LA Weekend Edition -- September 12 -- 15, 2015

W

Los AngeLes

W E E K E N D

EDITION

www.asianjournal.com www.ajdigitaledition.com

September 12-15, 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. 71 • 4 Sections – 34 Pages

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

1210 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: 818.502.0651 • 213.250.9797 • Fax: 818.502.0858 • 213.481.0854

Pacquiao demands Mayweather penalty The People’s Champ is calling for a rematch unanimous decision in Las Vegas, urged Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) officials to FILIPINo boxer Manny Pac- “impose the appropriate sancquiao, 36, called for punishment tion” on his opponent. and a rematch on Friday, SepMayweather, 38, and the Unittember 11 after his rival Floyd ed States Anti-Doping Agency Mayweather was accused of (USADA) have both insisted that violating anti-doping rules be- the boxer’s actions were legal affore their long-awaited May 2nd ter news broke out that he was “Fight of the Century.” injected with a mix of saline and The eight-division world cham- vitamins--a banned substance pion, who lost to Mayweather by mix, under the official guideby allYson

escobar

AJPress

DATELINE

USA

lines--a day before the match, eSPNsaid.

Though the substances contained in the IV were not banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), whose standards USADA says it follows, the fact that they were given intravenously-through a vein infusion--was not allowed.

According to an SB Nation report, USADA, which had been

u PAGE A2

‘Yolanda’ reveals Roxas’ failure as leader, manager – Binay camp

by Yuji

FroM THe AJPreSS NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Alliance launches new one-stop workplace assistance resource for Filipino community

A new one-stop hotline for Filipinos with concerns about their working conditions, rights and other related issues was unveiled on Tuesday, Sept. 8, during the announcement of an alliance between community and non-governmental organizations, the Philippine Consulate General, and state and federal agencies.

Through eMPLeo – Pinoy, members of the Filipino community now have access to a wide spectrum of resources for workplacerelated questions.

“Today is a new day for Filipinos who need help,” said Danny Pasquil, district director of the US Department of Labor in West Covina,

u PAGE A5

Most Californians support State Senator Ricardo Lara’s Health for All Act.

CROWD DRAWER. Vice President Jejomar Binay buzzes a child during his visit to a community near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

Vice President Jejomar Binay (left) and Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II. Inquirer.net file photos

u PAGE A4

Inquirer.net

THe performance of outgoing Interior Secretary Mar roxas during and after the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) in the Philippines has revealed his “failure as manager and a leader,” the camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay said on Friday, Sept. 11.

“Yolanda has shown to the people the extent, or rather the limits, of Secretary roxas’ executive capability. He was everywhere and nowhere at the same

time. And his now classic reply to the local officials of Tacloban pleading for national government’s help best illustrates his insensitivity to the suffering of our people: Bahala kayo sa buhay n’yo,” Binay spokesperson rico Quicho said in a statement.

Quicho also scored roxas for supposedly dodging questions on the government’s rehabilitation of Yolanda-hit areas, particularly the issues surrounding the controversial emergency shelter assistance (eSA) program. “roxas, as administration candidate, should not evade ques-

tions on the failure of the administration to improve the lives of the poor and deliver basic services,” he said.

But the Department of Interior and Local Government and roxas himself have pointed out that the eSA program was under the supervision of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Citing former national treasurer Leonor Briones of Social Watch Philippines, Quicho added that President Benigno Aquino III has not yet approved the release

u PAGE A3

PH gov’t to roll-out nationwide Study: Filipino ‘shortness’ not only genetic, reflects generations free WiFi service by 2016 of malnutrition and stunting by allYson

escobar

AJPress

by aGnes

constante AJPress

IN 2014, a report by the Association of Southeast Nations ranked the Philippines the second shortest race in the region: the average Filipino male stood at 5 feet and 3.7 inches, and the average Filipino female was at 4 feet and 11 inches.

While Filipinos’ shorter stature has typically been assumed to be attributed to genetics, a recent Save the Children study has found that shortness could be due to other factors.

In a report by Save the Children, “Sizing Up: The Stunting and Child Malnutrition Problem in the Philippines,” the non-governmental organization states that one in three Filipinos endures stunted growth, a

characteristic of chronic malnutrition.

“The assumption has always been that Filipinos are just genetically short but what we actually see now are generations of stunted and malnourished children,” said Dr. Amado Parawan, Save the Children’s Health and Nutrition advisor.

Because the lack of height is considered a racial trait, Parawan said it is not perceived as a serious concern.

“Stunting is more than just being short, it impacts children’s future because it hinders physical and mental growth,” Parawan said.

While there has been a decline in the number of child deaths in the Philippines, the slow and varying rates at which child malnutrition and stunting is curbed affects

Poll: Californians approve of giving health Fil-Am among jail deputies charged for death of inmate care coverage to all SACrAMeNTo – California voters are embracing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in record numbers, and a growing majority now supports expanding health care coverage to undocumented residents, according to the latest Field Poll, released here in the Capitol August 26.

The survey found that 62 percent of voters support the law, compared with 56 percent last year, while 33 percent oppose it.

And while last year only a slight majority of voters (51 percent) favored the idea of extending health care coverage to undocu-

Vincent Gonzales

by christina

u PAGE A4

M. oriel

AJPress

THree correctional officers at a Santa Clara County jail were charged on Tuesday, Sept. 8 with the murder of a mentally ill inmate who was found dead in his cell in late August.

The District Attorney’s office filed charges against 28-yearold Fil-Am Jereh Catbagan Lubrin, from San Jose, California, Matthew Farris, 27, and rafael rodriguez, 27, who were suspected of murdering 31-year-old Michael Tyree.

“Michael Tyree was not protected by those correctional officers who were supposed to protect him,” Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff rosen told press. “Instead, they killed

u PAGE A3

Fil-Am Jereh Lubrin, 28, was one of three Santa Clara County deputies charged on Tuesday, Sept. 8 for the murder of an inmate. Credit: Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office

SEAFOOD CITY 1

A NeW plan from the Philippine government would offer free wireless Internet access to people across the country, but would limit annual data revenue prospects of the nation’s largest telecoms.

According to Bloomberg Business, the government plans to roll-out its free Wi-Fi services roughly half the country’s mu-

nicipalities over the next few months, and has plans for full nationwide coverage by the end of 2016. The free service will be made available in public areas such as schools, hospitals, airports, and parks, and is expected to cost the government about 1.5 billion pesos ($32 million) a year.

Concerns for the proposal arose from Philippines’ two largest telecoms, Philippine Long

u PAGE A2

A SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

From the Front Page

Pacquiao demands Mayweather…

PAGE A1 t

contracted by both Mayweather and Pacquiao to conduct random drug testing for their fight, sent collection agents to Mayweather’s house in Las Vegas the night before the fight to conduct an unannounced drug test.

SB Nation said Mayweather’s medical team told the collection agents that the IV--which report-

edly included a 250-milliliter mixture of saline and multivitamins and a 500-milliliter mixture of saline and Vitamin C--was being given to Mayweather “for rehydration purposes following the weigh-in.”

USADA reportedly did not inform the NSAC about the IV until May 21, when it sent correspondence to commis-

sion officials and Top Rank, Pacquiao’s promoter, notifying them of the retroactive therapeutic-use exemption, which was allowed in the fighters’ contract for drug-testing protocol, ESPN reported.

However, when the commission and Top Rank requested more information about it, they learned Mayweather had not applied for the exemption until May 19. It was granted May 20, the report said.

This week, the USADA disputed the report on September 10 with a statement saying Mayweather had applied for and was granted the exemption.

“Although Mr. Mayweather’s application was not approved until after his fight with Mr. Pacquiao and all test results were reported, Mr. Mayweather did disclose the infusion to USADA in advance of the IV being administered to him,” its statement read.

“Furthermore, once the TUE [therapeutic-use exemption] was

u PAGE A3

APEC GATHERING. President Benigno S. Aquino III, together with Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, share the stage with the heads of finance ministries across Asia-Pacific and top executives of multinational financial institutions who attended the APEC Finance Ministers Meeting held at Shangri-La Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu province on Thursday, Sept. 10.

Malacañang photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr.

PH gov’t to roll-out nationwide free WiFi…

PAGE A1 t

Distance Telephone and Globe Telecom Inc. Both companies may need to make a value play to keep its customers.

“If subscribers move to using free public Wi-Fi, telecoms may

need to lure them into getting higher-end services,” said Monchito Ibrahim, deputy executive director of the Information and Communications Technology Office in Makati City. “The government’s focus is on areas that

absolutely don’t have access.”

The free connection has its limitations, Ibrahim said. Speed is capped at 256 kilobits per second, which is enough for basic Internet searches or access to Facebook.

The overall goal to expand internet access across the Philippines, especially in disconnected areas, will hopefully lower relatively expensive internet costs.

According to research firm IDC, data costs an average of $18 for each megabit per second, compared with a global average of just $5. Broadband connectivity in the Philippines is only ahead of Afghanistan in Asia, IDC said.

Other nations are slowly following suit, with lawmakers in India’s Delhi territory recently proposing a similar plan to offer free Wi-Fi usage up to one gigabyte per month, eventually leading to free internet access in all government and private colleges. Singapore also started a free public wireless service in 2006 that now offers speeds of as much as 2 megabits per second-enough for phone calls over data network and video streaming, and already eight times faster than that planned in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, companies like Facebook and Google have developing projects to bring better connectivity to remote areas worldwide, said Fortune.

“The free Wi-Fi service would compel improvement of service of both telecoms,” said Lexter

u PAGE A4

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

From the Front page

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015

A

Pacquiao demands Mayweather…

PAGE A2 t

granted, the NSAC and Pacquiao were immediately notified even though the practice is not prohibited under NSAC rules.”

NSAC executive director Bob Bennett disputed, saying the USADA does not have authorization to grant an exemption.

“Only the Commission, which was not notified of the exemption until after it was given, can give an athlete an exemption,” he argued.

“The TUE for Mayweather’s IV--and the IV was administered at Floyd’s house, not in a medical facility, and wasn’t brought to our attention at the time--was totally unacceptable,” Bennett said. “I’ve made it clear to Travis Tygart [CEO of USADA] that this should not happen again. We have the sole authority to grant any and all TUEs in the state of Nevada.”

Pacquiao, who on May 2 was denied a request to be injected with a painkiller (to ease the pain on his rotator cuff injury), was suspicious. According to AFP, he questioned why the USADA only informed the NSAC about the infusion three weeks after the fight, by which Mayweather had already received an exemption from the USADA. “Are they hiding something?

For the sake of fairness and for the good of the sport, NSAC must be consistent,” Pacquiao recently told reporters at his home in the southern Philippines.

“If needed, the NSAC should impose the appropriate sanction to sustain its credibility and to show the world they did not give preferential treatment to the Mayweather camp,” he continued.

SB Nation reported that Mayweather had broken WADA regulations by having the vitamin and saline mix infusion at his Las Vegas home on May 1, the

day before the fight.

WADA guidelines say IV infusions are prohibited because they can be used to mask performance-enhancing drugs, increase plasma volume levels, and dilute the presence of other substances.

A source from the USADA argued that Mayweather, who obtained a therapeutic use exemption, did not commit any offense.

Doping and drug-related allegations have been at the center of the long-running feud between both boxers, which has far from subsided, months after Mayweather won the World Boxing Organization welterweight title. The May 2 match was also one of the most expensive sports events in boxing history, with a record US Pay-Per-View revenue of $400 million.

Pacquiao demands rematch Pacquiao claims he was treated unfairly because the Nevada body refused to let him use a USADA-approved painkiller (Toradol) before the fight, when he was carrying a [not-yet disclosed] shoulder injury. The NSAC said they denied Pacquiao’s request because it was not made in a timely manner, and he had not previously disclosed the injury.

“This is why I want a rematch.

One without any injury and with fair play. No favoritism. Not one where the Mayweather camp gets to dictate all the terms and conditions,” he said.

The big fight took years to become reality, in part because of Mayweather’s insistence that Pacquiao comply with a strict drug-testing regime.

Not long afterwards, Mayweather accused Pacquiao of using PEDs (performance-enhancing drugs), prompting a lawsuit which was settled [in seven figures] out of court.

He has also branded the Fili-

pino boxer a “sore loser” for revealing his torn rotator cuff injury, which later received surgery, only after the fight.

“Truth finally came out and I was vindicated,” Pacquiao said in a statement. “The Mayweather camp accused me of using PEDs. Now look what happened.”

“I find it ironic,” Michael Koncz, an adviser to Pacquiao, told ESPN. “We tried to get an injection that was totally legal before the fight and the commission slams us and then this thing with Mayweather happens.”

“We need to fight in Vegas again so I don’t want to make many more comments,” Koncz added. “Maybe the best thing for Floyd to do is have a rematch with Manny.”

But the undefeated Mayweather, who will next take on Andre Berto on Sept. 12 for his final bout before retirement, has insisted multiple times that he is “clean.”

“As already confirmed by the USADA, I did not commit any violations of the Nevada or USADA drug testing guidelines. I follow and have always followed the rules of Nevada and USADA, the gold standard of drug testing,” Mayweather stated.

“Let’s not forget that I was the one six years ago who insisted on elevating the level of drug testing for all my fights,” he continued. “As a result, there is more drug testing and awareness of its importance in the sport of boxing today than ever before.”

“I am very proud to be a clean athlete and will continue to champion the cause.”

However, Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, who is also Pacquiao’s promoter, was not buying it.

“USADA has a lot of explaining to do,” Arum said. n

of funds for housing resettlement amounting to P54 billion.

“A total of P170 billion was earmarked for reconstruction and rehabilitation, but again, the government has not released the whole amount,” he said.

Quicho said a total of 120,000 housing units should have already been completed this year, but claimed that funds were not

Fil-Am among jail deputies charged for…

PAGE A1 t

him and we have now charged them with murder.”

Court documents reveal that Lubrin, Farris and Rodriguez reported finding Tyree unresponsive, naked and covered in feces and vomit in his cell after midnight on Aug. 27. They tried to revive him, Sheriff Laurie Smith told the Los Angeles Times.

However, an investigation found that the three beat Tyree to death on Aug. 26. Earlier that night, a jail nurse told Lubrin that Tyree pocketed his prescription medicine instead of swallowing it. Lubrin then confronted Tyree to take his pills.

Documents show that later on in the evening that Lubrin and Farris conducted a routine search of the cells, while the inmates were participating in “program time” in the common areas.

Rodriguez joined the two officers to confront inmate Juan Villa. They allegedly hit Villa in the head and twisted his arms, according to the investigative reimmediately released to the Na- ang daan, puro harang o road- port prepared by Sergeant Marc blocks pa sa pag-unlad ng Pili- Carrasco. The three also face astional Housing Authority.

“These projects have been pinas at pagginhawa ng buhay sault charges for this encounter.

They then continued their bid-out and ready for award ng Pilipino dahil manhid at palbut could not be awarded yet pak ang pamamahala (Is this the search of other cells, including pending release of funds to the real straight path? The ways are Tyree’s. Lubrin and Farris allegNational Housing Authority,” riddled with potholes and road- edly entered Tyree’s one-man blocks to the growth of the Phil- cell while Rodriguez waited outQuicho said.

“Ito ba ang tunay na Daang ippines and the improvement of side the door.

Carrasco’s report stated that Matuwid? Kabi-kabila ang prob- the lives of Filipinos because the lema ng bansa at ng mamama- government is insensitive and in- Tyree reportedly asked “Do I have to get up?” and was ordered yang Pilipino? Lubak-lubak na utile),” he added. n

‘Yolanda’ reveals Roxas’ failure as…

PAGE A1 t

COMMENDED. Senate President Franklin M. Drilon (fifth from right) hands over a Senate resolution to Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa (4th from right) Tuesday, Sept. 8, lauding her efforts in promoting and conserving the pangalay, a traditional dance form of the Sulu Archipelago.

Also in photo are Senators Sonny Angara (left), Nancy Binay (second from left), Loren Legarda (fifth from left), Koko Pimentel (second from right) and Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito (right) and Amilbangsa’s friends.

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

to get up by Farris.

“Inmate Tyree’s distinctive voice could be heard screaming, ‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Stop,’” Carrasco detailed. “Screaming could be heard throughout the pod for several minutes and was accompanied by the sounds of thumping, wall banging and what sounded like blows to a person’s body. At some point during the screaming period, Officer Rodriguez closed the door so that it was open a small amount.”

Tyree died “within minutes to no more than one hour,” the report said, after the incident with the officers left him with wounds on his eye, chin and cheek; bruises above his left ear; and injuries on his upper arms, legs, back and hips. The injury on Tyree’s lower left back ruptured his spleen and liver and caused internal bleeding, Carrasco stated.

“The officers then left Inmate Tyree’s cell continuing their searches. They did not call for medical assistance for Inmate Tyree,” the report said.

After midnight, Lubrin went back to the cell for the routine welfare check and radioed, “man down” upon finding Tyree’s body. Tyree was subsequently pronounced dead at 12:35 am.

An attorney for Tyree’s family said he was schizophrenic and had battled mental illness most of his adult life, according to an NBC report. He was reportedly going to enter a residential treat-

ment program at the Momentum Crisis Residential Treatment Center, a nonprofit for substance abuse, after serving his five-day sentence for petty theft and drug possession.

The death of Tyree — who was housed in a special wing of the jail reserved for inmates in protective custody or with special needs — has reopened the debate about how jails treat mentally ill inmates.

“This is a tragic sad heartbreaking event,” family attorney Paula Canny said. “And that Michael Tyree, even though he was an inmate in jail, he was a person of value and inmates are to be respected. Michael was somebody’s brother, somebody’s son, somebody’s cousin, somebody’s nephew.”

Since the arrest on Sept. 3, Lubrin’s family and friends have stood by him, describing him as a loving and caring individual.

“He likes his job, and he works well with his sergeant and all of the good people there,” Lubrin’s father Dwight told the San Jose Mercury News. The report also said Lubrin told his father that “something had happened with an inmate” at the jail and told his mother, Julieta, “don’t worry. I didn’t do anything.”

Lubrin was hired as a correctional officer at the Santa Clara County Main Jail in 2012, a step in his dream of being in law en-

u PAGE A4

A SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

From the Front page

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

Poll: Californians approve of giving…

PAGE A1 t

mented Californians, this year 58 percent of voters approve, with the strongest support coming from Latinos, followed by African Americans and Asian Americans – findings that bode well for the Health for All bill sponsored by Sen. Ricardo Lara, D-Bell Gardens.

“These findings tell us that Californians value health equity,” said Judy Belk, president and chief executive officer of California Wellness Foundation, which sponsored the poll conducted by telephone in eight languages on a random sampling of 1,555 voters. “There is increasing support for the ACA and a clear desire to be inclusive of all people, including the undocumented, when it comes to health care access.”

Sarah de Guia, executive director of the Oakland-based non-profit, California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, echoed those views: “We are pleased to see that almost 60 percent of California voters support expanding Medi-Cal [California’s Medicaid] to provide health services to undocumented residents,” up from 51 percent last year, she said.

Immigrants appreciated And, De Guia noted: “The poll findings also shows that Californians increasingly acknowledge the contribution of immigrants to our state and our economy and are ready to move forward with a policy to provide health care. The support validates our efforts to continue expanding health care

services to the undocumented and will be instrumental in our efforts to secure Health For All.” Views about the ACA have consistently been partisanbased, and this year was no exception. Democrats back the law overwhelmingly (85 percent to 11 percent) while Republicans oppose it by 68 percent to 25 percent.

But this year, for the first time, “majorities of voters in all major regions, all races and ethnicities, and all age groups back the law,” said The Field Poll Senior Vice President Mark DiCamillo. African Americans back the law by 78 percent, followed by Latinos at 71 percent and Asian Americans at 66 percent.

The poll also showed that growing majorities of voters also believe California has been successful in meeting ACA’s goals of expanding Medi-Cal, the health insurance program for low-income people, so more low-income residents could enroll in it, and providing consumers with more insurance choices and protections.

But voters remain divided on another ACA goal: limiting the rate increases that insurance companies charge their customers. While 42 percent of voters feel California has been successful in meeting this objective, 44 percent do not.

Top concern: Affordability Indeed, affordability continues to be a top concern. Despite subsidies to those eligible under the

Covered California exchange, 52 percent of Latinos report that it is “very difficult” to “somewhat difficult” to pay for health insurance each month, followed by 44 percent of African Americans and 49 percent of Asian Americans. However, only 37 percent of whites shared that view.

At a panel discussion in which health care advocates, state officials and a health care journalist participated following the release of the poll findings, panelists acknowledged that the rising cost of premiums is a cause for concern. State Health and Human Services Secretary Diana Dooley observed that despite the many health care innovations the state has made, they haven’t translated into more affordable health care.

Covered California’s executive director Peter Lee opined that rising health care costs is one of the reasons why wages haven’t increased.

But Lee also pointed out that the 12 insurance companies currently selling policies on Covered California have an average annual profit of a mere 1.1 percent.

He said if the Medicare rollout back in 1965 is anything to go by, it’s not surprising that health care under the ACA can be made “inexpensive overnight.”

