LA Weekend Edition -- October 24 -- 27, 2015

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October 24-27, 2015

T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r

Volume 25 - No. 83 • 4 Sections – 38 Pages

Also published in: • Orange County/Inland Empire • Northern California • Las Vegas • New York/ New Jersey

DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

REMITTANCE FIRM SURVEY REVEALS

Many Filipinos working in the US are overqualified for their jobs most filipino workers living in the United states are overqualified for the jobs they do, according to respondents of a survey conducted by international money transfer firm transfast.

In a survey of 400 Philippine natives who live in the United states and remit money back home, more than 80 percent said they possess more skills than what is required in their jobs; 72 percent said workplaces in America are more stressful than those they experienced in the Philippines.

Yet 93 percent of survey participants said they believe there are still more opportunities in their Us jobs than those in the Philippines.

“What I have achieved here in the U.s., is a lot,” said respondent Joanna Loresto, 47, of san rafael, California. “I just left my job and I’m so fortunate I could go wherever I

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Biden won’t run for president in 2016 VICe President Joe Biden has announced that he will not run for president in the 2016 election.

“Unfortunately, I believe we’re out of time, the time necessary to mount a winning campaign for the nomination,” he said on Wednesday, oct. 21.

Biden made the announcement at the White house rose Garden, putting to rest months of speculation about his immediate political future. he said he would focus on his remaining time in office for now, but gave little indication about what could happen after that.

“But while I will not be a candidate, I will not be silent. I intend to speak out clearly and forcefully, to influence as much as I can where we stand as a party and where we need to go as a nation,” he said.

A Biden bid appeared unlikely earlier in the year, although he gave it some thought

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Fil-Am History Month celebrated at LA City Hall

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

CoINCIDING with the 50th anniversary of the Delano Grape strike and Boycott, a celebration of filipino American history month at Los Angeles City hall on friday, oct. 23, included the honoring of Johnny Itliong, the son of filipino labor leader Larry Itliong.

In an emotional address inside the City hall Council Chamber, Itliong, who is fighting to include the role of his father and filipino farm workers in the American labor movement in American history books, said his father deserves more than to be ignored for 50 years. “fifty years after he started the first civil rights and labor agricultural fight for justice. It’s been too long and I will continue to fight … for those who are in the fields, who are still struggling, who live poor. thank you very much for

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A Filipino American History Month celebration at City Hall on Friday, Oct. 23, coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Delano Grape Strike and Boycott, led by Filipino labor leader Larry Itliong. One Filipino family and two individuals were honored during the celebration, including Itliong’s son, Johnny Itliong.

AJPress photo by Ding Carreon

‘Lando’ the most destructive this year Binay appeals by julie And

and destroying rice fields ready for harvest.

Inquirer.net

the Department of foreign Affairs (DfA) on thursday said two Chinese diplomats being held over a gun attack that killed two colleagues and wounded the Chinese consul general in Cebu City on Wednesday had immunity and would be sent back to China.

China’s consul general in Cebu City, song rong hua, was wounded, and two of his staff members – Deputy Consul sun shan and finance officer hui Li – were shot dead during the lunch-

Inquirer.net

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Philippine Air Force photo

Pacquiao, Jinkee take P2-B tax case to SC by edu

PunAy Philstar.com

mANILA – World boxing champion and sarangani rep. manny Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee have again sought relief from the supreme Court (sC) in their P2.2-billion tax evasion case.

In a 76-page memorandum, the couple asked the high court to stop

the Bureau of Internal revenue (BIr) from implementing the warrant of levy and garnishment order on their assets to cover their alleged tax liabilities for 2008 and 2009.

Petitioners accused the BIr of resorting to a fishing expedition and of violating their right to due process, saying the tax agency proceeded with the tax collection pro-

cess even without serving a final Decision on Disputed Assessment (fDDA) against them. “respondent (BIr) Commissioner (Kim henares)’s failure to validly and completely assess petitioners – Pacquiao couple (given the absence of an fDDA) a mandatory pre-requisite for collection clearly deprives her of authority to collect

2 suspects have immunity, says DFA MAyol, CArine AsutillA And niñA P. CAllejA

M. Aurelio jerry e. esPlAnAdA

ALthoUGh it has weakened into a low pressure area, “Lando” is the most destructive typhoon to hit the country so far this year, leaving behind more than P7.3 billion in damage to agriculture and infrastructure, and at least 41 lives lost. “so far, for this year, Lando is the worst in terms of the casualties and the damage it caused. We hope this will be the last,” said romina marasigan, spokesperson of the National Houses and rice fields are inundated by floodwaters in northern Philippines on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

Tropical Storm Koppu finally blew away from the main northern Philippine island after leaving Disaster risk reduction and manageseveral dead over the weekend and forcing tens of thousands of villagers into emergency shelters ment Council (NDrrmC.)

PH to yield 2 diplomats in Cebu killings to China

by Ador

1210 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91204

time attack in a private room of a restaurant in Cebu City, according to police.

Police detained a husband and wife who were at the lunch – Li Qing Ling, 60, and Consul Gou Jing – who, according to DfA spokesperson Charles Jose, were accredited diplomats. “they are diplomats accredited to the Philippines so they enjoy diplomatic immunity,” Jose told reporters.

“Custody will be given to the Chinese side and they will undergo the legal process in China,” Jose said. he said China had already in-

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SEAFOOD CITY 1

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graft indictment No legal basis in claim VP benefited from anomaly, lawyers argue

by BerniCe

CAMille V. ManilaTime.net

BAuzon

LAWYers for Vice President Jejomar Binay on friday, oct. 23 asked the office of the ombudsman to set aside its resolution recommending the filing of charges against him.

In a 32-page motion for reconsideration filed on october 19, lawyers Claro Certeza, maria Patricia Alvarez and Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay francis Paul Baclay said signing of bidding documents for the makati City hall Building 2 was part of Binay’s “ministerial duties” as local chief executive in makati City at the time. the lawyers added that there is no factual

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A OCTOBER 24-27, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

Fil-Am History Month celebrated at LA City…

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doing this, for giving this to me,” he said.

A proclamation declaring October as Filipino American History Month was also issued, and two other honorees were recognized at City Hall: director and author Marissa Aroy, who directed a 30-minute documentary called “Delano Manongs,” and the Basco

family.

At a lunch reception hosted by the Los Angeles Filipino Association of City Employees, Aroy, whose grandfather was a Delano farmworker, shared stories he told her about having card games in the basement and how the workers held cockfights on the farms. Such revelations about that history are important, she said.

“And it really just started with me seeing that my grandfather was getting older and asking questions and then starting to realize the importance of it. So I think all of this really begins with us just asking our own family members about their lives, about their past, about coming here and immigrating,” Aroy said. “[Just] realizing how important all those stories are is probably where I started doing ... the documentaries and realizing that our story is just as important.”

The Basco family, including Fil-Am actor Dante Basco whose credits include “Hook” and “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” was recognized for its contribution and strides in the entertainment industry.

“Just want to thank everyone for being honored. Our work as a family over the last three years in Los Angeles has just helped widen the scope of the vision of what it is to Filipino American and we’re just proud to [get] this award.”

Basco said.

Also present at the celebration was Fil-Am Board of Public Works commissioner and former executive director of non-profit organization Search to Involve Pilipino Americans Joel Jacinto, who spoke about what it is to live as a Filipino-American in the United States. “[It’s] clear to me that we have to live in a state of ‘mabuhayness,’ of giving each other that life, that energy, that sense of kapwa, where we recognize ourselves in the other human being,” said Jacinto, who is among only a handful of Asian Americans who have served in his current position.

“And this is something that I’m trying to bring to City Hall, to bring ‘mabuhay’ and ‘aloha’ to City Hall. So the opportunity to serve as a commissioner for the Board of Public Works is pretty historic and I represent you all. I represent us.”

Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, whose district includes Historic Filipinotown, Councilman Jose Huizar and Philippine Consul General Leo Herrera were also among individuals who participated in Friday’s celebration. n

WADING THROUGH. Residents of Barangay Pasig in Candaba, Pampanga ford deep floods while others hold on to ropes to avoid being swept by swirling floodwaters. Some barangays in the town remain submerged even if typhoon Lando had already left the country on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russel Palma

‘Lando’ the most destructive this…

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Lando (international name: Koppu) was the 12th storm to batter the Philippines this year.

When it first struck the east coast of Luzon on Sunday morning, its gusts reached 210 kilometers an hour, making it the second strongest storm to hit the country this year.

As of Thursday afternoon, the low pressure area was spotted 240 km east of Basco, Batanes.

Of the damage recorded all over Luzon, P6.43 billion was accounted for by agricultural crops and P902.39 million by infrastructure.

So far, the agency has confirmed 41 deaths in Luzon, 78 injured and five still missing.

In its update on Thursday, the NDRRMC said the typhoon affected 1,242,239 persons in the Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, Metro Manila and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

Of the affected people, 113,584 are still in 455 evacuation centers.

So far, local authorities, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and nongovernment units have given P23.21 million worth of assistance to the affected families.

Province-wide power outages

remain in the provinces of Ilocos Sur, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Quezon, Kalinga and Mountain Province, as well as five cities and 86 towns.

Sixteen passengers, three motorized bancas, and four rolling cargoes are still stranded because of rough seas.

Since hitting land on Sunday, the NDRRMC has monitored 765 flooding incidents in the provinces of Pangasinan, Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, Cagayan and Benguet.

Floods and landslides caused 101 roads and 11 bridges in northern and Central Luzon to be impassable, while 18,758 houses were damaged.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) placed Lando’s damage to national roads, bridges and flood control facilities in five Luzon regions at P927.71 million.

In a report, DPWH Bureau of Maintenance Thursday said that damage to flood control projects alone amounted to P435.56 million.

Central Luzon topped the list with damage reaching P448.96 million, including more than P218 million worth of flood control facilities and P145 million in damaged bridges.

Region III was followed by CAR with P209.24 million; Cagayan Valley, P201.63 million; Ilocos, P67.35 million and Bicol, P520,000.

The DPWH also reported that as of Thursday morning, sections of 39 national roads in northern and Central Luzon remained closed to vehicular traffic due to landslides, floods, sunken roadways and fallen electric posts, trees and other debris.

Twenty-five of these roads are in CAR while the remaining 14 are in Central Luzon.

The closed thoroughfares include Kennon Road and three other roads in Baguio City—Legarda Road, Western Link Circumferential Road and Military Fort Road.

Also impassable to all types of vehicles are eight roads in Benguet province; five in Tarlac; four each in Kalinga and Pampanga; three in Mountain Province; two each in Abra, Apayao, Ifugao, Bulacan and Nueva Ecija; and one in Aurora.

Dalton Pass now open The DPWH office in Cagayan Valley said the landslide-prone Dalton Pass in Nueva Vizcaya had been cleared and opened to two-way traffic on Oct. 21,

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From the Front page

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 24-27, 2015

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Binay appeals graft…

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or legal basis for the complaint claiming that the now Vice President benefited from the allegedly anomalous bidding and construction of the Makati City Hall Building 2.

They argued that the Vice President was not the one who conducted the bidding or recommended the contractor.

“His actions were purely ministerial in nature or part of his work as then mayor of Makati City,” a statement from the Office of the Vice President said.

“It imputes guilt based on the minutest imperfections that could be conceivably found in the bidding process. The questioned resolution ascribes guilt to respondent Binay even if he is not responsible for the bidding process and that he merely signed the BAC [Bids and Awards Committee] resolution and authorized payment/s as part of his ministerial duties,” the lawyers said.

They added that there was no irregularity when the-Mayor Binay approved the BAC resolution for negotiated procurement because he only signed the resolution based on the recommendation of then-City Engineer Nelson Morales and the BAC. This was part of the procedure and Binay, as mayor, only followed the regular procedure, the statement said.

The lawyers said the Ombudsman’s resolution was based on hindsight even when the Supreme Court ruled that hindsight should not be relied on.

Citing the ruling in Arias vs.

Sandiganbayan, they noted Bi-

nay “had every right to rely [on] good faith upon the recommendations of his subordinates.”

“All heads of offices have to rely to a reasonable extent on their subordinates and on the good faith of those who prepare bids, purchase supplies or enter into negotiations,” the ruling read.

“There should be other grounds than the mere signature or approval appearing on a voucher to sustain a conspiracy charge and conviction,” it added.

The Ombudsman earlier ordered that charges of graft, malversation and falsification of public documents be filed against Binay, his son Makati Mayor Erwin “Junjun” Binay and 20 Makati City employees.

The Ombudsman also directed that the charges against the younger Binay and others be filed immediately, while the elder Binay will only be charged when his term expires.

But the Vice President’s lawyers said the resolution requires a second look.

The lawyers added that the law requires that an impeachable officer must first be removed from office by impeachment before charges against him can be investigated to determine probable cause.

They said the law does not give the Ombudsman jurisdiction to investigate impeachable officers like the Vice President and to issue a resolution indicting an impeachable officer.

“In proceeding with the investigation and subsequently issuing the questioned resolution, this honorable office clearly violated

the Constitution and established jurisprudence on the matter. It acted without jurisdiction,” the lawyers said.

Binay’s right to due process was violated by the Ombudsman when it ignored the objection posed by Binay that the Ombudsman has no jurisdiction over the case as he is an impeachable official, they added.

It was only when the questioned resolution was issued that the Vice President was informed of the Ombudsman’s contrary position that is has jurisdiction and would proceed with the investigation and render a resolution on the charges against him.

“Hence, respondent Binay was deprived of any available remedy to question this honorable office’s position before the proper court,” the lawyers said.

They alleged that the resolution has political pressure because Binay then was about to file his certificate of candidacy (COC) for the presidency.

The Vice President’s camp earlier questioned the timing of the Ombudsman’s resolution, saying it is part of a “perception war.”

The Ombudsman resolution was released to the media three days before the start of the COC filing.

Binay apparently had not yet received a copy of the resolution when Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales disclosed it to media, saying they have found probable cause to charge the Vice President in court, but recommended the filing of charges against him only when his term ends in 2016. n

CRIME SCENE. Police scene of crime investigators enter Lighthouse Restaurant on Gen. Maxilom Avenue in Cebu City following the shooting of two Chinese diplomats allegedly by a fellow Chinese consular officer over lunch Wednesday, Oct. 21. China’s consul general in Cebu City, Song Rong Hua, was wounded, and two of his staff members—Deputy Consul Sun Shan and finance officer Hui Li—were shot dead during the lunchtime attack in a private room of a restaurant in Cebu City, according to police. Inquirer.net photo Christian Maningo

PH to yield 2 diplomats in Cebu…

PAGE A1 t

voked diplomatic immunity as its right under the United Nations’ Vienna Convention.

The 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, signed by both the Philippines and China, and the 2009 consular agreement between the two countries put diplomats outside the criminal jurisdiction of their host states.

Li and Gou are in police custody in Cebu City on a request from the Chinese Embassy in Manila.

“If we are going to strictly follow the Vienna Convention, [the suspects] cannot be detained.

But the Chinese Embassy requested that they remain in the or risk the vengeful ire of the tax quiao and his wife to deposit a Philippine authorities’ custody,” PAGE A1 t cash or surety bond for the court Jose said. against petitioners and make all collector,” they stressed.

The couple also again asked to resolve the petition. actions taken pursuant to the He said the Chinese Embassy The couple questioned the in Manila and the Chinese concollection efforts of respondent the high court to reverse a Court commissioner and her represen- of Tax Appeals (CTA) order last move of BIR to collect from tatives null and void and no effect year requiring the boxer to de- them the total deficiency of whatsoever,” read the pleading posit P3.2-billion cash bond or P3,298,514.894.35 as well as the filed through lawyer Jayson Fer- P4.9-billion surety bond as a CTA order in July last year recondition to suspend tax collec- quiring them to post a cash bond PAGE A2 t nandez. in the same amount or a surety Wednesday morning.

The Pacquiao couple stressed tion against them.

DPWH Director Nerie Bueno The implementation of the as- bond worth P4,947,772,341.53. the BIR has yet to present proof in Cagayan Valley told the InAllies defend Pacquiao that they committed fraud in the sailed CTA order was stopped by Meanwhile, allies of Pacquiao quirer that the regional office the SC in a temporary restraining payment of taxes.

“Petitioners have been made order issued in August last year. defended him from attempts to had “prepositioned road-clearIn 2013, Pacquiao filed a peti- disqualify him from running for ing equipment and field personhapless subjects of a ruthless name and shame campaign de- tion with the CTA to lift the war- the Senate in the 2016 elections, nel who will promptly respond to signed to strike fear in the hearts rant of levy and garnishment as saying he was more qualified rescue and clearing operations of our citizenry in the hope that well as the collection of taxes by than other senatorial candidates. along national highways and Puwersa ang Bayaning Atleta bridges in the region.” they will voluntarily pay more the BIR. Contacted by phone, Bueno u PAGE A4 But the tax court ordered Pactaxes than what is rightfully due,

Pacquiao, Jinkee take P2-B tax case…

sulate in Cebu were waiting for the arrival of a security team from Beijing to take custody of Li and Gou. “As soon as their security team from Beijing arrives here we will turn over the custody to the Chinese side,” Jose said.

He said the two would undergo legal process in China and the Philippines respected the couple’s right not to give any statement to Philippine police.

“That’s the essence of having diplomatic immunity,” Jose said.

Asked if the Chinese government had given the Philippines assurance that the suspects would not be allowed to get away with the crime, Jose replied: “I am sure that the Chinese will do it.”

China imposes the death penalty, while the Philippines does

not.

Malacañang said, however, that the Philippine National Police was investigating Li and Gou, as required under Philippine laws.

Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said all legal processes were being followed although the Chinese couple had diplomatic immunity.

Jose said the DFA recommended the police investigation.

“We still need to continue the investigation because the Chinese authorities cannot do their own here,” Jose said, explaining that any case to be pursued in China would be based on findings by the Philippine National Police.

Jose said the shooting in Cebu was the first case of diplomats

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‘Lando’ the most destructive this… recalled that on Oct. 19 evening, “massive landslides took place in Barangay (Village) Villa Flores in Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, causing road closure and traffic buildup.”

However, the “road sections were promptly [cleared] and opened to traffic at 8:30 a.m. the following day,” she said.

Later that day, an undisclosed number of vehicles were stalled

in Sta. Fe after three trailer trucks broke down in separate locations in the municipality.

“This led some undisciplined motorists to counterflow on both lanes, causing traffic buildup,” said Bueno.

The DPWH field staff “coordinated with the provincial government in controlling the situation.” (With a report from Erika Sauler)

A OCTOBER 24-27, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

From the Front page

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PH to yield 2 diplomats in Cebu…

PAGE A3 t

getting involved in a serious crime in the Philippines.

“I was surprised that this tragic thing happened,” he said.

“The shooting was an extreme act of a relative of a staff of the consulate,” he said.

China’s foreign ministry said it was investigating what had happened. Spokesperson Hua Chunying said she had no details to provide.

“We are deeply distressed that this kind of incident has taken place. The relevant situation and reasons are in the process of being investigated and understood further,” Hua told a daily press briefing in Beijing.

Staff at the upmarket Lighthouse Restaurant on General Maxilom Avenue in Cebu City earlier told journalists a group of nine people had gathered to celebrate the birthday of a Chinese consulate staff member, Jong Song Hua. They said the group had ordered a banquet, but no alcohol, and loud shouting could be heard before the shots were fired.

Aside from the diners, there were no witnesses because the shootings occurred in the private room.

Video footage from the restaurant’s security camera showed Li first fired at Song and his deputy, Sun. Hui ran outside the room but Li followed and shot her Li then put the gun down on the table and it was picked up by Gou, who was shown carrying

the pistol and walking out of the restaurant.

Police said they recovered a semiautomatic .45 cal. Colt Defender pistol, three spent cases, and three slugs from the scene.

Chief Supt. Prudencio “Tom” Bañas, Central Visayas police director, admitted on Wednesday the first officers on the scene initially let all the surviving diners go, then arrested Li and Gou a short time later at the Chinese consular office in Cebu Business Park without resistance.

At the police station on Wednesday night, Li and Gou were photographed sitting apparently very calmly talking to a lawyer.

Bañas said Thursday both of the suspects had claimed they could not speak English, making it impossible to determine why the attack occurred.

“We don’t have a motive. We can’t talk to them. When we talk to them, they say ‘no speak English,” Bañas said.

He said Cebu authorities would turn over Li and Gou to the Chinese security team, which was expected to arrive yesterday afternoon.

He said it would be up to the Chinese consulate office to decide what to do with the bodies of Sun and Hui, which were in a funeral parlor in Cebu City.

The consulate office was temporarily closed down. A notice posted on the door said business would resume on Oct. 26.

Rey Lawas, a police spokes-

person in Cebu City, said investigators believed the shooting could be the result of a personal grudge over financial matters between Li and Sun or Hui, the woman finance officer.

“They have been at odds for a long time over personal finances,” Lawas said, adding the fight “was purely personal.”

Sun was shot in the neck and Hui in the head. They died later in separate hospitals.

A senior police officer said investigators were looking into how Li, Gou’s 60-year-old husband, had acquired a Colt Defender, a highly reliable concealed-carry pistol with low-mount night sights.

“In Cebu, it’s easy to procure a gun because of a large cottage industry for homemade guns,” said the officer, who asked not to be identified.

‘Twin’ pistol Police investigation showed the Colt Defender had a “twin” in Metro Manila.

Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said a check at the Firearms and Explosives Office showed that the Cebu Colt Defender and the Manila pistol had the same serial numbers—126238.

“Our investigators are checking these two guns. What we can say now is we have two guns with the same serial number,” Mayor said.

The Manila pistol is registered to Theodore Calaveras of Valenzuela City.

Calaveras claimed that he sold

STRANDED. A cargo barge washed ashore in Barangay Nausok, Jagna town, on Saturday, Oct. 17 has not been recovered by its owners.

D/B SMV Mover was three kilometers away from the pier in Jagna about when it was hit by strong waves, pushing the vessel near the shoreline where it eventually ran aground. The vessel, SeaMine Movers Ventures based in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, left Iligan City on Oct. 16 and was supposed to arrive the next day.

Inquirer.net photo by Leo Udtohan

his pistol to a certain Mago, from whom Valenzuela City police recovered the gun on Wednesday night, Mayor said.

The license for the firearm had already expired, Mayor said.

He said investigators were trying to determine which pistol carried the original serial number.

The National Bureau of Investigation stepped into the investigation Thursday for “reportorial purposes,” said Ricardo Diaz, the agency’s Central Visayas director.

Diaz said NBI Director Virgilio Mendez ordered the regional office to make a report for submission to the Department of Justice and to President Aquino.

“We have to establish what really transpired here, not for purposes of prosecution because they (the Chinese diplomats) are immune from criminal prosecution, but for purposes of establishing what really transpired,” Diaz said.

The NBI had not determined the motive for the shooting, he said.

“The motive is deeper than what transpired in the crime scene. It would need interviews

with people inside the [private room of the restaurant], but they all enjoy immunity so we cannot interview them,” Diaz said.

But the NBI could interview secondary witnesses like people in the vicinity of the restaurant when the shooting happened, he said.

“If we need to get our Chinesespeaking agents in Manila then we will,” he said. (With reports from Jerry E. Esplanada and Julie M. Aurelio in Manila, AFP, AP)

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The boxing icon, a born again Christian, was one of the speakers during the JIL’s 37th anniversary.

Pacquiao, who is running for senator, said he did not want to turn the celebration into a political event. “I don’t want to use politics in preaching the word of God. I just want to share my experiences about God, about Jesus.”

He showed up to support JIL founder Bro. Eddie Villanueva, who he considers one of his mentors when he became a born again Christian.

Pacquiao said his vehicle was stuck in traffic and he might not have made it on time had he not walked to the venue. He arrived at 7:30 p.m.

He avoided being mobbed because people did not recognize him. Pacquiao was wearing a blue green polo shirt and blue jeans.

The evening darkness covered his identity and he was able to blend with the crowd, he said.

(With reports from Paolo Romero and Evelyn Macairan)

Pacquiao, Jinkee take P2-B…

(PBA) party-list nominees Mark Sambar and Koko Nograles issued the statement after a certain Ferdinand Sevilla filed a petition before the Commission on Elections seeking to disqualify Pacquiao for alleged absenteeism in the House of Representatives.

Sambar, who was a member of the 15th Congress, said unlike the Senate, the House has a local and national constituency and in the case of Pacquiao, “there is no doubt that he served his district excellently despite his absences during session days.”

“I can tell you right now that Congressman Pacquiao has more projects than most politicians, and many of his projects came from his personal funds and not from taxpayers’ money.

Also don’t forget the pride and glory he brought to our nation as a boxing legend,” Sambar said.

Pacman goes unnoticed Pacquiao last night managed to walk toward the Quirino Grandstand in Manila unnoticed by the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) crowd.

