s savings for a substantial amount of their paycheck. Get one or a few of these and you will be buried in a deep financial hole in no time. You can never borrow your way out of debt. A lot of people have tried and failed. If you want to get out of debt, you need to stop borrowing and find a way to resolve your current debt situation. To do anything else is a sure path to bankruptcy. Most people are unaware that most retirement plans (example: IRA’s and 401K plans) are 100 percent protected in bankruptcy. So if these are the only assets you have, why drain your retirement savings and leave yourself with nothing when other options to get out of debt are available? I am not suggesting that people should just take the easy way out and file bankruptcy every time they have debts that they cannot pay. In my opinion, bankruptcy should always be a last resort. But in situations where it is your only solution, you will be thankful we have federal laws in this country that can give you a new chance to rebuild your finances and your life. Be informed about your options. Stop listening to your family and friends who know nothing about the legal aspects of
your situation. It’s your life and it’s your business. They mean well, I’m sure, but they could be the worst source of legal advice when your financial future is at stake. When you’re sick, you go to a doctor. When you have legal problems, you should go to an attorney who can evaluate your case and recommend possible options. Nothing replaces professional, competent advice from an attorney who understands the laws and how they could be used for your best interests. Since 1997, I have helped thousands of clients get out of debt in order to live more financially secure lives. Let me help you determine if bankruptcy is right for your situation or if other options are available in order for you to avoid it. Call Toll-Free 1866-477-7772 to schedule a free office consultation. We have offices in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Cerritos and Valencia. ***
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 10-13, 2015
Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA And ARlene Al-oS, cPA, mBA
IF you have not filed your income tax returns by the end of March, chances are you do not expect a refund, your tax records are a mess, or you simply do not want to break tradition. Just remember that filing extensions is not exactly a nice habit. Besides prolonging your worries, it also extends your own statute of limitations within which the IRS can audit you. If you file your 2014 tax returns by April 15, 2015, the IRS has until April 2018 to audit you. If you request for an extension and file by October 2015, the IRS has an extra six months to October 2018 to snoop at some items that you may not want disturbed. If you fail to file a return, there is no statute and therefore no end to when the government can examine your returns. Having primed you up to beat the tax deadline, here are some Tylenol caplets for you: 1. If you are missing a W-2 from an employer who moved None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific or closed shop, use Form 4852. situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully Use your last pay stub that shows helped thousands of clients in getting out of year-to-date earnings and withdebt. For a free attorney evaluation of your holdings to complete Form 4852 situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices and attach it to the front of your return. at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772. 2. If you have not received a (Advertising Supplement) 1099 (that you do not want anyway), estimate your 1099 income with no withholding and report that in line 22 of your federal tax return. 3. Check the recipient I. D. pino Veterans Noting the contri- number on your 1099s for comAS part of President butions of the 260,000 Filipinos Obama’s continuing executive soldiers in the US Armed Forces actions on immigration, the and the guerilla fighters during White House issued last July Barrister’s the Imperial Japanese occupation 2015 a report called “Modernof the Philippines during World Corner izing and Streamlining Our War II, the Report stated that the Legal Immigration System for Department of Homeland Securithe 21st century” (the “Rety (DHS) will create a parole proport”). This report was issued gram which will “allow certain Atty. Kenneth pursuant to the 11/21/2014 family members of Filipino-Amer- uRSuA ReyeS Presidential Memorandum ican veterans to request parole which directed heads of the BENEFICIARY spouse of marto come to the United States to executive departments to deprovide support and care to their riage based immigrant petition’s velop recommendations to imFilipino veteran family members where the marriage was less prove the current immigration Atty. Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos who are U.S. citizens or LPRs.” than 2 years old at the time of the system. It is estimated that there are ap- immigrant visa or status was apThe Report’s recommendations are divided into three (3) categories: proximately 6,000 Filipino American World War proved are issued a 2 year con(1) “Modernizing Our System for Efficiency and II veterans still alive in the US. In this connection, ditional green card. In order for Accessibility”; (2) Streamlining Our Legal Im- the USCIS on 10/2/2015 issued an advisory that it these immigrants to obtain their migration System”; and (3) “Strengthening Our is in the process of creating the parole program permanent green card, the imHumanitarian System”. Some of the notable rec- but informed the public that no applications are migrant has to either file a joint petition to remove the conditionbeing accepted as of this time. ommendations are as follows: • Parole for Certain Family Members of Filiu PAGE C5 al permanent residence before
President Obama’s ‘modernizing and streamlining our legal immigration system for the 21st century’
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10 tips for tax deadline jitters missions and independent contract income (without withholding). For example, if you have a corporation with its own federal identification number and the payor erroneously issued a 1099 to your Social Security Number, ask the payor to reissue a corrected 1099. That erroneous 1099 causes an unreported income by you personally and could trigger an unnecessary correspondence (or even an audit) on Form CP2000. 4. You can still contribute to an IRA by April 15, 2015 and claim it for 2014 even if you did not open an IRA account last year. In fact, the funds do not even have to be physically received by the bank by April 15. In a recent Letter Ruling, the IRS stated that an IRA contribution that is mailed to a bank is considered made on the postmarked date, not on the date the bank actually receives it. Therefore, a contribution mailed April 14 but received by the bank on April 15 can still count as an IRA deduction for 2014. Use certified mail. 5. Set up a SEP (Simplified Employee Pension Plan). You may set it up after 2014 just like a KEOGH and fund it by the extended due date of the return. 6. Do not forget to deduct property taxes and state income taxes due in 2015 but prepaid in 2014. 7. For many of you who were forced to pay mortgage prepayment penalty for refinancing high interest bearing trust deeds, now is the time to recoup that expense. Deduct the penalties as interest expense for 2014.
8. You may also deduct penalties for premature withdrawal of time certificates of deposits. 9. Review your filing status. Filing a joint return almost always results in a lower tax bite. Study the possibility of filing as Head of Household if you have a dependent child and your spouse was not a member of your household from July to December or if you are supporting a parent. 10. Do not forget tax credits (Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Credit, Hope and Lifetime Credits) to reduce your tax bite. *** Sy Al-os Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities. The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies. The firm celebrates its 38th anniversary in 2015. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in 704 Mira Monte Place, Pasadena, CA 91101. He has 50 years of experience in accounting, consulting, and tax work. *** The Firm proudly welcomes Arlene Al-os in 2015. She obtained her bachelors of Science in Accountancy from Mindanao State University and MBA from Ateneo de Manila University. She teaches intermediate accounting at UCLA and was a professor of Economics at Asia Pacific College. She has over 15 years of experience including member firms of KPMG and BDO Seidman accounting firms. *** Our readers may call (626) 744-0200 or email tax questions to info@victorsycpa.com. Please visit our website for about 300 tax tips at www. (Advertising Supplement) victorsycpa.com.
