Las Vegas Edition -- December 03 -- 09, 2015

LAS VEGAS

We’ve got you covered from Hollywood to Broadway... and Online!

w w w. a s i a n

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

Volume 26 - No. 48 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

de c e mbe r 3 - 9 , 2 0 1 5

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORk/NEW JERSEY

3700 W. Desert Inn Road Las Vegas, NV 89102 • Tel: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

US Marine guilty of Laude murder Faces up to 12 years in prison

by

Allyson escobAR

room they had checked into in olongapo City, near the former Us naval base northwest of manila.

Laude, 26, and Pemberton, 20, met at Ambyanz Disco Bar around 10:55 pm on oct. 11, 2014, and PAGE A2

day, Dec. 1 in the Philippines, where he will remain in prison.

Pfc. Pemberton, who was on JosePh scott Pemberton, the Us marine Private first Class a break after taking part in joint charged with murder for the military exercises in subic Bay, death of filipina transgender Jef- was charged with the homicide frey “Jennifer” Laude in october of Laude, whom he reportedly 2014, was found guilty on tues- strangled to death in the hotel AJPress

DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

White House strengthens visa waiver program

Aquino: Climate change calls for global ‘bayanihan’

by Alexis

RomeRo/Philstar.com

PArIs—President Benigno Aquino III has called for global bayanihan to address the impact of climate change, saying no effort by a single country is enough to solve

the problem.

Aquino said the Philippines has been tapping bayanihan to promote national transfor- GUILTY. Convicted US Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton is escorted to his detention cell upon arrival at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon mation, institute good gover- City on Tuesday, Dec. 1. The Olongapo Regional Trial Court Branch 74 found Pemberton guilty in the killing of transgender Jennifer Laude and AP photo by Ted Aljibe PAGE A2 sentenced him to 6-12 years in prison.

the White house announced changes to a visa waiver program aimed at securely screening migrants from 38 nations not required to get visas before traveling to the Us. In light of the deadly Paris terror attacks in November that left 130 dead, the Department of homeland security (Dhs) will now gather more information from travelers about past visits to countries, such as syria and Iraq, the White house said on monday, Nov. 30. the White house characterized the “en- President Aquino leads the Climate Vulnerable Forum in Le Bourget outside Paris. Joining hancements” as “a move that would sty- him are Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and United Nations Framework Convention PAGE A4 on Climate Change Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres.

Malacañang photo

Comelec unit disqualifies Grace Poe from 2016 presidential run AJPress

A DIVIsIoN of the Commission on elections (Comelec) has disqualified sen. Grace Poe from joining the 2016 presidential race, citing her failure to meet residency and citizenship requirements. on tuesday, Dec. 1, the Com-

Trafficked Filipino PH urges UN court to stop ‘Berlin Wall of the Sea’ teachers ask US court to uphold $4.4-million award

by JeRRy

e. esplAnAdA, niñA p. cAlleJA Inquirer.net

PAsADeNA—filipino teachers who accused a Los Angeles employment recruiter of human trafficking asked an appeals court on Wednesday, November 4, to uphold a federal jury’s $4.4 million award.

A class of 347 filipino teachers, who came to the United states to work on h-1B guest worker visas, said recruitment agencies and their agents misled them and collected millions of dollars in fees, according to Courthouse News service. they reportedly paid up to $16,000 each to work in public schools PAGE A4

the Philippines has urged the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the hague not to hand China the “golden key” that would allow Beijing to convert its exaggerated nine-dash line in the south China sea into a “Berlin Wall of the sea” and a “giant fence” owned by, and excluding everyone but, itself.

“We entrust our fate, the fate of the region and indeed, the fate of the convention (the United Nations Convention on the Law of the sea or Unclos) to you,” foreign secretary Albert del

PAGE A4

elec’s 2nd division ruled on a disqualification case against Poe filed by lawyer estrella elamparo, who charged that the senator does not meet the 10-year residency requirement and is not a natural-born filipino citizen, as mandated by the Constitution for a presidential candidate.

PAGE A2

Bishops slam Duterte for cursing Pope Francis Davao Mayor hits back on child abuse

by JeAnnette

i. AndRAde, tinA G. sAntos Inquirer.net

ArChBIshoP socrates Villegas didn’t think mayor rodrigo Duterte’s expletive against Pope francis was funny.

“When a revered and loved and admired man like Pope francis is cursed by a political candidate and the audience laugh, I can only bow my head and grieve in great shame. my countrymen have gone to the The Philippine delegation at the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague, dregs,” said the president of the Netherlands was comprised of representatives from the executive, legislative and Catholic Bishops’ Conference of judicial branches of the government.

Malacañang photo the Philippines (CBCP).

seafood footer ad

Senator Grace Poe

In an interview with reporters on tuesday, Dec. 1, Duterte warned the prelates against continuing tirades against him.

“I will destroy the Church and the present status of so many priests and what they are doing,” he said.

“You priests, bishops, you condemn me and suggest I withdraw, but then I will start to open my mouth. there are so many secrets that we kept as children. Do not PAGE A3

A

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

december 3-9, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

Aquino: Climate change calls for...

PAGE A1 nance and create an inclusive and compassionate society. “This spirit of bayanihan, dear colleagues, is exactly the same spirit that informs the Climate Vulnerable Forum. It is also at the core of what we launch today: the Manila-Paris Declaration, which embodies our shared aspirations for a world that is more just and more sustainable,� the President said in his speech at the 21st climate conference in this French capital.

Aquino said the members of the Climate Vulnerable Forum or V20 are survivors and could become a “collective force towards a fairer, more climate-proactive world.�

The Philippines chairs the V20 – the countries deemed most vulnerable to climate change: Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Maldives, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Ghana, Nepal, Timor-Leste, Barbados, Kenya, Tuvalu, Bhutan, Kiribati, Rwanda, Vanuatu, Costa Rica, Madagascar, Saint Lucia and Vietnam.

The group has formally asked the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to lower its temperature goal to 1.5 degrees Celsius. “Review sends a clear message that the current long-term temperature goal of holding global warming below 2 degrees Celsius is inadequate and that it is essential that this target is strengthened towards a below 1.5 degrees Celsius goal,� the group said in the Manila-Paris joint declaration adopted during the 21st Conference of Parties to the UNFCC (COP21) here. “We urge the UNFCCC Conference of Parties to heed the 20132015 Review into the adequacy of the current long-term temperature goal of holding global warming below a 2 degrees Celsius increase above preindustrial levels,� it added.

Full de-carbonization The group is also advocating a climate agreement that provides for the full de-carbonization of the world economy and 100 percent

renewable energy production by 2050. “The agreement being negotiated for adoption in Paris at COP21 must require no backsliding and a progression of commitments to avoid developments regressive towards achieving the long-term goal,� the V20 said.

The V20 lamented that the goals in the emission reduction plans or Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) that countries submitted are not enough to limit warming below the current target of two degrees.

Further substantial action would be needed to close the gap between the INDCs total level of ambition and the emission pathways consistent with the 1.5 degrees goal, the group said.

The V20 has set a target of $20 billion in new investments in climate action by 2020 with focus on regional, domestic and private sector mobilization.

It also cited the importance of including loss and damage in the Paris climate deal, saying it would establish options for compensating affected populations.

The group said international efforts for addressing loss and damage should include a mechanism that would comply with the Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage, a displacement coordination facility that would assist people affected by extreme weather events and a financing process.

The V20 also adopted a threeyear road map of activities aimed at enhancing cooperation among and protection for the climate vulnerable countries.

Global champion As this developed, Sen. Loren Legarda has been appointed as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR)’s Global Champion for Resilience.

Margareta Wahlstrom, special representative of the UN secretary general for disaster risk reduction, announced Legarda’s appointment on Nov. 30.

Legarda was a UNISDR re-

A E PAULE, CPA, LTD Member : American Institute of Certified Public Accountant (AICPA) Licensed in : California and Nevada CPA WITH OVER 15 YEARS OF EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE

? TAX ? TAX ? TAX ?

!! GET YOUR TAXES DONE PROPERLY !! !! USE A PROFESSIONAL TO PREPARE YOUR INCOME TAX RETURN !! !! AVOID EXPENSIVE I.R.S. AUDITS / PENALTIES !!

Your Tax fees can be taken out of your tax refund automatically.

