LA Weekend Edition -- November 28 -- December 01, 20

W

Los AngeLes

W E E K E N D

EDITION

www.asianjournal.com www.ajdigitaledition.com

November 28-December 1, 2015

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

Volume 25 - No. 93 • 4 Sections – 36 Pages

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

DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

US issues worldwide travel alert citing increased terrorist threats

the Us state Department has issued a worldwide travel alert for Americans citing possible risks due to increased terrorist threats. the warning comes following deadly attacks in Paris claimed by the Islamic state, which left more than 120 individuals dead. the department did not mention the incident in its alert, but suggested that militants associated with the Islamic state, al-Qaeda, Boko haram and other terrorist groups are continuing to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions.

“Authorities believe the likelihood of ter-

u PAGE A5

LA County pushes for Internet access for disadvantaged seniors and families As technology continues to advance and more businesses, federal services, and job agencies are expanding their platforms online, the need for proper access to the Internet becomes more and more essential in daily life. this week, the Los Angeles County Board of supervisors voted for a greater push to affordable high-speed Internet access for seniors, low-income residents, and people with disabilities.

u PAGE A5

Philstar.com

mANILA – the United states will work out an arrangement with the Philippines on the custody of Joseph scott Pemberton in case the marine lance corporal is found guilty of murdering filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude in october last year. this was according to Us Ambassador Philip Goldberg, who said the court is expected to hand down a decision on Dec. 1.

“We will work out arrange-

by Niña

P. Calleja Inquirer.net

the United states has raised its military aid to the Philippines this year to $79 million, Us Ambassador Philip Goldberg said Wednesday, Nov. 25 amid rising tensions in the region over China’s new assertiveness in the south China sea. since 2002, the United states has provided the Philippines with nearly $500 million in military assistance as

well as various types of military equipment.

“We have upped our foreign military funding for the Philippines,” Goldberg told Karen Davila during “headstart” on ANC, without giving a percentage.

“It will be somewhere in the range of $79 million this year. It’s increasing and what has been proposed is something called a maritime security initiative in the region,” he said.

“What we support is the legal,

peaceful and diplomatic solution to the various claims in the south China sea,” Goldberg added.

“It is disappointing when one of the countries involved does not want to participate in the process like the one going on in the hague,” he said, referring to China’s refusal to take part in the arbitration proceedings in the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Netherlands mounted by the Philippines to resolve their territorial dispute in the south China

sea.

China has overlapping claims with the Philippines, Vietnam, malaysia, taiwan and Brunei in the south China sea, through which $5 trillion in shipborne trade passes every year. reclamation work and the building of three airfields and other facilities on some of China’s artificial islands in the spratly archipelago have alarmed the region and raised concern in Washington that China is extending

u PAGE A2

Amid terror threats, PH team heads for Paris climate change meet

by Nikko

DizoN Inquirer.net

AmID terror threats, the Philippine delegation heads for Paris this weekend for crucial climate change negotiations, boosted by President Aquino’s presence at the high-level summit of world leaders at the United Nations conference.

“I feel safe,” said climate change commissioner emmanuel de Guzman, who heads the Philippine negotiating team composed of some 50 representatives from government, the private sector and civil society organizations. mr. Aquino will be joining more than 100 other heads of state and government at the 21st Conference of Parties where he will participate in the campaign for the passage of a binding agreement among nations that they would each do their part in reducing their carbon emissions and keep global temperature below pre-Industrial revolution levels. scientists have said that changing weather patterns and stronger typhoons, among others, are the results of

u PAGE A4

ments that are appropriate for all sides and in accordance with the VfA (Visiting forces Agreement). so people need not worry or be concerned because we will work together cooperatively and that is what we have done up to now,” Goldberg said in an interview on GmA 7’s “state of the Nation” Wednesday night.

“I anticipate that whatever road ahead there is – and I’m not going to prejudge the verdict in the case because that is in the hands of the court – we will work collaboratively together,” he said.

Pacquiao sticks to Binay by llaNesCa

t. PaNti ManilaTimes.net

sArANGANI rep. emmanuel “manny” Pacquiao will remain in the corner of Vice President Jejomar Binay.

In a news conference in General santos City on friday, Nov. 27 Pacquiao said he will be backing Binay—the standard-bearer of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA—“without reservation.”

“All-out support tayo kay VP Binay. hindi magbabago ‘yan [i am all for Vice President Binay.

That won’t change],” Pacquiao, one of UNA’s senatorial candidates, said. “may isang salita tayo [You have my word],” he added.

Pacquiao, the only boxer to win world titles in eight different

Tels: 818.502.0651 • 213.250.9797 • Fax: 818.502.0858 • 213.481.0854

US hikes military aid to PH to $79M

US, PH to work out deal on Pemberton custody

by Pia lee-BRago

1210 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91204

Manny Pacquiao

weight classes, joined Binay in a boodle fight and a scouting trip at Colon National high in maasim, sarangani, for the 4th Coun-

u PAGE A3

At a hearing on Laude’s murder at the olongapo City regional trial Court Branch 74 in August, Pemberton admitted strangling and killing the filipino after learning he was a male.

Pemberton is detained in a refurbished shipping container at the Joint Us military Advisory Group compound at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. shortly after the court issued an arrest order for Pemberton in December last year, Goldberg made clear the soldier would be

u PAGE A3

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte shows his statement of withdrawal of candidacy for mayor while his daughter Sara holds her COC as substitute candidate at the Comelec regional office in the city on Friday, Nov. 28.

Robinson Ninal Jr./Philstar.com

It’s official: Duterte files COC for president But can he run?

CoC before the Comelec main office in manila.

Duterte is expected to face leDAVAo CItY – mayor ro- gal obstacles.

Broadcaster ruben Castor has drigo Duterte made official his run for the presidency in the prepared a petition questioning may 2016 elections by filing his Duterte’s substitution for martin certificate of candidacy (CoC) Diño, who filed a CoC for mayor before the local Commission on rather than as standard bearer of elections office here on friday, the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban).

Nov. 28.

In the petition, copies of which Duterte filed his CoC just after he withdrew his earlier bid were sent to media offices late friday, Nov. 28, Castor sought to to seek reelection as mayor.

At the same time, lawyer sal- nullify Diño’s CoC. Duterte confirmed the filing of vador medialdea filed Duterte’s by eDith

RegalaDo Philstar.com

his CoC for president through medialdea. he reportedly signed the CoC upon his arrival from hong Kong the other day.

“I have crossed the bridge … the rubicon and there is no turning back. I place my future entirely in the hands of God,” Duterte told a press conference.

In his CoC, Duterte stated he was nominated by the PDP-Laban as presidential candidate, replacing Diño.

As required, Duterte submit-

u PAGE A2

A NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 1, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

US hikes military aid to PH to…

PAGE A1 t

its military reach deep into maritime Southeast Asia.

Legal solution “The kind of solutions that we believe are the best way forward is to settle dispute within the legal context, to talk to each other about how to go about arranging codes of conduct, so there won’t be mis-

takes or incidents on the sea and in the air,” Goldberg said.

“At each step along the way, the general view in the region is that China is acting outside the framework that has been agreed.

That is why a lot of countries are supporting the Philippines’ case,” he said.

Washington announced earlier

it had allocated $50 million in aid to Manila this year.

The Philippines remains one of the largest recipients of military aid in the region, focusing on building capability for the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force to guard the South China Sea. Last week, before attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Manila, US President Barack Obama boarded a Hamilton-class cutter converted into a frigate by the Philippines, a display of maritime security support for its closest ally in Southeast Asia.

Goldberg said the third Hamilton-class cutter would be arriving late next year while an old maritime research ship would be transferred by the middle of 2016.

Philippine defense and military officials said two US Marines C-130 transport planes and about eight amphibious assault

u PAGE A4

LIGHTING THE FIRE OF CHANGE. Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, at the UP campus in Cebu City, holds a torch symbolizing the Filipinos’ clamor for the “light” that will guide them towards real change. The senator joined over 5,000 people who celebrated Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to finally run for president.

Senate photo

It’s official…

PAGE A1 t

ted a Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA), which was signed by PDP-Laban vice president Salvador Dy. Duterte indicated in his COC that he is 70 years old and he has been a resident of the Philippines for 71 years and one month. He resides on Taal Road in Central Park Subdivision, Bangkal, of this city.

Comelec Commissioner Christian Robert Lim said the poll body would still deliberate on Duterte’s COC as well as Diño’s, who withdrew his candicacy last Oct. 29.

“The normal procedure is to accept his COC. It is ministerial for us to receive the COC. The (Comelec’s) Law Department will have to elevate the case to the en banc (full session) and then we will deliberate,” Lim said.

Lim said the poll body would deliberate if Duterte met the requirements for substitution of a candidate.

Diño reportedly withdrew his candidacy to pave the way for the substitution by Duterte.

Castor, in his petition, said the COC of Diño was for mayor of Pa-

u PAGE A3

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

From the Front page

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 1, 2015 A

It’s official: Duterte files COC for…

PAGE A2 t

say City and therefore he could only withdraw his candidacy for that position.

He said Duterte could not substitute for Diño “whose COC is void, legally inexistent and without legal effect; hence, substitution shall likewise be void.”

Castor, however, pointed out that the petition was “not intended to pre-empt, but to promote the presidential candidacy of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who is worthy to run for president.”

“Precisely, this petition is intended to avoid violation of the mandatory law and penalty of perpetual disqualification to hold office consistent with Mayor Duterte’s resolute advocacy for the rule of law,” he said.

Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal also pointed out earlier that Duterte can’t run under PDP-Laban since Diño had filed a defective COC. Diño’s COC indicated he was running for mayor of Pasay City, thus he cannot withdraw as a candidate for president.

Macalintal said Duterte can still run as the standard bearer of any major political party and be nominated before the Dec. 10 deadline allowing submission of substitute candidates.

Political parties have until Dec. 10 to file their nomination if they intend to substitute or replace any of their candidates in next year’s elections.

Duterte earlier filed a COC for

the mayoralty race and has repeatedly rejected appeals for him to run for president.

However, Duterte declared the presidential run is now open, saying he could not allow Sen. Grace Poe to run, believing her to be an American citizen.

Duterte’s daughter Sara filed her COC to substitute for her father as mayoralty candidate of the city. His eldest son, Paolo, who is currently the vice mayor, is running unopposed for reelection.

‘Loose coalition’ Duterte made the announcement shortly after he filed his COC at the Comelec office in Davao City.

He then flew by helicopter to join boxing legend Rep. Manny Pacquiao at the Munato Festival

in Sarangani.

Duterte declared Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano would be his running mate.

He said his “loose coalition” with Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. exists even after committing that Cayetano is his vice presidential candidate.

Both Marcos and Cayetano, who are members of the Nacionalista Party, have been asking to be Duterte’s vice presidential candidate should he decide to run for president.

But while Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who is also running for president, has declared that Marcos is her running mate, Cayetano has doggedly pursued Duterte even if the mayor had earlier repeatedly declared that

u PAGE A4

ALL THAT GLITTERS. Christie’s auction house appraiser David Warren closely examines a neckpiece from the Roumeliotes collection, one of a three-set jewelry collection seized from the Marcoses after the family fled to Hawaii following the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986. The government has asked Christie’s and its rival, Sotheby’s, to appraise some 700 pieces of Marcos jewelry for a possible auction after being kept for almost 30 years in a Central Bank vault.

Inquirer.net photo by Edwin Bacasmas

US, PH to work out deal on Pemberton…

PAGE A1 t

kept in US custody.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) did not push for Philippine custody of Pemberton, saying the US justification for refusing to turn him over to local authorities was “not inconsistent” with the provisions of the VFA. The US State Department said the “US is retaining the suspect until completion of all judicial proceedings” in accordance with the VFA. No lobbying In the same interview, Gold-

berg also said the US is not lobbying for a favorable Supreme Court (SC) ruling on a petition seeking the junking of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the Philippines.

“We don’t lobby. The Supreme Court is an independent branch of government,” Goldberg said.

He emphasized that EDCA is a good agreement that allows the Philippines and the US to improve minimum credible defense, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

“It is not a question of intervention. It is a question of working together,” he said.

The high tribunal deferred issuing a ruling last week on questions regarding the constitutionality of the EDCA. Justices tackled the case in session but decided to reset their deliberations and voting to next month.

It was the second time the SC deferred ruling on the case.

“The Supreme Court is very independent. They will make their

u PAGE A4

SEAFOOD CITY 1

Pacquiao sticks to…

PAGE A1 t

cil Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

His pronouncement contradicts his statement last month, when he said he is inclined to join the senatorial slate of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte because the mayor is a fellow Mindanaoan.

Duterte was a reluctant candidate until recently. The mayor filed his certificate of candidacy as a subsitute candidate for President of PDP-Laban.

Pacquiao told reporters a month

ago that he prefers Binay among the presidential candidates because both of them worked hard to break away from poverty.

“Pareho kaming galing sa mahirap na pamilya, pareho kaming naghikahos. Pareho rin kaming nagsikap para makarating sa ganitong estado at pareho kaming naniniwalang magsisilbing inspirasyon sa mahirap [We both came from a poor family.

We struggled getting by…went through a lot to get where we are. We believe that we can inspire the poor],” he said. n

A NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 1, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

From the Front page

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

It’s official: Duterte files COC for…

PAGE A3 t

he was not running for president.

Duterte took issue with reports that he “rebuffed” Marcos to be his running mate.

“Rebuff is too harsh a term and I do not mean to rebuff friends,” he said.

Duterte said Marcos is also his friend, as well as Cayetano.

Duterte said he flew back from Manila to Davao on Thursday with Marcos.

And the two were together yesterday to attend the annual Munato Festival at the Sarangani province as guests of Pacquiao.

“There was a mixed signal.

Senator Miriam had announced that Marcos is her running mate.

There was really just a lack of communication as a product of mixed signal,” Duterte said.

Duterte said he had to explain to Marcos what really transpired.

“I already talked to Bongbong (Marcos). I have to patiently explain to him the circumstances that led to the lack of communication.”

He said Cayetano was there when he explained to Marcos what happened.

Duterte went to Hong Kong for a meeting with Cayetano.

He flew home the other night and told reporters at the airport that Cayetano would be his running mate and he would file his COC on Dec. 10.

In formalizing his candicacy, Duterte said he would embark

on a “truth only” campaign and vowed he would never resort to black propaganda.

“In this campaign you can expect me not to get into any black propaganda. I would never resort to it,” Duterte said.

“Maybe I would answer valid ones, but never on speculations and offensive issues… I will continue to speak my truth. For after all I said that initially I just wanted a day in my life that I can face the Filipino people and speak my truth, which is how I really am,” he added.

Duterte also stressed that in the next days he would be looking for money to finance his campaign but he does not want to be

compromised into any debt of gratitude to anyone.

“I will not ask for money from anybody, especially the moneyed people. I do not want to be compromised into utang na loob. In the next few days, I will look for money to finance my campaign. I am not a pauper. I can live comfortably after retirement but certainly that money cannot be used because I could get sick, I would need oxygen. I would have to pay hospitalization, I would not want to burden my children,” he said.

Duterte admitted that to a certain extent, he was overwhelmed by the attention he has been getting lately, especially after he declared he was running for president.

“I am sad I’ve lost my privacy.

It is the position that counts – it is understandable because it is the presidency. I value my privacy. I have enough accolades in my life to last me a lifetime. I need not be president to fulfill any dream in life,” he said.

Duterte ticked off his list of priority programs he wishes to implement if elected president, including the streamlining of the government bureaucracy.

He said he is also very clear in his desire to reduce crime and eliminate drugs.

Duterte vowed to prioritize much-needed infrastructure in the country, especially the ports and airports as well as key roads, particularly in Metro Manila. (With report from Sheila Crisostomo)

RESTIVE. Kanlaon Volcano, among the country’s most active, spewed out steam and an ash plume on Monday, Nov. 23, causing Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to raise the level 1 alert. Kanlaon Volcano has erupted 26 times since 1919 and its eruptions have been characterized mostly by phreatic explosions and ash fall.

Inquirer.net photo

US, PH to work out deal on Pemberton…

PAGE A3 t

decision as they should under any democratic system, which has a separation of power, on the basis of constitutional issues, on the basis of legal issues because the SC is the interpretive body for legal issues, so you don’t lobby in the Supreme Court. We don’t do that in the US. We don’t do it here,” Goldberg stressed.

Washington is pushing for the implementation of the EDCA, saying “it is not tied to the West

Philippine Sea (South China Sea) issue but to the country’s capability to develop minimum credible defense.”

The Philippines is set to receive a “high amount” of foreign military funding in 2016 after receiving $79 million in bilat-

eral assistance from the US this year.

US President Barack Obama has promised that a big part of the $140 million in foreign military funding in the region in 2016 would go to the Philippines. n

US hikes military aid to…

PAGE A2 t

vehicles were also due for delivery next year.

The Pentagon has announced it is committing $119 million this year to help develop Southeast Asian maritime capabilities and will provide $140 million next year to allies, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Goldberg defended the US Navy’s freedom-of-navigation patrol near at least one of China’s artificial islands in the Spratly archipelago on Oct. 27.

The patrol angered China, which called it “US provocation.”

Goldberg said the US actions in the South China Sea came in two folds.

“One is to stress that we are interested in the peaceful solution to the issue. What the Philippines is doing is very consistent with that,” he said.

The second, he said, is beefing up the defense capability of the Philippines through the Mutual Defense Treaty between the two countries. n

Amid terror threats, PH team…

PAGE A1 t

a warmer world.

De Guzman said the Filipinos going to Paris are “fully prepared to negotiate and also fully prepared to deal with any emergencies for any possible scenario that may arise.”

He said the team has a contingency plan that includes identified areas for convergence in

case of an emergency.

De Guzman said there was never any talk of postponing the summit after the Nov. 13 attack in Paris where extremists belonging to the Islamic State killed more than 100 people.

“No, I talked to [French Ambassador Thierry Mathou]. He said this is the safest time now in Paris,” he said. n

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

Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 1, 2015

A

Sacramento man charged for using Filipino kids for porn shoot SACRAMENTO, California — A Sacramento man has been charged with paying Filipino guardians for temporary custody of their children and using them to create pornography.

Michael Carey Clemans, 55, was indicted on four counts related to conspiracy to produce child porn, the Eastern District of California U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

According to court documents, Clemans worked with a woman in the Philippines starting in June 2014 to produce the sexually explicit photos of children. At the time, Clemans lived

ENDANGERED. More than half the world’s primates, including apes, lemurs and monkeys, are facing extinction, international experts warned on Tuesday, Nov. 24, as they called for urgent action to protect mankind’s closest living relatives. The Philippine tarsier joined the most endangered list for the first time.

Inquirer.net photo

LA County pushes for Internet access for…

PAGE A1 t

The five-member board voted unanimously to join the California Emerging Technology Fund’s campaign to urge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a comprehensive Lifeline program, which will lower the cost of broadband service, reported the Los Angeles Times.

The program would enhance overall digital literacy among the

needy and underprivileged communities.

“Technology is a key component of our economy, and it is unconscionable that so many county residents lack access to broadband,” said Supervisor Hilda Solis, who co-wrote the motion passed on Tuesday, Nov. 24 by the board. “These individuals are being marginalized and ignored.”

The Board’s support comes as

US issues worldwide travel…

PAGE A1 t

crowded places. ror attacks will continue as Extremists have targeted large members of [Islamic State] re- sporting events, open markets, turn from Syria and Iraq,” the aviation services and theaters, department said. “Additionally, the department said. Multiple atthere is a continuing threat from tacks have occurred in the past unaffiliated persons planning at- year in France, Nigeria, Dentacks inspired by major terrorist mark, Turkey and Mali. organizations but conducted on In addition to the recent Paris an individual basis.” attacks, the Islamic State has also The department did not sug- claimed responsibility for the gest that people stop traveling, bombing of a Russian airliner in pagetoHORIZONTAL but urged 1/16 citizens exercise Egypt on Oct. 31, which resulted vigilance in public places and in the deaths of more than 224 3.75”HIt also people. when using3.87”W transportation. advised individuals to be aware The travel alert will remain in of their immediate surround- effect until Feb. 24, 2016. (Agnes ings and avoid large crowds or Constante/AJPress)

NO-COST Accounting Training Job Training

Small Business Owners

Eligibility x Seeking Job in Accounting x Resident or Citizen Program x Computerized Accounting (Bookkeeping/QuickBooks/Excel)

x 10 weeks (M-F classes)

Eligibility x Owner or Spouse x 1 -10 Full-Time Employees x E-2 Visa, Ok Program W-x Business Management

(Bookkeeping/QuickBooks, Retirement Plan, Savings on Taxes)

x 13 weeks (weekend or weeknights)

I-20s Issued for International Students

Accounting (AA) | Computer Information Systems | Computer Graphic Design | ESL

Los Angeles Pacific College

3325 Wilshire Blvd., #550 | Los Angeles, CA 90010 | lapacific.edu T (213) 384-2318 | F 384-0419 | info@lapacific.net

Nationally Accredited Institution

the FCC has been taking steps to revamp the original Lifeline program, established nearly 30 years ago to provide phone service to low-income Americans.

County commissioners have recently committed to restructuring the program, and focus on increasing access to broadband, calling it “essential to participation in modern society.”

The Board also supports lowering the price of broadband Internet to $10 per household, with qualifying customers eligible for a $9.25 reimbursement. Eligibili-

u PAGE A6

in Bangkok, where he worked as an airline pilot.

When he moved back to Sacramento in April, Clemans allegedly continued to work with the woman by working out various strategies to find young girls to engage in sexually explicit actions, court documents said.

Clemans allegedly gave the woman thousands of dollars so she could buy photo equipment and set up the photo shoots with the girls, according to court documents. During some conversations, Clemans expressed “his desire to have sex with girls as young as 8 years old.”