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Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 24-27, 2015

A

Off-duty lineman answers the (wake up) call SCE employee’s late-night heroics earn praise as he helps first responders after Visalia car accident

RELIGIOUS GATHERING. Thousands of Jesus is Lord members gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park on Thursday, Oct. 23 for the JIL’s 37th anniversary. Inset shows Love China Fellowship head Luke Roxas (right) and Indonesian evangelist Stephen Tong talking during the event.

Inquirer.net photo by Joven Cagande

Vietnam wants friendly relations with both US and China HANOI, Vietnam – Vietnam’s defense minister says his country wants good and friendly relations with both the United States and China, and will not favor one over the other.

The Friday edition of TuoI Tre (Youth) newspaper quoted Gen. Phung Quang Thanh telling a group of lawmakers that Vietnam wants to have peace and stability so the country can develop. with China and the United States are very important to our security,” Thanh was quoted as saying. “If (we) have good and friendly relations with both countries, we will then maintain a balance position, maintain independence and self-reliance. (We) will not side with one big power to oppose another.”

Thanh also told the National Assembly members Thursday that Vietnam wants to resolve disputes in the South China Sea through peaceful means.

Relations between Vietnam and China plunged to their low-

est point in years following the parking of a Chinese oil rig in disputed waters in the South China Sea last year.

Vietnam and China both claim the Paracels islands, which are under Chinese occupation after ousting the U.S.-backed South Vietnamese Navy in 1974, one year before the end of the Vietnam War. The two countries, along with the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also claim all or parts of the Spratly islands, which lie on a busy international sea lane and is rich in oil and gas and fish resources. Chinese construction of seven artificial islands atop reefs and atolls in the Spratlys over the past 18 months has raised serious concerns in the region and the United States.

The U.S., meanwhile, has been deepening ties with Vietnam and others in a bid to counter China’s growing influence in the region.

Thanh said the Vietnamese

military has been producing vessels equipped with missiles and artillery guns, and when it can produce these on its own the country will be less dependent on Russia, its main military hardware supplier.

He said Vietnam will never attack or invade any other country, but to defend itself it needs to have a capable military. (Inquirer.net)

MATT Duma wasn’t dressed to impress, but he left quite the impression anyway.

Pajamas, slippers and all.

The Southern California Edison transmission line foreman’s quick thinking played a pivotal role in a car-hit-utility-pole accident late Monday, Oct. 19 in Visalia. Duma’s actions may have saved a man’s life, and the first responders couldn’t have been more appreciative.

“The action of the off-duty Edison employee were instrumental to the outcome of the incident,” Visalia Fire Department battalion chief Danny Wristen told the Fresno Bee. Duma, however, believes he was just doing his job.

“I don’t think I did anything heroic. I did my job,” said Duma, an 11-year veteran of SCE. “It’s no different than a firefighter going to rescue someone in a burning house or a cop doing his job.

I respond to a wire down and I know how to take care of it.”

Another member of the fire department who was there, engineer Shane Yoder, begs to differ.

“He made an appearance at some point real quick after we were there,” said Yoder. “Definitely appreciate his help and it sped the process up quite a bit rather than having to wait for the [SCE truck] to get on the scene.

It was great that someone was there to assist us.”

The whole episode began for Duma, who had gone to bed

about 10, when he was awakened by a loud crash about 10:50 p.m. accompanied by a power outage. He had no doubts about what had happened.

So, in his pajamas and slippers, he rushed to his car and drove to the scene on Riggins Avenue.

There were power lines hovering and a 12-kilovolt transformer a foot away from the wrecked car with a man trapped inside.

Duma knew he could help, but a Visalia police officer thought differently of the sleepwear-clad foreman, who in his haste had left his ID at home.

After briefly trying to convince the officer he was an electrical professional, Duma “remembered I’ve got my work phone on me, so I showed the officer pictures of me working with my crew” and was waved in.

Once there, he called Rector substation operators Bryan Cheney and Brandt Chavez again — he had already called them on the way there — and had them de-energize the 12- and 66-kilovolt power lines.

The fire department then, much quicker than usual, safely rescued the trapped driver, who Duma said began moving right about the time the scene was de-energized.

“As much as we want to assist the victim, we’re concerned about everyone else being electrocuted,” said Yoder. “But [Duma] talked with authority, kept us updated and notified us they had shut the power off and we were able to ex-

tricate the victim.

“We highly respect you guys working with electricity. We can handle getting them out of the car and everything else, but I must say the fire department is very respectful of electricity and the guys that work with it.”

Not to mention ecstatic with Duma’s quick assistance. However, he was gone as soon as he arrived.

But if the first responders had returned to the scene a short time later, they’d have found Duma — who had returned home to don his lineman’s uniform — back on his regular job,repairing the pole and restoring power.

And, also wondering what all the fuss is about.

“I’ve got text messages, I’ve got stuff about being a hero. I’m not a hero, I’m just a lineman, man. This is what I do,” said Duma. “I’m just trying to help [the victim], the firemen, the police, the substation, the troubleman. That’s our job, that’s what we do for a living.”

His supervisor, Stan Hack, SCE manager of the San Joaquin Grid, echoed Duma but delivered some praise too.

“Matt does the right things for the right reasons,” he said. “It was pretty amazing the quick actions he took. He reached hero status that night. But, if you ask him, he’ll say he was just doing his job.”

This story first appeared in the Edison Newsroom. (Paul Netter, Southern California Edison)

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Joint Congress resolution urges recognition of Filipino American History Month

by Allyson

EscobAr

AJPress

OCTOBER marks Filipino American History Month, celebrating and recognizing FilipinoAmerican heritage and the growing culture in the United States.

Starting in 1991, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) has observed Filipino American History Month. A resolution to formally recognize the month was passed in Congress in 2009, 2010, and 2011, but was never made permanent, according to NBC News.

“There hasn’t yet been national legislation that proves October as Filipino American Heritage month perpetuity,” said Joan May Cordova, a leader in FANHS. Board of Public Works Commissioner Joel Jacinto, community leader Johnny Itliong and Councilman Mitch O’Farrell were among individuals The resolution, introduced in who celebrated Friday, Oct. 23, Filipino American History Month at Los Angeles City Hall.

Congress by two influential political leaders: Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA), who also represents the only Asian Americanmajority district in the continental US, and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), from the only Asian minority state in the nation.

“Recognizing Filipino American History Month in Congress is a testament to the countless contributions that Filipino Americans have made to our country,” Hirono said in a statement.

According to the latest Census bureau report, there are approximately 3.4 million Filipino Americans--the second largest Asian-American group--in the US, although the total number is believed to be much higher.

October was chosen as the official month of Fil-Am History Month, because it marks the first Three honorees were recognized Friday at the Filipino American History Month at Los Angeles City Hall: director and author Marissa Aroy (left), Filipino presence on US soil on community leader Johnny Itliong (second from left), and the Basco family for their contributions and strides in the entertainment industry. Oct. 18, 1587, when the very first AJPress photo by Ding Carreon Filipinos arrived on the central

coast of California, in what is now Morro Bay. The late Dr. Fred Cordova and his wife Dorothy, founders of FANHS, first introduced October as Fil-Am History Month in 1992.

“The Cordovas wanted to commemorate Filipino-American history and they wanted the contributions of the Filipino-American community to the United States be highlighted,” said Dr. Kevin Nadal, FANHS National Trustee.

“Somewhere, people started mistaking it as Heritage Month and people started to make it about the Philippines – which is great, but the month is really meant to be about Filipino American history.”

In the 1940s, World War II was underway in the Philippines.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf also took place in the month of October (Oct. 23-26, 1944), when General Douglas MacArthur had led US forces and Filipino guerrilla fighters against the Japanese.

Many Filipino war veterans, now legal American citizens, continue to this day to seek pay equality, recognition, and other benefits. Earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a program that would allow certain family members of WWII veterans to receive parole to come to the US temporarily, “based upon urgent humanitarian reasons or for significant public benefit,” according to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

During the second World War, 260,000 Filipino and Filipino American veterans fought under the American flag at the request of President Franklin D. Roos-

Clinton seeks to close book on Benghazi by brAdlEy

KlAppEr And MAtthEw dAly Associated Press

WASHINGTON – Hillary Rodham Clinton strove to close the book on the worst episode of her tenure as secretary of state Thursday, battling hours of Republican questions in a hearing that grew contentious but revealed little new about the 2012 attacks in Benghazi, Libya. She firmly defended her record while seeking to avoid any mishap that might damage her presidential campaign.

Democrats have accused the Republicans of using the investigation as a ploy to derail Clinton’s White House bid, noting that it is the eighth congressional investigation into the attacks.

But the hearing came at a moment of political strength for Clinton, the front-runner for the Democratic nomination. On Wednesday, a potential rival for the nomination, Vice President Joe Biden, announced he would not join the race. Clinton also is riding the momentum of a solid debate performance last week.

Pressed about events before and after the deaths of four

Americans, Clinton had confrontational exchanges with several Republican lawmakers but also fielded supportive queries from Democrats.

The hearing ended at 9 p.m., some 11 hours after it began.

But five hours into the hearing, Republicans had yet to ask the Democratic presidential frontrunner a single question about the night of Sept. 11, 2012, itself.

The committee’s chairman, Trey Gowdy, portrayed the panel as focused on the facts after comments by fellow Republicans describing it as an effort designed to hurt Clinton’s presidential bid. Democrats have pounced on those earlier remarks and have pointed out that the probe has now cost U.S. taxpayers more than $4.5 million and, after 17 months, has lasted longer than the 1970s Watergate investigation.

Gowdy, a former federal prosecutor, said the Republicans’ efforts were not a prosecution.

Contradicting him, Rep. Adam Smith, a Democrat from Washington, told Clinton: “The purpose of this committee is to prosecute you.”

In one tense moment, Republican Rep. Jim Jordan accused Clinton of deliberately misleading the public by linking the Benghazi violence at first to an Internet video insulting the Muslim Prophet Muhammad.

Clinton, stone-faced for much of the hearing, smiled in bemusement as Jordan cut her off from answering. Eventually given the chance to comment, she said only that “some” people had wanted to use the video to justify the attack that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans, and that she rejected that justification.

The argument went to the origins of the disagreement over Benghazi and how President Barack Obama and his top aides represented the attack in the final weeks of his re-election campaign. And it reflected some of the raw emotion the deadly violence continues to provoke, something Clinton will have to face over the next year of her White House bid even if the Republican-led special investigation loses steam.

For Clinton, the political theater offered opportunity and potential pitfalls. It gave her a high-profile platform to show her self-control

and command of foreign policy.

But it also left her vulnerable to claims that she helped politicize the Benghazi tragedy.

“There were probably a number of different motivations” for the attack, Clinton said, describing a time when competing strands of intelligence were being received and no clear picture had yet emerged. Speaking directly to Jordan, she said: “The insinuations that you are making do a great disservice” to the diplomats and others involved.

“I’m sorry that it doesn’t fit your narrative. I can only tell you what the facts were,” Clinton said.

There were no gaffes for Clinton and — beyond that exchange— few heated interactions. She never raised her voice as she had at a Senate hearing on Benghazi in January 2013, when she shouted: “What difference, at this point, does it make?” Given that Republicans campaigned off that oft-repeated sound bite, the lack of an indelible image from Thursday’s hearing will have suited Clinton’s campaign fine.

Instead, it was the panel’s members who engaged among themselves in the nastiest fight,

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Today, as many as 26,000 Filipino veterans (of over 260,000 Filipino soldiers who fought in WWII) are now US citizens, after former exclusion from a law that granted citizenship to foreign soldiers who served in the US forces. The White House estimates around 6,000 veterans are still alive in the US today.

Alongside historical anniversaries, October marks the birthday of Filipino labor leader Larry Itliong, who spearheaded the famed Delano Grape Strike in 1965, working with Philip Vera Cruz and other manongs. Itliong also convinced Cesar Chavez to join the Filipino farm workers who had already started the labor strike in California’s Central Valley.

This year, Larry Itliong Day on Oct. 25--Itliong’s birthday--was formally recognized in the state of California, following Governor Jerry Brown’s signing of AB 7.

FANHS also holds an annual celebration commemorating Filipino-American history. This year, their theme focus is the year “1965: Tipping Point for the Filipino American Community,” commemorating the Delano Grape Strike and the Immigration and Nationality Act also passed that year.

“When we talk about diversity strengthening the fabric of our nation, the contributions of Filipino Americans come to mind,” Sen. Hirono said. “Every day in Silicon Valley, I see evidence of the continued courage, innovation, and hard work that Filipino Americans have displayed throughout American history as labor leaders, service members, artists, and business owners.” n Democratic presidential candidate, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, before the House Benghazi Committee.

After months of buildup, Hillary Rodham Clinton finally takes center stage as the star witness in the Republican-led investigation into the deadly 2012 attacks in Benghazi, Libya.

AP/Manuel Balce Ceneta

with Clinton merely observing.

Democrats pressed for the release of the full transcript of a Clinton adviser’s private testimony, drawing the Republican chairman, Trey Gowdy, into an angry debate. The panel eventually voted against the release, all five Democrats in favor, all seven Republicans against.

Gowdy, a former federal prosecutor, said important questions remain unanswered: Why was the U.S. in Libya, why were security requests denied, why was the military not ready to respond quickly on the 11th anniversary of 9/11 and why did the Obama administration change its story about the nature of the attacks in

the weeks afterward?

“These questions linger because previous investigations were not thorough,” Gowdy said.

Clinton, in turn, focused on the bigger picture, starting with a plea for the U.S. to maintain its global leadership role despite the threat posed to its diplomats. She said Benghazi already had been exhaustively scrutinized and that perfect security can never be achieved, drawing on the various attacks on U.S. diplomatic and military installations overseas during the presidencies of her husband, Bill Clinton, in the 1990s and Ronald Reagan a decade earlier. n

Many Filipinos working in…

PAGE A1 t

want to, and employers will hire me. Owning a home, buying any car I want – I’m proud of it. I can give my son the best education.

I have three siblings in the Philippines and a lot of cousins, and I’m thankful that I can be the one helping out.”

Respondent Ruben Espiritu, 56, of Garner, North Carolina also called the US the land of opportunity with many jobs available, but pointed out that the Philippine economy is improving.

“People who come here for work are playing vital economic roles by contributing to the U.S. economy and also adding to the GDP of their home country when they send money back to family and friends,” said Transfast CEO Samish Kumar.

The remittance firm conducted the same survey with respondents across all nationalities, noting a number of similarities with Filipino immigrants.

However, there were differences in responses about how much immigrants were expecting to earn versus what they expected (37 percent of overall immigrants said they were making what they expected, while 61 percent of Filipinos responded as such), and where they planned to retire.

Of the immigrants surveyed, 18 percent said they intend to retire in their home country. 53 percent of Filipinos said they plan on retiring in the Philippines, while 31 percent of Filipinos said they intend to retire in the United States. (Agnes Constante / AJPress)

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A

House Republicans abandon debt-limit bill

by Allyson

EscobAr

AJPress

the House to stay in session until it completes the appropriations process, said Politico.

With the plan now on the shelf, it’s “unclear what the House’s next move will be on the debt limit, with less than two weeks left until the Treasury Department says the nation faces a potential default.

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, the House passed legislation that prioritizes certain debt payments in the event of a default. However, Senate Democrats have said they oppose the measure, and President Obama has even threatened to veto it. Senate aides say it would be “very unlikely� for the bill to pass in the chamber.

Pressure has been growing on House Republicans to take action ahead of the deadline. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said it was up to the lower chamber to make the first move.

The RSC bill emerged as one option, but Republican senators “balked� at the idea that the House would try to change Senate rules, while both House and Senate Democrats vow to support only a “clean� debt-limit bill, with no preconditions.

The RSC plan had been in the works for a Friday vote but was never officially scheduled. Meanwhile, House GOP leaders had been whipping the measure in recent days to gauge its support. “House Republicans have floated two plans that are nothing more than default and economic collapse by another name.

I want to be crystal clear up front — both the prioritization bill the House is considering today and the Republican Study Committee’s proposal are dead on arrival in the Senate,� said Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY.), the third-ranking member of the Democratic leadership.

Sen. Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) suggested that while the Senate is waiting for now, it could be forced to move a debt bill first. “At some point we probably can’t afford to wait any longer,� the Senate’s No. 2 Republican said. “I don’t know exactly what the drop-dead date is but something needs to start moving here pretty soon.�

When asked if Senate Republicans would offer a clean bill if

GOP leaders in the House of Representatives backed away from a tentative plan to vote on raising the debt limit with a package of conservative reforms, leaving them without a clear path forward before the Nov. 3 deadline, when the limit must be lifted.

The conservative Republican Study Committee (RSC) had authored a proposal that would hike the debt limit into 2017, impose a halt on new regulations, ban the Senate from filibustering spending bills after October, and prevent either chamber from adjourning in September if they haven’t finished work on appropriations bills, The Hill reported.

GOP aides indicated that on ENGULFED. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific flights from Cotabato to Manila have been canceled the past six days due to the haze that Thursday, Oct. 22 that the bill is engulfed most of Mindanao cities, the state weather bureau said. Roy Jumawan, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical now unlikely to hit the floor. The Services Administration (PAGASA-Cotabato) weather specialist, said the haze that has been hovering over Central Mindanao since Saturday RSC has about 170 members, was brought about by forest fires in Indonesia and brought by southwest monsoon winds to the southern Philippines. Inquirer.net photo which is short of the 218 votes needed to pass legislation.

The RSC plan, penned by Texas Rep. Bill Flores, raises the debt ceiling by $1.5 trillion — enough PAGE A1 t that many of the Democrats’ top mentioning her name, about how to last into 2017 — but stipulates before his son Beau, who passed donors and strategists backed she asserted in the Democratic no new government regulations away in May, fell ill to brain can- Clinton. Given this, Biden would debate that Republicans are her until July 2017, and also forces u PAGE A8 cer. But he began looking into have had to compete with her for enemies. the possibility during the sum- votes and donors. “I believe that we have to end mer, reaching out to advisers An aide said Biden made his the divisive partisan politics that and allies. In September, he be- decision on Tuesday, Oct. 20, ac- is ripping this country apart, and gan courting donors. cording to The New York Times. I think we can,� said Biden, who, Elected to the Senate when he In his speech Wednesday, during his time in the Senate, was 29 years old, Biden spent Biden discussed the case he frequently worked with members 36 years representing Delaware would have made as a candidate in both parties. in the legislative chamber and and also made some indirect crit“They are our opposition; served as chairman of the Ju- icisms toward Clinton, without u PAGE A8 diciary and Foreign Relations Committees. And throughout his political career, it was no secret that he had his sights set on the White House.

While he unsuccessfully ran State FarmŽ RǼHUV OLIH LQVXUDQFH WKDW DOORZV à H[LELOLW\ WR SURWHFW \RXU IDPLO\¡V for president in 1988 and 2008, ÀQDQFHV QRW RQO\ LQ WKH IXWXUH EXW WRGD\ :H DUH KDSS\ WR DVVLVW \RX VR \RX Biden was positioned to be a FDQ VWULYH IRU D PRUH VHFXUH IXWXUH ZLWK OLIH LQVXUDQFH WKDW VXLWV \RXU QHHGV more competitive candidate after serving two terms in the Obama administration. There was also Talk to a State Farm agent today! the scandal that broke out earlier this year involving Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server during her time as secre(YHO\Q 0 &DOD $JHQW -HǼ 3 0RUJDQ ,QV $JF\ ,QF tary of state, which made 2016 Insurance Lic#: 0C39306 -HǼ 0RUJDQ $JHQW his best and final opportunity Tujunga, CA 91042 Insurance Lic#: 0743918 to participate in the race for the Bus: 818-352-3800 Long Beach, CA 90807 presidency. evelyncala.com Bus: 562-595-6969 However, after his son’s death, Biden warned that his and his family’s loss was overwhelming and that they may not be prepared for the demands of a presidential campaign.

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Biden won’t run for president in‌

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thiS Week in RevieW US Asteroid to zoom past earth on Halloween night

ACCORDING to NASA, an asteroid is expected to pass extremely close to Earth on Oct. 31st, Halloween night. The asteroid, called 2015 TB145, will come closest around 12:12pm Central Time.

NASA predicts the object could come as close as 1.3 lunar distances (310,000 miles) from the Earth, and will travel at 35 kilometers per second. “The flyby presents a truly outstanding scientific opportunity to study the physical properties of this object,” NASA said. The asteroid’s journey marks the closest approach to the Earth’s surface since July 2006.

Men are threatened by smart women, according to study ACCORDING to a study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, when it comes to dating, men have an issue with dating intelligent women. The study, called “(Psychological) Distance Makes the Heart Grow Founder,” found that while men are theoretically into the idea of dating intelligent women, they would vastly prefer dating a woman who is less intelligent than them. Six studies in the report revealed that when evaluating “psychologically distant” targets (women who are attractive in the abstract; i.e. from a distance), men showed greater attraction toward women who displayed more (versus less) intelligence than themselves. “In contrast, when targets were psychologically near, men showed less attraction toward women who outsmarted them,” the study’s authors--two women and a man--wrote. “Some preliminary evidence suggested that this was due to men feeling more threatened—in terms of feeling less masculine—after the woman outsmarted them when she was closer to him.”

Fewer Americans are reading print books

A SURVEY from the Pew Research Center reveals that the percentage of Americans who read books has dropped in the past year--overall 72 percent of US adults have read a book (either all or part of one) in the past year, a drop from 76 percent in 2014. The percentage for millennials (ages 18 to 29) was actually higher, at 80 percent. E-books were also not to blame, as the percentage of respondents also dropped slightly, from 28 to 27 percent. The best predictor of whether someone is a reader is education, Pew found. 90 percent of college graduates reported having read a book in print, compared with 34 percent of those who never graduated high school. Among genders, 77 percent of women were also found more likely to have read than men (67 percent).

First Muppet character with autism THE “Sesame Street” gang has a new member of the neighborhood--Julia, the first Muppet character with autism. With bright orange hair and green eyes, Julia is the latest creation from the Sesame Workshop, offering kids a relatable, everyday character they can understand, whether they are autistic or know someone who is. “There’s no one else quite like us that you’re ever going to find, and that’s what makes us wonderful, we’re different as can be, but in some real important ways, we’re still the same, you see,” the Muppet characters sing in an all-new “The Amazing Song.” Julia is part of an educational and awareness initiative, “Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children,” and kids can get to know her through an online storybook on the Sesame Street Autism site, http://autism.sesamestreet.org/.

Biden won’t run for president in…

PAGE A7 t

they’re not our enemies. And for the sake of our country, we have to work together,” he said.

ENGULFED. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific flights from Cotabato to Manila have been canceled the past six days due to the haze that Despite his jabs, Clinton, in engulfed most of Mindanao cities, the state weather bureau said. Roy Jumawan, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical a statement, praised Biden’s Services Administration (PAGASA-Cotabato) weather specialist, said the haze that has been hovering over Central Mindanao since Saturday “passion for our country,” his was brought about by forest fires in Indonesia and brought by southwest monsoon winds to the southern Philippines. Inquirer.net photo “devotion to family,” and cited his record of fighting for the middle class.

“Joe Biden is a good man and a great vice president,” she said.

“And I’m confident that history isn’t finished with Joe Biden.”

Politicians from both sides of TACOMA, Washington – A 21- a Pierce County jury convicted ies netted the group more than the aisle agreed Biden would year-old man was sentenced to Azariah Ross on 16 counts earli- $80,000 in cash and goods, court have made a good candidate, but said “he made the right decision,” 47 years in prison for his part in er this year. His charges included records show. a string of home-invasion robber- robbery, burglary and unlawful Each time, two or three armed as Democratic Senate Minority ies that targeted Tacoma’s Asian imprisonment. bandits broke into a home, leader Harry Reid told CNN. Republican front-runner Donald Prosecutors say he was one of threatened the people inside and community in 2012, particularly families of Vietnamese, Filipino four people who committed sev- sometimes tied them up before Trump echoed the sentiment while en robberies between January stealing cash, jewelry and valu- also taking a stab at Clinton. and Cambodian descent.

“I think Joe Biden made [the] The News Tribune reports that and August 2012. The robber- ables. n

Home invader who victimized Asians, Filipinos gets 47 years

correct decision for him & his family. Personally, I would rather run against Hillary because her record is so bad,” Trump wrote.

Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, said Biden’s decision makes it easier for the GOP to win the election.

“Vice President Biden was the most formidable general election candidate the Democratic Party could have fielded, and his deci-

sion not to challenge Hillary Clinton greatly improves our chances of taking back the White House,” Priebus said.

With a little more than a year remaining as vice president, Biden said he and his family “intend to spend the next 15 months fighting for what we’ve always cared about, what my family’s always cared about, with every ounce of our being.” (Agnes Constante / AJPress)

House Republicans abandon…

PAGE A7 t

they have to move first, Cornyn said, “that’s not the way it will start,” also noting there would be amendments. He declined to fully discuss what could be included in the Senate bill.

“Shame on us if we haven’t sort

of thought about that in advance and war-gamed it,” added Cornyn.