Strong backing for Medi-Cal The poll found very strong backing for Medi-Cal, with two in three voters (63 percent) saying it was important to them and their families, with 45 percent

FLOODED. Commuters wade through knee-level waters on Chino Roces Avenue Makati city as strong thunderstorms rolled in parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Inquirer.net photo by Jonathan de Belen

Study: Filipino ‘shortness’ not only…

PAGE A1 t

efforts to alleviate poverty. It is also likely to hold back economic growth.

In a World Bank study, it was found that each 1 percent loss in adult height due to stunting equates to a 1.4 percent decrease in economic activity, Rappler reported.

Throughout the last 20 years, stunting in the Philippines has only decreased by 9 percent from 39 percent in 1993 to 30 percent in 2013, according to the National Nutrition Survey in 2013; from 2011 to 2013, the improvement u PAGE A5 was at 0.3 percent, Rappler re-

ported. Additionally, the Philippines is among the 14 countries from which 80 percent of the world’s stunted children come, according to the publication.

“We have not done so much to correct or end stunting,” Parawan said. “We should prioritize chronic child malnutrition

because stunting is one of its forms.” nutrition survey indicates that households in rural and urban environments, as well as those who live in disaster-prone areas are at a higher risk of malnutrition – especially stunting.

u PAGE A5

Fil-Am among jail deputies…

PAGE A3 t

forcement. Lubrin was inspired by his grandfather, according to Dwight, who was a second lieutenant in the Philippine Army.

“He looked up to my dad,’’ Dwight said.

Rodriguez told the Mercury News that he was inside Tyree’s cell for the search that night, but never had physical contact with Tyree.

“It sucks being in here for something I didn’t do,” Rodriguez said.

Lubrin, Farris and Rodriguez are scheduled to appear in court

on Sept. 18. If convicted, they could face life in prison.

“These men violated the law, human dignity, and the job that they were sworn to do,” District Attorney Rosen said in a statement. “They may have thought that their violence, enacted late at night in the obscurity of a jail cell and against a helpless and mentally ill inmate, was invisible. Today we see it for all of its brutality. Mr. Tyree was not invisible. His death was not invisible. We will see that there is justice.” n

PH gov’t to roll-out…

PAGE A2 t

Azurin, research head at Unicapital Securities Inc. “Definitely, they might need more capex for that, which would impact earnings at the end of the day.”

“As more people get into the data traffic, they will understand and eventually appreciate the ease of using mobile Internet,” said Yolanda Crisanto, a spokeswoman at Globe, which in 2013 posted a 27 percent jump in first-

half profit, with services such as free Facebook access. “That will induce usage.”

“While offering free Wi-Fi access is a step forward, what the country needs is a longer-term plan to improve Internet connectivity,” Senator Bam Aquino, head of the Philippine Senate trade and commerce committee, said last month. “What I’m looking for is really a major broadband plan.” n

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015

Alliance launches new…

PAGE A1 t

FRANCHISE RENEWAL. Senator Sergio Osmeña III, acting chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Services, discusses several house bills renewing the franchises of electric, telecommunications, radio broadcasting and television companies a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Also in photo is Senate President Franklin Drilon.

Senate photo by Albert Calvelo

Study: Filipino ‘shortness’ not only…

PAGE A4 t

The first 1,000 days of a child – from conception until its second birthday – is a critical time period in preventing stunting, according to the Save the Children report. Studies have revealed that children who failed to reach optimum growth within that window are at increased risk of impaired cognitive development, which results in a negative impact on their performance in school,

the Philippines, Save the Children launched a campaign called Lahat Dapat (No Child Left Behind) that urges the government and public to increase its efforts in addressing the issue: a campaign video states that 1.5 Filipino children go to bed hungry every night after going through the whole day without eating.

“If we’re going to solve the problem, everybody will have to work. We have to get our acts together and involve all partners, all sectors to solve the problem of child malnutrition,” Bayugo said, percent say they were not too according to Rappler. n satisfied, and 22 percent say they were not at all satisfied.

Nearly a quarter of Asian Americans surveyed say they want to get more information about Covered California in their native language.

The Field Poll has been measuring voter opinions about the ACA in California annually since its passage in 2010. While voter sentiment in the first four years hovered around 52 to 54 percent, the current survey finds supporters now outnumbering opponents nearly two to one. (Viji Sundaram/New America Media) among other areas, according to the report..

“Malnutrition has adversely affected labor force and productivity later in life,” said Assistant Secretary of Health Gerardo Bayugo, according to Rappler. “All these point to the same direction that if you care for this country, we must invest in the health and nutrition of our children because they are the future of the Philippines.”

In response to malnutrition in

Poll: Californians approve…

PAGE A4 t

saying it is very important. Four years ago, only 29 percent felt it was very important.

More than two in three voters (65 percent) believe the state’s implementation of the law has been successful, versus one-fifth who do not. But support drops when it comes to accessing Covered California’s website. Some 19 percent of all those surveyed, including whites, say they were “very satisfied” with their experience visiting the online health insurance marketplace website, while 36 percent say they were somewhat satisfied. Eighteen

during the program’s official launch on Tuesday. “EMPLEO – Pinoy will assist those who have questions about working conditions and the pay they are entitled to.”

The hotline will be housed and coordinated by the Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California (PWC). Whether callers have concerns regarding wages, discrimination, safety, or other issues, by calling (877) TULONG1, they will be directed to appropriate departments and agencies that can provide assistance.

“Today we are ... taking action to make sure … that we’re strong and that we’re actively reaching out, helping each other, helping ourselves and that’s what this program is about,” said PWC Executive Director Aquilina Versoza.

EMPLEO – Pinoy builds on the success of EMPLEO, which was launched in 2004 for the LatinoAmerican community. In its 11 years of existence, the EMPLEO program has collected millions of dollars in back wages for thousands of employees.

“EMPLEO – Pinoy is the next evolution of EMPLEO,” said Juan Correa, deputy regional administrator for the Wage and Hour Division. “We recognize that, especially in California, we have an important segment of the workforce that is our Filipino community. And we recognize the contributions that they make to the American workforce.”

The program will be staffed

by Tagalog-speaking volunteers who will be able to offer language and culturally-sensitive

assistance. It will serve members of Filipino communities by providing them education and protecting their rights.

“We know so many that are working below minimum wage, are not paid overtime and this shouldn’t be the reality here in the United States. We need to transform this reality, and so this is another step for the Filipino community to really gain more strength, more knowledge, and it’s also bringing us together in bigger networks as we grow and build our ties together,” Versoza said.

Maria de Chavez, 64, who was paid between $70 to $120 per day for 24-hour shifts in the 13 years she worked as a caregiver, encouraged those with workplace problems to take advantage of the EMPLEO – Pinoy hotline. She said the new resource is one that would have been useful if it existed when she began working in the United States in the early 2000s.

“Kung, noong panahon iyon, na meron na tayong ganito, eh, hindi lang ako ang makikinabang sa dami ng inexploit nila na kapua Pilipino. Eh, malaking bagay na meron kaming pagsusumbongan ng mga ginagawa sa amin. Hindi lang dahil sa salapi, sa aming sweldong tinatangap, kundi pati na rin ang aming pamumuhay sa loob ng bahay ng aming cliente o paciente. (If there was a program like this when I first arrived, it wouldn’t have just been me who would have benefited from it, given the number of Filipinos employers exploited. It would have been a big help to have someone

A

we could go to to tell about what they were doing to us. Not just because of the salary we were receiving, but also our living conditions at the home of our clients or patients),” she said.

EMPLEO – Pinoy includes organizations and agencies from seven Southern California counties: Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, Orange, San Diego and Ventura.

Members of the alliance are: Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance Los Angeles Chapter; Association of Filipino Workers; California Labor Federation Workforce and Economic Development; Catholic Filipino Ministry of Los Angeles; Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles; Filipino American Service Groups, Inc.; Historic Filipino Neighborhood Council; Kababayan Today on LA18; Kabataang Makabayan; Knights of Columbus Los Angeles; Los Angeles ORT College; People’s Community Organization; Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California; Search to Involve Pilipino Americans; Restaurant Opportunities Center of Los Angeles; Rosewood Revitalization Group; Philippine Consulate; US Department of Labor, Wage Hour Division, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs; US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards, Division of Occupational Safety and Health, and Division of Workers’ Compensation; and the National Labor Relations Board. (Agnes Constante/AJPress)

A SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

California Senate advances right-to-die measure

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

THE California Senate on Friday, Sept. 11, passed a contentious bill that would authorize terminally ill patients to legally end their lives.

In a 23-14 vote, the legislative chamber cleared AB X2-15, following approval from state Assembly on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

“Californians by an overwhelming majority – across all groups, religious, ethnic, geographic, no matter what age or gender – Cali-

fornians want us, the Legislature, to act to eliminate the needless pain and prolonged suffering of those who are dying,” Sen. Lois Wolk (D-Davis), told her colleagues on Friday, the San Jose Mercury News reported.

Despite its approval, the measure remains opposed by individuals and organizations, including the Catholic Church, disabled rights activists and associations representing oncologists.

Sen. Robert Huff (R-San Dimas) was among those who expressed disapproval of the bill.

"RVJOP -PFX CERTIFIED SPECIALISTS IN U.S. IMMIGRATION LAW

Richard M. Loew, Esq.

Allison Aquino-Silva, Esq.

• Deportation and Removal Defense

• Family Based Petitions

• Employment Based Petitions

• Fiancé/Fiancée Visas

• Investor Visas

• Domestic Violence Based Petitions

• Trader Visas

• Same-Sex Marriage Petitions

• BIA & Federal Court Appeals

• Deceased Sponsor Remedies

• Waiver of Inadmissibility

• Deferred Action (DACA) Petitions

• Criminal Waivers

• Naturalization and Citizenship

• Crime Victims & Trafficking Petitions

• Asylum Applications

• Religious Worker Petitions

• Student Visas

Join Us On LA18 Kababayan Today (KSCI Channel 18)

Tuesday, 09/08/15 from 3:30 - 4:00 PST as Atty. Aquino-Silva & Atty. Loew Answer Your Immigration Questions LIVE Call-In Number: (800) 553-5724 625 Fair Oaks Avenue, Suite 101 | South Pasadena, California 91030 (626) 799-3089 | (888) 797-1140

info@aquinoloew.com | www.aquinoloew.com

Consultations Available in Office, Telephone or Skype Evening & Weekend Consultations Available

Hablamos español | Kami po ay nagsasalita ng tagalog

“Let’s call this what it is. It’s not death with dignity. It’s assisted killing,” he said.

Among opponents’ concerns are that such legislation goes against God’s will, puts terminally ill patients at risk of forced death, and that poor and disabled individuals are left with limited end-of-life treatment options.

“This bill still remains broadly opposed by groups representing people living with disabilities, cancer doctors, people advocating for the poor and uninsured and faith-based organizations,” said Tim Rosales, a spokesman for Californians Against Assisted Suicide, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The bill now heads to the desk of California Gov. Jerry Brown, who formerly studied to become a Catholic priest and has not indicated whether or not he would sign off on the legislation.

California’s right to die bill, co-authored by Sen. Bill Monning (D-Monterey) and Assemblywoman Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton), gained traction after California resident Brittany Maynard, who had brain cancer, moved to Oregon last year to end her life.

“It’s a sense of accomplishment and happiness and pride in the legislators who voted for this.

They are representing the will of California people,” Diaz said, according to Mercury News.

“I am confident that the governor will listen to the 75 percent

u PAGE A7

REINFORCEMENT. In this Monday, Sept. 7, 2015 photo, members of the police Highway Patrol Group (HPG) attend a sendoff ceremony before being deployed to EDSA, a major thoroughfare in Metro Manila. Some new recruits of the Special Action Force are reinforcing the HPG in manning traffic on EDSA. HPG director Chief Superintendent Arnold Gunnacao said that only the PNP-SAF has so far responded to the HPG’s call for more cops to be deployed in managing traffic along the metro’s major thoroughfare.

PNP-PIO/Released

El Niño ‘likely, but no guarantees’

by Allyson

esCobAr

AJPress

CLIMATE scientists say powerful tropical storm El Niño is on track to become “one of the most powerful on record” – also strongly suggesting that the West Coast could face heavy rainfall this winter.

“But El Niño still hasn’t sealed the deal, and there still needs

to be a dramatic change in the winds in the Pacific Ocean if it is to be as strong as it might be,” said Bill Patzert, climatologist for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Cañada Flintridge, California.

“It’s still very impressive, but it’s a marathon with an El Niño,” Patzert said. “At 20 miles, do you hit the wall? Or do you pick up the pace?”

At this point, El Niño is strong and could be even stronger than the 1997-98 storm, which brought heavy rains, deadly flooding and mudslides across California, giving the southern state double its rainfall and the mountains double the snowpack, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The latest National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center’s forecast, issued Thursday, Sept. 10, said that computer models unanimously favor a strong El Niño, and that there is a 95 percent chance that the storm will continue through the winter.

The rains prove beneficial for California, which is experiencing its fourth year of severe drought.

The Climate Prediction Center’s deputy director, Mike Halpert, said Thursday that sea-surface temperatures in a benchmark location of the Pacific Ocean are now exceeding 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit above the average. Those are the highest temperatures recorded “for the first

time since the end of the 1997-98 El Niño.”

“The present El Niño is already one of the strongest on record and is expected to strengthen further through the late fall or early winter months,” said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with Stanford University. “At this juncture, the likeliest outcome for California is a wetter-than-average winter.”

According to Swain, California could receive stronger storms than typical, especially between December through March. With sea temperatures particularly warm offshore, that could bring even more atmospheric moisture to fuel storm systems bound for this state, he wrote on his blog.

“All of this suggests that there could be a substantially increased risk of precipitation-related hazards this winter in California, including flooding and landslides,” Swain said.

The harsh effects of the drought -- deaths of trees, thick ash and debris left behind by wildfires -- could also increase the risk of mudslides and debris flow this winter.

California has already been feeling the effects of El Niño, with an increased number of hurricanes in the eastern Pacific that have sent intense storms over the state this summer. El Niño is a factor in the rising humidity and scattered thunderstorms and

u PAGE A8

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015

A

California legislature approves racial profiling measure

by Allyson

EscobAr

AJPress

WARM WELCOME. President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm reception from the locals along the streets of Misamis Occidental when he attended the briefing on the major infrastructure projects in the Province of Misamis Occidental at the Sinanduloy Cultural Centre in Tangub City on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

MalacaĂąang photo by Gil Nartea

California Senate advances right-to-die‌ PAGE A6 t

of Californians who do support this option, that the governor will take into consideration that this is an option for an individual voluntarily to pursue,� he said, according to the Times. “Ethically this decision belongs with the individual working with his physician. I am hopeful.�

Eggman, whose testimony was among the most powerful in Assembly on Wednesday, according to Mercury News, spoke toward the end of the session right before lawmakers cast their votes. “We are all going to die,� she told her colleagues, according to the publication. “As we look back at that trail of footsteps we have left (on Earth), some members want to be in control when their footstep makes that last mark. I respectfully ask for that vote.�

AB X2-15 is modeled after Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act and is nearly identical to the Senate’s version of the bill, SB128, which stalled in July in the Assembly Health Committee, according to Mercury News. Members of the committee were encouraged by the Catholic Church to vote against it, according to the publication.

Among stipulations in the measure headed to Brown include that the patient be physically capable of taking the

medication themselves, that the patient is mentally competent to make health care decisions, that two doctors confirm the patient has six months or less to live, that the patient submits one written request and two oral requests made at least 15 days apart, and that two witnesses attest to the request, Mercury News reported.

Should the bill become law, it would permit physicians to prescribe lethal doses of drugs to terminally ill, mentally competent patients, Mercury News reported. It would also make California the fifth state to authorize the practice. In Montana, Oregon, Washington and Vermont, doctors are allowed to prescribe life-ending medication. n

WITH systemic police reform gaining momentum on both the state and national levels, California is leading the charge with the first-ever bill to combat racial profiling and police brutality.

Assembly Bill 953, also known as the Racial and Identity Profiling Act of 2015, is the first bill of its kind to collect basic information on police stops to better prevent racial and identity profiling.

The bill, first introduced by Assemblywoman Shirley Weber (DSan Diego), was approved by the California Senate on Wednesday, Sept. 9, and will return to its original house for concurrence.

Once a collective decision is made, AB 953 will be considered for signature by Governor Jerry Brown. “Recent incidents have forced us to confront some ugly truths about the persistence of racial bias in law enforcement. One of our best defenses is information about who is stopped by police

and why,� said Weber. “Currently, information on these incidents isn’t provided publicly in a comprehensive way. The goal of AB 953 is to rectify this so we can make policies with the best information possible.�

If approved, the legislation would update California’s definition of racial and identity profiling to be in line with federal recommendations (including other demographic characteristics, such as gender/sexual orientation), require that California law enforcement agencies uniformly collect and report data on civilian interactions and establish an efficient advisory board to analyze data made at stops/searches and better address problems with disparate policing, according to a statement released by Asian Americans Advancing Justice -Los Angeles.

Last week, about 800 people were present at the capitol to urge Governor Brown to pledge his support for AB 953. Protestors staged three die-ins, each lasting four and a half minutes

(to represent the four and a half hours Michael Brown’s body laid on the street after he was shot in 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri), and then occupied the halls outside of Gov. Brown’s office for over two hours.

Participants and advocacy groups, including Advancing Justice -- LA , cited racial profiling as one of the reasons why people of color are being killed by police at racially disproportionate rates. “Far too long Black, Indigenous, Latino, and immigrant communities have been unfairly profiled, harassed, and killed by law enforcement. We know it starts with a stop, but it can end in tragedy,� said Rev. Ben McBride, Director of Regional Clergy Development for PICO California. “Law enforcement has gone unchecked and [the] state legislature has failed at protecting those most vulnerable to police misconduct.�

An independent analysis of officer-involved killings provided

by Southern California Public Ra-

u PAGE A8

3URWHFW \RXU IXWXUH 3URWHFW ZKDW \RX KDYH QRZ State FarmŽ RǼHUV OLIH LQVXUDQFH WKDW DOORZV à H[LELOLW\ WR SURWHFW \RXU IDPLO\¡V ÀQDQFHV QRW RQO\ LQ WKH IXWXUH EXW WRGD\ :H DUH KDSS\ WR DVVLVW \RX VR \RX FDQ VWULYH IRU D PRUH VHFXUH IXWXUH ZLWK OLIH LQVXUDQFH WKDW VXLWV \RXU QHHGV Talk to a State Farm agent today!

1505053

(YHO\Q 0 &DOD $JHQW

-HÇĽ 3 0RUJDQ ,QV $JF\ ,QF

Insurance Lic#: 0C39306 Tujunga, CA 91042 Bus: 818-352-3800 evelyncala.com

-HÇĽ 0RUJDQ $JHQW Insurance Lic#: 0743918 Long Beach, CA 90807 Bus: 562-595-6969

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) - Bloomington, IL

A SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

thiS Week in RevieW US US open to 10,000 Syrian refugees THE Obama administration on Thursday, Sept. 10 said it is willing to take in at least 10,000 Syrian refugees in the next fiscal year, as Europe continues to face an exodus of thousands from wartorn Middle East and African regions. The US estimates that it has accepted 1,500 Syrian refugees since the conflict with ISIS started four years ago, and 50,000 were allowed entry during the Iraq war. “There’s no plan right now for that kind of expedited process,” said White House press secretary Josh Earnest. “Given the scale of the population displaced by violence in Syria, it’s difficult to imagine a practical solution that includes bringing all those people to the US. I don’t anticipate a significant problem in trying to meet the ambitious goal that the president has laid out for admitting 10,000 refugees next year.” The US has provided at least $4 billion in financial help since the start of the crisis.

California Common Core tests show lower results RESULTS of last spring’s Common Core-aligned testing of students in California public schools showed sharp achievement gaps in testing. Statewide, 44 percent of CA students at least meet English standards, and 33 percent at least meet math standards. White and Asian students met or exceeded the standards at a much higher rate than black and Latino students, demonstrating a clear achievement divide extending to both low-income students and English learners. Nervous education leaders have warned parents that the scores are just starting points, as both students and public schools adjust to a new teaching model based on the Common Core national standards.

DUTERTE SUPPORTERS. After the announcement of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte on Monday, supporters expressed dismay but remained hopeful, prompting them to hold a gathering dubbed “Million March: Run Duterte Run” to make him run.

Philstar.com photo by Rosette Adel

California legislature approves…

PAGE A7 t dio recently found that California leads the nation in the number of police-related deaths so far this year.

According to the database, the Los Angeles Police Department has killed more people than any other law enforcement agency in the US in 2015 so far. The number -- 10 -- is twice the number killed by deputies of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which tied for second with two other agencies. Demographic research shows that 69 of the 74 killed in California were men.

Broken down by race, the data showed 27 of those killed were white, 25 were Latino, 14 were black, and three were Asian or Pacific Islanders (five were listed as “unknown”).

Across the US, more than 450 people have been killed by law enforcement officers this year. 129 of those are in California, which holds the record for highest number of deaths in the nation.

