LA Weekend Edition -- January 16 -- 19, 2016

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E DITION January 16-19, 2016

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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 26 - No. 5 • 4 Sections – 34 Pages

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Bishops slam Aquino for vetoing pension hike bill

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

(CBCP) said Aquino’s move showed that he has “no conscience” and has no sympathy for the poor. former CBCP president and Lingayen-dagupan Archbishop oscar V. Cruz and mania Auxiliary Broderick Pabillo were the most vocal in slamming the President’s decision.

“Ang Pangulo ay walang konsensiya, walang awa sa mga taong salat sa buhay [The President has no mercy, insensitive and unmerciful to the people

by WilliaM anD

B. Depasupil nelsOn s. BaDilla ManilaTimes.net

CAthoLiC bishops, lawmakers and workers were one in lambasting President Benigno Aquino iii for vetoing the proposed P2,000 across-the-board increase for pensioners of the social security system (sss). on friday, Jan. 15, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines

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who have less in life],” Cruz said. he added that sss pensioners are not asking any favor from the President but merely want to get the benefits they rightly deserve as taxpayers. the prelate said Aquino should not deny senior citizens the little increase on their monthly pensions because the money that will be used also came from the taxes paid by these pensioners when they were still gainfully em-

ployed. “the money of the government is the people’s money. it came from the taxes collected from the people, it’s not yours. if you give what is due to the people, you are not giving any favor but you are just returning what rightly belongs to them,” Cruz pointed out.

Pabillo said in vetoing the sss pension hike bill, the President showed that his program of inclusive growth is a mere rhetoric.

the prelate, chairman of the CBCP’s Committee on Public Affairs, noted that it is not the first time that Aquino has shown his anti-poor policy, having vetoed the proposed magna Carta for the Poor in 2013. “do we vote [for] those who will continue this anti-poor policy?” Pabillo asked in his twitter account. the magna Carta for the Poor was aimed to protect the rights of the

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Duterte to dissolve Congress over ‘pork’ barrel

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Highlights from 6th GOP debate

by Mike

FrialDe Philstar.com

Angry Trump, candidates criticize Ted Cruz

the sixth republican debate took place the night of thursday, Jan. 14 in north Charleston, south Carolina, with seven hopeful candidates in the primetime mix: frontrunner donald trump, dr. Ben Carson, sen. marco rubio (r-fla), former florida governor Jeb Bush, texas sen. ted Cruz, ohio governor John Kasich, and new Jersey governor Chris Christie.

Carly fiorina, mike huckabee, and rick santorum met earlier that evening for the undercard debate, which rand Paul boycotted, said UsA today. Both debates aired thurs-

Secretary Albert del Rosario and US Secretary of State John Kerry held a follow-up meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 13 to discuss several points raised during the 2nd Two-Plus-Two Ministerial Dialogue held the day before. Also in the photo is Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. The Philippines and the US are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations this year.

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PH Embassy photo

mAniLA — davao City mayor rodrigo duterte warned of a revolutionary government should Congress not scrap the pork barrel fund of lawmakers. duterte said he would move to dissolve Congress and impose martial law if the lawmakers refuse to cooperate with him should he be elected Mayor Rodrigo Duterte president. “that would be an extreme option. martial law by its nature is to meet the contingencies of rebellion and invasion. it leaves a bad taste in the mouth to say it. But if Congress will not agree to let go of the

Coalition launches 3 from California, Florida, In last State of Union speech, Obama has API human Tennessee, win record hopeful message for America’s future trafficking task force $1.6 billion Powerball

in 2014, the national human trafficking resource Center reported that California, which has the largest number of Asian Pacific islanders (APis) in the country, sees the most human trafficking cases among the 50 states in the Us. however, resources for APi trafficking victims and survivors are limited. in response, the Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council (A3PCon) launched the Asian Pacific islander human trafficking task force, which was officially announced on Wednesday, Jan. 13, at the thai Community

by Christina

COnstante AJPress

three winners from California, florida and tennessee won the record-high $1.58 billion Powerball lottery on Wednesday, Jan. 13.

As of press time, only the winner from tennessee had been confirmed. the winning numbers were 08 27 34 04 19 and Powerball 10. Wednesday’s drawing marks the first time a ticket matched all five numbers and the Powerball since the jackpot began on nov. 7 at $40 million. the pot had

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Makati RTC rejects motions to dismiss Binay’s P200-M damage suit

by Mike

FrialDe Philstar.com

mAniLA — the makati regional trial Court Branch 133 has found valid cause of action in the P200-million damage suit filed by Vice President Jejomar Binay against sens. Alan Peter Cayetano, Antonio trillanes and several others. in a 40-page omnibus order dated Jan. 5, 2016 issued by Judge elpidio r. Calis, the court ruled that the vice president’s complaint states a cause of action against the defendants and for this reason, the move to dismiss the Vice President Jejomar Binay charges was denied by the court. the court ruled that the grounds relied upon by the defendants to dismiss the case are improper. it would be recalled that Binay had lodged his P200 million damage suit against senate Blue ribbon sub-Committee members Cayetano

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M. Oriel

AJPress

by agnes

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President Barack obama delivered his seventh and final state of the Union address on tuesday, Jan. 12, in which he focused on the country’s future and his legacy as president, rather than urging Congress to pass specific proposals. “for my final address to this chamber, i don’t want to talk just about the next year. i want to focus on the next five years, 10 years, and beyond,” obama said. ”i want to focus on our future.”

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President Barack Obama

White House photo by Pete Souza

A JANUARY 16-19, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

Bishops slam Aquino for vetoing…

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poor by giving them equal access to basic rights and government services.

But the President rejected it on the ground that some of the provisions of the bill were unrealistic, specifically the provision that seeks to provide shelter to

the poor that would need P2.31 trillion to implement.

Heartless Former Rep. Renato Magtubo, chairman of Partido Manggagawa (PM), said Aquino can still redeem himself by approving the pension hike.

Magtubo added the President,

instead of rejecting the bill, should have instructed SSS officials to improve their collection and lessen their unnecessary expenses including the granting of huge bonuses.

He said Aquino’s decision only showed his “cruelty and insensitivity to the old workers of the country.”

Julius Cainglet, vice president of the Federation of Free Workers (FFW), said Aquino’s decision proves that the President is “inconsiderate and heartless.”

FFW president Sonny Matula debunked Aquino’s claim that granting the pension hike will bleed the SSS dry.

PROTEST AGAINST EDCA. Militant groups picket in front of the Supreme Court building in Manila just before the high court’s announcement Matula, also a veteran labor that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) is constitutional. The Edca provides for increased rotational presence of US lawyer, said, “Pensioners who troops in the Philippines, allowing more opportunities for the long-standing defense allies to undertake joint military exercises in the are now in the twilight of their areas of mutual defense and disaster response.

Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez life will live only for the next 5 to 10 years.”

“They are in a dire need to be satisfied by our social insurance force the issue and they threaten The pillage must stop,” he said. institution. Our pensioners are PAGE A1 t Duterte said as president, he now on a hand to mouth exis- money which the people of the me with impeachment, then we Philippines do not like, and if I will have a constitutional crisis. would be entrusted by the peotence,” he added. n ple to stop all forms of corruption and plunder.

“People think you are spending their money. People think that you are pocketing most of their livelihood money, people think that you are all crooks. If a war breaks out because they will not listen to us, I will declare a revolutionary government. If Cory did it, I will do it,” Duterte said, referring to the late president Corazon Aquino who declared a revolutionary government and dissolved Congress after the overthrow of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos in 1986..

Duterte said he wanted former military officials to head frontline government agencies in dealing with disaster response and drug trafficking.

He stressed retired and former military men have the necessary skills and training to handle sensitive issues, particularly on peace and order as well as criminality.

Duterte stressed the dangers posed by illegal drugs to the country’s security.

“I have been a prosecutor which is the reason I am really against illegal drugs. I really grit my teeth every time an issue on drugs comes to fore. Almost all crimes are drug related nowadays. It is imbibed by everybody and they go to crime,” he said. n

Duterte to dissolve Congress over ‘pork’…

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From the Front page

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 16-19, 2016

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In last State of Union speech, Obama…

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In a roughly hourlong primetime speech — one of his last chances to capture Americans’ attention before the November election — the president remarked that it is “a time of extraordinary change,” a condition that has “made the progress of these past seven years possible.”

Some of the accomplishments he chose to highlight early on were: economic recovery, the passage of the landmark Affordable Care Act and the historic Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage.

Obama took a swipe at opponents who have undermined the state of the economy under his tenure, asserting “a basic fact” that the United States has the “strongest, most durable economy in the world.” He reported that over 14 million jobs have been created and the once failing auto industry had a record year in 2015.

“Anyone claiming that America’s economy is in decline is peddling fiction. Now, what is true -- and the reason that a lot of Americans feel anxious -- is that the economy has been changing in profound ways, changes that started long before the Great Recession hit; changes that have not let up,” he noted.

On health care, the president said “nearly 18 million people have gained coverage so far. And in the process, health care inflation has slowed. And our businesses have created jobs every

single month since it became law.”

However, there is work that still needs to be done, such as “give everyone a fair shot at opportunity and security,” “make technology work for us,” “keep America safe and lead the world” and “make politics reflect what’s best in us.”

The president chose not to go deep into policy prescriptions for Congress — recognizing that not much might get done in an election year — but mentioned his goals for the remainder of his term include closing Guantanamo Bay prison, authorizing use of military force against ISIS, and looking into a “new moonshot” that can cure cancer, an initiative that will be led by Vice President Joe Biden.

“And because he’s gone to the mat for all of us on so many issues over the past 40 years, I’m putting Joe in charge of Mission Control. For the loved ones we’ve all lost, for the families that we can still save, let’s make America the country that cures cancer once and for all,” he said.

Not directly naming any of the Republican presidential candidates, Obama slammed rhetoric that “enemies [are] getting stronger and America [is] getting weaker” and said that the Islamic State is not a threat to the country’s existence.

“The United States of America is the most powerful nation on Earth. Period. It’s not even close.

We spend more on our military

than the next eight nations combined,” he said. “Our troops are the finest fighting force in the history of the world…when it comes to every important international issue, people of the world do not look to Beijing or Moscow to lead — they call us.”

The president went on to address hateful sentiments targeting Muslims, arguing it betrayed American values.

“When politicians insult Muslims, whether abroad or our fellow citizens, when a mosque is vandalized, or a kid is called names, that doesn’t make us safer. That’s not telling it like it is,” he said. “It’s just wrong.

It diminishes us in the eyes of the world. It makes it harder to achieve our goals. It betrays who we are as a country.”

Though most of the speech was about his accomplishments, Obama recognized one of his shortcomings: failing to ease the political divide in the country.

“It’s one of the few regrets of my presidency — that the rancor and suspicion between the parties has gotten worse instead of better,” he said. “There’s no doubt a president with the gifts of Lincoln or Roosevelt might have better bridged the divide, and I guarantee I’ll keep trying to be better so long as I hold this office.”

But ending with a glimmer of hope (one of his campaign messages in 2008), he gave examples of the diverse demographics of

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Makati RTC rejects motions to dismiss Binay’s…

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and Trillanes, and against former Makati City officials Ernesto Mercado and Mario Hechanova, Rep. Edgar Erice, Renato Bondal and Nicolas Enciso.

Also included in the suit are Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) officials Amando Tetangco Jr., Emmanuel Dooc, Teresita Herbosa and Julia Abad, Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales, and the Philippine Daily Inquirer, for allegedly conspiring to destroy his reputation and consequently, to derail his presidential bid.

Binay alleged in his complaint that Erice is the group’s talking head, while Mercado, Hechanova, Bondal and Enciso, acted as paid witnesses who concocted charges of corruption against him and his family. Trillanes and Cayetano allegedly provided the

venue to air these false charges.

On the other hand, Carpio-Morales and the AMLC officials were alleged to have provided the veneer of truth to the lies by entertaining the unsubstantiated complaints against VP Binay without observing due process.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer meanwhile was accused by Binay of acting as the “biased media outlet” that relentlessly bombarded the public with lies and innuendo spewed by the paid witnesses concerning his integrity, through malicious and slanted reports.

In their defense, the defendants in the damage suit filed either Answers with Special and Affirmative Defenses, Motions to Dismiss, and Comments stating that Binay’s complaint does not state a cause of action against them.

Meanwhile, the court also ad-

monished Ombudsman CarpioMorales and the AMLC officials for using government lawyers from the Office of the Solicitor General and the Office of the Ombudsman to represent them in the case.

The court said the Ombudsman and the AMLC officials cannot use government lawyers as they are being sued in their personal and not official capacities.

Meanwhile, Binay’s lawyer, Claro Certeza said the court’s Omnibus Order clearly belies the contention of the defendants that Binay’s damage suit is merely a harassment case.

“VP Binay can now prove what he is saying all along – that the inquisitorial proceedings conducted by his political detractors were all designed simply to destroy his presidential bid,” Certeza said. n

FOREIGN VISITORS. President Benigno S. Aquino III poses with Andy Zelleke and his students of Business Administration at Harvard Business School (HBS), during a courtesy call held at the President’s Hall in Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, Jan. 12. Andy Zelleke presently teaches the “FIELD” (Field Immersion Experiences for Leadership Development), a required curriculum course, in the first year it is being offered at HBS. Dr. Zelleke’s principal research focus is comparative corporate governance. He is the co-editor of “Restoring Trust in American Business,” published by MIT Press in 2005. Also in photo is Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima.

Malacañang photo by Benhur Arcayan

3 from California, Florida, Tennessee…

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been rolled over 20 times before winners emerged on Wednesday’s drawing.

Each winner will receive $528 million if they opt for annuity payments. However, if they choose to take a lump sum, they get $327 million, said Rebecca Hargrove, president and CEO of the Tennessee lottery. These figures do not include taxes to be removed.

John and Lisa Robinson from Munford, Tenn. were the first to claim their winnings since the numbers were announced Wednesday. The Robinsons opted to take the lump sum of $187.2 million after taxes.

“We’re just going to take the lump sum, because we’re not guaranteed tomorrow,” John Robinson said. “We just wanted a little big piece of the pie. Now we’re real grateful we got the big piece of the pie.”

Although the winners from California and Florida have yet to be identified, reports have confirmed that California’s winning ticket was sold at a 7-Eleven store in Chino Hills. The other lucky tickets were sold at The Publix in Melbourne Beach, Fla. and Naifeh’s Food Mart in Munford, Tenn.

The owner of the Chino Hills store received a $1 million check Thursday, Jan. 14, for selling

a winning ticket, which will be shared between the store and the 7-Eleven company. The owner of The Publix received $100,000 and the owner of Naifeh’s Food Mart was given $25,000, also for selling winning tickets.

Talks of a Pomona nurse winning the jackpot were put to rest Thursday when her family told ABC News that her son had played a prank on his mother. A spokesperson for nursing home owner Shlomo Rechnitz said the 62-year-old woman was given a ticket by her boss, who purchased 18,000 tickets for his employees and residents at 80 nursing homes throughout California, according to ABC News.

Rechnitz said the prank was “despicable” and told the news agency he would pay for an allexpense paid vacation for the nurse and her family to any destination they pick.

California’s winner has 180 days from the date of the drawing to collect their winnings, or until July. The same goes for Florida’s winner, although they only have 60 days from Wednesday, Jan. 13, to collect if they opt for the lump sum.

In addition to the three jackpot winners, there were more than 26 million winners of any prize, according to USA Today. Of those, there were 72 $1 million winners – 12 of whom are from California,

and eight $2 million winners.

More than 635 million tickets were sold for the drawing.

While California’s winner has yet to come forward, lottery officials cautioned the individual to prepare himself or herself for changes to come.

“Just do what you need to do to be prepared,” California Lottery spokesman Lopez said, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“People are going to come to you for money, and how are you going to develop a strategy to deal with that?”

Don McNay, a Kentucky-based financial consultant specializing in assisting individuals who come into sudden money, told the Times that people who win such large amounts typically have difficulty keeping perspective.

“I hope they do smart things,” McNay told the Times. “What I tell people to do is keep your circle very, very small. Don’t be buying brand-new cars for all your friends. Don’t take a hundred people to the Super Bowl.”

For the winners that have stepped forward, the Robinsons, who went public on the “Today” show, said they plan to pay off their mortgage and their daughter’s student loans, but don’t plan on any large purchases, including a large house.

“I never wanted that in the

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A JANUARY 16-19, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Highlights from 6th GOP… PAGE A1 t

day night on FOX. During the two-hour slot, the candidates passionately discussed economic and foreign policy, job growth, immigration, and gun control, among other topics, and criticized President Obama’s policies including his final State of the Union address.

“Tuesday night, I watched story time with Barack Obama,” Gov. Christie said, adding that the president sugar-coated current events and ignored crises around the world. As president, Christie promised to improve relations with international allies, while confronting adversaries, and would take military action “when it was absolutely necessary” to protect American interests.

Carson, joking about “waking up” for a question, said that Obama does not understand the very real threats facing the US. “Our country’s a mess,” added Donald Trump, the last candidate to get a question. He defended his opposition to Syrian refugees and his proposal to temporarily ban Muslims from entering the US, citing a risk of terrorist presence within American soil.

“We have to stop with political correctness,” Trump said, insisting that he would not change his mind on the issue.

Trump remained unapologetic, expressing his anger toward South Carolina’s Republican governor Nikki Haley for her response to the State of the Union,

in which she urged members of her own party to resist the temptation to follow “the siren call of the angriest voices,” including Trump, CBS News reported.

“When Nikki said it, I wasn’t offended,” Trump said. “Our military is a disaster. Our health care is a horror show…we have no borders…yes, I am angry.”

When asked about gun control, all of the candidates were passionate and equipped with ideas, Bush said proposed expansions of background checks are “redundant,” and that the current laws should be competently enforced. He also argued that the government should do more on mental health and strengthening policies on who can purchase guns.

Trump agreed, declaring himself a defender of the Second Amendment. “The guns don’t pull the trigger,” he said. “It’s the people that pull the trigger.”

“The Second Amendment is not always an option,” Rubio retorted. “[Obama’s] executive orders would not have prevented the recent mass shootings.”

The candidates were also asked about the popularity of “Democratic socialist” Bernie Sanders, who is going head-to-head for the Democratic nomination.

“Relax,” Kasich said, “I know Bernie and I promise you he will never be president of the United States.”

All of the candidates ganged up on Democrat candidate and

Dateline USa

former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.

“If I’m the nominee, she won’t get within 10 miles of the White House,” said Christie. “If you are going to leave this to Hillary Clinton, the person who gave us this foreign policy, the architect of it…Hillary Clinton cannot be president, it will lead to even greater war in this world.”

Agreed Jeb Bush, “In her first 100 days…she might be going back and forth between the White House and the court house. We need to stop that.”

“Clinton cannot handle sensitive intelligence information,” said Rubio. “She is disqualified from being Commander in Chief of the United States.”

“Everybody on this stage is better than Hillary Clinton,” Bush added, according to TIME. Clinton had some words of her own for the GOP candidates, live-tweeting during the debate: “Here’s the truth: You can’t make America greater by insulting, shaming, and demonizing the people of America.”

The event became a spectacle with a sudden clash between Trump and Ted Cruz, who are battling for first place in Iowa before the crucial state’s upcoming caucuses. Cruz responded forcefully to Trump’s accusations that he isn’t constitutionally eligible to be president because Cruz was born in Canada.

“Back in September, my friend Donald said he had his lawyers look at this in every which way.

There was nothing to this birther issue,” Cruz said. “Since September, the Constitution hasn’t changed. But the poll numbers have. And I recognize that Donald is dismayed that his poll numbers are falling.”

“On the issue of citizenship, Donald, I’m not going to use your mother’s birth against you,” Cruz said, to which Trump fired back, “Because it wouldn’t work.”

Cruz also criticized Trump for embodying “New York values,” saying that New Yorkers tend to hold socially liberal views, and then turned around a Trump attack on him, reported ABC News.

“Not a lot of conservatives come out of Manhattan,” Cruz said, an apparent reference to Trump telling crowds that “not too many evangelicals come out of Cuba.”

Trump’s retort was somber, citing New York’s response to the 9/11 attacks and telling his rival: “That was a very insulting

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CANDLES FOR STO. NIÑO. Devotees offer candles at the Sto. Nino Church in Moriones, Tondo Manila on January 15, 2016. The feast of Sto. Nino will be celebrated over the weekend in different parts of the country.

Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez

Coalition launches API human trafficking…

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Development Center (TCDC) in Los Angeles.

A3PCON is a coalition of over 40 community-based organization that advocates for the rights and needs of the API community in the greater Los Angeles area.

The task force consists of 15 partner organizations with a goal to provide services to API human trafficking clients to bolster services to API trafficking survivors, as well as advocate for the needs of API trafficking victims.

During the announcement of the task force, Chancee Martorell, executive director of the TCDC, one of the task force’s participating organizations, noted that a disproportionate number of trafficking victims are from API communities.

“There continues to be a disparity in funding and services for Asian Pacific Islander victims and survivors, so this has got to end. We really need to have more adequate resources to serve the large and growing number of victims and help restore their dignity and help them pursue restitution,” she said.

In a statement, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) applauded A3PCON for creating the task force.

He also touched on how he worked with the Thai Community Development Center to help the 2003 Global Horizons Thai Farmworkers Case receive restitution u PAGE A4 from their traffickers.

“This case was over [12] years old and the victims are only now receiving restitution for their exploitation. It is time our justice system moves swiftly to respond to reports of human trafficking and brings perpetrators of human trafficking to justice,” Schiff said in the statement.

In 2014 to 2015, task force agencies collectively provided services to more than 764 human trafficking clients in the greater Los Angeles area. Of those, 57 percent, or 434 clients, were API. Thais (228), Filipinos (114) and Koreans (35) had the top three highest numbers of trafficking cases.

On Wednesday at the TCDC, trafficking survivor Angela Guanzon, a Filipina who formerly worked at a retirement home for the elderly in Long Beach for two years, shared how she came to the United States for better opportunities.

“Once I arrived in the United States, it became clear that what was promised was far from reality,” she said.

Guanzon said worked 18 hours for seven days a week and slept on the floors in the hallways.

Her trafficker told her she owed $12,000 for the cost of transportation and her visa, and she had to work for the person for 10 years before she could go. She was threatened with deportation if she tried to escape.

Her neighbor, who noticed she wasn’t getting any days off, no-

tified the FBI. Guanzon worked with the agency and her trafficker eventually received a five-year prison sentence.

“I know sa mga kababayan natin sa mga ganitong sitwasyon, natatakot sila dahil lagi tayong tinatakot. Pero dapat nilang malaman na dito sa United States, lahat … may karapatan. So wag silang matakot [na] ipaalam kung ano ang sitwasyon nila (I know that our kababayans in these types of situation are scared because they always scare us.

But they should know that in the United States, everyone has rights. So they shouldn’t be afraid to let others know about their situation),” she said.

In the Filipino community, Aquilina Versoza Soriano, executive director of Pilipino Workers Center, a non-profit dedicated to meeting the immediate needs of Filipino workers, said that based on the organization’s experience, trafficking victims are most commonly caregivers, hotel workers and teachers.

The task force, Soriano said, is not only about awareness building but to lift up the API community so it can get the resources it needs for victims and survivors, including legal services, food and housing, so they can make the transition to a stable life.

“So while it’s been great over this past decade, we’ve been able to start to raise awareness, we’re

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 16-19, 2016

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Good news for football fans: St. Louis Rams relocating to Los Angeles

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

DIPLOMATIC GATHERING. President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday, Jan. 14. The reception that marks the 29th Vin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. Also in photo is Papal Nuncio to the Philippines and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps HisExcellency Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto.

Malacañang photo by Gil Nartea

AFTER a two-decade absence, the NFL is coming back to Los Angeles.

NFL owners voted 30-2 on Tuesday, Jan. 12 to ratify the relocation application of the St. Louis Rams from Missouri to Southern California.

For the 2016 season, the Rams will play at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum while a new stadium for the team is built in Inglewood.

“We look forward to returning to Los Angeles and building a world-class NFL entertainment district in Inglewood,” Rams owner Stan Kroenke said in a statement. The new stadium will be privately funded without taxpayer dollars.

The return of the Rams, which

formerly played in Los Angeles from 1946 to 1994, puts to rest years of attempts to bring the NFL back to the country’s second largest market and is projected to bring economic gain to the city.