“It’s possible we could pass something, and we send it back to the House, and they pass it before it gets to the president. We’re getting ready to get on a glide path to get to a conclusion here.” n

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Brown vetoes bill aimed at disaggregating AAPI data

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

EARLIER this year, Fil-Am Assemblyman Rob Bonta introduced a bill that would roll out new guidelines to collect disaggregated demographic data about California’s diverse Asian Pacific Islander (API) population.

The measure, AB176, aimed to address disparities in health and education.

“The API community is not a monolith. We are not the same in every single respect. Each of our diverse communities has different social, economic, and educational challenges and outcomes that need to be addressed differently,” Bonta said.

A report by Los Angeles Times published Wednesday, Oct. 21, illustrated the disparities with some statistics: approximately 70 percent of the state’s Indian American population above the age of 25 possess bachelor’s degrees; for Laotian Americans in California, that number is 10 percent.

In another comparison, a number of Hmong immigrants, many of whom came as refugees from war and genocide, are among California’s poorest ethnic groups; Taiwanese immigrants, however, are one of the wealthiest groups in the state, according to the Times.

AB 176 overwhelmingly cleared both chambers of the legislature – unani-

mously in the Senate, and in the Assembly with only one dissenting vote.

But on Oct. 7, in a shock for API community advocates, California Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed the bill.

“I am wary of the ever growing desire to stratify,” the governor wrote in a letter to the California State Assembly on Wednesday, Oct. 21. “Dividing people into ethnic or other subcategories may yield more information, but not necessarily greater wisdom about what actions should follow. To focus just on ethnic identity may not be enough.”

Under AB 176, separate categories would be required for at least Bangladeshi, Fijian, Hmong, Indonesian, Malaysian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Taiwanese, Thai and Tongan individuals, who are typically categorized collectively as “Other Asian.” It would also have mandated the University of California and California State University systems, community colleges, and the state Department of Health to use specified categories for each major API group. Furthermore, the measure would require those entities to make that data publicly available on their website.

“I was disappointed by Governor Brown’s veto of my AB 176, which would have uncovered many of the social, economic, and educational disparities in the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community,” said Bonta in a

statement to NBC News. He added that he “respectfully, but very strongly, disagree[d]” with Brown’s veto.

Other API leaders and activists offered statements mirroring Bonta’s position, saying that for California’s growing 5.6 million API population, the largest of any state, stratification is necessary to reflect the diversity, according to the Times.

Bonta previously cited data from the 2010 US Census Bureau, which indicated that California’s Asian American population grew 34 percent between 2000 to 2010, while the Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander population grew by 29 percent in the same time period.

“I think he is ignoring the … reality of how diverse our nation, and in particular, California, is becoming,” said Quyen Dinh, executive director of the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center, the Times reported.

“In vetoing AB 176, Governor Brown, unfortunately, sets forth a public policy approach that perpetuates the model minority myth and the dilemma of the AANHPI community being treated as a monolithic whole,” said Betty Hung, policy director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, according to NBC News.

Richard Chang, policy director of Empowering Pacific Islander Communities, told NBC News that AB 176 would have portrayed a more accurate

picture of who Californians are, inform state and local policymakers and allow them to make better use of resources, and improve educational outcomes for some of the state’s most underserved communities.

“For now, community stakeholders and organizations like ourselves will simply have to continue engaging in a costly, time consuming struggle to extract data from each public higher education institution,” he told NBC News.

Although being lumped together in one group may hide education and income disparities among Asian populations, it collectively provides members of the groups a louder voice, Barbara O’Connor, director of the Institute for the Study of Politics and Media at Cal State Sacramento and a former Brown appointee, told the Times.

“I think he really believes that minorities of all types are represented better when they’re not stratified,” O’Connor said. “Asians have more clout in Sacramento when they act as a caucus.”

The veto came as a surprise especially because AB 176 measure was modeled after a bill Brown signed in 2011, Bonta said, according to the Times. AB 1088 required the Department of Industrial Relations, a labor agency, and the Department of Fair Employment and Housing to gather data about the same ethnic groups.

A

“It shows that at one point at least, the governor thought this was important,” Bonta said, the Times reported.

When the measure was introduced earlier this year, Bonta pointed out that there had been no Filipino member of the California state legislature until he was elected in 2012.

“And I mention that to draw attn to the issue of why it’s so important that I and we here today give voice to not just the Filipino-American community, but all API subgroups who face challenges that are distinct and unique from the greater API population. And while all of us as part of the API community share common goals and struggles, our struggles and challenges are simply not all the same,” he said.

Bonta also remembered struggling to figure out what box to check on standardized test forms as a kid, the Times reported. And while he was the political chair of a Filipino student group at Yale University, he asked for information regarding retention and graduation rates for Filipino students and learned the institution did not have it.

“When you use the monolithic Asian category, you render invisible the experiences of each specific population,” Bonta said, according to the Times.

Despite Brown’s veto, Bonta said he plans to reintroduce the bill next year. n

A10 OCTOBER 24-27, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Features

Deadly argument

UNLIKE ambassadors and other diplomats, consular officers normally do not enjoy full immunity from arrest, detention and prosecution in the host country. The 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which is different from the convention on diplomatic relations, only details how consular officers must be treated in case the “receiving State” or host country decides to subject them to criminal prosecution.

One provision states: “Consular officers shall not be liable to arrest or detention pending trial, except in the case of a grave crime and pursuant to a decision by the competent judicial authority.” For sure, double murder and frustrated murder constitute “a grave crime.”

The convention, however, is not being applied to the individuals involved in an argument in a restaurant in Cebu the other day wherein a Chinese consular officer allegedly shot dead two of her Chinese colleagues and wounded their consul general. The suspect and her husband, who both claimed not to speak English, did not resist being taken in for police questioning.

The Philippine government says full diplomatic immunity was extended to consular officers of both countries under a bilateral agreement approved in 2009 that amended the Vienna Convention. Probably because the victims and suspects

are all Chinese citizens working in their own consulate, the Philippine government is readily sending all of them back to their country. Their prosecution in China is certain to be infinitely faster than in the Philippines, with the punishment implemented swiftly.

Before the suspects are sent back, however, the Philippine government must be reassured that the argument was not over any anomalous activity involving Filipinos. Since the shooting over lunch celebrating the birthday of wounded Consul General Song Rong Hua, there have been ugly speculations about what might have prompted the principal suspect, Guo Jing, to open fire on her boss and two consulate colleagues. You don’t take two lives and try to take a third over trivial matters. The two governments must put to rest suspicions that the argument was over illegal activities or money deals gone sour involving Filipinos. (Philstar.com)

Guest Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Should Manny Pacquiao be disqualified from the senatorial race because of absenteeism?

SOLID fans who adore not only the The Fil-Am Pambansang Kamao in Manny Pacquiao Perspective but everything else about him will surely not like this question.

But this is exactly what the Commission on Gel SantoS-ReloS Elections (Comelec) will have to determine and rule on after a certain Ferdinand Sevilla of Makati City, filed a petition case against Pacquiao, arguing that that the Sarangani representative should be declared a nuisance for his chronic absenteeism as a member of the House of Representatives.

As ABS-CBN news Correspondent RG

Cruz reported, Sevilla contended, “Records show out of 70 session days of the HOR from January 20 to December 17, 2014, Pacquiao had the most number of absences with only 7 days present. While Pacquiao was consistently absent to train for his boxing bout, shoot his television programs or shoot hoops in basketball games, he was denying his constituents representation.”

The petition filed by Sevilla also said that in 2013, Pacquiao incurred 60 absences out of 168 session days, stating that Pacquiao “has failed to fulfill his

mandate…He has wasted time, money and other resources.”

Sevilla also argued in his petition that Pacquiao has not retired from professional boxing and, therefore, it cannot guarantee that he will avoid absenteeism and ”conscientiously attend to his mandated task.”

According to the ABS-CBN news report, the petition was left at the Clerk of the Commission’s Office by the Sevilla.

However, the “Comelec could not deem the petition filed because the petitioner did not pay the filing fee yesterday”.

As of press time, Comelec Chairman Jose Andres Bautista declined to comment on the unfiled petition.

In previous interviews, Saranggani

An open letter to the House and Senate Please legislate and don’t obstruct by abusing the process

“EACH son or daughter of a given country has a mission, a Rhizomes personal and social responsibility. Your own responsibility as members of Congress is to enable this country, by your legislative activity, to grow as a nation.

You are the face of its people, pRosy AbARqueztheir representatives. You are deLAcRuz, J.d. called to defend and preserve the dignity of your fellow citizens in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good, for this is the chief aim of all politics. A political society endures when it seeks, as a vocation, to satisfy common needs by stimulating the growth of all its members, especially those in situations of greater vulnerability or risk. Legislative activity is always based on care for the people. To this, you have been invited, called and convened by those who elected you.” – Pope Francis, 9/28/2015 “Grandma Tabitha Moffatt Brown climbed down from her tall horse and glanced anxiously at her companion., old Captain John Brown, her brother – in – law, was ready to collapse from fatigue and hunger. Tabitha looked at the rugged, mountainous wilderness surrounding the remote wagon trail over which they had just ridden. What could she do? Her tired, aching body cried out for food and a soft bed. Darkness was coming, and it was raining, Captain was so sick and worn out she wondered if he would live through the night.

They had no shelter from the wind and rain, and only three strips of bacon left.” – Mary Barmeyer O’Brien, Heart of the Trail, 1997.

When Pope Francis visited the joint session of Congress, I was so hopeful, hoping that the Holy Spirit’s representative would move this illustrious body into doing what was significant, critical and necessary. For far too long, this House of Representatives, under Speaker John Boehner, has voted over 61 times to stop what they feared as job-crushing Obamacare; yet, this law has provided 17 million Americans and permanent residents with affordable health care.

The fact is Obamacare has created jobs to reduce the unemployment from a high of 9.5 percent to today’s 5 percent, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics, cited by AOL.com on June 9, 2015.

Yet, it has not stopped this august body of legislators, dominated by 247 Republicans, from being obstructive, as their default reactions have cost the taxpayers unwanted and unnecessary expenses, including a government shutdown, which

cost the US government coffers, $24 billion.

For all that reduction in the unemployment rate, I was hoping that this august body of legislators would give us, the taxpayers, “shelter from the wind and rain,” and enact legislation to provide us, immigration reform.

In “In Heart of the Trail”, Mary Barmeyer O’ Brien’s wrote about Grandma Brown, who in 1846 at 36 years old, traveled from Missouri to Fort Hall in today’s Southern Idaho, up to Oregon’s Umpqua Mountains, where she came across in her own words, “strewn with dead cattle, broken wagons, beds, clothing, and everything but provisions of which we were nearly destitute.”

Grandma thought of the wolves and the cold; she was so wet the night before that she could not even be warm, for lack of fire. She worried about her husband and daughter Pherne (whose food was almost gone), as they insisted that they move ahead to catch up with the emigrants [immigrants] they saw a day before in covered wagon, hoping to share in their provisions.

Sharing with a purpose But, what if these immigrants turned a cold heart to ignore the needs of Grandma Tabitha and Captain John Brown? What would have happened to these pioneers of the Oregon Trail, Grandma Tabitha and Captain John Brown, without these caring immigrants?

Mary Barmeyer O’Brien cited, “As soon as light had dawned, I [Grandma Tabitha] pulled down my tent, saddled the horses; found the Captain so as to stand upon his feet – just as this moment one of the emigrants [immigrants] that I was trying to overtake came to me – he was in search of venison—half a mile ahead were the wagons I was trying to catch up with. We were soon there, and ate plentifully of fresh venison.”

Modernly referred to by CNN as “aliens” - a repulsive derogatory term for human beings -- these immigrants became the crucial links to survival for these early 19th century pioneers, enabling them to see through their ordeal.

Grandma Tabitha wrote, “…Here we were obliged to wait for more emigrants to help cut a road through; here my children and grandchildren came up with us—a joyful meeting. They had been near starving. Mr. Pringle tried to shoot a wolf, but he was too weak and trembling to hold

u PAGE A13

Congressman Manny Pacquiao said the reason why he was running for senator was to be able to help more people in the Philippines. He said he believes he can do more.

“Unang-una, pagbaba ng buwis sa indibidual. Tapos, importante yung reduce poverty, provide jobs sa ating mga kababayan. Maraming walang trabaho,” Pacquiao said in an ABS-CBN news report.

When asked by “Balitang America” New York Correspondent Don Tagala about his dismal attendance in the House of Representatives in an earlier report, Pacquiao replied, “We cannot please everybody. Isa lang ang ipinagmamalaki ko, taas noo ako na malinis yung hanga-

rin ko at kahit anong sabihin nila, yung pagtulong ko nandiyan dahil diyan ako galing kung saan ako nanggaling.”

Pacquiao is running for senator under VP Jejomar Binay’s United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) party What do you think? Should Comelec disqualify Pacquiao in his Senate for his absenteeism in Congress? If he does not get disqualified, will you vote for Manny Pacquiao? *** 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

Reaction to first Democratic Party Presidential Debate LINCOLN Chafee, Hillary Clinton, Martin O’Malley, Ber- Opinion nie Sanders and Jim Webb.

These five Democrats – these five leaders – took the stage in Nevada last week for the inaugural Democratic Party Presidential debate.

Rep. Ted Lieu The elevated substance and classy style of the debate reminded me of a favorite bit of wisdom from iconic American author Mark Twain: “There are basically two types of people. People who accomplish things, and people who claim to have accomplished things. The first group is less crowded.”

The Democratic debate stage is far less crowded than the kids-versus-adult-table-format that the fifteen Republicans running for President are forced to contend with.

The record of achievement – at every level of government – embodied by the small but mighty Democratic field of presidential candidates was on full display last week as well. While the Republican candidates claim to know how to get things done, Democrats actually produced results for the American people.

Results such as 13 million new jobs and 67 consecutive months of private sector job growth, health security for millions upon millions of Americans who previously couldn’t afford it, and expanded opportunities for every branch of the great, diverse, multi-cultural American family.

Democrats’ accomplishments are in striking contrast to the Republicans’ empty bluster about how they might lead our nation from the Oval Office. Remember the last time a Republican resided in the White House? Wall Street ran amok and trampled Main Street, millions of jobs were lost (around 750,000 a month), countless families lost their homes, and a reckless, go-it alone foreign policy made America less safe and less respected in every corner of the world.

However, no Democrat, particularly the Democrats running for President, is content with these achievements. Democrats know there are still too many of our friends and neighbors who are struggling to realize their share of the American dream. That’s why the Democratic candidates all laid out economic plans to strengthen and expand the middle class.

What Democrats understand – and sadly what Republicans fail to recognize – is that the steel in

the spine of the American economy is the middle class. We can’t lead the 21 Century global economy with a shrinking middle class; America needs a booming, growing middle class to prosper.

That’s why these Democrats running for President are fighting to make college more affordable, so the dream of a college degree and the economic opportunities that come with it aren’t fading away but are expanding from sea to shining sea.

That’s why Democrats are also fighting to create millions of new, good-paying jobs by rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure and by investing in the green energy revolution that’s already powering the economies in Germany and China.

And for those Americans who are moving into retirement? The Democrats are united in the bedrock belief that our solemn responsibility to our seniors means not only protecting but also strengthening Social Security for decades to come.

These Democratic ideas are far different than what you hear from Republicans – what you can hear actually, in between their churlish insults of one another and their demonizing of Hispanic and Asian Americans as well as American women.

Republicans’ central claim about how to get things done is unfortunately stuck in their own disastrous past. A tax giveaway to millionaires and wealthy corporations (giveaways paid for by hard-working families) is exactly how the last Republican in the White House began to create the conditions that crashed our economy.

Based on the values and vision put forth by the Democratic candidates last week, the real winners of the debate were the American people.

Honest, hardworking folks who think our nation is stronger – economically and morally – when we set out to tackle big challenges like reforming our immigration system and addressing the increasingly grave health and economic impacts of climate change.

As one writer from the Washington Post put it, the difference between the Democratic debate and the Republican debates was “like moving from kindergarten to grad school.”

As Mr. Twain would have put it, there are people who claim to get things done and then there

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Dateline PhiliPPines

A11

If found guilty, Pemberton must serve sentence first before deportation — DOJ

by TeTch

Torres-Tupas Inquirer.net

BONGBONG ‘ADOPTS’ ISKO. Senator Bongbong Marcos was Guest of Honor and Speaker during the 23rd Annual National Convention of the Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the Marriott Hotel, Manila themed “Positioning the Local Government Units in the ASEAN Economic Integration.” Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno is the VMLP National President.

Senate photo

Palace shrugs off report ranking AFP as ‘world’s 6th worst army’

by Yuji

VincenT Gonzales Inquirer.net

NOTINg that the administration remains committed to its promise of rejuvenating the Philippine military, Malacañang on Thursday, Oct. 22 downplayed a report which ranked the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as the world’s sixth worst army.

Reacting to the list released by “We Are The Mighty,” a group of former US soldiers, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said more AFP modernization projects are underway.

“Sa simula’t sapul ay kinilala ng Aquino administration ang kahalagahan ng pagpapahusay sa mga kagamitan ng ating Sandatahang Lakas,” Coloma said.

“Binanggit ni Pangulong Aquino sa kanyang huling State of the Nation Address na sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang pamamahala, mayroong total of 56 projects sa AFP Modernization Program

ang naipatupad at nakumpleto, kumpara sa 45 doon sa mga proyektong naisagawa noong mga nakaraang administrasyon,” he added.

“We Are The Mighty” named AFP as the sixth worst army in the world, behind Costa Rica, Iraq, North Korea, Eritrea, and Nigeria.

The group said the Philippine Navy and Air Force “are still nearly 60 years old and its ships are old US Coast guard cutters.”

But Coloma said the “big-ticket items” being acquired by the government for the military were concrete proofs of its modernization efforts.

Among these assets, Coloma said, were two navy frigates worth P18-billion, three air surveillance radars worth P2.68-billion, six close air support aircraft worth P4.97-billion, two units of long-range patrol aircraft worth P5.98-billion, multipurpose attack craft project worth P864.32-

million, night fighting system worth P1.116-billion, two C-130 aircraft worth P1.6-billion, two naval helicopters worth P5.4-billion, and lead-in fighter trainer jets ammunition worth P4.47-billion.

“Batid po natin na sa kasalukuyan hinihintay ‘yung delivery ng isang squadron—parang isang dosena yata ‘yon—na mga fighter jets na galing sa Korea. Kaya makikita natin ‘yung kongkretong manipestasyon ng ibayong pagsisikap na gawing moderno ang ating Sandatahang Lakas at ito ay pinapatunayan sa pamamagitan ng pagkuha ng mga pinakamodernong kagamitan na gagamitan ng ating army, navy, at air force,” Coloma added.

The AFP modernization program is still under fire as President Benigno Aquino III has yet to sign the national defense strategy plan two years after the bill was signed into law. n

Reaction to first Democratic Party…

PAGE A10 t

are those who can.

I’m proud to be a Democrat. I’m proud that the next President of the United States will be a Democrat and I look forward to working with him or her on the mission to make our nation healthier and safer, more just and more prosperous.

In this great task, to make our American union more perfect, last week’s Democratic debate was

an undeniable step forward. ***

In 2014, Ted W. Lieu was elected to an open seat for the 33rd Congressional District, succeeding retiring 40 year incumbent Henry Waxman. He was elected president of the Freshman class of Democrats by his colleagues and serves on the House Budget Committee, and the House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform. Ted is a former active duty officer who currently serves as a reservist in the United States Air Force.

NEWLY appointed Justice Secretary Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa assured that the deportation order for a US Marine facing trial for the death of Filipina transgender Jennifer Laude will not be immediately implemented.

Caguioa explained that a foreigner cannot be deported until the cases against him pending in Philippine courts have been decided, and if a foreigner is found guilty of the charges, he has to serve his sentence first before he could be deported.

He said the murder case filed against Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton for the alleged murder of Laude is still pending

before the Olongapo Regional Trial Court.

“Hence, Pemberton is under the jurisdiction of the trial court and the deportation order issued by the BI cannot be implemented during the pendency of the trial on the case,” Caguioa said.

Earlier, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) ordered Pemberton’s deportation for being a risk to public interest and an undesirable alien.

The BI based its resolution on the filing of murder case against Pemberton.

Citing Memorandum dated Nov. 24, 2014, the BI said “a foreign national is undesirable if he commits an act constituting a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment of one year or

more.”

“In this case, respondent was charged before the Regional Trial Court, Branch 74, Olongapo City for the crime of murder.

Obviously, such serious criminal offense carries a penalty of more than one year. Thus, the case of Pemberton falls within the ambit of the said Operations Order.

He is therefore presumed to be undesirable,” the resolution stated.

While Pemberton is still presumed innocent considering that the court has yet to rule on the evidence presented by the both parties to the murder case, the BI said in deportation proceedings, “even an iota of evidence that an alien is unfit to remain in the country is sufficient.” n

Aquino faces raps over DAP, PDAF

by Michael

punonGbaYan Philstar.com

MANILA - President Aquino was accused yesterday before the Office of the Ombudsman of illegal use of public funds through the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) and the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

Senate President Franklin Drilon and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad were named corespondents.

During the last six years, the administration spent P377 billion in lump sum appropriations despite Supreme Court decisions declaring them as unconstitutional, presidential aspirant Augusto Syjuco Jr. said in the criminal complaint.

The administration spent PDAF amounting to P220 billion and DAP totaling P157 billion, according to the former lawmaker and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority director-general.

“Despite all of Aquino’s lies and deceptions, many of which are no different from insanity pleas, the Commission on Audit (COA) has come to its senses in reporting and concluding that the corruption of pork barrel funds under the Aquino admin-

Pres. Aquino

istration is ‘horrible’,” read the complaint.

Recently, the Commission on Audit (COA) set off a series of annual audit reports on government agencies on how PDAF was spent during the first half of the administration, Syjuco said.

“Indeed the report presented a scandalous series of these horrible pictures,” he said.

“In the said report, it was revealed that about a dozen public agencies, directly under the authority of the President, served as conduits for pork, DAP and such other lump-sum funds from 2011 to 2013 in committing continuous abuses and misuses of pork,” he said.

“In addition, these COA agency reports noted that despite explicit advisory from the Supreme Court to stop these disbursements of PDAF by September 2013, still multibillion pesos of pork monies were released, while fund balances for projects not yet covered by Notices of Cash Allocation (NCA) were not reverted to the Treasury by a number of pork-conduit agencies and legislators.”

The public was misled to believe that Aquino’s daang matuwid means the prudent use of state funds for projects, Syjuco said.

“With the final Supreme Court decision identifying the ‘backroom conspirators’ of DAP as the ones liable, appropriate cases should have been filed long ago with the proper courts,” read the complaint.

“Though much overdue, let these be filed now in accordance with the precepts of law.

“Since BS Aquino, and he alone, directed the use of the PDAF and DAP, it can be well said BS Aquino used these funds as his own personal treasury.

Undeniably, one fact is so obviously certain. Whether he pleads insanity or otherwise – BS Aquino’s hands are tainted with pork barrel money.” n

A12 OCTOBER 24-27, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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International airport in Pangasinan not practical – Roxas

by CeCille

Suerte Philstar.com

In this photo provided by the Philippine Air Force, houses and rice fields are inundated by floodwaters in northern Philippines Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015. Tropical Storm Lando (international name Koppu) finally blew away from the main northern Philippine island Tuesday, after leaving several dead over the weekend and forcing tens of thousands of villagers into emergency shelters and destroying rice fields ready for harvest.

Staff Sgt. Roldan L. Medina, Philippine Air Force - PIO 410th maintenance wing via AP

International community offers aid to Lando victims by pia lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA – The international community Friday, Oct. 23 started efforts to bring relief to thousands affected by Typhoon Lando (Koppu) in the Philippines.

Australia will provide P33 million in emergency relief supplies to assist communities and families affected by Lando.

France also expressed its solidarity with the Philippines and offered assistance.

“As the Philippines had just been struck by Typhoon Lando, which has led to dozens of casualties, France assures its solidarity to the Philippine government and to the Filipino people,” the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development said in a statement. “We extend our condolences to the families of the victims.”

The French ministry said France “stands together with the Philippine government as we express our readiness to give favor-

able consideration to any request for assistance.”

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop yesterday announced the Australian government’s assistance to the typhoon victims.

“Australia, as a close friend of the Philippines, is saddened by the loss of life and damage to homes and property in the wake of this tragedy,” Bishop said.

Despite the high number of casualties, Bishop commended the Philippine government for its disaster preparedness in mitigating the damage to lives and property caused by Lando.

“I commend the government of the Philippines for its leadership and preparedness measures, and for quickly mobilizing its domestic resources to support affected communities and provide timely assistance,” she said.

“As a good friend and neighbor, the Philippines can expect that Australia will continue to support its close friend and partner during this time. We will

work closely with the Philippine government and partners to support the typhoon relief efforts as required,” Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell said.

In support of the Philippine government’s response efforts, Australia will release prepositioned in-country stores with the United Nations Population Fund, World Food Program and the Philippine Red Cross to affected communities.