However, bill advocates argue that the state does not collect, analyze or make available even basic information about who the police stop, search or even shoot.

In Connecticut, a Racial Profiling Prohibition Project has data-collection and advisory board components similar to those proposed

under Weber’s bill. However, AB 953 would go even further to include both traffic and pedestrian stops analysis.

“The passage of AB 953 is just one way state legislators can begin to root out the evil ingrained in the culture of mass criminalization that exists in our state,” McBride continued. “Black lives matter. People of color matter.

We must demand that our elected officials and law enforcement officers do what they are paid to

do and that is protect us.”

“If signed into law, AB 953 would pave the way for the nation on the issue of fair policing,” said Salimah Hankins, Director of Legislative Advocacy for Dignity and Power Now. “By developing a model system for collecting basic information about police stops, California would be moving away from the anecdotal to the empirical. And we know that as California goes, so goes the nation.” n

PAGE A6 t

antees.”

Weather experts are also warning that while more rainfall would certainly be welcome, there is virtually no hope that one rainy winter could reverse the severe effects of the fouryear drought. It would take many years of above-average rain and snow to officially end the drought and refill empty, dried-up reservoirs and wells, experts say.

“Californians should continue to use water carefully and sparingly in the face of the ongoing extreme drought,” state climatologist Michael L. Anderson said in a statement. “Californians should not count on El Niño to end the drought.” n

Apple unveils more products at keynote AT its anticipated keynote event on Wednesday, Sept. 9, Apple Inc. unveiled the new iPad Pro, with a 12.9-inch screen and 5.6 million pixel resolution; new leather straps for the Apple Watch, Siri voice control for Apple TV, and the much talked-about iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, with a new rose gold color and 3D Touch technology. The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, available for pre-order, will start at $199 for 16GB iPhone 6s and $299 for 16GB iPhone 6s Plus. Apple also now allows you to upgrade your iPhone every year through its program that lets you pay off the device, starting at $32 a month.

Disney park to replace ‘Aladdin’ with ‘Frozen’ musical OFFICIALS announced the beloved “Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular,” which has played for more than a decade in the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure, will be replaced by a new musical inspired by the popular Award-winning film and 2013 franchise, “Frozen.” “Our stage production of ‘Frozen’ will stay true to the heart and soul of the film,” said Dana Harrel, entertainment executive at Disney Imagineering. “Anna and Elsa will carry the audience on an emotional journey that includes show-stopping production numbers and a few unique theatrical twists.” A spokesman said backstage staffers in Aladdin will be relocated to other parts of the park, and current cast members can audition for a part in the new Frozen musical. Aladdin’s last show will be on January 10.

Nearly 4,000 foster kids in El Niño ‘likely, but no… California live in group homes

flooding over the Southland this week.

“This El Niño is already happening and it’s already having impacts,” Patzert said, “as warm ocean water from the western Pacific Ocean surges to the Americas.”

“But for this coming El Niño to rival the infamous “Godzilla El Niño” of 1997-98, the east-towest trade winds of the Pacific Ocean along the equator need to dramatically collapse, which would allow the sea near Peru to warm up even further. And that hasn’t happened yet,” Patzert added.

“At this point, there’s no guar-

PALO ALTO, Calif. – The number of foster children in California who live in family-like placements, instead of shelters or group homes, has declined since 1998, according to the Lucille Packard Foundation for Children’s Health.

Children fare best in families.

To preserve the wellbeing of children who enter the foster care system, out-of-home placements must be in the setting that most closely resembles family life. The same holds true for children in the child welfare system.

The Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 was meant to ensure that children in the child welfare system grow up

in families-cared for in their own homes or the homes of relatives whenever possible, or in new permanent homes if not. (See First Entries into Foster Care in California, by Type of Placement.)

While the vast majority (more than 80 percent) of foster children in California are living in family-like placements (i.e., in Foster Homes or Foster Family Agency Homes, with Guardians or Kin-Relatives, or in Pre-Adoptive families), between 19982014, the proportion of children living in these types of placements did not grow; rather, it saw a slight decline.

That means that each year, there remains a substantial num-

ber of foster children living in non-family placements, such as shelters, group homes, and other congregate or temporary placements.

In 2014, there were nearly 4,000 foster children living in group homes, one of the least optimal placement options.

The U.S. foster care system aims to provide temporary living arrangements for children while attempting to safely reunite children with parents, or to find other permanent homes.

In reality, many foster children spend years in the system, and move between multiple homes. Children age 6-20, as

u PAGE A9

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Reopening Mamasapano massacre probe up to Senate

by Nikko

DizoN aND LeiLa B. SaLaverria Inquirer.net

MALACAÑANG on Friday, Sept. 11 said it would be up to the Senate to decide whether to reopen the investigation into the Mamasapano debacle, specifically giving deference to Sen. Grace Poe as chair of the Senate public order committee that earlier found President Benigno Aquino III ultimately liable for the bloodbath.

“We defer to the senator as to how she intends to proceed with the Mamasapano investigation in the Senate,” was the brief reply of deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte when sought for comment by reporters.

Poe said on Thursday that she was considering reopening the inquiry into the matter.

According to her, she was interested in hearing the alternative version of events. She also said she, like the families of the slain police commandos and civilians, want the whole truth.

But Senate President Franklin Drilon said the Senate would have to vote whether or not to reopen the Mamasapano inves-

Nearly 4,000…

PAGE A8 t

well as those with disabilities or illnesses, and those of African American and American Indian descent, comprise a disproportionate number of youth in the foster care system Children in the system face higher risks of physical and mental health problems as well as academic barriers.

Advocates of providing all children with safe, permanent homes, urge policymakers to ensure that prevention services, mental health resources and educational support are available to foster children, their biological parents, and their foster parents.

Efforts, they say, should also be made to recruit and support foster families who are kin to the children in their care, as well as non-kin families who are wellsuited to provide homes to these children in need. (Inquirer.net)

tigation.

President Aquino himself revealed at the Meet Inquirer Multimedia forum on Tuesday that there was an emerging “alternative truth” in the debacle that cost the lives of 44 elite police commandos, some civilians, and Moro rebels, not to mention the setback in the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

His popularity also suffered heavily as the public could not understand why he consulted then national police chief Director General Alan Purisima on the operation to neutralize Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias “Marwan” although Purisima was serving a six-month suspension.

Mr. Aquino said the photo showing Marwan dead inside his hut “posed many questions and that is what we want to resolve.”

Naked from the waist “There are certain quarters who did point out certain questions that arose from viewing that picture. Does this support the so-called official version of what transpired? Now, if it doesn’t support [the official version], can it be explained or not? That is an ongoing process. There is no conclusion at this point,” he

said.

The photo of Marwan, who reportedly engaged SAF commandos in a firefight before he was killed, showed him slain and bloodied inside his hut, naked from the waist down.

Drilon said the joint committee report on the incident had already been submitted to the Senate body.

“The Senate, in plenary session, must calendar the report, and decide by majority vote if it will remand the report to the committee for further hearings,” Drilon said in a text message on Friday when asked if the Senate should reopen the investigation into the incident.

The joint report on the Mamasapano killings was drafted by the committees on public order and dangerous drugs, finance, and peace, unification and reconciliation.

As chair of the public order committee, Poe spearheaded the inquiry, which found President Aquino ultimately responsible for the Mamasapano, Maguindanao mission that ended in a bloodbath.

In the January 25 Mamasapano incident, 44 Special Action

In this January 27, 2015 file photo, police crime investigators are seen outside a morgue in 6th Division camp as they conduct autopsy to the bodies of police commandos killed in Mamasapano operation. that what took place was a mas-

Force (SAF) commandos were killed in a clash with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and private armed groups.

The SAF troopers were on a

mission to arrest terror suspects including “Marwan.” While a team of commandos killed Marwan, scores of their colleagues were killed in a subsequent clash with Moro rebels.

The committee report also said

sacre, not an encounter, with the MILF and other armed groups killing and robbing the SAF members. MILF members involved should be charged with murder, frustrated murder, and robbery, the report recommended. n

A10 SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

OpiniOn

Features

Mamasapano revisited

THE Senate may reopen its inquiry into the police commando raid in Mamasapano, Maguindanao amid reports that the administration is pursuing new information on the case.

While senators ponder whether they should compel administration officials to disclose what has been described as sensitive new information on the Jan. 25 counterterrorist operation in Maguindanao, this development should also prompt lawmakers to get an update on the efforts to render justice to the 44 police Special Action Force commandos who were slaughtered in the raid.

The operation derailed the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and sealed the ouster of Director General Alan Purisima as chief of the Philippine National Police. Many questions on the raid remain unanswered, starting with the identities of the gunmen who opened fire on the SAF commandos to prevent them from capturing top Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir or Marwan and his Filipino Jemaah Islamiyah cohort Basit Usman.

The SAF raiders were subjected to such blistering fire that their bodies were mutilated. Video footage and personal accounts indicate that those still breathing were finished off and the dead were

then looted of weapons and personal belongings.

All that the public has been told is that the looters and butchers of the 44 SAF commandos belonged to the MILF, its supposed splinter group the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and members of a private armed group. The identity of the person maintaining the armed group has not been disclosed by the government.

At the height of public mourning over the SAF 44, President Aquino had demanded that the MILF identify and turn over the killers, return the dead men’s guns and personal belongings, and surrender Usman to authorities. A few dozen guns, several with missing parts, were turned over with fanfare and Usman was later shot dead in an operation that the government has tried to credit to the MILF. The group has denied coddling terrorists but has not shown where the remains of Marwan are buried.

The President himself has not adequately ex- tive operation. All these issues must be clarified plained why he allowed a police officer suspended even as the government claims to be processing for six months for corruption to run such a sensi- new information relevant to the case. It’s been

Guest Editorial

Philstar.com photo

nearly eight months since the raid, but the SAF 44 and those they left behind are no closer to achieving justice. (Philstar.com)

Filipinos in America overwhelmingly support Pope Francis’ move to make marriage annulment faster, cheaper POPE Francis received overwhelming support among Filipinos in America on the reforms he will implement in the Catholic Church to make marriage annulment faster and cheaper for Catholics.

100 percent of the viewers who voted in the online opinion poll of The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America” agreed that the following changes announced last Tuesday, Sept. 8 will become part of Catholic canon law on December 8, 2015 — the beginning of Francis’ declared “Year of Mercy”: 1. Eliminating a second review by a cleric before a marriage can be nullified; 2. Giving bishops the ability to fast-track and grant the annulments themselves in certain circumstances -- for example, when spousal abuse or an extramarital affair has occurred; 3. The process should be free, except for a nominal fee for administrative costs, and should be completed within 45 days.

Even the Catholics back in the Philippines embrace these changes, with words of support coming from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

“It is so clear to all of us by now that indeed the

WHY is St. Paul not in contradiction with Rhizomes St. James? How is it that we are told we have God’s grace and that faith without actions, is dead? St. Paul condemned the sins Prosy AbArquezof pride, hypocrisy, fa- DelAcruz, J.D. voritism and slander.

While St. James taught us about purity, controlling bodies in holiness and honor, how do we practice life with faith, knowing these teachings? Can we live a life without faith?

These questions were part of Sunday’s post-lunch discussion at a relative’s house, initiated by a 28-year-old nurse humbly sharing his assignment with his cousin, a 22-year-old technology assistant, soliciting views about faith.

I was taken aback by their discussion and the depths of questioning spiritual teachings. As if those questions were not enough, another introduces complexity into the discussion, “can you live a life without Faith?”

We probe some more until it became about good deeds, showing compassion. About who to serve, how to serve and that doing good to others is about living one’s faith. I wish I could have stayed longer, and witnessed a consensus, but would they have arrived at one?

I once was blind, now I can see Two years ago, two relatives had lifethreatening health conditions.

One had stage 4, bone cancer. Instead of expecting death, the family turned towards her and prayed for her reversal of cancer, a bold ask. Simbang Gabi masses were offered for her healing, and nuns included her in their group prayers.

I saw her transformation into a healthier version of herself: positive, laughing, sharing her wisdom, testifying to her faith and God’s grace, and a teacher of healing and spirituality.

While doing her chemotherapy and

principal and all-embracing vision of the papacy of Pope FranThe Fil-Am cis is mercy and compassion. It is mercy and compassion that Perspective explains his action and work,” CBCP president and LingayenDagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said in a Facebook post, as reported by ABS-CBN News. Gel sAntos-relos Annulment is granted by the Church and the marriage is ruled to be null and void from the beginning if through evidence, it can be proven that certain prerequisites, such as free will, psychological maturity and openness to having children, were lacking.

Archbishop Villegas said the Pope is reaching out to those who suffer from invalid marriages.

“This new Apostolic Letter reaches out to those Catholics who suffer quietly from the bond and obligations of what they thought was a marriage; when the truth is there was no marriage to speak of from the very start because the requirements for the valid reception of matrimony were not present,” he said.

Echoing the spirit of Pope’s stand that “char-

ity and mercy demand that the Church, as mother, be close to her children who consider themselves separated,” Villegas said the matrimonial tribunals must be brought closer to the people.

“The services of the Church must be more accessible to the people; the process to receive those blessings of new peace for those who have suffered long, must be simplified.

Indeed, this is another proof of the old adage in Church pastoral ministry -- the salvation of souls is the supreme law,” he said.

This recent move is part of a series of reforms

by Pope Francis “as he seeks to make the Church more responsive to the real needs of lay Catholics, especially those who have long felt marginalized by the hierarchy”.

The CBCP welcomes these reforms. ”There is a lot of fresh air entering the windows of the Church.

More doors are being opened in welcome. ‘Come to me all who are weary and find life burdensome and I will give you rest,’ says the Lord,” Villegas added.

The CBCP president, however, stressed that while the process for declaring marriages null and void from the beginning is now simplified, Pope Francis’s affirmation that the teaching about the indissolubility and unity of marriage remains.

“The doctrine about the sacredness of marriage and family life is unchanged. The declaration of nullity of marriages is not divorce,” Villegas said.

Legal books explain that divorce acknowledges that there was a valid marriage but it did not work out that is why couples choose to legally sever the ties. In contrast, an annulment does not recognize there was a marriage -- even if the couple lived together as husband and wife for years, or for decades -- because the aforementioned prerequisites to make the marriage valid from the beginning were not met. *** 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

Can you live a life without Faith?

radiation, she went to daily Mass and took Holy Communion, twice a day.

Her tumors have disappeared from her liver and her bones, with a slight one in one of her lungs. Her hair has grown back.

She credits the Eucharistic Therapy in keeping her alive, as well as modern science. We continue to pray for her miracle, a remission of her cancer.

Another relative had a stroke and although, without physical paralysis or facial contortions, her cognitive abilities to hold down a full-time job and remembering have been impaired. She prays and aspires to organize healing masses, which she did a lot, pre-stroke.

She has since changed her lifestyle, which includes green smoothies, walks, enhancing her spirituality with her latest discovery, Dr. Wayne Dyer. We too pray for her total healing, a reversal of her stroke condition.

Without faith in both situations, their health conditions would have been unbearable. Instead, they chose God to be with them in their sufferings, embracing their challenges, and sought solutions to address them, including changing hospitals, finding healing physicians who promote life, and not a practice, anchored on deaths of cancerous patients.

Can you imagine having this professional practice of death, and not life?

How much of our words and praxis enhance life? Or do our practices decimate lives and businesses?

Promoting life with our faith The question of can you live without faith lingered in my mind.

I asked Fr. Rodel Balagtas, director of Pastoral Formation and Field Education at St. John’s Seminary, “We are endowed with God’s grace, yet we are also told faith without actions, is dead.

How can that be?”

“Yes, we are saved by God’s grace.

But because our relationship with God is covenantal, our actions should reflect our relationship with him. Our identity as God’s children should be manifested through our deeds. Every action, every good deed should flow out of our generosity to God who has first loved us. Our moral lives are not based merely on a code of conduct.

They are based on a covenantal relationship, which is more dynamic, personal, free, meaningful and life-giving,” he wisely answered.

No wonder he is that generous amongst friends and parishioners, sharing his spiritual wisdom, accessible to parishioners who needed his guidance, and caring deeply about our emotional lives to be healthy, as families worshipping together.

I witnessed how Fr. Rodel grew Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and the Church’s vibrant soul to be so positive and overflowing in joy, that musicians did not simply sing, they recruited other musicians to sing in this Church, that folks traveled 30 miles one way, just to be part of this joyful, sacred, vibrant synergy of Sunday Mass.

Even the children were so happy that they did not just sing in church, they competed in World Choir Games and joined festivals. The teenagers went on a retreat and when they came back, they had new dances to express their faith and worship to God. The masses got alive on Sundays that most came back for more. Attendance soared and pews were filled in each of the masses.

Clergy from poor missions were welcomed and spontaneously, concerts would be held in Church to benefit them and the parishioners came to support, all for their love of God and their undying faith.

How did this process of questioning, of studying the teachings of St. Paul with St. James, now lead into an invitation to listen “The Third Jesus” audiobook by Deepak Chopra, from Charito, a visiting jazz singer from Tokyo, Japan? How is it that the Higher Universe is layering

all these questions?

I cannot stop the unraveling of questions for a week, that I wondered aloud, is it possible that the Holy Spirit is preparing us in America, for Pope Francis’ visit in September?

Just as I surmised, at lunch on Thursday, gathered were a Catholic, a Lutheran and an ecumenical believer of God. We got into a discussion of Pope Francis, with an ecumenical believer saying, “Hey, I love your Pope Francis, he is Jesus-aligned, he is Biblically-aligned, he is morally aligned.”

Both Lutheran and ecumenical believer enumerate for this writer what Pope Francis’ edict to the parishes, take in one Syrian family of refugees, what he did for the homeless in Rome, and what he is doing for climate change, Laudato Si. The questions kept coming, that I found another book, “The Case for Grace” by Lee Strobel, its subtitle, “A Journalist Explores the Evidence of Transformed Lives.” I started reading it and the chapter I turn to, The Case for Grace. Can this be coincidence or serendipity?

Seeking another answer, I posed the question to Fr. Camilo Pacanza, a wise homilist and St. Lucy’s associate pastor. He said, “To Believe (Faith) is to Be (A)live in, With, For God. God’s Grace is active, not static. We are Graced so we can live our Faith in love. (Torah) You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your strength, and your neighbor as yourself. (Leviticus). Good Works/Lov-

ing acts to the neighbor is Graced Faith in action! Living Faith! Graced Faith.

God bless you in your concern.”

I am still in search of answers. I realized faith is a personal journey, with each of us undertaking a unique way of inquiry, of partaking the Divine in our lives. It maybe giving a sick friend a ride to get chemotherapy, it may even be writing about faith, it may take the form of expressing our love of God, through songs; enabling others to worship deeply, and it may even take a blunt word to another to move on and change, for after all, when we are stuck, it is not for lack of past love, but for lack of giving ourselves and others present love or to take a stand for truth and justice, even if against institutions which have gone mission-directed towards

u PAGE A11

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

ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President

ELIZABETH HILARIO SISON Chief Financial Officer Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Boulevard Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 Fax: (818) 502-0858 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com

Manila Office: 2nd Floor Units D&E, Fort Palm Springs 30th St., Cor 1st Ave, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Tel.: (632) 856-4921 • Fax: (632) 856-1661 New York: 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (818) 502-0858

Northern California: New Jersey: 1001 Bayhill Drive, Suite 200 449 Hoboken Avenue San Bruno, CA 94066 Tel.: (650) 616-4150 • Fax: (650) 616-4152 Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 Tel: (212) 655.5426 • Fax: (818) 502.0858 Las Vegas Sales Office: 3700 W. Desert Inn Road Las Vegas, NV 89102 Tel.: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

BELLE M. SISON Executive Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal

MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA Senior Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal

IVY MANALANG Vice President - Marketing Los Angeles Asian Journal

SHARON ANN SAN PEDRO Vice President - Sales Balikbayan Magazine

MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor DING CARREON Videographer

DANTE SAMBILAY Art Director

ANDY TECSON/TED TALAG BERT JAURIGUE Photographers

ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases.

Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publication.

Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material.

AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement.

Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively.

Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome.

Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions.

Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please call the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Dateline PHiliPPineS

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015

A11

Clarkson ‘disappointed’ he won’t play for PH in FIBA Asia tournament by agnes

Constante AJPress

TRAFFIC SOLUTION. A member of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) directs traffic at the foot of the Quezon Avenue flyover in Quezon City on Monday, Sept. 7. HPG director Chief Supt. Arnold Gunnacao said that they will continue to look for solutions to ease the flow of traffic along EDSA and other major thoroughfares. “So far so good, unlike the previous days when traffic was snarled because of unforeseen circumstances,” he said, citing road repairs and undisciplined drivers.

Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas

Poe’s residency issue junked Electoral tribunal to zero in on Poe’s citizenship

by Jomar

Canlas, Jefferson antiporda and llanesCa t. panti ManilaTimes.net

THE Senate Electoral Tribunal on Friday, Sept. 11 junked the residency issue in the disqualification case against Sen. Grace Poe. During the tribunal’s preliminary conference at the Supreme Court (SC) on Friday, the members of the tribunal ruled to drop the residency issue against Poe after petitioner, Rizalito David, withdrew the complaint.