The San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders were also looking into moving to Los Angeles and previously proposed a joint venture for a $1.7 billion stadium project in Carson. The plan was backed by the NFL’s sixowner committee on Los Angeles opportunities, but ultimately lost to Kroenke’s proposed $1.8 billion stadium in Inglewood.

Along with the relocation, NFL owners also voted to give the Chargers the option to join as the second team in Los Angeles, a decision that must be made within a year. Should the Chargers decline a partnership

with the Rams, the Raiders will be offered the option to do so and will have to make a decision within a year.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said the NFL’s decision confirms “that this is a town that nobody can afford to pass up.”

“It also confirms our strategy over the past 20 years, as painful as it was, that you can bring a sports team without having to spend taxpayer money on it,” Garcetti said, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Economic gains Construction for the proposed Inglewood project – located on the former Hollywood Park racetrack – is underway and is expected to be completed in 2019. It will create 40,000 jobs, including construction and on-

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In last State of Union speech, Obama… Coalition launches API human trafficking…

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the country.

“That’s the America I know.

That’s the country we love. Cleareyed. Big-hearted. Undaunted by challenge. Optimistic that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.

That’s what makes me so hopeful about our future. I believe in change because I believe in you, the American people,” the president concluded, which was met with applause. “And that’s why I stand here confident as I have ever been that the State of our Union is strong.”

Reactions Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton released a series of messages on Twitter, including “@POTUS is confirming what we know: Our economy — and our country — are stronger under a Democratic president.”

Arnel Dino, vice chair of the Filipino-American Democratic Caucus of the California Democratic Party, told the Asian Journal that the president will be remembered for “trying to change the tone of our political system.

He really made the attempt to better the economy and increase access for groups to be part of the system… He wants to leave a legacy of collaboration and cooperation between the different political factions in our country.”

“Whoever succeeds him, hopefully a Democrat, should continue on his [progress] and not go back to where the country was before he was president.”

Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) said the speech “was just what our country needed” — “reassurance about the terrorist threat.

And yet it also needed to hear that we should not scapegoat one another, and appreciate the diversity of our country,” according to NBC News.

Another Asian American lawmaker Rep. Mike Honda (DCalif.) praised the speech, but emphasized that comprehensive immigration reform is crucial.

“The need for immigration reform cannot be forgotten. Any serious proposal advanced by Congress to achieve this should be comprehensive,” said Honda in a statement released on Tuesday night.

Honda shared plans to reintroduce the Reuniting Families

Act and gave the example of his guest Fil-Am Irene Bueno, who “is a reminder of why our nation needs a families-first immigration policy—her family was separated for 20 years by our heartwrenchingly slow immigration laws.”

Meanwhile, Republicans took to Twitter to share their reactions.

GOP frontrunner Donald Trump described the speech as “really boring, slow, lethargic,” while former Florida Governor Jeb Bush wrote “President Obama is living in a different world to think our country is safer and stronger,” and Ted Cruz called it “a state of denial.”

Cruz and Sen. Rand Paul, both candidates in the Republican field, were not present for the president’s address.

Fil-Am Matthew Alonsozana tweeted that “Despite the rhetoric, it’s clear Pres. Obama is drawing a pretty partisan framework for the election.”

After the president’s remarks, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley delivered the GOP response and said Obama’s record hasn’t lived up to his promises.

“Barack Obama’s election as president seven years ago broke historic barriers and inspired millions of Americans. As he did when he first ran for office, tonight President Obama spoke eloquently about grand things.

He is at his best when he does that,” she said. ”Unfortunately, the president’s record has often fallen far short of his soaring words.”

Haley refuted Obama’s positive view of the economy, health care and safety, contending that Americans are suffering from “a crushing national debt,” health care has become less affordable and accessible and cities across the US are experiencing “chaotic unrest.”

Shifting away from taking jabs at the president, the governor even criticized others within her own party.

“Today, we live in a time of threats like few others in recent memory. During anxious times, it can be tempting to follow the siren call of the angriest voices.

We must resist that temptation,” she said “No one who is willing to work hard, abide by our laws,

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statement that Ted made.”

Marco Rubio, once an ally, also went head-to-head with Cruz for “flip-flopping” on immigration policy, trade legislation, birthright citizenship rules, and even military spending. “That is not consistent conservatism, that is political calculation,” Rubio said.

“I appreciate you dumping your [opposition] research on the debate stage,” he said according to Washington Post, as the crowd in North Charleston booed. “At least half the things Marco said were false.”

Towards the end of the de-

bate, mild-mannered Ben Carson called for ceasefire.

“We have to stop this because, you know, if we manage to damage ourselves and we lose the next election and a progressive gets in there and they get two or three Supreme Court picks, this nation is over as we know it,” he said.

During the closing statements, each of the candidates boasted of their experience and values, and promised greatness for America.

The primetime debate, moderated by Neil Cavuto and Maria Bartiromo, was just 18 days away from the Feb. 1 Iowa caucuses.

(Allyson Escobar / AJPress)

and love our traditions should ever feel unwelcome in this country.”

While placing some blame on Democrats, Haley said “they do not bear it alone,” and called on Republicans “to recognize our contributions to the erosion of the public trust in America’s leadership. We need to accept that we’ve played a role in how and why our government is broken.

And then we need to fix it.” n

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identifying more and more of those who before would’ve gone unhelped and remained in their situations. Now more people are ... being identified, but we need the resources to help them so that they can truly be free because if you don’t’ get the help that you need, then you’re still so burdened by immigration, by fear, by not being able to work and that’s why this is really important,” she said.

Also announced on Wednesday was a partnership between the Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST), also a partner organization of the new task force, with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to build and co-lead the new LA County Regional Human Trafficking Task Force.

In addition to PWC and TCDC, other organizations in the task force include: Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council, Crittenton

Services for Children and Families, Filipino Migrant Center, Korean American Family Services, Korean Churches for Community Development, League of Women Voters, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Mental Health Commissioner Lawrence Lue, Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, Pacific Asian Counseling Services, Special Service for Groups/APAIT and South Asian Network. (Agnes Constante / AJPress)

Dateline USa

A JANUARY 16-19, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Homeland Security announces new regulations, enhanced opportunities for certain highly-skilled workers THE Department of Homeland Security amended its regulations on Friday, Jan. 15 to improve the programs serving the H-1B1, E3 and CW-1 nonimmigrant classifications and the EB-1 immigrant classification, and remove unnecessary hurdles that place such workers at a disadvantage when compared to similarly situated workers in other visa classifications.

This final rule, posted to the Federal Register effective on Feb. 16, revises regulations affecting highly skilled workers in the nonimmigrant classifications for specialty occupations from Chile, Singapore (H-1B1) and Australia (E-3); the immigrant classification for employment-based first preference (EB-1) outstanding professors and researchers; and nonimmigrant workers in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1) classification.

Specifically, this final rule amends DHS regulations as described below: • DHS is including H-1B1 and principal E-3 classifications in the list of classes of foreign nationals authorized for employment incident to status with a specific em-

ployer. This means that H-1B1 and principal E-3 nonimmigrants are allowed to work for the sponsoring employer without having to separately apply for employment authorization.

• DHS is authorizing continued employment with the same employer for up to 240 days for H-1B1 and principal E-3 nonimmigrants whose status has expired while their employer’s timely filed extension of stay request remains pending.

• DHS is providing this same continued employment authorization for CW-1 nonimmigrants whose status has expired while their employer’s timely filed Form I-129CW, Petition for a CNMIOnly Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker, request for an extension of stay remains pending.

• Existing regulations on the filing procedures for extensions of stay and change of status requests now include principal E-3 and H-1B1 nonimmigrant classifications.

• Employers petitioning for EB-1 outstanding professors and researchers may now submit initial evidence comparable to the other forms of evidence already listed in 8 CFR 204.5(i)(3)(i), much like certain employment-

based immigrant categories that already allow for submission of comparable evidence.

This final rule does not impose any additional costs on employers, workers or any governmental entity. Further, changing the employment authorization regulations for H-1B1 and E-3 nonimmigrants makes them consistent with other similarly situated nonimmigrant worker classifications.

Additionally, this rule minimizes the potential of employment disruptions for U.S. employers of H-1B1, E-3 and CW-1 nonimmigrant workers. Finally, DHS expects that this change will help U.S. employers recruit EB1 outstanding professors and researchers by expanding the range of evidence that U.S. employers may provide to support their petitions.

“We constantly strive to improve our processes and ensure fair and consistent access to immigration benefits,” U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director León Rodríguez said.

“This Enhancing Opportunities rule removes unnecessary hurdles that place workers at a disadvantage and will be beneficial to both employers and their workers.” n

The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and community groups urge AAPIs to enroll in health insurance by January 31 WASHINGTON, DC – Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 19, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), in collaboration with the Action for Health Justice, will launch the third annual AAPI Affordable Care Act Week of Action, a public awareness drive to encourage AAPIs to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace by January 31, 2016. To enroll, individuals can visit HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 for 24-hour cus-

tomer assistance in nearly 250 languages. Individuals can also find local in-person assistance at LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov.

“Since the first open enrollment period in 2013, nearly 18 million Americans, including many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, have gotten lifesaving, quality and affordable health coverage,” said US Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy.

“But our work is not done. There are still more than 200,000 AAPI

community members who don’t have the safety, security and peace of mind that comes with having health coverage. We must close that gap because health equity is a civil rights issue, and it’s an AAPI community value.” In May 2015, Dr. Murthy was appointed by President Obama to serve as Co-Chair of the White House Initiative on AAPIs. Week of Action activities consist of a stakeholder call with Dr. Murthy on Tuesday, January 19 from 3-3:30 pm ET and an #AAPIhealth Twitterstorm with special guests George Takei and Angry Asian Man’s Phil Yu on Wednesday, January 20 from 3-4 pm ET. In addition, profiles of the in-person assisters—trained community members who help individuals through the enrollment process—and stories about enrollment experiences will be featured throughout the week.

One in three AAPIs is limited English proficient, and one in four AAPIs has not seen a doctor in the past year. “Affordable healthcare has been a crucial need within our diverse AAPI populations,” says Doua Thor, executive director of the Initiative. “Trained experts, known as in-person assisters, speak more than 50 languages and are helping people in AAPI communities throughout the nation enroll in health insurance. We also have many translated materials to help guide the process.” n

MISS UNIVERSE AT THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN NEW YORK. Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach paid a courtesy call on the Consul General Wednesday, Jan. 13. She was accompanied by Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart and manager Esther Swan. Photo shows Ms. Wurtzbach and Ms. Swan with Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. and his wife, Ms. Eleanor de Leon. The reigning Miss Universe also met with various Filipino-American community leaders in the tri-state area, including presidents of community organizations.

Photo by Boyet Loverita

Fil-Am sworn in as president of Nevada State Board of Nursing FILIPINO-American Dr. Rhigel Jay Alforque-Tan took oath as president of the Nevada State Board of Nursing on Jan. 6, in a ceremony presided by Honorable Judge Cheryl Moss and joined by Honorable Judge Bill Henderson.

Tan’s election makes him the first Asian American male elected to the position in the 92 years of the board’s existence.

Originally from Cebu, Philippines, Tan came from humble beginnings, making ends meet by peddling bananacue (caramelized bananas on sticks) and boiled eggs. He had dreams of going to medical school to become a doctor, but given his financial situation, he took nursing instead.

At the Cebu State CollegeCebu City Medical Center College of Nursing (CCMC), he graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s of science in nursing in 1990, then migrated to the United States years later.

“Being educated in the Philippines brings with it the responsibility to influence the nursing profession in a global perspective,” Tan previously told the Asian Journal. “Beyond just making a living, [nurses] should also be involved in promoting public safety through participation in regulatory tasks.”

He added, “Filipino nurses are not only world-class care providers, but also global professionals capable of contributing to general welfare and safety of the public.”

With only $200 in his pocket and the H1-A visa (or temporary work permit for nurses) that he received from the US Embassy, Tan moved to the United States after being hired by a nursing home in Las Vegas. There, he took on the tasks of a nursing assistant, such as bathing patients, helping them use the bedpan, and changing their diapers.

Dr. Rhigel Alforque Tan is sworn in by Honorable Judge Cheryl Moss as President of the Nevada State Board of Nursing last Wednesday, Jan. 6.

AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

In 1995, Tan passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses [NCLEX-RN], allowing him as a nursing assistant in healthcare to become a professional licensed Registered Nurse.

He also worked with Nathan Adelson Hospice to start a program for nursing students to be “Hospice-oriented” and educated in Hospice Principles. The program’s success garnered $85,000 in funding by the MGM Mirage Foundation, and was later presented at the National Hospice Leadership Convention in Washington, D.C. As a health care professional, Tan has focused on researching and developing an EvidencedBased Practice (EBP) training program along fellow educated nurses, and the use of human patient simulation technology in nursing. Over the years, he crafted policies and procedures that impacted the outcomes of his patient’s lives patient satisfaction. He also established a program accredited by the Nevada State Board of Nursing to help jobless Nevadans get back in the work force as Certified Nursing Assistants, and provided them with opportunities to work in a skilled nursing facility.

Tan’s program helped 200 successful nursing candidates get back into the work force.

Based on a vision that is informed by personal experience, commitment and a deep passion for education, Dr. Tan became a clinical instructor in Nurs-

ing at the Community College of Southern Nevada (CCSN), and as a college professor, was awarded tenure in 2005.

He soon joined the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), College of Nursing, becoming an assistant professor and finishing his doctorate in nursing practice in 2011.

Tan’s positive influence in promoting nursing as a career did not go unnoticed. He was awarded “Health Care Hero” by the Nevada Business Community and Anthem Blue Cross.

His passion for medical research also paved the way for multiple Nursing Education studies and publications in several international journals.

Continuing his passion for community service, Tan established a mental and psychiatric clinic to provide services for Las Vegas and Clark County residents. He also founded a mental health non-profit called The Goal Foundation, which raises awareness in decreasing social stigma attached to mental illness, and to outreach to communities about the biological and genetic component of mental health issues.

In November 2011, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval appointed Tan to the Nevada State Board of Nursing, with an appointed term until November 2015. He lobbied for the passage of Assembly Bill 170, which allowed autonomous practice for Advanced Practice Nurses, and became Nevada law in July

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going operations, said a spokesman for Hollywood Park Land Co., which owns the property, the Los Angeles Daily News reported. He added that while it will cost $1.86 billion to build the stadium, the entire project will cost closer to $3 billion.

The stadium will be a multiuse facility that will include 890,000 square feet of retail space, 780,000 square feet for office use, 2,500 residential units, a 6,000-square-foot performing arts center and a 300room hotel, according to the Daily News.

Real estate in areas surrounding the stadium may also receive a boost.

Raphael Bostic, interim director of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate, told the Daily News that the boost in commercial and residential property values will depend on how the project

performs.

“If it translates into a vibrant destination place, it would not only benefit the city, it would also become a regional draw like Old Pasadena,” he said.

Others, however, believe the economic projections are overstated.

“The local sports bars will probably rock, but most direct spending at the stadium stays at the stadium,” John Vrooman, a sports economists at Vanderbilt University, told the Daily News in an email.

“The injection of new cash flow into the local economy is negligible because it’s coming at the expense of local spending someplace else. The indirect spin-offs are also small because most of the spending leaks out of the economy like a sieve and so the urban/regional multipliers are usually zero, zip

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past. I don’t want that now,” said Lisa Robinson.

“Big houses are nice,” John said, “But you also gotta clean ‘em.”

The couple added they plan to go to work on Monday.

The Powerball is played in 44 states, the District of Columbia,

Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. The odds of winning were one in 292.2 million.

If no winner was drawn on Wednesday, the Powerball jackpot would have hit $2 billion on Saturday, Jan. 16.

After Wednesday’s drawing and wins, the jackpot was reset to the minimum of $40 million. n

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… nada.”

He added that impact studies for such venues usually ignore the negative costs of congestion and decline in economic activity in other areas in the region, and that employment at stadiums consists of typically “low wage and seasonal jobs which are not exactly the best drivers of economic development.”

Gain for Los Angeles, loss for St. Louis As Los Angeles prepares for the return of the NFL, the victory for the city comes as a loss for St. Louis.

Less than a day after the Rams relocation was approved, St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay said he had no interest in coordinating with the NFL in the future.

“The NFL ignored the facts, the loyalty of St. Louis fans, who supported the team through far more downs than ups, and the NFL ignored a strong market and viable plan for a new stadium,” Slay said in a statement.

“I am proud of our effort and what St. Louis was able to accomplish in an extraordinarily short period of time. I thank everyone who worked so diligently on this project, especially the Governor’s Task Force.”

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon expressed a similar sentiment.

“It is troubling that the league would allow for the relocation of a team when the home market has worked in good faith and presented a strong and viable proposal,” he said, according to ESPN. “We will review the NFL’s decision thoroughly before determining what next steps to take.”

Kroenke defended his decision, and in an interview with the Times, he talked about his final pitch to owners of the league and his vision for the stadium.

“If we didn’t have the perspective of 40 years of doing this, I don’t think any reasonable, rational person would ever do this,” Kroenke told the LA Times. “But because we look at it a certain way, we’ve been through so many of these projects, and we’re long-term investors. That’s why we did what we did and stuck our neck out that far.”

He also discussed the emotional relocation process, describing leaving St. Louis as “bittersweet,” the Times reported.

“I grew up in Missouri, and there’s a lot of wonderful people in St. Louis and Missouri.

I’ll always feel that way about Missouri,” he said.

Carson heartbroken The decision of NFL owners to relocate the Rams to Inglewood has left many Carson business owners heartbroken. In April 2015, Carson City Council unanimously approved a proposed NFL stadium that would have been shared by the Chargers and Raiders.

“It would have been amazing having those opportunities, having so many people to come to the city of Carson,” said Norwood Clark, owner of Carson restaurant Darrow’s New Orleans Grill, according to ABC7.

However, city officials said the bidding process demonstrated that opportunities exist in the city of Carson, and that the city is now known nationally and internationally.

“Whether it’s the NFL, or an outlet mall, or a massive mix-use residential project, our residents know that finally something is going to be built because it’s finally shovel ready,” said Carson Mayor Albert Robles, according

to ABC7.

He added that he is excited that the NFL will be back in Los Angeles.

“The good thing is that we are going to have professional football here in Southern California. Our 20-year drought is coming to an end,” he said, according to ABC7.

Inglewood stadium could boost LA’s bid for the 2024 Olympics Another benefit the return of football to Los Angeles brings to the city is that it could make the city a more attractive host for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

At the moment, the city’s 2024 proposal involves $500 million in upgrades to the Coliseum, which hosted the opening and closing ceremonies for track in 1932 and 1984.

“LA 2024 has the luxury of selecting the best choices for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, not building them from scratch,”committee chairman Casey Wasserman said in a statement. “And the new NFL stadium represents an opportunity to add to the array of highquality venues we already have in our Games Plan.” n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 16-19, 2016

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Fil-Am sworn in as president of…

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2013.

Tan was also a member of the Nevada State Board of Nursing Advisory Committee for Advanced Practice Nursing from 2008-2010, the Clark County Emergency Corps, and the Zetta Kappa Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nurses, according to his biography.

Along with multiple recognitions and awards, Tan is also actively involved in the Asian American community of Las Vegas, particularly among his fellow Filipinos. He co-founded the KALAHI Philippine Folkloric Ensemble, a cultural community-based organization aimed to unite the community through preservation and promotion of the Filipino heritage through arts and culture. He was a board member of the Philippine Nurses Association of Nevada, and initiated the formation of an EBP Committee of the association.

He also spearheaded a fundraising campaign during the 2013 Philippine Typhoon Haiyan, raising enough money to build a new settlement in the typhoon-ravaged Leyte islands.

The settlement was named “Las Vegas Village.”

Through his Yolanda Alforque-Tan Scholarship Foundation, named after his mother, and the Maria Libron Nursing Scholarship Foundation, Tan assisted 20 young scholars in the Philippines who have shared the same vocation of service and dedication, but could not afford the cost of education. The scholarship has helped students become full-time nurses.

Sandoval re-appointed Tan as a board member of the nursing

board on Dec. 16, 2015.

Despite Tan’s various accomplishments, he is now pursuing his second Doctorate degree in nursing at the University of Arizona, focusing on genetics and genomics.

“I made my own story [a] guiding encouragement for [other Filipino nurses] to achieve a sense of professional achievement even while away from the Philippines,” he said. (Allyson Escobar / AJPress with reports from Amelia Abello and Dymphna Calica-La Putt/AJPress)

A JANUARY 16-19, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Features

Comelec feud

ALL the commissioners faced the media the other day to declare that “all’s well that ends well” at the Commission on Elections. Only time and subsequent developments at the Comelec will erase suspicions that this is not the case.

In fact feuds are common in many government agencies.

Sometimes the feuds lead to the disclosure of irregularities, consequently leading to reforms. In offices riddled with corruption, feuding can result in a healthy housecleaning.

The best that the Comelec can do is to ensure that disagreements or misunderstandings among its officials will not affect the services that the poll body is expected to deliver. The Comelec must work particularly to dispel insinuations of partisanship among some of its officials. Time is rapidly running out for the Comelec to settle the disqualification cases against several candidates in the May elections. Its decision is expected to be elevated to the Supreme Court, which is not known for speed and must be given sufficient time to come up with a ruling.

The feuding reportedly started when Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon submitted her comment to the Supreme Court on the disqualification case against Sen. Grace Poe. Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista reportedly took Guanzon to task for submitting a comment that had not been approved by a supposedly collegial body. In turn Bautista was accused of being biased for Poe. Guanzon’s opinion is being adopted by the Comelec, in line with the “all’s well that ends well” declaration. The incident should lead to better coordination among the Comelec officials, who must act collectively on numerous issues that are meant to make the general elections credible and peaceful. The election season is chaotic enough; the Comelec must not aggravate the disorder. (Philstar.com)

Guest Editorial

Philstar.com photo

A majority of Americans gave thumbs up to Obama’s final State of the Union address PRESIDENT Barack Obama delivered his final State of the Union (SOTU) to the American people last Tuesday, Jan. 12. According to a CNN/ORC instant poll of those who watched the speech, a majority of Americans — 53 percent — gave “very positive” feedback. This matched the highest rating of his presidency reached following his 2013 address.

CNN further reported that another 20 percent said they had a somewhat positive reaction to his speech, while a quarter of those surveyed reported negative reviews.

Obama started his speech by a rundown of issues and advocacies he wanted to fulfill in the remaining 12 months oh his presidency — “from helping students learn to write computer code to personalizing medical treatments for patients. And I’ll keep pushing for progress on the work that still needs doing. Fixing a broken immigration system.

Protecting our kids from gun violence. Equal pay for equal work, paid leave, raising the minimum wage. All these things still matter to hardworking families,” Obama said, and vowed that he “would not let up until they are done”.

Then he segued to looking forward to the future, building on the foundation of history that has chronicled how over time, and amid all changes and challenges that has beset the American people, they did not act out of fear, but rather “thought anew, and acted anew. We made change work for us, always extending America’s promise outward, to the next frontier, to more and more people. And because we did — because we saw opportunity where others saw only peril — we emerged stronger and better than before.”

Obama then lauded the American people on

ress under his administration how collectively they were also and the principles and visions able to surmount the crises and The Fil-Am of how the next president, the challenges the nation faced in the Perspective lawmakers, and the American past seven years. public can work together to “What was true then can be build upon these successes for a true now,” he said. “ Our unique better future for America. strengths as a nation — our opIt was “hope and change” timism and work ethic, our spirit that fired up the nation in 2008 of discovery and innovation, our Gel SantoS-ReloS all over again, although the diversity and commitment to the rule of law — these things give us everything we president acknowledged that the biggest frustraneed to ensure prosperity and security for genera- tion of his presidency was the division among the people that has grown even more. tions to come.

But the President ended his speech reminding The president then highlighted some of these successes, — “it’s that spirit that made the prog- the American people on what is good about them ress of these past seven years possible. It’s how that gives him the optimism that they can collecwe recovered from the worst economic crisis in tively overcome whatever differences and chalgenerations. It’s how we reformed our health care lenges they still have to overcome: “That’s the America I know. That’s the country system, and reinvented our energy sector; how we delivered more care and benefits to our troops and we love. Clear-eyed. Big-hearted. Optimistic that veterans, and how we secured the freedom in ev- unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word. That’s what makes me so hopeful ery state to marry the person we love.”