Can a conditional greencard holder file an immigrant petition? the end of the 2 years or file a waiver. What immigration petition and applications can a conditional permanent resident file? Can a conditional permanent resident file an immigrant petition for a qualifying relative? Other than the requirement to file a joint petition or a waiver, a conditional permanent resident does not affect any aspect of the immigrant’s immigration status. The conditional permanent resident may file an immigrant petition for any qualifying relatives such as fam-
ily based second preference as any permanent residents. 8 CFR 216.1. 8 CFR 216.1 provides …” Unless otherwise specified, the rights, privileges, responsibilities, and duties which apply to all other lawful permanent residents apply equally to conditional permanent residents, including but not limited to the right to apply for naturalization (if otherwise eligible), the right to file petitions on behalf of qualifying relatives, the privilege of residing permanently in the United States as an
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Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. Q: I AM a single mom and I have worked for this company for several years. Recently, while talking with another newly hired male co-worker whose responsibilities are similar to mine, I discovered he was making as much as 50 cents more per hour than I am. I asked my branch manager why the difference in pay. Instead of an answer, I was reprimanded for violating company policy because I was not supposed to discuss wages with other employees. Do I have any rights in this situation? A: “Equal pay for equal work” advocates that workers doing the same work should receive the same compensation. The issue of equal pay is commonly found in the area of sex discrimination, where an employee is treated differently because of their sex or gender. Hence, the issue of “gender wage gap.” California’s legislature states that in 2014, the gender wage gap in California stood at 16 cents on the dollar. This means a woman working full time year round earned an average of 84 cents to every dollar a man earned. This wage gap extends across almost all occupations in California. Collectively, women working full time in California lose more than $33 billion each year due to the gender wage gap. The wage gap has a significant impact on the economic security and welfare of millions of working women and their families.
Community Journal
Are you paid lower wages Writ of mandamus relief for unreasonable because of your gender? delay in pending immigration filings
Even though California has prohibited gender-based wage discrimination since 1949, with revisions to the laws since then, workers rarely use these laws because it was difficult for employees to establish a successful claim. Pay secrecy also contributes to the gender wage gap. If employees cannot freely discuss their wages with one another, then they may not know that wage discrimination is an issue in the workplace. Many employees don’t know that employers are not allowed to ban wage disclosures. And even if they know their rights, they may still not exercise them due to fear of potential retaliation by the employer. A newly-enacted law seeks to address these concerns. The law provides that an employer shall not pay any of its employees at wage rates less than the rates paid to employees of the opposite sex for substantially similar work, and performed under similar working conditions. “Substantially similar work” may mean the employees may have different titles or work at different sites but their work are essentially the same. In other words, the lower paid employee doesn’t have to prove that the higher paid employee of the opposite sex has exactly the same job as she (or he) does. If differences in wages exist, the difference must be legally justified based on one or more of the following factors: a) A seniority system b) A merit system c) A system that measures earnings by quantity or quality of
production d) A bona fide factor other than sex, such as education, training, or experience. An employee who successfully proves her claims may be entitled to the balance of the wages, including interest thereon, and an equal amount as liquidated damages, together with the costs of the suit and reasonable attorney’s fees, even if the employee has agreed to work for a lesser wage. Finally, an employer shall not prohibit an employee from disclosing the employee’s own wages, discussing the wages of others, inquiring about another employee’s wages, or aiding or encouraging any other employee to exercise his or her rights under the law. An employee who has been discharged, discriminated or retaliated against, for doing any of the foregoing will be entitled to damages as well as appropriate equitable relief.
*** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. Atty. Sayas’ Law Office is located at 500 N. Brand Blvd. Suite 980, Glendale, CA 91203. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www. joesayaslaw.com. *** C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is trial attorney who has obtained several million dollar recoveries for his clients against employers and insurance companies. He has been selected as a Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, featured in the cover of Los Angeles Daily Journal’s Verdicts and Settlements, and is a member of the Million Dollar-Advocates Forum. (Advertising Supplement)
Can a conditional greencard… PAGE C3 t
immigrant in accordance with the immigration laws, such status not having changed;…” However there is one exception to a conditional permanent resident’s ability to petition, the conditional immigrant cannot petition for another spouse in the second preference within five years of first immigrating to the US as a conditional permanent resident unless the first marriage was terminated by death of the other spouse or the petitioner shows the USCIS that the earlier marriage which was the basis of the conditional green card was not a sham. This rule applies even af-
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ter the immigrant’s condition has been removed. In addition to filing immigrant petition, a conditional immigrant may also apply for naturalization three years from the date the immigrant received the conditional permanent residence. A conditional immigrant may apply for naturalization even if the I-751 joint petition is pending. However, the naturalization application cannot be approved before the joint petition is approved. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and
Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.
A COMMON question that is asked by a person who has a pending immigration petition or application is “how much longer until USCIS makes a decision?” The question is understandable, in that an unreasonable delay in the USCIS’ adjudication of a petition or application can have adverse effects, including loss of employment and employment opportunities, possible termination of employment, and difficulties in obtaining student and credit loans. While an immigration filing is pending, the typical response by USCIS upon inquiry is that further time (usually 90 or 180 days) is needed to make a decision. However, often that 90 or 180 days that USCIS needs to make a decision turns into months and sometimes years. What option does a petitioner or applicant have to compel the USCIS to act on his or her case? Pursuant to the Mandamus and Venue Act of 1962, a Writ of Mandamus action can be filed in the US District Courts to compel the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the USCIS, DHS’s bureau, to act on a petition or application for which adjudication has been unreasonably delayed. The statute allows for an “action to compel an officer of the United States to perform his duty.” The legal duty for USCIS to promptly act on a pending petition or application can be found in the Administrative Procedures Act (“APA”), 8 USC Sec. 1571, and 5 USC Sec. 555(b). These statutes form the basis of Writ of Mandamus relief. The APA gives the court authority to “compel agency action unlawfully held and unreasonable delayed.” The policy for processing immigration applications is set forth under 8 USC Sec. 1571, which states that “the processing of an immigration benefit application should be completed no later than 180 days after the initial filing of the application.” Further, 5 USC Sec. 555(b) states that “within a reasonable time, each agency shall proceed to conclude a matter presented to it.” A typical case in which Writ of Mandamus relief is a viable option is in a green card application based on marriage. I have had several inquiries in recent months concerning delays in processing of these cases. Typically, the green card applicant along with his or her US Citizen spouse is interviewed by a USCIS officer and at the end of the interview, the green card applicant is advised that additional time is needed by USCIS to make a decision. The timeframe given to make a decision is 180 days; however, more than 180 days pass and no decision is made. The applicant then seeks to get updated status of the application via an Infopass appointment, and is advised that the case is still under consideration and more time is needed. In such a case, a writ of mandamus can be filed in Federal Court to compel the USCIS to act on the application. Often, a decision is made on the case after the Writ of Mandamus is filed in that the unreasonable delay is brought to the attention of the USCIS. A prompt decision is often made by USCIS after filing to avoid the use of government resources in having to defend the meritorious action. It is important to keep in mind that Writ of Mandamus relief is available to a variety of pending petitions and applications, not just green card applications based on marriage. To determine whether Writ of Mandamus relief is a good option in your pending immigration case, it is recommended that you seek the advice of an experienced attorney. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association. LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277. Email: info@ dtanlaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
People and Events
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Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. (Advertising Supplement)