These include dignity kits through the UN Population Fund, containing malong cloths, bath towels, slippers, combs, nail clippers, maternity napkins, underwear, bath soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, laundry bar and toilet paper; Family kits through the Philippine Red Cross, containing sleeping mats, blankets, mosquito nets, jerry cans, hygiene kits and tarpaulins as emergency shelter; rice supply and high-energy biscuits through the World Food Program. (With reports from Rainier Allan Ronda, Non Alquitran)

Felipe

MANILA – Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II does not think the proposal of independent presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe to have an international airport in Pangasinan is practical.

“I think spending should be in the right place. If nobody will ride, no airplane will land so there’s no need. We will just be wasting money,” he said in Filipino.

He was reacting to reports that Poe is pushing for the construction of an international airport in Pangasinan, the home province of the senator’s late father Fernando Poe Jr. Roxas explained that a big infrastructure project like an international airport has to undergo thorough study and assessment of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the country’s social and economic development planning and policy coordinating body.

He said NEDA studies all projects to make sure that government money is spent on projects that would benefit the majority of the people.

In a statement, the LP said each candidate coming out to sow intrigue and assail the integrity of their rivals should take a step back and honestly assess if they are ready to walk their own talk.

Roxas had tried to woo Poe to become his runningmate in the 2016 elections. But the latter rejected the offer and instead opted to run for president with Sen. Francis Escudero as her runningmate.

Recently, senatorial candidate Richard Gordon claimed that an LP member approached him to file a disqualification case against Poe. Roxas then challenged Gordon to name names, vowing to investigate and even expel from LP those who would be found engaged in black propaganda against party rivals.

“How we campaign is an indication of how we will govern,” said Roxas, as he promised that he and runningmate Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo would never engage in personal attacks against their rivals.

“Part of integrity is being ready, willing and able to put yourself up for public and legal scrutiny, whether it is in facing

up to corruption charges or in forthrightly answering questions relating to your qualification for office,” said LP in a statement.

The LP issued the statement after Roxas and Robredo received more than their fair share of unfair attacks over the past few weeks.

The LP said everything from photoshopped pictures supposedly showing “epal” tarps along EDSA, to deliberate misquotes

attached to memes circulated on social media, to five-year-old news stories rehashed as “current events,” to the filing of a certificate of candidacy for president by a man named Manny “Mar” Roxas, to the unending barrage of unfounded accusations that Roxas is behind everything from Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s cancer rumors to Poe’s disqualification case to Vice President Jejomar Binay’s legal problems. n

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An open letter to the House and…

PAGE A10 t

his rifle steady.”

Had there not been immigrants who shared with Grandma Tabitha, she would have perished, just as the Captain would, and they would not have lived through to blaze the trails of Oregon, as much as unnamed emigrants, unsung heroes called immigrants.

Immigrants and why reform Had we lived up to being dignified members of a compassionate nation, essentially part of humanity, we would stop making “others” our enemies. Instead, we would remember immigrant histories, as trailblazers, much like native-born Grandma Tabitha, and that they were bridge builders and beacons, much like Emma Lazarus on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty read: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

Until 1921, writes John F. Kennedy in “A Nation of Immigrants,” this was an accurate picture of our society. Under present law, it would be appropriate to add: “as long as they come from Northern Europe, are not too tired or too poor or slightly ill, never stole a loaf of bread, never joined a questionable organization, and can document their activities for the past two years.”

He continued, “the national origins quota system has strong overtones of an indefensible racial preference. It is strongly weighted toward socalled Anglo-Saxons, a phrase which one writer calls “a term of art” encompassing almost anyone from Northern and Western Europe.”

“The idea behind this discriminatory policy was, to put it boldly, that Americans with English or Irish names were better people and better citizens than Americans with Italian or Greek or Polish names…Such a concept is utterly unworthy of our traditions and our ideals,” Pres. Truman said when he vetoed the Immigration and Nationality Act (only to have that veto overridden).

Today, on the examples of our pioneers -- like Grandma Tabitha and the immigrants who helped her family live, Pres. Kennedy and Pres. Truman -- we need you, our members of the 114th Congress, to distinguish yourself from these abject discriminatory thoughts, that the “others” are foreign to us, when in fact, their histories are interwoven and linked to the histories of our pioneering trailblazers.

We need to make their histories more visible to make for a healthier, vibrant, interrelated America, a representation of what world-class America looks like and the way America looks at itself, away from its discriminatory and medieval ways of being and practices.

It is your challenge to rise above your party’s blindness and to see beyond its ideological focus that you are the only ultimate source of wisdom and knowledge and reach out to our duly elected top executive, President Barack Obama, who was

AJPress photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz

elected by over 120 million Americans.

It is time to set aside party politics and legislate for the common good, as Pope Francis said.

It is time to remember the immigrants who saved Grandma Tabitha and make them more visible in our American history!

It is really time to be noble statesmen, much like the examples shown by President Obama.

You cannot rewrite the history of interlinkages that immigrants have contributed as pioneers, any more than you can derail destiny. We are all human beings, worthy of prosperity, equality and opportunity, much like you and your predecessors are enjoying!

And to the Democrats in the House and Senate, we thank you for your abiding convictions to do what is right for the common good. Thank you for being our steadfast champions of American values of care, compassion, equality and no discrimination!

It really is time to move forward and reclaim America from ungrateful hearts, from destructive discriminatory thoughts, and become the noble legislators who move America towards peace, prosperity and humanity, an America we can all be proud of, as much as the world can, too!

Soon, it will be Thanksgiving, and what a gift you will give us, the taxpayers, to enact an immigration reform, worthy of the White House’s signature.

I pray to the Holy Spirit that you will do the right thing, as our elected congressional leaders.

After all, we are more than Democrats, we are more than Republicans -- we are Americans and most of all, we are all children of an awesome, loving God, whose legacy is for all of us to thrive in joy, love and peace! *** 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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A15

Gringo to Enrile: No hard feelings

by Helen

Flores Philstar.com

MANILA – Sen. Gregorio Honasan said Friday, Oct. 23 he has no hard feelings for his mentor Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile after failing to get the latter’s endorsement for the 2016 elections.

Enrile has endorsed the bid of Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for vice president, while Honasan is the vice presidential candidate of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA). Both Enrile and Honasan played key roles in ousting the Marcoses during the 1986 Edsa Revolution.

The 67-year-old Honasan said he asked for Enrile’s blessing the day before he filed his certificate of candidacy for vice president, and the day after the former martial law administrator raised the hand of Marcos.

“He told me ‘I didn’t know you’re running’,” Honasan said during a roundtable discussion at TV5 Media Center in Mandaluyong City with News5, InterAksyon.com, BusinessWorld, Philippine STAR and Bloomberg Philippines.

“The reason why we’ve been friends for a long time now is

Sen. Gringo Honasan.

because we don’t interfere with each other’s decision. We’re not like ‘if you get one, you get two’,” he added.

Asked if Enrile could still have a change of heart because of his candidacy, Honasan said, “No, I give that judgment call to him.”

However, he remains confident of his mentor’s support.

Meanwhile, If elected vice president, Honasan said he would like to be appointed as national security adviser and that he would address issues on infor-

Senate PRIB/Edward Ganal

mation management.

“In my 18 years as senator, we debate based on conflicting and sometimes ridiculous data,” he said.

He also described as “premature” the Philippines’ move to file a case against China before the United Nations arbitral tribunal in The Hague, the Netherlands.

“In my opinion, the filing of case before the international tribunal is premature. We should have done serious back channeling without the media,” he said. n

Comelec can’t stop early poll campaigning by sHeila

Crisostomo Philstar.com

MANILA—Due to a Supreme Court (SC) ruling in November 2009, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) cannot do anything about candidates who campaign before the start of the official campaign period next year.

According to Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista, premature campaigning is no longer in the statute book because of the SC’s decision on the Comelec vs. Penera case.

Bautista said the SC ruling had superceded the election laws, which used to consider electioneering outside of the campaign period as an election offense.

“If you look at the decision of the Supreme Court on the Penera case, you can only engage in prohibited campaign acts during the campaign period. Essentially, before that, you are free to do anything,” he noted.

The Comelec was planning to come up with guidelines for activities that are allowed and not allowed in the wake of the Pen-

According to Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista, premature campaigning is no longer in the statute book because of the SC’s decision on the Comelec vs. Penera case.

era ruling.

Bautista maintained that a draft had been formulated but it does not prohibit campaigning activities.

“What we are saying is that there is a void in the law,” he added.

“I think the call is on Congress to be able to come up with a law that would spell out with clarity

which actions are allowed from this period until the campaign period and which should not be allowed,” he added.

The SC ruling upheld the provisions in Republic Act 9369—the Poll Automation Law—that “any person who files his certificate of candidacy (COC) shall only be considered as a candidate at the start of the campaign period” and that “unlawful acts applicable to a candidate shall be in effect only upon start of the campaign period.”

Under manual elections, the campaign period starts on the day after the last day of filing of the certificate of candidacy (COC).

But since the automation of elections in 2010, the filing of COC was pushed forward to allow the Comelec to pre-print the names of the candidates, positions and polling precincts on the ballots.

For the May 9, 2016 elections, the campaign period for president, vice president, senators and party-list groups runs from Feb. 9 to May 7, while for local positions it will be from March 5 to May 7. n

CHRISTMAS SEASON. Rustan’s kicked off the Philippines’ Christmas celebration by unveiling its Christmas shop and festive holiday arrangements spread throughout its four stories in its flagship store in the Makati Central Business district. To mark the occasion, the Tantoco family led by Rustan’s chair Nedy Tantoco and president Donnie Tantoco hosted a lunch for Metro Manila media on the second level of the store which was decked in white and gold to announce the season’s theme—Experience Rustan’s Christmas with Pleasure.

Inquirer.net photo

Kapunan joins Grace-Chiz Senate slate

by CHristina

mendez

Philstar.com

MANILA - Saying she did not want to be an apologist of the Aquino administration, lawyer Lorna Kapunan has joined the Senate slate of independent presidential bet Sen. Grace Poe and her running mate Sen. Francis Escudero for the 2016 presidential elections.

Prior to her formal proclamation as senatorial candidate of Aksyon Demokratiko, Kapunan said she decided to join the senatorial slate of Poe and Escudero and not the Liberal Party because she opposes many of the administration’s causes.

“I think to run with the administration is to be an apologist for the administration,” she said in an interview with ABS-CBN’s Umagang Kay Ganda.

Kapunan revealed that she was included in the shortlist of prospective senatorial bets of LP but she declined the offer.

“On the day they made the announcement, I said, I cannot run with the party in conscience if I disagree with certain principles,” Kapunan added.

Kapunan expressed confidence that she could win a Sen-

ate seat on the basis of her stand on various issues.

The celebrity lawyer is the third senatorial candidate to openly join the Poe-Escudero team, after Bayan Muna partylist Rep. Neri Colmenares and Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno.

Interviewed in a provincial sortie yesterday, Escudero said their team’s 12-member senatorial slate will be formally announced next Monday.

Poe and Escudero cancelled the announcement of their senatorial slate out of sympathy for the victims of Typhoon Lando last week.

“She’s the one who talked with them. I will leave it to her to announce who are the 12 candidates that will be included in the lineup,” said Escudero, who met with youth groups in Leyte recently to discuss their platforms.

Meanwhile, Poe thanked thousands of supporters during her campaign yesterday in Virac, Catanduanes.

Poe urged her supporters to continue the fight for every foundling in the country as well as for the poor.

“I believed that the people must be consulted on the solution they want to offer for their

problems,” said Poe. “I am doing this because I believe that all the people must be consulted to plan their future,” said Poe. Despite various moves to disqualify Poe, her supporters from the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) do not believe she will be disqualified.

“She knows that all these are political harassment and I know she can surmount all of these,” said Catanduanes Vice Gov. Jose Teves Jr. Teves, the NPC bet for Catanduanes governor in the 2016 polls, wished the party will finally endorse Poe. Escudero said their tandem would remain independent.

Poe told participants that she wants to help make Catanduanes a safe ecotourism haven in the country.

Despite being called “The Land of the Howling Winds” due to the frequency of typhoons that lash the island facing the Pacific Ocean, she said the people continue to protect their environment.

“Catanduanes is still green and a beautiful place to visit,” she said. (With report from Celso Amo)

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B

Journal Filipinos in entertainment & media bring industry insight for aspiring creatives by allysoN

escobar

AJPress

THE 4th annual Filipinos in Entertainment & Media panel happened on Thursday evening, Oct. 22, at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles. Hosted

by Fil-Am Creative, a non-profit dedicated to the advancement of Filipino Americans in entertainment and media; Asian Pacific Student Services; and Isang Bansa, the premier Filipino club at LMU, the event brought together ambitious students and successful Fil-Ams in the industry in a diverse panel-

discussion style.

“Creating Invisibility, Establishing Individuality” is the main theme of the panels, highlighting the rise and progression of Filipino culture in the mainstream media, and to encourage better representation.

“The purpose of the event is to build awareness about the importance of creating more Filipino visibility, as well as establishing individuality as Filipino Americans apart from the broad ‘Asian Pacific American’ category in entertainment and media,” said Melissa Arce, who spearheaded the event PAGE B3

“Filipinos in Entertainment” panelists Billy DaMota, Ashley Argota, Manny on tha Streetz, Annalee Paulo, Gene Cajayon, and Fil-Am Creative member Melissa Arce.

AJPress photos by Allyson Escobar

The panelists met with LMU students of Isang Bansa and Asian Pacific Student Services.

What today’s love teams can learn from Richard & Dawn

by Nathalie

tomada Philstar.com

MANILA—Before KathNiel and JaDine, there was CharDawn.

Today’s romantic tandems can learn a thing or two about staying power and enduring appeal from the team-up of Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta.

For one, with or without an offscreen romance, or in the case of CharDawn, one that didn’t work out, it doesn’t mean the end of their love team. The “fantasy” can live on because of onscreen chemistry, and that’s something that cannot be faked.

Richard and Dawn’s tandem, which was born in the ‘90s and spawned a series of hit movies, will be back via the new Kapamilya primetime family drama “You’re My Home.” They will play an estranged couple, whose marriage gets torn apart after their youngest son goes missing. Years later, a teenager who resembles their son reappears in their lives.

Can their family start to mend the broken pieces and become whole again after living separate lives for so long?

During a presscon on Wednesday, Oct. 21, the media revis-

Before KathNiel and JaDine, there was the love team of Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta, or CharDawn as called by fans.

Philstar.com photo

ited Richard and Dawn’s past as a couple, and how despite enjoying family life with different partners, they have managed to keep the friendship, which has come in handy in attracting projects, as a love team, to this day.

Richard said, “Siempre, kami ni Dawn when we were young, we had a boyfriend-and-girlfriend relationship, it was a very intense one. But when that ended, we have remained friends, even after we had our own families and partners in life.”

Dawn recalled, “We got to know each other when we were already both in showbiz. The first time we

worked together was in a commercial; it wasn’t in a movie or a TV show. We have the same friends, we move around the same circle, even up to now. Feeling ko, malalim na yun, dun pa lang. Ganung klasenghistory malalim na yun, (with that history, the friendship goes deep) even without having had a relationship.”

They remembered their “reunion” project after many years of not having worked together, which was for another network.

Dawn said, “I remember our first project together, I felt awkward.” And it wasn’t because of PAGE B4

This could be my greatest honor yet.

Tony Taguba, AARP Member Retired US Army Major General

Dahil sa Life Reimagined program ng AARP, masayang nagagamit ni Tony ang karanasan niya sa buhay para magbigay lakas, at mapabuti ang buhay ng iba.

Si Retired Army Major General Tony Taguba ay nakatanggap ng iba’t-ibang karangalan recognizing his distinguished military achievements, tireless advocacy for veterans and continuous contribution to the community. Bilang isang masugid na miyembro ng AARP ng ilang taon, si Tony ay isang natural na mentor. Natuklasan niya na ang kanyang personal experience ay importante at makakatulong sa iba. Today, he finds great fulfillment bringing his skills and experience to people going through transition in their work, relationships or self-definition. Through AARP and the Life Reimagined program, ikaw, ako at si Tony ay makakahanap ng mga paraan para muling matuklasan ang ating layunin sa buhay, explore more possibilities, share learnings, and benefit through the experiences of others. To find out what AARP has to offer, 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 Prevention • Volunteer • Life Reimagined

B OCTOBER 24-27, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Moonlighting

by Mylah de

leon

CARSON, California—Every fight promotion takes on its character and you discover that there is more to the “who did what to whom.” What makes the fight world so intriguing is that lives involved are not usually as brimming with possibilities. From the few routine contenders that attain their moments, most fall short, in time becomes the designated obstacle to the next wave of contenders, absorbing the blows of men superior to them.

The hierarchy of boxing, on whatever level a fighter exists with boxing adjuncts—men who make their living from the fights without ever having to throw a punch.

Filipino media in full force.

Features

A tale of four boxers Donnie “Ahas” Nieves, Albert Pagara, Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo and Jason “El Niño” Pagara have added pleasure to boxing with their backgrounds. They filled their dreams with the crazy roulette that fighting offers. They came with their trainers, managers, promoters, booking agents, who in spite of their cunnery and resourcefulness attended in the interest of their Filipino protégées. Each had different skills and techniques, each had a strategy of his own craft that the appeal and fascination of their bouts got beyond each expertise.

Donnie Nietes, the coiled venom nicknamed “Ahas,” flicked out jabs, dished out stinging body shots, with hands pummeling and landing wherever he wants them to be—against the rope, pulling together combinations, circling and throwing out a greater variety of punches as flag-waving Filipinos roared into the ring—as

Photo essay from our Asian Journal team Andy Tecson, Dong Carreon and stringers Sid T. Guererro, and Bobby Crisostomo.

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Odette Quesada’s splendor released OPM Then and Now: A Concert at Aratani Japan Theater

by Prosy abarquez-delacruz, J.d.

AJPress

The champ’s hands raised in victory!

the opponent stepped up the ring and ducked between the ropes.

He shuffled and the other put his hands up.

One threw out a jab that tapped a forehead, his opponent swung back at him and missed as he moved left and right. There was a jab so high and followed by a hit below the gut below. There was dancing around the ring and one

The boxers, the champions.

Photo by Romeo P. Balboa

smile. He was hot again with a chuckle. He ran at him to throw a fist, but got cracked in the mouth instead. He retaliated, threw a punch and missed. He could have knocked his opponent out, but he probably wasn’t worthy of that.

For the other boxers, each had his own moment in the ring. The beating came, one was pathetic.

PAGE B3

“KEEP your mind open. Don’t mortgage your future by making or taking vows. Be receptive to the continuous unfoldment of the Truth in and through you. Give thanks that life is lived one day at a time, and that every day is a glorious opportunity to be strong, to overcome, to achieve, and to be happy. Now is the time of salvation,” Jesus said.

Dubbed “the hottest concert in town,” when temperatures reached 100 F, Odette Quesada, a songwriter and a singer, and her friends: Annie Nepomuceno, Erwin Andaya and Giselle Tongi headlined a concert called, “OPM Then and Now.” It was centerpieced with “Ikaw,” a haunting duet performed by Matthew John Ignacio, a masterful cellist and Ramon M. Delacruz, a masterful flamenco guitarist. It would have been such a treat to have heard more from this duo, whose rendition of “Ikaw” was excellent, soulful and deeply felt. Tears were triggered, as from this writer and others, and enduring applause and bravos were heard.

When we last saw Odette Quesada, she was introduced to us as a famous songwriter whose songs took Filipinos’ imaginations in the 80s. When I asked her how she felt about her songs being sung in the Ford Amphitheater, a resonant and a beautiful soundstage, she felt unmoved by that experience.

Unknown to this writer, she had just suffered a big loss, her husband and co-composer, Bodjie Dasig. The blah feelings authentically conveyed her tragedy.

Matthew John Ignacio

Odette Quesada

But, tonight, two years later, much like a butterfly released from her cocoon of grief, she embraced her fans and even joked with them, “Sana mas maaga kayong nag-RSVP, akala ko hindi na kayo dadating.” Dressed in her tight black leather pants, black blazer, the garments did not convey darkness; instead, an unfolding new chapter of her story.

Her fans have been effusive in their support. They came from Rancho Cucamonga, Chula Vista, Phoenix and even Manila, and almost filled the theater. They sang to the songs familiar to them. When asked for songs, Odette obliged and performed a repertoire about all kinds of love: requited and unrequited love, love between friends, love between lovers, one-way love, and love beyond death.

She sang “I Remember You,” “Don’t Know What To Do,” “Breaking in Two,” “A Long, Long Time Ago,” “Dito Lang,” “Walang Nang Nasa Isip,” “Friend of Mine,” “It’s PAGE B5

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B

American Cancer Society recommends women undergo mammograms later and less frequently

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

The American Cancer Society on Tuesday, Oct. 20, announced new guidelines for mammograms, recommending that women with an average risk of breast cancer begin getting mammograms annually at age 45.

The organization, which has long taken an aggressive approach to screening for the condition, also recommended that once women reach the age of 55, mammograms continue once every other

year. Additionally, the society no longer recommends clinical breast exams for breast cancer screening among average-risk women at any age, as these have not been shown to save lives.

The society’s new guidelines, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, come after it thoroughly examined research data questioning the benefit of yearly mammograms for women in their 40s.

“We’re moving to an era where people are recognizing the limi-

tations of screening tests,” said Dr. Nancy Keating, professor of health care policy and medicine at harvard Medical School who wrote an editorial accompanying the new recommendations. “For many years, we convinced everybody, including doctors, that mammograms are the best tests and everyone has to have one. But now we’re acknowledging that the benefits are modest and the harms are real.”

The recommendations only apPAGE B4

Filipinos in entertainment & media...

PAGE B1 held at LMU. Past Fil-Am panelists in discussions held at UCLA, UC Irvine, and Cal State Fullerton included entertainment pioneers like Dante Basco, Jennifer Paz, ernie Reyes Jr., Kat Iniba, Criss Judd, and AJ Rafael.

“Bringing this type of awareness to students, especially those interested working in this industry, it’s great to bring professionals here who are great examples and who are successful, to show [students] that it is possible,” Arce continued.

This year, panelists included L.A. radio station 102.7 KIIS FM’s Manny Streetz (“Manny on the Streetz”), TV actress and singer Ashley Argota, entertainment publicist Annalee Paulo, filmmaker Gene Cajayon, and movie casting director Billy DaMota.

The five panelists have each had years of experience in the field, opening up about their hardships and successes, sharing words of wisdom to the students and relating their Filipino American-ness to their careers.

“My parents originally pushed me to be in the medical field,” said Paulo, who is the deputy head publicist of 42West, a well-known public relations firm in both LA and New York. “The reason I was able to get a job is that I was one of the very few Asians in publicity--it put me on the right path, provided mentorships and key connections to entertainment. When there were few, I cre-

ated my own opportunities.”

Gene Cajayon, director of the 2001 Fil-Am feature film “The Debut,” also shared about his initial struggles with making and funding the project, which became one of the first feature films within the Filipino-American community.

“It started as a thesis project while I was in film school here at LMU. I became serious about it; throughout my 20s, I was researching, taking Asian American studies courses, I had a political awakening,” Cajayon shared. “I am very passionate about getting movies made about people of color. Storylines that relate to culture, illuminating the experience of minorities, are the types of films that need to be made; not just mainstream white America culture, but my own community, too.” “even though nowadays there are more colors in film, it is still a battle for any filmmaker who wants to get more people of color on the big screen.”

“I make sure the projects that I cast reflect the reality of our world… people of color, not the stereotypical villain, sidekick, or nerd,” said film and commercial casting director Billy DaMota, who has casted and worked with hollywood stars (like Billy Bob Thornton, Cameron Diaz, Brad Pitt, and James Franco), and now works with Pure Flix, a faithbased production company that has produced films like the 2014 blockbuster “God’s Not Dead.”

“When you create an ethnically diverse cast, you create a market,

open doors for others. People watch movies about people they can relate to,” he added. “Sadly, a lot of communities are still being ignored, so it is up to our own social awareness to make things change in hollywood.”

Filipina actress Ashley Argota -- best known for her roles in “True Jackson, VP,” Disney Channel’s “how to Build a Better Boy,” and ABC Family’s “The Fosters” -agreed, “for Asian Americans, it’s always been stereotypical roles at first. I used to only go out for Latina roles, sometimes even casted [as] Chinese. But doors are opening now, Filipinos are being recognized, and it gives me hope.”

“To quote Papa Pope from ABC’s ‘Scandal,’ ‘You have to work twice as hard to get half of what they have,” she said. “That always stuck with me.”

Radio personality, entertainer, actor and producer Manny Streetz Guevara joined the “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” morning show team in 2004, and has appeared on TV shows including Nickelodeon’s “Sam & Cat” and “iCarly,” and has worked with Randy Jackson, RavenSymone, and “empire” actor Jussie Smollett.

“There are not very many Filipinos in radio--for a while, I played the hispanic card,” he laughed.

“Ryan [Seacrest] thought I was hispanic.”