Then, he looked to the future he has envisioned about our future. Because of you. I believe in you. for America, posing four big questions that he said That’s why I stand here confident that the State of the American people should answer together as our Union is strong.”

The CNN/ORC poll further revealed that most one nation: “First, how do we give everyone a fair shot at speech watchers say the policies Obama is proposing would move the country in the right direcopportunity and security in this new economy?

Second, how do we make technology work for tion (68 percent), a smaller group feel they would us, and not against us — especially when it comes take the nation the wrong way (29 percent).

CNN said those figures are not far off the mark to solving urgent challenges like climate change?

Third, how do we keep America safe and lead Obama set last year when 72 percent thought the policies he proposed would move the nation in the the world without becoming its policeman?

And finally, how can we make our politics reflect right direction, the highest mark of his presidency.

CNN further clarified that the poll is representawhat’s best in us, and not what’s worst?”

In presenting these, Obama discussed the prog- tive only of those who watched Tuesday’s State of

the Union, a group that tends to be more supportive of the President giving it than the population as a whole. Breaking down the political leanings of those surveyed, 42 percent consider themselves Democrats, 24 percent Republicans, a more Democratic tilt than Americans as a whole.

More data reported by CNN: “That’s reflected in their views of Obama’s policies on several key issues, with majorities acrossthe-board saying they think the President’s policies would move the nation in the right direction.

Speech-watchers were most apt to say they would move the nation in the right direction on climate change (73 percent), with smaller majorities saying so about the economy (67 percent), gun policy (66 percent), terrorism (64 percent), health care policy (63 percent) and immigration (57 percent).

But 48 percent of those who watched the speech said that overall, Obama’s presidency has fallen short of their expectations, compared with just 18 percent who say the president exceeded their expectations over his nearly seven years in office.

Another 33 percent said the President’s time in office met their expectations.

Majorities see Obama’s presidency as a success in addressing the economy (66 percent), climate change (68 percent), health care policy (60 percent) and terrorism (54 percent), but most speech-watchers say it’s been more of a failure when it comes to immigration (52 percent) and gun policy (53 percent).” *** 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

Thank you, President Obama Should dual citizens be allowed to run for public office?

A letter to our 44th president in his last term “WE have a right and duty to protect our borders. We can in- Rhizomes sist to those already here that with citizenship come obligations --- to a common language, common loyalties, a common purpose, a common destiny. But ultimately the danger to our way PRoSy aBaRquezof life is not that we will be over- DelacRuz, J.D. run by those who do not look like us or do not yet speak our language. The danger will come if we fail to recognize the humanity of Cristina (3rd grader at St. Pius Church in Pilsen) and her family ---if we withhold from them the rights and opportunities that we take for granted, and tolerate the hypocrisy of a servant class in our midst; or more broadly, if we stand idly by as America continues to be unequal, an inequality that tracks racial lines and therefore feeds racial strife and which, as the country becomes more black and brown, neither our democracy nor our economy can long withstand.” – Barack Obama, “The Audacity of Hope”, 2006.

Dick Meyer wrote a thank you on behalf of an ungrateful nation on July 22, 2015, citing five elements: the Iran deal, Obamacare, the revival of an economy from a financial meltdown, the first black president is an epic triumph, and the president’s dignity and honesty. I posted it on Facebook, with this comment, “it is presumptuous to say ‘an ungrateful nation’ where Fox television is not us, where right-wing pundits are not us, where radical left is not us nor are we the ungrateful multimillionaires whose investment funds keep growing while they pounced on our President Barack Obama. From 2007, we have his back!”

Since 2004, after watching you give the Democratic National Convention’s keynote speech -- interrupted 33 times by the audience’s applause-your words still resonate:

“Well, I say to them tonight, there is not a liberal America and a conservative America — there is the United States of America.

There is not a black America and a white America and Latino America and Asian America — there’s the United States of America.

“The pundits like to slice-anddice our country into Red States and Blue States; Red States for Republicans, Blue States for Democrats. But I’ve got news for them, too: We worship an awesome God in the Blue States, and we don’t like federal agents poking around in our libraries in the Red States. We coach Little League in the Blue States, and, yes, we’ve got some gay friends in the Red States. There are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq and there are patriots who supported the war in Iraq.”

Words like no speaker has ever spoken before.

Words that electrified folks beyond, still ring true today in 2016.

Words that did not quite electrify the Republicans inside Congress who placed permanent obstruction barriers, and repealed Obamacare 62 times at the estimated cost of $1.5 million each time, a waste of $93,000,000.

Words that did not stop Republicans’ destructive actions to take the government to its feet, shutting it down from Oct. 1 to 13, 2013, causing 800,000 workers furloughed, and essential 1.5 million federal employees worked, without knowing when they would be paid. Moody’s Analytics estimated the shutdown as costing the American economy $55 billion.

I point this out fully aware, as you and others, the context and severity of this Congressional blockade, almost like sequestered Cuba, that you

u PAGE A9

THE problem confronting Senator Grace Poe had its antecedents Street in certain provisions of the Dual Citizenship Law, RA 9225, that Talk Filipino-Americans objected to, even as we lobbied hard for its passage.

I was part of a group that met with both President Gloria Ma- GReG B. MacaBenta capagal-Arroyo and then Senate President Franklin Drilon to appeal for the deletion of the provisions in the law that required renunciation of foreign citizenship in order to run for public office or to accept a key government post.

Section 5(2) of the RA 9225 states: Those seeking elective public office in the Philippines shall meet the qualifications for holding public office as required by the Constitution and existing laws and, at the time of the filing of the certificate of candidacy, make a personal and sworn renunciation of any and all foreign citizenship before any public officer authorized to administer an oath; Section 5(3) states: Those appointed to any public office shall subscribe and swear to an oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines and its duly constituted authorities prior to the assumption of office; Provided, that they renounce their oath of allegiance to the country where they took that oath.

We felt that these restrictive provisions would result in a waste of valuable human resources: potential public servants imbued with the values, work ethic, civic spirit and training developed from living in more advanced countries like the US. Quite frankly, much as we were eager to serve the land of our birth, few of us were prepared to renounce our US or foreign citizenship. We had our reasons, most of them valid.

The pseudo-nationalists and Facebook patriots who read this piece will likely criticize us for (a)

“turning our backs on the Motherland” and (b) “wanting to have our cake and eat it too.” But, hypocrisy aside, I bet that many of them would jump at the opportunity to get a green card and US citizenship – and not necessarily due to lack of love for the Philippines.

In this regard, those who have severely criticized Poe for renouncing her US citizenship “in order to get appointed chairman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB)” should get a reality check. The decision she made was not an easy one and only a few would have done what she did.

I frankly think that she should be given credit for making that difficult decision. I doubt that she had any inkling at the time that she would run for senator and, subsequently, for president.

At any rate, President Arroyo, prevailed upon our lobby group to accept the proposed bill in spite of the restrictive provisions based on the “half a loaf” principal (Half a loaf is better than no loaf at all). She pointed out that it was our best chance to have such a law passed. “You can always have it amended later,” she said. “But, at least, you will have an existing law to work on.” Drilon said as much.

All of us in the original lobby group still believe that RA 9225 should be amended to allow dual citizens to run for public office or to occupy key government posts without having to renounce our foreign citizenship, as long as we have retained or reacquired our Philippine citizenship. There are many international precedents to support this position. Israel, for one, does not require renunciation of US citizenship to serve in the Israeli government and the military.

The reverse is even more common, namely, Is-

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OpiniOn & Features

Thank you, President…

PAGE A8 t

faced while in the White House, yet your audacity to be hopeful and to be optimistic allowed you to nurture change and to nurture the atmosphere for changes to happen.

Thanks to you, we have several cities now opting for $10 to $15 minimum wage: New York, Seattle, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., among others. In some households, they pay their caregivers living wages and the benefits of living wages in being able to afford car payments, while the octogenarians they care for, have a much better quality of life. The other day, I visited 93-year-old May, while Virginia (her Filipina caregiver) carefully dished out a bowl of chocolate ice-cream, decorated with strawberry slices, arranged like a flower. When you see folks happier because families can survive, that is no small measure.

Thanks to you, many artists in our communities are now going for their preventative physical check-up and are not afraid for their health and welfare, due to Obamacare. They are part of the 19 million insured Americans and residents. They seem to be more engaged as artists and are organizing their ad-hoc gatherings, as now they feel, that their families are well-protected, and the critical surgeries they once postponed, can be done.

And their lives can now be lived, and that is no small measure.

Thanks to you, many community college and university students are able to make a dent in their student loans, as the hefty interest rates are not being padded year to year onto the balance. In fact, in my community circle, many students are now within reach of wiping out their balance, and that their future to build for their families is just a year or two away. In fact, the 3-year-old Latino girl, now a 20-year-old woman, Stephanie, whom I have mentored, is getting straight A’s. She told her mom that she remembers her summer as a teenager of taking a writing class at UCLA, with my son Carlo, which helps her so much now. And their lives can now be lived for themselves and their families, as other 1.3 million students with college loan debts, and that is no small measure.

But, there is a backlash -- maybe fueling a marriage and a baby boom, that we now have to attend more baby showers and weddings.

Thanks to you, many of our gay folks in the community, can now stand up tall and proud to claim their love for one another. No longer feeling like second-class citizens, they freely contribute their joys, sorrows, smarts and creativities. We can feel more of their loving presences, instead of being afraid for the person they love, unable to care for them, when one of them gets sick. You are fueling a healthier community for us, that is no small measure to see their happy faces during the holidays, as much as the straight families, enjoying theirs.

Already, I will miss the White House being open to us, the members of the ethnic media, in particular when your staffers reached out to give an exclusive to the Asian Journal’s editor, along with two reputable large edition mainstream press organizations, advising us of your plans to reunite World War II Filipino veterans with their families and your executive actions on immigration. I met one family in a community center who felt whole,

raeli-American citizens occupying sensitive posts in the US government without having to renounce their Israeli citizenship, among them, former Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, Michael Chertoff who headed the Department of Homeland Security and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

Of course, the most prominent dual citizen of them all is Arnold Schwarzenegger, who retained his Austrian citizenship when he became governor of California.

The problem with retaining the restrictive provisions in RA 9225 may be likened to the oft-rejected proposal to pass a Divorce Law. Many of those who cannot legally separate from their Number One resort to “the next best thing” which is to maintain a Number One-A and even a Number One-B. Even the Church has provided “a way around divorce” by allowing annulment – an option that only the wealthy and influential can avail of.

In the case of the restrictions imposed by RA 9225, there have been many instances when those determined to run for elective office in the Philippines have “complied” with the law by renouncing their foreign citizenship before a Philippine official. However, that is not valid under US law.

Renunciation of US citizenship has to be made before an American consular officer outside of the United States.

This must have been why Poe, after having renounced her US citizenship before a Philippine official, decided to do it again before a US consular officer.

Some would question why “foreigners” should be allowed to run for public office or be appointed to key government posts in our country. That begs another question: Why not?

Aren’t we one of the main reasons for the

A

Dateline PhiliPPines

Photo taken in 2012 in the East Room of the White House (by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz)

and smiling, looked forward to the expansion of DACA and DAPA until one federal judge stopped it.

This is still by far, the most important issue in many ethnic communities, the ability to come out of the shadows and be a documented wage worker. This is by far the largest measure of change you can still do!

I pray for the conversion of hearts in the Republican-dominated Congress; who knows, they might wake up from a bad dream of being in the shoes of an undocumented worker in a foreign country and while in their dreams, feel the angst and anxiety and trepidations, to be compelled and to enact the best measures of immigration reforms in Congress.

I can still hope, that while Congress may not want to grant you another win in your last year in office, I believe there are no human forces which can block the force of the Holy Spirit for change.

And to think, you had the audacity to work behind the scenes on an accord in which close to 200 nations came together to do something about climate change? Who would have thought that possible?

Yes, President Obama, your audacity to hope - much like what you wanted for Cristina and her family to not be servile second-class citizens -- is what we also want in our ethnic communities.

Thank you very much for a job well-done. I will always include you in my prayers and to keep praying for your family as well, as we have, as part of The Obama Prayer Team, since 2007! Thank you for being the best humane and effective American president with a big heart which has made for a healthier America! *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 9 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in 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, Japan, Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, in pursuit of her love for arts.

Should dual citizens be allowed…

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 16-19, 2016

“booming” Philippine economy? Shouldn’t we have a say in the governance of a country that we are supporting with our hard work and long distance devotion?

Another question that invariably follows that first one is, “Aren’t there enough competent and qualified Pinoys available locally for those positions?”

If I were to answer that question in a truthful and forthright manner, some folks would be insulted. Suffice it to say that those “competent and qualified” individuals are not managing the Department of Transportation & Communication, as well as a number of government agencies.

The fact is that there are thousands of overseas Filipinos who, after having assumed foreign citizenship, have retained or reacquired their Philippine citizenship because of a sincere desire to help their Motherland.

To cite a current example, the protests against China’s bullying incursions into the South China Sea gained momentum because of the aggressive and relentless efforts of US Pinoys for Good Governance, led by FilAms Loida Nicolas-Lewis, Rodel Rodis, Ted Laguatan and Charito Benipayo.

These are the same committed individuals, along with the late Alex Esclamado, who lobbied long and hard for the passage of the Overseas Absentee Voting Act and RA 9226. They did it out of love for the land of their birth.

I don’t think it is fair for anyone to question their sincerity. Neither should they challenge Poe’s motive for renouncing her US citizenship. What social or economic advantage could she have expected from assuming a low-paying mid-level government job?

The truth is that, when Noynoy Aquino won the presidency, several leading FilAms expressed in-

u PAGE A10

Analysts: ISIS a real threat to PH

by Frances

Mangosing Inquirer.net

SECURITY analysts warned of the unprecedented challenges to security in the country and in the region with the possibility of the Islamic State, known as ISIS, gaining a foothold in the Philippines sometime soon.

A 7-minute video which circulated online last week showed a gathering of four extremists groups led by Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, pledging their alliance to ISIS’ caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

“Hapilon was chosen as the overall Ameer (leader) of IS branch in the Philippines,” international security analyst Prof.

Rommel Banlaoi said in an interview.

Hapilon was involved in the 2001 Dos Palmas kidnapping, when 20 individuals including three Americans were abducted.

He has a $5 million bounty for his arrest. The Abu Sayyaf is known for its kidnappings and bombings and is based in the islands of Sulu and Basilan.

Groups present in the video were the Ansar Al-Sharia Battalion, Ma’rakat Al-Ansar Battalion, Ansar Khilafa and Alharakatakul Islamiyah.

Other identified personalities in the oath taking aside from Hapilon were Malaysian national Abu Anas, Abu Haris of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu; Abu Sayyaf members Abu Talha, Mutawalli Tanadjalin, Abu Gulam, Abu Fatie

Usman Lijal, Abu Kahtan, among others.

The ISIS, an international terror organization, is known for its propaganda and influence, with videos of its brutal tactics, such as bombings, stoning, and beheadings, posted on the Internet.

The bombings and shootings in Paris last November, which killed 130 and injured hundreds, were claimed by the ISIS. PH, first ISIS province in Southeast Asia?

The military previously announced that Anas was one of the personalities killed during their week-long offensive in Basilan last December.

“His alleged death has to be confirmed,” Banlaoi said, as they are still validating whether the video was taken before or after the military operations.

Last week, the ISIS has acknowledged the unification of the groups in Al-naba, its official newsletter. This was obtained by the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research where Banlaoi is Executive Director.

The ISIS is close to establishing a province or wilayat with this convergence, which will eventually make the Philippines the first caliphate in Southeast Asia. Once officially declared as a province, it will get funding from the Islamic terrorist organization.

“Shortly, ISIS will declare a satellite of the caliphate in the Sulu archipelago,” said Rohan

Gunaratna, head of the International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism Research in Nanyang Technological University, in an opinion piece published on Singapore’s the Straits Times this week.

He said that ISIS is determined to declare at least one province in Asia in 2016.

Banlaoi said the unification of these groups and the video production were apparently initiated by the ISIS. “This looks more professionally made than their previous videos,” he said.

Earlier videos released by the militants pledging their support to the ISIS were amateur compared to the recent one, which also had some editing.

He also warned that ISIS is very active in social media for recruitment.

“They see it as an effective tool for Islamic propagation….That’s why their recruits reach out to them and volunteer themselves,” Banlaoi said.

He explained that is one of the differences between al-Qaeda, the international terrorist group founded by Osama bin Laden, and ISIS. In the past, organizers have to be physically present but today, negotiations can be made through the Internet.

Banlaoi added that the Philippines is vulnerable to ISIS recruitment as it has “one of the longest-running Muslim rebellion” and the Abu Sayyaf has al-

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A10 JANUARY 16-19, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PHiliPPineS

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

US won’t let China control vital sea

by Julie

And

M. Aurelio niñA P. CAlleJA Inquirer.net

THE United States has urged claimants to the South China Sea to unite and put pressure on China by having a shared understanding of “militarization,” thus avoiding the growing tension in the region, according to the Department of Defense (DND).

In a high-level meeting on Tuesday between Philippine and US defense and diplomatic officials, the United States vowed it would not allow China to control the vital waterway and that it would ensure freedom of navigation in the region, a DND statement on Thursday said.

The Philippines, represented

by Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, want joint patrols in the contested area.

The US panel headed by Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Ashton Carter reiterated Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to the security of the Philippines and support to its military modernization program.

“The United States suggested the need for parties in the South China Sea to have a common and shared understanding of militarization to avoid growing tensions.

A common sense among the other parties would put pressure on China,” the DND said.

China is claiming the entire South China Sea and has been aggressive in its expansion and construction activities in the area.

The DND said the US side noted China’s claim that it would not militarize the disputed region.

“The US side emphasized that it will not allow China to control the South China Sea and will act to ensure that freedom of navigation is respected,” the DND stressed.

In addition, the United States said it “will continue to fly and sail whenever and wherever international law allows” and will “maintain presence in the South China Sea to include naval, subsea, air and special forces.”

More collaboration DND spokesperson Peter Paul Galvez stressed the need for a more collaborative presence in the South China Sea. “Thus, in addition to the US’ freedom of navigation operations, we are suggesting that we also patrol the area together,” he added. “There is a need for more collaborative presence in the South China Sea. Both parties also agreed to explore the possibility of other partners participating in bilateral activities, such as Japan and Australia, stressing the usefulness of multilateral cooperation in addressing security challenges, the DND said.

Del Rosario and Gazmin later met with Senators John McCain and Jack Reed of the US Senate armed services committee, according to a news release issued by the Philippine Embassy in Washington yesterday.

The embassy said the committee, headed by McCain, “has demonstrated keen interest in developments in Asia, particularly on the issue of maritime security.”

“One of the committee’s most significant initiatives in this regard was the introduction of the Maritime Security Initiative in

the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act that allots $50 million to help enhance the maritime security capacities of countries in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines,” it said.

Test flights US President Barack Obama first unveiled this maritime assistance plan when he was in Manila in November last year.

He announced that Washington would scale up naval aid in Southeast Asia, which includes the transfer of two warships to the Philippine Navy.

“We wish to thank the Senate Armed Services Committee for the priority it has accorded to US engagement with AsiaPacific and for the committee’s statements calling for stronger US presence in the region,” Del Rosario told the senators.

The Philippine Embassy said Gazmin and Del Rosario welcomed McCain’s comments against China’s recent test flights over Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef and the “committee’s consistent efforts” to prod the US government to continue with legitimate challenges to China’s illegal claims in the South China Sea. Earlier, McCain hailed the recent Supreme Court ruling upholding the constitutionality of 10-year Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

“As Manila finds itself the target of Chinese coercion in the West Philippine Sea and is looking to Washington for leadership, this agreement will give us new tools to … expand engagement with the Philippine Armed Forces, and enhance our presence in Southeast Asia,” he said in a statement. n

Chiz reiterates call for Carpio to inhibit from Poe’s DQ case

by ChristinA

Mendez

Philstar.com

MANILA – Sen. Francis Escudero reiterated yesterday the call for Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio to inhibit from the disqualification case of his running mate and presidential aspirant Sen. Grace Poe, which is now pending before the Supreme Court.

“Senator Grace’s lawyers also asked for his inhibition. I hope he will consider it and inhibit himself in order to address such doubts from some sectors regarding his impartiality in connection with the cases of Sen. Poe,” Escudero said.

Poe filed last month petitions before the Supreme Court to prevent Carpio and Justices Teresita Leonardo-de Castro and Arturo Brion from joining deliberations of the tribunal.

Poe and her lawyers are seeking to reverse the rulings of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) disqualifying her from the 2016 presidential elections for not being a natural-born Filipino and for failing to meet the 10year residency requirement for candidates.

In seeking the three justices’ inhibition, Poe cited their dissent to the Senate Electoral Tribunal decision that deemed her to be a

natural-born Filipino.

Meanwhile, the full Comelec yesterday formalized its adoption of the comment filed by Commissioner Rowena Guanzon with the SC concerning the disqualification of Senator Poe. In a two-page resolution, the Comelec ratified and validated the comment that Guanzon submitted last Jan. 7 without letting her fellow commissioners review the document.

Even Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista was not able to review and sign the comment, prompting him to issue a memorandum asking Guanzon to explain. n

FISHING BAN. The fishery ministry of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) started implementing a three-month closed season for sardine fishing in Sulu Sea and Basilan Strait, to allow sardines to spawn freely, according to officials. Amir Mawalil, ARMM’s public information chief, said their region’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) would implement the closed season on the catching of sardines until March.

Philstar.com photo

LP bets fear voters’ backlash over SSS pension veto by dJ

YAP And nikko dizon Inquirer.net

LIBERAL Party (LP) candidates will bear the brunt of public outrage over President Benigno Aquino III’s veto of the proposed P2,000 increase for pensioners of the state-run Social Security System (SSS), vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo admitted on Friday, Jan. 15.

“It’s true that administration candidates will suffer because we are the ones to take the hit,” the Camarines Sur representative told reporters in Bicol.

But Robredo said she thought the President did the right thing in spite of how unpopular his decision might prove to be.

“The easiest thing for him to do was to approve [the bill], because… he would look good, the Liberal Party would look good,” said the widow of Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.

She added, however, that she still needed to study Aquino’s veto message to understand it better. “For me, [the increase] will do plenty of good, but if it’s true that [SSS] will go bankrupt in 11 years, then we need to think it through.”

In Malolos, Bulacan, President Aquino said he was standing by his veto of the proposed pension hike, saying he would rather be called “heartless” today than “heartless and careless” a decade from now.

Heartless today “I believe that as the father of the nation, I have to plan for future needs and not respond only to what is needed at present. So I am ‘heartless’ today,” Mr. Aquino said. “(But) if in 2027, (the SSS) goes bankrupt, (then) the more than 30 million pensioners would say I am careless and heartless at the same time. That I did not think of them, that I made sure the state would not be able to deliver its promise to them,” the President told reporters in a news conference.

In his veto message on Thursday, Mr. Aquino said the SSS pension bill approved last month

by Congress would compromise the viability of the agency, which would be forced to make a yearly payout of P56 billion.

“Compared against an annual investment income of P30 billion

LP standard-bearer Mar Roxas and vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo.

Inquirer.net file photo

to P40 billion, such total payment for pensioners will yield a deficit of P16 billion to P26 billion annually,” said Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. The Chief Executive said he was given a choice: “I could try to look good and help (in) the endorsement (of administration candidates) and maybe by 2027, I would be forgotten and won’t be blamed (for the SSS bankruptcy). The one who would take the blame would be the one governing us by that time. But is that right, for me to bring the people towards their own misery?” he asked.

President Aquino cited the government’s “social nets,” including the services provided by the Department of Health and PhilHealth, as benefits that pensioners could avail themselves of.

Mr. Aquino admitted that he was aware his veto could be exploited by the opposition and that he risked making an unpopular decision in the run up to the election campaign that begins on Feb. 9.

Fat bonuses The President also defended the fat bonuses received by SSS officials, saying that the granting of bonuses went through “a long process” implemented by the Governance Commission for Government-Controlled or Owned Corporations (GCG).

While LP standard-bearer Mar Roxas “understands the reason for the veto, he also wants to find an alternative to the P2,000 across-the-board increase,” said Akbayan Rep. Barry Gutierrez, the spokesperson of the LP-led

coalition.