Ask about our “FEE COLLECT� program.

:H DUH XS WR GDWH RQ DOO ODZV )RUHFORVXUHV DQG 'HEW )RUJLYHQHVV 5HQWDO 3URSHUWLHV 3HQVLRQ ,5$ )RUHLJQ ,QFRPH DQG $VVHWV 5HSRUWLQJ )$7&$ DQG ),1&(1 6DPH 6H[ 0DUULDJH )LOLQJV 2%$0$ &$5( HWF

Business Services:

‡ 7D[ 3UHSDUDWLRQ 3ODQQLQJ 3UREOHPV ‡ &RPSLODWLRQ ‡ ,56 5HSUHVHQWDWLRQ ‡ (QWLW\ 6HOHFWLRQ DQG 5HVWUXFWXULQJ ‡ $FFRXQW 6HUYLFHV ‡ 4XLFNERRNV $FFRXQWLQJ 6RIWZDUH KHOS DVVLVWDQFH ‡ 3D\UROO ‡ 6PDOO %XVLQHVV $FFRXQWLQJ ‡ %RRNNHHSLQJ :ULWH XSV ‡ 1HZ %XVLQHVV )RUPDWLRQ ‡ 1RQ 3URILW 2UJDQL]DWLRQV ‡ ,QFRUSRUDWLRQ DQG //& FUHDWLRQ

Individual Services:

‡ 7D[ 5HWXUQ 3UHSDUDWLRQ ‡ 7D[ 3ODQQLQJ ‡ 7D[ 3UREOHPV ‡ ,56 $XGLW DQG 5HSUHVHQWDWLRQ ‡ 1RQ )LOHG 5HWXUQV ‡ %DFN 7D[HV ‡ 3D\UROO 7D[ 3UREOHPV ‡ ,56 /LHQ /HYLHV 6HL]XUHV :DJH *DUQLVKPHQWV ‡ 2IIHU ,Q &RPSURPLVH ‡ %DQNUXSWF\ ‡ ,QQRFHQW 6SRXVH 5HOLHI

A . E . PA U L E , C PA , LT D .

1771 East Flamingo Road Suite - 200A Las Vegas, Nevada 89119

Phone: 702.220.4510 / Fax: 702.220.4785 WWW.AEPAULECPA.COM $GHOLQD (OL]DEHWK “Beth� Paule, CPA

!! CPA WITH 15 PLUS YEARS OF EXTENSIVE, MULTI-FACETED EXPERIENCE!!

From The FronT Page

gional champion for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation for Asia-Pacific since 2008. “I wish to take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to Ms. Margareta Wahlstrom, who has been most supportive in our initiatives to strengthen resilience of the various institutions in my country,� Legarda said in a video message played at the forum. “You have ably led the UNISDR in empowering nations, business, individuals and the whole of society to build safer communities.

I thank you for the trust given to me as Global Champion for Resilience,� she added.

She said the Paris climate agreement must aim for nothing less than the transformation of the global economy. “It must set in motion steps that develop innovative finance approaches able to respond to impacts that are beyond the reach of adaptation,� she added.

Legarda was unable to travel to Paris because of her duties as chairman of the Senate committee on finance, which is working on the 2016 budget.

Daughter’s future In attending the climate talks, National Youth Commission commissioner Dingdong Dantes said he represented his newborn daughter. “I come from an archipelago that knows an average of 22 typhoons a year. On paper, I am a commissioner representing the youth of the Philippines, but in my heart I feel like I’m really just representing my daughter, Maria Letizia,� he told the forum on Monday. “If you here are first time parents as well, you know that I really shouldn’t have left her or her mother’s side at this time even for a single minute. Yet, here I am. I am here because when I represent Maria Letizia, I represent the world,� he added. “You are all also here for yours— your sons and daughters—and for those still without, the children you are about to bear, if fate bestows you,� Dantes said.

A report by the United Nations Children’s Fund warned that children would bear the brunt of climate change because about 530 million of them reside in flood-prone areas and 160 million others are in drought severity zones.

Dantes said the youth have an important role to pay in spreading awareness about climate change.

He cited the Philippines’ launching of #NOWPH last year, which aims to promote vigilance for the care of the planet through social media. NOW stands for Not on our Watch. “To choose to be involved and to get people involved is certainly the greatest contribution we can make in addressing the common problems we face in our common world. With a reach of 221 million social media impressions, and 3.6 million total pledges, please listen to all these voices saying NOW,�

Dantes said.

Filipino protesters rally for convicted US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton to be sent to a Philippine prison, in front of the US Embassy in Manila on December 1, 2015.

AFP photo

US Marine guilty of...

PAGE A1

left for the nearby Celzone Lodge motel, where they were seen checking in around 11:30 pm.

Laude’s naked body was found in the early hours of the morning with her head slumped in the toilet. Two used condoms were also found in a trashcan inside the motel room.

The cause of death was determined by officials as drowning.

Pemberton was detained aboard the USS Peleliu and later at the Armed Forces headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, pending the investigation.

The young Marine first testified that he was intoxicated at the time of Laude’s death, and that he became enraged after discovering Laude was a man, which led to a fight in the room and prompted a defensive chokehold. He claimed that Laude was still alive and breathing when he left the scene, leaving the door slightly open.

The Olongapo City Regional Trial Court threw out Pemberton’s defense that he merely rendered Laude unconscious in a chokehold, and that someone else had strangled and drowned her n the toilet bowl after he had left the scene, reported The Philippine Star.

Pemberton has been charged with murder but was convicted of the lesser offense of homicide, which does not require malicious intent. The court found no treachery, abuse of strength, or cruelty on the part of the soldier.

He can still appeal against the verdict and sentence, reported Reuters.

“This is not quite a victory,� said Laude’s sister, Malou. “We expected a murder conviction but instead got homicide. We are not contented with the decision.� “No amount of money could pay for the years I spent raising my child,� said Laude’s mother, Julita Cabillan. “What they did to my child was gruesome. Just because we are poor doesn’t mean we can’t fight for justice.�

Pemberton sentenced up to 12 years Pemberton was sentenced for six to 12 years, with time already spent in detention credited, according to the court clerk and The Associated Press. He will be held by the US-controlled Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), which has jurisdiction over national prisoners. “Pemberton will remain at Camp Aguinaldo guarded by the Philippine National Police and BuCor personnel until his appeal is decided with finality by the court,� said the Department of Justice (DOJ), which also hinted on the possibility of Pemberton being transferred to another detention facility pending final agreement. “In any case, [his] detention shall at all times be carried out within Philippine territory, under the guard by and in line with existing regulations of the BuCor,� the DOJ added.

The Olongapo City Regional Trial Court also ordered the Marine to pay more than 4.5 million pesos ($95,350) to Laude’s family, including expenses for the wake and burial, as well as “moral and exemplary damages,� according to USA Today.

The case sparked widespread outrage from activists and groups both at home and abroad, demanding the cancellation of joint military actions between the US and the Philippines, particularly the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) which allows rotational deployment of US forces into the Philippines.

The court ordered the Philippine Commission on Visiting Forces to “submit within five days from today the Memorandum of Agreement entered into‌and the written agreement between duly authorized representatives of the US and the Philippines on the confinement or detention of accused Pemberton after conviction, according to Inquirer.

In 2009, the Philippine Supreme Court ruled that convicted US personnel must serve their sentences in the Philippines.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that under the VFA, confinement or detention

by Philippine authorities of US servicemen shall be carried out in facilities agreed on by both the US and Philippine governments, by “appropriate authorities,� said Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, spokesperson for the DFA. Both government parties agreed upon Camp Aguinaldo as the place of Pemberton’s confinement until the appeal is settled. “This is a sad day for the Philippines. It shows the US gets what it wants,� said lawyer Harry Roque.

This year, the US has increased its military aid to the Philippines, as tensions between China have risen over territories in the South China Sea.

Comelec unit disqualifies Grace Poe from...

PAGE A1 The ruling said Poe’s certificate of candidacy (COC) contains “material representations which are false. Hence, it is should be denied due course and canceled.�

“...(T)he Certificate of Candidacy for President of the Republic of the Philippines in the May 9, 2016 National and Local Elections filed by respondent Mary Grace Natividad Sonora Poe Llamanzares is hereby canceled,� the three-page decision added.