Court documents show Clemans paid the guardians of the Filipino children so he could get temporary custody of the kids and produce child pornography.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Clemans was arrested in July. (U.S. Customs agents, on a tip Clemans may be possessing child pornography, also detained him last April after flew into San Francisco International Airport from Tokyo. Agents found 18 images on his iPad and he was arrested immediately.) If convicted, he faces a maximum punishment of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. (Inquirer.net)

US probes PH for ‘dumping’ cheap steel pipes THE Philippines and four other countries are being investigated for allegedly “dumping” cheap steel pipes in the United States, which local manufacturers there claimed have affected profits.

In a notice, the US Department of Commerce said it has initiated anti-dumping duty (AD) investigations against the Philippines, Oman, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam on their circular welded carbon-quality steel pipe exports.

“Dumping” occurs when a product is sold to the US below its fair value.

The probe was initiated after the agency received com-

plaints from American firms Bull Moose Tube Co. from Chesterfield, Missouri; Exltube based in Kansas City, Missouri; Wheatland Tube from Chicago, Illinois; and Western Tube and Conduit from Long Beach, California.

According to the US Department of Commerce, existing laws there provide American businesses and workers with a transparent and internationally accepted mechanism to be able to seek relief from market-distorting effects caused by injurious dumping and unfair subsidization of imports. This allows local firms to compete on a level playing field.

The US International Trade

Commission (ITC) is expected to release its preliminary injury determination on or before Dec. 14, 2015.

If the ITC sees there is reasonable indication that the imports “materially injure or threaten material injury to the domestic industry,” a formal investigation will proceed.

US data showed the Philippines exported around 25,800 metric tons (MT), valued at $18.58 million, in 2014. While the value of the imports was lower by 8.6 percent compared to the previous year, the volume was slightly higher by 1.6 percent from the 25,400 MT that the Philippines exported in 2013. (Inquirer.net)

A NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 1, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

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

American seeks speedy ruling on ‘tanim-bala’ case

by MAricAr

b. brizuElA

Inquirer.net

THE American national accused of sneaking a bullet into the airport—but who later complained of extortion and helped put the alleged “tanim-bala” (bullet-planting) scam in the national limelight—asked a Pasay City court on Wednesday to speed up the resolution of the case against him, saying it had taken its toll on his health and his family.

Ernesto Arellano, legal counsel of Lane Michael White, said the case had left his client’s family “financially dislocated,” as he asked Judge Pedro de Leon Gutierrez of Pasay Regional Court Branch 119 to soon rule whether the 20-year-old violated the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. White was caught allegedly carrying a .22-cal. bullet in his luggage at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sept 17. He, his father Ryan who is a Christian missionary, and stepmother Eloisa Zoleta were then scheduled to fly to Coron, Palawan province, where they were planning to build a church.

Baggage inspectors Ma. Elma Cena and Marvin Garcia reported finding the bullet through an X-ray scanner at the domestic terminal. Denying the allegation, the American spent the next six days at the detention cell of the Aviation Security Command (Avsecom) of the Philippine National Police before he could post bail at P40,000.

His family, however, later claimed that SPO2 Rolando Clarin of Avsecom asked White to cough up P30,000 in exchange for his release, and that he was detained because he refused.

His case and that of several other passengers gave rise to the tanim-bala controversy, which later prompted a Senate inquiry

MISSION DELAYED, LIFE DISRUPTED Lane Michael White attendsWednesday’s hearing in a Pasay City court where he is charged with illegal possession of ammunition, an accusation that the 20-year-old American refutes by telling his ordeal as a “victim” of the socalled “tanimbala” (bullet-planting) extortion scheme at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Maricar Brizuela/Inquirer.net

and even responses from Malacañang. Earlier this week, President Aquino expressed doubts over the existence of such an organized extortion scheme and said the issue was sensationalized by the media.

“I hope the case gets dismissed soon so we can go back home,” White, who hails from Florida, told reporters Wednesday.

He said he had lost weight since his legal problems began and that he had just recovered from dengue fever. The Whites are currently staying with Zoleta’s mother in Parañaque City.

Arellano said that once the case is dismissed, the family would fly straight to Palawan to resume their missionary work.

According to the family’s Facebook page “White’s Mission,” the Whites had sold some of their properties in Florida to establish a ministry in the country and that White quit his job at a glass factory to help his parents with their plans in Palawan.

The Pasay City case, however, has put these plans on hold.

Cena and Garcia, the Naia bag inspectors, did not show up in the two hearings conducted by the court, though they submitted a reply through their lawyer insisting that the case should proceed.

In his Nov. 11 motion to have the case dismissed, Arellano argued that his client was victimized by a tanim-bala scam. He noted, for example, that security videos submitted in court showed White’s bag going through the Xray machine more than five times before the bullet was spotted on the monitor.

“Garcia was also using his bare hands when searching the luggage instead of letting the owner unpack his belongings to check for the suspicious item,” Arellano added.

Judge Gutierrez gave White’s camp three days to reply to the airport inspectors’ comment.

“Upon submission of the said reply, this motion to dismiss the case filed by the accused will be submitted for resolution,” he said. n

THE AQUINO LEGACY. President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the book launching of “The Aquino Legacy: An Enduring Narrative” at the Writers’ Bar of the Raffles Hotel in One Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati City on Thursday, Nov. 26.

Malacañang photo by Lauro Montellano Jr.

El Niño to bring heavy rains, snow The superstorm likely to drench key California drought zone

by Allyson

EscobAr

AJPress

ONE of the most powerful El Niño storms on record is gathering strength in California, and is likely to bring heavy rains to key areas in the north that provide water for the rest of the state.

According to a new forecast, the area around Lake Oroville, California’s second-largest reservoir, will have above-normal precipitation, over a 40 percent chance (up more than 33 percent chance in last month’s forecast).

San Francisco also has more than a 50 percent shot of wetterthan-average winter, said the Los Angeles Times.

Forecasters say that El Niño will not completely eliminate the state’s four-year drought, though the season’s heavy rainfall would be welcoming especially in dry regions in the north.

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

“Over a 25-year period, over the long term, El Niño provides only 7% of our water. So as much as we’re hyping it, it’s not a big player,” said Bill Patzert, a climatologist with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Cañada Flintridge. “It’s fast and President Benigno Aquino III and his sister Maria Elena Aquino-Cruz, right, greet U.S. President furious, but it’s too irregular–the Barack Obama to the welcome dinner at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit gap between El Niños is too long in Manila, Philippines Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015.

AP/Bullit Marquez to build any statues to El Niño to have for the military, which was phoons in the early 2010s, likely be a drought-buster. If we were at 82 percent. Confidence in the helped spur higher confidence in going to build a drought-buster national government, meanwhile, the military among the Filipino public,” Gallup noted. was at 69 percent.

The survey’s results were “As a result of internal and external threats, Philippines Presi- based on 1,001 face-to-face interdent Benigno Aquino III embarked views in the Philippines in May PAGE A5 t on a military modernization effort 2015 among people aged 15 and ty could be based on “current enshortly after taking office in 2010. older. The margin of sampling rollment in low-income state and This effort, along with military error is ±3.7 percentage points at federal programs or an income and government involvement in the 95 percent confidence level. below twice the federal poverty level,” the Board recommended. reconstruction after massive ty- (Philstar.com)

Survey: 64% of Pinoys approve of US leadership MANILA – Nearly two in three Filipinos approve of the leadership of the United States of America, US-based pollster Gallup revealed.

According to Gallup, 64 percent of Filipinos look favorably toward the current US leadership, in stark contrast to 65 percent of Filipinos who disapprove of China.

“The Philippines maintains long-standing ties to the US, despite the US being forced to vacate Subic Bay Naval Base and Clark Air Base about 24 years ago,” Gallup said.

The pollster added that the US has maintained a Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines since 1951 and recently negotiated an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between with the Philippines.

US President Barack Obama recently attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Manila on November 18, where he reiterated his country’s “ironclad” commitment to defend the Philippines in the face of Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. The same poll results showed massive confidence Filipinos

statue downtown, it would be North Pacific storms or Pineapple Expresses.”

LA continues to have more than a 60 percent probability of a wet winter during January, February and March of next year.

“Not only are we getting closer to winter, but El Niño is maintaining its strength and getting even stronger,” said Matthew Rosencrans, head of operations for the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center. “From the latest observation, it’s still on an upward trend, not even topping out right now.”

The tropical storm is occurring in the Pacific has been the effect of climbing ocean temperatures west of Peru, and due to “trade winds” that allow warm water to flow eastward toward the Americas, allowing El Niño to gain more strength, and double California’s chances of storms, floods, and heavy rainfall.

Thanks in part to El Niño, a series of strong storms have blanketed the Sierra Nevada Mountains with snow. Another storm this week is expected to deliver another layer of heavy white stuff, making the Sierras a popular destination for skiers.

“This is the earliest the ski resorts have been opened in many years... They rarely open before Thanksgiving,” added Patzert.

Experts say the snow boom should continue into next year thanks to El Niño rains, which is expected to dump large amounts of heavy snow across the mountains.

The first fall storm that hit earlier this month left up to 36

inches of snow on the summit of Mammoth Mountain, and 18 inches at Lake Tahoe.

“The new storm expected to dust the state Tuesday and Wednesday will drop up to another 18 inches,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Nathan Owen. “Mountain passes may be closed or buried and visibility will be limited. But after the snow passes, the cold will remain.”

These early season storms are a sign of the upcoming El Niño, experts say. “Though the storms originated in the Gulf of Alaska, the fact they reached Northern California and with so much snow indicates El Niño’s water-warming influence has reduced the high-pressure system that usually deflects them,” said Patzert.

Officials warned skiers, snowboarders, and other resort dwellers to beware of avalanches.

Avalanches occur when snow builds up and forms a cornice, sending overhanging snow crashing down the mountain.

Navigating dense, snow-packed mountains requires skill and experience and should be attempted only in pairs, said Inyo County Sheriff William Lutze. Fatalities in the snowy region are “not uncommon.”

“If it doesn’t look safe, it’s not safe,” Lutze added.

The Climate Prediction Center said that there is a 95 percent chance El Niño will persist through the spring, already rivaling two of the most powerful tropical storms on record, in 1982-83 and 1997-98. n

LA County pushes for Internet access…

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

Allison Aquino-Silva, Esq.

Richard M. Loew, Esq.

Join Us On LA18 Kababayan Today (KSCI Channel 18)

Tuesday, 12/01/15 from 3:30 - 4:00 PST as Atty. Aquino-Silva & Atty. Loew Answer

Your Immigration Questions LIVE Call-In Number: (800) 553-5724 625 Fair Oaks Avenue, Suite 101 | South Pasadena, California 91030 (626) 799-3089 | (888) 797-1140

info@aquinoloew.com | www.aquinoloew.com

Consultations Available in Office, Telephone or Skype Evening & Weekend Consultations Available Hablamos español | Kami po ay nagsasalita ng tagalog

Another recommendation the county supervisors supported is having the FCC allow states to establish their own broadband Lifeline programs that can field complains, and also work in tandem or supplement federal initiatives. Under current law, California’s Public Utility Commission needs to be authorized by the FCC to resolve complaints, LA Times said.

“Undergirding the county leaders’ support for expanding the lifeline programs is the increasing prevalence of digital technology in the economy and social programs.”

Of over 10 million residents in Los Angeles County, 76 percent have broadband access at home, according to a 2015 survey by the Field Research Corporation for the California Emerging Technology Fund. Of those, just 10 percent get broadband service only though their smartphones.

Demographic groups targeted by the Lifeline program have a much lower broadband usage, “creating a barrier to socioeconomic mobility,” county leaders said.

About 44 percent of adults over age 65 and about half of those with disabilities lack broadband access at home, the Field Research Corp. reported.

The Board of Supervisors’ campaign supports greater enrollment for those eligible for the program, and for it to bring overall broadband usage up to 90 percent of Americans by 2020.

“In today’s widely wired world, it’s virtually impossible to get a job or access healthcare information without an Internet connection,” said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, who co-wrote the measure with Solis.

About 12 million households participated in last year’s Lifeline telephone program, which started in 1985 and is funded by a small subsidy fee on consumers’ monthly phone bills. The program fees offset the cost of a land line or a wireless phone line.

In support of the California Emerging Technology Fund, the Board of Supervisors agreed to lobby the FCC to enact a more comprehensive, inexpensive, and far-reaching broadband program for low-income families and those with disabilities. n

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

Dateline USa

Nearly 5K immigrant minors crossed the US border in October

by Allyson

EscobAr

AJPress

ACCORDING to US Customs and Border Protection data, nearly 5,000 unaccompanied immigrant children were caught crossing the US border with Mexico in October of this year, almost double the number from last year.

In the figures released Tuesday, Nov. 24, the number of family members crossing together nearly tripled from October 2014, from 2,162 to 6,029.

Despite expectations of lower numbers due to the colder winter months, a stronger law enforcement along the border, and efforts

by Mexican authorities to stem the stream of Central American migrants, the number of fleeing minors along with their families has grown tremendously.

Though tens of thousands of women and children from Central America were caught at the border during summer 2014, that number had dropped by nearly half during the 2015 federal fiscal year ending Sept. 30, according to Fox News.

“The 4,973 unaccompanied children who were caught at the border last month is the highest number that Washington, D.C.based think tank Washington Office on Latin America has recorded for October since their records began in 2009,” said Adam Isacson, a border expert and senior analyst.

“The high numbers buck the typical trends of crossings peaking in spring then declining through summer and fall,” Isacson said. However, an uptick in families and children crossing in July has caused numbers to stay at over 4,000 each month since.

“Rather than a big jump, it’s been a steady burn,” he said.

“I think we are almost in crisis mode with this many months of sustained arrivals.”

Most children and families trying to cross the border in October were from El Salvador, a tiny country where increased violence has averaged 30 murders a day in August. Previously, Guatemala had the most families and children apprehended at the border, said US Customs and Border Protection.

While the Rio Grande Valley remains the center of migration flows in Texas, immigrants are starting to venture farther west

of that area. The number of unaccompanied children caught in Del Rio sector jumped from 120 to 237, while 187 children were apprehended in the remote Big Bend area, up from just 13 last year.

According to internal intelligence files from the Homeland Security Department, most families who were interviewed told the federal border patrol agency officials that smugglers

decided where they would try to cross. They reported that the cost ranged from about $5,000 to cross the border near Matamoros or Reynosa, Mexico, across the border from the Rio Grande Valley, but was about $1,500 to $2,000 to cross near Ciudad Acuna, across the river from Del Rio. The White House administration was caught off guard by the sudden surge of children and

u PAGE A8

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 1, 2015

A

A NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 1, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

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

thiS Week in RevieW US Crowds thin on Black Friday AS the Thanksgiving holiday wound down and the early hours of Black Friday began (some stores, like Best Buy, as early as 5:00pm on Thursday), the crowds were thinner at US stores and shopping malls due to earlier holiday discounts and cold, rainy weather. Major retail stocks including Target and Wal-Mart fell in early trading, and in competition with Amazon.com, many online retailers have extended their holiday deals to before and after the Thanksgiving holiday. Shoppers in the US spent more than $1 billion online, 22 percent more than last year, according to the Adobe Digital Index.

Trend analysts say that the stores opening earlier and extending deals has hurt Black Friday sales in previous years. The National Retail Federation is expecting holiday sales to rise 3.7 percent, slower than last year’s 4.1 percent growth rate, due to stagnant wages and unemployment. Some stores like sporting goods retailer REI closed its doors for the holiday, prompting its 12,000 employees to “Opt Outside” instead while still being paid for the day, and encouraging other companies to join them.

Don’t forget small businesses, too THE Saturday following Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday--an often-overlooked shopping holiday, founded in 2010 in response to the pressing need for more customers in small, brick-andmortar shops often located downtown and in popular shopping plazas. “Shopping small” is widely encouraged among communities, restaurants, art centers, brands and businesses, and support has grown extraordinarily. 55 percent of US consumers reported they are aware of the holiday, according to the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey. In the 2014 holiday season, 88 million consumers shopped small on Small Business Saturday--up 14.9 percent from 2013--and consumers spent $14.3 billion at local and independent businesses. According to the survey, 83 percent of consumers say that Small Business Saturday inspires them to support their local shops all year long.

United Nations: 2015 is ‘the hottest year on record’ THE World Meteorological Organization, the weather agency for the United Nations, announced that Earth’s latest wild weather is quickly breaking the annual heat record. Earth has been so extraordinarily hot, and unlikely to cool down enough to not set a record, WMO officials say. The warn temperatures are the result of heat-trapping gases that come from burning coal, oils, and gasses.

The powerful tropical storm El Nino is also adding to warm water temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. “This is all bad news for the planet,” said the WMO secretary-general, Michel Jarraud, adding that it is likely that the world has now warmed by 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit (a degree Celsius), over pre-industrial times. The number is dangerously close to international leaders’ goal of keeping global warming within 3.6 F (2 degrees C).

E. coli outbreak in multiple states linked to Costco FEDERAL and state health agencies investigating a multi-state outbreak of E. coli have discovered the infection has been linked to rotisserie chicken salad sold at Costco. The specific ingredient in the salad has not been identified. Though the number of people sickened by the tainted chicken salad is small, health officials are concerned because of the large quantities (and large groups of people) in which Costco products are often sold to. So far, five of the people affected have been hospitalized, and two have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (a type of kidney failure), and no deaths have been reported. Incidents of the illness have been reported in California, Colorado, Missouri, Montana, Virginia, Utah, and Washington, and are also linked to a strain that caused several illnesses last month in some Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants.

US jobless claims fall more than expected THE number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell more than expected, back to near 42-year lows in the tightened labor market conditions. Initial claims for state employment benefits declined 12,000 to a seasonally adjusted 260,000 for the week ending Nov. 21st, according to the Labor Department. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast claims dipping to 270,000 last week.

The claims report also showed the number of people still receiving benefits after an initial week of aid increased 34,000. The four-week average of continuing claims rose 8,750 between the October and November survey periods, suggesting a hold for the unemployment rate likely at 7 and ½-year low of 5 percent for this month.

Nearly 5K immigrant minors crossed…

PAGE A7 t

families in 2014, and has made several efforts to curb the heavy flow of people crossing the border, including mass media campaigns in Central America to scare people out of attempting the dangerous journey.

US Customs and Border Pro-

tection said in a statement this week that “the campaigns are still in place,” and highlight that “those attempting to come here illegally are a top priority for removal.”

Immigrant families who were caught crossing the border between July and September told

US immigration agents that they made the dangerous trip in part because they felt they were likely to succeed, according to the intelligence files. Immigrants spoke of “permisos,” or passes, that they believed would allow them to remain in the United States. n

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

Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 1, 2015

A

Sanders’ plan would allow nearly 9 million immigrants to apply for deferred action

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

PLUNDER COMPLAINT. Two journalists have filed a plunder complaint against former Antique Gov. Exequiel Javier and his son, Rep. Paolo Everardo Javier, for alleged rigging of projects and ill-gotten wealth. Radio commentators Wilson Geronimo and Modesto Montano filed the plunder complaint on Friday, Nov. 27 before the Office of the Ombudsman, vowing to be critical journalists who chose not to stay silent.

Inquirer.net photo by Marc Jayson Cayabyab

Fil-Am teen killed in traffic accident in Pacifica, California

PACIFICA, Calif. – Joshua De la Cruz Salas, 17, was killed Monday, November 22, when an SUV hit him in a crosswalk in this city a few miles south of San Francisco.

Salas was walking home from school and was in a crosswalk on state Highway 35, also known as Skyline Boulevard,

near the intersection with Glencourt Way at 3:25 p.m., Pacifica police said.

The driver of the SUV driver made a left turn onto Skyline from King Drive and didn’t see Salas, said a police spokesman.

Salas was pinned under the SUV and died at the scene.

The SUV driver, a man in his

mid 30s, stayed at the scene and cooperated with the investigation, Spanheimer said. There was no indication he had been driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Salas’ mother tried to find him when he didn’t arrive home on time and met police at the scene of the accident. n

Sacramento man charged for using Filipino kids for porn shoot SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Sacramento man has been charged with paying Filipino guardians for temporary custody of their children and using them to create pornography.

Michael Carey Clemans, 55, was indicted on four counts related to conspiracy to produce child porn, the Eastern District of California U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

According to court documents, Clemans worked with a woman in the Philippines starting in June 2014 to produce the sexually explicit photos of children. At the time, Clemans lived

in Bangkok, where he worked as an airline pilot.

When he moved back to Sacramento in April, Clemans allegedly continued to work with the woman by working out various strategies to find young girls to engage in sexually explicit actions, court documents said.

Clemans allegedly gave the woman thousands of dollars so she could buy photo equipment and set up the photo shoots with the girls, according to court documents. During some conversations, Clemans expressed “his desire to have sex with girls as young as 8 years old.”

Court documents show Clemans paid the guardians of the Filipino children so he could get temporary custody of the kids and produce child pornography.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Clemans was arrested in July. (U.S. Customs agents, on a tip Clemans may be possessing child pornography, also detained him last April after flew into San Francisco International Airport from Tokyo. Agents found 18 images on his iPad and he was arrested immediately.) If convicted, he faces a maximum punishment of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. n

DEMOCRATIC presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has promised to take executive action on immigration if elected in 2016 to permit undocumented immigrants who have been in the United States for at least five years to remain in the country without fear of deportation.

His plan, called “Families First,” would affect nearly 9 million individuals.

“As we gather with our loved ones to give thanks, we should reflect on the fact that not all families will be so lucky,” Sanders said in a statement on Tuesday, Nov. 24. “Millions of families are torn apart by our broken immigration policies. We cannot forget about the aspiring Americans who continue to live in the shadows.

The Vermont senator said modernizing America’s immigration system would be a top priority in a Sanders administration, which would create a path to citizenship for the approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country. Under his plan, he said he would expand Obama’s executive actions - the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) programs.

“I will not stand idly by waiting around for a dysfunctional Congress to act. Instead, during the

Fil-Am missing in Oregon found dead SAN FRANCISCO – A body pulled from the Willamette River Monday, November 22, has been identified as 33-year-old Eugene Vibar, who went missing since Halloween.