“A middle ground between the immediate benefit to current pensioners and ensuring the stability of the fund for current contributors should be found,” Gutierrez said.

LP spokesperson Edgar Erice meanwhile praised Mr. Aquino for refusing to make a politically expedient decision and “not thinking about elections but what is good for our country.”

He added: “We cannot spend money that we do not have. It’s just like selling your product at a very low price that in the end your store will go bankrupt.”

Temporary backlash Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo, chair of the House of Representatives ways and means committee, said the backlash against President Aquino’s unpopular decision “will be temporary.”

Being part of the LP coalition, he said, was “both an advantage and a responsibility. ‘Daang matuwid’ means doing the right thing, popular or otherwise.

That’s precisely why the President has the highest approval rating for an outgoing President in our history.”

The Marikina representative also proposed another compromise to the vetoed pension hike, and said that SSS pensioners could be given an increase based on their contributions.

“It is unfair that practically the same increase will be given to a retiree who has contributed for 10 years and another who has contributed for 30 years,” said Quimbo.

In Pozorrubio, Pangasinan, Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmena-

u PAGE A11

Analysts: ISIS a real threat to…

PAGE A9 t

ready established “notoriety.”

Threat to PH, regional security The military has repeatedly denied the presence of ISIS in the Philippines, dismissing it as a mere propaganda.

Only this week, AFP spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla said that there is “no credible, verified and direct connection” to the ISIS up to this time but they continue to monitor and conduct focused military operations.

ISIS influence in the Philippines will pose “imminent threat to the country” and will also affect regional security, Banlaoi said.

“The new found strength of the unified groups will likely mount operations with the backing of the Baghdadi-led ISIS in the Middle East,” he said.

Because of this, militants from Malaysia will be lured to join the group in the Philippines.

There are five Malaysian terrorists hiding in the Philippines, and are currently training local fighters in bomb-making.

Anas represented the Ansar Al-Shariah Battalion in the video. Other Malaysians sighted were Mahmud Ahmad alias Abu Handzalah and Muhamad Joraimee Awang Raimee — both on Malaysia’s most wanted. Amin Baco, who escaped the Mamasapano operation last year that killed his mentor Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan, is also one of the five Malaysians in hiding.

“Considering the importance given to a Malaysian by Hapilon, Malaysians are likely to travel and join ISIS Mindanao in the southern Philippines,” Gunara-

tna said.

Other nationalities which cannot easily go to Syria, from Australians to Chinese Uighurs may also be attracted to the creation of training camps, he added.

Asked if the militants would stage similar attacks like in Paris last November anytime soon, Banlaoi said that even if they have the ability they might have a difficult time.

“They will have a hard time because the target-hardening and the information-sharing of the Philippine National Police is in place,” he said.

It is defeating the ISIS that will take time, however.

“It’s a long haul, countering terrorism….Solutions are not only military and law enforcement but political, economic and social,” Banlaoi said. n

Should dual citizens be allowed…

PAGE A9 t

terest in serving in his government. I did, too.

It was not for lack of love for America, a country to which we owe much of what we have become and where we have raised our children and grandchildren. It was because of a fervent desire to be of service to our Motherland.

If I have been critical of Sen. Grace Poe, it has only been because of her dogged determination to push ahead with her presidential aspirations, in spite of being clearly handicapped and restricted under our Constitution.

She could have chosen the elegant option which was to, at least, wait for one handicap – residency – to be mitigated by time. And, in the spirit of the “half-a-loaf” principle, as a senator, she could also have chosen to push for a more humane definition of “natural born citizen” to include foundlings.

Hillary Clinton waited out two terms of President Barack Obama to once more aspire for the presidency of the United States. Grace Poe has time on her side. Maybe she should stop listening to her Rasputin, whoever that scheming adviser might be. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

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Dateline PHiliPPineS

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 16-19, 2016

A11

DOJ set to resolve SAF 44 cases soon

by Edu

Punay Philstar.com

MANILA — The Department of Justice is set to resolve the criminal charges against 90 commanders and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and private armed groups tagged in the killing of police commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last year.

Justice department spokesman and Undersecretary Emmanuel Caparas said the agency would soon issue a resolution on the complex crime of direct assault with murder complaint that the National Bureau of Investigation filed against 90 MILF, BIFF and vigilantes over the killing of 35 police special Action Force (SAF) operatives on Jan. 25, 2015.

“The preliminary investigation has been terminated today, so we should have a resolution soon,” he told a press conference yesterday afternoon.

Caparas assured the people that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has done its part to speed up resolution of the case despite the preliminary investigation taking almost a year to complete and only four of 90 respondents able to answer the charges.

“Whether or not the anniversary of this tragedy is approaching or we just passed it, the point is the DOJ continues to do what it needs to do so that it can deliver justice to all parties involved.

Let’s just say the authorities are moving as quickly as they can, as responsibly as they can, as judiciously as they can so that justice may be delivered,” he stressed.

The DOJ official said they are aware of the cry for justice of the families of the slain SAF men.

Earlier in the day, the DOJ investigating panel of prosecutors officially concluded the preliminary investigation after three hearings.

Of the 90 respondents, only four submitted counter-affidavits and denied the charges.

They are MILF field commander Pendatun Utek Makakua, who denied the charges and claimed to be a farmer; Mustapha Tatak, a barangay chairman in Sapakan, Mamasapano; and civilians Lakiman Dawaling and Khalim Keda, who were accused of being field commanders of the MILF that were involved in the killing of the 35 SAF men in Barangay Tukanalipao.

Justice department spokesman and Undersecretary Emmanuel Caparas said the agency would soon issue a resolution on the complex crime of direct assault with murder complaint that the National Bureau of Investigation filed against 90 MILF, BIFF and vigilantes over the killing of 35 police special Action Force (SAF) operatives on Jan. 25, 2015.

Philstar.com file photo

The NBI, for its part, has submitted before the panel an inventory of recovered firearms and combat equipment allegedly taken from the slain policemen.

Facing the DOJ probe are 13 commanders of the MILF and six commanders of BIFF. But the names of the respondents were not made public so as to prevent them from evading possible prosecution.

They were accused of acting “in conspiracy with one another to attack, employ force, seriously intimidate or resist the 35 SAF commandos, who were uniformed police officers and thus, persons in authority.”

The fact-finding team of prosecutors and NBI agents based the report on accounts of eyewitnesses now under the witness protection program – including one alias Marathon – who identified the MILF and BIFF commanders involved.

The videos of the encounter that circulated in social media also helped in the investigation and their sources have been traced.

Based on results of the probe, the killings of the SAF commandos appeared to be “spontaneous and not an institutional act of the MILF.” The charges covered the cases of 35 slain SAF men who belonged to the 55th SAF company that engaged the MILF, BIFF fighters and militia in the cornfields of Tukanalipao.

Last October, the fact-finding team released its second report on the cases of nine other slain commandos from the 84th SAF company in Barangay Pidsandawan as well as the five civilians and 18 MILF fighters also killed

during the clash.

No one was charged because probers failed to secure witnesses to identify the killers of the members of the 84th SAF company.

Sen. Grace Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, has reset the reopening of the Mamasapano inquiry to allow the families of the victims to mark the first anniversary of the deaths.

According to Poe, the committee approved the request of Philippine National Police chief Director General Ricardo Marquez since the PNP is also preparing activities to commemorate the Jan. 25 tragedy.

Poe’s statement came in the wake of the Palace’s announcement that it is not necessary for President Aquino to attend the Senate inquiry because he has spoken about his knowledge about the covert operations against two foreign terrorists in an area supposedly controlled by rebels in Maguindanao.

The senator earlier announced that the Senate would resume its hearings on Jan. 25, the first anniversary of the encounter.

Poe said she has to seek clarification from her colleagues on Monday next week regarding the order of the Senate committee on rules regarding the reopening of inquiry.

Malacañang clarified yesterday it would not ask legislators to submit questions to members of the Cabinet prior to the reopening of the Mamasapano investigation should they get invited.

(With reports from Christina Mendez, Aurea Calica, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Alexis Romero, John Unson, Jun Elias)

ARMM PROJECT. An aerial photo of a newly-concreted road in Sultan Mastura town in Maguindanao, one of dozens of projects recently accomplished by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The regional government also has a separate P8.9 billion budget for “above ceiling” projects also to be implemented within the year.

Philstar.com photo by John Unson

Fil-Am San Francisco cable car operator dies from mishap injuries SAN FRANCISCO—A Filipino American cable car operator, who had been in a coma after he was struck by a suspected drunken motorcyclist last June, died Tuesday morning, Jan 12, according to the local Muni operators union.

Reynaldo Abraham “Avy” Morante, 50, reported died due to his injuries. He had been on life support at Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center.

Cable car operators reported that Morante had stepped off his cable car to smoke a cigarette when he was a motorcycle driv-

en by William Kanta Makepeace, 22, struck him on June 11, 2015 near the corner of Taylor and Francisco streets.

Morante suffered a fractured skull and traumatic brain injuries, and had a portion of his skull removed to relieve the pressure, according to the District Attorney’s Office, last year.

Makepeace was arrested and charged with two felony counts of driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury. Makepeace is out on bail, according to the DA’s office, but additional

charges could be filed as a result of Morante’s death.

Morante was a Muni operator for 20 years and became a cable car operator in 2014. “He was a dedicated City employee who dreamed of being part of San Francisco’s historic cable cars, and he served our residents and visitors with great distinction.

He will be greatly missed by all,” said Mayor Ed Lee. Rey Morante is survived by two adult children, Josephine and Andrew, and his brother, Alan. (Inquirer.net)

LP bets fear voters’ backlash…

PAGE A10 t

res, principal author of the proposed hike, has started a congressional campaign to overturn President Aquino’s veto of the proposed hike in pension funds, even as presidential aspirant Sen. Grace Poe expressed her support for the override.

“I have the inclination to [support the] override because as [Colmenares] says, there is a source for the fund. There is only a need to [achieve] effective collection [of membership obligations],” Poe said during a news conference here after attending the annual Talong Festival in Villasis town.

Full accounting Sen. Francis Escudero, Poe’s

running mate, said he would also work to overturn Mr. Aquino’s veto. “I understand where the President is coming from, but we also have a job to do as lawmakers,” Poe’s running mate said.

Colmenares, who joined Poe’s group, said it was incumbent on him to sponsor the override bill because he authored the pension increase bill in the House.

Senatorial candidate and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez meanwhile demanded a full accounting of SSS funds and collectibles to validate government claims that it could not afford to grant the proposed P2,000 increase.

Romualdez cited reports that the SSS failed to collect P13 bil-

lion from delinquent employers as of 2014, while aging member loans had reached P64.01 billion, of which P19.407 billion had been outstanding for more than 5 years.

The congressman also noted that out of 164,111 delinquent employers in 2010 alone, the SSS had filed only an average of 1,200 cases per year.

“Divide that and the difference will show that more than 100 years shall have passed before the SSS collects from these delinquents. This is assuming that some of them would still be alive by then and their businesses are still open,” he said. With a report from Yolanda Sotelo, Inquirer Northern Luzon n

A12 JANUARY 16-19, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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SHOWBIZ&STYLE Journal

Golden Globe winner Rachel Bloom talks Filipino culture and TV diversity Lea Salonga to appear on ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’

by Allyson

EscobAr

AJPress

CREATOR, writer, producer and comedienne Rachel Bloom took home the Golden Globe on Sunday, Jan. 9 for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Comedy or Musical, for her CW show “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.”

“The CW has supported us creatively every step of the way,” Bloom said onstage Sunday night. “All those things you hear about networks trying to stifle creativity--CW lets creators create and gives us freedom. I think the CW is fan-f---ing-tastic.”

Musical comedy series “Crazy PAGE B3

Rachel Bloom, winner of this year’s Golden Globes’ Best Actress in TV series-comedy or musical.

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 16-19, 2016

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B january 16-19, 2016 • La WEEKEnD aSIan jOurnaL

Features

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‘Nilalang’ director calls for protection of independent filmmakers

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJ Press

INDEPENDENT producers of an official Metro Manila Film Festival entry are calling for protection of “smaller players” after their film was withdrawn from 34 theaters on the first day of the festival.

“Nilalang,” an action-horror flick starring Cesar Montano and Japanese actress Maria Ozawa, was slated to screen in 40 theaters on the opening day of the festival, which ran from Dec. 25, 2015 to Jan. 2, 2016.

By Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015 the film was being screened at only three cinemas.

“If we really want to do more movies in the future, how can we do it if most of the theater owners won’t support [us]?” said Pedring Lopez, director of “Nilalang.”

The film received accolades for its technical aspects, and won five awards for Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Design and Best Musical Score After “Nilalang” was pulled from cinemas, a number of users took to Twitter calling for the movie to be screened with #DemandforNilalang. Some asked how they could be screened at six theaters after winning five awards.

On Friday, Jan. 1, MMFF added more cinemas to screen “Nilalang:” Festival Mall, Market Market, Robinsons Metro East, SM

Bacoor, Robinsons Pampanga, SM Cebu, SM Iloilo, SM Lanang, Gateway, SM Sta. Mesa, Robinsons Galleria, SM South Mall, SM Manilla, SM Fairview, SM Marikina, SM North Edsa, Glorietta and SM Mega Mall, according to Philstar.

On Monday, Jan. 4, Philstar reported that SM Mall of Asia, Trinoma and Robinsons Ermita were added to the list.

As of Wednesday, Jan. 6, Lopez said the demand for the movie on social media helped bring it to a total of 23 theaters.

“I’m happy that we’re getting back the cinemas that we lost....

It’s OK, but I hope the viewers would still go to the movies and watch, [that] the hype is still there,” Lopez said.

“Nilalang” producer Maia Lopez said the reason the film was entered into the festival was because of the expectation that it would be a level playing field for all filmmakers.

“The point is to showcase a variety of Filipino-made movies.

So if you’re just going to show two or three movies, then why call it a festival?” she said.

“We knew we were up against giants that [have been] in the industry for years and years, longer than I’ve been alive. So to join the festival, to have the feeling that we had equal footing as them because it’s a festival, that’s what we’re after,” Maia added.

Success at the MMFF would

Scenes from the movie “Nilalang.”

also assist the filmmakers in increasing screenings worldwide.

The movie will be screened for the first time outside of the Philippines in Vietnam in Indonesia this year, and the crew is currently in talks with distributors in North America.

“If we’re a bit successful [in Manila], we can definitely export the movie,” Pedring Lopez said.

While “Nilalang” won five technical awards, it has received less favorable reviews for its plot.

“The screenplay … doesn’t allow any of the characters to be anything but pawns in a narrative that exists only to frame the most basic of masculine fantasies,” a Rappler review wrote.

“Nilalang” did not rank in the top four earners in the film festival, which – in no particular order – were: “My Bebe Love,” “Beauty and the Bestie,” “Haunted Mansion” and “#WalangForever,” according to a Jan. 5 post on the MMFF Facebook page.

However, Maia said those be-

hind the action-horror film neither expected it to be a top grosser, nor did they think it would suit everybody’s taste, given its violent nature and that many viewers seek dramatic films.

Lopez said the film had to be cut three times before it could be shown in cinemas, adding he hopes to release the director’s cut of the film next year.

“It’s not the best movie out there. We’re not saying that we have the right to occupy the cinemas. We’re not force feeding our movie to everybody,” she said.

“But what we were really thinking was we wanted to do something else to prove that we can come up with a nice film, we can have nice visuals.... We really thought about what we did ... because we believe people deserve to watch this kind [of film], that filmmakers in the Philippines can do this,” she added.

MMFF did not respond to multiple requests for comment as of press time.

Photos courtesy of Welovepost

Kuya Germs, home for his last parade A GALAXY of the brightest and biggest stars, TV personalities and media executives gathered together last January 13 at GMA Network to pay their last respects to the Master Showman German “Kuya Germs” Moreno and honor his life of love, loyalty, and passion.

Hosted by Dingdong Dantes and Jean Garcia, the necrological service for Kuya Germs was overwhelming with memories and fondness for the beloved showbiz icon.

From his humble beginnings as a janitor in Clover Theatre, to his thriving career in Sampaguita Pictures, up to his ground-breaking variety shows in GMA including Germside, Germspesyal, GMA Supershow, That’s Entertainment and Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman, Kuya Germs became the industry’s star builder extraordinaire because of his hard work, integrity, perseverance, and most of all, love for his craft. He was a well-loved pillar of the Philippine entertainment industry and throughout his highly-celebrated career, he was truly the epitome of a loyal Kapuso as he spent almost

Jean Garcia and Dingdong Dantes

Senator Bongbong Marcos and German Moreno’s only child, Federico

5 decades of his showbiz life at his second home, GMA Network.

It was graced by GMA Network Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Felipe L. Gozon and his wife Mrs. Teresa M. Gozon, former Congressman Gilberto M. Duavit Sr., GMA President and Chief Operating Officer Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., GMA Board Directors Joel G. Jimenez and Laura J. Westfall, GMA Films President Annette Gozon-Abrogar and Executive Vice President PAGE B6

Gary Valenciano

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EntErtainmEnt

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 16-19, 2016

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Golden Globe winner Rachel Bloom...

PAGE B1 Ex-Girlfriend” follows Rachel Bloom as Rebecca Bunch, a successful, miserable young woman who impulsively leaves her job as a real estate lawyer in New York in search of love and happiness in West Covina, California, also the suburban hometown of her Filipino ex-boyfriend, Josh Chan, played by Fil-Am actor Vincent Rodriguez III. “‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ explores this idea of feeling crazy over someone,” Rodriguez told the Asian Journal last year, adding that the show --which premiered in October-- includes themes of family, friendship, and finding home away from home. “When you’re in love, it’s fun, ridiculous, and exciting.”

“My Thanksgiving With Josh,” an episode that aired on Nov. 16, 2015, made television history when the family of Josh Chan was introduced together with actors Amy Hill, Tess Paras, Alberto Issacs and Coryn Mabalot, all playing members of Josh’s immediate family, respectively. It was the first time a Filipino-American

family was introduced to US broadcast television, reported FilAm Creative.

While in production for the first season, Bloom said she’d learned a great deal about storytelling and the importance of diversity in television. Backstage at the Golden Globes, she also said she was “surprised” by the strong reaction from viewers to the show’s Filipino characters, which reflect the show’s setting of the Los Angeles suburb of West Covina, according to Variety.

“I have learned so much about Filipino culture. What’s insane is we are not fresh off the boat about specifically being Filipino.

One of our characters [Rodriguez] happens to be Filipino, so when we realized no one else had even made the effort to show a Filipino family on an American comedy, it taught me a lot about Filipino culture,” Bloom said to reporters in the Globes press room. “Mabuhay!”

“But it’s also taught me really about how important diversity is, if you want to tell a new story.”

Bloom also used the opportunity to announce that Filipina

Broadway star Lea Salonga will also be a guest star in the show’s first season finale.

“In episode 18, we are so proud Lea Salonga will be guest-starring, and when Vincent saw [her], he literally fainted to the ground,” Bloom laughed.

Salonga also previously tweeted, “I guess the news is out!!! I’ll be appearing on the season finale of [Crazy Ex-Girlfriend]! And singing, too! How fun is that?!”

The CW show will return with its midseason premiere at its usual time on Monday, Jan. 25, at 8:00 pm ET, reported Entertainment Weekly.

“This has shown me how important diversity is if you want to tell a new story. Anything else I do from now...I would want to make it about people who are diverse, gay, trans; because those are stories that have not been told before, and America is a melting pot of immigrants, and I don’t think it is acknowledged half as much as it is on television. We’re proud to be a show that supports diversity because that’s what America is.

We’re just showing it how it is,” Bloom said.

CREWMAN WENT HOME TO MANILA ON PROVISIONAL WAIVER AND CAME BACK TO THE US WITH A GREEN CARD—ON A SPECIAL EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel obtained a Provisional Waiver for Jerome, a crewman who jumped ship. Jerome had filed for Adjustment of Status on his own, but was denied, because he was not eligible. With the approved Provisional Waiver, Jerome returned to the Philippines for visa processing at the US Embassy in Manila. His wife and children wondered and prayed if Jerome could make it back to the US. Watch to see the outcome of this Provisional Waiver case on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday, January 17 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

‘OTWOL’ apologizes for striptease: ‘No intention to disrespect PNP’

The “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” cast in a Thanksgiving episode written by FIl-Am Rene Gube. In photo from (L-R): Tess Paras as Jayma, Coryn Mabalot as Jastenity, Vincent Rodriguez III as Josh, Amy Hill as Lourdes, Bloom as Rebecca and Alberto Isaac as Joseph.

Heart Evangelista hand-paints Mark Bumgarner couture for charity

by AlixAndrA

CAole VilA

Philstar

MANILA—All of us know her as Heart Evangelista, one of the most celebrated actresses, models in the Philippines. But as an artist and entrepreneur, she will always be Love Marie Ongpauco-Escudero.

After putting up her first solo art exhibit in 2014, and eventually venturing on painting designer bags, Love Marie is ready to take on the fashion realm.

This January 18, Love Marie, together with designer Mark Bumgarner, will have a Fashion Show Gala at the Dusit Thani Ballroom. Combining their skills and creativity, 40 well-designed tailored dresses will be paraded on the event, and 15 of which are masterfully hand-painted by Love Marie.

But more than showcasing her artistic talent, the event also aims to help some foundations as two of her hand-painted dresses from the collection will be silently auctioned off at the gala.

Both dresses to be auctioned off features hand-painted flower designs and Swarovski crystals and glass beads embellished by Mark. The proceeds from the black dress will go to a foundation that Love Marie has been helping for more than ten years now, Thalassemia International Association (formerly Balikatang Thalassemia Foundation) while the proceeds for the white dress will be dedicated to the Corridor of Hope Foundation.

At the press conference for their fashion gala, Love Marie said, their first ever collaboration was drawn from varied inspirations and a mixture of ideas.

“I wanted femininity. I want that when someone, the girls wear the dress, they will feel beautiful,” Love Marie said, pertaining to the aesthetics of the collection.

The collection, which mostly features neutral colors, is also inspired by flowers and the vines which Love Marie used on her previous paintings. It also challenges the current trend of gowns as they try to incorporate a soul into the collection.

Asked how she handles her busy schedule being an actress, wife, entrepreneur, artist at the same time, Love Marie says she loves doing something new in her life, which is why she enjoys being a busy bee.

Love Marie also admitted that they encountered some problems during the process of painting the dresses.

“There’s certain telas like gazar...when you paint on it, I was so shocked that the paint would bleed. It would not stop bleeding, so we were like, ‘how are we going to do it?’ But we figured out a way on our first dress then,” recalls the artist.

ABS-CBN primetime series “On the Wings of Love” (OTWOL) on Wednesday, Dec. 13 apologized for a scene that aired on its Jan. 11 episode showing actor James Reid stripping in a policeman uniform.

In a statement, ABS-CBN said OTWOL did not intend to disrespect the Philippine National Police (PNP), after drawing flak in social media that the scene degraded cops’ image. “‘On the Wings of Love’ would like to apologize for a short scene that aired last Monday, which showed the main character Clark dancing as a policeman for Leah in her bridal shower,” ABS-CBN said in a statement.

“The program has called the attention of its production team and assures the public that there was no intention to disrespect the sanctity of the Philippine National Police (PNP) uniform. We do not want to jeopardize our good

Clark, played by actor James Reid, does a strip dance in policeman’s uniform for the bridal shower of his wife Leah (not in picture, portrayed by Nadine Lustre) in an episode of “On The Wings Of Love.” The scene has drawn criticism from some members of the Philippine National Police and other individuals.

Screengrab from ABS-CBN’s Youtube account

relations with the PNP and will make sure that it will not happen again,” the statement read.

In the Monday episode of the show, Reid, wearing a PNP gen-

eral office uniform with a Quezon City Police District badge and an SPO4 rank, stripped and danced on top of actress Nadine Lustre.

(Inquirer.net)

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Grace Mercado Ouano Celebrate and Her Birthday In Hollywood G

race Mercado Ouano (Grace O) had two reasons to celebrate with her family and friends on New Year’s Eve—she can ring in 2016 while simultaneously celebrating her birthday, which also falls on December 31!

Over 200 guests celebrated with Grace O at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, in a 1950s glamorous Hollywood-themed black-tie evening.