A former military aide to Gen. Douglas Mac Arthur U.S. Navy Commander Kenneth L. Jahnke received a Plaque of Recognition from the officers of Happy Seniors of Cerritos Association and community leaders. From left: U.S. Army Major Jose Armin Reyes, Emelita Segales, Margarita P. Arellano, Nehrie Podany, Dr. Carlos P. Manlapaz, Dr. Carmen S. Jahnke (wife of awardee), Commander K.L. Jahnke (honoree), Honorary Commodore Felix B. Lopez, Adoracion Magajes, Luzviminda B. Pleta, Benjamin V. Velasquez, Emma B. Chupinghong and Rev. Eduardo Nalundasan Yu. hoto by Dan E. Nino
Gen. Macarthur’s aide US Navy Commander Kenneth L. Jahnke receives recognition from Filipino seniors
CERRITOS, Calif. – Seventy years after the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese occupation--a years-long battle which was begun in Palo, Tacloban and Leyte-- U.S. Navy Commander Kenneth L. Jahnke is enjoying the twilight of his life with the Happy Seniors of Cerritos Association. Jankhe, then just 21-years-old, was one of the liberators who fought bravely in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and later waded towards the shore with Pacific Supreme Commander Gen. Douglas Mac Arthur. Commander Jahnke, who will turn 92 on March 11 next year, was awarded a plaque of recognition by the Happy Seniors of Cerritos Association on Oct. 1 at the Pat Nixon Senior Center in Cerritos, California. The prestigious honor reads: “Plaque of Recognition is presented to Kenneth L. Jahnke. in honor and recognition of his dedicated service to the U.S. Military under the command of Gen. Douglas MacArthur who landed in Palo, Leyte, Philippines on Oct. 20, 1944 during World War II, thus liberating the Philippines under the Japanese occupation. This, therefore led to the granting of Philippine Independence on July 4, 1946 by the United States of America.” The plaque was signed by military dignitaries, including the Honorary Commodore of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Felix B. Lopez; Major Jose Armin Reyes, a U.S. Army veteran who is also the president of Southern California Philippine-U.S. Veterans Association; Dr. Carlos P. Manlapaz, founding president of Ilocano National Association of America; and Rev. Eduardo Nalundasan Yu, president of Happy Seniors of Cerritos Association. Mr. Jahnke, who later married Filipina physician Dr. Carmen
Santamaria, started his military career in the U.S. Navy on March 11, 1941 at the ripe age of 17. After basic training at the Navy Training Station in San Diego, Calif., he was sent to Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and became a crew member of USS Oklahoma in September 1941. “My entry level salary then was only $19 a month. Thereafter, it was increased to $21 a month when I served in Pearl Harbor,” he recalled fondly. On Dec. 7, 1941, the Japanese Imperial Army attacked the fleet of ships in Pearl Harbor, causing thousands of deaths and destroyed battleships, including the sunken USS Oklahoma. After the attack, the injured Kenneth Jahnke, a six-footer young lad, was airlifted to the U.S. Naval Hospital in Long Beach for further medical treatment. His arms and legs were almost amputated from the attack. After he recovered and was discharged from the hospital, Mr. Jahnke enrolled at the Defense Language Institute, at the Presidio of Monterey Army Base. While studying there, Jahnke learned Tagalog and Visayan languages before going on to Officer Candidates School. After three months, he became a naval officer. After serving on various ships during the war years, he was assigned to serve under the esteemed Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the Philippines until 1946, after the end of Japanese occupation in the Philippine Islands until 1945. “It was an honor to be with the commander of the Allied forces on that historic day on Leyte Beach,”Jahnke noted, remembering serving alongside Gen. MacArthur and with other Philippine luminaries, including Gen. Carlos P. Romulo and the late President Sergio Osmena.
After the war, Mr. Jahnke also served in the police force in Korea and Vietnam. He retired as full commander in 1965 with a rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. When asked whom does he attribute for his health and longevity, the retired naval Commander replied, “I’m married to a beautiful Filipina lady physician and I do plenty of dancing, with six senior associations based in Cerritos, Anaheim, Westminster, Buena Park, Fullerton and Garden Grove.” He added spiritedly, “You keep young that way.” Other officers of the Happy Seniors of Cerritos Association, who are closely associated with Mr. Jahnke, were present to honor him with the plaque of recognition. The officers include Adoracion Magajes, vice president; Perlita Ramis, executive secretary; Emma B. Chupinghong, treasurer; Augusto Valino, auditor; Lou Trerotola and Estefania Wiegman, PROs; Margie Arellano and Nehrie Podany, Affair Coordinators; Tomasa Sagubo and Carlos Caranza, Sgt.at-Arms. The Board of Directors include Emelita Segales (chairperson); Gloria Magadia (vice chairperson); Chit Yokohama (secretary); and Dan Barrera, Cristina Samonte, Lili Mayor, Luzon Arbizo, Ben Velasquez, Eduardo Nalundasan Yu, Minda Pleta, and Linda Bautista as advisors. The Happy Seniors of Cerritos Association meets every first and third Thursdays of every month for dancing and fellowship with a live band. On his dutiful service and involvement with the Filipino community both overseas and back home, Jahnke said, “I really love the Filipino people. They are great people.” (Dan E. Nino denino1951@gmail.com)
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Community Journal
Business owners seek bankruptcy relief
Debt Relief Atty. LAwrence yAng Client 1: Garment factory CLIENT presents himself as a businessperson, who has been in the garment business since 2002. He has a factory with ten employees where he pays his sewers a little over the minimum wage. When business was good, his factory was humming along. Orders for his garments were pouring in. He never did have enough capital to operate his business so at first he relied on credit cards. When that was not enough, he was able to get several small business loans from commercial banks. When that was not enough, he got a hard money high interest loan of $200K. Unfortunately, he also personally guaranteed each and every loan that the company got. Lately, the business has not been able to pay the debts on time, and he’s been getting a lot of collection letters and phone calls. Several letters threatened lawsuits. I asked him if the business was still profitable. He said no. It’s been losing 4 to 5K a month. He said just to continue operating and meet payroll, he had to get a HELOC against his residence for $80K last month. It looks like his back is against the wall. To make matters worse, two material suppliers have filed lawsuits abroad against him and the business to collect $60K each of invoices that have not been paid for six months. I then proposed a Chapter 11 only if he thought that the business could later on turn a profit if reorganized. He said he didn’t want to do the business anymore and wanted a peaceful life now that he was 65. He wanted to close the business. The problem of course is that he had personally guaranteed all the debts of the business. This means that pretty soon, all of the creditors of the business will be suing him to collect on his personal guaranty. We added up the business debts that he guaranteed and came out with a total of $500K! Client was personally on the hook for half a million for the debts of business. After analyzing his financials and assets, fortunately for client, I told him that he could do a Chapter 7 to wipe out the $500K
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without any risk of losing his house and all of his personal assets. Since he was 65, his homestead exemption is $175K. With the $80K HELOC he got last month, his equity in the house was $150K, which is well within the exemption amount. But he can’t get rid of the $80K of HELOC since that’s a voluntary mortgage on his house. He asked if he could go into business again after the bankruptcy? I said “Yes, certainly.” He would be debt free once the discharge is entered, and his credit score will increase every year. Client 2: Coffee shop Client presents himself as a relatively new businessperson. He bought a retail outlet in a mall serving “Boba drinks” and other desserts. He started only two years ago. He got a 2nd
Chapter 7 bankruptcy when his first business venture failed. So, I said, you’re in good company because Disney is so successful now worldwide and does billions of $ of business yearly despite the fact that Mr. Disney also filed for Chapter 7 relief at the start of his business career. It gave him the fresh start that he needed and it will give client the fresh start without accumulated debt that he needs. Client 3: Health care facility Client presents herself as the owner-operator of 3 health care facilities with 12 employees. The make a long story short, the business has been losing patients. In addition, Medicare demands a reimbursement for overpayment of $150K. She’s also borrowed last resort high interest loans for $100K for payroll, and has been looking for investors for new money to continue operating. I suggested a Chapter 11 reorganization because the facilities had equity of about $300K altogether and they do have some interested investors who have the funds to put in but need a little more time and convincing. Chapter 11 is the ideal solution. Even if you don’t have a business, you may have racked up credit card and other debt over the years. If you’re stuck in the minimum monthly payment mode, you will never pay them off. So, now is the time to seriously consider a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 to give you a fresh start without accumulated debt. You owe it to yourself and your family to put yourself in firm financial footing now for future prosperity by getting rid of accumulated debt now. Call my office for an appointment and I will interview you personally. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
You owe it to yourself and your family to put yourself in firm financial footing now for future prosperity by getting rid of accumulated debt now.