Multnomah County Deputies found the body just south of the Fremont Bridge near the east bank. The Medical Examiner said there were no signs of foul play and the cause of death was ruled as drowning. The manner of death is still being determined.

Vibar was a landscaper for Dennis’ 7 Dees and was popular with fellow volunteers at The City Repair Project, a nonprofit that creates green gathering spaces around the Portland area and other projects. (Inquirer.net)

first 100 days of my administration I will take extensive action to accomplish what Congress has failed to do and build upon President Obama’s executive orders,” Sanders said in the statement.

Although Sanders vowed to take executive action in the short term, he also said he would work with Congress to create a permanent road to citizenship for America’s undocumented immigrants, who he referred to as “aspiring Americans.” He said he would seek a five-year path to citizenship for those residing in the United States illegally.

Other provisions under the senator’s plan include allowing undocumented immigrants with relief under the DREAM Act to receive financial aid and qualify for in-state tuition if they satisfy a state’s residency requirements; allow undocumented immigrants to purchase health insurance through exchanges created by the Affordable Care Act; put an end to for-profit and family detention centers; minimize financial fees and penalties associated with applying for immigration relief; make it easier for immigrants to access the judicial system; close loopholes that allow federal agencies to use racial and ethnic profiling at the border; and increase oversight of key Department of Homeland Security agencies to protect against fraud, waste and abuse.

Looking ahead, Sanders’ plan for the future flow of immigrants is focused on keeping families together, protecting women from discrimination, strengthening and expanding support for refugees, ending the economic exploitation of immigrant workers and reducing health care costs.

In his plan, Sanders also touched on his own status as the son of an immigrant.

“My father came to this country from Poland without a nickel in his pocket. Their story, my story, our story, our story is the story of America: hardworking families coming to the United States to create a brighter future for their children.”

Along with Sanders, Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Martin O’Malley have also been prioritizing immigration in their campaigns, appealing to the party’s growing segment of Latino voters.

Conversely, Republican presidential candidate front-runner Donald Trump has proposed deporting the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in America, which Sanders said is “unjust.”

The proposal comes several days following the Obama administration filed an appeal to the Supreme Court to review its plan to shield millions of immigrants in the country illegally from deportation. n

A10 NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 1, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

OpiniOn

Features

ISIS in the Philippines?

FIVE black flags similar to those used by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria were found at the site of an encounter the other day between the military and eight members of a bandit group in Sultan Kudarat. The eight were killed in the encounter, with one of them reported to be one of the men wanted for the deadly nightclub bombings in Bali, Indonesia in 2002.

The Bali bombings were blamed on the Southeast Asian terror cell Jemaah Islamiyah, which in the Philippines has long enjoyed protection from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. JI members have operated with the Abu Sayyaf and other armed groups so the presence in Sultan Kudarat of a terrorist wanted for the Bali bombing was not surprising.

A source of concern for security officials was the presence of the black flags. Has ISIS gained a foothold in the Philippines? Security officials say there are reports that members of the Abu Sayyaf and certain criminal gangs in Mindanao have pledged allegiance to ISIS, but so far there is no verified direct link between Philippine armed groups and the extremists responsible for a string of large-scale terrorist attacks in the past weeks in France, Mali

and Egypt.

While there may be no direct link, ISIS provides inspiration to extremists around the world. The Abu Sayyaf, which is believed to have earned hundreds of millions in ransom for kidnapped foreigners since last year alone, may have no need for funding and logistics support from ISIS. But other armed threats such as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters can use money, arms and training in the ways of mass destruction from the Islamic State.

ISIS has shown its capability for ruthless mass murder. In the Philippines where Islamist extremists have operated for decades, it is prudent to consider the likelihood of ISIS influencing more violent activities. Every effort must be made to prevent this from happening. (Philstar.com)

Guest Editorial

Philst ar.com photo

Quotes that remind us about the essence of Thanksgiving

More than Christmas, Thanksgiving Day is perhaps the holiday that compels many families to come home and spend time with their folks. There is no pressure about giving gifts -- just a pure bonding moment over food and family memories.

During this special Thanksgiving weekend, let me share with you some of my favorite quotes about gratitude that I reflect on. I gathered these from numerous sources and I picked those that resonate with me. Indeed, a grateful heart is a happy, peaceful, loving heart.

Have a happy Thanksgiving holiday!

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” — 1 Chronicles 16:34 “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”

— William Arthur Ward “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”

— Epicurus “If a fellow isn’t thankful for what he’s got, he isn’t likely to be thankful for what he’s going to get.” — Frank A. Clark “If the only prayer you said in your whole life

was, “thank you,” that would suffice.” — Meister Eckhart The Fil-Am “There is no such thing as gratitude unexpressed. If it is unex- Perspective pressed, it is plain, old-fashioned ingratitude.” — Robert Brault “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t Gel SantoS-ReloS have, you will never, ever have enough.” — Oprah Winfrey “Gratitude should not be just a reaction to getting what you want, but an all-the-time gratitude, the kind where you notice the little things and where you constantly look for the good, even in unpleasant situations. Start bringing gratitude to your experiences, instead of waiting for a positive experience in order to feel grateful.” — Marelisa Fábrega “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” — Melody Beattie “Real life isn’t always going to be perfect or go

our way, but the recurring acknowledgment of what is working in our lives can help us not only to survive but surmount our difficulties.” — Sarah Ban Breathnach “Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting.” — Author Unknown “Both abundance and lack exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend… when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present — love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure — the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience Heaven on earth.” –Sarah Ban Breathnach “Be Thankful Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire, If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something

For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.”

-Author Unknown *** 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

Palates sing and give thanks to Chef Romy Dorotan “WHEN asked to describe Romy’s Rhizomes [Dorotan] cooking, I often say, “It’s fusion but coming from the other direction.” By that I mean he’s not a Western chef who Prosy AbArquezwent to Thailand on DelAcruz, J.D. a cruise and discovered lemongrass. For starters, Filipino food is, by its very nature, fusion – a mix of Asian cuisines and, reflecting its colonial past, Spanish with some Mexican thrown in (for nearly three hundred years, the Spaniards ran their colony through the viceroyalty of Acapulco).

Add to that Romy’s experience at one of Manhattan’s first modern fine-dining restaurants—the pioneering Hubert’s.

There, he picked up precise Frenchinspired technique and a willingness to experiment that has kept him in the vanguard of Manhattan—make that American dining ever since. Then, there’s Amy’s [Besa] unflagging and infectious good cheer, which keeps you smiling through dinner. She is also the self-appointed, and universally acknowledged, den mother of Asian chefs in America. Thai, Cambodian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Keralan, Malaysian—whenever there is an Asian chef doing something new and interesting, Amy is sure to invite him or her to prepare a meal for adventurous diners.

— Peter Kaminsky, formerly New York Magazine’s “Underground Gourmet.”

Have you ever had a dining experience many years ago that you fully remember how it was exceptional, enough to make you come back to eat, twice in that day? Only one restaurant has done it for me: Cendrillon (French for Cinderella) in SoHo, New York, owned by Romy Dorotan and Amy Besa. Now metamorphosed into Purple Yam in Brooklyn, it continues to delight palates and even exceeded my expectations.

It was in April 2007 when my cousins, Alfred and Mila, tried this restau-

rant, Cendrillon in ates in those tropical shores and bringSoHo, with me. It was ing the knowledge back again with us then, a favorite restau- to Purple Yam.” On Sept. 2015, Purple Yam was rant of New York Magazine’s “Underground named one of Michelin’s Best 133 Gourmet”, and also New York Restaurants for 2016. As by acclaimed Martha if that was not enough, on Sept. 7 to Stewart, who enjoyed 13, 2015, Purple Yam-Brooklyn’s chef, the purple and green Romy Dorotan became a guest chef at fresh lumpia, with De Karpendonkse Hoeve, a Michelin crepes made with purple yam (ube) and star restaurant in Netherlands, along pandan (green). Later, Romy even be- with the upcoming chefs of Purple Yam came her guest chef on Martha Stew- – Malate. Both restaurants have innovative menus, using organically sourced art’s cooking show.

At Cendrillon, we feasted on black produce, meats, fish, seafood, grains seafood paella with black heirloom rice and heirloom rice.

From Los Angeles to Brooklyn cooked in a clay pot, mussels, calaOn October 30, 2015, four Los Angemari and huge prawns, sinigang, karekare and okoy. But when the bibingka les-based artists, along with two friends (made with coconut, milk, gouda and from New Jersey, and a jewelry designfeta cheese, salted egg and eggs) was er from Florida, were greeted warmly served, our palates sang with joy, lit- by Chef Romy Dorotan. We had no idea erally. Ollie, a friend who came along, what our chef’s meal would be like.

It was a journey of about 12 hours brought more bibingka to take back to Washington, DC, such that the next day, from Los Angeles to Brooklyn, traverswe had a conversation about our great ing land, busy airports, airspace, and dining experience at Cendrillon.

Cendrillon had a spectacular run of 13 years. Amy elegantly stated their journey and vision: “Cinderella was a great metaphor for the Philippines because she eventually goes to the ball and is the most beautiful star of the evening. But it was time to move on.

After the ball, what next? It was time for growth and renewed excitement for what we eat.

And this would mean turning our eyes toward the The roasted boer goat (from Highwood Farm in New York), marinated in lemongrass, home country, im- galangal, garlic, shallots and turmeric, served with adobo dip and chile/turmeric Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. mersing our pal- oil and coconut milk dip.

Chef Romy Dorotan with Hydee Abrahan-Ursolino

busy freeways. Famished, we were ready for our palates’ adventure into the wild unknown of organic produce, fresh meats, fresh seafood and a skillful chef imagining how our food should be, closer to the raw state of freshly harvested from Mother Earth.

It is a minimalist restaurant, decorated with split bamboo, superimposed on one another, forming a 3-D wall sculpture. The patio was equally simple, with grown bamboo and lights, giving one a feeling of being home.

Chef Romy delighted our palates. From each course he served, the smells, the array of colors and the outof-this-world flavors took us to a palate satiation summit. One of our favorites

Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D.

was the Cordillera Mountain wild rice, fried with garlic and bagoong. Another was the sea bass sinigang with fresh guavas, pechay, radish, fresh tomatoes, and the artsy flavorful salad of pomegranate seeds, suha, ampalaya, sorrel leaves and radicchio, topped with a light dressing.

Allow these photos, taken by Hydee Ursolino Abrahan, and myself to take your eyes for an imaginary trip to Brooklyn. I challenge you, however, to make an actual visit and experience the warmth, the generosity of spirit, and the culinary geniuses of Chef Romy Dorotan in Brooklyn and Amy Besa’s trained young chefs at Purple Yam in

u PAGE A11

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

ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President

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

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

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

BELLE M. SISON Executive Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal

MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA Senior Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal

IVY MANALANG Vice President - Marketing Los Angeles Asian Journal

SHARON ANN SAN PEDRO Vice President - Sales Balikbayan Magazine

MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor DING CARREON Videographer

DANTE SAMBILAY Art Director

ANDY TECSON/TED TALAG BERT JAURIGUE Photographers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OpiniOn & Features

Palates sing and give thanks to…

PAGE A10 t

Malate. I have now crossed off this bucket list wish, but I know I will also make a return visit. As I write this, one of our friends is already planning a Valentine’s trip to Purple Yam in Brooklyn with her husband.

This Thanksgiving, I express my gratitude to Chef Romy Dorotan and other chefs who adorn their family tables with their hearts, souls, creative minds and physical labor, to make attractive meals with the best flavors for their families to enjoy. I know I have been satiated beyond my expectations by dining at Purple Yam-Brooklyn.

To the Creator up above, who keeps these chefs inspired to do their culinary arts, we give our gratitude for feeding them and us with inspiration, un- First Course bacalao with laing by Hydee Ursolino compromising love and robust imagination. *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for Asian Journal Press for 8 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in the field of science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium and Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, in pursuit of her love for arts.

Sorrel leaves with fennel, radicchio, ampalaya and pomegranate seeds

Sea bass sinigang with guavas, tomatoes, radish and pechay Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D.

Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D.

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 1, 2015

A11

A12 NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 1, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Dateline PhiliPPines

‘2016 polls to boost local economy’

by DElon

Porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA – The general elections in May 2016 will help boost the local economy as local chief executives will be pressured to finish their infrastructure projects to be re-elected, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said on Firday, Nov. 27.

“Performance is always an election platform and political leaders demonstrate that through the delivery of social services and public works projects,” he explained.

Abad issued the statement following the country’s six percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth reflected in the third quarter of the year, where the Philippines slid a notch lower and ranked third in the region, DEFENSE BUDGET. Senate President Franklin M. Drilon (left) confers with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin (middle) and Armed Forces of next to China and Vietnam. the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Hernando Iriberri (right) before the start of the Senate’s deliberation on the proposed 2016 The Philippines used to be the budget of the Department of National Defense (DND). The P172.7 billion budget of the DND, which is 12.1% larger than its P154 billion second best performing economy budget in 2015 on Wednesday, November 25, 2015. The increase is attributed to the continuing modernization of the AFP, especially in its territorial defense capabilities.

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo in Asia after China.

“We have now the momentum after a slow start in the first quarter at five percent, recovery in the second quarter at 5.8 perAll three justice-members of filed by David.

by JEffErson antiPorDa cent, and sustained growth in He noted that the Comelec earthe tribunal gave dissenting votes ManilaTimes.net the third quarter. It’s still poslier agreed to suspend proceedand favored David’s arguments. sible to grow at six percent for LAWYERS for independent The election-offense complaint ings on the case pending the depresidential candidate Sen. Grace filed by David with the Comelec cision of the electoral tribunal is Poe will seek dismissal of an elec- claimed that Poe committed a an indication that the tribunal’s tion-offense complaint filed by “material misrepresentation” ruling is important. radioman Rizalito David against when she filed her certificate of Poe, on November 13, filed her

by EvElyn Macairan the senator with the Commission candidacy (COC) for the 2013 counter-affidavit on the Comelec Philstar.com on Elections (Comelec). case including a request to sussenatorial elections.

Poe’s lawyers will cite a recent He said that aside from mis- pend the proceedings because MANILA – An official from indecision of the Senate Electoral declaring the number of years of the Senate Electoral Tribunal ternational auction house SotheTribunal as basis to move for the her residency in the Philippines, case involves a prejudicial ques- by’s said the Marcos jewelry coldismissal of David’s complaint.

Poe also filed her COC even if tion. lections would fetch high prices George Garcia, Poe’s counsel, she is not a natural-born Filipino A prejudicial question is one if auctioned because the jewelry on Friday said a motion to dismiss citizen. that must be decided before any are of “high quality” and “good will be included in the manifesPoe’s action, according to Da- criminal prosecution may be in- manufacture.” tation they will file on Tuesday, vid, violated Section 74 of the stituted or before it may proceed Brett O’Connor, Sotheby’s seDecember 1, officially informing Omnibus Election Code, which because a decision on that point nior director and jewelry specialthe Comelec’s law department of considers the COC a sworn state- is vital to the eventual judgment ist, on Friday, Nov 27 said the the ruling of the electoral tribu- ment by the person filing it to an- in the case.

Roumeliotes Collection and the nal, which threw out David’s quo nounce his or her candidacy for a The rationale behind the prin- Hawaii Collection of former first warranto petition, that sought particular office. ciple of prejudicial question is to lady Imelda Marcos were “wonthe nullification of the senator’s “We strongly believe that the avoid two conflicting decisions, derful items” and “there is no proclamation as winner in the [Senate Electoral Tribunal] win which warrant the suspension of reason to believe that it would 2013 senatorial elections. means there is no misrepresen- the proceedings before the com- not do well in the auction.”

David also recently filed an ap- tation in the COC she filed when mission, One of the prized pieces from peal and asked the nine-member she ran for the Senate in 2013,” Garcia said they will file their the Hawaii Collection is a 25-carelectoral tribunal to reconsider Garcia said in a statement. memorandum for the three other at pink diamond, which is a bit its ruling. The tribunal on NoSenator Francis Escudero, disqualification cases filed by for- smaller than the P1 coin. vember 17 voted 5-4 and ruled Poe’s running mate, in a sepa- mer senator Francisco Tatad, poThe Presidential Commission that although she is a foundling, rate interview said he believes litical science professor Antonio on Good Government (PCGG) Poe enjoyed the presumption that Comelec would give weight Contreras and former University said the value of the pink diamond that she was born of Filipino par- to the tribunal’s ruling in decid- of the East College of Law Dean alone is estimated at $5 million. ents. ing on the election-offense case Amado Valdez on December 3. n O’Connor has not yet seen the

Poe wants to shoot down DQ case

the whole year of 2015,” Abad said.

“As in the third quarter, public spending will once again play a pivotal role in the economic expansion in the fourth quarter.

Historically, fourth quarter has always been a strong quarter in terms of public spending as agencies rush to finish their projects.

“Because of the reforms introduced, like the elimination of the need for SAROs (Special Allotment Release Orders), the significant reduction of lump sums and the advance procurement of goods and services, the DBM is certain to match its yearly average of 98 percent releases. As of end September, 96 percent of agency budgets have already been released.”

He said government executives will be motivated to improve performance further as the proposed SSL 2015 (Salary Standardization Law) is certain to pass this year, according to both houses of Congress.

“This will double their performance-based bonuses next year,” he added.

Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Operations Office

Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. and presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda welcomed the National Economic and Development Authority’s report of six percent growth in the country’s GDP for the third quarter.

“This is in line with President Aquino’s directives to the executive branch to improve effectiveness in budget execution through vigorous implementation of priority development programs,” Coloma said.

“President Aquino is firmly committed to achieve inclusive growth through continuing investments in public infrastructure and human capital development anchored upon good governance,” he added.

For his part, Lacierda said the GDP growth shows that good governance is good economics, and that reforms have paved the way toward a more businessand investment-friendly environment.

“Under the Aquino administration, the Philippines has increasingly strengthened its position as an important business hub, gaining the trust and confidence of international observers,” he said. n

Marcos jewelry to fetch high prices if auctioned

A rare Briolette or barrel-shaped pink diamond from India’s Golconda region is compared with the size of a one-peso coin during appraisal by Sotheby’s at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Friday, Nov. 27.

AP photo

Malacañang Collection. Sotheby’s and auction house Christie’s are expected to finish their physical appraisal and to submit their reports in two weeks.

PCGG Commissioner Andrew

de Castro said the PCGG wants to exhibit the three collections

by February 2016 in time for the 30th anniversary of the agency.

The PCGG wants to display the

u PAGE A13

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

Dateline PHiliPPineS

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 1, 2015

A13

‘Bangsamoro Bill dead if not passed by December 16’

by JEss

Diaz Philstar.com

IN MEMORY OF NINOY. President Benigno S. Aquino III prays the holy rosary with presidential sister Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz, to commemorate the 83rd birthday of their beloved father, former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City on Friday, Nov. 27.

Malacañang photo by LauroMontellano, Jr.

‘Escort service’ offered at NAIA – BI

by EvElyn

Macairan Philstar.com

MANILA – Aside from the tanim-bala (bullet planting) incidents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned yesterday airline passengers of an ongoing extortion racket in which unscrupulous people would pretend to be Immigration personnel providing “escort service.”

In a statement, BI Commissioner Siegfred Mison said the public, especially overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), should not deal with fake BI agents who are only out to extort money.

The warning came after a post on social media about an airport employee who claimed to be a BI officer and solicited money from an OFW in exchange for escort services.

Earlier this month, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) agents arrested Phil Balicuat and Emmanuel Salvador for posing as BI agents and extorting money from a Malaysian working in Pasay City.

“We do not tolerate such activities within our ranks,” said Mison. “We are appealing to the public to report anyone who tries to extort money by using the name of the bureau. We have been working so hard to improve our services, and we will not let these crooks ruin the name of

Immigration Commissioner Siegfred Mison conducts primary inspection of the bureau’s personnel at the NInoy Aquino International Airport on Saturday, August 2, 2014.

File photo/BI

MANILA—The principal author-sponsor of the Bangsamoro Bill in the House of Representatives appears to be losing hope on its eventual approval.

The bill would create a new Bangsamoro region in Muslim Mindanao if passed before lawmakers go on a month-long Christmas break in mid-December, the chairman of the ad hoc committee on the Bangsamoro Bill said.

“We will have no time for it when we reconvene in January.

Mustering a quorum will be more difficult,” he said.

The bill could still be passed if there is a “more forceful intervention” from President Aquino, Rodriguez said.

He proposed that Aquino personally appeal to lawmakers to work on and pass the Bangsamoro Bill.

It is still in the period of plenary debates in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Several colleagues of Rodriguez have expressed their intention to grill him on the bill that he is sponsoring.

At the Senate, Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile has reportedly asked for at least one week to ask questions about the Bangsamoro Bill.

The two houses of Congress are scheduled to start their Christmas recess on Dec. 19.

Dec. 16 is the last session day of the House for this year since it convenes only from Monday through Wednesday.

Congress will be in session for only nine days after reconvening

on Jan. 19 next year.

It will adjourn again on Feb. 6 for more than three months for the long national and local election campaign.

In talks with reporters in Kuala Lumpur, Aquino urged his congressional allies to approve the Bangsamoro Bill.

The House failed to muster a quorum on Monday, Nov. 23 despite appeals from some members for attendance.

Over the weekend, Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III urged his

colleagues to show up in the few remaining sessions for this year.

Albano made the appeal on the eve of the resumption of the session of Congress after a weeklong break due to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in Manila.

While he recognizes that every lawmaker has to attend to district constituents, it is also his or her duty to attend sessions and actively participate in debates and discussions of bills, Albano said. n

Marcos jewelry to fetch high…

PAGE A12 t

760 pieces from the three jewelthe BI through their illegal activi- ry collections at the Metropolitan ties.”

Museum.

He added that all immigration He said he believes that the personnel are required to wear exhibit would give the Filipinos their nameplates and identifica- a chance to see a piece of the tion cards for easy reference, country’s history. But consideraside from carrying and present- ing the expenses and tight proceing mission orders during a raid dural process, the exhibit might or inspection. be difficult to do.