In true Hollywood fashion, guests were treated to a red carpet entrance where they posed for souvenir photos and selfies, bantered with red carpet host James Wallington, and sent out birthday greetings and New Year’s wishes to the celebrant.

Opening Ceremony The celebratory evening began with a Catholic Mass. The main celebrant was Monsignor Larry Spiteri, who was visiting from the Vatican, and the ceremony was concelebrated by Father Robert Victoria of the St. Anthony Catholic Church in the El Segundo Parish, Father George Peters of the Corpus Christi Parish in the Pacific Palisades, and Fathers Jose Gopio and Donald O’Connor of the Divine Word Seminary in Riverside county. During the Mass the Harana Men’s Chorus performed, accompanied by a string quartet from the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra and pianist Paul Concepcion.

As guests arrived in the main ballroom, they were serenaded by the St Genevieve School Jazz Band, led by music director Carlos Dominguez, playing the 1950s song, Sing Sing

Sing. St. Genevieve School’s president-principal Dan Horn was also in attendance along with the famous singer Helen Reddy, who has long been a supporter of the Jazz Band.

The evening was emceed by the Emmy Award-winning KTLA 5 News Anchor and host of the ABS-CBN show, Balitang America, Cher Calvin. During the course of the evening, guests enjoyed a variety of singing and dancing performances. Grace O was celebrated with the Happy Birthday song by none other than Marilyn Monroe! Next she was serenaded by artistic director Gelo Francisco and the Philippines Chamber Singers, the very first Filipino choir ever to perform for the prestigious American Choral Directors Association. The choir has also performed twice with the Los Angeles Philharmonic under Gustavo Dudamel. The Chamber Singers performed songs from the Golden Age of Hollywood including Grace O’s favorite song, Climb Every Mountain.

The guests enjoyed a delicious buffet of dishes prepared by the Four Seasons’ chef, who used recipes from both Grace O’s first cookbook, The Age Gracefully Cookbook, published

by Skyhorse Publishing in September 2015 and from her second cookbook, The Age Beautifully Cookbook, which is scheduled for publication by Skyhorse this April 2016. As a dessert course, guests were offered a Viennese table of over 14 delicious desserts. As the clock neared midnight, guests were also offered for good luck in the New Year over 20 different round candies.

During the evening Grace O was presented

with a “Member’s Resolution” by the Honorable Rob Bonta, 18th Assembly District of Los Angeles, in recognition of her many professional and philanthropic activities on behalf of the people of California, and her exemplary record of community service.

Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim offered a wonderful birthday toast and California State Senator Bob Huff of the 29th Senate District presented her with a “Special Commendation” Award in honor of her many years of philanthropic work.

Countdown to Midnight The evening reached a crescendo when the pop music group The Platters appeared on stage. Some of their great hits include Only You and The Great Pretender, among the 40 charting singles that appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 chart between 1955 and 1967. The Platters were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.

To round out the evening, the international star and Prince of Pop and Opera, Jonathan Badon, serenaded Grace O with a happy birthday song as well as an array of songs made famous during the 1950s. All of the performers and the entire evening of presentations was expertly coordinated by Vic Perez of V Entertainment.

As guests waited for the clock to countdown to midnight, some took to the dance floor and others played casino games. Just before midnight various raffle and other prizes were handed out by Grace O and everyone cheered as the clock struck midnight!

Beth Dingle, Trini Foliente, Minda Weinrich, Minnie Miller, Aida Villarama

Father Martin Madro, Father Alden Sison, Monsignor Antonio Cacciapuoti and Monsignor Larry Spiteri with Grace O

Grace O and Senator Bob Huff

Consul General Leo Herrera Lim offered a toast

Katrina Villamor, Charina Berroya Adeva, Marilou Berroya, Manuel Berroya and Paul Berroya

Tony Agoncillo, Cher Calvin and Romina Agoncillo Grace O's evening gown was created by Hollywood designer Oliver Tolentino from Beverly Hills

Roger Seavers, President/CEO Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and Rizalina Seavers

Mr. Emil Fish, President/CEO of Regency Park Senior Living and Grace O

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 16-19, 2016

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es New Year’s Eve Style Cher Calvin and Vic Perez

Grace and Rupert Ouano seated next to Grace O’s birthday cake prepared by Four Season Hotel

Grace and Rupert Ouano

New year eve countdown. In front, L-R Diana Ouano, Lynn and George Kumar and Gem de Leon

Rupert’s uncle, Dr. Augustus Ouano with Grace O and Rupert Ouano

Vilar, Inciong and Sato family

Performer "Marilyn Monroe”

Dan Horn, President-Principal of St. Genevieve Schools, Grace O and Helen Reddy

Grace O receives Award of assemblyman Rob Bonta from Abraham Lim, Cora Soriano and Cher Calvin

Cora Soriana, Trini Foliente, Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim, Fides Herrera Lim, Grace O and Lynn Roxas Kumar

Nancy Cushing-Jones, Grace O, Barbara Weller and Cynthia Cleveland

The Platters Musical Group, Grace O and Rupert Ouano

B5

B january 16-19, 2016 • La WEEKEnD aSIan jOurnaL

The Global Kababayan G. TönGi JAN. 18 - Join our Black Lives Matter Panel for Martin Luther King Day. We gather a panel of Fil-Ams to discuss the importance of #blacklivesmatter and how this relates to our community.

Jan. 19 - Learn about the Superfeed Superfeel Detox Challenge.

Features

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

When it snows, it ‘pours’

Programming of Kababayan Today, January 18-22, 2016 Doctor Camilla Griggers shares the importance of detoxing. It’s a new year and we all need to get rid of metabolic waste!

We will discuss her Superfeed Superfeel Detox that consists of the seven daily drinks -- spicy lemonade, super- food drink, green juice, coconut water, kombucha, potassium broth and detox tea -- and what they are, how to make

By Monet

Doctor Camilla Griggers

them and what they do.

Jan. 20 - Midweek News Updates from the Asian Journal and Real Estate Buzz with Mia McLeod.

Aquilina Soriano of The Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) shares the services of their nonprofit organization that are available to any kababayan no matter what his or her status is. Learn about EMPLEO Pinoy, a resource kababayans may use if they have any questions on employment. 1-800-TULONG-1 is a tollfree number you can call.

There is also an opening for a job position so tune in for details.

Jan. 21 - Actress and Singer Patricia Javier talks about her new self-produced album. Attorney Reeves joins us for to bring his law office’s first-ever Immigration Updates to the Fil-Am community.

Jan. 22 - The Filipino Food Movement has hit America and businesses that offer Filipino culinary options are on the rise.

Meet the lady behind the success of Jeepney GastroPub in NYC, Nicole Ponseca.

If there is a phone bill you don’t understand, T.E.A.M or Telecommunications and Education Assistance in Multiple- languages can help. *** Giselle “G” Töngi is the host and producer of Kababayan Today, a daily talk show that features relevant topics for Filipino’s living in America. Her aim is to bridge not only the cultural gap between America & the Philippines but to help with the generational gap between our own people. She is married with two children and is based in Southern California and makes frequent trips in the Pacific Rim to Hawaii and Manila to feature fellow kababayans who are empowering the FilAm community.

Lu

“YOU can kiss your family and friends goodbye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you.” - Frederick Buechner During the holidays, I got the chance to spend precious family bonding moments with my sisters, nephews and nieces in Ottawa, The author with Meal, Kaiden and Keith Canada. That was my 6th or 7th time to visit them but it was the first time I went there on a snowy—or should I say, “snowy-stormy” holiday.

“I want to experience snow in Canada,” I told myself as I was planning my trip. Little, did I know, I was bound to experience more than I asked for. And I mean that in the literal and figurative sense.

I’ve always been close to my siblings. But them, life happened.

With all eleven of us scattered all over the world—in different continents—I don’t get to talk to them as much as I wanted. I am the seventh With Ate Sonia Kaiden, Kaelan ,Marian and Brandon of the siblings. My eldest sister, When I arrived in Ottawa weeks days and spent the New Year’s in Sonia, who is also one of the guid- before Christmas, I was really ex- my room reflecting on my life and ing forces in my life, lives in Ottawa cited about the snow. So, imagine the many things I am grateful for. with her children. my disappointment when I got I remember how 2015 was tough Growing up, I’ve imagined her there and all I saw was dry land. year for me and yet I recall how to be where she is in life right now: Well, nothing different from where many time I thanked God for blessa great mother living a quiet life in I am came from. A few days later, ing me with so much that I have the suburbs, watching her children the snowstorm started. And it was nothing else to ask for. He poured grow up with strong Filipino values, so strong that I almost regretted over blessing after blessings, and speaking with a foreign accent. Life wishing it would snow. the best blessing I received last year isn’t always perfect, I thought. But The whole city was blanketed was these precious times I spent one thing I love about my imperfect with snow. It was white every- with family. life is that no matter how miserably where! What surprised me was how As I bid 2015 goodbye, I stood flawed I am, I have a great family to the people treat it as though it was by the window of my hotel room, come home to; to share imperfec- just any ordinary day. They walk enjoying the immaculate view of tions with and embrace them all. through the knee-high snow like it the snow. It was so beautiful. As I must have muttered these was a normal Monday. And by the I count the days left ‘til I kiss my things to myself too loud when I way, they still go to work! People family goodbye, I remember and was observing my nephew because shoved snow looking very incon- cherish the love they poured out in he would usually catch me looking venienced. And I can very much those times I spent with them. at them blankly and smiling to understand now why they would I wanted to see snow. And I did. myself. I love the fact that even if call it a “nightmare.” But amidst There was so much warmth as it he barely speaks Tagalog, he’s still the conundrums and humdrum of it poured. a Filipino by heart—all of them all, it was nothing similar to LA life. *** are. They spend more time bond- It wasn’t as fast-paced and as busy Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning ing during weekends than hitting as the streets of Wilshire Boulevard celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of the malls, they celebrate Pinoy or as congested as the traffic in the Monet Salon salons across Southern California traditions especially during the I-5 freeway between 710 and 605. It and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is holidays like exchanging gifts and was very different and I mean that known as an all-around artiste who produces eating out. Canada may their place in a good way. sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as of residence but the Philippines will It could be the slow life out there unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is always be home to them. And it was or the great hotpot place my neph- also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural the same for me during those weeks ew, Mardy, took me to for lunch, beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution O stayed with them. I felt one-fourth but I did feel a sense of peace and to discoloration. To contact Monet, please Canadian and three-fourths Pinoy comfort being there for a couple visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at living amongst locals. of days. I stayed in the hotel for six monetsalon@aol.com

Kuya Germs, home for his...

PAGE B2 and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong together with Kuya Germs’ family, friends, former colleagues in the media and the Kapuso community and other Network officers.

Expressing his admiration and testifying to Kuya Germs’ loyalty is Atty. Gozon, “Speaking for myself, I cannot imagine a broadcast network without Kuya Germs.…but I think Kuya Germs will appreciate more if we keep his legacy alive by loving and nurturing show business with all our hearts and all our minds and with utmost sincerity.”

“Mahigit na 45 years si Kuya Germs dito sa Kapuso Network. And in most of my dealings with him, in my capacity as CEO, we were often guided only by gentleman’s agreement. Kuya Germs is not a man who needed written contracts. I could not help but admire by how he was driven by trust; trust that people will always be good-hearted and live up to their commitments. Kuya Germs was also all about loyalty. May mga unos man kaming pinagdaanan noon, hinangaan ko ang kanyang pagiging mapagkumbaba at ang kanyang likas na pagmamahal sa GMA. His humility truly made him a person larger than life,” said Atty.

Gozon.

Proving as well how Kuya Germs was man of humility and generosity were eulogies from his close friends including Gilberto M. Duavit Sr., Joel G. Jimenez, GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment TV Lilybeth G. Rasonable, First Vice President for Program Management Jose Mari Abacan, Marichu “Manay Ichu” Maceda of Sampaguita Pictures, Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, and Cecilio Pedro of Lamoiyan Corporation.

Though in deep sadness, Kuya Germs’ family led by his son Federico, grandchildren Jorell, Francheska, Raffy and Gabby, niece and family matriarch Dr. Vivian Nite dela Cruz, and nephew John Nite also expressed their gratitude to the people who paid tribute to Kuya Germs and shared their fondest memories of their ‘Papa.’

“I think everybody knows that he is a hardworking person. Monday to Sunday he works and that’s how dedicated my father was, and that’s how he loved his professions because he prayed for it, he asked for it. Every single opportunity that he got, he took care of it, he loved it, he gave his all. He is a generous man. Wala na siyang ibang inisip kung hindi kami: pamilya, kaibigan, and his contemporaries. My

GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon

John Nite, Jackie Lou Blanco, Nino Muhlach, Gina Alajar and Geleen Eugenio

father is known as a star-builder and I can probably say that most of the stars in the industry came or started from him. But now I will share to you why he is successful in doing that because every child has a dream. My father would be the one to spark that light. He believes that for every child that dreams, they deserve to be given that opportunity to achieve their dreams. That is the secret of my father,” said Federico.

For his valuable contributions and loyalty to the network, GMA management presented a posthumous plaque of appreciation and recognition to Kuya Germs.

Among the notable names in the industry who came to pay their respects to the Master Showman were Jessica Soho, Marian Rivera, Dennis Trillo, Manilyn Reynes, Alessandra de Rossi, Keempee de Leon, Derrick Monasterio, Thea Tolentino, Jake Vargas, Mikoy Morales, Carmi Martin, Alessandra de Rossi, Eddie Ilarde, Diva Montelaba, Bibeth Orteza, Rafa SiguionReyna, Louise delos Reyes, Celia Rodriguez, Vina Morales, Senator

Bongbong Marcos, KC Concepcion, Erik Santos, Bela Padilla, Betong Sumaya, Denice Barbacena, Angeli Pangilinan, Joey Generoso, Ramon Christopher, Maricel Morales, Michael Angelo, Shaina Magdayao, Prince Villanueva, Rochelle Barrameda, Maritoni Fernandez, Lance Raymundo, Shirley Fuentes, and among many others.

Celebrating the colorful life that Kuya Germs led, performances were also delivered by Gary Valenciano, Christian Bautista, The Company, Gerphil Flores, and Dulce.

A funeral mass was held on Thursday morning, Jan. 14at GMA 7 before he was laid to rest at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina.

Asia’s Songbird Regine VelasquezAlcasid rendered a heartfelt song for the Master showman during the mass. Federico once again thanked all the people who paid tribute and supported his Papa throughout his career.

All the words that were said and the tears that were shed would not seem enough to gratify the profound love that they have for Kuya Germs.

Features

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

Moonlighting

by Mylah de

leon

BBM-USA Chairman Fernandico Q. Gonong guided his guest, Greggy Araneta through a throng of folks, men and women alike, swathed in all shades of red.

It was not a social occasion, although judging from the guests who came—summoned or per-

B

One Sunday at FACLA sonally invited, or even those who gate crashed—it might as well have been the biggest revelry for the month.

It had a lively program that had no cue cards. The camaraderie overflowed with the simplest joys. One song sung by coloratura soprano Aida Reyes was about something they’ve never done but only imagined.

BBM-USA’s biggest assembly to date had an overall atmosphere of the simplest joys, same righ-

Larry Pelayo, Carlos Manlapaz, Greggy Araneta, Andy Edralin, Fernandico Q. Gonong Jr. Grachelle Gonong, Grace Gonong and the Moonlighter

teous sense of belonging and respect.

Whatever secrets that were kept in their hearts at first, were now out in the open, rejoicing for Sen. Bongbong Marcos’s quest for leadership -- represented by that wonderful afternoon by Greggy Araneta.

The photo opportunity couldn’t here come at a better time. Here are the revelers, led by Carlos Manlapaz, of the Paredes Clan.

Leelin Bakery & Cafe launches 2016 New Year blowout

and breads, as well as Filipino hot food cooked fresh all the time, LEELIN Bakery &Cafe has also become wildly popular for its weekend All-You-Can-Eat Filipino Breakfast Buffet with bottomless coffee or soda. The Breakfast Buffet is available at Leelin locations in Cerritos and Eagle Rock.

The 2016 New Year Blowout is valid at the following LEELIN Bakery and Café locations in LA County: Cerritos (Restaurant and Bakeshop) 11489 South Street Cerritos, CA 90703 Tel. no. (562) 924-5990 Eagle Rock (Restaurant & Bakeshop) 2700 Colorado Blvd. Ste.110 (inside Eagle Rock Plaza) Los Angeles, CA 90041 Tel. no. (323) 543-2676 Panorama City (Restaurant & Bakeshop) 8340 Van Nuys Boulevard (at Roscoe) Panorama City, CA 91402 Tel. No. (818) 891-5253 North Hills (Restaurant & Bakeshop) 16130 Nordhoff St. (Restaurant & Bakeshop) North Hills, CA 91343 Tel. no. (818) 895-9100 West Covina (Bakeshop) 2429 So. Azusa Avenue West Covina, CA 91792 Tel. no. (626) 964-1811 Los Angeles (Bakeshop) 207 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90004 Tel. no, (213) 382-2351

Coloratura Soprano, Aida Reyes.

Greggy Araneta and the BBM-USA host Fernandico Q. Gonong and family

Luz Marcos of BBM-USA and her group

LEELIN Bakery and Cafe rings in the New Year with huge savings for its customers through a promotional program that offers favorite signature products at low, low prices during the ongoing LEELIN New Year Blowout.

Hot buys for the New Year include some of LEELIN’s bestselling products: Premium Ensaymada, Regular Mamon, Mocha Mamon, Ube Mamon, Siomai and Chicken Asado Wheat Siopao Sliders.

As a special treat for loyal customers, LEELIN Bakery and Café is also offering a price rollback on Special Mamon, from $1.69/pc. to $1.49/pc.

Available at blowout prices are: Premium Ensaymada: Buy 6, get 1 FREE Regular , Mocha and Ube Mamon (can be mixed and matched): Buy 6, get 1 FREE Special Mamon (with cheese) : $1.49/pc. (regular price:$1.69/pc.)

Pork Siomai : 2 bags for $7 (regular price: $4.99/bag) Chicken Asado Wheat Siopao Sliders: 2 bags for $10 (regular price: $6.99/bag) The traditional New Year promotional event is the company’s way of showing its appreciation for customers’ loyalty during the past year.

LEELIN Bakery & Cafe is the premiere Filipino restaurant and bakery in the US and has become a favorite destination of local residents and out-of state Filipinos, as well as customers of different ethnicities. Known for its delicious, fresh- baked products such as cakes, pastries, native delicacies

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 16-19, 2016

Photos by Ding Carreon Dr. Carlos Manlapaz

BBM-USA chairman Fernandico Q. Gonong delivers a thank you speech.

Dr. Carlos Manlapaz and Greggy Araneta

Coco Martin seduces as Paloma in ‘Ang Probinsyano’ by arvin

Mendoza Inquirer

SPO1 Ricardo Dalisay by day and Paloma at night.

Actor Coco Martin stunned, or delighted rather, millions of Filipinos after he transformed for the first time into a seductive woman in ABS-CBN’s primetime series “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.”

Coco, who plays the leading character “Cardo”, is now on the prowl investigating the abduction of his sister-in-law Carmen (Bela Padilla) by a prostitution syndicate led by Olga (Gina Pareño).

To solve the crime, Cardo the police officer had to disguise as an alluring lady named Paloma so he could trace leads about the series of abductions and arrest its masterminds.

Coco revealed he was the one who pitched the storyline to Dreamscape Entertainment, the production unit behind the series.

“Para sa akin dream role ‘yan eh. ‘Yun ‘yung mga bagay na hindi mo lagi magagawa sa bawat proyekto na ihahain sayo,” Coco told reporters on Thursday, Jan. 14 in a thanksgiving event for the success both of his series and his latest Metro Manila Film Festival movie “Beauty and the Bestie.”

Reacting to netizen’s comments on social media about his unexpected transformation, he said: “Actually, mas madami pa ang nagandahan sa akin kaysa nagwapuhan (More find me beautiful than handsome).”

Coco shared he has done everything to prepare himself for the new role. “Inaral ko…pino(Advertising Supplement) proseso ko siya. Pinag-aaralan ko

kung paano gumalaw ang isang babae.”

(I studied it, processed it. I studied how a woman behaves.)

“Ang hirap pala maging babae (It’s hard to play a woman),” he said, after admitting that getting dolled up as a woman is as challenging as dancing in the middle of Edsa to direct traffic, a role he also played in the series.

“Yung sabi ko ‘yung pagmemake up at pagdadamit two hours pala ‘yun. Tapos kami kapag nakikipagdate, sandali lang (mag-handa). Hindi namin naa-appreciate na sobra pala nila pinaghihirapan ‘yun,” he added.

(Like what I’ve said, [the process of] putting a make-up and dressing up, all would take two hours. Then us [males] when going to a date, it takes a short while to prepare. We failed to appreciate how hard for them to prepare [for a date].)

Coco wasn’t also spared from the pain caused by wearing high heels. “At ‘yung pagsusuot ng takong sobrang hirap.. Ang sakit pala nun..totoo pala talaga ung sinasabi ng mga babae na ‘tiis ganda.’”

(Wearing high heels is really hard. It’s painful. Now I know when women say “suffer for beauty”.)

He said he came to appreciate the long hours and hardwork women are putting in just to glam up themselves. “’Pag nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na makipagdate. Tapos nakita ko ganun kaganda at kaayos, sasabihin ko “Tatagalan ko to,” he said in jest.

Coco Martin as Paloma.

(If I’d be given the chance to go on a date, then I see my date so beautiful and orderly, I’d tell myself, ‘I’d date her for a longer perido.)

“FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”, which currently dominates TV ratings since it aired last year, continues to draw millions of viewers because of its excellent depiction of policemen in service and its discussion of social issues like extortion, prostitution and drug trafficking.

Only words of gratitude could be read on Coco’s lips for all the support and praises he’s been receiving from the followers

of his series whose run will be extended until July.

“Sa ginagawa ko, hindi ko iniisip ang sarili ko. Ang iniisip ko ay paano ko mapapaligaya ang mga manonood…paano ko sila mae-entertain at paano ko maishe-share sa kanila ‘yung mga experience na mapapanood nila sa ‘Probinsyano’,” he said.

(With what I’m doing, I am not thinking about myself. I think of how to make our viewers happy, how I am going to entertain them and how I am going to share my experiences from what they are going to see in ‘Probinsyano’.)

lounge areas.

Before you leave, don’t forget to take another shower and close out your tab. Whether you stay for an hour or the whole day, it’s nearly impossible to not feel rejuvenated and make you itch for another visit.

Good thing, Wi won’t leave holes in

your wallet. (AJPress) Wi Spa is located at 2700 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90057 (on the corner of Rampart).

Visit http://www.wispausa.com/ for more details on spa services and specials.

Wi Spa: An urban sanctuary in the heart of LA THINK of a spa and the immediate perception is an air of pretense and privilege that only a select few can indulge in, given the exorbitant prices.

However, if you live in Los Angeles, Korean spas have sprouted up, contributing to the idea that pampering oneself and affordability are not mutually exclusive.

Though the options are abundant, among the best is Wi Spa, known as the “Disneyland of Korean day spas.” While there are no shiny bells and whistles to it, the spa certainly lives up to its reputation as an urban sanctuary, and it’s family-friendly too.

Prior to venturing into a Korean spa, one must understand the significance it plays in Korean culture: a communal place for friends and families to gather, bathe and receive the therapeutic benefits rooted in ancient bathhouse traditions.

Conveniently located in between Koreatown and Downtown, Wi Spa itself is an expansive, multi-level facility (48,000 square feet, to be exact) that blends the bathhouse tradition with the modernity of marble and glass interiors. It is open 24/7, so you can go anytime, even on a whim.

Enter Wi and the process of unwinding begins. For starters, valet parking is complimentary to relieve

you of the stress of having to find parking, especially when there are a lot of guests checked in.

With the $25 admission fee, you gain full access to amenities like a fitness room, pools, showers, saunas, a restaurant, and the rooftop deck. A wristwatch is given as your locker key and form of identification during your stay.

The rush of cramming in the day spa experience and trying out all the rooms is practically gone, as you are welcome to stay for hours on end. There are spaces to lounge in between services and even designated “sleeping rooms” for those who want to doze off in peace.

Wi is divided into gender-specific floors, where the spa and other facilities are located, as well as locker rooms and changing areas.