Elamparo’s petition noted that Poe’s COC for senator in 2013 stated that she had been a resident of the Philippines for ‘six years and six months’ before May 13, 2013. Poe has responded to the COC error, by saying that she returned to the Philippines earlier than marked. “By the principle of estoppel and the Filipino people relying on what she stated in her certificate of candidacy during the 2013 senatorial elections, respondent cannot deny her six years and six months residency in the Philippines as of May 2013,� Elamparo said.

Since Poe is a foundling — who was adopted by actress Susan Roces and late action star and former presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr. — Elamparo said Poe cannot be considered a natural-born citizen under the provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

The petition also specified that even if Poe was a natural-born citizen, she “lost that status when she became a citizen of the United States of America.� Poe had lived in the US and renounced her Filipino citizenship, but reacquired it in 2005.

Tuesday’s decision was signed

by Presiding Commissioner Al Parreno, Commissioners Arthur Lim and Sheriff Abas. “We would have wanted to declare the respondent eligible to seek the highest position in the land within the gift of our people.

After all, she is not only popular, she is, potentially a good leader.

However, it is our bounden duty to resolve this case by applying the Constitution, law, jurisprudence and none other,� the ruling read.

In response to the foundling issue, the division said, “the citizenship issue involving foundlings is a question of first impression in that, to our best

knowledge, there is no jurisprudence on the issue.�

Following the ruling, Poe expressed disappointment. “My critics will use any excuse to exclude me, much like they tried to do when FPJ ran for president, and in the process disenfranchising the people as well. They show a lack of trust in the ability of Filipinos to make the right decision,� Poe said in a statement. “I have faith in the process, and we are confident that the Comelec en banc will side with the interest of the people.�

Poe and her camp have maintained that she is indeed a natural-born Filipino citizen and has complied with the residency requirement. “The month of April 2006 is also when my husband resigned from his job in the USA. The period between March-April 2006 [and] September 2012 is around six years and six (6) months.

Therefore, this is the period I indicated [albeit, mistakenly] in my COC for senator as my ‘Period of Residence in the Philippines before May 13, 2013,’� Poe stated in her affidavit submitted to the Senate Electoral Tribunal.

The electoral tribunal previously dismissed the disqualification complaint in a 5-4 vote.

Poe’s lawyer is expected to appeal the decision before the Comelec en banc—a panel consisting of the chairman and all six commissioners—within the next five days. “Unang remedy is go to the en banc (First remedy is go to the en banc). We have six commissioners. Collectively, we are confident they will see the merits of our position. Our position is grounded on laws and confident it will be sustained,� Poe’s spokesman Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian said in a press conference on Tuesday.

Despite Tuesday’s ruling, there are still three more disqualification cases — filed by former Sen. Francisco Tatad, De La Salle University Professor Antonio Contreras and former University of the East Law Dean Amado Valdez — against the senator.

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Bishops slam Duterte for cursing...

PAGE A1 force (me to speak) because this religion is not so sacred.”

Victim He said he was among the victims of child abuse by priests.

“If they want, they can start it and I’ll tell everything. From my years in Ateneo [de Davao] until we grew up, and it will make them sad, very sad,” he said. “They have secrets, I have secrets.” He stressed his comment on the Pope was “inadvertence.”

Vulgarity “Vulgarity is corruption. When we find vulgarity funny, we have really become beastly and barbaric as a people.”

Villegas issued the statement a day after Duterte, during his proclamation as the official presidential candidate of PDP-Laban in next year’s elections, gave a speech where he cursed Pope Francis for the heavy traffic triggered by the papal visit in January.

Cussing ‘God-given talent’ Duterte pointed out he did not feel he owed anybody an apology. “It was not intended for the Pope.”

He further pointed out that he has no plan of even reducing his habit of cussing. “No. I will not.

P*ina ayoko (I will not). We are all the creations of God. We have God-given talents. The talent that God gave me is cussing. Instead of blaming me, blame God because He created me.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Duterte said: “It was my expression of anger borne out of the helplessness of the millions of commuters suffering from this daily gridlock. It was never intended to be directed to the person of his holiness Pope Francis, who has my utmost respect.”

Leadership by example “Is this the leadership by example that Mayor Duterte excites in us? Is this the leadership by example that makes a public official deserving of the title ‘Honorable’?” said Villegas in a strongly worded statement posted on the CBCP News website.

“What the world desperately needs now is leadership by example. We have so many leaders in office and many more aspiring to sit in office but are they examples of good citizenship? If the leaders we choose are to be leaders for national progress they must be visionaries and exemplary,” he added.

In a nationally televised speech on Monday, Duterte said he was trapped in traffic in Manila for five hours during the papal visit. When he was told the roads were closed,

Dateline USa

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 3-9, 2015

Study: Harder for California students to get into state public universities by

Christina M. Oriel AJPress

LADIES MAN. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and a supporter during the “Mad for Change” event at Mckinley West Open Field on Sunday, Nov. 29. Duterte has fully embraced his persona as a womanizer as he was seen kissing and having fun with women who were sitting on his lap.

Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

he said he felt like calling the Pontiff to say: “Pope, (expletive), go home.

Don’t visit us.” The remark elicited laughter from the audience.

‘Context’ Duterte went to TV5 during its newscast last night to give what he said was a “context” to his remarks.

He complained that while trapped in his car, he had to urinate in a plastic bottle. He said he did not want to relieve himself in the street.

If the Vatican feels offended by his remarks, he said, it can call for his disqualification and he will give up his quest for the presidency and go back to his Davao hometown.

Msgr. Paul Cuison, vicar general of the archdiocese of Davao, told reporters on Tuesday he had received many negative text messages on Duterte’s remarks. “When I viewed the video, I noticed that the curse was directed at the heavy traffic and the sacrifice of the people and not the Pope,” he said. “I do not believe Digong will ever show disrespect to the Pope,” he said, using Duterte’s nickname.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano also acted as Duterte’s apologist saying that the Davao City mayor never really cussed Pope Francis and that it could not be helped that it was the PDP-Laban standard bearer’s way of expressing his frustration at the government for inconveniencing people.

Lost in translation?

“Mayor Duterte explained to us that people from the Visayas usually tend to literally translate in Filipino how they would say things in their dialect which result in getting their meaning lost in translation. So if most people think that he cussed at the Pope, sorry but Mayor Duterte really did not mean to offend, did not mean to come across that he was cursing the Pope,” he explained.

‘Great scourge’ “If that is how he speaks, we ask for understanding. It is really an

expression of frustration … You just have to understand, Mr. Duterte has a different way of communicating to people,” Cayetano pointed out.

He said that Duterte’s coarse manner of speech and action still needs getting used to, “You should believe that he will really do something but do not take it (his words) literally.”

During his proclamation, Duterte rambled on for two hours, talking about how he planned to lead the country on the road to federalism, get rid of corruption, criminality and the drug menace. He talked about having two wives and two girlfriends, drawing laughter from his audience during the nationally televised event. He also said he got rid of kidnappers and rapists.

“Corruption is indeed a great scourge of Philippine politics,” Villegas said in his statement.

Without directly accusing Duterte, Villegas referred to murder and adultery—two things apparently associated with Duterte.

“Killing people is corruption. Killing is a crime and a sin whether it is done by criminals or public officials no matter what the intention,” the prelate said.

“Adultery is corruption. It makes married love cheap and uses people for pleasure. Adultery corrupts the family; it destroys children and victimizes the weak,” Villegas added.

In a statement, Gabriela secretary general Joms Salvador said that womanizing and treating women as mere objects are an “affront to women and should not be flaunted.”

“This reeks of machismo, reinforces society’s low regard of women and consequently heightens women’s vulnerability to violence and abuse. [It] is both distasteful and unacceptable,” Salvador said.

(With reports from Gabriel Cardinoza, Inquirer Northern Luzon; Allan Nawal, Inquirer Mindanao; Jovic Yee and Nancy C. Carvajal)

A

TIGHTER admissions standards and lack of state funding are making it more difficult for California high school students to be accepted into the state’s public university system, a new report found.

The Campaign for College Opportunity on Monday, Nov. 30 released “Access Denied: Rising Selectivity at California’s Public Universities,” which revealed that the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems lack the capacity, among other factors, to serve the state’s growing population of college-eligible and ready students, forcing campuses to turn away a significant portion of applicants.