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mortgage from his house of $40K to buy the improvements and equipment from the previous owner. He also signed a new lease with landlord for 5 years at $3K a month. Unfortunately, gross receipts were just a little over $3K a month. Therefore, buying the business was a very bad decision. To continue operating for 2 years, he borrowed $80K of credit card debt. He hasn’t paid the rent for two months and has just received a letter from the landlord saying that if he does not update the rent by Oct. 30, landlord will file a lawsuit for eviction and demand the entire balance of the rent of $108K. He asks if landlord can do this? Of course he can. Since client breached the contract, landlord can accelerate the rent for the next 3 years and demand payment of the entire balance of $108K! So, with the lease balance of $108K, plus credit card debt of $80K, client needs to wipe out $188K of unsecured debt to get his fresh start in life without accumulated debt. He decides that Chapter 7 will provide him the relief from the consequences of a bad business decision. I assured him that it was the right thing to do. After all, Walt Disney filed for
*** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 10-13, 2015
To Live With Faith reverend rodeL g. BALAgtAs (For my article this week, I’m presenting a weekday homily I gave to our seminarians at St. John’s which can give you some insight on how we prepare seminarians to the priesthood. It’s based on the Gospel passage, “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit.” Matthew 7:17) WE have a saying in Tagalog, Kapag mabunga, binabato! (People stone a tree that bears a lot of fruits!) I learned this when I was a pastor for many years. This is so true, even literally. I remember growing up in the Philippines as a young boy. My friends and I loved carrying slingshots whenever we would go to a little forest near our house. We would look for some fruits to eat. When we see a mango tree bearing full of fruits, we’d use our slingshots to harvest mangoes. We were so good at shooting fruits of mango trees that we would bring baskets of them to our homes. In the parish, however, what
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On bearing fruits this means as a priest is that some people will stone, crucify, criticize, judge, and condemn you if you’re doing great things. This may not sound attractive to you, but it’s the truth. So be ready. There will be some people who will not like the good things that you’re doing for the parish for a variety of reasons. Who says that you will be exempted from this terrible experience? Even Jesus, who is already God and who did great things for his people, was crucified and condemned to death. So is priesthood attractive if this this is the truth and the experience of many priests? Absolutely, it still is if your innermost desire is to make a difference in people’s lives, if your heart is as grateful as that of St. Paul who said he was “mercifully treated by God,” despite being a former blasphemer and persecutor of Christians, and who received abundant blessings in his call as a missionary of the Gospel. It’s attractive if you continue to experience God who has first loved you! During the fiftieth year of his ordination to the priesthood, Cardinal Walter Kasper wrote a book entitled, A Celebration of Priestly Ministry. In his book, he
wrote that priesthood is attractive when we meet priests “who reflect the splendor of the truth of faith and its inherent beauty, and who bears witness to this with confidence and joy.” So now, be patient, be prepared to have a “thick skin” when you become priests. You’ll suffer but with perseverance and support of many people, you’ll bear fruits, lots of fruits! There is one more thing that will assist you to persevere and to bear fruits in ministry. It’s the affection of Mary who loves priests as his sons. Call on her Holy Name every day and she’ll intercede for you. She’ll wrap you with the mantle of her love. Call on her Holy Name and you’ll do great things for the Church. *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (1999-2001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.
President Obama’s ‘modernizing and…
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• Work Authorization for Battered Spouses. The DHS will publish final guidance so selfpetitioners of Violence against Women Act (VAWA) applications and certain nonimmigrant battered spouses can receive work authorization. • Children Who Age Out. The DHS will issue guidance to clarify “the basis under which extraordinary circumstances may exist and provide non-exhaustive examples” in the event certain beneficiaries under the Child Status Protection Act
(CSPA) fail to seek to acquire LPR status within one (1) year of visa availability due to circumstances beyond their control. In succeeding articles, additional immigration recommendations contained in the Report will be discussed. If you are contemplating of filing any other immigrant or nonimmigration application, it is advisable to seek the counsel of an immigration lawyer to guide you on the intricacies of filing for such a petition. *** Atty. Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos is a member
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pitfalls and traps in the applicant’s case, and determine how to effectively overcome these negative aspects of the case. Of course, the experienced attorney also represents the applicant through all stages of the naturalization process to ensure that his or her legal rights are
protected and preserved. While the general requirements to establish eligibility for naturalization may appear straight-forward, prospective applicants must be aware that ‘the devil is in the detail.’ *** Atty. Reeves has represented clients in numerous landmark immigration cases that
of the State Bar of California and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. To schedule for a free initial in-person consultation, please call Tel. Nos. (213) 284-5984 or (626) 3298215. Atty. Santos’ office is located at 3450 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1200-105, Los Angeles, CA 90010. *** Information contained in this article does not, nor is it intended to, constitutes legal advice for any specific situation and does not create a lawyerclient relationship. It likewise does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code. (Advertising Supplement)
have set new policies regarding INS action and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)
C OCTOBER 10-13, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
PeoPle & events
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Federation of Filipino American Associations, Inc. celebrates 16th Filipino American History Month
Singkil Dance by the Kayamanan ng Lahi.