The withdrawal came after electoral tribunal chairman, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, asked David during the hearing if he is willing to drop the residency issue to enable the tribunal to focus on the citizenship question.

Carpio raised the residency issue in view of the prescriptive period provided for by tribunal rules, particularly Section 18, which states that a quo warranto case must be filed within 10 days after proclamation.

David then agreed with Carpio’s recommendation, paving the way for the withdrawal of the issue from the case.

“I accepted para mapadali na ang proseso [to hasten the process] in good faith,” David said.

David, however, insisted that under the 1987 Constitution, natural-born Filipinos are citizens of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire their citizenship, contrary to what Poe did when she renounced her Filipino citizenship and acquired US citizenship.

Aside from Carpio, the tribunal is composed of SC Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo-de Castro and Arturo Brion, and Senators Loren Legarda, Vicente Sotto 3rd, Pia Cayetano, Cynthia Villar, Paolo Benigno Aquino and Nancy Binay.

The tribunal will continue with oral arguments on September 21.

Make way Security men and aides clear the way as Sen. Grace Poe enters the Supreme Court building to attend a preliminary conference of the Senate Electoral Tribunal.

Photo by Russell Palma

Sentimental proceedings Poe, who attended the tribunal conference, said her attendance was “sentimental.”

“Ito po ay replay ng nangyari sa aking tatay. Medyo sentimental nga po ang aking pagdalo ngayon [This is a replay of what happened to my father. My coming here is a bit sentimental],” she told reporters.

“Ako ay kusang nagpunta dito upang depensahan ang mga paratang laban sa akin, upang depensahan po ang aking sarili nang walang takot at direktang sinasabi sa kanila na ako ay isang tunay na Pilipino… replay ito ng nangyari sa aking tatay noong 2004 [came here on my own volition to defend myself against accusations and I’m here to directly tell the tribunal members that I am a true Filipino. This is a replay of what happened to my father in 2004],” the senator said.

The citizenship of Poe’s father, the late actor Fernando Poe Jr., was also questioned before the Supreme Court.

The SC ruled that Poe Jr. is a natural-born Filipino citizen under the terms of the 1935 Constitution.

The younger Poe said the case against her is a mere ploy to prevent her from seeking higher office in 2016.

Harassment suit Poe’s lead counsel, Alexander Poblador, said the case is just a harassment suit to derail the political plans of his client.

The senator, who leads in preelection surveys, is yet to categorically announce her political plans for 2016.

“The petition has more to do with what will happen in 2016 rather than her current seat in the Senate,” Poblador said.

He insisted that Poe is a natural-born Filipino and had met the residency requirement when she ran for the Senate more than two years ago.

“We have sufficient evidence to prove that Senator Poe met the citizenship and residency requirements for congressional candidates when she ran and won in the 2013 mid-term elections,” it was pointed out.

He argued that the disqualification case must be dismissed outright for late filing and forum shopping, stating that a similar case was also lodged by David with the Commission on Elections.

“Since Senator Poe was proclaimed on May 16, 2013, those who would want to question her qualifications had only until May 26, 2013 to file a petition against her,” Poblador said.

There was also proof that Poe intended to return and remain in

u PAGE A12

Can you live a life without…

PAGE A10 t

mighty dollars, away from pursuit of justice.

I also came to the conclusion, as Deepak Chopra, “our faith becomes how comfortable we are with the contradictions.” May we all evolve to be God’s grace to one another, to be more humane, enlightened citizens of the United States of America, while continuing our quest for answers to our faith questions! *** 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.

FILIPINO-American Los Angeles Laker guard Jordan Clarkson is “very disappointed” that he will not be playing for the Philippines in the upcoming FIBA Asia Championship.

The final roster for Gilas Pilipinas, announced Tuesday, Sept. 8,

by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), did not include Clarkson due to a conflict in schedule due to his commitment to the Lakers. SBP also said in a statement that Gilas was “not able to beat the deadline to secure the necessary clearances on time.”

“I’m very disappointed I won’t be able to play with the Gilas National Team during the FIBA Asia Championships from September 23 to October 3,” Clarkson said in a statement.

The Fil-Am NBA player, who has expressed interest in representing the Philippines, was recently cleared to play for the country’s national team. How-

ever, with the Lakers’ training camp kicking off on Sept. 28, Clarkson’s participation in the FIBA championship would be limited to the elimination phase of the tournament, according to an SBP statement.

“This scheduling issue is distinct only to the FIBA Asia zone,” the statement read. “And it does not occur in the other FIBA zones. By this token, we will ask FIBA Asia to consider holding the tournament in the same manner as FIBA Americas, Europe, Oceania and Africa do, that is avoiding conflict with the NBA calendar.”

Interaksyon.com reported that Lakers executives Mitch Kupchak and Jeanie Buss discussed Clarkson’s participation in the championship with SBP executives Patrick Gregorio and Ricky Vargas.

“It’s still a work in progress but with better clarity...There were no objections for Jordan to play for the national team long term, but for FIBA Asia, we continue to discuss availability,” Vargas

wrote in a text message to the publication.

In his statement, Clarkson said he talked with his dad about his experiences with the Gilas team and supporting them in The Jonas Cup. He also told his dad about how passionate he was about representing an entire country.

“My Dad told me to follow my heart,” he said.

Although Clarkson will not be participating in the FIBA tournament, Inquirer reported that he has expressed a desire to play for the Philippine team in three Olympic Games beginning next year in Rio de Janeiro.

The Fil-Am basketball player also addressed his Filipino Fans in his statement, many of whom he said are Lakers supporters and “some of the most passionate in the world.”

“I want to sincerely thank all of the fans who sent me letters of encouragement during these last three months about Gilas,”

u PAGE A12

A12 SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PHiliPPineS

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

China building combat-capable air facility on reef

by Alexis

RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA – China is building a combat-capable air facility on Zamora (Subi) Reef in the South China Sea in a development seen to jeopardize the Philippines’ possession of nearby Pag-asa Island.

Satellite photos published last Thursday by the website The Diplomat showed China is subgrading for a runway at a width of about 60 meters.

The website said the extent

of subgrading at Zamora Reef is about 2,200 meters “with obvious preparations for a longer span underway.”

“As pointed out by analysts, these military facilities and others newly constructed by China in the Spratlys would increase Beijing’s capacity to enforce an air defense identification zone in the South China Sea, if it were to declare one,” The Diplomat report said.

The projects are also expected to significantly improve the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s ca-

pability for anti-submarine warfare, the website added.

Military historian Jose Custodio said the Philippines is in danger of losing Pag-asa Island because of the facility being built

by China. The Philippine-occupied island is just 12 nautical miles from Zamora Reef.

“If they (China) are able to operate this (facility), they can seal off the area and conduct a blockade. The Chinese can prohibit an aircraft from landing on the island,” Custodio said.

Pag-asa, the second largest island in the disputed Spratlys chain, is being occupied by about 200 civilians and Filipino soldiers. China is claiming the Philippines illegally occupied the area, which it calls Thitu Island.

The Philippine government has been conducting supply missions to support the residents of Pag-asa, which is located within Kalayaan, a fifth class town of Palawan.

Custodio said China could use its military muscle to pressure the Philippines to give up Pagasa. He said it would be difficult for the government to maintain Pag-asa once China’s base becomes operational. “(Zamora) can unhinge our presence there,” Custodio said.

“If they (military facilities) become operational, how will it affect us? Will we continue to provide supplies or withdraw?” he added.

Sought for comment, defense department spokesman Peter Galvez said the photos published

by The Diplomat have “much similarity” with the images they have monitored.

The news website’s photos were taken by commercial sat-

RUSH HOUR DRENCH. Still reeling from Tuesday’s “carmageddon,” Metro Manila was drenched from thunderstorms anew on a rush hour on Thursday, Sept. 10. Netizens took to social media their rants on the heavy vehicular traffic, floods and the continuous heavy downpour punctuated with thunder and lightning.

Inquirer.net photo

ellite imaging company Digital Globe last Sept. 3.

The Diplomat said the size of China’s landfill at Zamora could accommodate a runway 3,300 meters long and a parallel taxiway like that of Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef.

The online report said no laying of pavement has been observed so far but a section of the north rim of the reef is being widened by extending a large retaining wall into the sea and backfilling the enclosed water area with sediment.

“Elsewhere, dozens of bulldozers, cranes, trucks and tracked excavators are redistributing and compacting hundreds of acres of sand,” The Diplomat report said.

Aside from Zamora, China is also building structures in Panganiban (Mischief), Kagitingan (Fiery Cross), Kennan (Chigua), Mabini (Johnson South), Burgos (Gaven) and Calderon (Cuarteron) Reefs, areas that are also being claimed by the Philippines. n

Poe’s residency issue…

PAGE A11 t

the Philippines for good, which includes returning to the Philippines in the first half of 2005; enrolling her children in local schools in June 2005; purchasing a property in late 2005; construction of her family home in Quezon City in early 2006; and sale of their Virginia home in 2006.

Poblador argued that in the absence of contrary proof, a foundling like Poe is presumed to be Filipino.

“The presumption is that Senator Poe is a natural-born Filipino and the one who alleges the contrary must prove that she is not,” he said.

Poe, whose parents were unknown, was found ab andoned inside the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral in Iloilo in 1968. She was later adopted by actors Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces.

No stopping Grace Poe’s supporters in Congress say the senator remains a strong presidential contender even if the disqualification case against her will be resolved after the filing of the certificate of candidacy from October 12 to 16.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., as well as party-list Represen-

tatives Rodel Batocabe (Ako Bicol) and Gary Alejano (Magdalo), said this in reaction to tribunal member Sen. Vicente Sotto 3rd’s statement that Poe’s case could drag on until November.

“It [delayed judgment] won’t necessarily scare off her potential supporters. But they [in the electoral tribunal] should decide it soonest,” Belmonte added.

“I am confident that such baseless case will be dismissed not only based on technicalities but on substantive grounds. But above all else, a harassment case can’t and should not override the mandate given by the people.

Vox Populi, Vox Dei [The voice of the people is the voice of God],” Batocabe said.

“After the filing of certificate of candidacy in October, Senator Poe would be an official candidate and it is the people who would be the best judge on whether she deserves to become the next President, regardless of the legal issues pending before the tribunal,” Alejano said in a text message.

“This is aside from the fact that I don’t believe she is not a natural-born Filipino citizen,” he added. n

Clarkson ‘disappointed’…

PAGE A11 t

he said.

“We can all agree, the 12 men selected to represent the Philippines in this 2015 FIBA Asia Championship have earned the Photo provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines shows construction on Kagitingan (Fiery right and any continued efforts Cross) Reef in the Spratly Islands. On Wednesday, President Benigno Aquino III said China’s on my part would not be fair to efforts to stake its execessive territorial claims remind him of Nazi Germany’s territorial the team. I will cheer them onto conquests in the lead-up to World War II. STAR/Armed Forces of the Philippines Gold,” he added.

The Gilas lineup includes World Cup veterans Andray Blatche, Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Marc Pingris and Gabe Norwood; returning nationals Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Dondon Hontiveros, Asi Taulava and Sonny Thoss; and newcomers Calvin Abueva, JC Intal and Terrence Romeo, Philstar reported. n

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015

A13

A14 SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

SEAFOOD CITY REGULAR AD FP

(213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015

SHOWBIZ&STYLE

B

Journal

What a difference a year makes for Wally Bayola Vice Ganda: ‘Healthy’ rivalry with ‘Eat Bulaga,’‘AlDub’

by Nestor

Comedian Vice Ganda, one of the hosts of the aBS-CBn noontime show “it’s Showtime,� has admitted that he sees competition in rival show “eat Bulaga� of Gma-7 amid the phenomenal popularity of “Kalyeserye� segment featuring love team “aldub.� aldub, the pairing between actor alden Richards and newcomer maine “Yaya dub� mendoza, has been credited for the recent surge in ratings of the 36-year-old noontime show. “Bago pa naman nagka-aldub, talagang may kumpetisyon na ang aBS at ang Gma,� Vice Ganda was quoted in a report by the Philippine entertainment Portal (PeP).

U. torre

Inquirer.net

JuST last year, Wally Bayola was hit by a sex video scandal that put his TV career in deep freeze. after going on enforced leave from “eat Bulaga� to cool things down, the “disgraced� comic quietly reappeared on the noontime show’s barangay jaunts, but he was kept uncharacteristically silent—the show’s way of testing the waters, to see if the viewing public might forgive him and allow him a chance to clean up his act. if enough viewers bristled, that would have prompted the production to make his “vacation� a more permanent one. But, in the succeeding weeks, Wally’s participation increased slowly but surely—and the time came when he was “allowed� to speak up on the show, just a few safe comments at first.

Viewers similarly “took� that, so the time eventually came when his tandem with Jose manalo was fully restored in the program. a good thing, too, because some weeks ago, the show started its daily “kalyeserye� about the verboten romance between alden Richards and Yaya dub—and it needed a comedic villainess to make their love story an absolute impossibility! ‘Horrible’ honors The production could have cast a big guest star to do the “horrible� honors, but it chose to entrust the key assignment to the once shamed and shunned Wally—and everyone involved hasn’t looked back since! Truly, what a difference a year makes.

Wally’s upbeat denouement is a heartening example of the TV trade and its viewers’ ability to eventually forgive and forget—a virtue that other stars like maricar Reyes and Paolo Bediones have also benefited from. everyone makes mistakes, after all—and “to err is human, to forgive divine� isn’t just a pious cliche but an actual boon to people who have

(even before there was aldub, aBS(CBn) and Gma already had a competition.) “Hindi lang naman Showtime saka eat Bulaga. Teleserye nila, kakumpitensiya ng teleserye namin‌ lahat.

Kaya napakaipokrita, napakaipokrito na pagka sinabi ko, ‘naku, walang kumpetisyon!â€? she said. (it’s not just Showtime and eat Bulaga. Their teleseryes and our teleseryes‌everything‌(are rivals). i don’t want to appear a hypocrite and say that there is no competition.) “may kumpetisyon ‘yan, and it’s a healthy competition (There is competition and it’s healthy),â€? she added. (Inquirer.net)

Wally Bayola: Upbeat denouement.

made big mistakes in life (and who hasn’t?).

The situation is made even more difficult for stars and starlets, because show biz popularity robs celebrities of their right to privacy (what privacy can there be to life in show biz’s gold fish bowl?). all the more reason, then, to give starlets and stars greater leeway, because they have fewer options to hide and keep secrets.

New development The first Starflix production, “must date the Playboy,� will be made available to viewers starting aug. 31, ushering in a new development on the local entertainment scene that could become very big when it really catches on.

The aBS-CBn mobile project is a TV movie that’s meant as a pay-per-view entertainment for mobile phones, tablets and other portable gadgets. Research figures have it that 30 percent of the time, viewers now watch TV on the move—so, if properly primed, the Starflix TV movie audience could be very big, indeed. it’s instructive that this new viewing option is being launched

by way of this particular madefor-TV movie, because it topbills popular stars Kim Chiu and Xian Lim, with Jessy mendiola. This is good star value, indicating that aBS-CBn mobile means business, and fully determined to give its new initiative a good start.

Chances of success also boosting the flick’s chances of success is the fact that it’s for tweens, teens and young adults—in other words, the majority of Filipinos. if it ends up as a hit in its own way, it will presage the production and release of other Starflix products, boosting aBSCBn’s income in no minor way.

What about the competition? it’s yet to announce its own plans to prime and develop the mobile for its own purposes and financial prospects.

But, if “must date the Playboy� does really well, it could “force� other TV outfits and outlets to shake a leg and join the rest of the constantly evolving television world. Because, to cluelessly look the other way could ultimately prove to be their undoing—and nobody wants that!

(&5 5)"5 -07*/( '&&-*/( #"$,

'FFM CFUUFS BOE MPPL :06/(&3 5IF *#0%: 5FTUPTUFSPOF 1FMMFU 1SPHSBN

'3&&

'"5 #63/*/( */+&$5*0/ XJUI ĂśSTU DPOTVMBUJPO *OTVSBODF BDDFQUFE PO TPNF TFSWJDFT

'JOBODJOH "WBJMBCMF

$BMM VT

XXX UIFJCPEZ DPN

B SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Features

Effective solutions to hair loss Naked Truth

http://www.asianjournal.com • (213) 250-9797

The Global Kababayan

Dr. patricia Heras has been a clinical and consulting psychologist for over 28 years specializing in cross-cultural assessment, treatment and training in the areas of developing clinical cultural competence.

Red Galura Jr. is a peer Specialist for Next Steps, a collaborative non-profit program in San Diego County between National Alliance on Mental Illness-San Diego, Union of pan Asian Communities, Mental Health Systems, and Family Health Centers.

Dr. Rizaldy Ferrer is a Clinical psychologist working at the lA County Department of Mental Health and a private practice in pasadena. elizabeth Tiglao-Guss is a social entrepreneur and founder of link of Hearts, a lifestyle brand raising awareness for depression and making inspirational handmade products in los Angeles.

She is also a mental illness survivor and now, as a result, is a big advocate for Mental Health.

G. TönGi

Dr. Vicki Belo Hello everyone!

I am so thrilled by the influx of your emails! And as I am so happy that you trust me with your concerns, I would also like to share something close to my heart. Recently, my beloved daughter Cristalle is finally engaged! As a mother I always wanted my daughter to be happy with someone who will cherish and honor her. She found the right partner in Justin. I was able to sneak a photo from behind-the-scenes of that wonderful moment when Justin proposed!

Now on to our letter sender : Dear Dr. Vicki, Doc, I am a marine engineer by profession. I have been happily married for eight years and have children now. However, my wife noticed lately that I have lost hair at the upper back of my head. It has gotten thin and it looks like the eye of the storm. My wife always watches your show and has encouraged me to consult with you. I hope you can help me with this. I have also attached a photo for reference.

Thanks, Enzo Hi enzo, There are many causes of hair loss among men. Some are acquired from genetic, environmental pollutants, or stress. others are caused by changes in hormones, getting scars due to surgery or health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure. Seems like in your photo your are showing early signs of receding hair line and bald

patches. What is important is you see a doctor. We have to be sure that your hair loss is nothing short of a health problem. If that’s the case, you have to get well first and we can proceed with your hair loss treatment after.

Think of it this way, the soil is the scalp and the plant is the hair. When the plant is damaged, it dies and gets removed from the soil, same is your hair follicles. We have invasive and non invasive procedures for hair loss depending on the condition and severity. We have something called MesoHair, where we infuse “fertilizers” to your scalpt to enduce hairgrowth.

For our invasive procedure and still the most effective means to address hairloss, Belo uses an advanced technology to automatically harvest and implant hair follicles to the balding area without removing the scalp. It is called the NeoGrafting. What makes it better is that the results are natural looking hair re-growth, it is least invasive with little to no discomfort, minimal downtime and no linear scar. And it is also FDA-cleared procedure.

Hope this helps you, enzo, on your problem.

So let’s have more stories coming in! Feel free to let me know about you. Send it to vicki@belomed.com. love, Dr. Belo

Programming of Kababayan Today, September 14-18, 2015

SepTeMBeR 14 - part 2 of Filipina’s looking for love online.

The part 1 of our Filipina’s looking for love has received a lot of attention in the community with online views exceeding 10,000 already. This happens quite often in our community and should be discussed, which is why we chose to do a part 2.

September 15 - our #TalkTuesdays panel is back and this time we talk about suicide, specifically in the Filipino American Community. Members of our panel include:

September 16 - Midweek News Updates from Asian Journal and “Get Health-Thea” with health & fitness advocate Thea Fernandez.

Seraphin ong visit the show.

Seraphin is a Gender Illusionist and Ice Skating Instructor who migrated from Cebu to America at 17 years old. She shares her story of how she had to endure being homeless to discover her authentic self and her passion for ice skating.

September 17 - Kapatid TV5 Network now syndicates Kababayan Today Nationwide on their Direct TV platform. Watch the festivities with the pBA players recently at the Cerritos Gym. September 18 -#FoodieFridays is back with Jenny Castaneda, author of one pot paleo *** 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.

Jodi Sta. Maria continues to pursue her dreams

by Marl

Ferena Inquirer.net

These endearing attributes have made famous the character of JoDI Sta. Maria exudes a unique Maya, which Jodi portrayed in the charm and demure persona— qual- popular soap opera “Be Careful ities that have captivated the hearts With My Heart.” of audiences far and wide.

Jodi, like Maya, has a strong resolve behind that sweet pretty face as she showed the grit and determination to achieve her dreams.

Few people know that Jodi, despite her soap’s success, felt unfulfilled at that time because she had not yet finished her secondary education.

So like her character Maya, Jodi pursued her dream of earning a diploma. She looked for an education program that would allow her to Jodi Sta. Maria

juggle her erratic shooting schedule with school work. Finding a school that offers such a program was no easy task.