California is currently ranked 49th in the country in the percentage of undergraduate students enrolled in a four-year university.

The report went on to note, “when our four-year public university system cannot serve all qualified California students, we produce fewer bachelor’s degree holders and ultimately hurt the economy and threaten the future of our state.”

The findings come amidst the application deadline for fall 2016 admission to the UC and CSU campuses. The UC system expects about 200,000 applications for admission, while CSU anticipates 800,000, according to EdSource.

For fall 2015, 60 percent of California residents who applied were accepted by UC schools (down from 63 percent the previous year), while about three-quarters were admitted into CSU schools.

At CSU, 139,697 eligible students were turned away between 2009 and 2014.

In contrast, 62.2 percent of international students were accepted by UC schools, seeing an increase from 60.1 percent, a Reuters report stated.

Given the budget cuts at UC and CSU campuses, critics allege that the public universities are instead accepting out-of-state and international students, who pay more in tuition.

The average grade point average (GPA) of admitted students to six of the nine UC campuses in 2014 was over a 4.0. The median SAT score of admitted students to UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC San Diego was less than 400 points

away from a perfect score. The gap between the number of UC applicants and those admitted has more than doubled between 1996 and 2013.

“It is a shame that hard-working, talented California students need to be virtually perfect to get a spot at the University of California. It should not be more difficult for a student to enroll directly in a four-year university than it was for previous generations,” Michele Siqueiros, president of the Campaign for College Opportunity, said.

Students applying to the CSU system find a similar challenge of rising admissions standards. Six of the 23 campuses now require a higher GPA and/or SAT score than the CSU baseline eligibility requirements. Within the CSU campuses, impacted majors that require a higher GPA and/or SAT score have increased by 135 percent since 2004.

“CSU denying 30,000 eligible students last year is heartbreaking for all the talented students whose only opportunity to succeed professionally relies on their ability to access a high quality and affordable university education,” said Ivna Gusmao, a recently retired college counselor from Reseda High School who has been serving students in the Los Angeles public schools for over 30 years, in a statement. “Getting into the UC for students today is more like playing the lottery. College counselors can no longer tell students with any accuracy where they are likely to get in even if they had a 5.0 GPA.” The report also pointed out that the 1960 Master Plan for Higher Education — which adapts to California’s population growth and is still the current structure being used — is outdated. The plan envisioned the public university system to be free and available for all qualified California residents and placed caps on admission to UC and CSU schools at the top 12.5 percent and top 33 percent, respectively, of state students based on academic achievement.

However, funding for the public universities has dropped — an estimated $1 billion lost between 2006 and 2014 — at the expense of raising tuition, increasing class sizes and decreasing enrollment.

Figures show that the cost to attend a UC has increased by 200 percent in the past 15 years. For

the 2015-16 school year, the estimated average cost is $29,500 for those living off campus and $33,600 for those living on campus, according to the UC Admissions website.

“Many more students struggle to pay tuition and fees that have skyrocketed in recent years. It is imperative that California reinvest in its public higher education system so that California youth from all backgrounds, especially lowincome students of color, have equal opportunity to enroll in and graduate from the state’s fouryear universities,” Stewart Kwoh, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles, said.

In November, UC President Janet Napolitano held an ethnic media roundtable to discuss perceptions and barriers faced by minority communities in applying to the university system.

Addressing the costs, Napolitano cited that more than half of California resident students at UCs pay no tuition because of programs that cover that cost for families that make $80,000 or less. Pell Grants, which offer awards of up to $5,775, depending on family income, are also options; 41 percent of UC students are benefitting from them.

“The state’s economic future depends on our students being able to access, afford and complete a postsecondary degree,” said California State Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León in a statement reacting to the report. “A majority of the 6 million children attending our K-12 public schools are low-income and underrepresented minorities, and California must take a more strategic approach to establish a pipeline from our K-12 school system to our higher education institutions.”

With its findings, the Campaign for College Opportunity has proposed that Governor Jerry Brown and state lawmakers do a strategic overhaul to prioritize funding for public higher education, so that more California students are accepted into the public four-year universities.

Further, the report called for caps on the number of out-ofstate and international students who are admitted.

“Increased competition for limited spots in college is not PAGE A4

A

december 3-9, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

White House strengthens visa...

PAGE A1 mie terrorists who try to use lost or stolen passports to travel.”

“Where we have opportunities to make meaningful enhancements, we won’t hesitate,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters in Paris for the UN climate change summit. “We are clear-eyed about the stakes.”

The nation’s nearly 30-yearold visa waiver program helps bring nearly 20 million people from 38 countries (i.e. a majority of European countries, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan) to the US every year with less stringent screening. Under the program, citizens of participating countries are allowed to travel to the US without a visa for stays of 90 days or less if they meet certain requirements.

Supporters of the waiver program, which includes a crosssection of lawmakers from tourism-reliant states and the businesses that support them, have said the program offers an economic boost. Opponents worry the program could serve as a backdoor for potential terrorists to travel to ISIS-run terrorist training camps in other countries, then travel back and forth from Europe, using the program to come to the US. The federal changes were announced as the White House faces criticism and pushback from lawmakers in Congress against President Barack Obama’s plans to welcome an additional 10,000 Syrian refugees over the next fis-

cal year.

“As opposed to the rhetoric we have heard from the Republicans, the administration is offering it as an alternative...to rationalize and strengthen the programs that track persons so we have better information and can implement cautious policies,” said Julian Zelizer, a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University, according to NBC News.

Though the polls have shown a majority of Americans who also oppose the plan, officials such as CIA Director John Brennan to Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), the chairman of the Senate Intelligence committee and California Democrat Sen. Diane Feinstein, the committee’s ranking member, are more worried that the visa waiver program is a greater concern in that it makes it much harder to keep track of potential terrorists and prevent attacks in the States.

As the administration works to address those concerns, DHS will also look at pilot programs for collecting biometric information, such as fingerprints from visa waiver travelers, the White House said in a statement.

A task force in the House of Representatives will meet this week to discuss details of the program, and hopes to craft legislation to pass “by the end of the year,” said House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (RCalif).

McCarthy told reporters that lawmakers were “interested in

Dateline USa

requiring all countries in the waiver program to issue e-passports with chips and biometrics.” Another intended change would be to make sure that passengers were screened against a database of lost and stolen passports.

In the meantime, the White House said administration officials are talking to senators from both parties about the official visa waiver program changes, and have urged Congress to give Homeland Security additional powers for extra security measures, such as increasing fines for air carriers that fail to verify passport data, and requiring all travelers to use passports with embedded security chips.

The White House also wants to expand the use of a “pre-clearance program” in foreign airports, to allow border officials to collect and screen biometric information before visa waiver travelers can board plans going to the US. Earnest urged Congress to pass legislation before the holidays.

“We saw Congress a couple of weeks ago pass legislation related to refugees that would not actually do anything to enhance our national security, they were able to take those steps in three or four days. Surely over the course of the next three weeks, they should be able to do something that actually would strengthen our national security,” he said.

(Allyson Escobar / AJPress)

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

Zuckerberg and wife to give away 99% of Facebook shares by

Agnes ContstAnte AJPress

MARK Zuckerberg, Facebook co-founder and chief executive, announced Tuesday, Dec. 1, that he and his wife will give away 99 percent of their shares in the company—which are currently worth over $45 billion—during their lifetimes to charitable causes.

In an open letter to his new daughter, Max, whose birth last week was only made public Tuesday, Zuckerberg said he and his wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan, would donate their wealth to make the world a better place for her and the rest of her generation.

“Like all parents, we want you to grow up in a world better than ours today,” he wrote in the letter.

“Our society has an obligation to invest now.”

The couple also said they launched the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to manage the money through a limited liability corporate structure. The organization will initially focus on curing disease, connecting people, building strong communities and personalized learning.

No further details were provided on the how and when the couple will distribute its wealth, though Zuckerberg said further specifics would be released once he and Chan return from paternity and maternity leave, respectively.

“Having this child has made us think about all of the things that should be improved in the world for her whole generation,” Zuckerberg said in a video. “The only way that we reach our full human potential is if we’re able to unlock the gifts of every person around the world.”