For Korean spa newbies, it’s best to take a shower once you get settled in to wash away the day’s grime (dirt and the tubs do not make a great combination) and to ensure you get the maximum benefits of anything you decide to do, like sweating it out in the sauna. Outside the bathing areas, you’ll find changing rooms, complete with vanities and toiletries.

And take this as a fair warning to expect nudity from guests of the same gender, but any judgments and awkwardness should be left

at the door.

If you want to treat yourself further, the spa offers a menu of body treatments at the fraction of the price tag you’d find at a spa elsewhere in the city. Better yet, if you purchase a treatment worth $110 or more, the entrance fee is waived. The usual spa treatments, like acupressure massages, facials, manicure/ pedicure, can be booked by reservation. But one must try the full-body scrub, perhaps Wi’s signature offering.

Based on the traditional Korean technique of buffing, the scrub entails a procedure of sloughing off dead skin cells with an exfoliating towel, as you lie down on a table and get doused with water every so often. It may take a few minutes to get accustomed to the intensity, but the person (of the same gender) administering the service repeatedly asks you if you’re doing fine.

The service can last 35 minutes ($30) or can be reserved as a $90 package complete with the scrub, aroma oil massage, a face mask and hair shampoo, which all lasts for 90 minutes. Depending on one’s pain tolerance, the impression afterward may vary, but you’ll feel cleaner after the dead skin is washed off to make way for the lasting effects of radiating, supple skin.

On the co-ed floor (called

the Jimjilbang, which translates to “bathhouse”), guests are required to wear the yellow T-shirt and khaki shorts received upon checkin. There you’ll find families and couples convening at one of the five specialty sauna rooms, noshing on Korean cuisine staples at the fullservice restaurant, or taking in fresh air on the rooftop deck. The floor also features a kid’s area, a library and computer room.

It’s worth noting that the five sauna rooms—Bulgama, Salt, Clay, Jade and Ice—boast unique characteristics that contribute to the detoxification and healing powers.

The Bulgama is set at 231 degrees, inviting guests to lie down somewhere between 10 to 15 minutes to sweat out toxins from the body; Salt features minerals to purify and strengthen the body; layers of clay improved from Korea are placed in the Clay sauna to aid in lymphatic stimulation and heavy metal detoxification; the Jade room is hot to relieve any tension and stress; and the Ice sauna is recommended to end your visit to cool the body’s temperature, tighten the skin and improve circulation.

If you felt like you’ve detoxed enough from technology, free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the building to bring you back from your moment of zen, as are TVs in

(Advertising Supplement)

B january 16-19, 2016 • La WEEKEnD aSIan jOurnaL

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 16-19, 2016

COMMUNITY Journal 2016 begins with planned mass deportations and stricter enforcement of the Real ID Act

Your Immigration Solution Atty. RobeRt Reeves GReGoRy J. boult And nAncy MilleR AS the New Year begins, there is hope that comprehensive immigration reform will legalize the status of millions, thus permanently uniting them with their families here in the United States. Unfortunately, the year has not begun on a positive note and the outlook for passage is not good. As 2015 came to a close, the Department of Homeland Security revealed plans to physically deport thousands of Central Americans while moving to stringently enforce the Real ID Act in a manner which could affect the ability of many individuals, both documented and undocumented, from entering federal facilities and boarding commercial airliners even with a valid state-issued driver’s license. Is this a portent of things to come? It is certainly possible.

For decades, the violence from civil wars and gang violence in Central America has led to an influx of individuals seeking refuge in the United States. While many of these individuals have obtained permanent or temporary status in the United States, countless more have not. Some continue to reside in the United States having been ordered deported by an Immigration Judge, desperate not to return home. In a rather unprecedented move, and following on the heels of the recent arrival of thousands of unaccompanied children from Central America, the Department of Homeland Security has formally announced that it has specifically targeted certain Central Americans for physical deportation.

DHS is currently focusing on those individuals from Central America who have remained in the United States despite having been ordered deported by an Immigration Judge. Some fear being harmed if they return home; others are waiting

for their family petitions to become current. While some of these individuals have been ordered deported due to criminal convictions or other serious immigration violations, many of these people were ordered deported solely because they remained beyond their visas or entered the United States without papers. And the result of this newly-announced policy has already sent shock waves across many Central American communities in the United States.

Adding to these shock waves is the very aggressive stance which the Department of Homeland Security has taken regarding enforcement of the driver’s license provision of the Real ID Act. Congress passed the Real ID Act in an effort to prevent future terrorist attacks after 9/11.

One element of the law was a federal mandate pertaining to security features on all stateissued drivers’ licenses. While many states have complied with these requirements, others have not. For those states which have not, privacy concerns have proven a central concern. Now, in an apparent effort to force full compliance, the Department of Homeland Security is raising the stakes against those states which have not complied. The threat now looms that non-compliant identification – including drivers’ licenses and ID cards – may be deemed legally insufficient proof of identity to enter

a federal facility, and may even preclude the use of non-compliant identification to board a commercial airline flight. Such a policy would affect United States citizens and others lawfully present in the United States as well as thousands of individuals who have secured valid and lawful driver’s licenses although they are without legal status in the United States.

As was very-well-publicized, last year California began to issue drivers’ licenses to individuals residing in the state without legal status. Should the Department of Homeland Security proceed as planned, many of the benefits which have attached to this historic program could be notably curtailed. In one irony, these perfectly valid forms of identification under state law could lose all significance for those seeking to utilize these documents in an effort to legalize their status in the United States. If these forms of identification, which are valid under state law, are deemed legally insufficient to enter a federal facility, individuals could be prevented from entering the very facilities where their immigration interviews are being held.

No matter how limited, any step forward on the path to immigration reform is welcomed.

However, this year has not begun on a strong note with certain Central Americans being

u PAGE C2

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C JANUARY 16-19, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon IF you’ve made the decision to file bankruptcy in order to get a fresh financial start, here are some things to consider in choosing between Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Be aware, however, that your income and expenses have a lot to do with which chapter you will be able to file because the courts do consider your ability to pay when you’re applying for debt relief. For starters, below are some of the basic things you need to know.

Under Chapter 7, you receive a fresh start by having most debts wiped out (“discharged”). This includes most unsecured debt except student loans, alimony, child support, most taxes and debts incurred by fraud. If you have non-exempt assets, you may possibly have to sell them in order to pay creditors. However, most filers do not. For example, almost 100% of my clients keep everything and lose nothing at all by filing Chapter 7.

Under Chapter 13, you must

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS ALL property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in California is community property. Family Code 760. However, there are situations in which the marriage may be held to be null and void.

These situations include, but are not limited to entering into a bigamous marriage, fraud and misrepresentation in entering into a marriage, etc. The legal consequences of having your marriage annulled by your spouse is that it results to you not having any community property interest on property acquired by your spouse during the marriage. A nullity may also cut off your claim for spousal support.

What options do you have if your spouse files a nullity against you? You may still have a claim to community property and support as a putative spouse. A par-

Community Journal

Should you file chapter 7 or chapter 13? still pay off all or some of your debts over a 3-5 year period. Priority debts must be paid in full while unsecured debts are paid either a percentage or in full, depending on how much you can afford.

The discharge of debt under Chapter 7 usually occurs within 5 months, as opposed to the 3-5 year repayment plan under Chapter 13. Chapter 7 stays on your credit report for 10 years while Chapter 13 stays on it for 7 yearsboth from the date of filing. Most people are able to rebuild their credit, however, much sooner than 7-10 years from their bankruptcy case filing date by timely paying debts that are reported to the major credit bureaus.

There is no limit on the amount of debt you may have if you are filing Chapter 7. However, Chapter 13 does have limits for both secured and unsecured debts.

The important thing to remember is that not because you want to file Chapter 7 necessarily means that you can do so. Not everyone is eligible. If the court thinks that your income is suf-

ficient to fund a Chapter 13 repayment plan, then your Chapter 7 petition will be denied. Under current law, you can only file a Chapter 7 once every 8 years so if you’ve had a recent bankruptcy and you find yourself in debt again, you may not have a choice but to file a Chapter 13. Your bankruptcy attorney can review all relevant dates and advise you what is possible and best for your situation.

If you need help in getting your finances back on track, call my office at 866-477-7772 to schedule a free confidential consultation.

Since 1998, I have represented more than 5,000 clients in bankruptcy. Let me help you get out of debt once and for all. I have offices in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

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What happens when spouse files nullity of marriage? ty to a void or voidable marriage has “putative spouse” status only if he or she believed in good faith the marriage was valid. Family.

Code. § 225; Marriage of Guo & Sun (2010) 186 CA4th 1491, 1493, 112 CR3d 906, 908; Marriage of Vryonis (1988) 202 CA3d 712, 721, 248 CR 807, 813. A party who has the requisite objectively reasonable “good faith” belief may be a putative spouse where any legal infirmity in formation of the marriage renders the marriage invalid. Domestic Partnership of Ellis & Arriaga (2008) 162 CA4th 1000, 1005, 76 CR3d 401, 404; Estate of DePasse (2002) 97 CA4th 92, 107, 118 CR2d 143, 155; see Marriage of Vryonis, supra, 202 CA3d at 718–719, 248 CR at 811–812.

A party’s “good faith” belief in the validity of the marriage is not tested by whether he or she believed a “marriage” lawfully occurred under some private, secular or spiritual set of standards. A putative spouse must have had a good faith belief in the existence

of a lawful California marriage.

Estate of DePasse (2002) 97 CA4th 92, 107–108, 118 CR2d 143, 156; Welch v. State of Calif. (2000) 83 CA4th 1374, 1378–1379, 100 CR2d 430, 432–433; Marriage of Vryonis (1988) 202 CA3d 712, 723, 248 CR 807, 814–815 “Good faith” belief is tested by an objective standard based on facts that would cause a reasonable person under the circumstances to harbor a good faith belief in the existence of a valid California marriage. Domestic Partnership of Ellis & Arriaga, supra, 162 CA4th at 1005, 76 CR3d at 404; Marriage of Guo & Sun (2010) 186 CA4th 1491, 1497, 112 CR3d 906, 911; Marriage of Ramirez & Llamas (2008) 165 CA4th 751, 756, 81 CR3d 180, 183. Whether a party had an objectively reasonable “good faith” belief is a question of fact to be determined in light of all the circumstances.

Successfully proving putative spouse status or putative marriage status in court gives rise

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Philippine banks that provide depositor data to US IRS

Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA (Part 1 Of 2)

14-678 Property Holdings Inc JV 18-2 Property Holdings Inc JV 19-1 Realty Corporation JV 6-24 Property Holdings Inc JV 6-3 Property Holdings Inc JV AB Capital and Investment Corporation AB Capital Securities, Inc. ABC Financial Institution AFS Philippines, Inc. Al Amanah Islamic Inv Bank of the Phils.

Altus Capital Corporation Armstrong Securities, Inc. Asia Outsourcing Philippines Hold. Inc. Asia United Bank AsianLife & General Assurance Corp Asiasec Equities, Inc. ATR Kimeng Asset Management, Inc. AY Holdings, Inc. Ayala Plans, Inc. Bahay Financial Services, Inc. Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc. Bank of Commerce Bank of the Philippine Islands Bayan Delinquent Loan Recovery 1 (SPV-AMC), Inc. BDO Capital & Investment Corporation BDO Leasing and Finance, Inc. BDO Private Bank, Inc. BDO Securities Corporation BDO Unibank, Inc. Beneficial Life Insurance Company, Inc. BPI - Philam Life Assurance Corporation BPI Capital Corporation BPI Direct Savings Bank

BPI Family Savings Bank BPI Globe BanKO Inc., A Savings Bank BPI Investment Management Inc. BPI Securities Corporation Cavite United Rural Bank China Bank Savings Inc. China Banking Corporation Citibank Savings, Inc. Citicorp Capital Philippines, Inc. Citicorp Fin Svcs and Ins Brk Phl Inc Citifinancial Corporation City Savings Bank, Inc. CLSA (Philippines) Inc CLSA Capital Partners (HK) Limited CLSA Exchange Capital Inc COL Financial Group, Inc. Credit Suisse Securities PHL Inc Crescent Park 14-678 Prpty Hldgs Inc JV Crescent Park 18-2 Property Hldgs Inc JV Crescent Park 19-1 Property Hldgs Inc JV Crescent Park 6-24 Property Hldgs Inc JV Crescent Park 6-3 Property Hldgs Inc JV Crown Bank, Inc CTBC Bank Philippines Corp.

Dauntless Holdings, Inc. DB Strategic Advisors, Inc. DBP-Daiwa Capital Markets Philippines, Inc. DBS Vickers Securities Phil, Inc Deutsche Regis Partners, Inc. Development Bank of the Philippines Dover-Sherborn Corporation East West Banking Corporation East West Rural Bank, Inc. Equicom Savings Bank, Inc. Filipino Fund, Inc. First Metro Asia Focus Equity Fund, Inc First Metro Asset Management Inc.

First Metro Investment Corporation First Metro Philippine Equity Exchange Traded Fund First Metro Save & Learn Dollar Bond Fund First Metro Save & Learn Equity Fund, Inc First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund First Metro Securities Brokerage Corp.

Fivepalms Corporation FMIC Equities, Inc. FWD Life Insurance Corporation Generali Pilipinas Holding Co. Inc. Generali Pilipinas Life Assurance Co. Inc. Globalinks Securities & Stocks, Inc. GPL Holdings, Inc. Great Life Financial Assurance Corp.

Grepa Realty Holdings Corporation Grepalife Asset Management Corporation HSBC Savings Bank (Philippines) Inc. ICAP Philippines Inc. ICCP Venture Partners, Inc. Investment & Capital Corp. of the Phils.

Investments 2234 Philippines Fund I SPV *** 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. *** Our readers may call (626) 433-5150 or email tax questions to vicsy@live.com. Please visit our website for about 300 tax tips at www.

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2016 begins with planned mass deportations…

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targeted for physical deportation from the United States, and some state-issued driver’s licenses appearing not as valid as some had hoped. Fortunately, for many, there may be options available – even if an Immigration Judge has issued an order of deportation. Regardless, the New Year presents a fresh opu PAGE C3 portunity to consult with an ex-

perienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney to see what options may exist as the law now stands. As the old saying goes, prepare for the worst and hope for the best. However, one can only do so by knowing all of their available options. *** 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 and Makati City.

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

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Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr.

Minimum wage increase affects meal & lodging charges for ‘live-in’ employees

Q: I AM a live-in employee at a residential care facility. I work six days a week and have one day off. I sleep in a room inside the facility together with another employee. I don’t eat breakfast but eat my lunch and dinner in the facility’s kitchen. I am paid a flat rate of $2,000 per month, but I am deducted $700 monthly for meal and lodging. Because of the increase in minimum wage, the employer said I will now be deducted $800 for meal and lodging. Is this legal?

A: Employers who require their employees to live at the place of employment, and occupy quarters owned or under the control of the employer, may charge for rent and food. However, the rent and food charges that employers impose on employees cannot be more than the maximum amounts mandated by law. Since the increase of the minimum wage to $10 per hour effective January 1, 2016, an employer may charge live-in employees the following new amounts for lodging: Room occupied alone…………$47.03 per week Room shared………………..... $38.82 per week Apartment (single occupancy) – two-thirds (2/3) of the rental value but not more than………$564.81 per month Apartment (couple) – two-thirds (2/3) of the rental value but not more than…..$835.49 per month Lodging means living accommodations available to the employee for full-time occupancy. Lodging should be adequate, decent, and sanitary according to usual and customary standards. Employees cannot be required to share a bed.

The employer may also charge its live-in employees for the costs of meals taken at the facility.

Beginning January 1, 2016, the charge for meals must not be more than the following amounts: Breakfast .......................………………. $3.62 Lunch ….......................……………….. $4.97 Dinner …….......................……………. $6.68 The maximum amount that an employer may charge for meals for the day is $15.27. A meal should be an adequate, well-balanced serving of a variety of wholesome, nutritious foods.

Meals evaluated, as part of the minimum wage, must be bona fide meals consistent with the employee’s work shift.

Note, however, that meals and lodging cannot be credited against the minimum wage without a voluntary written agreement between the employer and the employee. When credit for meals or lodging is used to meet part of the employer’s

Legal Commentary Atty. romAn P. moSquedA RAFAEL Edward “Ted” Cruz, the Republican Junior Senator from Texas, was born on December 22, 1970, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to Rafael Cruz, Sr., originally from Cuba, and Eleanor Darragh, who was born in Wilmington, Delaware, USA. It is reported that Ted Cruz was born a citizen of Canada under the Canadian Citizen Act of 1947, which rendered those born in Canada automatic citizens at birth, unless their parent was a foreign diplomat.

But under the US Immigration and Nationality Act §301(a), now §301(g), and 7 Foreign Affairs Manual 1133.2-2, 1133.3-3, those born on or after December 24, 1952 but before November 14, 1986, whose US citizen parent was physically present in the United States or possession ten (10) years prior to the child’s birth, five (5) of which after age 14, are United States citizens by transmission.

Ted Cruz’s mother was born in the United States, raised in Delaware, graduated from a Catholic high school in the United States, as well as from Rice University in mathematics in Houston, Texas in the 1950’s. So, she transmitted US citizenship to Ted Cruz, even if she were deemed dual United States and Canadian citizen at the time of his birth. Ted Cruz was dual United States and Canadian citizen until he reportedly renounced his Canadian citizenship on May 14, 2014.

Natural born citizenship of Ted Cruz: Neither the 1789-ratified United States Constitution nor the 1868-ratified Fourteenth Amendment thereto defines natural born citizen, even as Article 11, Section 1, Clause 5 of the Constitution requires natural born citizen to be eligible to the Office of President. Aforesaid Fourteenth Amendment classi-

Community Journal

minimum wage obligation, the amounts so credited may not be more than the above amounts. The employee may agree to have these amounts deducted from the employee’s paycheck for each pay period. Such deduction must be entered in the pay stub issued to the employee. Employees should not be charged for meals they did not receive or for lodging they did not use.

In the question above, the employer plans to deduct $800 per month for meal and lodging. Assuming the employee signed a meal and lodging agreement with the employer, and since the employee occupies a room with another employee, the employee can be charged $38.82 per week for lodging. Considering there are 52 weeks in a year, the employee in the above scenario can be charged $168.22 per month for lodging.

As for meals, the employer can charge only for meals taken at the facility. Since the employee only eats lunch and dinner six days per week, the employee can be charged, at most, $11.65 per day or $69.90 per week for meals. In a 52-week year, that amounts to about $302.90 per month for meals.

Thus, the employer in the above scenario may charge the employee a total of $471.12 per month for both meals and lodging starting January 1, 2016. If the employer is deducting $800 (or even $700) per month for meals and lodging, it appears the employer may be overcharging.

Given the above scenario, a question might also arise about whether the employee is paid correctly for all hours worked. If the employee works more than 8 hours per day or more than 40 hours per week, but is paid only a “flat rate” without considering all hours worked, the employee may also be entitled to overtime pay. It would be smart for this employee to seek experienced legal help if they want to be paid correctly. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com. *** C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary relief for thousands of employees and consumers. He is named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a member of the Million Dollar-Advocates Forum.

to certain property, support and attorney fees/costs rights, as well as certain other rights that ordinarily attach only between lawfully married persons. Property that would have been community or quasi-community property had the marriage been valid is deemed “quasi-marital property” and, in a proceeding to terminate the invalid marriage, “shall” be divided between the parties as if it were community. Family.

Code. § 2251(a)(2); Marriage of Tejeda (2009) 179 CA4th 973, 983, 102 CR3d 361, 368; Quasimarital property divided pursuant to § 2251 is also liable for the parties’ debts to the same extent as if it had been community or quasi-community property. Fam-

C

Reinstating I-130 petition filed by a deceased relative

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

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

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

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

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

Relief under Section 204(L) is discretionary, and can be denied if factors in support of relief are not presented properly. It is accordingly recommended that you seek the assistance of an experienced attorney. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association.

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

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People and Events Why Ted Cruz is a natural-born US citizen Pilgrimages to Eastern Europe, Mexico and India

fies US citizens as: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States….” It does not specifically include those born abroad.

Since Ted Cruz was not born in the United States, is he a naturalized US citizen?

But the First US Congress, some of whose members were also Framers of the Constitution, in the Naturalization Act of 1790, Ch. 3, 1 Stat. 103, explicitly recognized that children born abroad to US citizens were US citizens at birth and “natural born citizens” as follows: “the children of citizens of the United States that may be born beyond sea, or out of the limits of the United States, shall be considered natural born Citizens: Provided, that the right of citizenship shall not descend to persons whose fathers have never been resident in the United States”.

The purpose of the “natural born citizen” clause was, according to Justice Joseph Story in his Commentaries On The Constitution of the United States, §1473, at 333 (1833) was to “cut off all chances for ambiguous foreigners, who might otherwise be intriguing for the office; and to interpose a barrier against those corrupt interferences of foreign governments in executive elections.”

Indeed, in the July 25, 1787 letter of John Jay, the future first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, to George Washington, he suggested: “whether it would not be wise and & reasonable to provide a ... strong check to the admission of Foreigners into the administration of our national government; and to declare expressly that the Command in Chief of the American army shall not be given to, nor devolve on, any but a natural born Citizen.”

Lastly, the United States Constitution was framed after English common law in effect at that time. William Blackstone in his 1 Commentaries 354-63, defined natural born subjects as those

born within the dominions of England, as amended by statute, citing Statute, 25 Edw. 111, St. 2 (1350) that stated: “All children born abroad, provided both parents were at the time of the birth in allegiance to the king and the mother had passed the seas by her husband’s consent, might inherit as if born in England.”

And several more modern English statutes made “all children born out of the king’s allegiance, whose fathers were natural born subjects, are now natural-born subjects themselves.”

Conclusion: Is the issue whether Ted Cruz is a natural born US citizen a settled matter? No, in the sense that there is no final decision by the US Supreme Court on the matter. Indeed, there is a strong contrary opinion that Congress has no power to expand natural born citizenship to those born abroad, only a Constitutional amendment can do that, despite English common law and statute at the time of the framing of the Constitution in 1787 that included those born abroad as if born in England.

But is derivative citizenship by transmission from a US citizen parent considered natural born citizenship? Yes, because it is citizenship at birth and not through the Department of Homeland Security’s naturalization process.

In the ultimate analysis, various legal commentaries on the subject matter as well as US immigration and citizenship law and regulations validate Ted Cruz’s claim that he is a natural born US citizen eligible for the Office of the President. ***

The Author, Roman P. Mosqueda, has practiced Real Estate law for over 20 years. He has been a licensed Real Estate Broker in California since 1999. Send comments toinfo@ mosquedalaw.com or call (213) 252-9481 for free consultation appointment. Visit Mosquedalaw.com and EzineArticles.com to read his other articles.

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What happens when spouse files nullity…

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 16-19, 2016

ily.Code. § 2252.

In addition, “temporary” and “permanent” spousal support may also be awarded in a nullity proceeding in favor of a putative spouse “in the same manner as if the marriage had not been void or voidable” Family Code Section 2254. The court may also award attorney’s fees pursuant to family code section 2030 in favor of a party found to be “innocent of fraud or wrongdoing in inducing or entering into the marriage, and free from knowledge of the then existence of any prior marriage or other impediment to the contracting of the marriage for which a judgment of nullity is sought.”

Family Code Section 2255. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Cer-

tified 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) 3881611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

*** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.

This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation.

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AMAZING Pilgrimages for the Jubilee Year of Mercy!

All are welcome to join Fr. Joe Joseph of Holy Trinity Church for the spiritual and fun-filled experiences of EASTERN EUROPE (April 17- 30): Poland, Czech., Austria, Hungary, Medjugor-

je; COLONIAL MEXICO/OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE (June 20 - 27): Mexico City, Theotihuacan, Puebla, Tlaxcala, Ocotlan, Xochimilco, Guanajuato, San Miguel De Allende, Guadalajara, San Juan De Los Lagos, Cristo Rey, Zapopan, Tonala; and IN-

DIA (September 15 - 29): Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Kolkata, Kerala.