It was perhaps providential that during that time, Southville International School and Colleges had just developed an innovative program that meets Jodi’s needs. The program, called INNoVe education Solution, is designed for students with unique concerns such as athletes, actors, singers and those who learn better in isolation.

Through INNoVe, Jodi finally achieved her dream of earning a secondary education diploma while pursuing an acting career.

Features

(213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015

B

Get the chance to have a one-on-one ‘Your Tanong, My Sagot’ with Atty. Gurfinkel!

Kapamilya in los angeles and nearby areas will get the chance to discuss their immigration issues with leading US immigration attorney michael J. Gurfinkel up close and personal on Citizen pinoy.

Just go to www.citizenpinoy.com and submit your

question on Friday, September 11. you will be notified if your question gets picked. and get the chance to meet atty.

Gurfinkel one-on-one on September 20 at their Glendale office at 219 N. Brand Blvd., to appear on a future episode of Citizen pinoy!

This is a public service from TFC and the law Offices of michael Gurfinkel, and a great opportunity to get answers to your immigration questions. So don’t forget to visit www.citizenpinoy. com to send in your inquiry on or before the September deadline.

Kris Aquino with son Bimby who sees to it that his mom strictly follows doctor’s advice

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

BECaUSE she has been missing from her late-night show “aquino & abunda Tonight” show on the Kapamilya network, Kris aquino is rumored to be signing off for good due to health reasons.

Kris has been sickly these days, with her blood pressure one time hitting first 150/100 and then, accompanied by terrible headache and mild vomiting, 200/120 which is alarmingly high. She has also been suffering from recurring allergies. must be stress because Kris is overloaded with work. She’s finishing her scenes in Star Cinema’sn”Etiquette for mistresses,” directed by Chito Roño, which has a mid-September playdate. aside fromaquino & abunda Tonight, she also hosts the daily show “KrisTV.” So, people have been wondering if Kris, as rumored, is cutting down on her TV work. (Kris said she’s not sure if she can still do “mr. & mrs. Split,” with her “work that didn’t progress” partner Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista. i guess it depends on her doctor to decide on that…that is, if Kris is up to the demands of more work.) i texted Kris for verification and she texted back: “We taped (for aquino & abunda Tonight). i’m back to the shoot for Etiquette. No, i’m not cutting down.

GET A CHANCE TO HAVE A ONE-ON-ONE “Your Tanong, My Sagot” WITH ATTY. GURFINKEL! Kapamilyas in Los Angeles and surrounding areas have the chance for a “free,” face-to-face question and answer with leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel about your immigration issues or problems. Just go to www.citizenpinoy.com to submit your immigration question on or before September 11. You will be notified if your question gets picked for a one-on-one discussion with Atty. Gurfinkel on September 20 at their Glendale office at 219 N. Brand Blvd.

Julia Barretto explains alleged fan-snubbing incident in London

by Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com

maNila - Julia Barretto airs her side on the alleged fan-snubbing incident that happened in london.

The Kapamilya actress and other aBS-CBN talents were in london for “aSap 20’s” show last weekend.

On Wednesday, Sept. 9, a video circulated online showing Julia not acknowledging fans who were trying to get her attention by calling her name.

Kris Aquino with son Bimby who sees to it that his mom strictly follows doctor’s advice.

i just haven’t been on a&awhile shooting is going on.” i talked to Boy on the phone and, although he didn’t say “aquino & abunda Tonight” will be closing, he hinted that he might do a nightly solo show (aside from his long-running in-depth show

“Bottomline” on Saturday nights). asked if, also as rumored, he will be hosting a weekend showbizoriented show (as a replacement for the recently-closed “The Buzz”), Boy was mum. Does he want to enjoy his weekends with his family?

James Reid nominee at 2015 MTV Europe Music Awards

Julia Barretto explains her side regarding

maNila - James Reid is vy- the alleged fan-snubbing incident in London, ing for the Southeast asian act saying the video failed to show her effort to award at the mTV Europe music acknowledge her fans. awards.

He’s up against other asian artists such as Faizal Tahir of malaysia, Clot machine of Thailand, The Sam Willows of Singapore, NOaH of indonesia, and Son Tung m-Tp of Vietnam.

There’s one more slot for the said category, and James’ onscreen partner Nadine lustre is one of the wildcard nominees.

Nadine will vie for the remaining slot in the category against afgan of indonesia, Thaitanium of Thailand, Gentle Bones of Singapore, and akim & The majistret of malaysia.

The fans can vote for their favorite wildcard artist by using the hashtag “mTVEma” and their respective hashtags which are “Nominateafgan,” “NominateakimandThemajistret,” “NominateGentleBones,” “NominateNadinelustre,” “NominateThaitanium.”

(Philstar.com)

James Reid

The rise of Coleen Garcia

by Gabbie

TaTad Philstar.com

maNila - She was nowhere, then suddenly everywhere, much like glitter at a Katy perry fete. in what most people would deem as a relatively short time, Coleen Garcia has become the quintessential face of rising stardom.

But much like every seemingly “overnight” success, it’s taken a lot more than a pretty face and a killer bod to be crowned a box office sensation. “i’ve been working since i was two,” says Garcia. “i did commercials. it actually never crossed my mind to try acting; the road just kind of presented itself to me. i wasn’t chasing it, but when i got the chance, i had to try it. it was kind of a leap of faith.” it was in 2014 that she hit a real turning point. after a slew of smaller roles and co-hosting “it’s Showtime,” Garcia landed the supporting role of Janna in the independent film “#y,” directed

by Gino m. Santos. The film dealt with a complex subject matter—the occurrence of suicide among youth, dabbling in drugs and alcohol, the pressures young people have to deal with. The film enjoyed success on the independent circuit, enough to draw an equally successful distribution deal from Star Cinema. Santos says of Garcia, “i’ve learned that limiting her to a supporting role is just limiting potential that she has as an actress. She’s ready to take on any role given to her.”

Spotlights were lit, and they were just waiting to shine on a star like Coleen Garcia.

in 2015, she was added to the main cast of “pasion de amor,” a local adaptation of the original Spanishtelenovela pasion de Gavilanes. Here, she plays Jamie Elizondo, who is the very picture of naiveté. “The show itself is understood to be sexy because of the original series. But i’m the bunso who’s always covered, always in pants, never really doing anything you could ever call sexy,” Garcia says with a laugh.

Fresh, cleanly scrubbed, and hemlines all within a conservative measure, Garcia seemed destined to ride the Sweetness Express, the stereotype that is the death of most promising young actresses.

‘Ex with benefits’ But come September 2015, Garcia would once again team up with Santos to headline the Star Cinema release “Ex With Benefits,” starring opposite Derek Ramsey. She plays arkie, whose foremost talent is being able to use her body to get what she wants—a grave and risqué departure from the girl next door selling us Skin White and Nestea. audience reception of the film was truly unprecedented—it earned p8 million on opening day alone. “Coleen went beyond expectations,” says Kriz Gazmen, creative director of Star Cinema.

“She has proven that there is infinitely more to her than her beauty and sexiness. She is smart, sensitive and talented. We are excited with our next projects with Coleen and to groom her into the star that she is destined to be.”

Naturally, the spotlights turned

COleen Garcia Philstar.com photo by Patrick Diokno

up the heat, and news outlets wanted to know if Garcia was the next sexy starlet to watch. Garcia takes in all the hoopla and laughs it off. “i don’t want to be typecast. after this movie, i plan on doing other projects and exploring different things. The reason i did this movie was because the story had heart. Something caused arkie to be that way, and it reinforces the fact that everyone goes through their own kind of pain. Even if the way she deals with things is unique, it’s very relatable. The sexiness of (the film) doesn’t take away from the story and won’t eat up what it has to say.”

Breaking convention What makes Garcia remarkable is that she stands out in an industry that sanctifies the formula above else: She breaks convention. most stars of recent years have risen to fame as half of a duo, or the classic marketing style of a love team. most women are given roles that are either the PAGE B4

On Wednesday night, Julia posted an explanation on her instagram account saying “only a portion of the video was uploaded.”

She then added that “i made an effort to say hi despite how much people were pushing away fans to make way for us flying back to manila, because we were almost late for our flight.” in the end, Julia said that people who doesn’t know her outside showbiz shouldn’t make judgments.

B SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Features

Let’s talk about The ‘AlDub’ Fever

By Monet

Dr. roberto tostaDo MD

Lu

A cOupLE of days ago, I overheard some of my customers talking about a certain “Yaya Dub” and “Alden” with the highest level of excitement. They were exchanging opinions about how “Lola Nidora” is getting in the way of true love, and that the “diary” will reveal so much more, and now—the latest update—is the meet up between “Yaya” and “Alden,” who (also according to them) have never met each other since the whole thing started. Just hearing them chat as though they personally know the characters is enough to get my curiosity piqued. unlike my customers, I have no clue about who these characters are. And yes, I must be living under a rock because I didn’t know the latest craze that’s been spreading like wildfire!

So like the “martian-whodoes-not-know-aldub” that I am, I looked them up and I discovered that this “AlDub” Mania has spread over the philippines like an airborne disease, and people outside the philippines are following suit. To date, this TV skit-segment has reached over 4 million tweets!

There is no escaping the “AlDub” fever and I’m just happy I caught on sooner than later.

So, what’s in it that makes it viral? Let’s talk about the AlDub fever, shall we?

When AlDub fanatics post anything AlDub-related, everyone jumps right in. And it’s hard to resist the urge to check them out. And when you start watching their skit and following them on every social media platform, that’s it – you’re hooked. Welcome to club!

I’ll play skeptic and say that at first you wouldn’t really get it. You would think to yourself: “how is this weird couple flirting stupidly on screen pass as comic?” But the longer you watch Alden “Bae Alden” Richards swoon his beloved by flashing his deeper-than-deepdimples and lip syncs to every cliché love song ever written, you get stuck. Then you watch Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza does her signature nostril-flare and tomand-jerry smile to look wackily

Alden Richards

Maine Mendoza aka Yaya Dub

ugly (which is never the casecoz she so adorable). And in the middle of them lip syncing songs and dubbing lines flawlessly, the stern and typical Lola-character played by Wally Bayola steps in and ruins their flirting session.

I would bet that just by that description alone, you are sold.

I was.

But for the benefit of those who were like me—before I became pretty fond of them—who do not know anything about AlDub, let me give you a brief overview.

AlDub became a phenomenal Filipino love team by accident. It is not one of those love teams that are products of a movie promo or a teleserye gimmick. That’s probably one of the main reasons why people are attracted to them.

The moniker, “AlDub” is a combination of the names, Alden and ‘Dub—short for, “Yaya Dub.” The love team is played by Alden Richards, a Filipino matinee idol and Maine Mendoza, who is an ordinary Filipina who became an internet sensation for her “dubsmashes.” She was discovered and sought by the show’s staff to play Yaya Dub—the nanny of an “evil grandmother.”

The “love team-up” started when Maine Mendoza zoned out of her character being the grumpy nanny, when Alden was seen watching her doing her act.

She became conscious and next thing you know, they were being teased together, thus creating an unexpected and extraordinary chemistry on TV. This is how Eat Bulaga!’s Kalyeserye birthed the “AlDub”.

AlDub can be seen in Eat Bulaga!’s Kalyeserye (a series done live in the streets). It’s the

first ever street-skit that aired on TV. The characters, despite of the scenes being impromptu, are witty and natural. Their antics are attracting more and more audiences in and out of the country.

And this is where it gets even interesting; Since everything is not scripted and Lola Nidora’s scenes are filmed live in the streets, while Alden is in the studio, the two love birds have not met each other personally. Therefore contributing to the suspense and “kilig” leading to the day when they will finally meet face to face.

As one critic said, “This Aldub craze started to take over the world through different social media and continued to cause commotion in everybody’s schedule for the day.”

I most certainly agree. In fact writing about this had me smiling the whole time.

It’s nice to see something on TV that is “organically” pleasing to watch. Out of the many things that media tried to manufacture, this one – I have to admit – they did right. Good job to the creators of AlDub. Borrowing the words of Lola Nidora, things are done right “sa tamang panahon.”

Goodluck Alden and Yaya Dub! #kiligpamore *** 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

KC Concepcion, Piolo Pascual end rift after 4 years

KC Concepcion and Piolo Pascual

Natural Health Solutions

FORMER celebrity couple Kc concepcion and piolo pascual have made peace with each other four years after their breakup.

In response to a question of a Twitter follower on Monday, Kc said she got a chance to talk to piolo in London.

“Nagkaroon ba kayo ng chance ni piolo na makapag-usap kahit simpleng batian lang?” Twitter user @eynoc_35 asked.

(Did you and piolo have a chance to speak to each other, even just a simple greeting?)

“Opo (Yes),” Kc replied, sharing an all-smiles photo of her side by side with piolo.

The two stars are currently in London with other ABS-cBN celebrities for the Europe tour of noontime variety show ASAp 20.

Kc and piolo, who played lead roles in the remake of Korean drama “Lovers in paris,” went public about their relationship in 2010 but broke up a year after.

The former couple did not reveal the reason for their split, but in an emotional interview with talk show The Buzz, Kc said she was looking for something that a woman would normally look for in a boyfriend.

(Inquirer.net)

HI I’m 45 years old and my wife complains that I no longer show interest in the bedroom.

She says that I’m always cranky, tired and forgetful and that my belly is growing fat. I told her that I have trouble sleeping and have a hard time getting sexually aroused. She told to me that I probably suffer from low testosterone and should get my blood levels checked. Is this a common problem and should I get my levels checked?

Dr. R. Tostado: Low testosterone has become common due to the chemicals and toxins in our foods that lower testosterone production. A decrease in men’s testosterone is also associated with aging. For each year over 30, the level of testosterone in men starts to slowly decrease at a rate of 1 percent per year.

It is estimated that there are over 13 million men that suffer from this condition. What does it mean when this natural hormone decreases? Since testosterone affects so many bodily functions, it can bring about significant physical and emotional changes: • Sexual function: Affects sexual desire and performance which can include fewer spontaneous erections and infertility.

Most men with low testosterone can have associated symptoms related to erectile dysfunction and low sex drive.

• physical changes: physical shifts that are associated with low testosterone can include increased body fat, decrease in

http://www.asianjournal.com • (213) 250-9797

A solution to men’s intimacy and bedroom problems muscle mass/ strength, increased fatigue and effects on cholesterol metabolism.

• Emotional changes: Low T can lead to feeling depressed and an overall decreased sense of well-being. It can also affect memory, concentration, self-confidence and motivation.

• Sleep disturbances: Low Testosterone can cause insomnia and sleep pattern changes Getting your levels checked is critical to know if you have low testosterone. A blood test is the best way to determine your testosterone level. unfortunately, most doctors will tell you that LOWER LEVELS ARE NORMAL and are associated with age deterioration. These symptoms are often ignored if your levels are within 350-450 ng/ dl. In my experience I have noticed that symptoms and associated risks of Low T appear at any levels <600 ng/dl. Here are the most common questions my patients ask about Testosterone treatments.

Can men and women suffer from low testosterone?

Dr. R. Tostado: Both men and women suffer similar symptoms with low testosterone which is responsible for our sexual function, lean muscle, fat burning, memory, good mood and physical endurance.

Why should I have testosterone treatment?

Dr. R. Tostado: Normal testosterone levels help prevent heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and prostate problems for men. If you have any of the chronic diseases listed testosterone treatment can help reverse these conditions along with a

healthy lifestyle that we teach to all of our patients.

Is all testosterone the same?

Dr. R. Tostado: NO. prescription testosterone preparations are synthetic and are associated with serious side effects including blood clots, increased cholesterol, pulmonary embolism and death.

I only administer Bio-Identical plant Based hormones including testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. plant based therapy is extremely effective and safe in eliminating symptoms associated with low testosterone and in preventing disease like heart disease and diabetes.

What is testosterone pellet treatment?

Dr. R. Tostado: Testosterone pellet therapy is a simple procedure that takes about 5 minutes using local anesthesia. The pellets are placed just beneath the skin and last 6 months for men and 4 to 5 months for women. The body absorbs the pellets completely over time since they are plant based. The treatment is repeated twice a year to eliminate symptoms and prevent disease. *** Dr. Roberto Tostado, MD is Board Certified in Regenerative & Anti-Aging Medicine and Family Practice. He is also a Fellow in Nutritional and Digestive Medicine. His clinic The IBODY, is located in San Marino where he practices holistic medicine with his expertise in nutrition, weight loss, Bio-identical hormone replacement and detoxification for health, wellness and longevity. He has helped thousands of patients eliminate disease to live energetic and happy lives, The IBODY is located at 956 Huntington Drive, San Marino CA 91108. Office phone 626-593-5993. Open Tuesday- Saturday.

Collagen: The closest thing to fountain of youth INSIDE every old person is a young person wondering what the hell happened. Time flies when you’re having fun and you will have this sudden realization that 20 years ago seems like yesterday and everything that has happened is still vivid in your memories, like those nights of sneaking in and out of your house when you have night out with friends and your Mom won’t let you go. Now, you already have your own teenager that’s probably doing what you did then.

You know you’re an adult when all you talk about whenever you’re hanging with your friends are bills, rents, and life in general. We’re gaining maturity as we age and that’s a good thing, right? And it’s not a hangout session without a major throwback segment. One way or another you’ll end up talking about the past, like how skinny or chubby or ugly you all were and how fine you all are now.

We don’t want to look our age.

We like to retain our baby-face for as long as possible. As we get older, we become conscious of our age because of the pesky fine lines and spots that come with it. So as early as possible,

we start to fight aging so that we won’t be sorry by the time we reach our 40s.

Anti-aging is the heart of skin care. It is not just about ironing out your lines, sags and wrinkles but it also focuses on the wellbeing. Age comes with physical ailments too, like arthritis and joint pains. When you get older, the things you think you can do might not be as easy as before.

Like a metal, you are getting a tad rusty and all you need is a good oiling and we happen to know what will work best for you and that is – collagen. collagen is the ‘Queen Bee’ of all the anti-aging products out there. Why? Because it’s an age-defying miracle that works practically like magic not just on the skin but also in our overall health and it is well-suited for the twentysomething yuppies to the grannies. It’s a protein that’s naturally produced by the body but it depletes as we age.

Not just it nourishes the skin to make it acne-free and glowing but it also strengthens the nails, promotes shinier and softer hair, boosts the immune system, and serves as cushion between the bones to avoid joint pains and arthritis. It promotes tendon and joint flexibility.

Magic potions, a philippinebased online beauty shop, offers a wide assortment of beauty and wellness products like glutathione, collagen, weight loss products and many more that

vary from topical, oral to IV. You can now take years off your face without plastic surgery.

The easiest way to apply collagen is by taking collagen creams and if you want to take your collagen intake up a notch, you can start to take collagen tablets. Magic potions offer ThioneMax chewable Tablets, and from the well-known skin whitening line that is made in Japan, BeauOxi White, they introduced BeauOxi White collagen Tablets an anti-aging and skin whitening in one tablet.

Taking collagen injections can sound a little staunch but it is also an instant way to feel energized and youthful. Many clients and users have mentioned that after just 1 session, their skin feels softer, smoother and glowing. Most importantly, it boosts their immune defense to get rid of sickness and helps them to think clearly.

Magic potions has been a trusted source of authentic wellness products since 2004 and is devoted to make all their products as effective and as safe as possible. Their clients are satisfied not just with the products but also to the service that Magic potions provide.

For more information, you can visit their website: www.magic-potions.com F B : M a g i c po t i o n s B e a u tyShop IG: MagicpotionsBeautyShop (Advertising Supplement)

The rise of Coleen...

PAGE B3 girl next door, the best friend, or the minx—never all at once, and certainly not breaking the stereotype once it’s been established.

She approaches her choices in acting roles with an admirable level-headedness, a belief in the story, and an undercurrent of true, raw talent that cannot be beat. And what makes her a real trailblazer is that her success is not a mere product of being at the right place at the right time; it is the consistency of hard work and the willingness to make sacrifices for greater opportunity.

For instance, fame inevitably puts pressure on one’s personal privacy. There’s been major focus on Garcia’s ongoing romantic relationship with fellow celebrity, Billy crawford. With the release of “Ex With Benefits,” there is a lot of interest in his reaction to her sexier work, but Garcia says he’s much cooler than most people realize. “It definitely makes a difference that we’re both in the same industry. But it makes an even greater difference that he’s been here in this industry for 29 years.

He’s seen how hard people work, he’s seen how hard I work, and he understands how much work it takes to make things happen. He really understands me and I’m so grateful for that.”

Then, there is the huge shift in the day-to-day. Wrangling the star for an interview involved competing with taping for “pasion,” barely an hour of sleep, and several talk show guest spots (one of which involved

the star having to take the MRT in heels just to make the show in time). “It’s a good feeling to realize that your work is being recognized,” says Garcia. “But it’s something that’s really overwhelming. There are so many things I can’t do myself anymore.

I’m used to managing my own things, my own schedule, being able to call people myself and have conversations with them and set my own appointments.

But now, there’s just not enough time. I suddenly have to ask for help with even just simple tasks, and I’m not used to that. Also, I barely get enough sleep, and it really eats up a lot of time. It’s been an adjustment.”