Zuckerberg’s announcement, along with previous donations, reflects a generational shift, philanthropy experts said, according PAGE A3 a win-win situation – there are to the Los Angeles Times.

He and Chan have previously winners and losers at the precommitted $1.6 billion to charicise time we need more educated Californians to maintain table causes, a spokesperson for a thriving economy. Just like the family said, according to the California’s drought threatens New York Times. These include our future and calls for immediate solutions, so too does the shortage of a college-educated populace,” Siqueiros added.

PAGE A1 Recently, UC regents approved a plan to increase the enrollment Rosario told the tribunal’s judges of California undergraduates by as he wrapped up the Philippine 10,000 by 2018. For the 2016-17 case on Monday.

Citing arguments presented earterm, $25 million was allocated to UC to increase the number of lier by members of the Philippine in-state undergraduates by 5,000. legal team before the court, Del The number will increase by 2,500 Rosario asserted that “the regimes students for each of the following of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zones (EEZ) under two years.

Unclos and even general international law plainly exclude China’s claim of historic rights within the nine-dash line.”

He said “when the convention says that the Philippines’ rights in its continental shelf exist ipso facto (by that very fact) and ab initio (from the beginning) and do not depend on occupation, that means that there is no room for China’s claim.”

“And when the convention speaks of an exclusive economic zone, I take exclusive to mean exclusive. That means it is ours and what is ours is ours, not China’s,” Del Rosario said.

The foreign secretary said he disagreed with China’s claim that the Philippines’ initiation of the UN arbitration was an “unfriendly act.”

‘Benefits everyone’ This year, he noted, was the “40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.”

Del Rosario said the arbitration process “benefits everyone. For China, it will define and clarify its maritime entitlements. For the Philippines, it will clarify what is ours, specifically our fishing rights, our rights to resources and rights to enforce our laws within our EEZ, and for the international community, it will help ensure peace, security, stability and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.” “We know that in your capable hands, the rule of law will not be reduced to the quaint aspiration of a time now past, but rather will be accorded the primary that the founders of the United Nations and the drafters of the Unclos envisioned,” he said.

Ruling by 2016 A ruling in favor of China “would leave the Philippines and its Association of Southeast Asian neigh-

Study: Harder for California...

$120 million to support education in underserved Bay Area communities; $100 million in 2010 to improve public schools in Newark; $75 million to San Francisco General Hospital; and $25 million to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The NY Times reported that Zuckerberg’s pledge is the latest indicator of an increasing interest in philanthropy among young Silicon Valley billionaires who, unlike the wealthy in previous generations, appear eager to share their fortunes while they are still young.

“The way Gen X and millennials practice philanthropy is very different from the World War II generation and the baby boomers,” said Marian Stern, adjunct assistant professor in philanthropy at New York University’s School of Professional Studies, according to the LA Times. “Millennial donors are less patient. They want to use their money and they want to see changes now. It’s not surprising, given they’ve grown up in a fastmoving world.”

When now 31-year-old Zuckerberg was 26, he signed the Giving Pledge, vowing to give away the majority of his wealth, along with other tech leaders, including Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and Oracle Executive Chairman Larry Ellison.

In the past, the wealthy waited until they were old or dead before donating large amounts to charity.

Whatever Zuckerberg and Chan decide to invest in, they will be able to enjoy the rewards of donating at a relatively young age, Melanie Ulle, founder and chief executive of Philanthropy Expert, an organization dedicated to maximizing philanthropic efforts, told the LA Times.

“What Mark and Priscilla are doing is giving themselves the opportunity to enjoy their philanthropy,” she said, “because it’s really hard to enjoy it when you’re dead.”

Mark Zuckerberg

In a statement, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda, congratulated the Zuckerbergs.

“The example you’re setting today is an inspiration to us and the world,” they said. “We can be confident of this: Max and every child born today will grow up in a world that is better than the one we know now. As you say, ‘Seeds planted now will grow.’ Your work will bear fruit for many decades to come.”

Gates is among those well-off who engaged in philanthropic activities much later, admitting that running Microsoft was all he focused on when he was in his 20s and 30s.

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, through its status as a limited liability corporation, will be able to invest in companies and lobby for legislation, among other actions, which non-profit organizations are prohibited from doing under tax laws. A spokeswoman for the family told the NY Times that additional profits from investments will be directed back into the Initiative for future projects.

Despite the large sum the Zuckerbergs have committed to donating, the Facebook co-founder plans to keep his majority voting position in the company’s stock for the foreseeable future, the NY Times reported. In a filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Facebook said Zuckerberg plans “to sell or gift no more than $1 billion of Facebook stock each year for the next three years.”

PH urges UN court to stop ‘Berlin Wall... bors in worse straits than when we embarked on this arbitral voyage,” Del Rosario warned.

The UN tribunal has concluded the hearings on the Philippine case challenging China’s claims over disputed islands in the South China Sea and will hand down its decision reportedly by June 2016.

‘Indisputable sovereignty’ While China has refused to take part in the hearings as it claims “indisputable sovereignty” over the entire South China Sea, the judges have given Beijing until Jan. 1 to write a rebuttal to the case laid out by the Philippines.

The tribunal cited a provision under Article 5 of Annex VII to Unclos that states that the tribunal must “assure each party a full opportunity to be heard and to present its case.”

The Philippine government on Monday wrapped up a week of arguments on the merits and remaining issues of jurisdiction and admissibility in the case it initiated against China, asking the court to rule on the dispute under the Unclos.

Contrary to Unclos The Philippines argued “China’s claims to sovereign rights jurisdiction, and to ‘historic rights,’ with respect to the maritime areas of the South China Sea … are contrary to the Convention,” the court said in a statement.

The Philippines also believes China has failed “in its duty to prevent its nationals from exploiting resources over which the Philippines has sovereign rights and has failed to respect traditional fishing rights at Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal,” the statement said.

Stop massive reclamation The Philippines brought the case before the international tribunal to stop China’s incursions and massive land reclamation works in its territorial sea, Philippine officials told the court.

Even after the Philippines launched the court proceedings, China had exacerbated the tensions by “building artificial islands at nearly all of the maritime features presently under its control,” they said.

Beijing had also failed to protect the marine environment by using

destructive fishing methods such as cyanide and explosives, while its ships were proving a hazard in the sea, they said.

China claims sovereignty over almost the whole of the South China Sea on the basis of a segmented line, the so-called nine-dash line, that first appeared on Chinese maps in the 1940s, pitting it against several neighbors. But it is also a party to the Unclos.

After concluding the hearing, the arbitration court has given all the parties until Dec. 9 to review and submit corrections to the transcripts of the hearing.

US not allowed in The Philippines, on the other hand, may submit further written responses to the questions posed by the tribunal during the hearing and other related materials by Dec. 18, The Hague court said.

The tribunal hearings, which began on Nov. 24 at the Peace Palace, the court’s headquarters in The Hague, the Netherlands, was held behind closed doors. But Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam were allowed to have observers present.

He told the tribunal that “with an assertiveness that is growing with every passing day, China is preventing us from carrying out even the most basic exploration and exploitation activities in areas where only the Philippines can possibly have rights.”

UN Charter Referring to the UN Charter, he said UN member-states are determined to “establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.”

According to Del Rosario, China is “failing on both counts.”

“It is failing on both counts. It is failing to respect the obligations arising from treaties, specifically Unclos. It is also interfering with the Philippines’ sovereign duty to promote the social progress of our people, and our efforts to achieve a better standard of life for all Filipinos,” he said. (With a report from AFP)

Trafficked Filipino teachers ask US...

PAGE A1 in Louisiana.

The teachers incurred debts and the recruiters tried to silence them with threats of legal action and deportation, the teachers’ lawsuit claimed.

Louisiana school districts chose Universal International Placement, based in Los Angeles Koreatown, its president Lourdes “Lulu” Navarro and Quezon City-based PARS International Placement Agency, to recruit the teachers.

The school districts hired Navarro even though she was a convicted swindler who served time for defrauding the California Medi-Cal system of more than $1 million. She also pleaded guilty to

money laundering in New Jersey, according to the August 5, 2010 complaint.

The teachers later dismissed their racketeering and fraud allegations. After a six-day trial in December 2012, the recruiters prevailed on the human trafficking claims, but the jury found that they had violated a state law governing the operation of an employment agency.