Manny credited hard-working, creative Filipinos who are willing to be the “go-getters” and throw PAGE B5

Pinoy Pride 33: Philippines vs the World On October 17, Saturday, at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, four of the current best boxers in the Philippines made their US debut against world-class Latino contenders in the biggest Filipino boxing event in North America this year, dubbed as,“Philippines vs Tthe World.” Donnie “Ahas” Nietes led the series of victories with his 12-round unanimous decision win over opponent Juan Alejo.

Brothers Jason and Albert Pagara easily won their matches via a back-to-back knock out victories. Mark Magsayo continued the sweep for the Filipino fighters after defeating his challenger in two minutes.

AJPress photos by Ding Carreon

A tale of four...

PAGE B2 Once they’ve had their fun and made their point, they simply ran around without a word and walked into their corner. That was what I saw in one hour and forty seven minutes they’ve played their game.

Then you ask yourself, how much of these had their coaches mark?

The man who makes you more skilled, show you how to be better at a certain activity. how does one throw a jab, the rope crossing, dancing, ticking, gliding working sharp and powerful, how to make that rope fly furious and how to enclose the fighter in a clear cloud of movement.

Boxing is a brutal and abomi- Interviewing the champ nable game. It excites you more on. It lasts only a few minutes, and The collective photos of my coleach minute, as you get caught up afterwards, you’re ashamed that leagues will enchant this colorless, in it, taking part urging the fighters you let go! odorless story.

ENCORE EPISODE ON “CITIZEN PINOY”! “My father petitioned me in 2004 and recently died. Is there still hope for my petition?”

Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel answers this question and more! Also, Atty. Gurfinkel gives viewers a look into how immigration concerns are handled in an office setting. Get answers to these and more on an encore episode of the informationpacked, award-winning public service program -- “Citizen Pinoy,” this Sunday, October 25 at 6:1 pm PST/EST (9:15pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

Study: Eldest children are smarter than younger siblings

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

IT appears that the eldest children tend to be the smartest among their siblings.

A new study from the University of Leipzig in Germany found that each successive child after first-borns possessed a lower IQ. Researchers aren’t certain why eldest brothers and sisters seem to be brighter, but they say it may be because they receive undivided attention from their parents up until the next child comes along.

“While the firstborn gets full parental attention, at least for some months or years, lateborns will have to share from the beginning,” study co-author Julie Rohrer told The Telegraph.

Another possible contributing factor to the finding is that eldest children may be smarter because they have to teach their younger siblings about how the world works, among other things.

“Teaching other people has high cognitive demands – the children need to recall their own knowledge, structure it and think of a good way to explain it to younger siblings, which could provide a boost to intelligence for some firstborns,” Rohrer said.

Biology may also play a role in the IQs of younger siblings, researchers say, as they may be

more prone to genetic problems since their parents are older when the children are conceived, the Daily Mail reported.

The decrease in IQ is small, however, with each successive sibling posting 1.5 IQ points lower than the one before them.

In a two-child family, Rohrer said the eldest will possess the higher IQ six out of 10 times, which means the younger brother or sister still has the chance to shine, the Daily Mail reported.

The study further finds that younger siblings have more freedom to do what they want.

A 2013 study conducted by the National Bureau of economic Research, an American nonprofit research organization, had similar findings. It stated that earlier-born children do better in school and attributed this to parents. economists V. Joseph

hotz and Juan Pantano, who authored the study, said because mothers and father tend to be more lenient with their later-born kids, first-borns usually receive better parenting and the better grades.

The study, however, did not find any differences in the personalities of siblings, despite the popular belief that younger brothers and sisters tend to be funnier or more extroverted, according to The Telegraph.

In a separate study published in August, it was found that eldest sisters are more likely to be obese. Scientists examined data from 13,400 pairs of sisters and found that firstborn women were, on average, 29 percent more likely to be overweight and 40 percent more likely to be obese than their second-born sisters, the Daily Mail reported.

Features

B OCTOBER 24-27, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Programming of Kababayan Fall in love with these Fall makeup trends Today, October 26-30, 2015

G. TönGi Oct. 26 - exclusive screening of the documentary by Isabel & Jim Kenny called “Dancing the Shrimp.” According to the filmmaker Isabel enriquez Kenny, “In a mosaic of stories, fifth and sixth generation Filipinos recreate their unique and little-known history in Louisiana as they reminisce about growing up in New orleans and in a once thriving shrimping community known as manila Village. The documentary explores why Louisiana became one of the earliest Asian settlements in the United States and how well the descendants of these early settlers and recent Filipino immigrants have acculturated themselves into the greater Louisiana society.”

Regular programming moves from 3:30 to 4pm to accommodate the exclusive screening on LA18.

Oct. 27 - We share the highlights of the celebrations from over weekend of Filipino History month. Also, get to know the Filipino-American group, Apat Na Alon or Four Waves, that all have tattoos for cultural significance.

Oct. 28 - midweek News Updates from the Asian Journal and and Real estate Buzz with mia mcLeod. mayor eric Garcetti extends his well wishes to the Filipino-

By Monet

Lu

Some weeks ago we welcomed the Fall season with an article on hairstyles. Today, we tackle another one of my fortes—and a sought-after subject for women—the latest makeup trends. I can describe this season’s makeup peg in two words: fresh and minimal. With that image in mind, I invite you to experience “Valentine’s in october” and fall in love with these autumn-inspired makeup styles.

Go easy on the eyes Whoever said that sexy smoky eye is so 90 degrees ago must learn how to carry the classic eyedo with just a teeny bit of flaw.

Allow me to elaborate before I give the impression that carelessly applied shadow is a thing – please…never been, never will be. What I meant by a little flaw is how you would do your smoky eye look at home. You know, the kind that gives off an ultra diffused shadow that looks intense while feeling soft. makeup artist Pat mcGrath created this look at Diane von Furstenberg by using a black and brown liner. You can also use gray shadows with just a hint of sparkle to keep it soft enough for daytime.

A bronze shadow is another equally striking-yet-with-an-easy feel. You can maybe give your metallic shadows a break this season by using bronze shadows instead of the classic gold or silver. This type of hue warms up your face and gives you a good reason to put a natural-looking lip color.

Paint outside the lines It’s this time of the year when you feel a bit more adventurous.

It shows on your outfit and your hair, and well, your eye makeup better match that mood. As they say, the eyes are the windows of

American community for Fil-Am History month.

Oct. 29 - Professor Carolina San Juan talks about how Fil-Ams are making history online by creating content that represents our experiences and culture.

Oct. 30 - Jose Antonio Vargas, documentarian of CNN’s “Documented” and mTV’s “#Whitepeople” comes to Kababayn Today to talk about family, politics and represenation to close our month-long celebration for Filipino-American History month. *** 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.

the soul. And your carefree soul needs an audience! one article writes, “ Tweak the classic cat eye by opting for a more straight across swipe of black kohl like we saw at oscar de la Renta.

This is a more modern way to wear liner that elongates and lifts the eye and adds intrigue to the face.” Add more spice to your usual winged liner, by scribbling some double-winged lines. seventeen.com suggests, “Use a soft kohl pencil to trace your lower waterline, then smudge it out with a makeup sponge for an extremely edgy and perfectly un-perfect vibe.”

Tip of the lashes Close your eyes and think: silver, water droplets, rhinestones.

Now open your eyes and give your volumizing mascara, falsies and lash add-ons a much-needed upgrade. It’s time those lashes shine as bright as your eyes!

Silver sparkles on the tip of the lashes give your eyelashes a water droplet effect. A bit of gold layers on the lashes will make it look like it has rhinestones tips. Bring on the prettiest lashes by layering, lengthening, or volumizing your top and bottom lashes.

Rush that blush Now is the perfect time to embrace your “just stepped out of the gym” look. or for some people; “I just went on a brisk, wintry walk.” This is the season for flushed cheeks and naturally rosy blush. You had a good run with your sculpting tools, it’s

time to give them a break. Grab your warm peach blush powder and head out the door. That’s all you need. Now, fly.

Lips like berry Let’s talk about that lip color, shall we? This season, I am delighted to see a sea of lip colors that remind of the 90’s. That almost black but not quite is making a comeback and I LoVe it!

From ripe berry to plum black to oxblood red, they are undeniably luscious. It may sound scary but I dare you to rock a dark lipstick this fall! Nude is out. Let’s make way for the plums, magentas and berries.

Fall Season isn’t just about tucking away your tank tops and covering up with cozy sweaters and cool scarves. It is also “wearing” the best look of the season. Although the weather isn’t as cool as we usually expect it to be around this time, it is best to plan your ensemble ahead – and stock up on the latest makeup finds. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

GMA Kapuso Foundation American Cancer Society recommends women undergo... accepting donations for victims of typhoon Lando PAGE B3

GmA’s socio-civic arm, the GmA Kapuso Foundation has begun relief operations in the provinces of Quirino, Nueva ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Bulacan, Aurora and Pangasinan for the victims of typhoon Lando (international name: Koppu).

These areas were severely affected since the typhoon entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on october 14.

The Foundation entreats Kapuso citizens nationwide to take part in its mission of providing Serbisyong Totoo as it continues to accept donations

in the form of rice, canned goods, noodles, coffee, sugar, toothbrush, toothpaste, bath soap, towel, detergent; and new underwear, sleeping mats, blankets, and slippers.

Aside from material donations, cash donations may also be deposited to the peso and dollar savings accounts of the Kapuso Foundation in all branches of metrobank, UCPB, PNB, BDo and Cebuana Lhuillier.

For more information, please log on to www.gmanetwork. com/kapusofoundation.

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ply to women who have no personal history of the condition or known risk factors based on family history, genetic mutations or other medical problems. Women who have a genetic risk for the condition are advised to begin undergoing the exam sooner.

The move reflects shifting attitudes in cancer screening. Six years ago, the cancer society spoke out against a federal task force that suggested most women could wait until the age of 50 to begin screening for breast cancer. They said postponing mammograms would result in increased deaths among women.

“Despite some face validity in the idea that younger women, who often have more aggressive cancers, might benefit from shorter screening intervals, the actual

clinical effects and importance remain uncertain,” Keating wrote in an editorial.

Breast cancer is among the top killers of American women. This year, more than 200,000 new cases are predicted and more than 40,000 deaths as a result are expected in the United States.

The society said it set changed its recommendation for annual mammograms at age 45 because that’s when a woman’s risk for breast cancer spikes. By the time women reach age 55, when most have passed menopause, tumors are usually less aggressive and grow at a slower rate. Additionally, changes in breast tissue make it easier to read mammograms. overdiagnosis was another result of mammograms that researchers in a separate study found, which means women re-

ceived unnecessary treatment and procedures, and underwent emotional distress. Younger women have more dense breast tissue and mammograms beginning at age 40 could result in false positives. one study revealed that a number of women suffer intense anguish after being called for a follow-up mammogram because a radiologist saw something suspicious, NBC News reported. most women overestimate how much mammograms actually help, Lisa Schwarts, a professor of medicine at the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice in New Hampshire, told NBC News. The exams decrease the risk of death from breast cancer by anywhere between 15 percent to 40 percent, depending on studies considered.

“About 85 [percent] of women in their 40s and 50s who die of breast cancer would have died regardless of mammography screening,” Keating said. “more sophisticated screening tests that confer a greater reduction in breast cancer mortality would likely decrease breast cancer mortality much more than expanding screening mammography for women in their 40s and 50s.”

Wender said he hoped the changes would put an end to debates and confusion about mam-

mography, The New York Times reported, but others doubt they would bring clarity.

“I think it has the potential to create a lot of confusion amongst women and primary care providers,” Dr. Therese Bevers, medical director of the Cancer Prevention Center at the University of Texas m.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, told the Times. other groups still recommend that women begin undergoing mammograms earlier, including the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, which suggests annual mammograms begin at age 40. Similarly, the American College of obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends the test every one to two years between the ages of 40 to 49, and once per year after that. Furthermore, it suggests annual clinical breasts exams starting at age 19.

But the most important thing, most groups agree, is that women to discuss their risk for breast cancer with their doctors and decide what she’s most comfortable doing, according to NBC News.

“A woman should make a personal decision as whether she should start screening before age 45 but we clearly recommend that by age 45 all women should start regular screening every year,” Wender told NBC News.

What today’s love teams can learn...

PAGE B1 their shared past, but because they had to play siblings. “It was weird.”

“But I think it was a good entry (point for the team-up),” said Richard.

As for their reception of their partners to the successful revival of their “love team,” Richard said that with his wife Lucy, it has not posed a problem because “she has always been a fan of Richard and Dawn, she loves watching our movies, she enjoys seeing me with Dawn in teleseryes. She’s like that. even with our fans, even though they know we have our respective families, the fantasy for them lives on.”

As for Dawn, who’s married to Davao del Norte Rep. Anton Lagdameo, she said, “Anton is not really a movie fan. With Anton, he’s able to differentiate my onscreen persona and what I am at home, so yung nakikita niya na ginagawa namin ni Richard onscreen, he appreciates that in a level that is a kind of friendship or if you want to call it a kind of a love team, or a kind of fantasy pairing…that is somewhat special to me and Richard. And he’s not bothered with that because…he’s secure with the fact na iba naman kami, well, first of all, I married him. So relaxed na siya doon. He looks at it as a product. our onscreen (team-up) is a product that is appreciated by

audiences.”

The two were asked by the press to provide their own definition of home. “Home is where the heart is — that’s very true. me, I was a bachelor for a long, long time, and the time I got married, and especially when Juliana (now 15) came to our lives, that was when I really felt the love of a family. That’s really what home is, with Juliana, with my wife. But aside from that, there are many facets of my life, like I have my sports, and when I have my friends, they also feel family to me. Basically, what home is where the family is.”

Dawn, on the other hand, said, “When it comes to home, my description of that is, wherever you find, not just the physical, but mental and emotional connection with someone, that is where you feel at home and most comfortable.

It doesn’t have to be a spouse or a lover. Sometimes, you can feel this way with friends.

“When you go through life, you realize that there are some places you go to that are just a shell. It’s just a house, but there’s no warmth. Then, you also realize later on that there are people na pagkasama mo sila, you feel that you belong together, you belong to the same tribe. It’s easy (for me) to differentiate that now,” said Dawn, referring to people who are bound to stay from those merely passing through your life.

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8th ‘One Kapamilya Go’ in the US comes to historic Oracle Arena on Oct 25

ABS-CBN TFC’s ‘Pangako Sa Yo’s’ Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Jodi Sta Maria, Angelica Panganiban, Ian Veneracion, Thou “Takong Reyes”, DJ Jhaiho “Coring” with Charice, Morissette and Erik Santos promise grand family fun and big surprises OAKLAND— Come this Sunday, October 25, the storied halls of Oracle Arena in Oakland, California - the home of 2015 NBA Champions Golden State Warriors, the largest NBA arena in California and a premier entertainment venue - will not only be filled with just hardcore basketball enthusiasts or the fanatics of giant performing artists like U2, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Justin Bieber, One Direction or Katy Perry, all of whom have performed in the arena; for the first time ever in history, a Filipino company will bring an all-Filipino cast for one of the most anticipated Filipino events in the US this year: the concert festival, One Kapamilya Go 2015 sa Oracle Arena.

Produced by ABS-CBN International’s The Filipino Channel (TFC), a global brand that offers, among others, the world’s most widely distributed premium and on demand channel showing Filipino content on multiple platforms, One Kapamilya Go sa Oracle Arena is bringing the main cast of the the top-rating Philippine romantic drama TV series, Pangako Sa ‘Yo (The Promise), namely, the most widely followed young Filipino loveteam of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla known as “KathNiel”, and respected, popular actresses Jodi Sta Maria, Angelica Panganiban and actor Ian Veneracion. Joining them are supporting castmates who have caught viewer attention for their comic skills: Thou “Takong”Reyes and DJ Jhaiho “Coring”. The “TFC Live Experience” of the teleserye, Pangako Sa Yo, is also layered with a “Galing ng Filipino” showcase featuring international musical powerhouse icons and singing champions, Charice, Morissette and Erik Santos.

Back-to-back giant Filipino events during Fil-Am History Month “We are proud and pleased with what TFC has offered the Filipino community in the US this October which is Filipino American History month,” said Ricky Resurreccion, ABS-CBN North America Head of Ad Sales, Trade Marketing and Events and Project Head of One Kapamilya Go. “After delivering the historic Philippines vs the World boxing event at StubHub Center last October 17 with ALA International and ABS-CBN Sports + Action, where our Filipino boxing heroes defeated all their opponents in stirring fashion and raised the flag of “Pinoy Pride”, we now bring the live action to the San Francisco Bay Area to continue making new history, this time with the 8th edition of One Kapamilya Go in the US where this event brand started before it went global.

This time, we celebrate by holding this event in a venue where the biggest and brightest sports and entertainment acts have performed.

One Kapamilya Go and TFC’s fans

and subscribers will be in very good company.”

From audience to cast member: A TFC live experience For One Kapamilya Go this year, TFC North America made sure that this is not the usual concert and festival with booth activities, games and prizes. All those elements are present, but there is so much more.

• My Inamorata “We want to have a dynamic interaction and engagement with our audience, most of whom are avid followers of Pangako Sa ‘Yo. So, one of the activities we came up with is the ‘My Inamorata’ contest,” said Resurreccion.

He continued: “Essentially, we encourage ladies to come in their most elegant Amor Powers attire.

Ten will be called on stage and one of the 10 will be chosen by Amor de Jesus-Powers (Jodi Sta Maria) and Claudia Zalameda Buenavista (Angelica Panganiban) as recipient of the Inamorata necklace. This lucky winner will also be serenaded by Eduardo Buenavista (Ian Veneracion) himself. It’s a live experience, and the contestants will feel like they’re part of the cast.”

• King Teen Fan Some of those who posted their fan photos on social media with heartthrob Daniel Padilla with the hashtag #DanielRocksOKGo have been selected and will be featured on a video wall during his performance at One Kapamilya Go. • Launch of TFC live App in the US One of the most anticipated activities at the event is the launch of the TFC Live App in the US. Using one’s mobile phone, tablet or laptop, One Kapamilya Go attendees can go to kapamilya.com/tfclive, click the Event and check out the Event Splash Page, continue then log in or create an account. Once registered and validated, the attendees will have access to coupons below.

• myRemit and StarKargo Be one of the first 100 attendees to present a digital coupon at the TFC Padala Booth and receive a special gift bag.

• ABS-CBN Mobile SIM

Filipinos in entertainment & media...

PAGE B3 themselves out there.

“Work hard at your craft, surround yourself with talented people.

Find a company you know you want to work for, and learn how you can get in,” he told students. “Use social media. Study everybody whom you want to work with, and then do it, even if it has to be for free. For a little bit, in order to get to where you want to go.”

“Working hard is noticeable and will be recognized. As Filipinos, we already have that mentality. Everybody in the business knows that Filipinos work hard,” he added.

Students also chimed in with their thoughts on the discussion.

“This event was informative; everyone was so well-versed and informative,” said LMU student Seanna Duong, a communication studies major, theater and animation minor, who helped organize the event.

“It was interesting to hear the realistic side of the entertainment business,” said Germaine Kempis, a health and human sciences major.

“I’m realistically thinking of my career path--even though physical

therapy is still an end goal for me, I’m still looking into my creative side, being a musician, especially after hearing what they said.”

Tiffany Nguyen, a business management major, shared, “I thought the event was really insightful.

Although I’m not pursuing film, it’s always nice to hear about AsianAmerican identity and visibility and how we’re breaking out from a lot of minority roles.”

The controversy surrounding faulty casting in Cameron Crowe’s “Aloha” film (2015) was also touched upon in the panel.

“When it comes to casting minorities in films, we’re always three steps forward, two steps back,” commented Cajayon. Earlier this year, white actress and megastar Emma Stone was cast as an Asian American (half Hawaiian, Chinese, and Swedish) character in “Aloha.”

“When we were talking about problems with the film ‘Aloha,’ it’s interesting how that actually brought more awareness to the issue, especially because of social media. Even though sad things like that happen in the film industry, it’s cool to know we can create a big

Attendees can save $3.99 in shipping and handling fees when they buy an ABS-CBN Mobile SIM and present this coupon.

• Pangako Sa ‘Yo Attendees can present this coupon and avail of the free photo op that captures the fun and colorful ambience of Casa Corazon at the Pangako Sa ‘Yo booth.

• TFC.tv Present this digital coupon and get the chance to win a free exclusive mobile gadget from TFC.tv at its booth.

• ABS-CBN Sports + Action Booth visitors here can get coupons that grant them access to a photo opportunity with the Golden State Warriors’ 2015 NBA Championship trophy with the Warrior girls from 4pm-5pm.

TFC@theMovies Present this digital coupon and get 30% off the romantic novel turned Star Cinema movie, One More Chance.

• The Cast Party Those who registered at http:// www.kapamilya.com/tfclive from October 19-25 automatically gets a raffle entry. A winner will be drawn on October 25 during the pre-show. The winner can bring 4 friends to attend the Cast Party of One Kapamilya Go. One Kapamilya Go sa Oracle Arena is made possible by the following: presenting partners Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel Inc., Philippine Airlines, Financial Rescue LLC, DIRECTV, Asian Journal and MX3; sponsors Jollibee, LBC, Google Philippines, Remitly, Law Offices of John C. Ye, SMDC, Mega Sardines, Mang Tomas, Datu Puti, Magnolia, Puregold, Xoom, Western Union, Mama Sita’s, Amaia, Avida, Century Properties, Megaworld International, Cherry’s Salon & Cosmetics; Microtel by Wyndham, Lorins Patis, MoneyGram, Transfast, Debt Aid Consulting, Mangga Unlimited, FimAm Star, Inquirer. net, Philippine News, Manila Mail and Manila-U.S. Times.

For more information on One Kapamilya Go sa Oracle Arena and how to purchase tickets, visit http://www.tfc-usa.com/okgo/ (Advertising Supplement)

impact,” said Emma Wong, a health and human sciences major.

“It’s beneficial for young Filipinos to know that even though there’s a struggle with getting us into media or other industries in the workforce, it’s optimism that keeps us going. Filipinos always have a support group here in the community,” said Ejay Asuncion, an accounting major and president of LMU Isang Bansa, an on-campus Filipino organization that “strives to be a home away from home for students here, both Filipinos and non-Filipinos.”

Isang Bansa will have its 25th annual Pilipino Cultural Night (PCN), celebrating Philippine culture and tradition, on April 9, 2016.

Aris Mosier, director of LMU’s Asian Pacific Student Services, which serves as an advocate for Asian and Pacific Islander students at the university, was proud to see the turnout of engaged students, who are the future of entertainment.

“It’s important for our students to recognize the real issues and see the trailblazers in our community,” he said. “It adds to our rich history and identity, as Asian Americans, for us to know that there are people who look us in this industry too.”

Odette Quesada’s splendor...

PAGE B2 Crazy Feeling Love Is,” “I Start to Cry,” “I Need You Back,” “Love Me Again,” “Till I Met You” and an encore, “Growing Up.” Love echoed and reechoed in all of her songs: “I have loved you and always will,” “Beside me, all the time,” but when she sang “Till I Met You,” heartfelt expressions of her love for her spouse were conveyed, it was as if she was stoking a campfire, with her endearing words of affection.

I loved the part of “Did You Write This Song?” performed by Annie Nepomuceno, Erwin Andaya and

an Odette’s spiel, an ode to other hits “Mr DJ,” “Forevermore,” “Say That You Love Me,” “When I Met You.” It made for lighter moods, for the audience to laugh and to receive the rest of the repertoire.

And the surprise, Giselle Tongi, who performed “To Love Again” and “Farewell.” Giselle is the anchor, TV producer of KSCI-18’s Kababayan – LA and was a Plaridel Award nominee for best community reporting in television, “Road to Merrie Finale on Kababayan Today.” She showed us a different facet tonight, that she too, can sing.

Our favorites for the evening:

“Crescere”, sang by Erwin Andaya, accompanied by Matthew John on the cello and a brilliant arranger, Annie Nepomuceno on the piano.

Annie is not just a musical arranger, she also sings, she teaches music, she is a musical events producer, and a music publisher. I think if there were ten slots for talents, Annie got all ten.

Maganda talaga and the best part: when the audience got to sing along with the artists onstage with a generous-hearted songwriter and composer who gave herself in singing her own music. Well done, Odette and friends!

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 24-27, 2015

B

Exquisite gourmet kitchens exemplify richly detailed features at Brookfield Residential’s Aster Heights AZUSA—Brookfield Residential’s exclusive Aster Heights neighborhood elevates the lifestyles of the most discerning homebuyers with the finest upscale home offerings set atop the highest point in the award-winning community of Rosedale. This limited collection of just 30 new single-family detached luxury homes present large homesites and architecturally beautiful designs that showcase elegant interiors, and feature superbly equipped gourmet kitchens. The kitchen area is the heart and hub of every home, and Aster Heights elevates this space to a luxurious level with sought-after features that are functional, well-planned and extraordinarily welcoming. Buyers will appreciate convenient oversized islands designed to seat four or more for casual family meals; spacious pantries for effortless storage and easy access to kitchen essentials; optional high heat kitchens that are indispensable for large dining affairs; and deluxe appliance upgrade options for those who desire the highest caliber kitchen equipment. The exquisite attention-to-detail in every area of Aster Heights’ design and lifestyle underscores Brookfield Residential’s commitment to creating the best places to call home. To personally experience this limited edition collection, buyers are invited to visit the Sales Gallery and tour the models today. For immediate details, log on to www.BrookfieldSoCal.com.