Meanwhile, the Department “Realistically speaking, we of Justice (DOJ) clarified that the are not sure if we could do the government is not downplaying exhibit by February because the the bullet-planting incidents at exhibit is going to cost a lot of the NAIA, following a report that money,” De Castro said, adding quoted President Aquino as say- that the PCGG might rely on the ing the incidents have been “sen- winning auction house to shoulsationalized” to benefit some der the expenses. groups. n The PCGG would still have to

consult and seek the approval of the privatization council on whether the agency could push through with the auction plans.

The agency hopes to finish the processes before President Aquino ends his term on June 30, 2016.

When asked if the auction of the Marcos jewelry was connected with the vice presidential candidacy of Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son and namesake of the late president, De Castro said the PCGG is just carrying out its mandate.

“The plan for this (auction) was made even before Sen. Marcos announced his intention to run,” he added. n

ONE IS GOOD. TWO IS EVEN BETTER! ARE YOU PREPARED? When you have a family, you need to learn how to protect them and plan for the future. Whether you want a bigger car or life insurance that better serves your needs, State Farm® can customize your coverage to help protect everything that matters to you.

Call an Agent today!

855-414-7565 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company – Bloomington, IL

VWDWHIDUP FRP ÀOLSLQR

A14 NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 1, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

SEAFOOD CITY REGULAR AD FP

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

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 28-DEcEmbER 1, 2015

SHOWBIZ&STYLE Journal

Charo Santos-Concio, Piolo Pascual at International Emmys

by Marinel

r. Cruz

Inquirer.net

“I AdMIrE the International Emmys for keeping television as the world’s meeting place,” declared ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio, who served as its gala chair this year.

Concio, the first Filipino to be invited to lead the prestigious event, said in her opening speech at the 43rd International Emmys that the Philippines “may not yet be a major player in the world-content market,” but many

ABS-CBN shows have already been warmly welcomed in several territories—proof that “we are now thriving in a globalized environment!”

“We are grateful that through our content, we can show the world the real wealth of our country,” she added. “These are our strong family values and our resilience as a people.”

International Emmys president Bruce Paisner said the organization chose Concio as gala chair because of the outstanding achievement of ABS-CBN under

her leadership.

“Not only is she an important person in the industry, she is also a wonderful chairperson,” Paisner stressed.

Meanwhile, top Kapamilya actor Piolo Pascual presented the award for best telenovela alongside American actress and singer Karla Mosley of “The Bold and the Beautiful.”

Before the awards show at the Hilton Hotel in New York City, Concio and Pascual both graced the red carpet and granted media interviews.

Lea Salonga to star in int’l premiere of Tony-winning musical in Manila ATLANTIS Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG) announces that Tony Award-winning Broadway star Lea Salonga will play Helen Bechdel in the first international production of “Fun Home,” which opens in Manila in November 2016.

“Fun Home” is the most awarded and acclaimed musical of the year, winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir, “Fun Home” features music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by Lisa Kron.

The New York Times has called it “The best new musical to open on Broadway.”

When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-ofa-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires.

“Fun Home” will mark Lea’s first musical in Manila since she played Grizabella in “Cats” in

2010. Her last stage appearance in Manila was in Atlantis Productions’ critically acclaimed play “God of Carnage” in 2012. She is currently appearing as Kei in the Broadway musical “Allegiance,” for which she has garnered rave reviews.

Both Tesori and Kron are scheduled to grace the opening night of “Fun Home” in Manila next year.

“Fun Home” director Bobby Garcia (“Saturday Night Fever,” “The Bridges of Madison County”) says, “It is an honor to be able to stage ‘Fun Home’ in Manila with Lea Salonga as Helen. It is a groundbreaking musical that needs to be seen by audiences all over the world. I am thrilled that it will premiere internationally in Manila and that we will be welcoming Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron to our opening night.”

Meanwhile, the New York producers of “Fun Home” are “thrilled to have the first international production of ‘Fun Home’ confirmed for the Philippines. How exciting to have Lea Salonga, one of Broadway’s most beloved stars, leading the company.”

ATEG recently presented the first leg of the new international production of “Saturday Night Fever” which played in Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Its

Concio and Pascual were also given a tour of the Philippine gold exhibition in New York, which was organized by the Asia Society. The exhibition presents spectacular works of gold that have been discovered over the past 40 years in the Philippines.

Erik Matti’s “On the Job,” which features Pascual, was among the films screened at the same event.

At a lunch hosted by the United Mindoro International Inc. at the Astoria World Manor, Concio talked about eco-tourism and community livelihood projects in Mindoro that ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.’s Bantay Kalikasan plans to undertake.

Piolo Pascual and Charo Santos-Concio

Lea Salonga

current production, “The Bridges of Madison County,” runs in Manila until dec. 6, while the upcoming “Jersey Boys” opens in 2016.

(Inquirer.net)

This could be my best move yet.

Loida Nicolas Lewis, AARP Member Chair and CEO of TLC Beatrice, LLC Philanthropist

Dahil sa Health and Wellness resources ng AARP, si Loida at iba pang katulad niya are now able to have as much fun in the ballroom as they did in the boardroom.

Loida has enjoyed a long career as a successful businesswoman, and she remains just as active today. Bilang miyembro ng halos 20 na taon, she keeps current with AARP publications on health, diet, exercise at iba pang activities that help her enjoy life and live it to the fullest.

Not surprisingly, her boundless energy and generous contributions para sa Filipino community have made her a role model for many. Para kay Loida, walang hanggan ang mga posibilidad and the best is yet to come. AARP offers members a wealth of resources na siguradong makapagbibigay ng saya, sigla at importanteng impormasyon para rin sa inyo. To learn more, visit aarp.org/aapi or call 1-866-805-1986 today.

AARP is a non-profit organization committed to enhancing your life at 50-plus by providing trusted and useful resources to help you stay active, engaged and vibrant.

Caregiving • Health & Wellness • Fraud Prevention • Volunteer • Life Reimagined

B

B november 28-december 1, 2015 • LA WeeKend ASIAn JoUrnAL

Moonlighting

by Mylah de

leon

LOS ANGELES—This is a little back story.

Features

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

The Ampatuan massacre: A treason of the spirit There are moments with such magnitude that they must be clearly remembered -- whether you were sitting before the television set or reading the bloodcurdling headlines. It might serve a purpose to record what a few and surely a multitude more, saw and felt, thought and

NUJP-USA

The Pop Star Princess is the latest celebrity to inspire a game by Xeleb.

Sarah Geronimo gets her own gaming app

Participants and supporters led by Thelma Calabio and Vina Lelim Nacionales.

Florante, the starliner with Fernandico Q. Gonong.

The Fil-Am Media Band: (L-R) Nukie Santiago, Roy Cuchado, Ana Mendoza, Abner Galino, Christy Rosacia, Joy Macainan, Nikki Arriola, Andy Tecson and Robert Gamo.

(L-R) Vilma Hernandez, Grace Castillo, the Moonlighter, Fernandico Gonong and Consul General Leo Herera-Lim.

AJ Ads 55_Layout 1 10/5/15 12:55 PM Page 1

age gracefully

AGreat Pairing: Pears & Apples

BY GRACE O Pears are a fiber super star with 5.5 grams in one medium specimen. Fiber plays an essential role in your digestive, heart, and skin health, and may improve blood sugar control, weight management, and more.

People who ate a diet high in white-fleshed fruits like pears or apples also had a 52 percent lower risk of stroke, according to an American Heart Association study, likely due to their fiber and phytochemical content.

Pears are also rich in potassium, vitamin C and copper. For a delicious and elegant dessert that contains a number of nutritious ingredients, I use pears in my Pear and

smelled, of the decay of electoral violence during that single, deadliest attack on the press on November 23, 2009.

Then, the wild careering moment of the multiple murders -- the insane kaleidoscope in the camera’s eyes, as it swung and jolted from shocked and restrained photographers running through the chaos, turning into commotion upon discovery of the carnage.

From then on, until today the question is how does one give herself over entirely to an appalling tragedy? Because to evade it was a treason of the spirit.

It is hard to remember the exact sequences of the events Nikki Arriola that November three years ago massacared, including 32 mem-- when at least 58 people were bers of the media, by the hands of a hundred gunmen stopped a convoy on its way to file the candidacy of now Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu.

The hapless victims were systematically murdered in cold blood, buried into shallow pits or strewn in grasslands by a remote highway, in a barrio in Ampatuan Town.

The incredulity and shock at this immense unreason left no place for an orderly succession in the people’s minds thereafter.

It was, all at once, a scene of dilapidated funeral cars, police cars, bewildered newsmen and civilians. Agonizing faces of orphans in morbidity were flashed once in a while. In silnece, grief echoed the glaring tawdriness of those days that followed into an implacable sequence which defies description.

Apple Tart. Not only is it loaded with fiber Now, three years later, those from the pears and apples, but it contains left behind are infinitely weary. pecans and cinnamon, which are high in They’re beyond commiseration, antioxidants. It is worth noting that when with their marathon of mournused in sufficient amounts, cinnamon also ing. has anti-blood-clotting agents and antiQuestions seethed in minds: inflammatory properties and may help How in God’s name could the alleged murderers have done stabilize blood sugar levels. You’ll find fresh these merciless killings in the pears in season August through February. open? To a jamble of harmless, In this dessert, I take the recipe for the simple people who were shot at classic French dessert tarte tatin–with its close range? Who on earth could

quercetin-containing apples–and add pears for their copper content and pecans and cinnamon, which are high in antioxidants.

Pear and Apple Tart Serves 6–8 1/2 cup sugar, combined with 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 4 apples (Braeburn, Granny Smith, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and cut in half 2 pears (Bosc), peeled, cored, and cut in half 1/2 lemon, seeds removed 1/2 cup toasted and coarsely chopped pecans 1 9-in. whole-wheat pie crust

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. In a cold 8-inch cast-iron skillet, lay 1/2 of the butter pieces, evenly spaced. Sprinkle 1/2 of the sugar mixture over the pan. Lay the fruit, cut side up, over the butter and sugar, covering the entire pan. Pack the fruit tightly to avoid shrinking during cooking.

3. Squeeze the juice from the lemon over the fruit. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 of the sugar mixture over the fruit. Dot with the remaining butter.

4. Place the skillet over medium-high heat and cook the fruit mixture until the butter melts and the sugar caramelizes, about 20 minutes. If hot spots develop, rotate the pan but do not stir the fruit.

5. Remove pan from heat and sprinkle the pecans over the fruit.

6. Top with the pie crust, folding edges into the pan so no crust is hanging over. Bake at 425 degrees until the pastry is golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.

7. Cool the pie until the caramel thickens without sticking to the pan, about 10 minutes. Turn out onto a plate before cutting and serving.

GRACE O – Combining her passion for food and a commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle, GRACE O has created FoodTrients®, a unique program for optimizing wellness. Grace O is a fusion chef with a mission: to cook up recipes for a long and joyful life that are built on a foundation of anti-aging science and her 15 years in the healthcare industry. Visit FoodTrients.com to learn more. Email us at info@FoodTrients.com © 2015 by FoodTrients.com

PAGE B3

SuccESSFuL onstage, on TV, and on the big screen, “Pop Star Princess” Sarah Geronimo now enters the digital arena with her very own gaming app called Sarah G Popsters.

Digital products developer, Xurpas Inc. (X) through its celebrity game development unit Xeleb Inc., launched the Sarah-inspired game on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at The Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global city, Taguig city.

At the event, the singer and actress expressed, “I really wanted my game to be something all my fans can enjoy. I also wanted the game easily understood as soon as you start playing it. It’s a game you can enjoy whenever and wherever you are. Aside from songs that you’ll need to unlock, there are several other surprises along the way.”

Touted as the Philippines’ “Pop Star Princess,” Sarah has been in the showbiz industry for over 12 years, after breaking into the scene and being named the grand winner in Star For A Night in 2003. Her first album was a bestseller and garnered two Awit Awards in 2004.

She won accolades for her rendition of celine Dion’s “Forever’s Not Enough” which was named Best Performance By A New Female Recording Artist, while her original song “Sa Iyo” was named Best Dance Recording Of The Year.

“Sarah is the biggest popstar in the Philippines. We’re absolutely excited to launch her game,” says Raymond Racaza, cEO of Xeleb.

“Sarah G Popsters” was created as an avenue for her fans—who are incidentally called Popsters—to

The game is something Sarah’s fans will really enjoy.

connect with her as an all-around performer, taking them on a digital concert tour,” he adds.

Sarah G Popsters is the latest addition to the roster of Xeleb games inspired by other celebrities namely Anne curtis (Anne Galing), Kim Atienza (Adventures of Kuya Kim), Erwan Heussaff (Market Master Erwan), and Isabelle Daza (Trip ni Belle). All are available for download at Google Playstore.

Mobile games have driven the growth of Xurpas, Xeleb’s parent company, this year. In its Q3 disclosure, Xurpas already reported revenues surpassing the half a billion-peso mark year-to-date.

(ManilaTimes.net)

‘I am Bubble Gang’ celebrates 20 years of Filipino life THE Philippine entertainment industry has much to celebrate today for another all-original concept on television is marking its 20th year on air. This is a feat that less than a handful shows on TV has achieved through the years.

It is therefore no surprise that GMA Network is poised to give

They are ‘Bubble Gang’

its award-winning comedy/gag show “Bubble Gang” the accolade it truly deserves on its landmark anniversary.

As a well-loved source of weekly amusement, “Bubble Gang” celebrates its big year with the theme, “I Am Bubble Gang” (IMBG).

PAGE B4

Features

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 28-DEcEmbER 1, 2015

B

Successful ‘provisional waiver’ for a crewman who jumped ship and did not have the benefit of section 245(i) On a special episode of ‘Citizen Pinoy’

JEROME jumped ship in 2004 and remained in the US since then. He met and fell in love with Princess, a US citizen. She petitioned him and he filed for Adjustment of Status based on the advice and recommendation of an immigration “consultant.”

While Princess’ petition was approved, Jerome’s adjustment was denied because he had no Section 245(i), meaning he had not been petitioned before April 30 2001. What the couple thought was a cheaper alternative, ended up being costly, especially the lost 245(i) filing fee of $1,000.

They eventually consulted with leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, who advised Jerome he was eligible

to file for a Provisional Waiver, which allows certain immediate relatives of US citizens who are not eligible to adjust in the US (such as: crewmen with no 245(i); entered the US without inspection with no 245(i); or K-1 fiancees who didn’t marry the US petitioner) to apply for a waiver of the 10 year bar while still in the US, and if approved, they can depart the US and be processed for their immigrant visa at the US Embassy in Manila, without concern for the 10 year bar.

After Jerome’s provisional waiver was approved through the diligent work and preparation of the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel, Jerome travelled to the Philippines for the

first time in 11 years, to be processed for his immigrant visa.

Deep inside, he still had fears and reservations on getting stuck in the Philippines.

Back in Manila, the day of his interview came, and Jerome stood at the Window in front of the consul for his interview.

Watch this special episode, for this wonderful family reunion in the US. It may also be of extreme value to all crewmen married to US citizens, but without Section 245(i), feel there is no hope for a green card—on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy—on Sunday, November 29 at 6:15 pm PST/EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

(Advertising Supplement)

Nikki Gil, BJ Albert wedding: Quiet and low key

by Ricky Lo

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 (right) obtained a Provisional Waiver for Jerome (left), a touching.”

Philstar.com crewman who jumped ship. Jerome had filed for Adjustment of Status on his own, but was denied, because he was not eligible. With the In his wedding vow, BJ said, “I approved Provisional Waiver, Jerome returned to the Philippines for visa processing at the US Embassy in Manila. His wife and children ExCEPT for a handful, not just used to see you in Ateneo. I wondered and prayed if Jerome could make it back to the US. Watch to see the outcome of this Provisional Waiver case on a brand-new many from showbiz attended (or can’t believe that you are standing episode of “Citizen Pinoy”—on Sunday, November 29 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. were invited to the) Christian wedhere today to become my wife.” ding of Monica Pauline “Nikki” In her reply, Nikki said, “I Gil, 28, and Francis Benjamin prayed to the Lord to give me Jerome “BJ” Albert, 31, last Satsomebody who would love and urday, Nov. 21, at the Sta. Elena take care of me. You are my anGolf & Country Estate in Cabuyao, swered prayer.”

YOUNG actor and former GMA- and Carlo Katigbak, director Lauren Laguna.

The wedding capped a three7 artist Elmo Magalona, son of Phil- Dyogi, and Magalona’s mother “We want our wedding to be year romance that Nikki managed ippine rap icon Francis Magalona, Pia. quiet and low key,” Nikki said in to keep from the public, making has transferred to rival network Dreamscape said Magalona’s an exclusive interview with The a leak on social media only in ABS-CBN. first project in ABS-CBN is a series Star last March when she first December last year when BJ The news was confirmed by with teen actress Janella Salvador talked about her and BJ’s threeproposed to her. They kept the Dreamscape Entertainment, a unit titled “Born for You.” year romance. wedding date a secret. of ABS-CBN, through a series of Magalona starred in various Actually, even if BJ has showbiz “We were introduced by a comInstagram posts of Magalona’s GMA shows, including “More Than connection he opted to put up mon friend, only to find out that contract signing with the Kapamilya Words,” “Sunday All Stars,” “Genhis own business. His mom Lily we had been sharing the same network on Thursday, Nov. 26. esis,” “Villa Quintana,” “Together is the sister of Jose Mari Chan circle of friends from way back Present during the signing were Forever,” “Tweets for my Sweet,” and his dad Butch is Joey Albert’s even before I got into showbiz,” ABS-CBN executives Cory Vidanes and “Bantatay.” (Inquirer.net) brother. was how Nikki described how the “Yes, BJ is exposed to music romance started, several months and showbiz,” added Nikki in that after she broke up with her showbiz boyfriend. “We have so many intersecting connections because we also both studied in Ateneo.

He was taking up Psychology and I, Literature. I graduated in 2009 and he was ahead of me. Maybe we were not aware that our paths were crossing. He was telling me nga about several encounters we had, although I don’t remember any of them. Apparently, he knew me back then through our com- Elmo Magalon, from Kapuso to Kapamilya mon friends.”

At the reception, Joe Mari sang two of his hit songs, “Can We Just Stop And Talk Awhile” and “Christmas In Our Hearts” (a top-seller duet with his daughter Liza). Then, he was joined by his children in singing”When I Fall In Love.” Gary dedicated “How Did You Know” to the newly-weds.

Richard sang, too.

Asked during the Star March interview how she would describe BJ, Nikki smiled, her eyes lighting up, “He is sunshine, he is light, he is love,” adding, “If I were to describe him as a person, Nikki Gil and BJ Albert seal it with a kiss after their marriage vows at a Christian wedding last he’s a people person, very amiSaturday, Nov. 21 at the Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club in Cabuyao, Laguna, and acknowledge able, very proper, super-intelcheers from the guests.

Philstar.com photo by Arnold Vegafria PAGE B4

The Ampatuan massacre...

PAGE B2 do that and why?

And then, we heard some answers. Incredulity was supplanted by disgust and fury, as outrage took over because of the enormity of the act of violence.

What is lamentable is the slow pace of the trial to this date. The families of the victims of the Ampatuan Massacre are starting to lose hope in the justice system.

Three years have passed, yet nothing has happened to the trial or the case, even as groups across the nation espousing free expression and press organizations marked its third anniversary, calling for the speedy resolution of the case.

Here in Los Angeles, it was a somber memorial Forum for Press Freedom and Human Rights that marked the sixth anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre held at the FACLA Social Hall in Filipinotown.

Former Malacañang newshen, Nimfa Rueda (our precious link to patriotic endeavors of our colleagues back home) put together a gathering together with media partners such as NUJP, FAPCLA, F7, PPP/USA, and the Pens and Lens Press Club of LA. The Tribute concert of the NUJP/USA for the Ampatuan tragedy victims was a great evening. It was varied as Andy Tecson’s violin wept, Rhony Laigo’s guitar moaned with this songs, Mat Relox impressive passage of peace, Mon Concepcion offered songs of holy solemnity, the Florantes patriotic longings brought tears.

Because we remember, the mourning never stops.

interview. “He likes listening to music. He’s not exactly a musician but he does play the piano.

It’s just a hobby.”

Aside from Joe Mari and family; Universal Records managing director Kathleen Dy-Go, talent manager Arnold Vegafria and Gary (Edgardo Jose Martin) Valenciano were among the sponsors, other showbiz guests included Iya Villania-Arellano (Matron of Honor), Robi Domingo, Sam Milby, Erik Santos, Christian Bautista, John Prats and his soon-to-be-momwife Isabel Oli, and Richard Poon and his wife Maricar Reyes.

“It was the most memorable wedding that I have ever attended,” recalled Kathleen whose company released Nikki’s latest album Love Revisited. “Nikki was teary-eyed as she was escorted to the altar by her father while BJ was crying all the time. It was so

Elmo Magalona moves to ABS-CBN

B november 28-december 1, 2015 • LA WeeKend ASIAn JoUrnAL

Features

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

Thank you for ‘A Second Chance’

By Monet

Lu

IN light of Thanksgiving, I begin my article with a message of thanks to all the things -- good and not so good -- that I went through.

I believe they made me who I am today, and gave me a reason to be grateful for my life. I thank God that “a second chance” is always possible as long as we are living.

Such is the reminder that people are getting from the blockbuster movie-sequel, “A Second Chance,” top-billed by John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo. The title itself evokes the truth that second chances are what make the past worthy of recollection.

To say that the movie was a hit is an understatement. Having earned a whooping P43.3 million on its opening day proved more than just the movie’s consistent treatment and storyline, among others. It has proven, once again, that the masses still favor optimism over cynicism; reconciliation over separation, another chance versus a final straw.