But in understanding the meaning behind the statement, “Everyone has the same hours in a day as Beyoncé,” Garcia says, elaborating on what helps her find balance in this freshly broken ground of success. “Do what you love and always make time for yourself. If you love what you’re doing, it won’t feel like work.

That’s advice that a lot of people have given, but it’s true. You can go without sleep and be working nonstop, but you don’t feel how hard it really is when you finally see the results. You still have to make time for yourself, though, even just to read or to relax. You have to give yourself a moment to find peace.”

So what’s first on Garcia’s list of things to do the minute she gets a moment of peace? “I will sleep,” she exclaims with a laugh.

“I think I need that.”

(213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015

seafood city advertorial fpfc

B

B SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Features

seafood city food service fpfc

http://www.asianjournal.com • (213) 250-9797

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

COMMUNITY Journal

Your Immigration Solution Atty. RobeRt Reeves MilleR, ZhAng & DiZA DESPERATE times call for desperate measures! We have all heard this phrase many times in our lives. But the reality is that these desperate measures often produce disastrous results. In the context of immigration law, the desperate act of marrying someone solely for a green card almost always ends very badly.

Marrying a person solely for a green card is often called a “green card marriage,” but the more official term used by the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS”) is “sham marriage.” It has been a plotline in multiple Hollywood movies and television shows over the years, including most recently in the primetime drama “On The Wings of Love.”

“On The Wings of Love” is a fictional story about a young Filipina who dreams of coming to the US for a noble reason – to visit her mother’s gravesite.

After entering the US she is advised to get married to a US citizen so that she can be granted lawful permanent resident status (“green card”). Before long there is a payment of $7,500 to a person willing to marry the Filipina. The newlyweds are subsequently coached to stage fake photographs, pretend they are a couple, and even to memorize personal information about their spouse so that they can pass the required interview.

Though “On The Wings of Love” is a fictional television show, this scenario too often is played out in real life because many people mistakenly believe that marrying a US citizen is an easy way to obtain a green card. The USCIS is well aware that many people are willing to marry a person for the sole purpose of obtaining a green card. For this reason, they dedicate a substantial amount of resources towards detecting these “sham marriages.” Be-

Green card marriages are not a realistic option cause of the USCIS’ efforts, it is crucial that a person applying for a green card on the basis of their marriage understand what the USCIS considers to be a valid marriage for immigration purposes.

First, the immigrant and their US citizen spouse must prove that their marriage is “bonafide.”

This is not an easy task because the USCIS officers are highly trained to detect sham marriages. And remember, the USCIS does not have to prove that the marriage is a sham.

The immigrant and their US citizen spouse must show that they “intended to establish a life together” at the time they entered into their marriage. Oral statements of the immigrant and their US citizen spouse are not sufficient, and neither are written statements of friends and family members. On the contrary, the USCIS will also want to closely examine the conduct of the parties, e.g., is the couple residing together, how long have they known each other, are they conducting themselves as husband and wife, etc. The USCIS will also consider whether the parties have a sufficient amount of documentation proving the bonafides of their marriage.

The USCIS will also commonly want to ask the immigrant and their US citizen spouse personal questions about their relationship. The potential questions a person may be asked are nearly limitless, as the USCIS may ask

just about anything they believe a person should know about their spouse. While you can try and learn as much as possible about your spouse, it is virtually impossible to learn enough about another person if you are not really married to them. Sure you can learn your spouse’s date-ofbirth or name of their employer, but how do you expect to know about your spouse’s eating habits unless you actually live together? How are you going to know about your significant other’s daily routine unless you are married?

Another issue that sometimes comes up is what happens if the US citizen spouse dies or physically or emotionally harms the immigrant. Despite the breakdown of the marriage, the immigrant may still be eligible to apply for their green card.

However, they will still have to prove that the relationship was bonafide at the time of the inception of the marriage.

The risks of entering into a “sham marriage” are substantial. Fines, jail time, but no green card. In fact, the person being petitioned will be barred from ever being petitioned again as an immigrant, even if the subsequent relationship is bonafide. We all understand that sometimes you may think a “green card marriage” is the only option, but an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney will advise you against following this illegal,

u PAGE C2

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015

C

C SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon INDIVIDUALS who have accumulated excessive debt are often left to ponder whether they should file bankruptcy in order to get out of debt. Sometimes, these people feel that somehow, they’ve lost, failed, or that they will never have a chance to rebuild their credit again. Because we are living in a society where having a lot of credit cards has become the norm, they can’t imagine themselves without credit cards.

Of course, the truth is that credit cards only give us a sense of false security. Why? Because these plastic cards create the illusion of having money that you really don’t have in your bank account, that’s why. That is exactly how most people end up spending their money before they even earn it. And they wonder why they are broke every pay day no matter how hard they work.

If you find yourself over-extended and have tried living on a budget, doing financial counseling, etc. and still have not made great progress in repaying your

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS AN action under the DVPA (Domestic Violence Protection Act) seeking a restraining order often is necessary to protect parties from abuse or domestic violence perpetrated by the other spouse or significant other. At times, it is effective in preventing harm to one of the parties. At the same time, this process is sometimes abused by family law litigants as a strategy for obtaining an advantage in a child custody case. The basis for this is the presumption against sole or joint custody under California family code section 3044.

California Family Code Section 3044 (a) provides “Upon a finding by the court that a party seeking custody of a child has perpetrated domestic violence against the other party seeking custody

Community Journal

Bankruptcy: Should you file now or later?

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

Tax Tips

VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA And debts, I applaud you at least for What else can you do? This may ARlene Al-oS, your efforts. However, your plan leave you no other option but to cPA, mBA must be a realistic one or you will simply end up getting frustrated.

When you have incurred more debt that you can possibly repay, perhaps filing bankruptcy may be the only way to get debt relief. And in most cases, it’s not as complicated and as bad as what your creditors would like you to believe. As a matter of fact, most of the 1.5 million people who file for bankruptcy in the United States do just fine. They rebuild their credit after a few years and a lot of them are able buy homes just like everyone else. Filing bankruptcy doesn’t have to be the end of the world. It is only a new beginning for those who really need it.

Suppose you have attempted to negotiate with your creditors to work out an affordable repayment plan but they simply would not work with you? Although you’ve told them repeatedly that you cannot afford to pay the entire amount, they refuse to cooperate and continue to threaten you with filing a lawsuit, obtaining a judgment and perhaps even garnishing your wages (which you know you cannot afford).

seek debt relief through our federal bankruptcy laws.

If you are drowning in debt, don’t wait until things get worse or you may regret not having acted sooner. Waiting until the last minute also doesn’t give you enough time that you need to find a good attorney who can protect your interests. Remember that like doctors, not all lawyers are the same. You need a competent legal representative who understands the debt collection and bankruptcy laws and has had the experience of handling a lot of cases like yours. Hiring the wrong attorney can only make your situation worse.

For a free office consultation, please call Toll-Free 1 (866) 4777772. We have offices in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Cerritos and Valencia. ***

TOO good to be true? Perhaps, but read on.

The IRS cannot deny your application if you satisfy all of the following requirements: 1. The tax is not more than $10,000.

2. You timely filed and paid all income tax returns for the past five years.

3. You did not enter into any installment agreement.

4. The IRS determines that you cannot pay the taxes in full.

5. You provide any information needed to make that determination.

6. You agree to pay the full amount owed within three years and to comply with all tax laws while the agreement is in effect.

Now, let me give you some mechanics and 10 tips on how to None of the information herein is in- successfully maintain your paytended to give legal advice for any specific ment plan: 1. You will be charged interest situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of at the current rate.

2. The late payment penalty of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices .5 percent per month is reduced in half to .25 percent. at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

3. If you pay by manual checks, (Advertising Supplement)

Guaranteed installment agreement with the IRS the IRS will send you a letter of the balance after each payment.

4. If you pay by automatic bank withdrawal, the bank statement becomes your record of payment.

The IRS provides a statement at the beginning of each year of all payments made during the prior year.

5. Any future refunds will be applied against your balance due.

6. The installment defaults if you miss one payment.

7. It also defaults if you fail to file a return or fail to pay taxes on such tax return.

8. File form 9465 with your income tax.

9. File form 9465 separately if you already filed your income tax.

10. Use form 3567 for California requests.

Observation 1: IRS charges a higher fee for new installments agreements that are not paid through direct debits from a taxpayer’s account. Those unwilling or unable to use a direct debit arrangement will pay more than twice as much for a new installment agreement than those using a direct debit.

Observation 2: The new fees

will also apply to installment agreements made using the Online Payment Agreement application. *** 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. victorsycpa.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Will a domestic violence finding affect my claim for sole or joint custody of our children? of the child or against the child or the child’s siblings within the previous five years, there is a rebuttable presumption that an award of sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to a person who has perpetrated domestic violence is detrimental to the best interest of the child, pursuant to Section 3011. This presumption may only be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence.

In determining whether the presumption in family code 3044(a) has been overcome, the court shall consider all of the following factors:(1) Whether the perpetrator of domestic violence has demonstrated that giving sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to the perpetrator is in the best interest of the child.

In determining the best interest of the child, the preference for frequent and continuing contact with both parents, as set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 3020, or with the noncustodial parent,

as set forth in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 3040, may not be used torebut the presumption, in whole or in part.(2) Whether the perpetrator has successfully completed a batterer’s treatment program that meets the criteria outlined in subdivision (c) of Section 1203.097 of the Penal Code. (3) Whether the perpetrator has successfully completed a program of alcohol or drug abuse counseling if the court determines that counseling is appropriate. (4) Whether the perpetrator has successfully completed a parenting class if the court determines the class to be appropriate. (5) Whether the perpetrator is on probation or parole, and whether he or she has complied with the terms and conditions of probation or parole.

(6) Whether the perpetrator is restrained by a protective order or restraining order, and whether he or she has complied with its terms and conditions. (7) Whether the perpetrator of domestic vi-

olence has committed any further acts of domestic violence.

A person has “perpetrated domestic violence” when he or she is found by the court to have intentionally or recklessly caused or attempted to cause bodily injury, or sexual assault, or to have placed a person in reasonable apprehension of imminent serious bodily injury to that person or to another, or to have engaged in any behavior involving, but not limited to, threatening, striking, harassing, destroying personal property or disturbing the peace of another, for which a court may issue an ex parte order pursuant to Section 6320 to protect the other party seeking custody of the child or to protect the child and the child’s siblings.The requirement of a finding by the court shall be satisfied by, among other things, and not limited to, evidence that a party seeking custody has been convicted within the previous five years, after a trial or a plea of guilty or no contest, of any crime against the other party that comes within the definition of domestic violence contained in Section 6211 and of abuse contained in Section 6203, including, but not limited to, a crime described in subdivision (e) of Section 243 of, or Section 261,262, 273.5, 422, or 646.9 of, the Penal Code.The requirement

Immigration Essentials Atty. Jeff KhuRgel THE news from USCIS: In an important departure from the current rules regarding when someone can apply for a Green Card, USCIS has announced that starting October 1, 2015, I-485, Applications for Adjustment of Status will be accepted earlier than the date on which a priority date is current.

This is a major change in that it will allow a family and employment-based Green Card applicant to submit their application for early “pre-processing”. The new filing can be made months and, in some cases, years, before it would have previously been possible. The move was first announced by the Obama Administration in last November’s immigration Executive Action rollout.

The New Visa Bulletin – Two Dates to Understand The Visa Bulletin, which is published each month by the Department of State, will now contain two separate Family and Employment-based Visa Bulletin charts: one list is for “Application Final Action Dates” which detail the earliest dates on which an application can be approved, and one is for “Dates for Filing Applications” which lists the dates on which applications for adjustment of status can be filed under “pre-processing”, and then remain pending until the Final Action Date is reached.

Previous iterations of the Visa Bulletin only contained one consolidated date—the filing date and final action dates were the same. The new system will allow immigrants to file for adjustment of status sooner than they would otherwise have been able to do, creating a number of positive outcomes.

The Benefits of the New Early Filing Rules: Family and Employmentbased adjustment of status applicants and employers can

of a finding by the court shall also be satisfied if any court, whether that court hears or has heard the child custody proceedings or not, has made a finding pursuant to subdivision (a) based on conduct occurring within the previous five years.

In Christina L v. Chauncey B, 229 Cal. App 4th 731 (2014),the Court of appeal held that because a Domestic Violence restraining order must be based on a finding that the party being restrained committed one or more acts of domestic abuse, a finding of domestic abuse sufficient to support a DVPA restraining order necessarily triggers the rebuttable statutory presumption that an award of sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to a person who has perpetrated domestic violence is detrimental to the best interest of the child.

Cal. Fam. Code §§ 3044. The presumption that an award of sole or joint physical or legal custody of a child to a person who has perpetrated domestic violence is detrimental to the best interest of the child changes the burden of persuasion, but may be overcome by a preponderance of the evidence showing that it is in the child’s best interest to grant joint or sole custody to the offending parent.

Cal. Fam. Code § 3044. In that case, the father had a history of

perpetrating domestic violence against the mother. Domestic Violence restraining orders has been issued multiple times over the years including within the last 5 years. The trial court ignored both the existing restraining order, the legal effect of such a judicial finding, and failed to apply the family code 3044 presumption and instead awarded joint custody to father. The Court of appeal reversed and remanded the case back to the trial court. (copyright 7/7/15) *** 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.

(Advertising Supplement)

New rules for I-485 application-submission dates affect families and employees anticipate the following direct benefits: • Applicants can file for their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) together with their “pre-processing” I-485, and receive the EADs within 60-90 days. This may allow for greater workforce mobility by lessening the reliance on some employers in the H-1B or L-1 context.

• Fewer H-1B and L-1 amendments and extensions will be necessary, saving US companies administrative, sponsorship and filing fee costs. (This also saves administrative costs and resources to the State Department by decreasing the amount of visas they will need to adjudicate in these categories.)

• The early filing allows applicants to avail of the AC-21 portability rule, which allows for a change of jobs 180 days after filing the I-485 without sacrificing the underlying I-140 and pending Green Card. (Although it is not yet clear whether 3-year AC21 extensions will be negatively impacted by a potentially evolving definition of when a visa is available).

• Applicants can file for their Advance Parole documents at the same time as their I-485.

This allows applicants to travel and then return to the US without having to obtain a new visa from the Embassy or Consulate abroad.

• The spouses and children

(under 21) of applicants can apply for both EADs and APs. This allows for their work, and travel authorization, not to mention simply making life easier, such as by permitting them to apply for a social security number and acting as a reliable form of identification.

• In a CSPA application, dependents who might otherwise “age out” by turning 21 may be able to keep their status as a derivative child by filing for adjustment of status within one year of the visa availability date.

The new Visa Bulletin rules significantly modernize our immigration system and are a positive development for employment-based immigrants and US companies. We commend President Obama for following through on this important aspect of the immigration Executive Actions announced last November. *** Atty. Khurgel is a former USCIS and Department of State Embassy Officer and was previously a Partner at Reeves & Associates.

His Firm’s Offices are located in Irvine and Los Angeles, California, and the Firm provides representation for clients in Deportation/ Removal proceedings, Waivers, Appeals, Naturalization, Adjustments, Criminal Relief, Citizenship, Consulate Processing, Work and Employment Status, Investment Visas and all other areas of Immigration and Naturalization Law. You can go online to www.khurgel.com to ask your questions or call us at (949) 5096515 for an in-person office consultation.

(Advertising Supplement)

Green card marriages are not…

PAGE C1 t

and Makati City.

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

The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case.

(Advertising Supplement)

and almost sure-to-fail path, Telephone: (800) 795-8009 despite what you may see on E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com television or in the movies.

Website: www.rreeves.com. *** ***

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. Q: I work for a large company and recently took a leave of absence due to pregnancy disability. My pregnancy was high-risk and I used up all of my 4 months of leave. However, due to some health complications, after the birth of my child, my doctor says I still cannot return to work, and may need a few more weeks of recovery. Can my employer legally fire me at this point?

A: Under California’s Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (the pregnancy law), pregnancy – and all its related medical conditions such as severe morning sickness, doctor-ordered bed rest, childbirth, recovery from childbirth – is considered a temporary

Community Journal

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015

C

Can employer legally fire employee for exceeding pregnancy leave? disability. California’s pregnancy law allows up to four months of leave for pregnant employees.

But what if the employee used up all that allowable leave and still cannot return to work. Can she legally be fired?

Not quite. An employee who has taken 4 months (or 17 1/3 weeks) of leave under the pregnancy law is also entitled to another 12 weeks of leave if she is eligible under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA).

An employee is eligible for CFRA leave if: 1) her employer has at least 50 employees within a 75 mile radius of the worksite, 2) she has worked at least 1,250 hours in the 12 months before taking the leave, and 3) she has worked for the employer for at least a year.

If covered by CFRA, an employee can also take up to 12

weeks per year of unpaid jobprotected leave to bond with a newborn or newly adopted or fostered child, whether or not the mother or child has a serious health condition or a disability.

For bonding, the leave must be used and completed within 12 months of the birth, adoption, or fostering of the child.

But what if after availing of all 29 1/3 weeks of leave under the pregnancy law and CFRA, the employee still cannot return to work because of disability? Should the employee now be fired? Under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), the employee is still entitled to reasonable accommodation from the employer, including additional leave, if the additional leave would allow the employee to go back to work at the end of the leave.

The case of Ana Sanchez illustrates the application of the

Can I get a green card if I had a previous marriage petition denied based on fraud?

Dear Attorney Tan, I RECENTLY married a US Citizen, who is my second husband.

He has filed an immigrant visa petition and green card application for me. My husband recently received from USCIS a Notice of Intent to Deny the petition that he filed on my behalf. The Notice indicated that the immigrant visa petition could not be approved since the USCIS had determined that I previously entered into a fraudulent marriage to get a green card several years ago. My ex-husband previously filed an immigrant petition on my behalf several years ago, which was denied since USCIS determined that I only married him to get a green card. My second husband and I truly love each other. What are my options? -- In Love but Out of Status Dear In Love but Out of Status, Under INA Section 204(c), a person who “attempted or conspired to enter into a marriage” in order to receive permanent resident status in the US is prohibited from obtaining USCIS approval of an immigrant visa petition. Simply stated, Section 204(c) prohibits approval of any immigrant visa petition if there has been a finding of “marriage fraud” in a prior marriage-based petition.

Based on the above law, your case seems at first glance like an “open-and-shut” case in favor of denial. However, you still have hope of getting a green card – a person can apply for and get his immigrant petition approved despite the prior finding of “marriage fraud” under certain circumstances.

You may ask, how is this possible? Isn’t Section 204(c) straightforward? Not quite. The answer lies in the fact that USCIS must independently examine the prior finding of “marriage fraud” in considering the subsequently filed immigrant visa petition. Before invoking the Sec. 204(c) bar to approval of a subsequent visa petition, USCIS must make an independent determination of fraud based upon the record, including but not limited to any evidence gathered during adjudication of the prior visa petition, but may not parrot or rely on the conclusions made by other adjudicators.

USCIS must have “substantial and probative” evidence of “marriage fraud.” Matter of Tawfik, 20 I. & N. Dec. 166, 168.

The determination is to be made by the USCIS district director while adjudicating the subsequent visa petition. Matter of Samsen, 15 I. & N. Dec. 28, 1974 WL 29995 (B.I.A. 1974). The district director should not give conclusive effect to the determinations made in the prior proceedings, but should reach his own independent conclusion based on the evidence actually before him. Matter of F-, 9 I. & N. Dec. 684 (BIA 1962).

Therefore, in cases such as yours in which the USCIS has indicated it intends to deny the subsequent immigrant visa petition due to the prior finding of “marriage fraud,” new evidence can be submitted that demonstrates that the prior finding of “marriage fraud” was incorrect – i.e., evidence that shows that the prior marriage petition was based on a bona fide marriage, or that explains that the prior denial was based on an incomplete or inaccurate assessment of the facts. In cases in which the subsequent immigrant visa petition has already been denied, this new evidence should be submitted as part of a motion to reconsider. I recommend that you seek an experienced attorney to assist you in properly presenting the law and facts to the USCIS adjudicator to address the Section 204(c) bar. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association.

LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw. com.

(Advertising Supplement)

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 SEPTEMBER 13

PHII Tribute 2015 Awardees’ Orientation The Philippine Heritage Institute International invites Tribute 2015 awardees to a luncheon and orientation on September 13, at the Holiday Inn Select, 14299 Firestone Blvd., La Mirada, CA 90638. Networking and fellowship are first on the agenda among PHII Trustees and honorees. Marc Jonathan de Jesus will have an audio-visual presentation about PHII. Overall chair Norma Merza and co-chair Lily Lara will acquaint awardees with necessary information about Tribute 2015 onOctober 3, at the Sheraton Cerritos Hotel. For questions, contact: president Josie E. de Jesus (714) 272-0300;joestarisdejesus@gmail.com; event overall chair Norma Merza (562) 947-0248; norma.merza@yahoo.com; or co-chair Lily Lara at nogardc@aol.com.