“When buyers explore Aster Heights’ model homes, they instantly notice the high level of luxury and detail incorporated into every aspect of our designs,” said Mercedes Meserve, Vice President of Marketing for Brookfield Residential Southern California. “This distinction is epitomized in our gourmet kitchens with superior design elements that range from the gorgeous selection of New Caledonia granite countertops to the premier KitchenAid® stainless steel appliance package that comes standard in every home.

These features showcase the unrivaled elegance that defines Aster Heights — visit today and experience it all for yourself.”

Set at the highest elevation of Rosedale, the San Gabriel

Valley’s #1 master-planned community, Aster Heights is the final new-home luxury offering in the community, and features sprawling pool-sized homesites, expansive living spaces, elegant appointments and detailed refinements. Ranging from approximately 4,652 to 4,925 square feet, Aster Heights’ residences feature five to seven bedrooms, four and one-half to seven and one-half baths, and oversized three-car garages plus storage. Distinguishing this stunning collection are features that include an array of large windows for enjoying the gorgeous city light views, first-floor master suites and/or bedroom suites to comfortably accommodate overnight guests; and bonus rooms to use as study or play areas.

Buyers can also choose from a host of customization options that include a butler’s pantry; a high-heat gourmet kitchen; a music room with library, an outdoor room with covered deck above and connecting exterior staircase and several others.

Prices start from the low to mid $1 millions.

Beautifully situated in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, amidst 518 sprawling acres, including 290 acres set aside for open space, the master-planned community of Rosedale features an array of resort-inspired recreational amenities for residents to enjoy.

These include The Resort, a 4,500 square-foot private clubhouse and two-acre recreation center, with a state-of-the-art fitness center, Junior Olympic swimming pool, open-turf play area with adventure play

structure, turf volleyball and more. In addition, the community will have ten one-of-akind neighborhood parks for picnics, games and gatherings with friends and neighbors as well as miles of scenic trails for walking, hiking and biking nearby.

Situated near the I-10 and 210 Corridor, Rosedale is a tranquil retreat that is easily accessible to urban Los Angeles. The future Metro Gold Line boarding station, slated for completion in March, 2016, will provide another transportation option and will be within walking distance for residents of Rosedale. For more information, visit www.foothillextension.org. Inspired by the past with its focus on the future, Rosedale is the newest and finest master-planned community for brand new home living in the San Gabriel Valley. For more details, please visit www.

LiveRosedale.com.

To visit Aster Heights, exit the 210 Freeway at Citrus Ave and head north towards the mountains. Turn left on Foothill Blvd, right on Palm Drive, left on The Promenade, right on Azusa Veterans Way, left on Sierra Madre Avenue, right on Orange Blossom Way, left on Sproul Ave, then right again on Camellia Way. The Sales Gallery will be on your right is open daily from 10am to 6pm, and Wednesday from 2pm to 6pm. For more information, please call (888) 210-9249 or visit www.BrookfieldSoCal. com.

Prices effective date of publication.

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B OCTOBER 24-27, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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COMMUNITY Journal

Your Immigration Solution Atty. RobeRt Reeves AmAndA C. Kwong And nAnCy milleR PEOPLE seek to enter the United States for many different reasons. Some come to join family. Others come for economic opportunity. Still others come because they are fleeing persecution in their home country.

Those who have a well-founded fear of persecution as a result of their race, religion, national origin, membership in a particular social group or political opinion may be eligible to apply for asylum. If it is granted, the asylee will be eligible to apply for a green card after one year. In addition, family members (spouses and under 21-year-old children) may also be able to obtain asylee status. The Child Status Protection Act may protect children who turn 21 during the adjudication process.

The asylum application is filed with United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). If the applicant is not given an interview within 150 days from filing, s/he will be eligible to apply for work authorization which is officially called an Employment Authorization Document EAD). The applicant is not technically eligible for EAD until 180 days have passed from the date of the filing of the asylum application so once filed, the EAD application will be held until the full 180 days have passed. If the applicant seeks an extension of an interview or does anything else that causes a delay in the procedure, the EAD clock will stop for the period of the delay caused by the applicant. This will, of course, delay the ability to obtain the EAD. Those seeking asylum must file the application within one-year of entering the United States. If they fail to do so, they may be ineligible for asylum but may be able to pursue relief called withholding of removal or relief under Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture. Withholding has a higher standard of proof (a clear

Seeking safety in the United States probability of persecution on account of one of the five enumerated grounds listed above) and does not lead to a green card.

Relief under Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture requires that the applicant show that it is more likely than not that he or she will suffer torture at the hands of or with the acquiescence of the home country government.

Two categories of exceptions to the one-year filing deadline exist - extraordinary circumstances or changed circumstances.

The extraordinary circumstances exception refers to events or factors directly related to the failure to meet the oneyear deadline. The applicant must show that the circumstances were not intentionally created through action or inaction; that the circumstances were directly related to the person’s failure to timely file; and the delay was reasonable under the circumstances.

They include severe illness to the applicant or a close family member (and include injury or illness resulting from the persecution), legal disability (being a minor or mental incapacity); ineffective assistance of counsel, maintaining lawful or TPS status or refiling after a timely filed application is rejected by USCIS. The changed circumstances exception refers to circumstances that materially affect the applicant’s eligibility for asylum. This include a change in conditions in the home country, changes in

the US law, activities of the applicant (such as converting to a different religion or becoming politically vocal in criticizing one’s home country), and agingout or divorcing the primary applicant for asylum. Here also, the application must be filed within a reasonable time under the circumstances.

In both extraordinary circumstances and changed circumstances, the courts have held that filing more than 6 months after one is able to do so is not reasonable.

Various factors may render one ineligible for asylum even upon a showing of a well-founded fear of future persecution or a history of past persecution. One who has firmly resettled in a third country is not eligible for asylum. Nor is someone who has ordered or assisted in the persecution of others. One who has been convicted of a particularly serious crime or who the government reasonably believes has a committed a serious non-political crime is also ineligible for asylum. Aggravated felonies are particularly serious crimes for purposes of asylum ineligibility but not necessarily for withholding of removal. That test is more complex. And, one who the government believes is a danger to the security of the United States is also ineligible for asylum.

An asylee may lose that status under certain circumstances.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 24-27, 2015

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Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon CREDIT cards can be convenient and handy especially in times of financial emergencies but when the accumulated debt gets out of control, it can lead to long-term financial stress.

Some people seem to be OK just making minimum payments for a while but unless they stop borrowing, they get to a point where the payments keep getting bigger every month until they can’t even afford the minimum payments anymore. Once they default, not only does their

Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA And ARlene Al-oS, cPA, mBA AN offer in compromise (OIC) allows you to settle assessments for tax, penalties, and interests at less than the assessed amounts.

You can apply for an OIC if there is doubt as to liability or as to collectibility. The bases of an OIC are discussed in our other newsletters. Let me give you 12 tips in preparing an OIC application for now.

1. If the tax due is a joint assessment, both husband and wife must submit the offer.

2. The offer must reasonably reflect your ability to pay.

3. The amount of the offer should be equal to or greater than the amount that the IRS will be able to recover through normal collection procedures including garnishments, levies, and seizures.

4. Your source of funds could be loans from relatives and friends or loans against your assets. The offer must be generally paid in full upon acceptance.

There are few cases when shortterm payments are allowed. Any deferred payment must specify the total amount of the offer and specific timeframes for the balance. (Example: “amount offered for $5,000, terms for $1,000 to be paid now and $4,000 to be paid within 30 days of acceptance.”)

5. Use Form 656. There have been several revisions so use the most current one.

Community Journal

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When credit card debt leads to financial stress credit suffer but that’s when all the collection letters and phone calls start.

Of course, credit card companies don’t make it easy for you to catch up once you fall behind.

They are quick to add on additional fees and demand that you bring your account up to date immediately by paying the current amount due, all past due payments as well as late fees.

And if allowed by the agreement that you signed when you first applied for the credit card, your interest rate can also go sky-high upon default. Before you know it, your debt problems have become a financial nightmare and your phone starts ringing off the hook with bill collectors harass-

ing you at home and at work.

What do you do at this point?

If your credit card debts have escalated beyond your control, perhaps you are getting nervous about what your creditors will do next. Can you be sued?

Yes, you can be sued once your creditors are convinced that they have exhausted all other options to force you to pay. Of course, the benefit to be gained by suing you must outweigh the costs so the creditor will take that into consideration as well. But most delinquent accounts are turned over to collection agencies in high volumes which significantly reduce the creditors’ litigation costs. Smaller companies like credit unions will also some-

6. Forms 656 must have original signatures (Copies and fax not acceptable).

7. State why the offer is being submitted. (Doubt as to collectability) 8. On offers based on doubt as to liability, attach documentation as to why you do not owe the tax.

This is important because the degree of doubt influences the amount of your offer.

9. On offers based on doubt as to collectability, explain why the IRS cannot collect more from your current assets, present and future income. Document your living expenses, current income, the value of assets owned and the related encumbrances such as mortgages and car loans.

10.

In valuing your properties, use “distressed sale” value.

Do not use fair market values.

Value your house, cars and other properties at about 75 to 85% of fair market value. That is what you would receive anyway if you were to make a quick forced sale.

11. Do not forget to claim exempt properties such as: A. Furniture or personal effects in your household, B. Tools of your trade or profession.

12. The government also looks at your future income by calculating the present value of a stream of income for the next five years at a current fair market rate of interest. In doing so, they consider your education, trade or profession, age and experience, health,

and past and present income.

(This is presently based on a factor of 49.64 times net monthly cash flow). Generally, you are no longer required to enter into a collateral agreement (except when there are strong indications of available funds as in the case of fluctuating income).

TIP: If you file for bankruptcy, timing is critical. The IRS cannot and will not entertain your OIC after you file bankruptcy. ***

times sue you in small claims court and they don’t even need an attorney to file the lawsuit.

I often see people who ignore their debts for a long time until one day they receive a summons at home or at work and only then do they realize the seriousness and urgency of their situation. If you are sued by a creditor, it is very important that you do not ignore the lawsuit or you will definitely regret the consequences once the creditor takes the next step of garnishing your wages, seizing funds in your bank account, filing a lien against your real property or a combination of

the above.

If filing bankruptcy is your best and only option, it is best to seek legal help right away before your debt problems get worse.

Spare yourself the suffering and the agony caused by debt if at all possible. In choosing a bankruptcy lawyer, remember that not all bankruptcy lawyers are created equal and may have different ideas on how to help you. It is important to choose a knowledgeable and experienced attorney who has your best interests at heart.

If you are in debt and have not figured out a way to get out, constant worrying will not get

you anywhere unless you act to change your situation for the better. For a free consultation, call my office at Toll-Free 1866-477-7772 to schedule a free consultation. We will help you step by step in finding a solution that’s right for you. We have offices in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

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Is a financial advisor spouse’s contingent 12 tips in submitting offers in bonus, based on bringing a book of compromise (OIC) to the IRS business, community property in a divorce?

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.

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Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS IN many professions, bonus is a material part of a professional’s compensation. It is often a challenge characterizing bonuses in the context of a divorce case especially if the bonus has not yet been received by the employee spouse as of the date of separation. Marriage of Finby involved a wife who worked as a financial advisor. Marriage of Finby, 222 Cal. App. 4th 977 (2013). The wife developed a list of clients she referred to as her “book of business.” Before the couple separated, the financial advisor wife accepted a position of Wells Fargo Bank as a financial advisor. Part of the compensation was several types of bonus. One bonus was a transitional bonus contingent on the wife staying with Wells Fargo for 112 months and maintaining a certain production level. The offer also included a deferred recruitment award bonus and two production

bonuses. The trial court ruled that the wife’s transitional bonus received before separation was community property but the rest was the wife’s separate property because they were not paid until after separation.

The court of appeal reversed, holding that the wife’s right to retain a contingent portion of a bonus for bringing her “book of business” over to Wells Fargo was community property. The court of appeal further held that the partially earned production bonus was also partly community property. The court noted that the book of business was acquired during the marriage and that it gave the wife the ability to induce the clients to follow her to the new firm just like goodwill in a business of other professions such as doctors and lawyers. In addition, it has been well established even in other jurisdictions that customer lists of licensed professionals who are employed in a business or industry is divisible marital property. The fact that the bonus of the financial advisor wife was contingent did not preclude it from being a divisible community asset because they were conditions that were under the employee spouse’s control.

Marriage of Fonstein, 17 Cal. 3d 738 (1976), Marriage of Brown , 15 Cal 3d 838 (1976). The employee spouse’s right to receive the bonus arose when she accepted the employment offer.

It is therefore important to look at the nature of spouse’s bonus in characterizing whether it is community property or separate even if the bonus was not received by the employee spouse prior to the date of sepration. *** 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.

***

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.

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Revised procedures in determining visa availability

AS you may be aware, the USCIS, in coordination of the Department of State (DOS), announced last September 2015, announced revisions as to the procedures for determining visa availability for applicants waiting to file for employment-based or family-sponsored preference adjustment of status. This is part of the implementation of the November 2014 executive actions on immigration announced by President Obama and detailed in the July 2015 White House report, Modernizing and Stream- Atty. Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos

lining Our Legal Immigration System for the 21st century.

Under this new set of procedures, the monthly-issued DOS Visa Bulletin will contain two charts per visa preference category. The first chart contains the “Application Final Action Dates” or the dates when visas may finally be issued. This is the same chart as contained in previous visa bulletins. The second and additional chart will contain the “Dates for Filing Applications” or earliest dates when ap-

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Reinstatement for surviving beneficiaries of an I-130 petition filed by a deceased relative Dear Attorney Tan, MY US Citizen mother filed an I-130 immigrant petition on my behalf, which has a priority date in February 2000 and which has been approved. She filed the I-130 petition after I came to the US in 1999 as a tourist from the Philippines. Since my arrival, I have lived in the US and have been out of status. Since I was petitioned as an unmarried adult daughter, I was advised that I had to wait several years to get a green card. Recently, my mother passed away. Can I still get a green card through my mother’s petition? -Apparently In Limbo Dear Apparently In Limbo, When your mother passed away, the I-130 that was approved on your behalf was revoked by operation of law pursuant to 8 CFR Section 205.1. However, depending on the facts of a particular case, all is not lost. You may be eligible to get a green card pursuant to INA Section 204(L).

Under INA Section 204(L), relief from an automatic revocation of an I-130 petition is available to certain surviving relatives. Surviving relatives who are eligible to seek 204(L) relief include a 1) principal or derivative beneficiary of an I-130 petition that was filed by a deceased permanent resident or US Citizen, and 2) derivative beneficiary of an I-130 petition that was filed by a permanent resident or US Citizen where the principal beneficiary has died. Section 204(L) relief is also available to derivative beneficiaries in I-140 employment-based petitions where the principal beneficiary has died.

Another requirement for Section 204(L) relief is that the person seeking relief must have “residence” in the US. What is meant by “residence?” It is your primary home or principal actual dwelling place. At least one beneficiary must have resided in the US when the petitioning relative died, and must continue to reside in the US when seeking Section 204(L) relief. It is worth noting that all beneficiaries of a petition can benefit from Section 204(L) relief as long as at least one of the beneficiaries meets the residence requirement. Further, although “residence” is required, Section 204(L) does not require actual physical presence in the US when the relative died.

In your case, it appears that you are eligible to obtain a green card. You are a principal beneficiary of an I-130 petition filed by your US Citizen mother. Further, you appear to meet the residence requirement in that you have been in the US since your arrival in 1999—you resided in the US when your mother passed away, and currently reside in the US. A check of the USCIS visa bulletin indicates the priority date for the I-130 petition filed by your mother on your behalf is current, so you can file an I-485 adjustment of status application, requesting reinstatement of the I-130 petition filed by your mother pursuant to Section 204(L).

As a sidenote, Section 204(L) relief is also available if one’s relative died while the I-130 was pending, not only after the I-130 petition was approved. Section 204(L) relief therefore is broader than Humanitarian Reinstatement of a petition under 8 CFR Section 205.1, which can only be requested by the principal beneficiary when the petitioner him/herself has died, and after approval of an I-130.

Relief under Section 204(L) is discretionary, and can be denied if factors in support of relief are not presented properly. It is accordingly recommended that you seek the assistance 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.

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Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. ON June 30, 2015, the California Governor signed into law designating October 25 every year from hereon as Larry Itliong Day. Who is Larry Itliong and why does he matter? NPR says, “Cesar Chavez inspired the world. Larry Itliong inspired Cesar Chavez.”

Cesar Chavez, the labor rights activist to whom Cesar Chavez Day is dedicated, is credited with advancing the cause of the American farm labor movement, and improving farm workers’ wages and working conditions. However, not a lot of mention is made about the man who persuaded Chavez that it was a better idea for Filipino-American and Hispanic-American farm workers to join forces and work together to achieve their common goals.

That man was Larry Itliong.

Larry Itliong was born on October 25, 1913, in San Nicolas, Pangasinan, Philippines. At 15 years old, and with only a sixth grade education, he moved to the United States to further his studies.

However, it was the time of the Great Depression, and Itliong was forced to work on the railroads and then as a migrant farmworker traveling through Alaska, Montana, South Dakota, Washington, and finally California. It was in California that Itliong learned of the plight suffered by Filipinos and other immigrants working as farm laborers.

A labor activist for most of his life, Itliong organized a group of 1,500 Filipinos to strike against the grape growers of Delano, California, in what came to be known as the Delano Grape Strike, a pivotal moment in the history of the American labor movement. The workers on strike demanded wages equal to the federal minimum wage. They suffered through violence at the

Community Journal

Fil-Am labor leader Larry Itliong: An inspiration in the fight for lawful wages

Conviction of a crime of moral turpitude or an aggravated felony may result in the loss of asylee status. Returning to the country from which one sought and obtained asylum may also result in the loss of asylum.

One who fears returning to their home country should seek

To Live With Faith

reverend rodel G. BAlAGtAS growers’ hired hands and the of their rights to minimum wage, sheriff’s department, and were thrown out of the labor camp.

During the strike, Itliong called upon César Chávez and his followers to join forces with the Filipinos and strike together. The two groups combined, eventually forming the United Farm Workers of America, one of the greatest unions in the history of the nation. That farm labor workers of different ethnicities united and worked toward common goals was unprecedented at that time. The union held boycotts and marches that eventually led to agreements for better wages and protections of farm workers in the 1970s.

It has been 50 years since the Delano Grape Strike. And yet, the workers of Itliong’s day and the workers of today share the same struggle. Today, many immigrants continue to face difficulties in the workplace. They continue to struggle to be paid properly, to be treated fairly, and to work safely. One of the major challenges that workers face to this present day is wage theft – a situation that involves employers keeping or taking away monies that rightfully belong to their workers. Wage theft can take the following forms: 1) Manipulating timekeeping devices to reflect only the hours that employees are scheduled to work and ignoring any preliminary or postliminary workrelated activities that employees perform. Preparing their tools, or making reports after clocking out will fall into this category.

2) Misclassifying employees as independent contractors. Employers who control and dictate the manner and method of how workers should do their job but still classify these workers as “independent contractors” are likely trying to deprive these workers

and overtime, among other things.

3) Denying overtime pay by paying employees a flat rate every day or ostensibly paying employees per piece rate and requiring employees to work more than 8 hours per day.

4) Rounding down practices to avoid the payment of all hours worked.

5) Not providing meal or rest breaks to employees. Employers may tell employees they are entitled to a 30-minute lunch break or a 10-minute rest break but employees are not provided an opportunity to take these breaks.

Employers fail to provide relievers, or may interrupt employees during their breaks. These are all against the law and entitle employees to additional wages.

Continuing to be vigilant about their rights is one of the most effective ways for employees to prevent and remedy wage theft.

Employees who suffer inequities in the workplace should look to the courage, perseverance, and vision of Larry Itliong. For at work, as in life, workers do not get what they deserve. They get what they fight for.

“DO I want to be fully seen by Jesus? Do I want to be known by him?” Henry Nouwen asks in his book, Discernment. These questions are intriguing because they imply a great amount of vulnerability, nakedness, and humility on our part as human beings.

Indeed, if we honestly look at ourselves, do we really want to be seen by God in all our wickedness, weaknesses, beauty, and grace? Would we be hesitant, ashamed and embarrassed to present ourselves to the Lord as we really are? I believe that many of us would say that they would be.

In the Gospel this Sunday, we find a blind man sitting at a roadside who was not hesitant and embarrassed at all to show his vulnerability, weakness, and need for help to Jesus amidst a vast crowd who kept rebuking him to be silent. He called on the name of Jesus, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity of me.” On hearing him, Jesus asked what he wanted him to do for him. He replied, “Master, I want to see.”

As we prepare to celebrate the Year of Mercy, which will begin on the 8th of December this year, *** we need to put on a garment of The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes humility to be “seen” by God in inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are the entirety of one’s self. Only confidential and at no-cost. Atty. Sayas’ Law then can we open ourselves to 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.

the advice of a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney to determine if they are eligible for asylum. *** Atty. Reeves has represented clients in numerous landmark immigration cases that have set new policies regarding INS action and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas

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Tender mercy the tender mercy of God. There should never be any taint of pride and fear in us to meet the Lord; only an openness and willingness to be nursed and healed by his love and mercy.

In his Bull of Indiction (formal announcement of proclamation) of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, Misericordiae Vultus, Pope Francis states: “When faced with the gravity of sin, God responds with the fullness of mercy. Mercy will always be greater than any sin, and no one can place limits on the love of God who is ever ready to forgive.

I will have the joy of opening the Holy Door on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. On that day, the Holy Door will become a Door of Mercy through which anyone who enters will experience the love of God who consoles, pardons, and instils hope…How much I desire that the year to come will be steeped in mercy, so that we can go out to every man and woman, bringing the goodness and tenderness of God!” It’s important for us, human beings and global citizens, to reflect on this mercy, goodness, and tenderness of God, especially in this time when many parts of world are replete with violence, hatred, and arrogance toward fellow human beings. We take for example the expulsion of the Syrian people from their native land and Christians from several Islamic nations. We can never proclaim a God of love and

mercy if we ourselves cannot be merciful, compassionate, and tender to others.

The doors of our hearts need to be open to keep, to welcome, and to receive others in our lives.

We cannot foster today’s cultural milieu of removing from “the human heart the very idea of mercy” for “Jesus reveals the nature of God as that of a Father who never gives up until he has forgiven the wrong and overcome rejection with compassion and mercy.”

(St. John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Dives in Misericordia, 13).

The doors of our hearts need to be open to heal the wounds of pride and arrogance using “the medicine of mercy rather than taking up the arms of severity.”

(St. John XXIII).

May we never hesitate to be seen by God and to gaze even more attentively on the tenderness of his mercy! It’s only then that we can also become merciful and tender to our fellow men and women. *** 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.

Revised procedures in…

plicants may be able to apply.

The changes where implemented this month, October 2015 as reflected in the October 2015 visa bulletin (which was later revised). As of this writing, the November 2015 visa bulletin has been released and likewise reflects said changes.

Based on the instructions as re(Advertising Supplement) flected in the new visa bulletins, applications for consular processing can assemble and submit the required documents to the Nationand Makati City. al Visa Center (NVC) after receipt Telephone: (800) 795-8009 of notification from the NVC which E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com will contain detailed instructions Website: www.rreeves.com. provided they have a priority date *** earlier than the cut-off date in the The analysis and suggestions offered in second chart re “Dates for Filing this column do not create a lawyer-client Applications”. On the other hand, relationship and are not a substitute for the applications who are in the US and personalized representation that is essential will file for adjustment of status (Advertising Supplement) will not receive any notice from to every case.

Seeking safety in the United…

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 24-27, 2015

the NVC and can file an I-485 Adjustment of Status application as long as their priority date is earlier than the cut-off date in the second chart.

These changes are significant because the alien applicant can apply for employment authorization documents, advance parole authorizations, and I-140 immigrant petition portability once the I-485 application is filed.

For applicants who are Filipinos, Chinese, Mexicans, and Indians, these changes will be very helpful because the “acceptance” cut-off dates will be several years before the “approval” cut-off dates. They are able to file adjustment of status applications immediately once their priority date is earlier than the “acceptance” cut-off dates.

However, last 10/15/2014, the USCIS clarified that beginning in the November 2015 visa bul-

letin the chart re “Dates for Filing Applications can only be used if states so in its website: “USCIS determines that there are more immigrant visas available for a fiscal year than there are known applicants for such visas, we will state on this page that you may use the Dates for Filing Visa Applications chart. Unless otherwise stated on our website, the Application Final Action Date chart will be used to determine when you may file your adjustment of status applications.”