For more pilgrimage information and detailed flyers, please contact Bernadette at bcorp1114@hotmail.com OR call 323-344-1548 & 323-5476618. n

C JANUARY 16-19, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

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Atty. LAwrence yAng

Business owner seeks chapter alendar of Events C across 7 relief from employee lawsuit for backpay of $100K

OH, the woes of owning and running a business come in all shapes and sizes! Even when a business is profitable, something can go wrong that wipes it out. This is particularly true with small businesses when an unexpected lawsuit literally kills the business. Client has operated a successful small business for 5 years. He turns a profit of $50K a year, just enough to pay for his home mortgage all household expenses for his young and growing family. About five years ago, client hires an employee to help him run the business for a salary of $1,500 a month. That’s all the small-scale business can afford to pay the employee who was enthusiastic to accept the job.

Employee had been out of work for three years and drastically needed income. Client informed employee that $1,500 was the most he could afford to pay him, and that because this was a small business, the two of them would have to do everything to make sure everything was running smoothly. In other words, this was not a regular nine to five

job. Deliveries would be made after five, and if there were a lot of orders, he would have to come in earlier and leave later to ship out the orders in time. Employee said that there was no problem, that he was willing to work hard, and would consider the salary heaven sent.

After working for three years at $1,500 a month, he starts to complain to client that he’s not getting paid enough because of all the overtime work that he has put in. Client reminds him that he already informed him at the very beginning that the business could not afford to pay more than $1,500 a month, and that employee willingly accepted the terms of the offer of employment that it would have a lot of overtime work that would not be paid, and that he accepted those terms. Nevertheless, employee filed a complaint with the labor department asking for back pay for unpaid overtime for 3 years.

The labor department computed

Debt Relief

To Live With Faith reverend rodeL g. BALAgtAs I FOUND myself in the middle of a wave of people, mostly young men, parading barefoot before the image of the Black Nazarene.

We were like bees or small fish swarming around the image.

For some outsiders, this piety is crazy, but as one devotee paraphrased Pope Francis’ famous quote, “Who are we to judge?”

For me it was literally an experience of “being bruised” and “smelling like the sheep” as Pope Francis had asked priests to do in their pastoral ministry.

However, I do hope that Filipino Catholics would translate this devotion into acts of mercy, compassion and justice. Like anyone who travels around the Philippines, the extreme poverty of many people and the wide gap

Secured creditor client seeks relief from buyer who filed for Chapter 11

that unpaid overtime work to be $2,500 monthly for 3 years. With interest and penalties, the labor department award came out to be $100K for 3 years of back pay! What a turn of events. Client helps this man by giving him employment, and then he comes around and sues him for $100K. Employers beware. You may be hiring a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

In any event, client does not have $100K. Client decides to have a fresh start in life with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to wipe out the labor department award of $100K for back pay.

In another case, client sold a parcel of land to a developer couple of years ago for $2.0M in installment payments. Developer ran into some problems with city zoning. Developer’s intent was to develop the land into commercial property, a strip mall. Unfortunately, the property was rezoned into a residence putting a monkey wrench into developer’s

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Revisiting Filipinos’ devotion to the Black Nazarene between the rich and poor disturb me. Nothing has changed much since I left the Philippines 34 years ago, except the development and the rising of many new buildings, mostly classy condominiums that cater to the rich and balikbayans in Makati and other parts of Metro Manila.

It feels good to walk around the high-end malls in Makati like the Rockwell or to reside in a cozy condominium -- they insulate and isolate one from hot weather, pollution, and traffic.

But when one does this, a deep sense of sadness continues to linger in one’s heart at the thought of extreme poverty experienced by many Filipinos.

The Philippines has many natural and human resources.

The commerce in Metro Manila can be stretched toward neighboring provinces like Bulacan, Pampanga, Laguna and Batangas through modern and rapid

means of transportation such as train system. But as I often hear from people, it is corruption in the government that has impeded economic progress.

Pope Francis says that the heart of the economy is the human person. I still hope that Filipinos and the Philippine government will take the Pope’s message as the ground for economic changes and policies. *** 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.

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 JA N UA RY 1 6

23rd Annual Santo Niño Fiesta The Batangas City Santo Niño Devotees, USA invites you and family to the 23rd Annual Santo Niño Fiesta on Saturday, January 16 at the St. Christopher Catholic Church (629 South Glendora Ave, West Covina, CA 91790). The fiesta starts with Holy Mass at 2:30pm at the Parish Hall, followed by the procession of the Santo Niño images and our Little Princes and Princesses around the church. Food and refreshments will be served, along with games for children and adults. Drawing of raffle prizes and dancing until 11:00 pm. Come, let’s adore and honor the Santo Niño. For more information, please contact: Tony Panganiban (714) 8283904, Emma Gutierrez (626) 913-5236, Edna Medrano (323) 605-8090, Marina Maranan (818) 894-9745, May Cabrera (626) 264-7822, or Evelyn Masongsong (626) 222-1287.

JA N UA RY 1 6 - F E B R UA RY 6

St. Finbar Catholic Church events - Saturday, January 16 – Feast of Sto. Niño celebration. Sinulog starts at 11:30am.

- Saturday, January 23 – Thanksgiving Mass, in honor of San Ildefonso, patron saint of San Ildefonso, Bulacan, at 5:00pm. Followed by lunch celebration from 12:30 - 3:30pm at New Town Buffet.

- Saturday, February 6 – Valentine Dinner dance from 7:00 - 11:00pm. Cost of ticket is $30.

For more information on all events, please contact Marian Nobleza at 818-219-6463.

JA N UA RY 1 7

29th Anniversary Feast of Santo Niño Santo Niño Cruzada USA, with the participation of the Cathedral Knights of Columbus and a Sinulog group, is inviting everyone for a holy mass to celebrate the 29th anniversary of the Feast of Santo Niño, the Divine Infant Jesus, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles (555 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012) on Sunday, January 17, at 3:30pm. The main celebrant is Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik, with Father David Gallardo as concelebrant. For more information, please contact any of the following officers: Romy & Tess Esturas (213-387-9682), Rey & Tess Edpao (818-469-7292), Lilia Figuracion (626-394-2661, Carmen Estrada (213-413-2881), Fe Montana (323-218-1587), Ester Paredes (213-864-1149), Fe Reyes (213-413-5286), Laurie Dolorfino (213-407-0097), and Cherry Guerrero (213-632-2096).

JA N UA RY 3 0

Infant Jesus of Prague 9 hour Novena and Mass The Infant Jesus of Prague Apostolic Group is celebrating 32 years of service and prayer, and will hold its 32nd annual 9-hour Novena and Mass in honor of the Divine Child Jesus on Saturday, January 30, at Saint Joseph the Worker Church (19855 Sherman Way, Winnetka, California). The Novena starts at 7:00am with Mass following at 3:20 pm. Based in San Fernando Valley, the Apostolic Group aims to promote the Gospel message of Jesus and spread devotions to the Infant Jesus. For more information, please contact Leo Nevada at (818) 633 3926 or visit www.IJPAG.com.

F E B R UA RY 6

Miss Magsingal Organization of America Coronation & Dinner-Dance The Officers and Members of Miss Magsingal Organization of America (MOA) cordially invites townmates and friends to attend our Miss MOA 2016-17 Coronation and Dinner/Dance on Feb. 6, from 5:00pm -12 midnight at the Hilton of Stockton (2323 Grand Canal Blvd, Stockton, CA). Our Royal Court to be honored and crowned are: Her Majesty Queen, Jillian Foronda; 1st Princess, Jemina Atanaya; and 2nd Princess, Jeramae Luczon. Attire is formal, dinner is $50/person, with live band entertainment. Limited seats are available on a first come first serve basis. For more details, please call Tereso U (209) 603-8440, Lanie (209) 814-8004, and Grace (209) 817-5674. Thank you.

F E B R UA RY 1 2

An Intimate Night with Miguel Vera Beat the Valentine’s Day rush and get your tickets to “An Intimate Night with Miguel Vera,” a special Valentine Show featuring Miguel Vera, performing the greatest OPM hits and romantic Filipino classics by Cayabyab, Canseco, and Cruz. The one-night-only concert will take place at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel (7675 Crescent Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620) on February 12 at 8:00pm. Special guests include Annie Nepomuceno and Kit Navarro. Please call (714) 814-0412 or (818) 913-329 for tickets and information. Tickets are $40 each.

F E B R UA RY 2 0 -2 1

PCCHS / PUPLHS 1996 Golden Jubilee The Philippine College of Commerce High School Laboratory Batch 1966 (now Polytechnic University of the Philippines) will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee from February 20-21 in Manila, Philippines. According to the President of the PCCHS Batch ‘66 Alumni Association, ROLAND ATIENZA, about 55 batchmates from Australia, Canada and USA have confirmed attendance to the Homecoming and 50 from Manila local chapter. Activities lined up for the Golden Jubilee Celebration are as follows: February 20, 2016 -- 6:00-12:00 pm. Formal Program/Dinner at the Banahaw Ballroom, The Legend Villas, Mandaluyong City, Philippines February 21, 2016 -- 8:00 am - 9:00 pm - Visit the ANAWIM Home for the Abandoned Elderly, Montalban, Rizal Province (Fellowship/Lunch/Donate basic needs of the elderly) - Tour of Manila (Former PCCHS in Lepanto, Intramuros Tour (old churches and Cathedral, Rizal Park, Fort Santiago) - Dinner/Cultural Show, at Barbara’s, Intramuros February 22, 2016 - BREAKUP GROUP (To Palawan, Laguna and respective hometown provinces of the guests) For inquiries, please contact the following members of the CORE group: Agnes T. Sule # 09165567000 suleagnes@yahoo.com, Roland Atienza #09062947156 atienza8@yahoo.com, Rebecca T. Sayed 09064032624 rebecca.sayed@yahoo.com, Lourdes T. Flores lulutflores@ yahoo.com, Rebecca Sayed rebecca.sayed@yahoo.com.

APRIL - SEPTEMBER

Parathanal of Holy Trinity Parish Piligrimages Fr. Jose Joseph Parathanal of Holy Trinity Parish, San Pedro District, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, invites all to join Fr. Joseph Parathanal’s Pilgrimages to EASTERN EUROPE, OLGUADALUPE/Colonial Mexico, and INDIA. During the journey, pilgrims will pray to God for healing of body, mind and spirit especially for healing of the world from violence, terrorism and climate changes. Trip dates are: Divine Mercy/Infant Jesus of Prague/Austria/Hungary/ Medjugorje (Eastern Europe) April 17- April 30; OLGuadalupe and Colonial Mexico - June 20 - June 27; and Mother Teresa/St. Thomas/St. Alphonsa/St. Euprasia/St. Chavarra (India) - Sept. 15 - Sept. 29, 2016. For more details and pilgrimage information, please contact Bernadette at bcorp1114@hotmail.com or call 323-344-1548 & 323-547-6618.

M AY 27-29

PUP/PCC to hold 1st Global Reunion

Attention all graduates of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and the Philippine College of Commerce: join us in our FIRST GLOBAL REUNION being organized by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Alumni Association, USA Inc. scheduled on May 2729, 2016 (Memorial Day Weekend) at the New Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. We promise a weekend of fun-filled activities, of friendship and camaraderie as we reminisce our best memories during our high school and college days. There will be lots of entertainment, singing and dancing and photo opportunities with your classmates and friends.

For more information, please contact any of the following: Loi Herrera at 562-544-8210 or loiherrera@yahoo.com; Monette Santillan-Rivera at 818-970-8317 or Monette_santillan@yahoo. com; Rose Mejia at 323-997-3838 or Rosemariemejia@kw.com; Marissa Sugay-Palanca at 818281-7460 or marispalanca@yahoo.com; Rose Maghari at 661-794-8906 or rmaghari@gmail. com; Sally Mendoza at 323-695-0235 or sally.mendoza616@yahoo.com; Honeylette De Leon at 562-480-5743 orhoney@worldclassfreight.com; Virginia Herbito at virginiaherbito@gmail.com; Connie Acosta at 323-854-5303 orconnieacosta1@att.net; Violeta D. Cristobal at 310-880-5808 or vee@cristobalcpa.com; Jun Mapoy at 323-627-5326 or jcmapoy@yahoo.com.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

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PeoPle & events

University of the East Tau Alpha Sigma (TAS) fraternity to celebrate golden anniversary PLEASE join us in congratulating TAS for their golden (50th) anniversary to be held at Tower Club, Philamlife Building, Makati on February 5, 2016. All brothers from all over the world are expected to attend. Those who have not YET confirmed their attendance, please contact: Bernie

Lim (bernielim@sbcglobal.net) and Rene Marcos (rmarcos_cpa@verizon.net) There will be fun–filled activities including dancing, singing, reminiscing college days, golf, trips to Bicol, Batangas, Tagaytay and rebonding with both old and new brothers and their spouses.” n

FREE networking and information on how to build your own senior home care business

For more details and to RSVP, please contact: 1 Heart Care Giver Services at (213) 351-910 or Filipino American Chamber of CommerceGreater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA) Secretary at (818) 430-3972 n

Business owner seeks Chapter 7 relief from…

PAGE C4 t

business plan. Client decides to foreclose on the property. On the eve of the foreclosure sale date, developer files for Chapter 11 reorganization. Under Chapter 11, debtor can stop payments to client for 3 months, but must start paying client interest or monthly mortgage payments after 90 days. Otherwise, client can ask the court for relief from the bankruptcy stay and proceed with foreclosure. Client entered into an adequate protection agreement to restart monthly payments at $10K monthly immediately. Further the court found that the value of the prop-

erty had been reduced to $1.1M because of the rezoning. However, developer has not been able to present a viable chapter 11 plan to the court for 2 years. Why not? The reason nothing really is going on. Developer is basically stuck, dead in the water, except for new money being infused by new investors, if any, it’s future looks really bleak.

However, recently, developer has asked the court to find that the current value of the property is now $400K, and proposed a plan that crams down the secured portion to $400K, and the $1.6M unpaid balance as unsecured. In other words, developer wants

client’s property for free! Client now needs to get his property out of developer’s bankruptcy and proceed with foreclosure.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” — John 3:16

*** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California.

Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement)

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C

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 16-19, 2016

MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

& Immigration Corner

D

The February 2016 priority dates

The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows:

Airbus 350

PAL firms up $1-B deal for 6 long-haul aircraft

by LoueLLa

DesiDerio

Philstar.com

MANILA—Philippine Airlines (PAL) expects to sign the $1 billion purchase agreement next month for six long-haul aircraft.

PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista told reporters in a chance interview the flag carrier has already made a decision on the new long-haul aircraft to be acquired and would likely sign the deal by February.

“We’ll make the announcement when we sign the purchase agreement,” he said noting the deal would cover aircraft, aircraft parts and support equipment.

The airline is planning to acquire six aircraft for its long-haul flights.

The new long-haul aircraft would replace the Airbus 340s

which are costlier to maintain and consume more fuel.

PAL is choosing between Airbus 350 and Boeing 787 to serve its long-haul routes.

Since October last year, PAL’s flights from Manila to New York have been using the Boeing 777300 aircraft.

Bautista said passengers of the Manila-New York flights have given positive feedback on the shift to the Boeing 777-300 aircraft from the Airbus 340 planes.

Earlier, Bautista said PAL is also set to spend around $500 to $700 million for the delivery of seven other aircraft this year.

In particular, the amount will be spent for five A321 aircraft and two Boeing 777-300 ER this year.

The PAL Group, including low cost carrier unit PAL Express, has a fleet of more than 76 aircraft.

Jollibee adjusts acquisition price for Smashburger by iris

GonzaLes Philstar.com

MANILA—Jollibee Foods Corp. has adjusted the acquisition price of Colorado-headquartered casual burger brand Smashburger to $100.25 million from $99.5 million previously.

“The purchase price adjustment as validated by JFC’s accounting and tax advisor for this transaction Isla Lipana & Co./PWC was mainly attributable to higher than estimated actual level of cash of SJBF LLC, the parent company of the entities comprising the Smashburger business,” JFC said in a disclosure to securities regulators yesterday.

Smashburger is one of the fastest growing restaurant brands in the US. The acquisition would make JFC’s presence in the US more significant, going beyond the Filipino market and serving mainstream consumers in the $100 billion burger market.

The burger segment is estimated to be almost three times larger than the pizza, sandwich or coffee segment in terms of sales.

“This acquisition will make the US one of JFC’s most important markets and drivers of long term growth along with the Philippines, China and the Filipino markets abroad,” JFC said.

Smashburger’s founder Tom Ryan said the company is looking forward to expanding in Asia through its partnership with JFC. Under the deal, JFC has the option to purchase up to an additional 35 percent of Smashburger between 2018 and 2021 and the balance of 25 percent between 2019 at the earliest and 2026 at the latest.

Smashburger serves fresh 100 percent Certified Angus Beef burgers. It currently has 339 restaurants with sales of approximately $339 million for 2015, equivalent to 12 percent of JFC’s estimated worldwide system wide sales for the same year.

JFC, meanwhile, owns and operates 87 restaurants in the US, consisting of 32 Jollibee, 33 Red Ribbon, 19 Chowking and three Jinja. System-wide sales in the US account for five percent of the group’s worldwide sales.

Aquino: Business, governance driven by kindness make most sense

by Kristine

anGeLi Inquirer

sabiLLo

BUSINESS paired with kindness “makes the most sense,” President Benigno Aquino III said Friday, Jan. 15, referring to the initiatives of Gawad Kalinga and other social enterprises.

Aquino, who was the key speaker for the 3rd Global Social Business Summit and Gawad Kalinga’s 13th Anniversary held in Bulacan, said “When we help those who have the least—when we equip them with the skills they need to take advantage of the growing number of opportunities—we do more than empower them as individuals; we also empower them as consumers.”

“When we are able to increase President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his the income they take home, more speech during the 2016 East-West Center than allowing them to live more (EWC)/East-West Center Association (EWCA) dignified lives, that also means International Conference at the Centennial they have greater capacity to parHall of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, ticipate in the growing economy: Manila City on Friday, Jan. 15.

Malacañang photo by Gil Nartea

PAGE D2

Business Quote of the Week But leanness is a methodology, not a goal. Making small changes to things that already exist might lead you to a local maximum, but it won’t help you find the global maximum.

You could build the best version of an app that lets people order toilet paper from their iPhone. But iteration without a bold plan won’t take you from 0 to 1. A company is the strangest place of all for an indefinite optimist: why should you expect your own business to succeed without a plan to make it happen? Darwinism may be a fine theory in other contexts, but in startups, intelligent design works best.

— Peter Thiel, Venture capitalist and hedge fund manager

Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

FAMILY CATEGORY:

EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below.

If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.

Beginning last October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that

First Preference Second Preference

Application Filing Date Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age) (2A) Spouse and minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holder (2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

Other Workers

November 1, 2003

June 15, 2015

September 1, 2014

May 1, 2005

February 1, 2005

August 1, 1995 January 1, 1993

November 22, 1993 August 8, 1992 Visa Issuance Date

Application Filing Date

LABOR CERTIFICATION: Third Preference

September 1, 2005

Visa Issuance Date

Professional/Skilled Workers

January 1, 2010

January 8, 2008

Non-Skilled Workers

January 1, 2010

January 8, 2008

month). This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active

member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different.

The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding

the outcome of your legal matter. No 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)

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PH gaming sector defies regional slump Pagcor Remittances gain momentum reports 17% hike in 2015 industry earnings

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

by DaxiM

l. lUCas

Inquirer

PHILIPPINE casino operators defied a massive slump in the regional gaming industry and posted a double-digit growth in revenue in 2015, according to the head of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

In an interview with the Inquirer, Pagcor chair and CEO Cristino Naguiat Jr. said the gross gaming revenue of all local casino operations—both government— and private licensees-operated, reached P130 billion last year, or an increase of 17 percent.

“We showed a big improvement last year despite the business environment,” he said, pointing to the 35-percent decline in the 2015 gaming revenue of Macau, Asia’s largest gaming center.

Singapore, the other major gaming center in the region, has yet to report its 2015 numbers but Naguiat said early indications pointed to a decline of “a few points” in the city-state’s casino revenue.

“Pagcor, itself, showed a 15.75-percent increase in gaming revenue, while those of the licensees are up 18 percent,” he said.

In 2014, Pagcor reported gross gaming revenue for the industry of P111 billion, but an anti-corruption crackdown initiated by the Chinese government resulted in a sharp decline in the number

of casino patrons from mainland China across the region.

Industry watchers had feared that Philippine gaming firms like Solaire Casino and Resort, Resorts World Manila and the newly opened City of Dreams would suffer heavily as a result, but Naguiat said the local industry seemed to have adjusted its business model to adapt to the changing market environment.

“Pagcor, alone, we made P48.5 billion in 2015 while the licensees made almost P82 billion,” he said.

The state-run gaming regulator and operator also exceeded its revenue target set by the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), which monitors the performance of government-owned and -controlled corporations.

“Our target for 2015 from GCG is P109 billion, but we hit P130 billion, including [revenues from] junket operations,” Naguiat said.

“Most of the time, our people are conservative and don’t include junket revenues in the gross gaming revenue count because they’re so volatile.”

Excluding casino junkets from foreign high rollers, total gaming revenue would be about P125 billion.

“That’s still big,” Naguiat said.

“In 2014, our total junket business was only P2 billion, but we hit P5 billion last year.”

In response to the sharp decline in Chinese casino patrons, the local gaming industry— es-

REMITTANCES gained momentum in November, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Friday, Jan. 15, with year-onyear growth accelerating from an October slowdown.

Personal remittances—representing overseas Filipinos’ earnings, personal transfers in cash or in kind and capital transfers between households—grew by 3 percent to $2.42 billion from a year earlier.

Cash remittances—money sent through banks—also increased by 3.2 percent in November to $2.19 billion.

Year to date, personal remittances were up 3.4 percent to

$25.25 billion, the central bank reported. The growth, however, was slower than the 3.5 percent recorded in October.

Funds coursed through banks for the January to November period also saw growth slowing to 3.6 percent, from 3.7 percent, to $22.83 billion.

“A stable Philippine peso and some degree of stabilization in regional currencies supported remittances inflows,” said Rahul Bajoria, economist at United Kingdom-based investment bank Barclays.

Bajoria said Barclays was of the view that uncertainty over excessive currency weakness in key regions—such as countries in PAGE D5

Pagcor chairman and chief executive officer Cristino Naguiat.

pecially new locators at Pagcor’s flagship Entertainment City project —have repositioned themselves as family entertainment resorts to diversify their revenue streams.

Apart from dining and shopping establishments, Solaire now has a theater for live performances while City of Dreams operates a family-oriented theme park.

Going forward, the Pagcor chief expressed optimism that

the regional gaming industry will be able to recover.

“The market is not really weak,” he said. “Macau is down 35 percent, but that’s still a very big base in terms of total revenue. They’re still big and they just opened a huge casino named Studio City.”

“What’s important for us in the Philippines is that we met all our 2015 targets,” Naguiat said.

DIWATA TURNOVER Filipino scientists from the University of the Philippines and Department of Science and Technology officials turn over the first Philippine microsatellite called Diwata 1 to their counterparts at Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa) in Tsukuba City.

Photo courtesy of DOST

PH-made satellite to watch, help farmers from space

by JoviC

yee

Inquirer

WITH Diwata watching over the Philippines from space, expect that she will guide Filipino farmers to become better prepared during times of extreme weather events, such as the El Niño phenomenon.

Science Secretary Mario Montejo Wednesday, Jan. 13 said that with the space launch in April of Diwata, touted to be the first Filipino-made and codeveloped microsatellite, the government would soon have at its disposal essential data on weather systems “crucial for our farmers to adjust planting methods and procedures in light of climate change.”

Diwata, officially called the Philippine Scientific Earth Observation Microsatellite (PhilMicrosat), was turned over in a ceremony Wednesday by young Filipino scientists from the University of the Philippines and officials of the Department of Science and Technology, led by Undersecretary for Scientific and Technological Services Rowena Cristina Guevara, to their counterparts at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa) in Tsukuba City for further testing.

Once the microsatellite is in orbit, it can provide “vital information to our farmers so they will [know] what crops to plant, when to plant and how they can provision contingencies in overcoming the ill effects of El Niño up to the middle of 2016,” according to Montejo.

He explained that through Diwata, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) would “greatly improve” its capabilities in making accurate forecasts and weather monitoring essential to agriculture.

It was through satellite weather data acquired from independent providers that Pagasa was able to draw up a strategy before the onset of El Niño last year, Montejo said.