ment Foreign Press Center. LAST Saturday, October 3, 2015, the Federation of Filipino The City of Long Beach, American Associations, Inc. through Mayor Robert Garcia, the (FFAA), founded by Paul Blanco, County of Los Angeles, through and currently headed by Dr. Leo its five Supervisors, and Long Pandac, as President, celebrated Beach Council Member, Roberto the 16th Filipino American HistoUranga, of the Seventh District, ry Month Recognition Day at the likewise presented Certificates of Rickenbacker Room of the Long Commendation/Recognition to Beach Marriott Hotel. the three awardees. The Hon. Alan Lowenthal, Cirilo Pinlac, Board Member Congressman, 47th District, Caliof the Federation acted as Masfornia, delivered a message and ter of Ceremonies. Congressman presented Certificates of RecogLowenthal introduced former nition to three Community Leadcolleague Art Levine at CSULB. ership Awardees. Benito Miranda, Past President The three Awardees were: Art of Rotary Club of Historic FilipiLevine, Secretary of the Long Roman P. Mosqueda, Esq. notown, introduced Atty. Roman Beach Board of Water Commis- Lawyer of Southern California in P. Mosqueda. And Dr. Leo Pansioners and Host/Executive Pro- 2014, 2015 and 2016; and Buster dac introduced his mentor Buster ducer of Straight Talk, a weekly Sussman, artist/writer, a former Sussman. cable television talk show on Los Angeles Times news reporter The Rosewood United Methpolitics, business and the arts; and volunteer to the Los Angeles odist Church Choir provided campaign, of which Bantay Bata is one of them. Dr. Roman P. Mosqueda, Esq. Lotus Festival Inc., Los Angeles Filipino musical entertainment. Emotions ran high as guests intently listened to Chairperson of the Board of Ad- Press Club, Los Angeles Com- And Awardee Roman P. Mosquethe plight of the children and gave out additional visers of Asian-Pacific Counsel- munity College, Black Business da sang George Canseco’s “Ako donations in exchange of the appropriately printed ing and Treatment Centers, Pres- Association, VP for the Filipino Ay Pilipino” to the keyboard acsouvenir T-shirts. ident-Elect of the Rotary Club of American Press Club of Los An- companiment of bandleader Roy As dinner was served, eyes were glued in awe to Historic Filipinotown and Super geles and the US State Depart- Venturina. n the spectacular performance by the Joel Jacintoled Kayamanan ng Lahi Dance Group with their Philippine folkdances from the Cordillera Region Ifugao Dance; Jota - Central Luzon/Manila; Visayas THE CANA Marriage Renewal Movement will tration and orientation at 6 pm, and ends with the – Maglalatik & Tinikling; Mindanao – Singkil; and have their 59th couples retreat at the Holiday Inn celebration of Eucharist on Sunday evening. at the Finale Itik-Itik, the audience were enthused We request a donation of $300 per couple to to join the dancers. Ballroom dancing till midnight & Suites, Fullerton, CA (2932 Nutwood Ave Fullerton, CA 92831) on Oct. 16-18. cover hotel accommodations, meals and snacks. subsequently followed, with the Elston Band proIt is a 3-day experience designed to revitalize No one is refused the opportunity to attend the viding the live music. The guests were amazed by the event’s sou- the interpersonal growth of the couple towards retreat because of lack of funds, but prior arrangements must be made. venir program highlighting the world-renowned each other and God. Through a particular method of communication Registration is still open, please contact Alain Philippine scenic views and tourist spots which also served as the backdrop of the night, projected and dialogue, they discover their “coupleness” or Cecile Graziani (818 421-6505), email cnagraand couple power in a new way. ziani@charter.net, or St Lorenzo Ruiz Parish Ofthrough a video presentation. The retreat starts on Friday evening with regis- fice (909) 595-9545. n Following is an excerpt from an article in the Souvenir Program written by Erlinda Maestro entitled: Flashback 1961-2015: “LAPWC, the oldest Philippine women’s club in So. California, barely six months in her existence at that time, already assimilated into the social, cultural and community developments in the city of Los Angeles by joining the building of the 24 THE University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial million dollar Music Center. The members de- Medical Center - Medical Alumni Association of Southern MANDACAL (Mandaluyong Civic cided to hold a fashion fair at the international California (UERMMMC - MAASC ), a 501(c)(3) non-profit Group of Southern California) would like ballroom of the Beverly Hotel featuring the fash- corporation which participates in many humanitarian proj- to invite you to attend its 26th Anniverion creations of notable Philippine couturiere, with ects and medical missions to barangays in the Philippines, sary Dinner Dance on Saturday, October net proceeds of $5,000 which they donated. This will hold its Inaugural Ball and Dinner-Dance on October 24, 2015 at the Embassy Suites Glendale made the LAPWC an associate founding member 17, 2015 at the Manhattan Beach Marriott (1400 Parkview (800 North Central Ave. Glendale, CA of the Music Center with a name permanently en- Avenue; Manhattan Beach, CA 90266). 91203). graved on the granite wall of the Music Center, as The event is a sit down dinner with live Proceeds from the event will benefit underserved areas well as two brass plates of the name of the Club and families in Lucena, Quezon and District 2 of Pampanga music by the Hill Tops Band #1, providengraved and placed on the back of two chairs at (Lubao, Sasmuan, Guagua, Floridablanca) who are in need ing your favorite dance music from 5pm the Founder’s Circle.” of medical and surgical care. The theme of the Inaugural until midnight. The Club is also noted for helping seniors’ Ball will be “A Black and White Event.” The evening starts There will be raffle prizes and many homes, scholarships for deserving Filipino and at 6:00pm. fabulous door prizes to be given away. Filipino-American students, and medical missions Tickets are $90 per person and are tax deductible; VIP Come enjoy a night of great food, excelto the Philippines and other advocacies that in- packages ranging from $500 and up are also available. lent music, and pure fun with your family spire and remind of the ability of the Filipina to unFor more information, please call Dr. Teri Pastor at 310- and friends! Tickets are $55 each. dertake worthwhile projects and advocate worthy 707-8480, Gloria Legaspi at 951-496-0536 and Lucy BabaFor tickets and information, please call: causes that benefit the members, the community ran at 818-395-9348. We thank our guests and sponsors for Becky 818-572-3261, Espee 626-383and the country. n 3621, or Julie 858-337-9224. n their generous support! n
Los Angeles Philippine Women’s Club celebrates 45th anniversary THE LA Philippine Women Club’s 45th anniversary dinner dance held last Saturday, October 3, at the Olympic Collection Banquet for the benefit the Bantay Bata 163 in the Philippines was celebrated with a resounding success. California State General Federation of Women’s Club (CFWC) president Chris Herzog delivered the Inspirational message. On behalf of the sisters in the federation, she commended the international outreach to raise funds for the unfortunate children of the Philippines. CFWC is under the auspices of the International Federation of Women’s Club. Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim, who could not make it to the event due to a prior commitment, sent his felicitations and commended the club for the sterling record of achievements that it has attained. He also encouraged them to engage the youth in activities in order to prepare the next line of leadership of the community for the day when a new generation of social movers emerge to inherit the torch from current generation of leaders. LAPWC President Linda Jones welcomed the guests and thanked everyone for their attendance and support that enabled the Club to make a difference. She also expressed appreciation to the sponsors, well-wishers and the committee who worked so hard to put together this celebration: chairwoman Erlinda Maestro; Luz Espina, Amelia Arichea, Susan Arco, Cecilia Berango, Rosalie Caratao, Connie Gonong, Perla Santos and others. Gracing the affair included the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Senegal Mame Toucouleur MBaye; Historic Filipinotown Neighborhood Council president Cecil Ramos, Rev. Fr. Martin Silva, S.J_ Parish Priest of Blessed Sacrament; CFWC President Dean Chris Kerzog; Past Presidents of Artesia-Cerritos District Women’s Club Joan Witt and Marilyn Hutton; and Philippine Department of Tourism Administrative Officer Eva Adan. Bantay Bata/ABS-CBN International Foundation Acting Managing Director Alma Magsombol who flew in from Redwood City for the event, congratulated and thanked LAPWC for their laudable endeavor. She said this generosity will go a long way for the welfare of the unfortunate children cared for by Bantay Bata 163 in the Philippines. She also promoted the ABS-CBN “Power of Good”
CANA in Galilee Couples Retreat
UERMMMC - Medical Alumni Mandacal 26th Anniversary Association Inaugural Ball Dinner-Dance
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Future of Southern California entrepreneurship takes center stage at innovation forum by Christina
M. orieL
AJPress
LOS ANGELES is the thirdbest startup city in the world according to recent studies, as areas like ‘Silicon Beach’ and downtown have become home to thriving technology ventures. In 2014 alone, $3.04 billion in investments were made to city-based startups. Over $4 billion is projected to be invested by the end of the year; already, $2.1 billion has been put toward over 180 deals. It’s only fitting that an innovation forum would take place here with the premise of bringing out ideas for future startups and marketing the city as an alternative hub to Silicon Valley. “We’re trying to bridge the resources and information between China and the US. In China, few people know to come [to Los Angeles] to start a startup. They think the first stop is the Bay Area,” said Jennifer Zhang, co-founder and chief operations officer of PlusYoou. PlusYoou, an LA-based nonprofit composed of startup experts, recognizes the trend of more Asians, particularly from China, coming to the United States to start businesses. How-
ever, resources to help entrepreneurs navigate the American business landscape are still limited. On Oct. 3 and 4, the PlusYoou partnered with Blackstone LaunchPad USA, WeStart Club, Zuma Ventures and Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business for the fourth annual SoCal Innovation Forum (SIF) at the University of Southern California. “Los Angeles is home to a burgeoning tech community with deep connections to China. Bolstered by a large and growing Chinese population, a natural synergistic and symbiotic relationship is taking root,” added David Carter, co-founder and CEO of Zuma Ventures. “The SoCal Innovation Forum is evidence of this successful economic and social interaction.” With the theme ‘breath local, think global,’ investors, entrepreneurs and startups from China and Southern California gathered to discuss investment opportunities. “Through events like these, we want to connect students, young professionals and entrepreneurs to opportunities, information and the right people,”
PH promotes innovation in APEC transport system by LoueLLa
D. DesiDerio Philstar.com
MANILA—The Philippines is promoting innovation in transport systems in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to address challenges in the sector. Speaking at the 9th APEC Transportation Ministerial Meeting on Friday, Oct. 9, Transport Secretary Joseph Abaya said there are gains in encouraging innovation in transport systems in the region. He said encouraging innovation in transport systems is seen to “address the evolving challenges encountered by the transport sector and to further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the sector’s operations.” As such, the APEC’s transport ministers would have to look into innovations affecting the sector such as big data applications and intelligent transportation systems. Aside from encouraging innovations in the transport sector, Abaya said there is also a need to promote inclusive mobility in the region.