The jury also held the recruiters liable for negligent misrepresentation and unfair competition. It awarded $4.4 million in damages, according to court records. The case was filed on behalf of the teachers by the Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Federa-

tion of Teachers, and the Covington & Burling law firm Universal Placement International and Navarro appealed the judgment. In an opening brief, Navarro’s attorney Katharine Miller told the Ninth Circuit that the teachers were earning seven to 12 times more in the US than in the Philippines, and that the human trafficking claim should never had been certified because it turned the jury against Navarro and Universal, denying them of a fair trial.

But the teachers’ attorney, Henry Liu, said there was no merit to the recruiters’ efforts to overturn the judgment. The appeals court took the case under submission.

(Inquirer.net)

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 3-9, 2015

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

US military aircraft at Clark Air Base for maritime security training

by Camille

Diola Philstar.com

armed forces would come to each one’s aid when either is attacked by external parties.

MANILA—Armed Forces chief Iriberri said the ongoing trainof staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri ing is similar to the yearly Balikasaid American military aircraft tan and PHIBLEX amphibious spotted at Clark Air Base are part exercises with US counterparts. of a maritime security training “Maritime security training is with United States forces. meant to upgrade our capabiliAn American Lockheed C-130 ties and expose our forces to new cargo plane and a Boeing P-8 equipment,” Iriberri said. maritime patrol aircraft were seen The top military official, howlast weekend at the former US ever, declined to comment on military facility in Angeles City, questions on whether the training is linked to the country’s maritime dispute with China, which has conducted widespread reclamation in areas in the West Philippine Sea claimed by the Philippines. “[The bilateral training is] not directed against any country or any activity, it is just for the purpose of upgrading and the capability also of the Armed Forces,” he said.

The US planes were spotted during the welcoming ceremony for the Philippine Air Force’s new FA-50PH light-interim fighter jets arriving from South Korea.

The Clark Air Base was a US Air Force facility from 1903 to 1991, the year the Philippine Senate rejected the bases treaty allowing American forces to operate in the country.

The Philippines remains the largest recipient of maritime security assistance from the US, receiving a record $79 million, or about P3.73 billion, of the funds Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, left, and Armed Forces Chief Gen. Hernando allocated this year for developing Iriberri wave from a newly-acquired FA-50PH fighter jet, upon its arrival Saturday, Nov. 28 at capabilities in the Southeast Asian region.

Clark Air Base in Pampanga.

Pampanga. “[The two American aircraft are] part of the maritime security bilateral training between our forces and the US. It’s part of the activities approved by the MdBSEB (Mutual defense BoardSecurity Engagement Board) for 2015,” Iriberri said.

The Philippines and the US have long been defense allies, forged by the Mutual defense Treaty in 1951 dictating that both

AFP: No jihadist camps in the Philippines

by FranCes

mangosing

Inquirer.net

ArMEd Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Hernando Iriberri on Tuesday, dec. 1 denied the existence of jihadist camps in Mindanao allegedly to train Filipino militants who would eventually be recruited to an international terrorist group.

“We have not received any report pertaining to the existence of four jihadist camps as mentioned in one of the dailies,” he told reporters at a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo.

A news report said the training camps were located in Sarangani, Cararao in Lanao province, Baran-

gay Tanum in Patikul, Sulu, and Palembang in Sultan Kudarat.

Last week, eight armed men carrying the flag of extremist Islamic State led by a certain Ansar Al Khalifa and Mohd Jaafar Maguid were killed in an encounter with government troops in Sultan Kudarat. The group reportedly called themselves as Ansar Khilafah Philippines, a group of self-declared terrorists supposedly linked with the ISIS. The Indonesian national who was killed in the encounter was reportedly a former member of the Jemaah Islamiyah and was a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Iriberri, however, said they were only a criminal group and not a terrorist one.

“Based on our assessment, they are not a group na sinasabi nilang ISIS sila. They want to be associated with the ISIS but another report that we got is that itong group na ito ay purely criminal group who are engaged in extortion activities in cattle rustling and robbery,” he said.

“Wala po kaming report na sila ay ISIS. We have not established any direct link (with this group and) Isis,” he said.

Iriberri assured that the AFP was doing its best to prevent this group from committing terror acts in the country.

BBL to stop extremism, say peace negotiators

by Jerry

e. esplanaDa Inquirer.net

PASSING the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) would stop the “spread of extremism” in Muslim Mindanao, especially in light of the recent Islamic State (IS) terror attacks in Paris, Beirut and Mali, according to proponents of the BBL. Professor Miriam CoronelFerrer and Mohagher Iqbal, chief peace negotiators of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), respectively, urged the legislators to “stop wasting time” and work on immediate passage of the BBL. In a joint letter to Congress, the two quoted National Security Council head Cesar Garcia as saying: “Passing the BBL can help curb the spread of extremism. In particular, the Bangsamoro government would be able to help moderate Islamic leaders counter the ideology of radicalism being promoted by IS and steer the Muslim community away from IS influence.”

According to Ferrer and Iqbal, the Bangsamoro peace process gained the support of the international community by “providing a model where the Islamic movement can find redress for its grievances through a civilized and democratic process, within the country’s territorial integrity and constitutional framework.”

“Time is short, but there is still time. We ask our legislators to work for the immediate passage of the draft law on the Bangsamoro. Time is of the essence and opportunity knocks only once,” the two said.

“We ask you, our legislators, to open your hearts and to give our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters this one good chance to enjoy their right to peace and partake of meaningful reforms and development,” they added.

For her part, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-deles continued to push for the passage of the BBL despite persistent delays on its deliberations in the Congress.

“We are not giving up on the BBL. We are asking all the stakeholders to stand firm on the peace process,” she said.

Jasmine Nario-Galace, executive director of Miriam College’s

Center for Peace Education, called on the members of Congress to attend plenary sessions and resume discussions on the BBL. “This is a task that lawmakers should fulfill. The BBL is not a simple legislation but a compilation of the Bangsamoro dreams and aspirations for self-determi-

nation. Passing the law is a duty of Congress,” she said.

Nario-Galace also appealed to the citizenry to play their part in the peace process by “pushing their representatives to continue the plenary discussions on the BBL and put the Bangsamoro peace process on their agenda before their term ends.”

ANDRES BONIFACIO DAY. Militant groups staged a protest to mark the 152nd birthday of national hero Andres Bonifacio on Monday, Nov. 30. They wore red scarves like those worn by members of Bonifacio’s secret revolutionary society Katipunan, saying that it signifies their pledge to continue the hero’s fight for freedom and better conditions for the people.

Inquirer.net photo by Aries Hegina

VP Binay unveils plans for Mindanao VICE President Jejomar C. Binay has revealed his agenda for Mindanao, with increased government spending for social services and infrastructure, a bigger share from national taxes, and more foreign investors in agriculture and power.

Binay noted that five of the 10 poorest provinces are in Mindanao, including Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao, both in the Autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao.

He also cited the Social Weather Stations September 2015 survey indicating that Mindanao’s poverty incidence remained at 70 percent, unchanged since June.

To alleviate poverty in Mindanao, he said, his administration will start by allocating higher share of the internal revenue allotment (IrA) for poor municipalities.

“At present, the 34 percent shared by close to 1,500 municipalities is not sufficient to finance economic activities and social services in the countryside, especially municipalities that are IrA-dependent,” he added.

Binay also said his administration will strive to create a business

environment that will attract investors in agriculture and manufacturing, and generate more jobs in these sectors.

“These sectors absorb low-

skilled and less-educated workers,” he said, noting that majority of Mindanaoans are subsistence farmers and landless laborers.

(ManilaTimes.net)

A

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

december 3-9, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

OpiniOn

Features

Self-destructive

“THE people of the Philippines are not ready for my kind of style,” Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte warned in September when he turned down ardent calls by his supporters for him to run for the presidency.

In a sudden twist of fate, Duterte made his presidential bid official on Friday, Nov. 27, as he filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for president as the standard-bearer of the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) party, with Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano of the Nacionalista Party as his running mate.

Duterte’s entry into the presidential race makes it a five-cornered fight where he will go against prominent names including Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay, Sen. Grace Poe, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago and former Sen. Mar Roxas.