“By investing in our intellectual resources [and] harnessing the best minds in our country, we developed Diwata to provide our people the opportunity to reap the many benefits it offers aside from information critical to agriculture.

[T]hese same data can be used to monitor our forest cover and natural resources, implement a responsive disaster risk management program like Project Noah, enhance water resources management systems, and improve weather monitoring and forecasting,” he said in a statement.

Carlos Primo David, executive director of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development, said that after the turnover, Japanese experts would conduct final tests on the microsatellite’s spaceworthiness before sending it over to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) of the United States.

Nasa will then hand the device over to SpaceX, which will launch sometime in April a rocket carrying the microsatellite to the International Space Station (ISS).

Upon the entry of the 50-kilogram “balikbayan-box-sized” microsatellite into the ISS, an astronaut would then conduct a final check on the device before releasing it in orbit for at least 18 months, David explained.

Diwata, symbolically named after the Filipino mythological character that guards or watches over nature, will be the first of two microsatellites to be launched into space until next year. It is part of a three-year, P840.82-million program, which also includes the establishment of a ground receiving station in Subic, Zambales province, called the Philippine Earth Data Resources Observation (Pedro).

Pedro will receive and store data sent by Diwata, which is expected to take a daily average of 3,600 high-resolution images using its four cameras.

Aquino: Business, governance...

PAGE D1 they buy products and ride public transport, and they remit more taxes—taxes that in turn give government the wherewithal to empower them even more,” Aquino further explained.

The summit, with the theme “The Business of Kindness: Doing Good Makes Business Sense,” was held at the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm, which is GK’s first attempt at social business.

Aquino lauded the organization for building 2,500 communities around the Philippines since it was first established in 2003.

“I am also particularly fascinated by this Enchanted Farm, which, I am told, serves multiple purposes: Apart from being a community that simply helps your partners to take hold of their own destinies, the farm is also a university for social education, a destination for social tourism, and a hub for social business,” he said.

He said developing half a million social entrepreneurs by 2024 should not be a distant dream.

“You are true embodiments of your theme today, which is: “The Business of Kindness: Doing Good Makes Good Business Sense.”

Indeed, this is an excellent philosophy, and you will find that it bears a striking ideological resemblance to the philosophies that have guided our administration’s national strategy to sustain our growth,” he said.

Aquino enumerated the government programs that aim to alleviate poverty, including the conditional cash transfer program and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s livelihood projects.

“What we see here is a virtuous cycle of vibrant economic growth and inclusivity—one that can guarantee that our nation’s economic growth continues far into the future, and is felt across the archipelago,” the President said.

He said such initiatives make him “more confident than ever before that the Philippines is indeed in good hands” even after he he steps down from office.

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Marketplace

Global business leaders gather to help drive corporate diversity at Asian American Business Roundtable Summit PepsiCo, JP Morgan Chase, and Zappos among key speakers, the Venetian Las Vegas to host “Taking Risks and Changing The Game” Summit on January 29-30, 2016 LOS ANGELES—Asian American Business Roundtable (AABR) announced that it was launched to promote the growing prominence of Asian American executives throughout the US and capitalize on Asia’s continuing emergence as an engine of global economic growth. As part of the launch, AABR will bring together the most accomplished, forward-thinking Asian American innovators and entrepreneurs, many of whom have been honored as “Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business,” at its first multi-day Summit, in partnership with The Venetian Las Vegas, on January 29 - 30, 2016 (www.aabusinessroundtable.org).

“Asian Americans have a unique understanding of both Western and Eastern cultures and business practices, which can be crucial in helping companies identify untapped business opportunities, reach new markets and operate cross-culturally,” said John Wang, President of Asian American Business Development Center, which formed AABR. “We are launching this Summit to leverage the collective knowledge, experience and networks of recognized industry leaders, and enable access to their unprecedented source of business intelligence and ability to enhance global relations.”

The Summit, Taking Risks and Changing the Game, will discuss issues of social and economic appeal, as well as game-changing strategies to inspire personal development and corporate growth.

Key speakers to date include: Mehmood Khan, Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer, Global R&D, PepsiCo; Phyllis Campbell, Chairman, Pacific Northwest, JP Morgan Chase; Jon Spector, President and CEO, the Conference Board; and Maggie Hsu, Chief of Staff to Tony Hsieh, Zappos.

The Summit will address current national and global business challenges as well as key growth strategies, focused on the following topics: • Creating a Culture to Foster Rapid Innovation and Risk Taking • Increasing Equitable Representation of Minorities in the CSuite and on Corporate Boards • Lessons on Successful Career Paths: Alliances, Values, and Work/ Life Balance

• Innovation and Risks: Turning a Novel Idea into a Successful Growth Initiative • Grooming Tomorrow’s Leaders: New Qualities to Succeed in a Rapidly Changing Market • Collaboration is Key: Building Successful International Business Alliances for Growth “The Asian American Business Development Center does an incredible job of recognizing the contributions of Asian Americans in the business community, and we are grateful to partner with them in bringing this new concept to our Las Vegas resorts,” said George Markantonis, president and chief operating officer of The Venetian, The Palazzo, and Sands Expo. “We hope this new annual Summit will become a leading platform for knowledge-sharing among key executives and leaders in the Asian-American community.”

Through its Summit, AABR seeks to increase the visibility and presence of Asian Americans in US business, address national

and global business challenges of the 21st century, and develop a mentorship program to groom future generations of Asian American business leaders. AABR also looks to assist global corporations seeking to expand in Asia, as well as Asia-based companies seeking US partnerships.

Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the Asian American Business Roundtable Summit are now available. For more information, please contact Xiaotang Huang, at (212) 966-0100 or xiaotang@aabdc.com, or visit www. aabusinessroundtable.org.

AABR Summit is taking place January 29-30, 2016 at The Venetian, Las Vegas.

Register Your Ticket Now! Enter promo code: AsianJ25 (25 percent off the ticket). This invitation code is only valid until Wednesday, 1/13/2016.

Book your hotel room Special rate $175++/night. Ends 1/13/2016.

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The holiday season continues at Glendale Nissan

Christian Rabia

John Sison

THE holiday season is still in full swing at Glendale Nissan.

With the season of giving winding down, Glendale Nissan is still giving to its kababayans with attractive lease specials.

For a limited time, offers include special pricing on the 2015 Altima, the 2015 Nissan Sentra S, the 2015 Rogue, the 2015 Pathfinder S, and the 2015 Quest S, as of this writing.

“All new kababayans are welcome at Glendale Nissan,” said Filipino salesman John Sison, who works alongside Christian Rabia in the dealership’s Filipino sales team.

Sison says that among Filipino clientele, Sentras, Altimas and Rogues – all family cars – are particularly popular. But the dealership has much more in store.

Glendale Nissan is well-known for having one of the best selections of Nissans to choose from in the Los Angeles area. During its Holiday Event, customers will also be able to browse 2016 models.

The dealership aims to provide excellent

customer service, and was recognized by Nissan Motor Company as an Owner First Award of Excellence dealer for its superior client service. One of the small ways it does this is by offering complimentary coffee to its customers.

In addition to its physical location, Glendale Nissan has an online showroom that makes it easy for customers to browse its huge selection of new, pre-owned and certified vehicles.

Customers can also search based on exact specifications, as well as search for vehicles within a designated budget. Other online features include live chat, a credit score estimator, the option to request for a quick quote, and access to the financing application.

Glendale Nissan 727 S Brand Blvd.

Glendale, CA 91204 Tel: (818) 240-6000 Hours: Monday to Saturday 8:30am to 10pm; Sunday 9am to 9pm (Advertising supplement)

Showroom

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Longo Lexus offers the ultimate Longo Toyota delivers world class experience conveniences in customer amenities

We all know that the process of buying a car is not just as simple as buying a new pair of shoes at the mall. It is a long process that involves careful comparison between vehicle models, reviewing the car’s specifications with regards to the needs of the buyer, and of course, the negotiations for the financing packages and promos.

As such, it is very important for Longo Lexus that its customers are supremely comfortable and well-pampered if they are going to make that important decision of which Lexus they will drive home.

As a car dealership, there are many reasons why Longo Lexus has been an elite of Lexus dealer since 1992. One of those reasons includes the ultimate conveniences that they offer in customer amenities. As one of the leading Lexus car dealerships, Longo Lexus provides not only pre-sales conveniences, but also noteworthy post-sales services.

Longo Lexus is known for the unique amenities that they offer to dealership customers.

One of those unique amenities include an on-site Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) center. The AAA branch offers DMV services, airline, car, and hotel reservations, discounted movie and local attraction tickets, AAA membership application processing, OnBoard Teen Safe Driver Program, auto and home insurance, and more. Sign up at our AAA branch in Longo, and you’ll receive a special $13 discount off the original membership price.

Aside from from the on-site AAA branch, Longo is also the first dealership in the US to offer Verizon Wireless and Verizon Wireless Neighborhood services on-site. Offering the latest technologies in telecommunications, mobile accessories, and services, Longo’s on-site Verizon branch makes it even more convenient for customers to stay connected with the world. Our Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer is open from Monday to Friday, 7am-7pm; Saturday, from 7am to 5:30pm; and Sunday, from 8am to 4pm. Please call (888) 8115201.

While waiting for your car to come out of our premium carcare service lines or while you’re going through our wide inventory of luxurious Lexus vehicles, you can enjoy a quick bite at Sub-

way or a nice refreshing drink at Starbucks.

If you want to pamper your car, you can also shop at the Longo Lexus Parts Boutique, which carries a wide selection of genuine Lexus parts and accessories for your vehicle. M`Zkfi I\p\j With over 31,000 parts and accessories in stock, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

The after-sales services of a dealership is just as important as the pre-sales amenities. And it these after-sales services that make buying a vehicle at Longo Lexus a truly rewarding experience.

We offer complimentary loaner vehicles for your use while your car is in our service center. For inquiries, on our loaners, please call our coordinators at 1-800-5970813.

For your convenience, we also offer complimentary shuttle service to take you to your office, home, or even the mall—basically anywhere within a 15-mile radius—while your vehicle is being serviced.

If you don’t have time to make the drive to our dealership, our Longo Lexus Mobile Service Van and Truck can provide routine maintenance services, such as oil changes and tire rotations, right at your home or office. Appointments can be made up to 6 months in advance.

Similarly, if your service requirements need the car to be physically present at our Longo service center, we offer complimentary flatbed truck pick-up and delivery of your vehicle to and from our dealership. Our Longo Lexus Mobile Service Van and Truck, and our complimentary flatbed truch pick-up and delivery service are exclusively for cars that are purchased from Longo Lexus, and are located within 60mile radius from Longo.

Please call 1-800-597-0813 to schedule your appointment.

Also, for every service appointment, each vehicle receives a complimentary car wash in our Longo Lexus Car Spa. For our clients who wish to use other cars, aside from those among our fleet of loaner Lexus cars, they can avail of the services of our enterprise Rent-A-Car offices.

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With two branches on the Longo Premises, enterprise is ready to address all your car rental needs.

Please call (800) 969-6519 for more information.

We understand that life’s daily grind requires our customers to be always on top of everything while keeping up with an onthe-go lifestyle. Which is they are more than welcome to work at our Longo Business Center where they can work on our computer terminals, free of charge.

We also offer complimentary Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi) to our customers throughout the facility. This is particularly useful for our customers with mobile devices, laptops, and tablets.

While you wait for your car to come out of our service center, your kids can enjoy and have a good time at our Children Play Area, where we offer video games and other activities for the young ones.

Longo Lexus customers will also be offered complimentary use of our iPads while they are waiting for their vehicle.

For more information on our Longo Lexus Guest Services, please log on to www.longolexus.com/GuestAmenities or call (626) 539-2956.

Longo Lexus is located at 3530 North Peck Road, el Monte, CA 91731.

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A-Car offices on its premBeing the premiere ises. One is located adjaToyota retailer in the nacent to the Service Drive tion, Longo Toyota aims to in the Pre-Owned Vehicle deliver a truly world-class Showroom, and the other experience to our guests is in the Collision Repair on every transaction, everyday.

Center. Customers are it all starts with our welcome to utilize the enfriendly and welcoming terprise rental services, restaff, a clean and modgardless of whether or not ern environment, and a they leave their vehicle in wide range of services to IXpdfe[ G\i\q Longo for any car service.

D\c :Xjk\cf make your visit pleasant Complimentary Vehicle and convenient. Here are Delivery Service some of our key amenities Longo Toyota also offer at Longo Toyota: complimentary vehicle deAuto Club of Southern livery service. Our delivery California (AAA) service is available 6 days in november 1999, a week, Monday thru SatLongo Toyota became the urday, anywhere within a first automotive dealer60-mile radius of Longo ship in the US to have the Toyota.

Auto Club on its premLongo Toyota Parts and 9lkZ_ >XYlk`eX ises. For 14 long years, :\jXi DXZXc`ef Accessories Department our Auto Club branch has K?8EB PFL =FI D8B@E> LJ ELD9<I FE< =fi k_\ cfe^\jk You can also shop at the served countless satisfied k`d\# Cfe^f KfpfkX _Xj Y\\e gi`[`e^ `kj\c] Xj k_\ ( KfpfkX Longo Toyota Parts and Longo customers with its mfcld\ [\Xc\i `e k_\ Le`k\[ JkXk\j% 8cjf Zfej`[\i\[ Xj k_\ ( Accessories Department, wide array of services which carries a wide seGi`lj Xe[ ?pYi`[ [\Xc\i `e 8d\i`ZX# Cfe^f KfpfkX `j ^iXk\]lc Today, our on-site lection of genuine Toyota branch offers DMV servic- ]fi k_\ Zfek`elflj jlggfik f] `kj Zc`\ekj k_Xk _Xm\ kiljk\[ parts and accessories for es, airline, car and hotel k_\d n`k_ hlXc`kp YiXe[ e\n Xe[ lj\[ ZXij% ?Xm`e^ j\im\[ your vehicle. With thoureservations, discounted Zljkfd\ij ]fi +, p\Xij# k_\i\ dljk Y\ X i\Xjfe n_p Cfe^f sands of parts and accesmovie and local attraction KfpfkX `j jk`cc Zfej`[\i\[ eldY\i fe\% :Xcc ($/''$-(.$+,(- sories in stock, we defitickets, membership pro- kf[Xp kf Ôe[ flk% nitely have whatever it is cessing, OnBoard Teen you’re looking for. Our Safe Driver Program, and more. Sign up at our boutique also carries a selection of Ray-Ban and Longo Toyota branch and get $13 off the origi- Oakley sunglasses, women’s and men’s apparel, nal membership application price. Located in and so much more. our new car showroom, our AAA branch is open Shuttle Service Mondays thru Saturdays, from 11am to 7pm.

For your convenience, Longo Toyota offers Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer complimentary shuttle service while your veLongo Lexus is the first car dealership in the hicles are being serviced. Our shuttles can take US to provide Verizon Wireless and Verizon you to virtually anywhere within a 15-mile raWireless neighborhood services on-site. Our dius of Longo Toyota – be it your home, work, Verizon branch offers the latest in telecommu- the mall, or even the parlor! Anywhere! nications, mobile devices, accessories and serAn engaging stay vices. We also offer complimentary cellphone While we understand that our customer’s charging stations for our customers. Our Ve- time is precious, we realize that many of them rizon retailer is located inside our parts retail may need internet connectivity at all times. As center. Our Wireless Playground is open Mon- such we are more than happy to provide FRee day-Friday, 7am-7pm; Saturday, 7am-5:30pm; WiFi throughout our facility, and FRee use of and Sunday, 8-4pm. Please call (888) 623-2133 our great business center. in our business cenfor more information. ter, we provide a quiet setting where our guests Starbucks and Subway can work on our computers or on their own lapWhile waiting for your car to come out of our tops. car-care service lines, you can enjoy a quick We also provide free use of an iPad for Longo bite at Subway or a nice refreshing drink at guests who are waiting for their vehicles. Our Starbucks. We offer healthy dining options with guest Check-in representative will be more than Subway’s wide variety of sandwiches, salads, happy to arrange this for you. and wraps. if you decide to bring the kids to the dealerif you’re thirsty and you’re looking for that ship, boredom will never be a problem. We also quick coffee fix, you can grab a refreshing Ha- offer a variety of video games and DVDs just zelnut Macchiato or a smooth Caramel Frappuc- for kids so that they can also enjoy their visit to cino at Starbucks. Offering only the finest cof- Longo Toyota. fee specialties, teas, juices, and assortment of For more information on our Longo Toyota pastries, there’s something for everybody at our guest Services, please log on to http://www.lonon-site Starbucks branch. gotoyota.com/dealership/amenities.htm.

Both our Subway and Starbucks branches are Longo Toyota is located at 3534 north Peck available for catering services.

Road, el Monte, CA 91731. Call (800) 617-4516 Enterprise Rent-A-Car to set up your appointment.

Longo Toyota also has two enterprise Rent 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

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Marketplace & ShowrooM

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 16-19, 2016 D

Toyota to expand production in Philippines WIN Hyundai and WIN Chevrolet:

by Richmond meRcuRio Philstar

MANILA—Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) is investing at least 1 billion yen (roughly P405.8 million) to expand its local production capacity in line with its participation in the government’s Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program.

In an interview Thursday night, newly-appointed TMP president Satoru Suzuki said Toyota Motor Corp. of Japan had already authorized its Philippine unit to join the CARS program.

Suzuki said TMP is set to pour in at least 1 billion yen to ramp up its local production to meet the demands of the program, which mandates a company to produce 200,000 units for a specific model during its six-year model life.

“CARS program requires some additional parts localization so we have to meet such a requirement, and it needs investments so we need to invest a lot of money,” he said.

Suzuki said it would take TMP at least two years of preparation for the program and the investment commitment would be spent gradually over that period of time.

“To increase production capacity is not so easy. It takes time

and money. Toyota Global side also has to consider which is the best supply source not only by the Philippines but also including all other countries. This is why it is difficult for TMP alone to decide whether to increase its production capacity or not,” he said.

At present, TMP first vice president Rommel Gutierrez said the firm’s Sta. Rosa, Laguna manufacturing plant is already fully utilized which is why the company plans to increase its production capacity by at least 10 percent more this year.

“We are actually fully utilized.

With the CARS program, we may have to adjust. So that investment includes plant expansion,” Gutierrez said.

“The CARS program will run for six years, on the average 33,000 units per year. The incentives will start after you produce 100,000 units. But the 33,000 units per year over a period of six years is average only. If the market demands for more than that then we can accelerate,” he added.

Approved by President Aquino in May last year, the CARS program seeks to encourage local car assembly through incentives and allow industry players to become more competitive.

Remittances gain...

Under the program, prospective local car assemblers may apply for fiscal support not exceeding P27 billion by locally assembling three vehicle models, or P9 billion per model, with a commitment to produce 200,000 units for each model during its six-year model life.

Last year, TMP produced nearly 49,000 units.

The company sold a total of 125,027 units in 2015, of which 60 percent were imported or completely built-up units while the remaining 40 percent were locally assembled or completely knocked down units.

For this year, Suzuki said TMP is targeting to grow its sales to 150,000 units, higher than the 137,000-unit goal announced earlier.

Suzuki said the Vios, which is expected to be the company’s model for the CARS program, and the recently-launched all new Fortuner would help push TMP sales higher again this year.

He said the company also intends to further strengthen its market share across all players in the Philippines.

In 2015, TMP was the market leader among car makers with local assembly operations, cornering a dominant share of 43.32 percent.

the 11-month period.

Of these, 44 percent were intended for service, production, and PAGE D2 bank said. professional, technical and related Also providing support, it add- positions in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Middle East—has ed, was the presence of banks Qatar, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. and non-bank service providers in subsided.

Cash remittances from landGrowth in remittances from the foreign countries through tie-ups based and sea-based Filipinos two regions has been significant, and remittance centers, as well as hit $17.6 billion and $5.2 billion, he noted, even as inflows from US the introduction of innovations in respectively, during the 11-month and Europe continue to under- remittance products. period.

The central bank cited preperform.

The United States, Saudi Ara“The continued deployment liminary data from the Philippine bia, the United Arab Emirates, of skilled overseas Filipinos re- Overseas Employment Adminis- Singapore, the United Kingdom, mained a key driver of the growth tration showing that 771,635 job Japan, Canada and Hong Kong in remittances inflows,” the central orders had been approved during were the major sources of cash remittances.

Bajoria said Barclays expected remittances to have stayed strong in December, with workers remitting money to their families ahead of the festive season.

The investment bank maintained its forecast of 4 percent remittances growth in 2015, with the figure climbing to 5 percent in 2016.

The central bank also projected a 4 percent expansion in 2015 cash remittances to $25.3 billion Growth in remittances from the two regions has been significant, he noted, even as inflows from the $24.3 billion recorded in 2014. from US and Europe continue to underperform.

Three giant locations to serve you

There’s no better place for kababayans to shop for hyundai vehicles than WIN hyundai in Carson, Calif. established in 2011, the young dealership started with the goal of becoming the premiere hyundai dealership. since then, it has lived up to its aim by consistently ranked among the top five dealers in the district.

In 2012, the dealership, which is also equus Certified, was also ranked No. 1 in district sales.

WIN is proud to carry hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power and Associates ranked the automaker No. 2 among nonpremium automakers in the 2015 Automotive Performance, execution and Layout (APeAL) study.

“Finishing among the top two non-premium brands in this year’s J.D. Power, the APeAL study shows hyundai takes design, technology, features, and performance seriously across the entire lineup. having the bestselling sonata ranking among the top two in its class is a remarkable accomplishment and we are committed to delivering the highest customer experience possible to our owners,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of corporate and product planning at hyundai.

WIN hyundai offers a wide selection of quality hyundai vehicles and extends its offerings across the Los Angeles area with its two locations: one in Carson and another in el Monte. On both sites, customers can find new and certified pre-owned vehicles – including the santa Fe, sonata, elantra and Genesis Coupe – to meet a variety of budgets and preferences.

Because the Carson and el Monte locations serve just about anyone and everyone in southern California, its experienced sales representatives are prepared and eager to help customers find the cars that best fit their preferences and needs.

When it comes to purchasing a hyundai, WIN specializes in working with all types of credit, good or bad, and has the ability to refinance current loans.

Additionally, although it sells hyundai cars, the dealership services vehicles of all makes and models and currently has an oil change special of $19.95 For Chevrolet owners and

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shoppers in Los Angeles, you may check out WIN’s third location at WIN Chevrolet, which will make sure to handle everything from helping you purchase a new or used Chevy. schedule an appointment or just stop on by to take any of our 2015 Chevrolet models for a test drive including the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro, 2015 Chevrolet Impala, and 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe.

Beyond the highly-praised brand WIN offers southern California residents, it has departments dedicated diverse groups found throughout the Los Angeles region, including Chinese, Korean, hispanic and Filipino communities. “ We w a n t t o m a k e t h e buying process as easy as possible, so we understand communicating in your native language can be important to completely understanding the purchasing and financing of your vehicle,” said Munir Younis, general sales manager of the dealership.

Younis, who is of Middle eastern descent, grew up in the Philippines and can speak Tagalog fluently, just as the Filipino sales representatives at the dealership.

“We have a dedicated team that serves the largest Filipino community in the U.s. We believe in giving back to the community and have participated in multiple sponsorship opportunities with multiple Filipino groups and organizations, including the Philippine Independence Day Foundation,” he said.

Among Filipino members of the WIN hyundai Carson team include long-time car industry veterans Jun Milan and Jay Trinidad.

“WIN is a great dealership and customer service is the best it can be,” Milan said.

Also on the Filipino team is Franklin Magarro, the dealership’s internet sales manager.

In addition to its on-location offerings, those shopping for hyundai cars can browse WIN’s inventory online with userfriendly filters. Whether you know specifically what make and model you’re looking for, are trying to shop based on a budget, or simply want to browse through what is available, the dealership website makes it easy to shop around from home. Live chat is also available and sales representatives are happy to assist customers via phone.

WIN Hyundai Carson 2205 e 223rd street Carson, CA 90810 (877) 354-4253 Monday through saturday: 9am to 9pm sunday: 10am to 8pm WIN Hyundai El Monte 3462 N Peck road el Monte, CA 91731 (877) 290-2164 Monday through sunday: 9am to 9pm www.winhyundai.com Win Chevrolet 2201 e. 223rd street Carson, CA 90810 (818) 639-1216 www.winchevrolet.com 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

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