Advancing inclusive mobility means addressing the transportation requirements of all, particularly the vulnerable sectors of society such as the persons with disability, women, children and the elderly. To advance inclusive mobility, the Philippines is proposing a framework that would promote cost-effective modes of transport including biking and walking, in the APEC. “Improving mobility translates to increased productivity, which helps accelerate economic progress. Inclusive mobility would mean that everyone’s needs are incorporated in the transport plans, programs, activities and projects of their economies and of the region,” Abaya said. The 9th APEC Transportation Ministerial Meeting is focused on the theme of Driving Economic Growth Through Inclusive Mobility and Sustainable Transport Systems. The theme is in line with APEC 2015’s overall theme of Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World.
L&L Hawaiian BBQ President and CEO Eddie Flores.
Fil-Am owned L&L Hawaiian BBQ opens first outlet in Manila SAN FRANCISCO — Hawaii’s Filipino American owned plate lunch giant, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, opened its first takeout restaurant in the Philippines on September 21, in a mall near Manila’s Edsa Shangri-La Manila hotel, and will open another one in November. In the United States, L&L’s “third biggest demographic are Filipinos — the first are kamaaina who have lived in Hawaii for some
time and are aware of the L&L brand, and the second are Pacific Islanders,” Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Bryan Andaya told Pacific Business News. The first Philippine outlet employs nearly 20 people and is slightly smaller than many of the company’s U.S. locations. A second franchised location by November in Manila’s SM Megamall, the largest shopping mall in the island country. (Inquirer.net)
Business Quote of the Week “Climate change is destroying our path to sustainability. Ours is a world of looming challenges and increasingly limited resources. Sustainable development offers the best chance to adjust our course.” - Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary General
Zhang said. Among the speakers were Richard Wolpert, founder of HelloTech; David Carter, co-founder of Zuma Ventures, which creates companies from ideation to eventual launch as an independent entity, Peggie Li, director of audience development at Maker Studios, the largest multichannel network owned by The Walt Disney Company; and Eagle Yi, director of marketing and business development at Tencent America. Wolpert, whose past experiences include launching Disney’s earliest online businesses and selling companies to Adobe and RealNetworks, shared that HelloTech raised $12.5 million in September. As the first on-demand service that has tech-savvy college students deliver support, HelloTech has expanded to Orange County, and is looking to expand to 20 cities next year. “Our mission is very simple: to help entrepreneurs build a platform. The difference is, we PAGE D3
Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ DEAR Attorney Gurfinkel: I was petitioned by my US citizen father, and after waiting for over 15 years, I was finally interviewed and just received my immigrant visa, which was delivered by the Embassy’s courier. The immigrant visa is valid for several months. Would there be a problem if I remain in the Philippines for a few more months, to wind up my affairs, before I finally go the US? Very truly yours, S.C. Dear S.C.: If a person has been issued an immigrant visa, they should depart for the US as soon as possible. You never know if circumstances or the law may change, affecting the validity of your immigrant visa. Even if a beneficiary is issued an immigrant visa, if the petitioner dies before the beneficiary enters the
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Enter the US ASAP with your immigrant visa US, then the visa is considered automatically void. (Although “humanitarian revalidation” may be available in such circumstances, it is very difficult and time consuming to obtain and may not be granted.) What if new laws, cases, or policy interpretations result in a person no longer becoming eligible for his immigrant visa? Then all that time and effort were wasted. My point is you should not delay coming to the US because you never know if the laws or circumstances will change before you enter. You should come to the US, obtain your green card, and you can literally go right back to the Philippines (as a green card holder) and finish up your affairs. If you expect to be out of the US for a long time (such as to finish studies), you can come to America, get your green card, and apply for a reentry permit, which would allow you to stay outside the US
for almost 2 years at a time. At least you have your green card, and don’t have to worry that laws and circumstances could change, which might void your visa. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and 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 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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Diverse consumers overwhelmingly optimistic about financial future Wells Fargo survey affirms African American, Asian and Hispanic communities more hopeful about finances, managing credit than general population
The Philippine National Police’s HPG received touch-screen tablets that run the app dubbed “Parak” or Police Accident Report Kit, which will guide the HPG in completing an accident report on the spot—from taking comprehensive photo angles of the vehicles involved, recording other details like the photos of driver’s licenses and signatures, to accomplishing a digitized traffic accident form. Inquirer.net photo
App-enabled HPG can now act faster on EDSA mishaps Authorities hope to keep eDsA clear of traffic buildups caused by accidents with a specially developed mobile application for the highway Patrol Group (hPG) that aims to reduce the processing time for incident reports to just four minutes. the Philippine National Police’s hPG on Wednesday, oct. 9 received eight touch-screen tablets that run the app dubbed “Parak” or Police Accident report Kit. Parak was developed by Galileo software, a local firm headed by rodolfo “Jun” Lozada, an antigraft whistleblower during the Arroyo administration. the app guides the hPG in completing an accident report on
the spot—from taking comprehensive photo angles of the vehicles involved, recording other details like the photos of driver’s licenses and signatures, to accomplishing a digitized traffic accident form. once completed, the reports would automatically be stored in a database accessible only to Galileo and the hPG. With the tablets 3G-enabled, the reports could also be immediately e-mailed to the parties involved in the accident or to their insurance companies. the app also has an sos button which allows the hPG to call the police headquarters, an ambulance or a tow truck.