If you are contemplating of filing any immigrant or non-immigration 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 of the State Bar of California and the

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Debt Relief Atty. LAwrence yAng TWO different clients both landlords because they both own rental properties came to see me last week with different problems.

The conventional wisdom why people buy rental properties has two points. First, the rental properties will provide a steady stream of monthly income to the landlord. Second, the value of the properties will eventually rise, thus making the landlord rich in equity, like Donald Trump.

The problem is that in reality many things can go wrong with rental properties. For instance, rents may not be able to cover the monthly expenses, and there are quite a few expenses particularly repairs and maintenance. If this happens, instead of having a steady stream of monthly income, the landlord is faced with financing a monthly loss. Facing continuous monthly losses, landlord will either have to pay for the monthly loss from his own pocket, or borrow money to finance the loss. A $1,500 monthly loss translates to an annual loss of $18,000. Landlord is then squeezed between a rock and a hard place. Should he continue being a landlord and lose another $100K in the next 5 years?

And another question is, if the equities in the properties are rising, can the increase in equities offset the yearly loss? Let’s say that after 5 years of eating the yearly loss of $18,000, landlord is out $90K but on the 5th year his/her equities in the properties have increased by $200K, then landlord will be ahead by $100K on the 5th year.

On paper, that seems to be a logical way of looking at it. But in real life, it’s not that easy to keep on eating the annual loss. This is what happened to my first landlord client.

Chapter 13 to abandon rentals In her case, she sold her resi-

Landlords seek chapter 13 relief dence about 8 years ago, just before the burst of the housing bubble. She made a net of $300K from the sale of her residence.

She then put $100K down on a new residence, $100K on a rental with 4 units, and the last $100K on another rental with 4 units.

At that time all real estate prices were sky high. So, although she made $300K on the sale of her old residence because the price was sky high, she also bought her new residence, and the two rentals also sky high. Now, 7 years hence, there’s no problem with the new residence, which has equity of $400K because her new residence is in a high demand area where foreigners are paying 100% cash for a limited number of houses.

The first problem with the rentals is that they are negative every month because she has many rental expenses: property management, constant repairs, gardening, maintenance, taxes, and the mortgage payments are hefty. She’s negative almost $2K a month for 8 units. The second problem is that after 7 years, the properties have no equity.

Therefore, after 7 years she lost $168K to pay for the monthly loss of $2K, and she also lost her $200K downpayment, making a grand total loss of $368K for 7 years! Now, she wants to retire and be rid of the rental properties because as she said “I already lost all of my $120K savings, and the $200K downpayment, I have to keep on borrowing money to cover the loss, I just want to retire now without this problem.” “I want to get rid of the two rental properties, but I want to keep my residence, this is what I want to do.”

After analyzing her situation thoroughly, I suggested a Chapter 13 to abandon the two rentals at the right time. One rental had to get foreclosed first, or a “deed in lieu of foreclosure” instead, whichever is faster; otherwise, her secured debt level would be

Revised procedures in…

PAGE C3 t

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. ***

Community Journal

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.

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over the limit for Chapter 13. She could then abandon the other rental in her Chapter 13 plan. She could not file a 7 because her equity in the residence was $400K. In any event, the Chapter 13 will implement her desire to get rid of the rentals without owing any money on them. Because she has large equity in her residence that is over $175K, she would have to pay her unsecured debt of $30K over 60 months without interest resulting in a plan payment of about $500K a month. After 60 months she would be debt free but she would be immediately free of the two rental properties without further liability. This is exactly what she wanted, to retire without financial problems.

Chapter 13 to stop foreclosure and keep rentals In the other case, client sold her house five years ago and used her net proceeds of $100K to buy a 4-unit apartment. She rents out 3 units and lives in one unit. She breaks even monthly.

The problem is she’s having a really hard time paying the first mortgage because husband retired last year. The bank modified her mortgage after her husband retired but the modified amount is still a burden for her. Now she wants to make one last attempt to further modify the mortgage payment. The problem is the bank has set a foreclosure sale for the property in 10 days. She has not paid the mortgage for 12 months and now has a large default of $100K. However, she wants to stop the foreclosure because she believes that she will be able to get a reasonable modification shortly. Certainly, the only way to stop the foreclosure on its tracks is with a Chapter 13 petition.

“Now after six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them.

His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.” – Matthew 17:1-2 *** 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.

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Calendar of Events across

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS O C TO B E R 24

Mandacal 26th Anniversary Dinner-Dance MANDACAL (Mandaluyong Civic Group of Southern California) would like to invite you to attend its 26th Anniversary Dinner Dance on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the Embassy Suites Glendale (800 North Central Ave. Glendale, CA 91203). The event is a sit down dinner with live music by the Hill Tops Band #1, providing your favorite dance music from 5pm until midnight. There will be raffle prizes and many fabulous door prizes to be given away. Come enjoy a night of great food, excellent music, and pure fun with your family and friends! Tickets are $55 each. For tickets and information, please call: Becky 818-572-3261, Espee 626-3833621, or Julie 858-337-9224.

Bohol Children Bamboo Ensemble in Concert mboo Ensemble, hailing from Alicia, in Bohol province, will perform at various locations during their first-ever tour in the US. 23 young performers from Katipunan Elementary School and the Bohol community will perform using traditional bamboo instruments, including a ukulele, drums, flutes, and bass. There will also be special guests, inspiring music, and traditional dances of the Philippines. 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 community. Performances on Saturday, Oct. 24 will take place at Rosemont Elementary School Auditorium (421 Rosemont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026) at 6:30pm; and on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Bible Christian Fellowship Church (456 Rosemont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026) at 6:30pm. The show originally scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14 at SIPA has been cancelled; tickets can be used either at the Oct. 24 or Nov. 7 show, or will be refunded to guests. Light refreshments will be served at each show.

Ticket prices vary from $10, $25, and $50. For tickets and more information, please call 213249-6672.

Helping Hands Marriage Enrichment Seminar Couples, please join for the Marriage Enrichment Seminar on Saturday, October 24 from 9am to 5pm at Helping Hands Adult Day Health Care (9051 Woodman Ave, Arleta, CA 91331). Featuring fun games and prizes, biblical teachings, and engaging interactions relevant to couples’ everyday life. Price for couples is $50, and $20 for single participants. Call Henjie Pimenta at 818-486-7481 for more information.

O C TO B E R 25

Rosary Rally at St. Denis Parish All are invited to attend the Rosary Rally for the Blessed Virgin Mary (Sponsored by the Federation of Filipino Rosary Groups. Inc). This is an annual celebration which calls everyone to prayer for world peace. A reception follows immediately after the liturgy at Potthoff Hall.

When: Sunday, October 25, 1:30 pm Mass; Pre-liturgy at 1:15 pm Where: St. Denis Parish (2151 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., Diamond Bar, CA 91765) Celebrant: Monsignor James Loughnane, P.A.

O C TO B E R 25 -27

Paco Catholic High School Class of 1964 Reunion sa Amerika” at the Gold Coast Casino & Hotel (4000 Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89103) in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 25-27, 2015. Reminisce with your schoolmates from 50+ years ago and re-live memorable high school days! Reconnect with your old friends and make some new ones! This is the first reunion gathering in the US since our 50th grand reunion. For more information, please contact: Dan Hidalgo - danielh616@hotmail.com; tel. (914) 3100864 / (914) 740-7028. Ester Tadeo Celestino - cesarucelestino@yahoo.com; tel. (201) 4330727/ (551) 574-8511. Minda Cuario Cameron - meandatwo@aol.com; tel. (813) 633-5642. Ed Bondoc - bondoced@yahoo.com; tel. (415) 342-9877. Gertrudes “Nette” Descallar Collyer - mycolly@roadrunner.com; tel. (818) 767-8175.

O C TO B E R 26 - N OV E M B E R 2

Asian World Film Festival in Los Angeles The Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) brings the best of a broad selection of Asian World cinema to Los Angeles from Oct. 26 - Nov. 2, 2015 in order to draw greater recognition to the region’s wealth of filmmakers, strengthening ties between the Asian and Hollywood film industries. With films from 50 countries across Asia, from Turkey to Japan to India and the Philippines, the AWFF focuses on cinema-lovers, especially fans of foreign and independent films. Screenings will be held at the ArcLight Cinemas and iPic Theater in Culver City, and VIP festival passes (including access to filmmakers lounge, professional panels, cocktail receptions, and screenings) are available. A special showing of Paul Soriano’s “Kid Kulafu,” the story of a young Manny Pacquiao, will also premiere on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 8pm at ArcLight.

For more information and ticketing prices, please visit http://www.asianworldfilmfest.org/.

O C TO B E R 3 1

HallowBack Halloween Dance Event This coming Halloween, come to the newest ultra-lounge located near Glendale’s Americana, the chic 103 LOUNGE (103 E. Broadway Ave., Glendale, CA, 91025, across Marshalls and Bloomingdale’s)! Brought to you by EMEX Events, ToneDef Music, Bounce Electronic Music & DJ School, with support from MISS PHILIPPINES USA, HALLOWBACK is a one-of-a-kind Halloween dance music/clubbing event. Featuring dance tunes from the mid 90’s until the year 2000 by DJs Mon Maramba and Josh Evangelista, and curated by Louie Ysmael together with Arnel Castillo, as well as local retro hero Ricky Fabre of ClubManila. Doors for this popular Halloween event will open at 9pm, so make sure you secure a spot on the dancefloor! 21+ only, with $10 entry fee. Reserved seating with bottle service and birthday specials/VIP areas available. Please email tonedefmusicph@gmail.com for more info.

N OV E M B E R 1 -3

Calapan Central High School Reunion Please save the date for the 60th anniversary year of Calapan Central School in Oriental Mindoro.

Where: Oakland, CA When: November 1-3, 2015.

Contact: Luz Yu (luz_yu@yahoo.com)

N OV E M B E R 7

FPAC 24 - “Balik tanaw, Pananaw bukas” Save the date! The 24th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC) will be celebrated on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at El Pueblo de Los Angeles (125 Paseo De La Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012). and will feature contemporary and traditional Filipino food, music, dance, crafts and culture. FPAC is the longest-running Filipino cultural celebration in Southern California. This year’s theme for the City of Los Angeles’ Filipino American Event is “Balik tanaw, Pananaw bukas” a Tagalog phrase meaning “looking backward, looking forward, and celebrates the rich experiences of being Filipino American. As a community we honor the culture paved by our ancestors, and move forward with a grateful understanding of our Filipino American history. This is the spirit that keeps FPAC going. Please check www.filmarts.org for more event updates. For Sponsorship Inquiries please contact us at 213-380-3722; or info@ filamarts.org. For exhibitor (food and business) information, contact John Swing at jswing@ esipa.org. #FPAC24

D EC E M B E R 3

AAPA Awards Gala Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) will host The Achievement Awards & Graduation Gala, honoring prominent leaders who trailblaze and inspire others to become leaders, and celebrating the 2015 graduating class of AAPA Mentees. The theme is “Waves of Change, Oceans of Opportunity.” The gala will take place on Thursday, Dec 3 from 5:30pm - 9:30pm, at the Hilton San Gabriel (225 West Valley Blvd. San Gabriel, CA 91776). Expose your brand to the professional community who are your customers, clients, potential employees, entrepreneurs, corporate and community leaders. Your support will directly benefit the AAPA mentees in the program. To purchase a ticket or ad, the cost is $50 each (limited time only); full/half/quarter page ad sizes are available in full color. Please visit http://aapaawards. eventbrite.com/ for more details and to RSVP by Nov. 13. Please get involved by emailing lia. andika@aapamentoring.com.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 24-27, 2015

C

People and Events

Katrina and Glenn tie the knot

KATRINA Creencia of Eagle Rock and Glenn Bataclan of Chino Hills were joined in the Holy Sacrament of Matrimony at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on September 25, 2015 in a memorable, meaningful Catholic ceremony officiated by Father Jim Bevacqua, parish priest of Glendale’s Holy Family Church in the presence of 350 guests.

It was a glorious day to get married. Everything seemed to fall into place so seamlessly, it looked as though the heavens were smiling.

The truth is, anyone who has gone through prepping for a big event knows only too well, that beneath the grace of a duck gliding seemingly effortlessly above the water are feet furiously paddling beneath the water just to stay afloat and

look poised. Well, they pulled it off with great panache!

The beautiful bride in white tulle and lace and the dashing groom in a tuxedo looked in awe of each other. Sponsors and guests from both sides of the families came dressed in their finest and in the mood to celebrate a milestone in the young couple’s life. Trina and Glenn have yet to negotiate bringing up between 4 to 8 children between them.

With pomp and circumstance befitting a landmark event for the couple, the reception was held at that iconic wonderful retro place — Cicada Club in the heart of downtown LA. Trina and Glenn honeymooned traveling along the Amalfi Coast in Italy. n

Newlyweds, Katrina and Glenn Bataclan execute a tricky dance routine for their first dance eliciting gasps and applause. The reception was held at the Cicada Club in Downtown Los Angeles. The iconic, retro club was the venue to fete some 350 guests, a number of whom drove some distance or flew in from out of state.

The numerous members of the lengthy wedding entourage included equitable pairings of both sides of the family. In the photo are some of the wedding sponsors from Katrina’s side, left to right: Monette Adeva Maglaya; Mitch Adeva Hehman who came with her husband Bob, from San Antonio; Texas; Evelyn Adeva Jovellana and Rhodora Adeva Posey who came with her husband, Emil from New Market, Alabama.

Trina and Glenn, both registered nurses by profession, have spent the greater part of the previous year planning all the details culminating to the big day. Judging from the outcome of how glorious the day turned out to be, it was well worth it.

Photo by Kevin Le Vu Photography, Inc.

The Creencia Family of Eagle Rock stand with their newest member, Glenn, their newly minted son-in-law. Left to right: Trina’s sister, Denise, dad Leonardo, newlyweds Katrina and Glenn, mom Elizabeth (nee Adeva), and brothers, Kevin and Jeffrey.

The Bataclans of Chino Hills welcome Katrina to their family. Left to right: Glenn’s brother Cedric, dad Mien, newlyweds Katrina and Glenn, mom Grace and another brother, Ronald.

C OCTOBER 24-27, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 24-27, 2015

MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

Typhoon Lando impact seen ‘minimal’ TyPHOON Lando’s impact on economic growth will be minimal even with farm and infrastructure losses in the billions of pesos, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan told reporters.

“For the entire year, the number P7 billion is just 0.6 percent of agricultural value-added. So for the entire GDP (gross domestic product), it’s much more insignificant,” he said.

Balisacan was referring to the damage estimate released on Thursday, Oct. 22 by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRMMC). As of 6am on Friday, Oct. 23, the updated toll to farms and infrastructure was pegged at P9.4 billion.

Lando struck the main island of Luzon, particularly the north, last Sunday, Oct. 18. The slow-moving storm has killed at least 46 people and displaced hundreds of thousands.

“The important part in terms of GDP is the typhoon’s impact to the people, their lives, their assets and livelihoods. It takes time for them to recover. We have to find alternative jobs for them,” Balisacan said.

In terms of the third quarter, meanwhile, the socioeconomic planning secretary said there were improvements in government spending but a “downside” in the

export sector.

“We continue to see the acceleration in spending, that’s a big plus. The downside, I think, is merchandise exports which have been quite lower than we expected,” Balisacan said.

“But exports in services remain to be robust. I think that’s a good thing because our revenues, our foreign exchange revenues are coming from different [countries],” he said.

“About 10 years ago, almost 70 percent of our total exports were simply electronics … but now we have exports of services [adding to revenues].”

Despite GDP growth of just 5.3 percent in the first half, Balisacan said the government was sticking to its full-year goal of 7 percent to 8 percent goal.

“I think the more prudent thing to do is just let the 7 to 8 percent target [stay], but we are not saying that it is achievable. What is the point of changing at this time?,” said Balisacan, who has forecast 2015 economic growth of 6 percent.

Balisacan said he was confident that GDP growth would hit 7 percent to 8 percent next year on the back of robust economic activity as well as election spending. (Kristyn Nika M. Lazo and Ritchie Horario/ ManilaTimes.net)

As of 6am on Friday, Oct. 23, Typhoon Lando’s updated toll to farms and infrastructure was pegged at P9.4 billion.

Inquirer.net photo

PH less vulnerable now to China slowdown

by Mayvelin

U. Caballero Manilatimes.net

THe Philippines is looking less vulnerable now than it used to be to the impact of low global commodity prices and China’s economic slowdown, banking giant HSBC said.

In its latest research note, HSBC said the global price decline in most commodities and the easing of China’s economic growth had given rise to new concerns, prompting it to consider a broad range of indicators to look for warning signs in 40 developed and emerging markets (eM).

The report stressed that the Philippines is one of the few emerging market economies relatively unexposed to a slowdown in the world’s second largest economy.

“We are less concerned about the Philippines than we were, given the relative immunity from a slowdown in China,” it said in the research note.

Trade in goods, especially commodities, plays a small part in total exports and so the same risks to growth do not exist, it explained.

HSBC’s view is in line with the government’s assessment that the country’s strong services exports offset weakness in the trading of goods.

The latest national accounts data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that exports of services in the first half grew 25.3 percent year-on-year to $848.26 million, while exports of goods contracted by 8.4 percent to $1.024 billion.

“This has been reflected in the relative outperformance of the Philippine peso” as the country has avoided much of the fallout from the financial markets turmoil, HSBC concluded.

As of end-September, the exchange rate between the Philippine peso and the US dollar averaged P46.92 to $1.

Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. delivers his Opening Remarks at the Dallas/Fort Worth forum of the 4th Private Sector Led Investment Roadshow held at the Hyatt Regency DFW Airport.

Infrastructure and transportation projects make PH ripe for investment WASHINGTON, DC—The Philippine government is allocating increased resources to infrastructure improvement and expansion, opening up numerous opportunities for investment in the Philippines.

Opportunities for doing business in the transport and infrastructure sectors was one of the main topics during the second leg of the 4th Philippine Private Sectorled Investment Roadshow in Dallas, TX on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Some 165 participants including senior executives from American Airlines, Fluor Corporation, Rio Grande Pacific Corporation, Texas Instruments, World Affairs Council and heads of the Fort Worth

Chamber of Commerce and Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce.

Members of the Manila business delegation agreed that the Philippines is serious in improving its infrastructure to meet demands of the country’s economy. This is reflected in the government’s increased budget allocation to infrastructure projects in order to meet population and economic demands.

According to Mr. Ronaldo elepaño, 1st Vice President for Business Development International at DM Consunji, Inc., the 2015 Budget invests 569.9 billion pesos in strategic infrastructure projects.

PAGE D2

Business Quote of the Week “We need to revise our economic thinking to give full value to our natural resources. This revised economics will stabilize both the theory and the practice of free-market capitalism. It will provide business and public policy with a powerful new tool for economic development, profitability, and the promotion of the public good.”

- Paul Hawken, author, entrepreneur and environmentalist

& Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

IF a person commits certain immigration violations (such as fraud, or overstaying in the US for over six months and then departing, etc.), the person may not be eligible to receive a green card, unless the person applies for, and is granted, a “waiver of inadmissibility” on a Form I – 601. To be eligible for the waiver, the person must demonstrate he or she has a spouse or parent who is a US citizen or a green card holder (“qualifying relatives”), and the qualifying relative would suffer “extreme hardship” if the applicant is not granted the waiver.

But what is extreme hardship?

How does a person demonstrate or prove extreme hardship on the qualifying relative? How should the immigration officer evaluate the qualifying relative’s extreme hardship?

On October 7, 2015, the USCIS published a draft policy manual (PM), to provide some guidelines on establishing extreme hardship. In the past, applicants had to rely on published cases that

D

USCIS publishes draft policy manual on ‘extreme hardship’

discussed extreme hardship, memos, etc. to figure out what constitutes extreme hardship and how to go about proving it. USCIS is now accepting comments on this draft policy manual, and will come up with a “final” version after November 23, 2015.

This policy manual aims to clarify “how USCIS would make extreme hardship determinations”. Among the items to be considered are: • hardship to the qualifying relative if they had to relocate overseas, or remain in the US, separated from the applicant • strong family ties in the US • social and cultural impact if the qualifying relative had to relocate overseas to be with the applicant • economic impact on the qualifying relative if the hardship waiver is not granted • health conditions and medical care of the qualifying relative • country conditions, and State Department travel warnings for the particular country where the qualifying relative would have to relocate.

The PM lists dozens of specific

factors which could constitute extreme hardship on a qualifying relative, and points out numerous factors which would not be considered extreme hardship.

The policy manual provides some hypothetical examples where the claimed hardship would be considered normal or a “common consequence of relocation”, as opposed to being “extreme”.

Many people, when faced with having to file a waiver of inadmissibility, do it on their own, rather than seeking the advice or guidance of an attorney. While hiring an attorney does not “guarantee” approval, the determination and evaluation of extreme hardship can be a complex and complicated task. Putting together an effective presentation is also critical. The PM is 28 pages long.

The instructions for filling out the Form I – 601 are 21 pages. The I– 601 itself is 13 pages long. The stakes are so high in applying for the waiver. For example, if a person is not granted a fraud waiver, it could result in a lifetime ban.

If the 3/10 year bar waiver is not approved, the relative may not be able to apply for a visa to come to

the US for at least 10 years.

That is why when you have something as complex as a waiver of inadmissibility, you should seek the advice and guidance of an attorney, rather than doing it on your own. Learning immigration law by doing the waiver on your own could have lifetime consequences on your relative. *** 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 reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

D october 24-27, 2015 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

Marketplace & ShowrooM

Infrastructure and transportation projects make PH...

PAGE D1 Infrastructure outlays for this year represent 4 percent of the country’s GDP, a 28.95 percent increase in allocated budget from the previous year.

Additionally, 287.8 billion pesos is earmarked for transport infrastructure projects including road, maritime, air, and railway transport.

Of this amount, 53.1 billion will go to agricultural infrastructure which includes irrigation, farm-to-market roads, and fishery infrastructure.

The growing population is a major driving force in infrastructure expansion. According to Mr. Juan Olondriz Peña, President of RAJI INC., population growth and the expansion of the metropolis demands that infrastructure development extend to places outside Metro Manila.

“The Philippines has a population of approximately 100 million people, growing at an average rate

Dr Bernardo Villegas, Head of the Private Sector Delegation, delivers his presentation entitled “The Philippines: The New Tiger of Asia” at the 4th Private Sector Led Investment Roadshow held at the Hyatt Regency DFW Airport on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Photos courtesy of Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles

of 1.8 to 2.3 percent annually. The main population center is in the Metro Manila area and within the next six to eight years, Greater Manila will extend as far North as Angeles City in Pampanga, to Lucena City, Quezon Province in the South, and to Batangas City in the West with a radius averaging 80 kilometers from the center of Manila,” said Mr. Peña.

He added, “Looking at the potential growth of Greater Manila to include the outlaying provinces North, South & West of Greater Manila, the Philippine government needs to focus and fast track the infrastructure projects that will support the projected growth of both the population and its economy.”

Philippine Port Authority statistics show an overall increase in cargo throughput or the average quantity of cargo and passengers that can pass through Philippine ports.

According to Mr. Peña, the increase in cargo throughput presents numerous private sector opportunities for the expansion of port facilities and railroads, specifically projects at the Port of Batangas, Port of Abra de Ilog in Mindoro Occidental and Port of Calapan in Mindoro Oriental. Expansion of the three ports will benefit Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, the Cagayan Region, Southern Tagalog Islands, Quezon Province, and the Bicol Provinces.

Philippine National Railways is also working on providing an improved, sustainable railway system running from Manila to Legazpi that will provide a rail service to carry cargo to and from Manila International Container Terminal,

North Harbor, and Batangas. This will also open up even more investment opportunities for the private sector.

The mentioned multi-billion peso infrastructure and transport projects, along with an established Public-Private Partnership Program and a government dedicated to battling corruption, make the Philippines ripe for investment.

The conference in Dallas is the second leg in a three-city Private Sector-led Investment Roadshow and was made possible with the cooperation of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles and the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce in Texas, led by its Executive Director, Mr. Gus Mercado.

The Manila delegation was well received by the audience from the Dallas Fort Worth Area. Break-out sessions during the conference were also well attended, leading to continued dialogue among participants and members of the Manila delegation.

Other members of the Manila business delegation led by Dr. Bernardo Villegas, Visiting Professor at IESE Business School in Barcelona and Professor at the University of Asia and the Pacific, includes Mr. Engelbert Camasura, Partner at Ward Howell International Consulting Firm; and Mr. Jose Mari Mercado, President and CEO of the Information Technology & Business Process Association of the Philippines. The delegation was accompanied by Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr.; Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim; and Honorary Consul Ethel Mercado, outgoing President of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce.

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PH House approves amendments to Social Security Act

by Paolo

RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA—The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill that amends the Social Security System (SSS) law to allow the pension fund to be more responsive to the financial needs of its members.