As we gush over the ticket sales that placed the sequel to “One More Chance” to being the highest grossing non-Metro Manila Film Festival Filipino movie on its opening day, we instinctively repeat all the “hugot” lines that were birthed by this iconic movie. Lines such as “’I promise to love you even if it hurts. I love you more even when it hurts,’ “Poy, you made me feel like I’m your life’s biggest mistake.” And my favorite: “And I’m also saying goodbye to all of my what ifs. That it’s brave to ask ‘what if,’ that I think it’s braver to ask ‘what is’ – and Bash, I know – you’re my ‘what is.”

Some movie critics claim that no love team can give justice to these lines but John Lloyd Cruz, who played Popoy, and Bea Alonzo who played Basha. Apart from these roles, I credit their chemistry

John Llyod Cruz and Bea Alonzo in “A Second Chance”

to their professionalism and them being individually great artists.

A Rappler.com article released a very promising preview of what the audience will see of the movie: “The film is set in 2013.

Popoy and Basha (John Lloyd and Bea) are now married and juggling a business together. Popoy is an engineer, while Basha is an architect. Fans will be happy to see the appearance of the friends from the previous movie. The couple’s friends Krizzy and Kenneth (Dimples Romana and James Blanco) are still together and have one child. Anj (Bea Saw) is still single and cynical about love. Chinno (Janus del Prado) meanwhile is now a single father. JP (Ahron Villena) on the other hand, is engaged to be married.”

“A Second Chance” is the sequel to “One More Chance” but more importantly, it is the realistic evolution of a really good love story. Fashioned in the same rom-com style and memorable lines that are hauntingly relatable.

Director, Cathy Garcia-Molina has once again and--unsurprisingly-turned another film into a genre.

As one writer says, “The success of One More Chance therefore allowed Garcia-Molina and writers Vanessa Valdez and Carmi Raymundo to explore Popoy and Basha’s marital woes within a more definite social context, one that has economic failures as a dominant root of domestic conflict, and not narrative contrivances like sudden mistresses or other accidental debacles.

The film’s most sympathetic scenes are actually not the ones where the characters dramatically wail and whine about their misfortunes. They are the ones that quietly depict the delicate collapse of all the promises of the introduction’s hopeful wedding, the ones that show Popoy nonchalantly preferring the random noise of his television to the constant nagging of his wife, or the ones that reveal Basha conspicuously checking the price tags of glassware. “ I rarely recommend movies that I haven’t seen yet (but will definitely do when the schedule permits), but when I recommend a movie, it is because its content is worth lining up and contributing to the P43.3 million ticket sales.

To my readers, I believe we owe it to ourselves to give this movie a chance to win our hearts.

To the cast and the people behind “A Second Chance,” congratulations for a well-deserved success. Thank you for producing an honest depiction of a “love story.” May you continue to make movies like this. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

LEELIN BAKERY AND CAFÉ WINNERS IN CERRITOS. Cerritos Councilman and former Mayor Mark Pulido (second from left) picks the 10 winning entries during the raffle draw conducted by Leelin Bakery and Café last November 19, 2015. The winners will be entitled to one FREE lunch or dinner every week for one year at Leelin Bakery and Café in Cerritos. Flyers with the raffle tickets/coupons were mailed to residents of Cerritos and Artesia by Leelin Bakery and Café through the United States Postal Service (USPS) last October, giving residents one month to redeem the coupons offering free bakery products and to enter the raffle draw with no purchase necessary. Winners’ names are posted at Leelin Bakery and Café in Cerritos and on the Leelin Bakery and Café Facebook page. Also in photo are (L-R) Mrs. Gloria Pulido, Mendrei Leelin and Cecile Leelin.

Photo by Bobby Crisostomo

The Global Kababayan G. TönGi Nov. 30 - As part of the National Adoption Month, adoptive mothers Nina Coralles and Irene Pan-Manalo share the benefits and challenges of adopting.

Health and fitness expert Thea Fernandez gives tips on fitness and nutrition.

Dec. 1 - Call us with your immigration questions as we go LIVE in December in Los Angeles! You may also email Kababayan Today for your immigration questions too!

Dec. 2 - Midweek News Updates from the Asian Journal and Real Estate Buzz with Mia McLeod.

Programming of Kababayan Today, November 30 - December 4, 2015 Mother and son, Gracie and Michael Walker, share their philanthropic passions. Gracie, who is a retired teacher, introduced Michael to philanthropy at an early age. They come to the show to share the work that they do for our Kababayans back in the Philippines.

Dec. 3 - We feature a documentary film about Philippine Martial arts by Jay Ignacio, “The Bladed Hand.”It is about the global impact and current state of Eskrima/Kali/Arnis, otherwise known as Filipino Martial Arts.

The Bladed Hand will show how this native art from the Philippines had a significant impact on military systems and even on Hollywood. We will also show special excerpts of the history and Guro Dan Inosanto with de-

tails on how to watch the full length film.

Dec. 4 - Fashion designer Kristine Amarillo of Tale for Esther, showcases her collection that are perfect for all your holiday get-togethers. She also shares information on how to own your own Tale of Esther gown. Watch for details! *** 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.

Vandolph Quizon: Karen Davila humiliated my mom Because of Gabby Concepcion

by Dolly

Anne CArvAjAl

Inquirer.net

THE ballyhooed interview of Karen Davila with Alma Moreno on ANC gave netizens something to feast on. Both of them have said their piece.

According to Karen, it’s her job to ask hard questions and since Alma is running for senator, she should be aware of national issues. For Alma’s part, she said she has no ill feelings toward Karen and she is willing to learn.

I agree that it’s in Karen’s job description, but she grilled Alma in such a condescending manner. Even her body language (crossed arms) said it all. And the way she referred to Alma as a former sexy star sounded derogatory. Karen may disagree with me, but that’s how I see it. Having hosted several talk shows before, I

by nAthAlie

take it upon myself to adjust my line of questioning depending on the interviewee. TV hosts should make their guests feel as comfortable as possible so that the interview would be free-flowing. Being proficient in English is never Alma’s strong point, so Karen should have conducted the entire interview in the vernacular.

Alma has learned her lesson the tough way. And I’m sure that she will do her assignment from now on.

I cornered Alma’s son, Vandolph, for his sentiments about the issue. At first, he didn’t want me to divulge his reaction because it might be blown out of proportion. But after much prodding, he relented. As a dutiful son, Vandolph came to his mom’s defense.

He said: “Karen should not choose whom to respect. She

tomADA Philstar.com

Alma Moreno and Vandolph Quizon

should treat her guests equally.

The way she interviewed my mom was different.

“Karen humiliated my mom on national TV. She kept pounding [on her]. She let my mom get rattled. My mom deserves to be respected because she is the chair of PCL (Philippine

Councilors League), and she has been serving the country for so long. My mom is … [a person of] action and not just words. Some politicians are good speakers.

They sweet-talk us to the point that they fool us and do corrupt things. My mom is not like them!”

MANILA—Gabby Concepcion is proving that you can be in your 50s and still enjoy romantic leading-man status.

The actor, who is in his early 50s, topbills the upcoming GMA 7 primetime series “Because of You,” where he is paired with Carla Abellana. The light romantic drama will debut this Nov. 30 after Little Nanay on GMA Telebabad.

Gabby told The Star that he accepted the project because “it’s nothing like any teleserye I’ve done ever since I returned to showbiz in 2008” after living in the US for many years. “I cannot say no because it’s exciting to do something like this.”

Because of You, he noted, is a feel-good teleserye. “It’s very light actually, no heavy drama; it’s not the usual teleserye,” he added.

Asked to describe his character, he said, “He’s a good man … but he is someone heartbroken who meets a girl who is heartbroken as well. They meet not knowing if there’s anything going to develop between them because there’s no attraction at first.”

Gabby said he never thought

At 50-something, Gabby Concepcion can still give younger leading men a run for their money.

he’d get to do the series considering 2015 is about to end and normally, no teleseryes are launched during the tailend of the year.

He was also supposed to do shows abroad, particularly in the US and in Europe. He had to rearrange his schedule to make room for “Because of You.” Nevertheless, he said he feels very blessed to be given good projects since he decided to resume his showbiz career in 2008 after a 13-year hiatus. “When I got back I didn’t even think I was coming PAGE B5

Gabby with Carla Abellana and Rafael Rosell, his co-lead stars in the GMA 7 primetime series Because of You, which premieres on Nov. 30.

‘I am Bubble Gang’ celebrates...

PAGE B2 According to the show’s creators, “Through this theme, ‘Bubble Gang’ wants everyone to know that the show encompasses not just the cast, the staff, the network, but the lives of all the Filipinos who continue to watch the show as it begins its second decade.”

For its roster of artists, led by Michael V, “The show is not just a comedy program but a reflection of a Filipino way of life, with the characters, punchlines and taglines that testify our oneness with viewers—from the yayas, to Tata Linos, to Antoniettas, and Mr. Assimos in our lives.”

As part of the celebration, Bubble Gang preps up a commemora-

tive gag book titled, “IMBG: I am Bubble Gang (The Bubble Gang 20th Anniversary Commemorative Comedy Chronicles)” dedicated to the viewers’ unwavering support.

GMA News and Public Affairs, led by Jessica Soho and Mike Enriquez, meanwhile will air a documentary tonight in place of the regular airing of the show to provide a glimpse of all the important aspects of Bubble Gang, from its cast and staff, to how show directly affects the lives of Filipinos.

“It will also showcase a side of the show that is rarely seen on the screen to let the audience feel how important they are to their success,” ended the hosts. (ManilaTimes.net)

Nikki Gil, BJ Albert wedding...

PAGE B3 ligent, very responsible and very prayerful as well, which is the thing that I’ve been asking God about a man I’d end up with… a man of God.” When Iya, Nikki’s good friend,

was asked to speak, she reminded BJ not to hurt Nikki.

“I knew what Nikki went through because, after the breakup (with Nikki’s showbiz boyfriend) I was with her all the way,” added Iya.

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

Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 28-DEcEmbER 1, 2015

B

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 genderspecific 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

Because of Gabby...

PAGE B4 home to a career, because to me, my life in showbiz ended when I left.”

And what he came home to wasn’t just any showbiz resurrection.

The ’80s matinee idol has been paired with younger co-stars, giving the younger generation of leading men a run for their money.

Gabby calls it a “bonus over a bonus.” he added, “My only regret is that my dad died in 2008. he didn’t stay long enough to see the warm welcome and (success) because he died six months after I arrived. he was sad when I left for the States.

But I saw the happiness in his eyes when I came back.”

According to Gabby, the title of his new series, Because of You, best encapsulates his second wind in the entertainment industry because “all these blessings happened because of him (my father).”

Meanwhile, Gabby feels fortunate to be working again with Carla. They first worked together in the 2011 movie “Yesterday Today Tomorrow.” “(Rey) PJ Abellana (Carla’s father) is a good friend from way back when and now I’m working with his daughter. But it feels a little funny because if I think about Carla’s age (she’s still in her 20s) and then I look at pareng PJ, I’m living a dream, right? In a sense, I’m lucky and I feel good about that,

especially because the younger generation now is very professional.”

Gabby was also asked if he’s open to work with ex-wife Sharon Cuneta. “I’ve wanted it to happen from the day I arrived but until now it has not happened,” he said.

“I won’t be the reason if it doesn’t materialize.”

Their hit ’80s tandem still has a loyal following who would like to see them “even just for one shot, yung pagbigyan lang sila. I’m also curious -— as an outsider -— what will be the theme of the movie orteleserye or what. That’s one project I want to see.”

As for his daughter with Sharon, KC Concepcion, Gabby denied that the young actress is taking a break from showbiz. he said that his daughter is just trying to find and figure out the right projects for her.

“Just like any actor, we try to look for ourselves, we try to look for the right project. Sometimes, things are just not right and you’re feeling, ‘I’ve done this, done that, I want to do something else.’ I think she’s at that stage. She’s exploring her possibilities.

“I don’t know what her plans are, but I also went through that.

I’m only gauging it from my own experience … we only want to better ourselves. I think she’s trying to look for that niche. So, let’s wait for herdiskarte (next move). You’re going to see a different KC when she gets back.”

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 check-in. There you’ll find families and couples convening at one of the five specialty sauna rooms, noshing on Korean cuisine staples at the full-service 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 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.

(Advertising Supplement)

B november 28-december 1, 2015 • LA WeeKend ASIAn JoUrnAL

seafood city advertorial fpfc

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

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

COMMUNITY Journal

Your Immigration Solution Atty. RobeRt Reeves MAy ZhAng, DiZA AnD nAncy MilleR HAVE you ever considered that America’s most famous icon is an immigrant? That’s right!

The Statue of Liberty was “born” in France and brought to America by ship. The quintessential symbol of American liberty and freedom, Lady Liberty herself, is an “immigrant”.

As the late Senator Ted Kennedy said “Immigration is the story of American History.

Over the centuries, immigrants came to America from every part of the globe and made the American dream. They created a nation that is the envy of the world.”

“They came to a land that offers freedom and opportunity to those willing to do their part.”

And do their part, they have! Immigrants have contributed to and enriched every aspect of American life. They built our cities, our railroads and highways. They cultivated our farmlands. They fought to defend their adopted home in every branch of the US military.

And, they even gave us Thanksgiving, the quintessential American holiday. The first recorded Thanksgiving ceremony took place on September 8, 1565 when 600 Spanish settlers landed in what is now St. Augustine, Florida and immediately held a Mass of Thanksgiving for their safe delivery to the New World.

The Mass was followed by a feast and celebration. A Spanish expedition party rested and conducted a mass at San Elizario (near El Paso, Texas) in celebration of thanksgiving on April 30, 1598. On December 4, 1619, 38 English settlers arrived at Berkeley Hundred, which is about 20 miles north of Jamestown, Virginia. The group’s charter required that the day of arrival be observed yearly as a day of thanksgiving to G-d.

The modern Thanksgiving holiday is associated with a 1621 celebration at the Plymouth Plantation where the Pilgrims held a

For immigrants’ contributions to America: A thank you! feast after a successful growing season. Sqauanto, a Native American who served as an interpreter for the English-speaking colony had taught the Pilgrims how to catch eel and grow corn.

The Pilgrims set aside a day to celebrate immediately after their first harvest. That Thanksgiving feast lasted for three days and provided enough food for 53 pilgrims and 90 Native Americans.

It consisted of fowl, venison, lobster, clams, berries, fruit, pumpkin, squash and turkey.

Since that time, a Thanksgiving Day has been proclaimed and celebrated periodically throughout our nationhood. However, the date was not officially set as the fourth Thursday of November until 1942.

Regardless of where the immigrants came from and no matter when they arrived, they shared something in common with each other and with those who come to our shores today.

They all wanted a better life for themselves and their families.

They were also willing to work hard to get that better life. And, they were profoundly grateful to the country that gave them the opportunity for betterment. That is all still true.

It is also still true that the country that benefitted so much from the early immigrants continues to benefit from those who come to our shores today. They bring energy and skill that enrich the lives of those with whom they come in contact. They start businesses and create jobs. They

provide wonderful examples of family devotion by the sacrifices they make to unite their families here and support their loved ones back home.

At RMZD, we know how important families are. We recognize how much America owes to each person who has brought a unique contribution to this country. And we continue to strive to obtain justice and fairness for them. Fairness and justice means granting lawful status to those who devote their life and energy to make and keep this country great. It is fulfilling the promise of Lady Liberty who lifts her light of liberty beside the golden door.

Since 1947, each year for Thanksgiving the President of the United States has pardoned a live turkey to allow it to live out its days in peace. Surely a country that has compassion for its turkeys can show compassion for its people. We are profoundly grateful to our President for doing what he can to “fix the broken immigration system” and prevent the breakup of loving families. We hope that the members of Congress (most of whom are either immigrants or descendants of immigrants) will put partisan rhetoric aside and allow themselves to be motivated by respect for families and the good of the country and pass a fair and equitable bill for Comprehensive Immigration Reform in 2016 so that American immigrants will truly have something

u PAGE C2

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 1, 2015

C

C NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 1, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon A LOT of people who consult with me about their debt problems are going through the worst time of their lives. Unlike other problems in life that sometimes just go away on their own, debt problems will only get worse unless you do something about them. While dealing with debt and coming up with a solution can be challenging and nervewracking, there are usually options available. You don’t need to remain stuck where you are if you are willing to do what it takes to change your life for the better.

Don’t confuse “hard” with “impossible” Some things may be hard but they are not impossible.

Sometimes you need to adjust your thinking to gain a better perspective of your situation.

Life is all about making choices.

The choices we make today determine our future. What will my life be like 3, 5 or 10 years for now?

Will I be financially secure? Will I remain in the same dead-end job or perhaps move somewhere else that makes my time more worthwhile? Will I be able to send my children to college? Will I be able to retire comfortably and enjoy my older years?

Legal Commentary Atty. RomAn P. moSquedA

BY Approval Notice dated October 30, 2015, the USCIS granted Form I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver to a Filipino crewman, who is married to a US citizen spouse.

Roman P. Mosqueda, a Super Lawyer in Southern California for 2014, 2015, and 2016 in busi-

Community Journal

Do you feel like you’re stuck in debt forever?

to be thankful for.

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! *** 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

Tax Tips

VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA And These are questions that go your situation hasn’t changed unARlene Al-oS, through our minds all the time. til now, let me ask you this quescPA, mBA Unfortunately, when you’re in debt, it’s not easy to come up with the answers to them. Why? Because being in debt restricts your options most of the time. When you’re in debt, you’re basically just in “survival mode” all the time- just trying to live paycheck to paycheck. There’s no planning for the future. You barely make it from month to month. Your mind is just filled with money worries all the time that you can’t even enjoy your time with loved ones when you’re home. At the end of the day, you’re dead tired and just want to go to bed. The cycle repeats itself every single day.

Sounds familiar? Well, I’m telling you that things don’t have to be this way. There is a better way to live. There is a way to take control of your finances again so that you are not just scraping by from month to month. If your debt problems have taken over your life, something needs to change- and the sooner you take action, the sooner you will turn things around.

As a bankruptcy attorney, I understand that NO ONE ever wants to file bankruptcy. It’s always a last resort. But if you’ve done your best on your own and

tion: What are you going to do about it? Are you simply going to remain stuck in debt with no way out, wait until your creditors take everything you’ve worked hard for and have nothing left for yourself and family after all your long years of hard work? Is this your only plan? I know this may seem harsh but sometimes, reality is harsh. And if this is your reality staring you in the face, you need to do something about it or hate yourself later.

Instead of hopelessly trying to pay your debts and not making progress, you may be better off just filing bankruptcy now to start fresh and rebuild your credit sooner than later. If you need help in getting out of debt, I would like to help you. Please call Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772 to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Valencia and Cerritos. ***

HERE 10 tips if you owe but cannot immediately pay the IRS: • Pay What You Can: Pay promptly to stop additional penalties and interest from accruing.

If you are unable to pay, consider getting a loan to pay the bill in full rather than make installment payments to the IRS. • Additional Time to Pay: If you are unable to pay, request for a payment plan.

• Installment Agreement: You may request an installment agreement but you have to be current with filing and paying requirements. File all required returns for the past years and pay estimated taxes for the current year.

• Form 9465: Complete and mail an IRS Form 9465 (Installment Agreement Request) along with your tax return or bill (use return envelope supplied by the None of the information herein is in- IRS).

• Collection Information Statetended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully ment: If you owe more than helped thousands of clients in getting out of $50,000, you will be required to debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your complete Form 433F (Collection situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices Information Statement).

• Online Payment Agreement: at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

(Advertising Supplement) If you owe $50,000 or less in

Filipino crewman on CI/D granted waiver for immigrant visa to the publication of this article.

The approval of the provisional unlawful presence waiver covers only the ground of inadmissibility for unlawful presence in the United States. It does not address any other grounds of inadmissibility such as criminal grounds, fraud, or prior removals.

It also does not change the requirement that the Filipino crewman must depart the United States to obtain an immigrant and Makati City. visa at the US Embassy in MaTelephone: (800) 795-8009 nila, Philippines.

E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Indeed, he was not a benefiWebsite: www.rreeves.com. ciary of a family visa petition or *** The analysis and suggestions offered in application for labor certification this column do not create a lawyer-client filed after January 14, 1998, and relationship and are not a substitute for the on or before April 30, 2001, to personalized representation that is essential be grandfathered under INA § ness immigration, filed Form I130, Petition for Alien Relative, of the US citizen wife and Form I601A, Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver, of the overstaying Filipino seaman.

His identity is withheld to protect his privacy and maintain confidentiality. He has consented

For immigrants contribution…

PAGE C1 t

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

to every case.

(Advertising Supplement)

u PAGE C3

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS CONSIDER the common divorce scenario where the divorce judgment provides primary custody of the children to one spouse while the other spouse only gets visitation. The parties begin to file separate tax returns.

What are the tax consequences of the non custodial parents with regards to claiming the children in his or her return?

A non custodial parents can no longer file as head of household, even if the non custodial parent is allowed to claim the children as dependents under the divorce judgment because this requires that the parent have custody of the children at least 6 months of the year. Non custodial parents also can no longer claim the earned income tax credit. How-

I owe the IRS - what can I do? combined taxes, penalties and interest, you can request an installment agreement using the Online Payment Agreement application at www.irs.gov.

• Credit Card Payments: You can pay your bill with a credit card. The interest rate on a credit card may be lower than the combination of interest and penalties imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. Contact one of the following processing companies: Link2Gov at 888-PAY-1040 (or www.pay1040.com), RBS WorldPay, Inc. at 888-9PAY-TAX (or www.payUSAtax.com), or Official Payments Corporation at 888-UPAY-TAX (or www.officialpayments.com/fed).

• Electronic Funds Transfer: Use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System by either calling 800-555-4477 or using the online access at www.eftps.gov.

• User fees: If an installment agreement is approved, a onetime user fee is charged.

• TIP: Reduce the Number of Withholding Exemptions at Work: If you want to prevent future nightmares, reduce your exemptions at work. Submit a new W-4 (Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate) to accounting. Example: Go from M-2 (married with two dependents) to M-0 or even S0 (Single with no dependent).