SEPTEMBER 19

Citizenship Day 2015 The Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association is having a FREE Citizenship Day event on September 19, from 10:00am to 3:00pm, to assist low-income, 18+ immigrants eligible for US citizenship with the full naturalization process. Every case will be reviewed by a legal attorney. Please call us at 407-841-8310 ext. 3123 for an appointment and any questions you may have. Thank You!

UBLA: Kaaldawan of the 41st Penafrancia Fiesta 2015 Most Reverend Gerald Eugene Wilkerson, D.D., V.G., former Bishop of the San Fernando Valley Pastoral Region, will preside over a concelebrated High Mass to highlight the Kaaldawan (Feast Day) of the 41st Annual Penafrancia Fiesta on Saturday, September 19, at 10:00am, through the United Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA). Bicolanos are inviting all Marian devotees, Filipinos and other Catholics regardless of ethnicity, to join them in the day-long fiesta in honor of their regional patroness, Our Lady of Penafrancia, in the open air of Lincoln Park and Lake: 3529 N. Mission Road, Los Angeles, CA 90031 (corner E. Valley Blvd.) near downtown. There is a solemn Eucharist Mass schedule with music by Saint Anthony Claret Holy Rosary Choir, followed by a kaaldawan celebration including a novena, Fluvial parade of the Holy Virgin, lunch, and cultural entertainment highlighting Bicolano and Filipino culture.

The 8-day novena will start on the afternoon of Friday, September 11 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hollywood. The 2015 Penafrancia Fiesta will end on Sunday, September 27, with a fellowship ball at Montery Hill Restaurant (3700 W. Ramona Blvd., Monterey Park, CA 91754) at 5:30pm. For a full schedule, novenas, and more information, please contact UBLA President Lanie Berrei (818) 281-3169.

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

FEHA law. Sanchez worked for Swissport, Inc. for over a year as a cleaning employee when she became pregnant. Her pregnancy was high-risk, requiring bed rest. She was granted 19 weeks of leave, consisting of her accrued vacation time plus time allotted by CFRA and the pregnancy law. She was due to give birth in three months when she ran out of pregnancy disability leave. Because she had not returned to work after her 19 weeks of leave, her employer terminated her.

Ms. Sanchez filed a wrongful termination case against her employer, claiming that Swissport discriminated against her based on her pregnancy and pregnancy-related disability and that Swissport failed to accommodate and engage her in a timely, good faith interactive process. Ms. Sanchez argued

that she should have received more leave as part of FEHA (the disability law). Swissport countered that according to the pregnancy law, leave is capped at four months, which it had provided to Ms. Sanchez. She was terminated only when her leave expired and she still could not return to work.

The Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Ms. Sanchez, concluding that the pregnancy law is not the only exclusive remedy for an employee seeking reasonable accommodation of her pregnancy-related disability. Once the maximum four-month leave period specified in the pregnancy law has expired, a pregnant employee is still entitled to protections for disabled employees under the disability law. The court concluded that remedies under the pregnancy law were intended to “augment, rather

than supplant” the remedies provided by the disability law. In other words, the remedies provided by the pregnancy law are “in addition to” the remedies for pregnancy-related medical conditions under the disability law. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. Atty. Sayas’ Law Office is located at 500 N. Brand Blvd. Suite 980, Glendale, CA 91203. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www. joesayaslaw.com. *** C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is trial attorney who has obtained several million dollar recoveries for his clients against employers and insurance companies. He has been selected as a Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, featured in the cover of Los Angeles Daily Journal’s Verdicts and Settlements, and is a member of the Million Dollar-Advocates Forum.

(Advertising Supplement)

Allison Aquino-silvA, Esq

Change to Visa Bulletin advances adjustment filing eligibility

A TREMENDOUSLY beneficial change to the Visa Bulletin was announced by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and Department of State (DOS) on Sept. 9, 2015.

The change assists those needing a work permit and advance parole travel document by allowing individuals to file these applications earlier than before.

The changes to the Visa Bulletin are in accordance with the Executive Action announced by Pres. Obama in November 2014.

It is intended to modernize and streamline the U.S.’ legal immigration system, especially in a time where Congress has failed to address the issue.

The Visa Bulletin indicates when immigrant visas are available to individuals on the various family and employment-based categories. For those categories with a waiting list, the Visa Bulletin indicates a cut-off “priority date.” Only those with a priority date earlier than that shown on the Visa Bulletin may proceed with the final processing of their green cards. An individual’s priority date is generally the date that the relative petition or labor certification application is filed.

The Visa Bulletin is published every month and lists the cutoff priority dates for the upcoming month. For example, the Visa Bulletin released on Sep. 9, 2015, is applicable starting on Oct. 1, 2015.

Accordingly, starting on Oct. 1, 2015, there are now 2 different charts stating priority dates for each of the family and employment-based categories. The one chart, “Dates for Filing,” determines when an individual who is eligible for an immigrant visa, or green card, may proceed further with the process. For individuals who are outside the U.S. and whose priority date becomes current under “Dates for Filing,” the DOS is to proceed with notifying the individual of the steps necessary to further process their immigrant visa. For those already inside the U.S., a current priority date under “Dates for Filing” signals that the individual may proceed with filing the adjustment of status application, along with the related work permit and advance parole travel document applications.

For those seeking adjustment of status, it is important to note that the changes to the Visa Bulletin do not affect an individual’s

AmericAn DreAm

eligibility for adjustment of status.

It only changes when an application may be submitted. Individuals must continue to be eligible for adjustment of status either because they are still in lawful status; have been out of status for less than 6 months and are applying on an employment-based petition; or are grandfathered under former INA §245(i).

The second chart, “Application Final Action Dates,” determines when the individual’s green card may actually be granted.

For those outside the U.S., the Embassy can only issue the immigrant visa so that they may enter the U.S. once their priority date on this chart becomes current. For those inside the U.S., the USCIS may only finalize their adjustment of status application once their priority date becomes current on this chart.

The creation of the 2 charts, “Dates for Filing” and “Application Final Action Dates,” is very beneficial to those in the U.S. seeking adjustment of status as it advances their ability to get the extremely valuable work permit and advance parole travel document. Moreover, it advances the ability for their dependent spouse

u PAGE C4

C SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Debt Relief Atty. LAwrence yAng Chapter 11 CLIENT presents himself as an importer & nationwide distributor of electronic items with gross annual sales $5.0M. He has a warehouse in Los Angeles with 15 employees. His business is actually doing well. But due to a business dispute with a major supplier, there is a recent judgment of $2.1M against his business for breach of contract. But for this judgment, his business would not have any major problem. Orders keep rolling in and his warehouse crew is busy shipping out the orders. His suppliers are getting paid, although with a little delay. The suppliers don’t mind that he is a little late. His business has been operating for 7 years. It still turns a respectable profit and sales are increasing.

He just got a nationwide retailer as a customer last month.

He has bank loan of $2.0M for operating capital secured by inventory & receivables. He uses also direct suppliers’ credit for $1.0M. He is working out a very big order for the nationwide retailer. The $2.1M judgment against the business threw a big monkey wrench into his business operations. Judgment creditor is now threatening to levy the business accounts, inventory and receivables to satisfy the judgment.

Chapter 11 will allow client to

Community Journal

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

Business with $2.1M judgment On being credible witnesses against it seeks Chapter 11 relief to the truth of the Gospel Senior with $24K debt seeks Chapter 7 relief; Senior protects house with Chapter 13

prevent the levy on the business accounts, inventory and receivables. Chapter 11 will further allow the business to continue operating without fear of further lawsuits from anyone. It will allow payments to suppliers so that the business can continue operating.

It will give client enough time to devise a feasible plan to continue business. This plan may completely disregard the judgment of $2.1M as if it never existed if the court confirms the plan. Clients’ business will emerge from Chapter 11 as a leaner and more profitable company thus assuring its continued viability.

Chapter 7 Client is 70 and now lives by himself. All his children live out of state. His wife is much younger so she still works. But she works in the East Coast. She has her own living expenses there and her own debts. She doesn’t have any financial problems because her income is good and she doesn’t really owe too much debt. She’s pretty much living her own life there, and he’s living his own life here in Los Angeles.

He has $24K of credit card debt.

He needs to pay a minimum of $750 monthly to keep the cards current. He used the cards to cover the medical expenses of relatives abroad who had no insurance. His

younger brother needed a heart by-pass, and the cost abroad was $20K, which is not expensive by US standards. His problem now is he only has social security of $2K, and a pension of $1K, monthly.

His rent is $900 and he still pays for a new car at $500 monthly. He said he couldn’t pay for the car and the cards anymore. At his age, he just doesn’t want the stress of paying for credit cards and a car anymore.

Chapter 7 will discharge the $24K credit cards and allow him to return the car and have no further liability on it.

Chapter 13 Client is 64. Her house in Irvine is now worth $1.0M. She still owes $500K on the house. She applied for a loan modification of her mortgage through the government sponsored entities. I’m not sure why, but she was told to stop paying her mortgage until the LM application got approved.

The problem is that the first loan modification application she filed was denied after 4 months, and the second loan modification application she filed was denied after 3 months. So, now she is 8 months behind on the mortgage.

Last week, she sent two months of mortgage payments to the lender. The lender returned her check and told her that foreclo-

sure proceedings would start in a week. She desperately wants to save her house because she says aside from the large equity, all her children grew up in that house, so she and her husband want to do everything possible to save it from foreclosure.

Chapter 13 will stop foreclosure proceedings as soon as the case is filed. Client will then be give 5 years to pay off the 8 months default over 60 equal monthly payments. She also owes $10K to the IRS. The plan will allow her to pay this over the same 60 months without interest or penalty. She wants to keep her 2012 Lexus and lessen the monthly payments. This can also be done because the balance of the car loan can be spread over 60 months thus reducing the car payment.

“If you walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.” — John 1:7

To Live With Faith reverend rodeL g. BALAgtAs

LAST Sunday after my Mass in a parish, a Nicaraguan woman spoke to me. She said, “Father, our new priest is wonderful. He is good. He says Mass with a great deal of reverence and proper pace; he transmits spirituality without any air of superiority or arrogance; he preaches and connects well with us. He reaches out to everyone; he is kind and compassionate. He is not afraid to say the truth. He is really a man of prayer!”

“Oh, that’s wonderful to hear,” I responded, knowing who she was talking about. He’s one of our recently ordained priests! Of course, I felt good about hearing this report. It says a lot about our priestly formation at St. John’s Seminary.

“No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, *** every disciple will be like his Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in teacher,” the Gospel says (Luke bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil 6:40). Isn’t this what we exlitigation and has successfully represented pect—that our seminarians will more than five thousand clients in California. put into practice what they learn Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284in the seminary; that they will be 1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, as good as their teachers or betMailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, ter than them?

CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement) When you think about what the Nicaraguan woman said, she was not really talking about the body of knowledge or wisdom that this new priest has. She was talking about the kind of priest he is: genuinely holy, kind, compassionate, sensitive, courageous and truthful to the Gospel. The priest’s character inspires and evangelizes parishioners. His actions and ministry reveal the Splendor of the Truth and his intimate relationship with the Great Teacher, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Of course, parishioners want priests who can articulate the knowledge of our faith, who can guide them to the truth of the Person of Christ and his Gospel.

You cannot have a blind person leading another blind person, as the Gospel says (Luke 6:41). But more than this, they want priests who live the truth, who practice the truth of the Gospel in their own lives.

Archbishop Gomez even addressed the three new auxiliary bishops in the same way during their ordination last Tuesday.

Aside from the call to holiness, prayer and prudence and their ministry of teaching, sanctifying and community building, he reminded the new bishops to be examples to their flock. They must lead by example to show the people the face of Christ. He said that there is power in the practice of our faith.

In order to do this, I realize that we priests need a daily examination of our own lives; an intentional consciousness or awareness of how we relate with people. We can’t be pointing wrongdoings of other people without reflecting first on our own wrongdoings. The Gospel is clear. We must notice the wooden beam in our own eyes first before noticing the splinter in other people’s eyes (Luke 6:42).

The retired pope, Benedict XV1, talks about the importance of credibility in priestly ministry.

He said, “What the world is in particular need of today is the credible witness of people… capable of opening the hearts and minds of many to the desire for God and for true life.” (Porta Fidei, #15) Indeed, may all people become credible witnesses to the truth of the Gospel! *** 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.

People and Events

Heal the Bay Coastal Cleanup Day

HEAL the Bay, a volunteer-run nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the health and safety of Southland beaches and waterways, will host the 26th annual Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, Sept. 19.

More than 10,000 Southland residents and volunteers will mobilize from 9am to noon at more than 50 cleanup sites, from Compton to Malibu, to help remove trash along Los Angeles County beaches and inland waterways, parks, creeks, lakes, highways and alleys.

Coastal Cleanup Day participants have collected more than 1 million pounds of trash in Los Angeles County since 1990.

By removing debris from beaches and inland neighborhoods, volunteers reduce blight, protect marine animals and bolster the regional economy.

Join the world’s biggest singleday volunteer event! Attendees

will receive hands-on education about the easy steps they can take to local watersheds and neighborhoods clean, and participants will be given a voucher for free sustainable seafood tacos at any Rubio’s restaurant while extensive supplies last.

For volunteers, Cancer Treatment Centers of America will be distributing free tubes of sunscreen at all sites, and Heal the Bay will be hosting a number of communitybuilding activities, such as a sand castle-building contest.

Heal the Bay seeks volunteers of all ages and physical abilities, and no special equipment or experience is necessary.

For registration information and cleanup tips, please visit www.healthebay.org/ccd.

Contact Alys Arenas, (310) 4511500, x148, aarenas@healthebay.org, or Matthew King, (310) 451-1500, x137; cell: (310) 4636266 for more details. n

Pilipino Inter-club Open Invitational Golf Tournament

THE 11th annual PILIPINO INTER-CLUB OPEN (PICO) is open to fellow master golfers from the tri-state area.

The charity tournament will be held on Saturday, September 19, at Royce Brook Golf Club (201 Hamilton Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844). It will be a shotgun start at 1:30 pm.

Registration is $120 each player; includes golf cart and food after the game. Come early for

registration, refreshments, and mini contests.

Come and join the quest for individual and team honors by class. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Family Center Christian Church, and donations are 100% tax deductible.

Sign-up now at http://www. spgolfclub.com/PICO. For more details, please contact Ed Badiola 908-531-7377, or Justil Cruz 973-926-1400. n

Change to Visa Bulletin…

PAGE C3 t

and children to obtain work permits and advance parole. The work permit and advance parole documents may continually be renewed until the adjustment of status applications can be finalized.

As an example of the benefits under the change, take the family F1 category for the Philippines.

Starting on Oct. 1, 2015, individuals with a priority date earlier than Sept. 5, 2005, may proceed with filing their adjustment of status, work permit and advance parole applications. Had the Visa Bulletin not changed, it may have been another 4 years since the cut-off priority date would have only been June 1, 2001.

Another example is the employment 3rd and Other Worker categories for the Philippines.

Starting on Oct. 1, 2015, individuals with a priority date earlier than Jan. 1, 2015, may proceed with filing the adjustment, work permit, and advance parole applications. The change advanced

their eligibility potentially 8 years since the cut-off priority date would otherwise have been Jan. 1, 2007.

The advancement to those eligible for adjustment of status to obtain work authorizations and advance parole recognizes the benefits of providing hard working individuals with the tools necessary to fully contribute to our society. This change in the Visa Bulletin implements yet another one of Pres. Obama’s Executive Actions, many of which are indeed helping to modernize and streamline the U.S. immigration system. *** For further information, please schedule an appointment with an attorney at Aquino & Loew, Certified Immigration Law Specialists; (888) 797-1140 or (626) 799-3089; info@ aquinoloew.com. Please also visit Aquino & Loew at www.aquinoloew.com and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. Aquino & Loew also handles family law and criminal matters. Providing Personalized Service Nationwide & Abroad Since 1996. (Advertising Supplement)

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

PeoPle & events

CELEBRATE LOCAL with San Diego Restaurant Week!

THIS September, San Diego Restaurant Week, presented by Lexus Dealerships of San Diego, will CELEBRATE LOCAL... keepin’ it fresh - really fresh.

San Diego Restaurant week returns September 20th - September 26th for one week only to “Celebrate Local” at all 180+ participating restaurants. Choose from a three-course dinner or two-course lunch deal to satisfy

your cravings.

New this year, San Diego Restaurant Week will be partnering with Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank to provide backpacks for children in need within the San Diego community during the all for kids campaign.

Ditch the dirty dishes and join over 150,000 fellow diners as we celebrate San Diego’s thriving culinary scene and the home-

Laudato Si (Praise Be To you, O Lord) caring for our common home LAUDATO Si (Praise Be To You, O Lord!) is Pope Francis’ encyclical on “Caring for Our Common Home” which addresses the grave impact of climate change in world’s communities and ecosystems.

On Thursday, September 24, Climate Scientist, Dr. Josh Fisher, from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory will explain the scientific foundation of climate change, which is well-aligned

with Pope Francis’ letter.

The event will take place 7 to 9 PM at Holy Name of Mary Parish in San Dimas (724 E. Bonita Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773).

All are invited, and free refreshments and childcare will be provided.

For more information, please contact Charlie Martinez, Director of Pastoral Ministries at charlie@hnmparish.org. n

grown, local businesses that provide us with the produce and products we love!

Tickets are not necessary for this delectable week of discounted dining, but reservations are recommended!

Visit SanDiegoRestaurantWeek.com for more information, including a list of participating restaurants, or to make your reservations in advance! n

LA Builder Lions Club 25th Anniversary THE Los Angeles Builder Lions Club will celebrate their 25th Anniversary and Annual Outstanding Parents Night on October 10, 2015 at the Almansor Court banquet hall (700 S Almansor St, Alhambra, CA 91801).

Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band.

For further questions, please call Lion Bill Menor (323) 4650613, Lion Yoli Ramo (213) 3051332, chairpersons or Lion Tita James, co-chair at (818) 2032325. n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015

C

USCIS to host immigration information sessions at local libraries LOS ANGELES – US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will present multilingual immigration and citizenship information sessions at local libraries in the coming weeks. These sessions are part of an effort to help immigrants gather important information about immigrating, naturalizing and even ask immigration officers questions.

The public is invited, and USCIS officers will be on hand to help people understand such issues as:

• how to petition for a relative; • the process to obtain lawful permanent residence (green card); • the naturalization process; • how to find authorized help; and • how to avoid immigration scams.

Officers will also be available to answer general immigration questions in different languages. Free educational materials will be handed out while supplies last. n

EVENT DETAILS Date/Time

Location

Saturday, Sept. 12

Placentia Library

2:30 - 4:30 pm

411 E. Chapman Ave., Placentia, CA 92870

Thursday, Sept. 17

Pio Pico Library

6:00 - 8:00 pm

694 Oxford Ave Los Angeles, CA 90005

Saturday, Sept. 19

Placentia Library

6:00 - 8:00 pm

411 E. Chapman Ave., Placentia, CA 92870

Saturday, Oct.

Placentia Library

2:30 - 4:30 pm

411 E. Chapman Ave., Placentia, CA 92870

Languages English / Korean

English

English / Mandarin

English / Spanish

C SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 12-15, 2015

MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

&

D

October 2015 ‘filing’ dates

Immigration Corner

(New format and charts for priority dates) priority dates starting in October 2015. There will be two separate charts (or priority dates) for people to follow or monitor: • Dates for filing applications (earliest date when a person may file for adjustment of status or for an immigrant visa) • Application “final action dates” (dates when visas may finally be issued.)

For purposes of this article, I am listing both the adjustment FILING dates, as those are the operative dates when a person will be able to file for adjustment of status, work authorization, etc., The climate legislation included and the visa ISSUANCE dates. some of the biggest goals Brown Once the adjustment application outlined during his inaugural ad- is filed, the person would be able dress in January. Without objec- to renew work authorization each tives for reducing gasoline use, it year, until the priority date on the has two parts remaining: increas- separate chart for visa ISSUANCE ing renewable energy production, becomes current. and boosting energy efficiency By way of example, the priorover the next 15 years. ity date for “filing applications” The measure, which had passed for employment-based third the Senate with the gas target preference (EB-3) and other intact, is now expected to pass workers (OW) is January 1, 2015. the Assembly and go right to the However, the priority date for governor for his signature. “visa issuance” for the same two Although supporters described categories is January 1, 2007. the remaining provisions of the What this apparently means is bill as landmark steps, they were that workers in the EB-3 and OW frustrated by not persuading enough fellow Democrats to support the gas component.

“We reached for something grand,” said Senate Leader Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles), who authored the legislation. “But in the end, we could not cut through the multimillion-dollar smokePAGE D2

date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be EACH month, the Visa Office of available for persons whose priorthe State Department publishes, ity date is earlier than the cut-off in the Visa Bulletin, the priority date listed below.

Recently, the Department of dates for that particular month, for the various family and employ- State (DOS) and the USCIS anment based categories. A priority nounced a new format for the

Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

Gas reduction dropped from California climate change bill by allyson

escobar

AJPress

GOVERNOR Jerry Brown faced setbacks on Wednesday, Sept. 9, as his plans for climate change legislation were stripped of initial goals for reducing gasoline use, delayed efforts to fix decrepit roads, and a deal funding for public healthcare was non-existent.