The documents he submitted to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) included priority programs he will implement if elected as the Philippine president. These included “streamlining bureaucracy by introducing digital systems and technologies” and “values formation in all elementary and high schools nationwide.” He also plans to reduce crime and eliminate drugs, make drug dealers and criminals face stiffer penalties and strengthen the criminal justice system. His national platform of government also focuses on fixing government administration, tax reforms, shifting to federalism and building disaster and resilient communities.

Despite throwing his hat late in the competition, Duterte received the highest score in a recent Pulse Asia survey conducted two weeks ago in Metro Manila. One in every three voters (34 percent) in Metro Manila said he or she would vote for Duterte if elections were held early this month. He was followed

by Poe with 26 percent; Binay, 22 percent; Roxas, 11 percent; and Santiago, 7 percent.

His supporters want him to turn the Philippines as safe and as thriving as Davao City. He may be rough around the edges, but his unconventional and vigilante-style of leadership has turned Davao City the fourth safest place in the world as ranked by Numbeo.com, and the country’s most child-friendly based on a government ranking.

In the last few days, Duterte’s presidential bid surged as he was hogging the majority of news headlines. He was a serious contender and if the recent survey will dictate the 2016 election results, he has the makings of the next Philippine president.

The presidency is almost his for the taking -- until he opened his mouth. During his proclamation as the official standard-bearer of PDP-Laban on Monday, Nov. 30, Duterte didn’t mince words as he told the audience of the kind of leader he is going to be.

He admitted to being a womanizer (he has two wives and two girlfriends), and is not afraid of killing criminals and drug dealers.

He had constant applause on the onset of his speech, but the cheers died down when he decided to take a swipe at the Roman Catholic Church and curse Pope Francis.

Duterte might have overlooked that the Philippines is still a predominantly Catholic country and the majority of the populace is not ready for his no-nonsense kind of leadership. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) criticized Duterte’s recent speech and cried foul over his cursing of Pope Francis.

“Is this the leadership by example that Mayor

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

Duterte excites in us? Is this the leadership by example that makes a public official deserving of the title ‘Honorable’?” CBCP President and Archbishop Socrates Villegas lamented.

Not one to back down on his detractors, Duterte responded to the Church’s leadership by saying to not to judge him because the institution is also not spotless.

“You priests, you bishops, you condemn me. And you suggest that I withdraw and I will withdraw, but then I will start to open my mouth. There are so many secrets that children are hiding. This religion is not so sacred,” Duterte retorted.

If he continues to charge like a raging bull, Duterte

will force his supporters to think twice before checking his name on the ballot come election next year.

He needs to dial down on the crassitude and vulgarity, and realize that being the most powerful man in the country means taking a central role in every Filipino’s life. He will shape the system, make crucial decisions about the economy, and represent the hopes and interests of every Filipino in the world.

Duterte might have gotten plaudits for now, but factors that might take a toll on his standing are yet to come. After all, good politicians should know that holding a public office means embracing challenges and opportunities that the post offers them.

(AJPress)

Roxas and Duterte tied as Fil-Ams’ top favorites for president Will this change with the new Duterte controversies?

AFTER previous denials of his intent to join the race to Malacañang, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has finally declared his candidacy for the presidency His supporters who’ve been waiting for this moment rejoiced, saying “the eagle has landed” and pinning hopes that Duterte is the leader the country needs during this page in Philippine history.

Politicians, businessmen, and ordinary Filipinos have jumped ship from the camps of Roxas, Binay, Poe and Santiago to declare their all-out support for the Duterte campaign. They contend that Duterte is the candidate who can bring about real change. Unlike past presidents and his current political rival, they admire Duterte for being a straight talker and a strong leader who has been instrumental to Davao City’s progress, peace and

Commentary

Senator Harry reid SINCE the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted five years ago, thousands of Nevadans have gained access to the affordable health care they need and deserve. The health and wellbeing of Nevadans has always been one of my top priorities, which is why I proudly championed the passage of this landmark legislation. I am so pleased to see that the ACA is benefitting millions of Americans by lowering costs and increasing access to quality, affordable health coverage. In addition, we are experiencing the slowest growth in health care costs in decades and the number of uninsured Americans is at a record low.

The Affordable Care Act is working for Americans, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Prior to the ACA, one in every six AAPIs were uninsured.

Thanks to the law, two million AAPIs are projected to gain health insurance coverage by 2016 alone.

In addition, eight million Asian Americans with private insurance now have access to certain preventive services with no out of pocket cost. These services include immunizations, mammograms, diabetes screenings, wellwomen and well-child visits, and flu shots for all children and adults.

These changes vastly improve the health and wellbeing of all AAPIs, particularly those who previously could not afford health care.

The ACA also created the health

order.

Even some Fil-Ams have been energized by Duterte’s bid for the The Fil-Am presidency. In The Filipino Chan- Perspective nel’s daily newscast “Balitang America,” an online poll revealed that Duterte is now tied with Mar Roxas, as the top two candidates kababayans in America would Gel SantoS-reloS vote for if the elections were held today, surpassing Binay, Poe and Santiago.

But would the dynamics change with the latest controversy about Duterte, whom his critics say has gone too far with his language and style, to the point of using the “P.I.” curse on Pope Francis?

As ABS-CBN News reported, Duterte came under fire for cursing at Pope Francis after he allegedly

got caught in a traffic jam during the Catholic leader’s visit in the Philippines in January. Duterte himself said a friend told him that the traffic jam was caused by the Pope’s arrival, ”Gusto kong tawagan, ‘Pope p******.”

Duterte reportedly later denied cursing Pope Francis. However, he maintained that he would still not invite the Pope Francis back to the country if he becomes president.

The blunt Davao City mayor was also criticized for flaunting that he has two wives and two mistresses, contending that his possible presidency won’t change that. Worse, he would even give details about his sexcapades with women, offend-

ing those who say he sounds like he just sees and treats women as objects.

Others have expressed concern over his “dictatorial tendencies” in the way he implements changes, without respect and regard to due process and the rule of law.

Amid these criticisms Duterte said, “I don’t crave for ratings, I do not need praises, I will not die if I don’t become the president. If you don’t like my character, the solution is, do not vote for me.”

Would you vote for Duterte? *** 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

Statement on the Affordable Care Act How the average Pinoys regard the Spratlys conflict insurance marketplace, which allows eligible individuals to enroll in a high-quality health insurance plan that meets their health care needs and works with their budget. Thousands of AAPIs have already signed up for coverage through this platform. Enrolling in coverage through the marketplace also allows eligible enrollees to receive financial assistance to make coverage even more affordable.

Last year, 89 percent of Nevadans who selected a plan on the marketplace were eligible for an average savings of $242 per month to lower their monthly premium payments. The open enrollment period to sign-up for a health plan on the marketplace began on November 1, 2015, and will conclude on January 31, 2016.

To get started, log on to www. nevadahealthlink.com or www. healthcare.gov.

The health insurance marketplace can also connect eligible Nevadans to Medicaid and Nevada Check Up. Through the ACA, many states, including Nevada, decided to expand their Medicaid program. Because of this expansion, millions of low-income individuals are newly eligible for Medicaid. Nevada Check Up covers children whose parents earn too much money to be eligible for Medicaid, but not enough to afford private health insurance coverage. Individuals and families can see if they are eligible for these programs by answering a few questions on Nevada Health Link or HealthCare.gov. Nevadans can also apply year-round by contacting the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services.

Nevada Health Link also provides free, in-person assistance for people who need help enrolling in a plan. I encourage all Nevadans to visit www.nevadahealthlink.com or www.healthcare.gov to learn more about the ACA and the 2016 open enrollment period.

AAPIs have also been influential in ensuring the health care law’s provisions regarding nondiscrimination are effectively implemented. Leading AAPI groups, including the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO), and the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), recently expressed their support for a Department of Health and Human Services proposed rule that would prohibit all forms of discrimination in certain health programs and activities, including discrimination based on English proficiency and immigration status. As noted by NCAPA National Director Christopher Kang, “an estimated 9 million limited English proficient individuals are thought to be uninsured, and one third of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander population is limited English proficient. Culturally and linguistically appropriate resources are necessary for our communities to have equal access to the health care they need and deserve.”

We still have work to do to ensure continued affordability and increased access for all Americans.

However, given the many benefits of the ACA, our state cannot afford to see the law repealed.