Your employer will withhold a

little more each payday but this will alleviate your tax problems when you file. You don’t claim your dependents at work but you’ll deduct exemptions for all dependents when you file.

Result is either less tax due or more refunds. Try it. *** Sy Al-os Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities.

The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies. The firm celebrates its 38th anniversary in 2015. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in 704 Mira Monte Place, Pasadena, CA 91101. He has 50 years of experience in accounting, consulting, and tax work. *** The Firm proudly welcomes Arlene Al-os in 2015. She obtained her bachelors of Science in Accountancy from Mindanao State University and MBA from Ateneo de Manila University. She teaches intermediate accounting at UCLA and was a professor of Economics at Asia Pacific College. She has over 15 years of experience including member firms of KPMG and BDO Seidman accounting firms. *** Our readers may call (626) 744-0200 or email tax questions to info@victorsycpa.com. Please visit our website for about 300 tax tips at www.

(Advertising Supplement) victorsycpa.com.

Tax consequences of divorce on non-custodial parents ever, the non custodial parent can claim the child tax credit In the absence of a provision in the judgment which states otherwise, the parent with primary custody of the children is ordinarily entitled to claim the children as dependents for tax purposes. If a qualifying child is claimed as a dependent by both parents and the parents do not file a joint return, the child is normally treated as the qualifying child of the custodial parent IRC § 152(c)(4)(B)(i) However, the Code allows the dependency exemption and child tax credit to be shifted to the noncustodial parent when a child receives over one-half of the child’s support during the calendar year from the child’s parents who are either (i) divorced, (ii) legally separated, (iii) separated under a written separation agreement, or (iv) living apart at all times

during the last six months of the calendar year. The child must be in the custody of one or both of the child’s parents for more than one-half of the calendar year. IRC § 152(e) (1)(A) & (B) To shift the exemption and child tax credit to the noncustodial parent, the custodial parent must release or waive his or her claim to the exemption for the year by executing IRS Form 8332. IRC § 152(e) (2). The custodial parent can waive this right to claim the children as dependents and let the non custodial parent claim them by executing IRS Form 8332 and filing it with his or her return.

Certain Tax Court cases held that the waiver is effective even if the Form 8332 was not filled out in detail. In Bramante (T.C. Memo 2003-228), the custodial parent and agreed to waive her right to

u PAGE C3

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

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. RAYMOND Adame was a machine mechanic for Alcoa Fastening Systems and has worked there for more than 30 years. He was seriously injured at work and had to take a medical leave of absence for about 2.5 years. When he was cleared to go back to work, he had lifting restrictions due to the injury to his arms. He had requested the employer to be placed on a job that would accommodate his restrictions.

However, even though there were several different jobs that were available that Adame could have performed, the employer told him that they had no vacant positions for him. They then placed him on the task of sorting parts. Adame was told by a manager, “We don’t have to take you back to work because you have disabilities, you have to be 100 percent healthy to work for Alcoa, that is our corporate policy.” A few days after his return to work, Adame was fired.

Adame sued the employer for wrongful termination based on disability discrimination, failure to accommodate, failure to engage in the interactive process, and retaliation. Adame also alleged disability harassment.

The employer countered that Adame’s disability was accommodated by the company and that he was not actually fired but was placed back on leave. Later, when the employer offered him

Community Journal

Can your employer fire you if you are not ‘100% healthy to work’? a suitable position, the employer claimed that Adame did not respond to the job offer.

After 10 days of trial, a Los Angeles jury returned a verdict in favor of the employee, awarding him $800,000 in past mental suffering, $400,000 for future mental suffering, $208,915 in past lost earnings and $130,572 in future lost earnings, for a total damages award of $1,539,487.

An employee suffering from a disability or medical condition is entitled to reasonable accommodation. Allowing temporary leave, a transfer, or a re-assignment may constitute reasonable accommodation. Additionally, the law entitles the disabled employee to “preferential consideration” in reassignment of existing employees.

For employees with work restrictions, the proper standard is not whether they are “100 percent healthy to work” but whether they are able to perform the essential tasks of the job. If they are able to perform these essential tasks, then the employer should provide reasonable accommodation.

If the disabled employee was terminated, even though he or she could have performed the job with reasonable accommodation, the employer’s conduct may be wrongful. The employee, who sues for wrongful termination and prevails, may be entitled to the following: reinstatement,

recoveries for his clients against employers and insurance companies. He has been selected as a Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, featured in the cover of Los Angeles Daily Journal’s Verdicts and Settlements, and is a member of the Million Dollar-Advocates Forum.

(Advertising Supplement)

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

(Advertising Supplement)

Filipino crewman on CI/D granted… joining SS Dolphin IV in Miami, Florida.

He was subsequently issued a Crewman’s Landing Permit (D1) by a US Immigration Officer, when he arrived from the Bahamas on board the Norwegian Star.

Since December 1999, he has been residing in Inglewood, California. And on September 27, 2013, he married his US citizen (by naturalization) wife.

Unfortunately, he was not petitioned until he got married, and has to obtain an immigrant visa by consular processing. But he needed to obtain a provisional unlawful presence waiver to avoid the 10-year bar from returning to the United States.

He and his US citizen wife un-

AAPA Awards Gala

ASIAN American Professional Association (AAPA) will host The Achievement Awards & Graduation Gala, honoring prominent leaders who trailblaze and inspire others to become leaders, and celebrating the 2015 graduating class of AAPA Mentees.

The theme is “Waves of Change, Oceans of Opportunity.” The gala will take place on Thursday, Dec 3 from 5:30pm - 9:30pm, at the Hilton San Gabriel (225 West Valley Blvd. San Gabriel, CA 91776). Expose your brand to the professional com-

munity who are your customers, clients, potential employees, entrepreneurs, corporate and community leaders.

Your support will directly benefit the AAPA mentees in the program. To purchase a ticket or ad, the cost is $50 each (limited time only); full/half/quarter page ad sizes are available in full color.

Please visit http://aapaawards. eventbrite.com/ for more details and to RSVP by Nov. 13. Please get involved by emailing lia.andika@aapamentoring.com. n

reverend rodel G. BAlAGtAS

IN his recent podcast, “The Light of Faith,” my college classmate, Archbishop Socrates Villegas, of the Archdiocese of Lingayen, Pangasinan, explains the positions and titles in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church.

He talks about the orders of deacon, priest and bishop and the titles of Monsignor, Archbishop and Cardinal. In the end, he says that all these titles are nothing without love. He states: “If I’m a priest without love, I am nothing.

If I’m a bishop without love, I am nothing. If they are Monsignors, Archbishops, and Cardinal without love, they are nothing.”

Absolutely, all positions and titles in the Church don’t mean anything if they are not carried out in love, mercy, and justice, if they don’t stand for the values of *** the Kingdom and the Kingship The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes of Jesus. inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are Last Sunday, at the end of the confidential and at no-cost. Atty. Sayas’ Law liturgical year, we honored Jesus Office is located at 500 N. Brand Blvd. Suite with the title of a King. It’s a su980, Glendale, CA 91203. You can contact preme title that we, the Church, the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www. have given to him, isn’t it? But I joesayaslaw.com. bet you, Jesus would be the first *** one to say that this title does not C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is trial attorney mean anything to his Father and who has obtained several million dollar to us if he did not carry his mis-

THIS question was recently posed to our office: Dear Attorney Tan, I am a Filipino who is presently in post-graduate studies here in Los Angeles under an F-1 visa. After 3 years, I am close to finishing my graduate degree, and would like to stay in the US and become a citizen. Is it true that enlisting in the US military can give me US citizenship? — Uninformed Student Answer: Dear Uninformed Student: Under the US Army’s Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program, certain non-immigrants who have special language or medical skills can obtain expedited US citizenship.

Persons who join the Army under the MAVNI program can move from a non-immigrant visa directly to US citizenship, bypassing the permanent resident process.

Persons who participate in the MAVNI program become naturalized US citizens by the time they graduate from 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training or accept a commission as Army Officers. Currently, certain licensed health care professionals and persons who can speak more than 1 language are being sought out by the Army under this program. Health care professionals must have qualifying scores on an English language proficiency test and be licensed in the US. Those with special language skills must have a qualifying score on a proficiency test in his/her native language.

Certain requirements need to be met to enroll in the MAVNI program. First, an applicant must be in one of the following non-immigrant visa categories: E, F, H, I, J, K, L, M, O, P, Q, R, S, T, TC, TD, TN, U or V. Persons also qualify if they are either in asylee, refugee, or Temporary Protected Status, or have been granted deferred action under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Second, an applicant must have legally resided in the US for at least 2 years prior to joining the army (excluding DACA), and have not been absent from the US during that time period for more than 90 days. Third, an applicant must have a high school diploma and have obtained qualifying scores on the Armed Forces Qualification Test.

In your case, if you have a medical skill which the Army is looking for, you may be eligible to enroll in the MAVNI program, and for expedited US citizenship. In addition, the Army is currently recruiting for Tagalog speakers. If you are proficient in Tagalog, you may also be eligible. Your F-1 non-immigrant status is one of the categories that is accepted under the MAVNI program. Furthermore, if you have been studying for close to 3 years in Los Angeles, you appear to meet the 2 year US residence requirement (assuming you have not had an extended stay outside the US of over 90 days during that time).

The MAVNI program to expedited citizenship will increase from the current limit of 1,500 enlistments to 3,000 enlistments during this fiscal year, and to 5,000 enlistments in the 2016 fiscal year.

While the MAVNI program may be a good option for you, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced attorney to determine all available options in your case. *** 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.

245(i).

The approval of the Form I601A waiver application does not give the applicant any legal immigration status nor allow him/ her to obtain a legal status in the United States.

But a US Consul can determine, in light of the approval of the provisional unlawful presence waiver, that the alien applicant is otherwise eligible for an immigrant visa based on the approved immediate relative visa petition.

Filipino Crewman Granted Landing Permit And Overstayed: The Filipino crewman was issued a CI/D visa by the US embassy in Manila, Philippines, on September 9, 1996, as a bellboy

To Live With Faith

back pay, loss of future earnings, damages for emotional distress, punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs in certain instances.

The obligation to make reasonable accommodation is intended to remove barriers to equal opportunities for disabled individuals. Employers must therefore remain sensitive to this obligation and must not deny disabled persons employment opportunities because of their disability or medical condition. However, despite abundant information available regarding disability discrimination laws, some employers continue to flout the law. This blatant disregard may result in serious, and expensive, consequences for errant employers.

Will enlisting in the army give me expedited US citizenship?

PAGE C2 t

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 1, 2015

derwent an extensive psychological evaluation by licensed psychologist and family therapist, whose report proved extreme hardship to the US citizen wife, if the Filipino crewman were barred for ten years from returning to the United States.

Thus, his Form I-601A, Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver, was duly approved by USCIS. *** 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.

(Advertising Supplement)

Santo Niño de Cebu Association Annual Dinner Dance

THE Santo Niño de Cebu Association of Southern California, Inc. will hold its Annual Christmas Dinner Dance on December 5, 6pm - 12:00 midnight, at Almansor Court (700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801).

For more details and reservations, please contact Helah (626) 215-2684, Gemma (909) 9971026, Nelia (818) 425-9926, Joy (909) 228-0437 or Willo (818) 458-0779. n

C

Jesus, The King of Hearts sion on earth with love, mercy, compassion, and justice for all!

A deck of cards carries several images of a King: King of Clubs, King of Spades, King of Diamonds, and King of Hearts.

Jesus is absolutely not the King of Clubs because his Kingdom is not a Kingdom of violence, terror, hostility and misuse of power. He is the King of peace!

Jesus is not the King of Spades because he came not to put dirt on our lives but to purify us and to resurrect us, to give us new life! He came to bring dignity to every man, woman, and child.

Nor he is the King of Diamonds because his Kingdom is not about accumulating wealth for one’s own sake, but about distributing wealth to the poor. His Kingdom is about blessing the poverty of our hearts: Blesses are the poor in spirit.

If Jesus is not the King of Clubs, Spades, and Diamonds, he is the then the King of Hearts because of his unconditional love for everyone, saints and sinners.

Jesus’s Kingdom of Hearts is what our world needs now more than ever because it is beset by so much violence, arrogance, hatred, and terrorism.

If you have seen the television interview with Antoine Leiris, the Frenchman who lost his wife at the Bataclan during the ISIS Paris attack, you would have been

deeply touched by his words that have become viral on the Internet.

Addressing the ISIS attackers he said these words: “Friday night, you took an exceptional life—the love of my life, the mother of my son—but you will not have my hatred…my son who is just 17month old will eat his snacks like everyday and we will play like everyday, and he will insult you everyday with his happiness and freedom because you don’t have his hatred either.”

In the Gospel of John, Jesus is the confident and courageous person who won’t let his Kingdom be compromised and weakened by the values of this material world and the terrorism of misguided people. May we never give in to hatred! May we be confident and not afraid to keep building his Kingdom of Love, Mercy, Peace and Justice here on earth! *** 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.

Tax consequences of divorce on non…

PAGE C2 t

exemptions on Form 8332. The custodial parent realized that as her income increased, the value of the exemptions increased. The custodial parent discovered that her Social Security number was missing on the form and that the noncustodial parent, had dated the form in his handwriting. The tax court still upheld the waiver as effective despite the missing details from Form 8332.

In Boltinghouse, the IRS argued that missing details in the separation agreement defeated the waiver (T.C. Memo 2003134). In this case, the parties executed a separation agreement allowing the non custodial parent to claim one of his children, but the non custodial parent did not file a Form 8332. As a result, the court had to decide whether the agreement conformed in substance to Form 8332. The IRS contended that the agreement was not in substance a Form

8332 because it did not reflect the years the exemptions were to be waived and it did not provide Social Security numbers for the parents. Although the IRS pointed to some cases in which the Tax Court had rejected waivers that were ambiguous as to the applicable years, the Tax Court said that it was clear that this agreement applied to the years the parents began filing separate returns. As in Bramante, lack of Social Security numbers was not considered a serious defect by the Tax Court.

The custodial parent can waive the dependent exemption each year or for a number of years.

The non custodial parent should file form 8332 with his or her tax return in order to be entitled to the exemption. To avoid any confusion and tax issues with the IRS, the parties should attempt to agree or resolve in court the issue of who will claim the dependency exemption of the children

as part of the divorce judgment.

Parties should seek the assistance of an experienced attorney to weed through complex family law issues. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

***

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

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

(Advertising Supplement)

C NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 1, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

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

Clients with long pending loan alendar of Events C across modifications that do not stop foreclosure resort to Chapter 13

Debt Relief Atty. LAwrence yAng CLIENT no. 1 presents her long tale of bad news that started when she wanted to refinance her fully paid house 2007. That was the year of what some people call “predatory” lending. Client became a victim of a loan broker who promised her that she was getting a refinance loan at 2 percent per annum fixed for 30 years. Wachovia, which died with the rest of the other lenders like Countrywide and IndyMac, gave her a refinance loan of $400K. She thought she was getting a 2 percent per annum fixed rate loan for 30 years since that is what the loan broker said she would get. But the loan that was given to her was actually an ARM. You know, one with an adjustable rate that fluctuates every six months. After paying her mortgage for two years at $2,400, she thought everything was good. However, all of sudden she gets a notice of default from Wells Fargo, the assignee of the Wachovia loan, saying that her house was going to be foreclosed after 90 days if she did not cure the default of $20K. In 2009, the fashion was “sue the banks” for giving you a loan that did not comply with your expectations. A lot of homeowners were actually fooled by unscrupulous lenders who represented to the buyers that, just like my client, that they were getting a really cheap mortgage loan at very low interest. The funny thing was that no matter how diligently and timely they paid their mortgage payments, the balance of the loan kept on getting bigger.

Homebuyers then thought, now, that can’t be right. There’s something wrong going on here.

After investigations conducted by the district attorneys, it was determined that there was a massive fraud perpetrated by the banks on homebuyers. The banks marketed their teaser low rates, which were only good for a specific period of time. When adjustment time came around, most homebuyers were faced

“

with a higher mortgage payment. The banks that got bail out funds were required to settle with the government by forcing them to give loan modifications under HAMP. Sure, some people got sweetheart deals in HAMP, reducing payments, converting ARMS to fixed 30 or 40-year loans, and even reducing principal if your house was upside down. However, many people to this day are still left holding the bag. And since HAMP will end by December 31, 2016, next year, most banks are now reluctant to dole out loan modifications un-

situation, client can file an adversary proceeding in Chapter 13 to ask the bankruptcy court to rule on her claim of fraud against the bank.

Client no. 2 is almost in the same situation. It’s been a nightmare for her since 2010. That’s when she sold her residence in Orange County and transferred her equity to buy her new residence in Riverside. She became the victim of identity fraud when unknown persons made it appear that she applied and got a HELOC line of credit against her new house in Riverside for $40K. The first mortgage and the HELOC line are with the same bank. Thus, imagine her predicament and frustration when she found out her mortgage payments for the first mortgage, were being used by the bank to pay the 2nd mortgage HELOC, which she never applied for.

In effect, her arrears on the first mortgage became bigger and bigger until a notice of default was recorded.

Again, she retained several lawyers in the last several years to try to get the bank to remove the 2nd mortgage based on fraud and to reinstate the first by applying her payments to the 2nd to the first mortgage. Unfortunately, while negotiations were going on, a foreclosure sale notice was recorded despite the negotiations.

So, to stop the foreclosure, client needs Chapter 13. In the 13, she is also going to avoid the 2nd trust deed because her house in Riverside is upside down.

“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” — Deuteronomy 31:8

Chapter 13 does not exclude or kill the loan modification process. In fact, Chapter 13 enhances debtor’s chances of successfully resolving her claim of fraud with the bank. Under the worst situation, client can file an adversary proceeding in Chapter 13 to ask the bankruptcy court to rule on her claim of fraud against the bank. less there is a very good reason to give one.

Client has had several lawyers over the years working on a resolution of her claim of fraud. She doesn’t want to sue the bank.

All she wants is to have that the bank modifies her loan to 2 percent fixed 30 as what she was promised by the loan broker 8 years ago. However, she has gotten another notice of default, and this time her default is $40K. The right thing to do is file a Chapter 13 to protect the house from foreclosure and continue negotiations on resolving her fraud claim against the bank. Otherwise, she will certainly lose her house to foreclosure even while the resolution of her fraud claim is pending. Certainly, this is not fair or just, but that’s the way the foreclosure process works. Only a Chapter 13 can stop the foreclosure on its tracks. Further, a motion to allow debtor and bank to pursue the loan modification is a standard motion in Chapter 13. Chapter 13 does not exclude or kill the loan modification process. In fact, Chapter 13 enhances debtor’s chances of successfully resolving her claim of fraud with the bank. Under the worst

”

*** 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)

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 N OV E M B E R 28

Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award for Excellence Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award For Excellence In Medicine, Education, Arts & Literature and The Youth When: Saturday, November 28, 2015, 1-6 pm Where: Astoria World Manor in Astoria, Queens, NY Hosted by: Knights of Rizal - New York For More Information, please contact: Atty. Ferdinand G. Suba, Esq., KCR Commander, Knights of Rizal - NY E-mail: SUBALAW@aol.com

Briefing on Coverage Programs & Services for Overseas Filipinos Social Security

In cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) of Chicago, you are invited to a briefing on Social Security coverage programs and services for overseas Filipinos on Saturday, Nov. 28 at PCG Multi-Purpose Hall (122 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 1600, Chicago, Illinois, 60603). The info briefing session and onsite services (new SS number registration, verification of records and existing reactivation, enrollment in Flexi-fund Program, data amendments, compliance with Annual Confirmation of Pensioners Program, benefit claim applications) starting at 10:00 am. Please contact Ms. Marites Marin through marinmc@ sss.gov or in Viber at *6598444384 for SSS inquiries, and Mr. Alvar Rosales through chicagopcg@att.net to confirm attendance.

D EC E M B E R 3

AAPA Awards Gala

Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) will host The Achievement Awards & Graduation Gala, honoring prominent leaders who trailblaze and inspire others to become leaders, and celebrating the 2015 graduating class of AAPA Mentees. The theme is “Waves of Change, Oceans of Opportunity.” The gala will take place on Thursday, Dec 3 from 5:30pm - 9:30pm, at the Hilton San Gabriel (225 West Valley Blvd. San Gabriel, CA 91776).

Expose your brand to the professional community who are your customers, clients, potential employees, entrepreneurs, corporate and community leaders. Your support will directly benefit the AAPA mentees in the program. To purchase a ticket or ad, the cost is $50 each (limited time only); full/half/quarter page ad sizes are available in full color. Please visit http://aapaawards.eventbrite.com/ for more details and to RSVP by Nov. 13. Please get involved by emailing lia.andika@aapamentoring.com.

D EC E M B E R 5

Santo Nino de Cebu Association Annual Dinner Dance The Santo Niño de Cebu Association of Southern California, Inc. will hold its ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER DANCE on December 5, 6pm - 12:00 midnight, at Almansor Court (700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801). For more details and reservations, please contact Helah (626) 215-2684, Gemma (909) 997-1026, Nelia (818) 425-9926, Joy (909) 228-0437 or Willo (818) 458-0779.

Pasigueñans of Northern California 30th Annual Fiesta Celebration The Pasigueñans of Northern California invites all Pasigueñans, families, and friends to its 30th Annual Fiesta in honor of its patroness, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The annual fiesta will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 1:00pm to 8:00pm at Joseph A. Fernekes Building, in Orange Memorial Park (781 Tennis Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080). Celebration of the Holy Mass will be at 3:00pm, which will be followed by a sumptuous dinner, dancing, entertainment, and raffle drawing. For more information, please contact Flery Santos-Panganiban (707-567-4779), Polly Santiago-Cortez (925-876-7695), Edna Balido-Reyes (925-260-9764), Edith Balido (925-681-9770), Chit Santos-Dalangin (707-7047887), Marico Enriquez (650-483-8306), Oscar Rosales (707-332-4991), Jerry Field (925-6810974), Marivic Beltran-Tuazon (707-656-1081), or Pete Saguisag (650-994-0701).