Brown, who typically gets his way in Capitol, started his historic fourth term this year.

But he said he was “undeterred,” instead pledging to redouble his efforts to fight climate change by cutting the amount of gasoline burned on California roads, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“Oil has won the skirmish. But they’ve lost the bigger battle,” he said Wednesday at a Capitol news conference. “Because I am more determined than ever.”

“We’re not going to miss a beat,” the governor added.

PH relatively isolated from external risks – IMF

by Kathleen

a. Martin

Philstar.com

MACTAN ISLAND, Cebu - The Philippines is relatively isolated from the risks coming from external shocks due to the country’s sound economic fundamentals, officials from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank said.

In a briefing, Mitsuhiro Furusawa, deputy managing director at the IMF, said the Philippines is relatively isolated from the risks coming from China’s economic woes.

“The current Philippine economic performance is quite good.

Compared with other neighboring countries, the trade relation with China is less,” Furusawa said.

“We think with the spillover effects, the Philippines will be less affected by the slowdown of the Chinese economy. We congratulate the performances and the good macroeconomic policy of the government,” he said.

China was the Philippines’ third largest export market last year following Japan and the US. The Philippines shipped $8.03 billion worth of commodities in 2014 to China, up 14 percent over 2013 levels.

At the same time, China was the Philippines’ largest source of imports last year with $9.57 billion.

The economy grew by a slower 5.3 percent in the first half from 6.2 percent in the same period

in 2014. The latest figure is still far from the government’s goal of expanding the economy by seven to eight percent this year but it is already among the fastest growth rates in the region.

Odd Per Brekk, director of the IMF’s regional office for Asia and the Pacific, said the fiscal and monetary space would support the Philippine economy in times of need.

“In terms of financial situation and spillovers from shakes in financial markets internationally… we think that the Philippine (economy) is quite robust,” Brekk said.

“It has flexible and efficient policy, it has fiscal space, monetary policy space to respond… It has a current account surplus and [high] level of reserves so in general, we think it is quite well-placed to manage the spillovers,” he said.

A World Bank official, meanwhile, concurred the Philippine economy has been doing “very well” despite the soft global economic activity.

“It is fair to say that if you look at the overall economic management, the authorities have done a very good job in allowing for prudent macroeconomic policies that have ended up reducing inflation, reducing debt levels, as well as having an increase in international reserves,” Axel van Trotsenburg, World Bank vice president for East Asia and the Pacific said in a separate briefing.

Asia Region Funds Passport to draw in more investments

by Kathleen

a. Martin

Philstar.com

MACTAN ISLAND, Cebu - Six Asia-Pacific economies including the Philippines signed on Friday, Sept. 11 an agreement that will facilitate easier movement of investments throughout member states in Asia.

Finance ministers and officials from Australia, South Korea, New Zealand, Thailand, Japan, and the Philippines inked a statement of understanding for the Asia Region Funds Passport (AFRP).

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said this region-wide initiative is in line with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s (APEC) efforts to achieve financial integration and boost the region’s growth.

“Closer financial integration

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima

is a key pillar of our agenda here in Cebu. We are optimistic that regional cooperation in building better financial linkages can smoothen our path to shared prosperity,” Purisima said.

PAGE D2

Business Quote of the Week “One of the things that may get in the way of people being lifelong learners is that they’re not in touch with their passion. If you’re passionate about what it is you do, then you’re going to be looking for everything you can to get better at it.”

- Jack Canfield, Inspirational self help author and success coach

categories may file for adjustment of status and work authorization, if the priority date on their case is earlier than January 1, 2015. However, no visa will be issued (or adjustment of status will not be granted) until the January 1, 2007 “visa issuance” priority date is reached. Under this example, a person may file for adjustment of status if they have a priority date earlier than January 1, 2015, and renew work authorizations for approximately 8 years until the “visa issuance” date is reached.

For most people, I would think the dates on the charts for filing applications would be the ones

they would be most interested in, as it would enable them to file for adjustment of status and work authorization. Once their applications are filed, they would monitor the “visa issuance” priority dates.

For the first month of this new format, I am listing the “filing” priority dates together with the visa “issuance” dates, meaning if your priority date is earlier than those listed, you could be eligible to file or apply for adjustment of status or immigrant visa: (see photo above) *** 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 september 12-15, 2015 • LA WeeKeND AsIAN JOUrNAL

Marketplace & ShowrooM

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

Comet jeepneys back on QC streets after battery upgrade by erika

sauLer Inquirer.net

RETROAD. Double-decker buses, which used to ply EDSA in the early 1980s, is seen as a way to relieve vehicular volume in Metro Manila.

Aside from reimplementing the Cory-era odd-even traffic scheme, government planners are also mulling over the return of double-decker buses in a bid to put order to the chaotic transport system in Metro Manila.

ManilaTimes.net photo

PLDT, Uber open to wider alliance

by LoueLLa

D. DesiDerio

Philstar.com

MANILA - The wireless arm of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and ride-sharing service provider Uber are open to expanding their partnership to cover new payment options.

Eric Alberto, executive vice president and head of enterprise for PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. said Smart Money is among the new payment options being considered for Uber passengers.

“After the credit card, Smart Money would be the natural progression,” he said.

Smart Money is a mobile wallet similar to having a bank account in one’s phone, allowing bills payment and money transfers.

Uber Manila general manager Laurence Cua said the ride-sharing app provider would be open to exploring new payment options for riders.

“We’re open to carrier billing, prepaid or even cash. At the end of the day, what we want is to be able to provide the service to the people,” he said.

At present, Uber is only available to credit card holders in Metro Manila.

Earlier this week, PLDT and Uber announced they have en-

tered into a partnership which covers free Wi-Fi in vehicles and other special promotions.

Under the partnership, Smart is providing Wi-Fi in Uber vehicles which even passengers can use for free.

Uber partner drivers can also get exclusive prepaid and postpaid voice and data packages, bundles and add-ons under the partnership.

Smart is likewise making exclusive phone offers available to partner drivers through an Uber online store using the Tack This! e-commerce platform of PLDT’s digital unit Voyager Innovations.

AFTER being grounded because of one unit that suddenly burst into flames in May, Comet jeepneys—touted as an environment-friendly urban transport—are back in the streets of Quezon City.

They now come with an upgraded battery system which should prevent a repeat of the fire that forced the suspension of their commercial operations in the city.

The Comet started operations in Sept. 2014.

The US-based Pangea manufactures the Comet (Community Optimized Managed Electric Transport) while Global Electric Transportation (GET) Philippines handles fleet management.

With the same fare matrix as jeepneys, Comets currently ply the SM North-Katipunan Avenue and SM North-Luzon Avenue routes from Mondays to Saturdays between 5:30am and 9:30pm.

Frankie Endriga, Pangea Philippines general manager, said the new battery system was similar to the electric vehicles used in Disney theme parks which has better safety features and simpler wiring for easier management.

Pasang Masda president Obet

After its operations were halted in May due to a fire, the Comet is ready to make a comeback.

Inquirer.net photo by Kimberly De La Cruz

Martin said the transport group supports alternative fuel and is working with GET Philippines to encourage other operators to convert to the managed system.

“Drivers won’t have to compete for passengers because they will receive a basic salary for eighthour work. The passengers are

better served and there will be less traffic,” Martin added.

Comets are dispatched every 30 minutes during off-peak hours and as quickly as three minutes during rush hour. It uses a cash-less system with a tap card that can be reloaded at the stations.

Gas reduction dropped from California...

PAGE D1 screen.”

Oil companies had launched a fierce opposition campaign to the measure, Senate Bill 350, including paid television and radio advertising across the state.

With the end of the regular legislative session on Friday, supporters tried to salvage the measure by proposing some limits on state air regulators’ power and making the gasoline goal more flexible, the Los Angeles Times said.

But Brown said the oil industry and its allies wanted more changes than he was willing to make, and it was “too important to preserve the authority of the California Air Resources Board,” one of the leading agencies involved in pollution policies.

California Board officials said they could keep moving toward the gas reduction target with existing policies, such as reducing fuel carbon content, pursuing tighter vehicle efficiency standards, and increasing mass public transit.

Assemblyman Henry Perea (D-Fresno), who fought the gas part of the legislation along with several Democrats in the lower house, said the bill was better off without it.

“We always wanted to say yes,” Perea said. “And now we’re going to get the opportunity to say that.”

Environmentalist groups were disappointed that the gasoline target was removed, but were also as determined as Gov. Brown following the ruling.

“I’m feeling oddly encouraged,” said Kathryn Phillips of Sierra Club California, who has urged Brown to take a tougher line against the industry. “I have not heard the governor be as strongly committed to protecting Californians from the effects of oil.”

Other climate-related legislation is still hanging.

SB 32, sponsored by Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), would collate in state law long-term targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions that were set in

executive orders by Brown and his predecessor, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. It also passed the Senate and is pending in the Assembly.

“We are still assessing how the Assembly wants to move forward,” Pavley said in a statement.

Still, no deal has yet been reached on paying for the repair of California’s dilapidated roads, which was another priority Brown set this year. With a special legislative session to address the issue, he and legislative leaders say they’ll convene a special committee in hopes of hashing out a deal.

The 77-year-old, environmentally-conscious governor wanted $3.6 billion in annual funding for road repairs, but Republicans refused to provide the necessary support for the higher taxes and fees included in the plan. Even some Democrats have resisted as well.

Business and labor groups, hoping the new road funds will help create jobs and promote economic development, hesitated at a $1-billion proposal floated by Transportation Secretary Brian Kelly on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

If lawmakers passed the smaller proposal, they feared, they wouldn’t revisit the issue and find a more substantive solution down the line.

“What was being contemplated wasn’t really going to fix anything,” said Jim Earp, executive consultant of the California Alliance for Jobs, which represents contractors and union workers.

Brown and Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), who has been trying to rally support for road repairs, also pledged to continue their fighting efforts.

“The roads are going to get fixed,” the governor said.

Asia Region Funds Passport...

PAGE D1

“With 40 percent of the region’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) underserved, we expect easier cross-border flows of funds to accelerate trade and investment in the region,” he added.

The AFRP eases regulatory requirements for operators of investment schemes so they could easily offer products in another territory outside of their host country.

This increases the products available to consumers in the participating economies, and also expands the markets of those offering investment products in those countries.

“It will not only reduce the amount of red tape faced by fund managers across our region, but will provide investors with greater choice of investment product,” Australian Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said.

“Specifically, the Asia Region Funds Passport aims to give investors access to a larger range of well-regulated funds. This will help to further strengthen the international competitiveness of our financial services sector across Asia in relation to other parts of the world,” he continued.

The AFRP is expected to deepen capital markets in the region and strengthen the capacity, expertise, and international competitiveness of financial markets and the the fund management industry.

The statement of understanding also requires the signatories to ensure their legal and regulatory frameworks promote investor protection, and support fair, efficient, and transparent markets.

Participation in the AFRP will remain open to eligible APEC

economies and a memorandum of cooperation for this is expected to be signed before the end of the year.

SEC chairperson Teresita Herbosa said the ARFP, once fully implemented, would help “achieve the freer flow of capital within the Asia region by providing a multilaterally agreed framework to facilitate the cross border marketing of managed funds such as mutual funds across participating economies in the Asia region.”

The APEC Finance Ministers initiated the AFRP in response to the growing recognition of the value of creating better financial linkages among economies in the region and the desire to work towards reduction of barriers and transaction costs due to varying taxations, laws and regulations.

SEC commissioner Ephyro Amatong, for his part, said the initiative could create a bigger pool of funds that might be tapped for investment to drive growth within the region.

In a separate statement, the APEC said: “Once the passport is fully up and running, it could save the region’s investors USD20 billion annually in fund management costs, offer higher investment returns at the same or lower degree of risk, and encourage the establishment of locally domiciled fundswhich could create 170,000 jobs in APEC economies within five years.”

On the other hand, APEC economies that are not ready to join the passport in 2016 are given the opportunity to develop their capacity in order to meet the passport regulatory and membership requirements in the future, Amatong said.

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Marketplace & ShowrooM

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 12-15, 2015 D

After NAIA Terminal 1 facelift, Buying a new car stress-free: Kababayans at P8-M passenger lounge next DCH Toyota of Torrance will show you how

by Jeannette

I. andrade

Inquirer.net

WITH the makeover of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 almost complete, airport officials are set to open the bidding for the construction of an P8-million passenger sendoff area.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) earlier promised to provide an area where passengers could stay with their families before their flights.

According to MIAA senior assistant general manager Vicente Guerzon Jr., the bidding may be opened to interested firms by November.

“Once the terms of reference for the project are approved, there will be an invitation to bid issued,” he told the Inquirer, adding that this may happen before the Asia-Pacific Economic

Cooperation summit.

Relatives of overseas Filipino workers have been complaining about the closure of the Naia Terminal 1 OFW lounge and Windows of the World (WOW) area early last year, almost simultaneously with the onset of the P1.3-billion rehabilitation project.

The new OFW and WOW lounges, generally called “public viewing areas,” are expected to accommodate up to 300 persons at a time.

The primary purpose of providing such areas, Guerzon said, was to let people interact with their relatives in a comfortable setting before they leave for abroad.

“It is part of Filipino culture.

We have a close-knit family relationship so many people want to be part of sendoffs and welcomes,” he added.

Camellia at Rosedale elevates luxury expectations with magnificent homes, unparalelled lifestyle advantages

AZUSA - Homebuyers ready for an unparalleled lifestyle experience at one of Azusa’s most luxurious new addresses are turning to Camellia by Brookfield Residential, a limited collection of 57 magnificent single-family residences set in award-winning Rosedale, the #1 master-planned community in San Gabriel Valley. Camellia homeowners will have the opportunity to enjoy lifestyle advantages others can only imagine with Rosedale’s elevated, mountain-close setting that affords both rich natural beauty and relaxed outdoor recreation. Residents have access to an intricate, connected trail system for walking, hiking and biking; a number of vibrantly themed parks already in place with several slated to open soon and exclusive entry into The Resort, which features a community recreation center, private state-of-the-art fitness center, Junior Olympic swimming pool, spa and kids’ wading pool, openturf play area and much more.

Located within walking distance, the future Metro Gold Line Station is expected to open in March 2016 and will offer homeowners a convenient commuting option for both work and pleasure. The incredible setting is the ultimate enrichment to Camellia’s elegant floorplans, furthering Brookfield Residential’s reputation for creating the best places to call home with architecturally masterful designs and features ranging from voluminous interiors and spectacular indoor/outdoor living spaces to lower-level guest suites and spacious 3-car garages.

Buyers interested in attaining this unprecedented lifestyle are encouraged to visit the Camellia Sales Gallery to inquire about the upcoming phase, which features larger homesites and stunning city light views. For immediate details on Camellia, log on to www.BrookfieldSoCal.com.

“Camellia is quickly becoming the quintessential luxury address in the San Gabriel Valley with breathtaking homes and a truly incomparable lifestyle,” said Mercedes Meserve, Vice President of Marketing for Brookfield Residential Southern California.

“Once buyers tour the three model homes and experience the master-plan amenities for themselves, they know there’s simply no community in the area that can compare to Camellia at Rosedale.”

Camellia captivates buyers with a higher level of luxury with residences showcasing timeless architecture, expansive floorplans boasting the highest square footage available in all of Rosedale, elegant appointments and stunning city light and mountain views. The three expansive home designs range from approximately 3,607 to 4,134 square feet, with four to six bedrooms and three and one-half to six and one-half baths. Prices range from the $900,000s to the low $1 millions.

The exquisite floorplans are beautifully distinguished by a number of design elements that

suit an array of luxury lifestyle expectations. Residence One features a spacious first-floor bedroom suite to comfortably accommodate overnight guests or multi-generational family members; a library/music room to indulge tranquil pastimes; a chef-inspired kitchen with oversized center island; a luxurious master suite with his-and-her walk-in closets and a bonus room that can suit a variety of uses.

Dramatically soaring entryway ceilings welcome owners home to Residence Two, which also showcases a private first-floor guest suite for visitors; a modern chef-inspired kitchen with walkin pantry, an expansive master suite with two walk-in closets and an optional covered deck.

The final floorplan offering is the spectacular Residence Three, the picture of grandeur with its idyllic entryway courtyard; sweeping great room and formal dining room; impressively equipped chef-inspired kitchen with large center island; a luxurious first-floor guest suite with sitting room and a gorgeous master suite with an oversized walk-in closet.

Customization options are available to add additional elements of luxury to Camellia homes, including covered outdoor rooms equipped with outdoor kitchens, entertainment centers, or fireplaces per plan; covered decks off the master bedrooms; optional high-heat kitchens and more. With the guidance of the Brookfield Studio design professionals, buyers may also choose from a number of personalization opportunities that range from flooring, countertops and appliances to finish cabinetry, built-ins, fireplace surrounds and more. All homes also feature professionally designed front yard landscaping and more than half include city light views.

Rosedale is set in a scenic foothill location that overlooks the San Gabriel Valley with 290 acres permanently reserved for open space and the community’s resort-style amenities. At completion, the master-plan will have 10 parks for residents to enjoy.

Camellia’s prime Azusa location is ideal for students and professionals with Citrus College within walking distance and I-10 and 210 corridors in close proximity for commutes to Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles.

To visit Camellia, exit 210 Freeway at Grand Avenue and head north towards the mountains.

Turn left at Sierra Madre Ave. Proceed through the round-about and make a left onto MacNeil Drive. Turn left onto Manresa Drive and follow the signs to the Camellia model homes. The Camellia Sales Gallery and model homes are open daily from 10am to 6pm, and Wednesday from 2pm to 6pm. For more information, please call (888) 8272705, or visit www.BrookfieldSoCal.com.

Prices effective date of publication.

(Advertising Supplement)

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) and JP Panganiban (Sales & Leasing Consultant).

Aler as a manager of DCH’s Filipino department, welcomes and looks forward to serving his fellow kababayans. His overflowing friendly personality, as well as that of Rivera, Relova and Panganiban, 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

Asian Journal readers Kuya James and Ate Josephine chose DCH Toyota of Torrance Filipino Dept. Sales Team and bought their new 2015 Prius. They were very happy with our friendly kababayan VIP service.

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 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 september 12-15, 2015 • LA WeeKeND AsIAN JOUrNAL

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

FOR RENT

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 12-15, 2015 D

OPEN HOUSE

PSYCHIC

D september 12-15, 2015 • LA WeeKeND AsIAN JOUrNAL

Marketplace & ShowrooM

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

Spectacular debut prompts homebuyers to take advantage of Aster Heights’ early phase opportunities

AZUSA - Professionally decorated model homes are now open at Brookfield Residential’s Aster Heights neighborhood, attracting buyers ready to elevate their lifestyle with the finest luxury at Rosedale’s highest point. As the final upscale new-home offering in the award-winning community of Rosedale, this limited collection of just 30 magnificent single-family detached residences showcases elegant designs and expansive homesites large enough to accommodate custom pools, exterior staircases and decks that capture breathtaking city light views from atop the master-plan’s highest point.

At first glance, homebuyers find the architecturally beautiful floorplans are the definition of grandeur with voluminous interiors that include five to seven bedrooms; first-level bedrooms suites and dual-master suites; gourmet kitchens with oversized islands and large windows that optimize stunning city light vistas. To learn more about Aster Height’s early phase opportunities, buyers are encouraged to visit the sales gallery today. For immediate details on the collection, log on to www.

BrookfieldSoCal.com.

“Since its s pectacular debut, Aster Heights has become one of the most sought-after luxury home addresses in Rosedale,” said Mercedes Meserve, Vice President of Marketing for Brookfield Residential Southern California. “To secure one of these limited edition homes, we encourage buyers to inquire about our early phase opportunities right away.”

Set within Rosedale, the San Gabriel Valley’s #1 master-planned community, Aster Heights’ elegant home designs underscore Brookfield Residential’s commitment to building the best places to call home with pool-sized homesites, sweeping living spaces, the finest appointments and richly detailed refinements. Residences showcase five to seven bedrooms, four and one-half to seven and one-half baths, and three-car garages with approximately 4,652 to 4,925 square feet. Distinctive design features include first-floor master suites and/or bedroom suites that luxuriously accommodate overnight guests; bonus rooms for study space or play areas; and a gourmet chef’s kitchen with an island large enough to comfortably seat four or more. Buyers will also find a number of customization options available that include an outdoor room with covered deck above and connecting exterior staircase; a butler’s pantry; a highheat gourmet kitchen; music room with library and others. Prices range 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 masterplanned 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 stateof-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-a-kind 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 Grand Avenue and head north towards the mountains. Turn left at Sierra Madre Ave. Proceed through the round-about and turn right on Orange Blossom Way. Make a left on Sproul Ave and a right on Camellia Way. The models are on your right. The Aster Heights Sales Gallery and model homes are 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.

(Advertising Supplement)

(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 12-15, 2015 D

D september 12-15, 2015 • LA WeeKeND AsIAN JOUrNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797