House Bill 1161, which seeks to amend Republic Act 8282, otherwise known as the “Social Security Act of 1997,” rationalizes the duties, powers and accountabilities of the Social Security Commission (SSC).

The SSC is the body that directs and controls the state pension fund and is composed of the Secretary of Labor and Employment or his or her duly designated undersecretary, the SSS president, and seven appointive members.

The proposed measure grants the SSC “with powers, duties, and accountabilities to allow it to respond with dispatch to clamors of additional benefits to its members and adjustments to any future fiscal and economic challenges.”

Akbayan party-list Rep. Ibarra Gutierrez III, principal author of

the bill, said the measure would be a welcome development for ordinary and privately-employed individual SSS members, who would be able to avail of the privileges enjoyed by members of good standing, which would otherwise not be available under the existing law.

“This measure provides a strong incentive for those that have been in arrears on their principal payments for their employees’ contributions, to immediately settle what is due and overdue because of the possibility of eliminating the huge burden of dealing with delinquency penalties,” Gutierrez said.

The measure amends Section 4 of RA 1161, pertaining to the duties and powers of the SSC and the SSS, so the policy-making body is empowered to condone, enter into a compromise, or release, in whole or in part, penalties imposed upon delinquent social security contributions regardless of the amount involved under such valid terms and conditions it may prescribe when the financial position of the employer demonstrates a clear inability to pay the

assessed delinquency.

The SSC shall submit to both the Senate and the House of Representatives an annual report on the exercise of powers under this provision, stating among others the names and addresses of employers whose penalty delinquencies have been the subject of compromise or condonation, amount involved, amount compromised or condoned; and the justifications to determine that said powers are reasonably exercised and the SSS is not unduly deprived of revenues.

The bill also allows the SSC to determine and fix from time to time, through rules and regulations, the minimum and maximum monthly salary credits of memberemployees, the schedule and the rate of contributions of employers and member-employees, the rate of penalty on due but unremitted contributions of employers and member-employees and unpaid loan amortizations of member-employees, taking into consideration actuarial calculations, rate of benefits, inflation; and other relevant socio-economic data.

NAIA runway to be decongested by louella

D. DesiDeRio Philstar.com

MANILA—The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is now working to decongest the runway of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as part of efforts to make further improvements at the country’s main international

gateway.

While some improvements have been undertaken at NAIA, DOTC Secretary Joseph Abaya said in a statement yesterday the government is now looking to ease congestion at the runway of the airport.

“Having fully opened Terminal 3 and substantially refurbishing Terminal 1 after decades of neglect, our next focus is decongesting the runway,” he said.

British air traffic management expert NATS Services Ltd. which was tapped by the DOTC for its NAIA Runway Optimization Project, has started gathering data at the airport this week.

Under the 12-month contract, NATS is tasked to increase the hourly air traffic movements to 60 from 40, by determining the optimal configuration for the airport’s intersecting runways.

Over a period of six months, NATS will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the airport’s current airspace, runway, and terminal capacities; air traffic and surface operations; runway access points; and ATC training.

For the succeeding six months, the Manila International Airport Authority and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines will implement NAT’s recommended improvement measures.

The latest survey for travel website The Guide to Sleeping

in Airports showed the NAIA was no longer in the list of the 10 worst airports in the world given rehabilitation efforts undertaken to decongest and clean up Terminal 1.

While NAIA was not part of the latest 10 worst airports in the world list, it ranked eighth worst airport in Asia.

NAIA was tagged the worst airport in the world from 2011 to 2013.

In a related development, the DOTC has received the pre-feasibility study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the location of the country’s new international airport.

Abaya said the study which considered five locations, has narrowed down the options to two: Sangley Point in Cavite and Central Manila Bay. The estimated cost for putting up the airport in Sangley Point is $10 billion, while locating in Central Manila Bay would amount to $13 billion.

Abaya said the DOTC expects to get the full feasibility study after the first quarter of next year and present it to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board for approval.

“We’ll merely reiterate what the JICA study says…Whatever the JICA study shows, we’ll present to NEDA Board,” he said.

While digitizing your business is necessary in today’s competition, the move can be challenging.

Philstar.com photo

Why businesses need to go digital MANILA—In this so-called WiFi age when a lot of companies are innovatively changing the way they do business, is it really important for new and small enterprises to go digital?

It seems that every business today has their own website or Facebook page, widely uses technologies, accomplishes almost all transactions on smart devices, and makes their offices almost paperless.

“The marketplace of the future is online,” first vice president and Head of PLDT Smart SME Nation Kat Luna-Abelarde said.

“In fact, setting up a digital shop first before transitioning into a brick-and-mortar business seems to be the trend among the new generation of entrepreneurs.

By harnessing technological innovations, SMEs (small and medium enterprises) can do and achieve more, and better connect with a new breed of customers.”

What largely makes this possible is the accessibility of various services and advanced digital business solutions that are costefficient and effective. It then looks like digital is the way to go

for today’s entrepreneurs.

While digitizing your business is necessary in today’s competition, the move can be challenging. You can, however, begin by acting on the insights you have just gained and equipping yourself with effective digital tools.

You can get digital business solutions from PLDT Smart SME Nation. Their technologies for broadband, cloud services and mobility solutions, among others, empower big and small businesses to thrive in the digital age. With such solutions, your operations can be more efficient, more cost-effective and more profitable.

“As an enterprise technology services provider, our role is to provide today’s businesses with digital tools and solutions necessary to thrive online and reach out to markets they wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach offline,” Abelarde said. “Technology can help level the playing field for entrepreneurs and we want to empower them to embrace it as part of their long-term strategy for sustainable success.” (Philstar.com)

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 24-27, 2015 D

Buying a new car stress-free: Kababayans at DCH Toyota of Torrance will show you how FILIPINO Loyd Aler landed his first job as a produce and vegetable delivery man.

Then he became a fast food restaurant manager, and then a quality insurance inspector.

His father, Edgar, who used to work in wholesale for food and vegetables, and that inspired him to ultimately pursue a career in sales: today, he works as the Filipino Dept. Manager and Senior Sales Specialist at DCH Toyota of Torrance.

“I really love what I do for living and I enjoy very much not just selling cars, but making new friends, selling great products, and helping people get and drive their dream cars,” he says.

Buying a car is no easy decision.

It requires careful thought and it’s something Aler understands. Since

2002 he has been selling Toyota vehicles, a brand that has been touted for its safety, retail value and longevity.

In addition to the quality brand he sells, Aler works at an auto dealership owned by a businessman based in Hong Kong. It was established almost a decade ago and is continually growing: since its inception, it has opened more than 20 DCH dealerships across the United States, with locations in Temecula, Oxnard, Simi Valley, and on the east coast in New York and New Jersey. The goal of the company is to exceed customers’ expectations and provide exceptional service to ensure the highest satisfaction. Among ways the dealership demonstrates how much customers matter is

by delivering luxury services including oil changes, loaner cars, shuttles and much much more.

The dealership also boasts a wide selection of new and pre-owned vehicles to meet the broad range of tastes and needs customers have.

Among the customers that visit DCH Toyota of Torrance, Aler says he sees many Filipinos who show interest in a variety of cars, including Highlander, Priuses and Camry models.

Joining Aler in the Filipino Dept. of DCH Toyota of Torrance are Phillip Rivera (Sales & Leasing Consultant), Edgar Relova (Sales & Leasing Consultant), JP Panganiban (Sales & Leasing Consultant) and Nile Villanueva (Sales Manager).

Aler as a manager of DCH’s Filipino department, welcomes

Letty of Rowland Heights (right) is among DCH Toyota of Torrance’s satisfied and happy clients as she comes home with her very own New Toyota Venza.

Key test for self-driving cars: A northern Virginia highway ARLINGTON, Va., United States—Self-driving cars faced what might be their ultimate test Monday: I-95 in northern Virginia.

The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute demonstrated its automated vehicle technology Monday, Oct. 19 on the I-95 Express Lanes, a stretch of asphalt on the notorious I-95 corridor that connects the traffic-choked suburbs of northern Virginia to the nation’s capital.

Officials at the institute and an administrator at the U.S. Department of Transportation said they believe it’s the first time that driverless technology this advanced has been tested on an actual highway, though they acknowledged that research in the field is evolving quickly and not always easily tracked.

And the demonstration itself was highly controlled: It occurred at midday, when the Express Lanes were otherwise empty, as they were in the midst of the reversal process from northbound for the morning rush hour to southbound for the afternoon rush.

The especially modified Cadillac SRX wasn’t driverless.

Virginia law requires a driver behind the wheel, and the technology still requires a driver to be ready to take over if necessary.

But the self-driving car handled lane changes on its own and adjusted speeds to account for simulated traffic and construction zones.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Virginia) participated as a passenger. His eyes widened when the car slowed on its own as the lead vehicle in the caravan hit its brakes. They widened again when the car shifted lanes with the driver’s hands off the wheel to make way for a police vehicle with its sirens wailing as part of the simulation.

Afterward, Warner admitted to a brief “moment of terror” at the abrupt changes, but predicted that the technology is poised to take off.

“This is the next big, great, disruptive technology,” said Warner, who made his fortune decades ago as a ground-floor investor in mobile phones and PAGE D5

Flying cars and other things from ‘Back To The Future’ that are NOT yet a reality

We are obviously streets away from this “product of the near future.” However, we have (super amazing) Tesla cars and self-driving Google and Uber vehicles. So I think we’re en route to achieving this some time soon (fingers crossed).

BY Doc and Marty’s calculations, Oct. 21, 2015 was the future. Which makes it the past.

I know, so confusing. Thanks a lot, Doc and Marty.

We already know the surprising things that the movie Back to the Future got right: virtual reality, video conferencing, 3D advertising, HOVERBOARD… the list goes on. Robert Zemeckis sure had wild ideas, and a lot of them did become reality two decades later. However, there are still some things in the Back To The Future series that have yet to become a real-

ity. Like: 1. Flying cars We are obviously streets away from this “product of the near future.” However, we have (super amazing) Tesla cars and self-driving Google and Uber vehicles. So I think we’re en route to achieving this some time soon (fingers crossed).

2. Pepsi Perfect To be honest, this was a nice concept–having your own Pepsi drink dispensed at your beck and call. We’re not seeing this now, though.

PAGE D5

Sale Manager Nile Villanueva is the newest addition to the Filipino Dept. of DCH Toyota of Torrance.

and looks forward to serving his fellow kababayans. His overflowing friendly personality, as well as that of Rivera, Relova, Panganiban and Villanueva, make the Filipino sales team approachable and easy to talk to.

Aler says he enjoys his job, although one of the bigger challenges he faces in his job is when interested buyers with poor credit or lower incomes are turned down by the bank. DCH offers special promotions, including low APRs and $0 down payments, but it isn’t always easy to extend these to certain customers.

“But for me, that’s the time I will be more aggressive and shop around for more banks to help them,” he says.

In most cases, Aler is able to pull some strings and find a way to overcome this particular hurdle in the selling process, though interest rates tend to be just a little higher for individuals with credit and income limitations.

“But the important thing is they [have] another chance to get a car

We welcome all of our kababayans to the DCH Toyota Filipino Sales Dept. Simply call us at toll-free (888) 443-7619. We can always help you get an affordable car you want to drive that will fit your budget through a very smooth, professional, friendly, and straightforward transaction. Just ask for Loyd, Phillip, Ed or JP. Tawag na kaibigan!

Romulus Sacdalan (right) chose DCH Toyota of Torrance Filipino Dept. Sales Team for his first vehicle in the US.

loan and that helps build their credit again,” he says.

DCH Toyota of Torrance is conveniently located just off the 110 at: 2909 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505.

DISCOUNT CONNECTION

HOTLINE for Kababayans Phone: (888) 443-7619.

DCH Toyota of Torrance is open Mondays through Saturdays from 8:30am to 9pm, and on Sundays, from 10am to 8pm.

(Advertising Supplement)

D october 24-27, 2015 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

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The all-new Honda Legend is a hybrid car.

Inquirer.net photo

A Legend in the making

Why this P4.38 million Honda is the thinking man’s luxury car

by Jason

ang Inquirer.net

Of all the specifications and figures that will be recited during the launch of the all-new Honda Legend luxury hybrid sedan, one will no doubt stand out: its price tag of P4.38 million. Although consumers have already welcomed Japanese luxury vehicles, this is the first time in the Philippines that such a price will be affixed to a Honda nameplate. It’s not without precedent, as Toyota has already breached the P4 million level with the Land Cruiser, and Nissan with the Patrol Royale.

A previous-generation Honda Legend was selling for more than P3 million in the late 1990s, more than three times the price of the Accord then.

Performance Before we decide on the merits of a luxury Honda sedan, let’s take a look at its specifications and capabilities. first of all, the new Honda Legend is a hybrid car.

It packs a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with iVTEC, developing 310hp and 368 Nm. It also has not one but three electric motors: one for the front axle and two for the rear. The engine and motors can be combined to deliver frontwheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive in electric, gasoline, or hybrid mode. The system is called Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, a fancy way of saying that the hybrid drivetrain not only delivers better fuel efficiency but kick-ass performance as well.

The combined power output is

382hp. With quoted fuel mileage of 16.8 km/liter, Honda reckons that the Legend provides the fuel economy of a four-cylinder while packing the performance of a V8.

The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic.

Handling The electric motors are powered by high-capacity and relatively quick charging lithium-ion batteries (compared to nickel metal hydride used in other Honda hybrids). The twin rear motors act as power generators to recapture energy while coasting or braking. They also perform torque vectoring functions: they aid handling by adding torque selectively to the rear wheels. The result should be more confident handling even when taking corners at a brisk pace.

The Legend will once again feature Honda’s double wishbone front suspension and multilink rear suspension. Also on board will be Agile Handling Assist, which can selectively brake wheels to enhance handling, and electronic stability assist.

Body and construction Honda Legend makes extensive use of aluminum, for example in all the door skins, to reduce weight. Honda developed a special process for bonding aluminum and steel in the construction. 19-inch alloy wheels help to reduce road noise, as does acoustic glass in the windshield and windows.

Safety Helping the Legend driver see at night will be “Jewel Eye” LED

headlamps, comprised of eight extra-bright LED bulbs with 16 precisely focused lenses. These will reportedly throw a bright beam wide enough to illuminate even the road shoulders. fog lamps will be LED also.

The car has its own sensors, including millimeter wave radar and monocular camera. These can brake the car to reduce the chances of a collision, and also monitor the road using its lane keep assist function. Road departure mitigation and adaptive cruise control with low speed following also improve the car’s active safety. Other features include rain sensing wipers, power folder door mirrors, chrome door handle with LED welcome light, Interior Honda promises an interior worthy of the luxury class. There’s enough rear-seat kneeroom for the boss to comfortably cross his or her legs, thanks to the front-wheel drive layout. Seats are trimmed in genuine leather, with faux leather panels cover high-contact areas in the cabin. The active engine control mount reduces engine noise and vibration. The high-end audio system by Krell Industries packs 14 speakers, including an 8-inch carbon fiber subwoofer and 3-inch Kevlar center speaker.

The driver’ seat features 12-way power actuation. Other featrues include a multi-view camera system, trizone climate control, rear armrest control panel, headup display, and rear sunshades.

(Inquirer.net)

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 24-27, 2015 D

Free car care guide for motorists WIN Hyundai and WIN Chevrolet: WHEN it comes to keeping your car running smoothly, one of the most important pieces of equipment may not be under the hood but in the glove compartment.

Free auto guide That’s because that’s the place to put the totally redesigned “Car Care Guide” from the nonprofit Car Care Council. The 80-page guide uses easy-to-understand, everyday language rather than technical automotive jargon and covers the most common preventive maintenance occasions and procedures that should be performed to keep cars safe, dependable and efficient. It also includes descriptions of major

vehicle systems and parts, and a list of questions to ask about maintenance or repair procedures. A car care checklist reminds motorists what vehicle systems need to be maintained and when service should be performed.

Twenty additional pages provide new information on finding an automotive repair shop, alternative fuels, understanding the warranty, vehicle telematics, and careers in the auto care industry, and include an expanded environmental awareness section.

Expert advice “Because properly maintained vehicles perform more safely and

dependably for drivers and their families, the Car Care Council is committed to providing useful information and tools for motorists, like the newly updated, easy-to-follow ‘Car Care Guide,’ to help take the mystery out of auto service and repair,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

How to get the information Available in English and Spanish, individual copies of the new guide can be ordered, free, from www.carcare.org/car-careguide. For more information, visit www.carcare.org or follow the Car Care Council on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. (ManilaTimes.net)

Key test for self-driving cars: A northern...

PAGE D3 helped found what became Nextel. Warner said the similarities between automated vehicle technology and the wireless industry three decades ago are striking.

The test conducted Monday

by VTTI involved what is known as Level 3 automated technology, sort of a midpoint between fully automated technology and no automation. VTTI spokeswoman Mindy Buchanan-King said Monday’s test went beyond some of the other technology entering the marketplace because it allowed drivers to not only take their hands off the wheel and their foot off the pedals but also

let them take their eyes off the road for extended periods.

Technology debuted last week

by Tesla, for instance, allows for automated lane changes and braking, but comes with a warning for the driver to continue paying close attention and keep hands on the wheel.

The Virginia Tech technology contains some unique features, automatically shifting lanes to the right during the simulation when a state police trooper approached with sirens wailing. And the Cadillac automatically slowed as it approached a simulated work zone and traffic stop.

David Taylor, an electronics technician with VTTI, said the test went largely as planned. At one point during a lane shift the car over-shifted slightly, veering to the far right side of the right hand lane, prompting the driver to grab the wheel and take control, but otherwise it went smoothly, Taylor said.

The institute’s director, Tom Dingus, said VTTI has no plans to market or sell its technology.

Instead, it serves as a research tool for automakers, the U.S. Department of Transportation and others to help them study and develop their own products.

(Inquirer.net)

Flying cars and other things from...

PAGE D3 3. Dehydrated pizzas The problem with the concept of “dehydrated pizza” is that pizza is supposed to be enjoyed fresh off the oven. As in, created by hand and baked to perfection.

You know, like how most pizza parlors do it. And we already know from eating cup noodles to just how far dehydrated food will take you.

4. Self-tying shoes While it is great concept, why waste manhours developing this technology when we already have velcro? Although, props to everyone who wanted Nike to actually make the shoes that Marty McFly wore on the movie.

5. More use of fax machines According to Back To The Future 2, people will be receiving their termination slips (and

Marty McFly predicted of self-tying shoes in the movie.

possibly break up letters) through 6. Phone booths fax machines. Of course today We now see more out-ofpeople receive them through pas- home advertisements than phone sive-aggressive Facebook status booths, and that’s a fact. (Inupdates. quirer.net)

Three giant locations to serve you

There’s no better place for kababayans to shop for hyundai vehicles than WIN hyundai in Carson, Calif. established in 2011, the young dealership started with the goal of becoming the premiere hyundai dealership. since then, it has lived up to its aim by consistently ranked among the top five dealers in the district.

In 2012, the dealership, which is also equus Certified, was also ranked No. 1 in district sales.

WIN is proud to carry hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power and Associates ranked the automaker No. 2 among nonpremium automakers in the 2015 Automotive Performance, execution and Layout (APeAL) study.

“Finishing among the top two non-premium brands in this year’s J.D. Power, the APeAL study shows hyundai takes design, technology, features, and performance seriously across the entire lineup. having the bestselling sonata ranking among the top two in its class is a remarkable accomplishment and we are committed to delivering the highest customer experience possible to our owners,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of corporate and product planning at hyundai.

WIN hyundai offers a wide selection of quality hyundai vehicles and extends its offerings across the Los Angeles area with its two locations: one in Carson and another in el Monte. On both sites, customers can find new and certified pre-owned vehicles – including the santa Fe, sonata, elantra and Genesis Coupe – to meet a variety of budgets and preferences.

Because the Carson and el Monte locations serve just about anyone and everyone in southern California, its experienced sales representatives are prepared and eager to help customers find the cars that best fit their preferences and needs.

When it comes to purchasing a hyundai, WIN specializes in working with all types of credit, good or bad, and has the ability to refinance current loans.

Additionally, although it sells hyundai cars, the dealership services vehicles of all makes and models and currently has an oil change special of $19.95 For Chevrolet owners and

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shoppers in Los Angeles, you may check out WIN’s third location at WIN Chevrolet, which will make sure to handle everything from helping you purchase a new or used Chevy. schedule an appointment or just stop on by to take any of our 2015 Chevrolet models for a test drive including the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro, 2015 Chevrolet Impala, and 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe.

Beyond the highly-praised brand WIN offers southern California residents, it has departments dedicated diverse groups found throughout the Los Angeles region, including Chinese, Korean, hispanic and Filipino communities. “ We w a n t t o m a k e t h e buying process as easy as possible, so we understand communicating in your native language can be important to completely understanding the purchasing and financing of your vehicle,” said Munir Younis, general sales manager of the dealership.

Younis, who is of Middle eastern descent, grew up in the Philippines and can speak Tagalog fluently, just as the Filipino sales representatives at the dealership.

“We have a dedicated team that serves the largest Filipino community in the U.s. We believe in giving back to the community and have participated in multiple sponsorship opportunities with multiple Filipino groups and organizations, including the Philippine Independence Day Foundation,” he said.

Among Filipino members of the WIN hyundai Carson team include long-time car industry veterans Jun Milan and Jay Trinidad.

“WIN is a great dealership and customer service is the best it can be,” Milan said.

Also on the Filipino team is Franklin Magarro, the dealership’s internet sales manager.

In addition to its on-location offerings, those shopping for hyundai cars can browse WIN’s inventory online with userfriendly filters. Whether you know specifically what make and model you’re looking for, are trying to shop based on a budget, or simply want to browse through what is available, the dealership website makes it easy to shop around from home. Live chat is also available and sales representatives are happy to assist customers via phone.

WIN Hyundai Carson 2205 e 223rd street Carson, CA 90810 (877) 354-4253 Monday through saturday: 9am to 9pm sunday: 10am to 8pm WIN Hyundai El Monte 3462 N Peck road el Monte, CA 91731 (877) 290-2164 Monday through sunday: 9am to 9pm www.winhyundai.com Win Chevrolet 2201 e. 223rd street Carson, CA 90810 (818) 639-1216 www.winchevrolet.com 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

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FOR RENT

FOR SALE

PSYCHIC

FOR RENT

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Robertson Honda’s ‘Hassle Free, One Simple Price’: Keyes Toyota: Your top car dealership A fast, smart and simple process to car buying choice in San Fernando Valley Purchasing a vehicle has long been associated with back-and-forth negotiating and hidden fees. however, it shouldn’t be a stressful experience, and robertson honda aims to change that by creating a fast, smart and simple process.

Located in north hollywood, robertson honda is defying the stereotypes surrounding vehicle buying with its “hassle Free, One simple Price” program. When shoppers step into its state-of-theart showroom, they won’t be greeted by the conventional image of a “car salesperson,” but rather a “product specialist” will take care of them and listen to their needs to match them with the right vehicle that fits their budget.

Each vehicle in the lot (and also listed on its website) has a single, definitive price based on availability, demand, color, equipment and inventory age. gone are the days of haggling for a better deal, as the best price will be offered upfront. all of the prices are based on in-market purchase prices and third-party resources like edmunds.com and KBB.com.

additionally, vehicle buying shouldn’t take up too much of a buyer’s valuable time; in record speed, he or she will be driving off in a new car.

For over 40 years, robertson honda has been a renowned honda dealership in the united states. Drawing in loyal and new customers alike from around southern california and beyond, robertson honda provides a high standard of customer service that doesn’t simply focus on selling cars, but creating lifelong relationships. The “hassle Free, One simple Price” program further reflects its commitment to listen to what customers want.

“Our new ‘hassle Free, One simple Price’ program is geared toward the 75 percent of car shoppers in our community who told us that they not only dread the inflated prices at most dealerships, but also the time and pressure involved in negotiating down to the bottom line,” said Mike reyes, general sales manager of robertson honda. “By removing the frustrating back-and-forth and doing a lot of the pricing research for our customers,

we’ve developed a sales process that is fast, fair and simple for anyone who walks through our doors.”

The benefits of robertson honda’s “hassle Free, One simple Price” program doesn’t just stop once buyers leave the dealership. if unsatisfied with their vehicle within the first two days or 200 miles after a purchase, robertson honda has instituted a 2-Day/200-Mile Exchange Policy. When it comes time to trade in a vehicle down the road, the dealership is also now offering straightforward trade-in pricing based on the autoTrader.com Trade-in Marketplace and Kelley Blue Book fair market value.

When buyers shop at robertson honda, they’ll never again drive off the lot wondering if they could have gotten a better deal. robertson honda is conveniently located at 5841 Lankershim Blvd. in north hollywood, ca. For more information, please call (818) 301-3800 or visit http://www. robertsonhonda.com/ to browse the dealership’s extensive inventory of honda models. *Advertising Supplement

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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 those who value car economy above all else. Aside from that,

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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, Cebuano, and Ilonggo.

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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, Boni, 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.

8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

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