hopes are high that the mobile app would help clear eDsA faster of vehicles involved in accidents. “Before, the investigation and the taking of photos would take up to 15 minutes. With this app, we hope it can take less than 10 minutes. in two minutes’ time, the road can be cleared and traffic can flow,” hPG director Chief supt. Arnold Gunnacao told reporters. Lozada was more optimistic. in a statement, he noted that traditionally, processing traffic accident reports may take up to four hours. he estimated that the app could cut that time down from 10 to just four minutes. Gunnacao said that since the PAGE D3
sAN FrANCisCo—Diverse consumers feel optimistic about the current u.s economic outlook, according to the third “how American Buys and Borrows” survey by Wells Fargo & Company (NYse: WFC) and ipsos. eighty-eight percent of diverse consumers surveyed report having a positive outlook compared to 79 percent of the general population - a seven percent increase from last year for diverse consumers. this is the second wave of data Wells Fargo has released as part of its annual support of the American Bankers Association’s Get smart About Credit campaign. When asked about personal finances, on average 60 percent of African American, Asian and hispanic consumers said they expect their financial situation to be “somewhat” or “much” better a year from now, compared to 48 percent of the general population. the survey, fielded in June 2015, measured attitudes and behaviors about finances and managing credit of more than 1,000 African American, Asian and hispanic consumers. “our vision of helping customers succeed financially means making sure our customers know where to go for
the information and resources they need to take charge of their credit. that’s why we support Get smart About Credit month to ensure we’re highlighting the tools and resources they need to make informed credit choices,” said shelley Freeman, head of Wells Fargo’s Consumer Credit solutions group. “With optimism high, it’s especially important that we continue to offer our diverse customers access to the information and resources they need.” Survey results – diverse communities more hopeful than general population When looking at diverse communities, the findings unveiled that, similar to the general population, diverse consumers believe that when used wisely, loans and credit can help individuals reach their financial goals. however, diverse communities vary in how proud they are about their own credit scores. Among the general population, 51 percent of consumers report feeling proud of their credit score, compared to 59 percent of Asians, 34 percent of African Americans and 48 percent of hispanics who report the same. though diverse consumers are optimistic, their confidence levels are lower. Fifty-one percent of Asians, 46 percent of African Americans and 53 percent of hispanics compared report feeling they may not know enough about making g o o d b o r ro w i n g d e c i s i o n s compared to 58 percent of the general population. 10 tips to Get smarter About Credit Good credit helps with more than borrowing. it can factor into everything from renting an apartment and getting a cell phone, to landing a job. Lenders, landlords, utility providers, and employers can all review credit reports when making
decisions. here are 10 tips to help manage credit: • Monitor your credit regularly • Know your credit limits • Know that good scores = good rates • Don’t make late payments • Know your debt-to-income ratio • start with a college or secured credit card • Pay down highest interest rates first • Live within your means • Pay more than the minimum • set up account and autopay alerts For more information about ways to establish or improve credit – or better manage debt – consumers can visit Wells Fargo’s smarter Credit™ Center online at and our free financial education program, hands on Banking. We l l s Fa rg o & C o m p a n y (NYse: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.7 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in san Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through 8,700 locations, 12,800 AtMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 36 countries to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 266,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the united states. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 30 on Fortune’s 2015 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy all our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. Wells Fargo perspectives are also available at Wells Fargo Blogs and Wells Fargo stories.
PH voted chair of UN tourism body in East Asia Pacific by Louise
Maureen Philstar.com
siMeon
MANiLA - the Philippines is set to lead the east Asia and Pacific region in tourism development as chair of the united Nations World tourism organization (uNWto) Commission for east Asia and the Pacific (CAP). the Department of tourism (Dot) said the country was unanimously elected CAP chair for 2015-2017 during the 21st uNWto General Assembly in Colombia last month. Cambodia and Japan, meanwhile, were voted as vice chairs
for the region. “it is an affirmation of the Philippines’ leadership to pursue reforms and address key issues to enhance travel and tourism development in the region, to include, among others, domestic tourism, air connectivity, and travel facilitation,” Dot secretary ramon Jimenez Jr. said. the Philippines will also sit as member of the Committee on statistics and tourism satellite Account (tsA) in its efforts of institutionalizing the implementation of the tsA in the country, the first in the southeast Asian PAGE D3
Makati City to launch environment-friendly transport vehicles by Mike
FriaLde Philstar.com
MANiLA—in line with its drive to promote an environment-friendly city, the Makati City government has entered into an agreement with private sector groups for the fielding of electric tricycles and four-stroke engine tricycles. the memorandum of understanding (Mou) was signed last Monday, oct. 5 with Global Mobility service Philippines inc. (GMs) and the tricycle operator Driver Associations of Makati City (toDAMakati). the Mou obligates the parties to lessen air pollution and carbon emissions through the use of cloud technology and electric or the more environment-friendly four-stroke tricycles. Makati Acting Mayor romulo “Kid” Peña said that through the partnership with the private and transport sectors, Makati would be able to improve its environment and air quality. “the city government believes that the private sector could contribute much in the implementation of worthwhile programs and projects, and this Mou would bring Makati a step higher in its advocacy in improving the quality of air in the city and implementing the Clean Air Act,” Peña said in a statement. “i am really proud that through this partnership, Makati would be the first local government in the country to have transport vehicles monitored through Global Positioning system,” he added. Peña said each electric tricycle
would be equipped with an advanced Mobility-Cloud Connecting system that will also integrate Global Positioning system (GPs) technology. under the Mou, GMs will finance the tricycles so that operators and drivers could avail a unit at a very low downpayment and minimal daily amortization to be payable in three years. twenty units have already been released to the operators and drivers, with 240 more in the coming months, the Makati City government said. the city government and toDA-Makati meanwhile will ensure that only qualified operators and drivers would be able to avail of the units, who must be of good standing in the transport community. the operators and drivers could then choose to avail either the electric motorcycle or a four-stroke engine tricycle. through this initiative, the parties aim for the reduction of conventional types of vehicles that contribute to air and noise pollution, while promoting care for the environment, profitability, efficient transportation and latest transport technologies, the city government said. the signing of the Mou was witnessed by members of the “Ang Bagong Makati tricycle Federation” (AB Matrifed), an umbrella organization of 64 tricycle associations in Makati. At present there are 7,000 tricycle operators in the city with 3,000 drivers, said the Makati City government.
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Honda to showcase new fuel-cell car at Tokyo show
HonDA has announced a wide range of concepts, production cars and motorcycles that it will present at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show starting october 28. Covering the largest floor area of any single brand at the show, Honda’s stand highlights the diversity of its current product line-up and includes innovative mobility solutions designed to improve the day-to-day lives of Honda’s customers. This broad portfolio of models is united by its global brand slogan – The Power
of Dreams. Highlights include the first chance to see its all-new fuel cell vehicle, provisionally called the FCV, the all-new nSX hybrid supercar and a range of racing machines from a range of international race series. Honda FCV Honda’s original technologies have made the tentatively-named FCV, the world’s first production model of a fuel-cell powered saloon to house the entire fuel-cell powertrain in the space normally occupied by the engine and trans-
mission. This powertrain layout has enabled a full cabin package that seats five adults comfortably. Moreover, the all-new FCV features a cruising range of more than 700 km while exhilarating driving is made possible by the high-output motors. The Japanese specification FCV can also act as a mobile power plant thanks to its external power feeding inverter, meaning that it will generate and provide electricity to communities in the case of an emergency. (Inquirer.net)
Future of Southern California entrepreneurship... PAGE D1
have the Chinese background so we’re bringing [that] to with the local resources,” Ke Li, PlusYoou co-founder said. “Every speaker I invited here has a clear vision, so by sharing that with the audience, it will help bring the LA startup community
forward.” Since 2011, the non-profit has organized more than 50 entrepreneurial events and helped SoCal startups raise over $5 million early-stage investment. Zhang shared that the organization hopes to see more overseas entrepreneurs coming
to Los Angeles to take advantage of the opportunities that the city can offer. “They are looking to invest or start their businesses globally. The US is the first stop usually because if you conquer the US market, that means you can conquer the world,” Zhang said.