D EC E M B E R 9

St. Joseph School presents WRAPPING ALL THE WAY What: Annual Christmas Presentation Featuring TK through 4th Grade and Parish When: Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 7:00 pm Where: St. Joseph Parish (1150 W. Holt Avenue Pomona, CA 91768) The St. Joseph School Annual Christmas program serves as an opportunity for all students and parishioners to come together to celebrate the joyful season. All are welcome to come and be merry. Donations are welcome. For more information, please call: Director Ning Manahan at (909) 629-4101 or (909) 622-3365

D EC E M B E R 1 8

Blessed Hope Christian Church Night of Praise Come celebrate the birth of Christ and praise God with the congregation at our upcoming Christmas Praise Night, on Friday, December 18 at 7:30pm. Our church can be found at 474 North Summit Ave. Pasadena, CA 91103. Please contact Jun Recio (818) 472-5244 for more details.

D EC E M B E R 29 -3 0

Pampanga High School Class of ’65 Golden Jubilee Celebration The Class of 1965 of the Pampanga High School will hold “TULA ampong SAYA,” its 50th Anniversary Reunion, this coming December 29-30, in San Fernando Pampanga, Philippines.

All 1965 graduates of the Pampanga High School (PHS), formerly the Jose Abad Santos High School (JASHS), and their spouses are welcome to all scheduled events. Admission is free. The celebration will begin with BISPERAS on December 29 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, enjoying fun games, old music, and togetherness at the DIASPORA FARM RESORT in Santa Barbara, Bacolor, Pampanga. On December 30, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, join us for KAPIYESTAN, a provincial fiesta luncheon featuring familiar Kapampangan dishes, at the Mulang Galang orchard in San Antonio, Mexico, Pampanga. The evening of Dec. 30 will conclude with TERAKAN, a gala dinner-dance from 6:30 pm to 12 midnight, at the Fortune Hongkong Seafood Restaurant in the San Fernando, Pampanga. Enjoy a fun evening of dancing to the retro music of Decadas and the mellow songs of folksinger Jerry. Class ‘65ers, please join us in celebrating our 50th Golden Anniversary! Full details on preparations, events and venues can be found on “TULA ampong SAYA,” on Facebook. For donations, interest in the 50th Anniversary Reunion souvenir memory book, highlighting the successes of individual Class ‘65ers and the accomplishments of the PHS Class ’65 Foundation, Inc., please contact the jubilee reunion organizing committee in the Philippines: Joseph Deang (0927-228-8588); Erlie Aquino Estandarte (0929-219-0248); Corazon Cunanan (0939-1182888; 0926-660-35540); Cecille Morales Bernas (0932-509-2646); and Marcial Morales (0918915-9095); and Dan Galang 0929-427-9308; 045-966-0764). In the US and Canada, please contact Dan Galang at (510) 487-5551 or at (510) 648-1047.

M Ay 2 0 1 6

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 SugayPalanca at 818-281-7460 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

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 1, 2015

C

People and Events SSS conducts outreach mission in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – The Social Security System (SSS) conducted at one (1) day outreach mission at the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles on 20 November 2015.

President and CEO Emilio S. De Quiros, Jr., led the SSS delegation accompanied by Senior Vice President for International Operations Judy Frances A. See, Vice President Maria Lourdes N. Mendoza, Representative Marites Marin of SSS San Francisco and Representative Roberto Roldan of SSS Toronto.

SSS President De Quiros informed the audience on the newly established SSS Offices in Toronto, Canada and in San Francisco, California

as part of effort to bring their services closer to overseas Filipinos in North America. He briefed the audience on performance levels of the SSS and continuous improvement in its operations, services and related systems. The SSS has migrated its service delivery platform from branchbased transactions to internet-based channels in order to give their clients the flexibility of transacting with the SSS within the comfort of their own homes.

On-site services were also offered to SSS members and pensioners during the program. Foreign Representatives Marin and Roldan assisted and provided services. n

Photo shows Consul General Herrera-Lim addressing the audience.

Photo above shows SSS Representative from San Francisco Marin and SSS Toronto Representative Roberto Roldan providing services.

Fil-Am attorney is newest ‘Best Attorneys of America’

BY a letter dated October 28, 2015, Rue Ratings’ “Best Attorneys of America” invited Los Angeles Filipino-American Attorney, Roman P. Mosqueda, to be a lifetime Charter Member of its “Best Attorneys of America” for 2016.

The bases for the selection which was accepted are Mr. Mosqueda’s “extraordinary level of legal expertise, competency, professional reputation and ethical standards.”

Indeed, Mr. Mosqueda was previously certified in 2005 as a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum; selected 2014, 2015 and 2016 Super Lawyer for Southern California; and honored as 2014 and 2015 The National Advocates Top 100 Lawyers for California, as well as inducted in 2015 as Lifetime Member of Trial Masters.

As one of the over 700 qualified “Best Attorneys of Amer-

Long Beach, and Panorama City, in general practice with concentration in admiralty law, business immigration, family law, estate planning and probate, international law, products liability and tort law.

He has published two law books in products liability and marriage dissolution and numerous legal articles and ebooks in the Philippines and in the United States.

He is also pro bono legal counsel of numerous organization in Southern California, and is Chairperson of the Board of Adviser of the AsianPacific Counselling & Treatment CenRoman P. Mosqueda, Esq. ters (APCTC). He is Presidentica”, Mr. Mosqueda is one of Nominee of the Rotary Club of only 100 attorneys in California Historic Filipinotown.

He holds graduate law deto have the distinct honor of being certified as a “Best Attorney” grees: Master of Laws and DocLifetime Charter Member of the tor of the Science of Law from the University of Michigan Law invitation-only institution.

Mr. Mosqueda has three law School on full scholarship and offices located in Los Angeles, research grants. n

Photo above shows SSS Management President and CEO De Quiros presenting to the audience

Photo above shows (L-R) Vice Consul Dyan Kristine Pastrana, Vice President Maria Lourdes Mendoza, SSS Management President and CEO Emilio S. De QUiros, Jr., Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim, SSS Account Management Group Senior Vice President Judy Frances See, SSS Representative to San Francisco Marites Marin.

C NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 1, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 28-DEcEmbER 1, 2015

MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

&

PH economy up 6% in Immigration Q3, still 1 of Asia’s fastest Corner

by Amy

R. Remo, PAolo G. montecillo And Ben o. de VeRA Inquirer.net

THE Philippine economy grew at its fastest pace so far this year in the third quarter, as total economic output expanded 6 percent on the back of sustained robust consumer spending, and improved government expenditures on public goods and services.

The expansion of the gross domestic product (GDP) in JulySeptember was exceeded only by China’s 6.9 percent and Vietnam’s 6.8 percent, making the Philippines “one of the fastest-growing major Asian economies,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said on Thursday, Nov. 26 The Liberal Party standardbearer, Mar Roxas, said the economic surge under the Aquino administration was no fluke as it invested in infrastructure and human resources.

But the growth was slower than expected, as risks from a leadership change next year and the El Niño dry spell loomed.

GDP growth in the July to September period was faster than the 5.8 percent in the previous quarter but below the 6.3-percent median expectation of economists in a Bloomberg News poll, as a slowdown in manufacturing weighed on growth in services and public spending.

The El Niño dry spell, projected to peak in December and January, has begun to hurt agriculture, which was down 1.1 percent quarter-on-quarter, data showed.

Balisacan said this was due to inadequate irrigation of farmlands but the government was addressing the problem.

The services sector was the PAGE D2

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS. Artificial trees on the median of Lawton Avenue in Pasay City are aglow with different colors, as central business districts in Metro Manila come up with colorful Christmas sceneries to make them stand out and attract people, especially shoppers, at night.

Inquirer.net photo by Kimberly De La Cruz

Marcos urges young ‘Tsinoy’ businessmen to help in nation-building SENATOR Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. encouraged and called on young Filipino-Chinese businessmen to help in nation-building by generating jobs and paying the right taxes.

Marcos made the call during the conference of the Anvil Young Business Club, Incorporated-Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs headed by Reginald T. Yu as its President, Tuesday, Nov. 24, where he cited the Fil-Chinese businessmen as the “new breed of Filipino entrepreneurs” that are full of optimism.

“I would like to urge you to continue generating local employment opportunities. May you always see the wisdom and the need for committing human capital in all of your business endeavors, more so in the face of the threat of computerization, automation, and machines that the digital information has brought and contribute your fair and accurate share in the revenue collection efforts of government,” Marcos said.

Marcos said the business sector contributes to nation-building through mechanisms that it performs and operationalizes in the economy like tax payments, delivery of basic services to the people, jobs creation, among others.

Sen. Bongbong Marcos

He asked the young entrepreneurs to continue providing basic services that are safe, high quality and affordable that will ultimately improve the lives and conditions of the people.

“Through my leadership and public service for our country, you will always be assured of my constant promotion and advocacy of business-friendly policies, a healthy investment climate with specific emphases on a stable and conducive peace and order situation, strong public infrastructure network, a just, equitable and sensible taxation system, and a government that is free from red tape and unnecessary bureaucratic layers,” Marcos, a 2016 Vice Presidential candidate concluded.

Income inequality makes the rich stingier, study says

by AGnes

constAnte AJPress

IT might be the season of giving, but a new study shows that wealthy individuals residing in states with high income inequality are less likely to be generous toward others.

Researchers from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and Stanford University’s Department of Sociology who conducted the study noted that recent research has found that higher-income individuals are less likely to give than those with lower incomes. However, they said this was “likely oversimplistic,” as it ignores the role of economic inequality.

Additionally, those earlier findings were not the case in Europe and Japan.

“That was a bit of a puzzle for us,” said study author Stéphane

Côté, a professor at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. “That’s why we reasoned maybe a factor that seems to affect the rich is whether they live in a place that is highly unequal in terms of economic inequality.”

Study authors used results from a previous study called Measuring Mortality, a survey of 1,500 Americans that gauged generosity using an approach called the “dictator game,” which has been demonstrated to correlate with real-life giving. The survey involved telling participants they had 10 raffle tickets that they could give to other participants.

In the end, researchers of the survey found that individuals who earned at least $125,000 annually in states with the greatest income disparity shared significantly less PAGE D2

Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ THANKSGIVING is when people take a step back and reflect on all of the wonderful things and events to be grateful for, and to give thanks to those people who played such a key role in helping us achieve them.

At this Thanksgiving, I would like to once again give thanks to all of the people who have been so kind and supportive of me and my immigration law practice.

Thank you to all of my clients.

I realize that you are the reason I am able to remain in business.

I also know how important your immigration matter is in your life and in the life of your family.

I appreciate your trust and confidence in my office, in allowing us to handle such an important matter.

Thank you to the entire Filipino community. I truly appreciate your warmth and support, and I thank you for all of your letters and emails telling me how you enjoy my articles and television show, Citizen Pinoy. I am happy to be of service to you, and I

D

Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks

will continue to support Filipino events and causes.

Thank you to ABS-CBN, TFC, and the entire crew of Citizen Pinoy, who share my vision of providing a public-service program to the Filipino community concerning immigration information. It makes me so proud and happy when people come up to me, saying that they watch Citizen Pinoy every single week, and have learned so much from the real life stories and questions and answers presented. I thank all the crew of Citizen Pinoy for their hard work, dedication, and passion for this worthy public service.

Thank you to all of our friends in the media, who through their prestigious publications, enabled us to reach those who need our services and inform the Filipino community about newsworthy immigration information. You serve as an avenue to help “BRING FAMILIES TOGETHER” and help “MAKE THE AMERICAN DREAM COME TRUE.” Thank you to my staff. Your tireless efforts and dedication to our clients are the main reasons we can continue to provide quality service to our many loyal

clients.

Thank you to my wife, Millie.

People say that behind every successful man, there is a Filipina wife. After many years of marriage, I know it’s true. Words cannot express my gratitude for your help, support and dedication to our business. You are the “wind beneath my wings.”

And most of all, thank you to the Almighty. Without His blessings, benevolence, and guidance, none of this would be possible.

May He allow me to continue to be able to assist people with their problems, and allow the prayers of all people to be answered and fulfilled. ***

active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES

Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an

(Advertising Supplement)

Business Quote of the Week “I believe that being successful means having a balance of success stories across the many areas of your life. You can’t truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles.”

- Zig Ziglar, author and motivational speaker

D november 28-december 1, 2015 • LA WeeKend ASIAn JoUrnAL

Marketplace

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

PH tourist arrivals grow double-digit in Jan-Sept PH gov’t urged to jack up infra spending in ’16

by VoltAiRe

PAlAñA Manilatimes.net

TOURIST arrivals in the first three quarters of the year reached 3.98 million, more than 10 percent higher than the 3.59 million arrivals recorded in the same period in 2014, data from the Department of Tourism showed.

The double-digit growth was driven by faster third-quarter arrivals (up by 17.27 percent yearon-year), which historically posts lower tourism levels compared to other quarters.

Moreover, consistent doubledigit gains were recorded from July to September, with September recording the highest growth while July registered the biggest arrivals at 489,724 visitors.

“Expect arrival levels to inch up leading to December when tourists frequently post the highest arrival levels compared to the rest of the months of the year,” MetroBank research analyst Mabellene Reynaldo said in a weekly market commentary.

“Airport scams, which were

brought to the public around September, may dampen tourist sentiment in the coming quarters especially if not addressed,” she said.

“Total tourist arrivals for 2015 given the current trajectory may be a bit below the 5.5-million target set by the government,” Reynaldo added.

The DOT data showed that South Korea continues to be the top source of visitors, already with 25.03 percent share of total PAGE D3

Income inequality makes the rich...

PAGE D1 than those in states with more even income distributions.

Researchers validated the findings by recruiting an additional 700 people online, who were provided false data indicating their home states had either high or low inequality.

“Higher-income participants were less generous than lower-income participants when inequality was portrayed as relatively high, but there was no association between income and generosity when inequality was portrayed as relatively low,” the researchers wrote.

Authors did not find significant differences in behavior for individuals who had a household income below $15,000.

The researchers surmised that wealthier individuals living in areas where deep divides exist between the rich and poor may feel more entitled to their richer statuses or more threatened by the loss

of privilege that would occur if resources were spread out more evenly.

Findings of the study parallel unpublished research indicating that cutbacks on social welfare programs are followed by a rise in state inequality, said Lyle Scruggs, a political scientist at the University of Connecticut, according to Bloomberg.

“If the people in charge are even richer, are they less likely to care about those less fortunate, and, therefore, be less generous, as a mindset?” he said.

Furthermore, the new research is in line with a preconception about wealth in the United States.

“There is certainly a narrative thread through US culture that people end up where they deserve to end up,” said Kim Weeden, chair of Cornell University’s sociology department and director of the Center for the Study of Inequality, according to Bloomberg. “A corollary to that is if you’re exceedingly

well of and at the top of the income distribution, you deserve to get there.”

Since the 1980s, the wealthiest in the United States have become richer, while lower-income individuals have become poorer. In 2013, the top 0.1 percent of households took in about 10 percent of the pretax income, compared to about 3 to 4 percent between 1951 to 1981, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Data from the Congressional Budget Office indicated that from 1979 to 2007, households with the top 1 percent of America’s wealth boosted their earnings 275 percent, while the incomes of lowerearning Americans saw a growth of 18 percent.

As with all social science research, the study is not an absolute indicator of people’s behavior and intentions.

The new study is published in the journal “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.”

by Amy

R. Remo Inquirer.net

PUBLIC Works Secretary Rogelio L. Singson has urged the Aquino administration to further ramp up infrastructure spending to as much as 7 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) next year, as the government needed to fast track such developments to be able to keep up with the country’s robust economic growth.

Such an amount should not only cover the construction of roads, bridges, ports, school buildings and flood management infrastructure, but also rail projects which, Singson said, were a necessary part of the roadmap for transportation for the National Capital Region.

As it is, the government’s infrastructure spending is already at 5 percent of GDP this year, while next year’s budget approximates the same share in GDP at about $17.4 billion.

“To achieve inclusive growth and to improve the country’s global competitiveness, the Philippines needs to invest in critical infrastructure. The Aquino administration realized we had been under investing in past decades in basic public infrastructure, which are necessary to reach out to the marginalized sectors, particularly in the rural and agricultural areas,” Singson said at the Innovation in Infrastructure Congress Tuesday.

Singson said that from $3.8 billion or a mere 1.8 percent of GDP in 2010, investments in infrastructure had surged to about $13.5 billion this year, which

“To achieve inclusive growth and to improve the country’s global competitiveness, the Philippines needs to invest in critical infrastructure. The Aquino administration realized we had been under investing in past decades in basic public infrastructure, which are necessary to reach out to the marginalized sectors, particularly in the rural and agricultural areas,” said Public Works Secretary Rogelio L. Singson.

Inquirer.net photo

would further increase to $17.4 billion in 2016. Almost half of the allocation for infrastructure next year represented the budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at P358 billion.

“We could not jump from 1.8 percent to 4 percent of GDP as quickly as we wanted to, due to the massive overhaul of government polices and procedures in the first two years of the administration. [This move] was meant to avoid government fund leakages and to address absorptive capac-

ity constraints,” he said.

However, further increasing infrastructure spending to 7 percent of GDP from the current 5 percent may be relatively easier, according to Singson, because the procedures have already been streamlined and potential fund leakages have been plugged.

The next administration, he said, should also target for an even higher infrastructure spending of about 10 percent of GDP to help sustain the economic growth momentum.

PH economy up 6% in Q3...

PAGE D1

main growth driver in the third quarter, growing 7.3 percent—the highest in two years—from 5.6 percent last year.

Industry slows, agri declines Year-on-year, industry growth slowed to 5.4 percent from 7.8 percent, while agriculture declined 0.4 percent from a 2.6-percent contraction.

The local and foreign business community yesterday called on the government to put more focus on developing the lagging agriculture sector.

Henry J. Schumacher, vice president for external affairs at the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, said in a text message that while the overall growth of 6 percent in the third quarter was good, “the focus has to be on the zero growth in agriculture.”

“As inclusive growth is needed, the agribusiness sector needs to be pushed,” Schumacher said.

Francisco F. del Rosario Jr., president of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), said “agricultural productivity should also be a concern” if the government wanted to further boost GDP growth in the last quarter.

Encouraging sign At a press briefing, Balisacan said “[t]he 6-percent growth in the Philippines’ real gross domestic product in the third quarter of this year is certainly an encouraging sign of a steadily growing economy.’’

Private consumption was a major growth driver. “With availability of more jobs, increasing employment and income, low inflation and inflow of overseas Filipino remittances, household consumption also grew by 6.3 percent,’’ Balisacan said.

He said Filipino households increased their spending mostly on food and non-alcoholic beverages, miscellaneous goods and services, transport, restaurants and hotels, and communication.

“Strong domestic demand fueled output growth, led by significant improvements in government spending and household consumption,’’ he said.

State spending up Balisacan noted that the quarter also saw public sector performance improving, with government final consumption expenditure increasing from 3.9 percent to 17.4 percent.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said government spending year-on-year growth as of September was the biggest quarterly growth since 2012.

“This means our efforts to address institutional weaknesses that hamper the agencies from spending public funds and delivering services quickly and with measurable impact are working,’’ Abad said in a statement.

He said he was optimistic that the spending momentum would be sustained until the end of the year “as disbursements accelerate toward the latter part of the year when agencies rush the completion of projects.”

“Developments such as this show clearly that good governance is indeed good economics, and that reforms pave the way toward a more business-and investment-friendly environment,” said presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.

Full year target Balisacan said growth in the first nine months of the year was 5.6 percent, making a 6-percent full-year growth likely given even better prospects for the last quarter.

The government’s official GDP growth target for 2015 is 7-8 percent, but economic managers has already conceded that the economy could expand this year at a “realistic” range of only 6-6.5 percent.

The economy should grow by at least 6.9 percent in the fourth quarter to reach the lower end of the “realistic” growth figure.

Balisacan said the economy could expand by as much as 7 percent or more in the October to December period.

“This growth trajectory we are seeing will likely to continue in the fourth quarter as we expect domestic demand to still pick up during the holiday season. This, along with low inflation, low oil prices, and the anticipated effects of election spending on the country’s growth, supports this outlook. Moreover, the services sector will remain strong and investments are likely to go up due to the expected increase in disbursements,” he said.

However, Balisacan admitted that challenges to achieving 6percent growth in 2015 remained.

“One is the still lingering effects of El Niño on the economy, especially for agriculture. The government has been taking measures to mitigate the impact particularly on food security and potable water supply,” he said.

Wait-and-see “Another risk would be the uncertainties that are naturally brought by an impending change of leadership, with next year’s national elections. We need to remain focused on ensuring that the economy is on the right path as political changes take place,” he added.

But he said next year’s elections would impact both positively and negatively on economic growth moving forward, as election spending mainly by candidates would bolster private consumption, while the uncertainty to be brought by a change in leadership, especially the top post in the land, may put investors on wait-and-see.

Tax reforms To further ensure a faster growth for 2015, MAP president Del Rosario said the Aquino administration must prioritize measures and programs aimed at attracting more foreign direct investments to create more employment; ensuring inclusive growth; implementing tax reforms; pursuing critical infrastructure projects; removing negative investment provisions in the Constitution; and eliminating corruption.

John D. Forbes, senior adviser at the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, also pointed out that growth should be higher to be more inclusive.

Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, remained bullish that the local economy would post a faster growth in the last three months, citing increased government spending, a more robust domestic consumption and election spending. (With reports from Jerry E. Esplanada, Gil C. Cabacungan and AFP)

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

Marketplace & ShowrooM

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 28-DEcEmbER 1, 2015 D

PAL revitalizes Mabuhay Miles loyalty program Countering the norm for road safety

by LoueLLa

D. DesiDerio Philstar.com

MANILA—Philippine Airlines (PAL) has revitalized its loyalty program Mabuhay Miles by providing additional perks to customers in line with its aim to get more passengers and become the preferred airline.

“We envision the Mabuhay Miles Program to be one of the key drivers in making Philippine Airlines the ‘airline of choice’. We thank our loyal patrons for their all-out support through the years.

As part of the PAL family, we shall endeavor to offer them what they deserve — a more rewarding mileage and rewards program,” PAL president Jaime J. Bautista said during the enhanced loyalty program’s launch.

For his part, Kevin HartiganGo, vice president for ancillary

business group at PAL said the Mabuhay Miles is more than just a frequent flyer program.

“It has become a symbol of PAL’s commitment to delight loyal customers by providing perks and privileges that are at par and even beyond its competitors,” he said.

Under the enhanced loyalty program, PAL is offering greater seat availability per flight for rewards redemption to provide members the chance to convert miles to seats even on peak season.

PAL is also allowing its members to earn miles not only on it flights, but even on flights with its code-share and airline partners.

PAL’s airline partners are All Nippon Airways and Etihad Airways, while its code-share partners are Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Gulf Air, Turkish Airlines

and West Jet. To provide more benefits to Mabuhay Miles members, the airline is entering new partnerships with various establishments.

Apart from foreign airlines, the frequent flyer program’s industry program partners include financial institutions, hotels, telecommunication firms, retailers and other travel-related companies.

PAL is likewise rolling out service innovations such as the Mabuhay Miles Travel Card or the multi-currency prepaid card, which would allow a member to earn and redeem miles for every purchase made with partner-merchants, as well as the myPALshop or an online store featuring hotel deals, car rentals, tours and recreation packages, health, fashion, beauty and electronic items.

Remittances face threat of de-risking Global banks wary of money laundering, terrorist financing MANILA—The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said the country’s major source of foreign exchange is at risk as various countries have enforced stricter regulatory measures on remittance business in compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidance.

Based on the BSP’s Status Report on the Philippine Financial System for the first half, the remittance sector faces the threat of de-risking by global foreign banks.

The FATF generally referred to de-risking as a phenomenon where financial institutions terminate or restrict business relationships with clients or categories of clients to avoid, rather than manage, risk in line with FATF’s risk-based approach for money service businesses.

The BSP pointed out the FATF guidance has prompted some financial institutions to terminate business relationships with clients to avert money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

The central bank added some banks wanted to avoid an over concentration to a particular type of risk such as correspondent banking.

“The issue on de-risking activities of global foreign banks, if not properly resolved, may have an adverse impact on remittance flows,” the report stated.

Data from the BSP showed cash remittances from overseas Filipinos grew six percent to a record $24.35 billion last year from $22.98 billion in 2013 on the back of the strong demand for skilled Filipino workers abroad.

The amount of money sent home by Filipinos abroad inched up 4.1 percent to $18.41 billion from January to September compared to $17.68 billion in the same period last year.

The growth of cash remittances bounced back in September, increasing 4.3 percent to $2.2 billion from $2.11 billion in the same month last year after contracting in August.

Remittances last August declined 0.6 percent due to the depreciation of some currencies including the euro, Canadian dollar, and the Japanese yen, reducing the dollar equivalent of remittances sent home from host countries.

That was the first time since April 2003 when the amount of money sent home by Filipinos to their loved ones in the Philippines contracted by 10.9 percent.

The Association of Bank Remittance Officers Inc. (Abroi) and the Association of Private Remittance Services Companies Inc. (Appraise) – two of the country’s biggest remittance organizations – have banded together to jointly ask the BSP as well as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to formally appeal to these developed countries which have shut down their respective remittance business.

Both groups are alarmed over the move by developed countries including the US, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to shut down remittance firms due to suspicions that these are being used to funnel funds to terrorists.

The BSP said in the report universal banks in the Philippines

Tourists aim their camera at a tree to catch an image of a tarsier, which is a tourist attraction, in Corella, Bohol province.

Inquirer.net photo

PH tourist arrivals grow double...

PAGE D2 tourism volume from January to September.

The United States was a far second with a 14.5 percent share, followed by Japan with 9.56 percent share. High growth regions, though small in volume, are Eastern Mediterranean, Europe (up by 44.8 percent), South America (up by 33.5 percent), and South Asia (up by 33.5 percent) – underscoring the government’s aim to spur growth in non-traditional markets.

Meanwhile, visitor receipts or earnings generated from tourism activities for the first nine months of 2015 grew by 7 percent, rising to P168.75 billion from the P157.73 billion recorded last year.

For September alone, visitor receipts amounted to P16.56 billion, which is 24.24 percent higher than the previous year’s earnings of P13.33 billion. From July to September, visitor receipts posted double-digit gain, with September posting the highest growth.

Average daily expenditure

(ADE) of international visitors for the month of September 2015 was estimated at P5,438.47 while average length of stay (ALoS) for the same month registered at 9.20 nights. On the other hand, average per capita expenditure of visitors for the month in review was P50,033.96.

Korea was the biggest contributor of visitor earnings for the country with P4.7 billion, overtaking the United States with P2.8 billion. Japan was in third place with P1.2 billion followed

by Australia (P1.08 billion), and China (P1.06 billion) as the fourth and fifth biggest contributors of visitor receipts.

On the other hand, visitors from United Kingdom had the highest per capita expenditure for the month of September with P80,165.74, while visitors from India recorded the second biggest per capita spending at P64,738.66.

Other top markets with high visitor spend include Australia with P61,202.03, the United States with P60,815.80 and Canada with P54,537.47.

continued to sustain operations abroad as major remittance channels but face the threat of de-risking activities by global foreign banks.

Overseas bank offices are clustered mostly in the Middle East with 43.5 percent followed by Asia Pacific with 37 percent, North America with 10.9 percent, and Europe with 8.7 percent.

In the Middle East alone, banks have 20 offices of which 14 offices are remittance desk offices reflecting the strong remittance inflows coursed through the banking system.

by VJ

Bacungan ManilaTimes.net

OVER the centuries of human civilization, certain brave souls have strived to counter the “norm,” the “accepted” or the status quo, seemingly insurmountable as their battles may be.

In motoring, historian Virginia Scharff wrote in her 1991 book “Taking the Wheel: Women and the Coming of the Motor Age” how early 20th-century American women, who society had relegated to the misery of transporting themselves in dreadful electric cars, fought for the “privilege” of driving petrol-powered cars that were then considered exclusively as “men’s cars.” Their victory ensured that women today could drive whatever vehicle they want, despite the continuing insistence on the derogatory “girl’s cars.”

Arnel Doria looks to be one of these brave souls by proffering the ultimate fantasy of every responsible and law-abiding motorist: Safer roads and better drivers in the Philippines. His strategy?

Start them young.

“It’s designed for them to use in the future,” he said. “They may not remember everything, but some of it will stick.”

Doria said road safety follows the “Three Es:” engineering, enforcement and education. Since he is neither an engineer nor a law enforcer, he has developed roadsafety modules over the years to teach people ranging from little kids to veteran drivers.

This certainly ties well with his background, graduating with a degree in Secondary Education, majoring in Chemistry, from the

Using a teddy bear, Arnel Doria demonstrates how to strap a child to a safety seat in a Volkswagen vehicle.

The campaign Arnel Doria helps undertake includes educating both parents and children on basic road safety.

University of the Philippines, Diliman. Prior to entering the motoring industry, Doria started his career in 1980 as a chemistry and math professor at the Philippine Women’s University and its JASMS-affiliate.

From 1984 to 1986, he took

technical training on chemistry education in Osaka and Nara under the Japanese Monbusho scholarship. When he returned to the Philippines on December 1986, he said an acquaintance from business consultancy firm PAGE D4

D november 28-december 1, 2015 • LA WeeKend ASIAn JoUrnAL

Showroom

Honda reveals turbocharged Civic Coupe at Los Angeles Auto Show THe newest member of the completely reengineered and reimagined 10th-generation Civic lineup—the 2016 Civic Coupe— will make its first public appearance at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. Launching in March, the 2016 Civic Coupe delivers an even sportier and emotional take on the new Civic design while benefitting from the multitude of upgrades to the 10th-generation Civic lineup, including a sophisticated and sporty new chassis, a more spacious and quieter cabin, class-leading fuel-economy ratings and targeted top-in-class crash safety ratings.

The new 2016 Civic Coupe, like its sedan counterpart, will feature two advanced new engines, including the first-ever turbo engine for the Coupe, delivering more power, performance and fuel efficiency. All new Civic Coupes, from the well-equipped LX to the new, line-topping Touring trim, also receive significant upgrades to interior style, with soft-touch materials and high-grade finishes, along with a bevy of new standard and available features, including the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies as well as both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2016 Civic Coupe is the second in a series of new 10thgeneration Civic models that Honda is launching over the course of the next 18 months, including the Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe, the first-ever Civic 5-door hatchback for the U.S. market, Civic Si performance variants and for the first time in the U.S., the radical new Civic Type-R. Civic Coupe Styling The 2016 Civic Coupe carries forward the sporty and premium character of the 10th-generation Civic design, including the bold front fascia, fast-back profile and sharp-edged detailing, as well as its more athletic wheels out proportions – its longer wheelbase (+74mm), wider body (+48mm), shortened front overhang (36mm) and wider stance. The new Coupe also benefits from the lower seating position, or hip point, of the new Civic platform, which amplifies the Coupe’s low, wide and planted dynamic driving character.

From the A-pillars rearward, the Coupe features unique exterior styling with a lower and more steeply raked roofline, nearly 1

inch lower than the Sedan, and more compact proportions, with the rear overhang and overall length shortened by 140mm.

The new Coupe also features an exclusive rear taillight design that carries the arch of the distinctive C-shaped LeD taillights across the full length of the rear deck lid.

Sporty and Spacious Coupe Interior The 2016 Civic Coupe’s sportier design does not come at the expense of passenger comfort, as interior space grows by 238 liters and rear seat legroom is increased by more than 127mm, compared to the outgoing Coupe model. The new Civic Coupe interior strikes a more premium tone with high-quality materials and high-contrast finishes. These include a new one-piece, soft-touch instrument panel with molded stitching; more premium seat fabrics; a new full-color TFT center meter (eX and above trims); door inserts with real stitching; an LeD shift indicator and LeD overhead lighting; and for eX and higher trims, a leather shift lever boot.

Civic Coupe Feature Upgrades All new Civic Coupes, from the well-equipped LX to the new linetopping Touring, feature upgraded interiors and an expanded list of standard and available technologies and features. New standard equipment includes auto on/off headlights, LeD daytime running lights, LeD taillights, acoustic glass windshield, automatic climate control (dual-zone in upper trims), electric Parking Brake with Brake Hold and Walk-Away auto door locks. New available features include Honda LeD headlights,

Remote engine start, heated front seats and side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, full-color TFT center meter and seven-inch Display Audio touchscreen.

Civic Coupe Audio and Connectivity The new Civic Coupe delivers the latest in audio and connected-car technology, including more powerful audio systems; an available new Android OS-based, 7-inch Display Audio touch screen interface; a bevy of streaming audio options such as Pandora, SiriusXM and HD Radio; and for trims with Display Audio, full compatibility with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay platforms.

The Civic Coupe highest trims will also feature a new Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System developed in cooperation with the experts at Garmin.

Advanced New Powertrains The 2016 Civic Coupe will launch with two more powerful and fuel-efficient powertrains, Lower trims receive a new 2.0liter DOHC i-VTeC engine turning out 158 horsepower and 187 Nm torque1 (+15 HP and +12.2 Nm vs. 2015 Civic 1.8L) with anticipated ePA fuel-economy ratings of 13.2/17.4/14.9 km/liter for models equipped with CVT. This engine can also be equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission on the lowest trim. Civic Coupe mid to highest trims are powered by a new 1.5-liter DOHC direct-injected TURBO – the first-ever turbocharged engine for Civic Coupe – putting out a peak 174 horsepower and 220Nm torque (+31 HP and +45Nm vs. 2015 Civic 1.8L) with anticipated ePA ratings of 13.2/17.9/14.9 km/liter.

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

Keeping kids safe in the car

by VJ

Bacungan ManilaTimes.net

CAR rides can be great fun for kids, especially since many adults allow them to play around or let them have a great view outside by letting the kids sit on their laps.

But road safety advocate Arnel Doria warned that children below 12 years old are vulnerable road usersy since their bodies are too fragile to handle vehicular collisions without sustaining serious injury. Also, there is no law mandating these kids to be in child restraints while in the car, further endangering their lives.

Doria advises four things to remember when you’re driving around with kids.

Invest in a good child restraint.

He said children below 12 are too small to be secured with a seat belt, which is typically designed for adults. Letting kids use one could likewise cause serious injury.

The 2009 United Nations Road Safety Collaboration Manual on Seatbelts and Child Restraints lists four categories of child restraints, based on a child’s age and weight: • Group 0 or 0+ – rear-facing, infant child seat for those aged under one-year old, weighing less than 13 kilograms; • Group I – child safety seat for those aged one- to four-years old, weighing nine to 18 kilograms; • Group II – booster seat for those aged four- to six-years old, weighing 15 to 25 kilograms; and • Group III – backless booster

seat for those aged six- to 11-years old, weighing 22 to 36 kilograms.

Make kids sit in the back.

Doria said kids must be in the back because they cannot cope with the force generated by the impact of the frontseat airbag in many modern cars. “It’s as powerful as Mike Tyson’s punch,” he added.

It’s also illegal since Republic Act 8750 or the Seat Belts Use Act of 1999 prohibits children below six-years old from sitting in the Although child seats are expensive, they are a very good front passenger seat. investment in terms of assuring the safety of children when Making them sit in the back is a far better option. of their newest models. Look for Never seat kids on your lap. acronyms Isofix or Latch (for USChildren do enjoy sitting on made cars) when considering adult’s laps, watching the world your next vehicle. whizz by. But Doria said doing so Also, think twice before letting could kill them, since in a colli- kids ride around in your prized sion, they would be sandwiched vintage car since many vehicles between the object in front (the made before the 1990s don’t have dashboard or the front seat, if modern safety innovations, such seated at the back) and the person as crumple zones. holding them.

“In older cars, the passengers “You will never be able to se- absorb nearly all of the impact cure that child in the split-second forces,” he said. “You really need of a collision,” he said. to think. What do you love more?

Use a car with modern safety The car or the kid?” features.

Doria summed up very well the Carmakers around the world continuing campaign to protect are now installing universal an- kids in vehicles: “Protect what you chors for child restraints in many love the most.”

Countering the norm for road...

PAGE D3

John Clements was looking for Japanese-speaking, mid-level executives who could join Japanese firms that wanted to invest in the country after President Corazon Aquino’s rise to power.

Doria eventually joined Honda Motorcycles in 1987, transferring to HCPI in 1990.

“My background in different theories in pedagogy has become handy even in marketing because of acquired skills in motivating people,” he said. “I am also aware of the different stages of motor and cognitive skills of children and teenagers, which is critical in designing learning modules.

Moreover, science education has trained me to approach each problem and opportunity through the scientific method.”

Need for better driving standards Although Doria said driver education has improved greatly over the past five years because of better driving schools, more can be done to improve road safety through not only stricter implementation of rules, but also amending the country’s outdated driving laws.

“Republic Act 4136 [or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code] does not mandate driver education to get a license,” he said. “Any Tom, Dick and Harry can go to the LTO and get a license, so long as he or she fulfills the requirements.”

He further said countries like Singapore used to have high crash rates, but the imposition of mandatory driver education reduced

those rates greatly.

Doria said all he does are little “trickles here and there,” in comparison to what he estimates to be approximately 20 million driver’s license holders in the Philippines.

In a country with an increasing number of vehicles on the road, there is a need to collectively create a deluge to promote a culture of road safety, much like those American women long ago who just wanted to drive a good car.

“All of the historical changes in society, somebody had to start it,” he said. “Maybe, a bigger organization will see what we are doing now and do it on a bigger scale.

That’s fine. But at least somebody has introduced that idea. It has to start somewhere.”

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

Showroom

WIN Hyundai and WIN Chevrolet: 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

?\i\ kf dXb\ pfli ZXi$Ylp`e^ \og\i`\eZ\ \Xjp `j N@E ?ple[X`Ëj \og\i`\eZ\[ jXc\j jkX]] n_f `j \X^\i kf j_Xi\ `kj befnc\[^\ n`k_ pfl% C$I AXp Ki`e`[X[# Ale D@cXe# Dle`i Pfle`j# =iXebc`e DX^Xiif

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 28-DEcEmbER 1, 2015 D

D november 28-december 1, 2015 • LA WeeKend ASIAn JoUrnAL

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

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

EMPLOYMENT

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

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 28-DEcEmbER 1, 2015 D

SCHOOL

SERVICES

FOR SALE

D november 28-december 1, 2015 • LA WeeKend ASIAn JoUrnAL

Showroom

Longo Toyota delivers world class experience Being the premiere Toyota retailer in the nation, Longo Toyota aims to deliver a truly world-class experience to our guests on every transaction, everyday. it all starts with our friendly and welcoming staff, a clean and modern environment, and a wide range of services to make your visit pleasant and convenient. Here are some of our key amenities at Longo Toyota: Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) in november 1999, Longo Toyota became the first automotive dealership in the US to have the Auto Club on its premises. For 14 long years, our Auto Club branch has served countless satisfied Longo customers with its wide array of services Today, our on-site branch offers DMV services, airline, car and hotel reservations, discounted movie and local attraction tickets, membership processing, OnBoard Teen Safe Driver Program, and more. Sign up at our Longo Toyota branch and get $13 off the original membership application price. Located in our new car showroom, our AAA branch is open Mondays thru Saturdays, from 11am to 7pm.

Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer Longo Lexus is the first car dealership in the US to provide Verizon Wireless and Verizon Wireless neighborhood services on-site.

Our Verizon branch offers the latest in telecommunications, mobile devices, accessories and services. We also offer complimentary cellphone charging stations for our customers. Our Verizon retailer is located inside our parts retail center. Our Wireless Playground is open Monday-Friday, 7am7pm; Saturday, 7am-5:30pm; and Sunday, 8-4pm. Please call (888) 623-2133 for more information.

Starbucks and Subway While waiting for your car to come out of our car-care service lines, you can enjoy a quick bite at Subway or a nice refreshing drink at Starbucks.

We offer healthy dining options with Subway’s wide variety of sandwiches, salads, and wraps. if you’re thirsty and you’re looking for that quick coffee

9lkZ_ >XYlk`eX

:\jXi DXZXc`ef

IXpdfe[ G\i\q

K?8EB PFL =FI D8B@E> LJ ELD9<I FE< =fi k_\ cfe^\jk k`d\# Cfe^f KfpfkX _Xj Y\\e gi`[`e^ `kj\c] Xj k_\ ( KfpfkX mfcld\ [\Xc\i `e k_\ Le`k\[ JkXk\j% 8cjf Zfej`[\i\[ Xj k_\ ( Gi`lj Xe[ ?pYi`[ [\Xc\i `e 8d\i`ZX# Cfe^f KfpfkX `j ^iXk\]lc ]fi k_\ Zfek`elflj jlggfik f] `kj Zc`\ekj k_Xk _Xm\ kiljk\[ k_\d n`k_ hlXc`kp YiXe[ e\n Xe[ lj\[ ZXij% ?Xm`e^ j\im\[ Zljkfd\ij ]fi +, p\Xij# k_\i\ dljk Y\ X i\Xjfe n_p Cfe^f KfpfkX `j jk`cc Zfej`[\i\[ eldY\i fe\% :Xcc -)- ,*0$),/+ kf[Xp kf Ôe[ flk%

fix, you can grab a refreshing Hazelnut Macchiato or a smooth Caramel Frappuccino at Starbucks. Offering only the finest coffee specialties, teas, juices, and assortment of pastries, there’s something for everybody at our on-site Starbucks branch.

Both our Subway and Starbucks branches are available for catering services.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Longo Toyota also has two enterprise Rent-A-Car offices on its premises. One is located adjacent to the Service Drive in the Pre-Owned Vehicle Showroom, and the other is in the Collision Repair Center.

Customers are welcome to utilize the enterprise rental services, regardless of whether or not they leave their vehicle in Longo for any car service.

Complimentary Vehicle Delivery Service Longo Toyota also offer complimentary vehicle delivery service. Our delivery service is available 6 days a week, Monday thru Saturday, anywhere within a 60-mile radius of Longo Toyota.

Longo Toyota Parts and Accessories Department You can also shop at the Longo Toyota Parts and Accessories Department, which carries a wide selection of genuine Toyota parts and accessories for your vehicle. With thousands of parts and accessories in stock, we definitely have whatever it is you’re looking for. Our boutique also carries a selection of RayBan and Oakley sunglasses, women’s and men’s apparel, and so much more.

Shuttle Service For your convenience, Longo Toyota offers complimentary shuttle service while your vehicles are being serviced.

Our shuttles can take you to virtually anywhere within a 15mile radius of Longo Toyota – be it your home, work, the mall, or even the parlor!

Anywhere!

An engaging stay While we understand that our customer’s time is precious, we realize that many of them may need internet connectivity at all times. As such we are more than happy to provide FRee WiFi throughout our facility, and FRee use of our great business center. in our business center, we provide a quiet setting where our guests can work on our computers or on their own laptops.

We also provide free use of an iPad for Longo guests who are waiting for their vehicles. Our guest Check-in representative will be more than happy to arrange this for you. if you decide to bring the kids to the dealership, boredom will never be a problem. We also offer a variety of video games and DVDs just for kids so that they can also enjoy their visit to Longo Toyota.

For more information on our Longo Toyota guest Services, please log on to http://www. longotoyota.com/dealership/ amenities.htm.

Longo Toyota is located at 3534 north Peck Road, el Monte, CA 91731. Call (626)539-2584 to set up your appointment.

8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

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

Longo Lexus offers the ultimate 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.

=iXeZ`j DXiX^Xp

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.

8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 28-DEcEmbER 1, 2015 D

D10 november 28-december 1, 2015 • LA WeeKend ASIAn JoUrnAL

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