App-enabled HPG PH voted chair of can now act faster... UN tourism body in...
PAGE D2 HPG took over EDSA in August, there have been an average of 30 road accidents every day on the major thoroughfare, causing traffic snarls. “We acknowledge the dedication and sacrifice of HPG in helping solve our traffic problem. We are one with them in finding solution to address congestion on our roads,” Lozada said. Gunnacao said six of the tablets would be distributed to HPG traffic enforcers assigned at six EDSA choke points, with the remaining two to be used by roving HPG patrols. The HPG has ordered 22 more tablets worth P5,000 each for personnel deployed to other areas on EDSA. Lozada said they were considering developing a similar application for motorists. (Inquirer.net)
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region, which is in consonance with the Un system of satellite accounting. UnWTo secretary general Taleb Rifai lauded the Philippines for taking the chairmanship and said it will greatly contribute to the global travel and tourism agenda of increasing competitiveness and promoting sustainable development in the region. The Asia and Pacific region is now the fastest growing global tourism destination with 263 million international arrivals last year, expanding 5.3 percent. The other five chairs include Zimbabwe for Africa, Haiti for the Americas, Switzerland for Europe, India for South Asia and Lebanon for the Middle East.
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Keyes Toyota: Your top car dealership Robertson Honda introduces Fast, Hassle choice in San Fernando Valley Free, One Simple Price car buying policy For folks living in the San Fernando Valley, it can be quite easy or quite difficult in picking the car dealership where you will buy your next car from. With a whole host of dealerships lining up the valley, customers can easily get lost in the woods, trying to pick out the dealership that’s right for them. With regards to Toyota cars, one particular dealership comes to mind when it comes to convenience, comfort, excellence, and customer satisfaction: Keyes Toyota. For over half a century, Keyes Toyota has served the San Fernando Valley, addressing all the automotive needs of Angelenos across 13 car franchises. With dealerships located conveniently near major residential hubs, customers are assured of a supreme buying experience in the pleasant and comfortable show rooms at Keyes dealerships! With the widest selections of automobiles across Los Angeles, Keyes can help you find the car of your dreams. Family owned and operated, Keyes dealerships are all committed to providing the most excellent service available to ensure customer satisfaction. Factory-trained technicians and sales professionals are all ready to address your automotive needs. At times, prospective buyers may have difficulties in securing approvals for car financing. Thankfully, Keyes Toyota has a number of promos and programs to help first time buyers, new graduates, military veterans, and all other clients facing financial difficulties. For many Filipinos, Toyotas are really their automobiles of choice for the family. Toyota’s reliable, dependable, and economical cars perfectly suit the needs of the Filipino family. Pinoys, who prioritize the family’s comfort above everything else, can find the right van or SUV that can comfortably seat five to seven passengers. According to Keyes Toyota, any car you choose is sure to be a gas saver, perfect for
Rene Pascual
those who value car economy above all else. Aside from that, customers can rest easy, knowing that they are covered with Toyota Care. Factory-trained Toyota technicians will help fulfill your maintenance obligations and help improve your Toyota’s value and performance. Toyota Care will keep track of your maintenance history, and will also deliver timely reminders for your scheduled maintenance. rene Pascual, another sales professional for Keyes Toyota, he personally loves Toyota cars because of their wide variety of car models—from sedans, vans, trucks, pick-ups, and hybrids. In serving the Filipino community, Pascual also finds that having this wide selection of cars gives the Filipino family the chance of finding the right car to match their comfort and budget. Pascual fluently speaks Tagalog, Ce-
Sammy Estrella
buano, and Ilonggo. Popular Toyota models among Pinoys include the Corolla, Camry, Sienna, and the Prius. However, the Camry is one of the most recommended car for Pinoy buyers. The Camry is loaded with features that Filipinos look for in their cars: spacious seating, up-to-date technology, and overall performance. The Filipino Keyes Connection of rene Pascual and Sammy Estrella are all committed to excellence and customer satisfaction. With the full support of Keyes General Sales Manager Sam Kassis, rene and Sammy can ensure that the Pinoy family will get the best deals at Keyes Toyota. Give them a call today at (800) 575-1153 or better yet visit them at 5855 Van Nuys Blvd. in Van Nuys. (Advertising Supplement)
AFTER more than 40 years in business, Robertson Honda is launching a new Fast, Hassle Free, One Simple Price concept that completely eliminates the agonizing hours of haggling typically involved in buying a car. While it normally takes anywhere between four to six hours until a car buyer is finally driving away in their new vehicle, Robertson Honda’s new hassle-free program takes two hours at most. Throughout the past year dealership listened to its customers, who indicated they desired a shorter, simpler and less stressful process for purchasing a vehicle. Taking this into account, Robertson decided to implement a negotiation-free pricing policy that applies to all its vehicles, new and used. It provides customers with one simple price that is clearly posted on all vehicles both at the dealership and online. Prices are competitive and based on the actual sale prices of vehicles in the market, as well as third-party resources, including edmonds.com and KBB.com. “We found that the ‘traditional’ car buying process has been the same for over 50 years,” said Mary Jo Gomez, customer relations manager at Robertson Honda. “We decided to be different and be better.” The new policy has also eliminated the need for traditional car salespeople paid by commission. Instead, the dealership is staffed by product specialists who are paid a salary with a bonus based on the units sold and customer sa“For us, it does not matter if a vehicle is $10 or $1,000,000. Product specialists will be paid the same. Their sole purpose is
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to find the right vehicle that best fits the customer’s needs and especially their budget,” Gomez said. Specialists have undergone rigorous training to ensure the vehicle buying process goes as smoothly as possible by providing absolute transparency to customers. The first step they take in fulfilling this goal is assessing the needs and wants of each customer. Then, they throughly explain the car buying process to facilitate a comfortable experience. Finally, they find the vehicle that best fits buyers’ needs and budget. Customers who have experienced Robertson Honda’s new concept have expressed great satisfaction with the process. “Through testimonials, we found that not only did customers leave the dealership feeling happy and relaxed, they also referred a friend or family member,” Gomez said. Satisfaction is and has always been the top priority at Robertson, which is what inspired the dealership to roll out a more time- and cost-efficient car buying policy. “We believe this new innova-
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tive way to purchase a vehicle will enable us to focus more on customer service,” Gomez said. Those who visit Robertson will also be able to meet its sales manager and team leaders for any questions and concerns, a type of encounter that is uncommon at traditional car dealership. Customers who participate in the new program will also be offered a two day/200 miles exchange policy: if a customer finds that a vehicle does not entirely satisfy their needs, they will have two days/200 miles to exchange it with something else. Robertson was the 11th Honda dealership to open its doors in the United States. It has been serving the Los Angeles community for more than 45 years and welcomes the opportunity to continue serving the needs of the Southern California region with its Fast, Hassle Free, One Simple Price policy. Sales Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8:30am to 9pm and Sunday 9am to 9pm. Visit Robertson Honda today at 5841 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91601. For more inquiries, you may call (855) 411-6006. 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek
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(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 10-13, 2015 D
D october 10-13, 2015 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797