Street Talk GreG B. MacaBenta PRESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III has been excoriated for his handling of the festering conflict with China over the Spratlys.

From losing trading revenues to being pulverized in a shooting war, Aquino’s “belligerence” has been severely criticized, but the pundits have not offered any constructive and realistic suggestions on how we should handle the situation, aside from the equivalent of the late Senator and Foreign Secretary Raul Manglapus’ classic advice: “If rape is inevitable, lie back and enjoy it” (or words to effect).

Meanwhile, the United States has begun to turn on the pressure on China over the broader issue of unhampered access to the strategic maritime lanes comprised by the South China Sea. From being simply an amicus curiae, calling for diplomacy and the rule of international law in resolving the conflict, the US has begun to assert its position as a concerned party with economic, military and political interests at stake.

In his speech at the recently concluded ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, President Barack Obama was no longer subtle in his drubbing of China, in the presence of high-level Chinese delegates: “I commend ASEAN

for working to ensure that all nations uphold international law and norms, including the peaceful resolution of disputes, freedom of navigation, and freedom of overflight. And I applaud ASEAN for working to create a code of conduct for the South China Sea. For the sake of regional stability, claimants should halt reclamation, new construction, and militarization of disputed areas.”

The response of China’s Deputy Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin was like that of a dirty old man who had been told to keep his hands off a young girl: “One should never link the military facilities with efforts to militarize the South China Sea,” Liu said.

“This is a false argument. It is a consistent Chinese position to firmly oppose the militarization of the South China Sea.” To soft-pedal the loss of face that China had to bear at the summit, a mere deputy foreign minister was designated to express the protest, instead of the head of the Chinese delegation, Premier Li Keqiang.

President Aquino, obviously emboldened by the increasingly vocal US position on the issue, had his own blunt words to say: “It is regrettable that China continues to massively reclaim and build structures in the sea known by many names, in total disregard of international law as well as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.” For sure, the alarmists cannot be blamed for pointing out that, what started as an irritant between the Philippines and China

- as well as between China and several other countries ringing the South China Sea - is fast becoming a dangerous game of chicken between two economic and military super powers. Even international geopolitical analysts are saying as much.

Unfortunately, in an election season, the possibility of armed conflict that could involve the Philippines appears to have a low priority in the minds of the Filipino people. We appear to be more interested in the virtual teleseries involving Sen. Grace Poe, Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, VicePresident Jejomar Binay and Liberal Party presidential standard bearer Mar Roxas, with Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago being mentioned as an afterthought.

However, the average Pinoy who has some familiarity with the Spratlys controversy has some down-to-earth views on it, as I found out on my last trip to Manila. I broached the subject to the tricycle drivers plying our neighborhood in Parañaque.

Here are their views: 1. How should the Philippines handle the Spratlys conflict? Napasubo na tayo, kaya panindigan na natin. Pero kahit hindi tayo pumalag, talagang balak ng Tsina na kunin ang South China Sea dahil sa angking yaman nito. Kung baga, matagal nang balak gahasain ang anak mong dalaga. Gagawin at gagwin iyon. (The die is cast, so we have to hold our ground.

But even if we did not protest, China really intended to control the South China Sea due to its PAGE A7

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.

AdVerTISING ANd AdVerTOrIAL POLIcIeS ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

main Office: 1210 S. brand blvd Glendale, cA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 Fax: (818) 502-0858 • (213) 481-0854 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com

manila Office: 2/F d&e Fort Palm Springs cond.

30th St., cor. 1st Ave., bonifacio Global city, Taguig Tel.: (632) 856-4921 • 856-0397 • Fax: (632) 856-1661

Northern california: 1001 bayhill drive, Suite 200, San bruno, cA 94066 Tel.: (650) 616-4150 • Fax: (650) 616-4152

New York office: 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (213) 481-0854

Las Vegas Sales Office: 3700 W. desert Inn road Las Vegas, Nevada 89102 Tel.: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

New Jersey office: 449 Hoboken Ave., Jersey city, NJ 07306 Tel.: (212) 655-5426. • Fax (213) 481-0854

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President ELIZABETH HILARIO SISON Chief Financial Officer ROBERT MACABAGDAL Vice President & General Manager Las Vegas Asian Journal MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor

Asian Journal Publitions, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publition 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 applible law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publition of a client’s material does not constitute an agreement to continue publition. client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, uses 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 publition of a client’s material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being ncellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republition of the correct advertisement.

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

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLITIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern lifornia 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 lifornia, 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 ll the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or the Las Vegas Sales Office at (702) 792-6678 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

Dateline PhiliPPines

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 3-9, 2015

A

Santiago tops Facebook presidential survey

by Christina

MenDez

Philstar.com

HIV/AIDS AWARENESS. The Department of Health (DOH) urged the public not to be left out of the fight against human immunodeficiency virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) as part of the observance of World AIDS Day. Health Secretary Janette Garin said they have strengthened their partnership with other government agencies such as the Department of Education and community-based groups to boost public awareness about HIV/AIDS. Earlier, the DOH reported that some 133,000 Filipinos would acquire the AIDS virus by 2022, costing the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. some P4 billion yearly for the outpatient HIV treatment package alone.

Philstar.com photo by Boy Santos

Roxas ally chides Liberal Party turncoats

by Jess Diaz Philstar.com

MANILA—Several Liberal Party members in the Davao provinces were chided for abandoning their standard-bearer, former local government secretary Manuel Roxas II, in favor of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. “It is very disheartening to hear that these party mates of Secretary Mar have abandoned him. As party members, they were expected to support the party’s candidates,�

Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. of DasmariĂąas City in Cavite said.

Barzaga is vice president of the National Unity Party but has declared his support for Roxas.

He said the decision of a group of LP members in the Davao provinces to switch support to Duterte does not speak well of political parties and their members. “Sad to say, we still have a weak political party system. It is always a party of convenience and personalities and not of principles,� he said.

He said politicians, regardless of party affiliations, tend to support the more popular presidential candidate.

He added that the same politicians join the political party of the winning candidate after the latter is proclaimed.

Barzaga noted that LP members were just a minority when President Aquino won in 2010.

After Aquino was declared winner, there was a beeline of politicians applying for membership in the new ruling party, he said.

Davao politicians, led by a governor who had expressed his support for Roxas, have reportedly jumped ship and joined Duterte’s camp.

Like Roxas, Vice President Jejomar Binay has lost some followers to the tough-talking Davao City mayor. One of them is businessman Antonio Floirendo Jr., who is seeking to reclaim the congressional seat he held for nine years.

Binay has described political party switching as a “reality� in Philippine politics.

Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo advocated yesterday the amendment of the Election Code so that all election-related activities before and during the campaign period would be regulated.

She told a news conference that while the law regulates such ac- tivities during the campaign period, there is no such regulation before the official campaign.

Thus, she said presidential, vice presidential and senatorial candidates in the May 9, 2016 polls are now free to place advertisements on radio and televi-sion, and go on campaign sorties. “This situation is anomalous,� she said.

She said the tens of millions spent by candidates before the official campaign would not be counted as part of their allowable election-related expenses.

She added that there are several bills pending in the House that seek to change the law.

As for her exposure strategy, she has asked people helping her to package her as she is.

How the average Pinoys regard the Spratlys conflict

PAGE A6

natural resources. It’s like, there has always been the intention to rape your daughter. It would have happened, anyway.)

2. Couldn’t the Philippines have arranged to share the resources of the Spratlys with China? Kung puede sana, nuon pa, sinabi sana natin na pagsaluhan na lang ang yaman ng dagat, pero siyempre, lamang din ang Tsina dahil higante. (If it were possible, back then, we could have offered to share the wealth of the sea, but of course China would have had an advantage, being a giant).

Walang iniwan iyan sa hatian ng mga magsasaka at ng mga mayari ng isang hacienda. Siyempre, lamang ang haciendero. (It’s no different from the sharing arrangement between the farmers and the owners of a hacienda.

Naturally, the hacienderos get the bigger share).

3. What will happen next? Will a favorable decision of the world court help the Philippines? Iyang nakuha na ng Tsina, hindi na natin mababawi, pero dapat wala nang mabawas sa teritoryo natin.

Kaya tama lang na manindigan tayo. Sa bagay na iyan, malaking tulong ang suporta ng America at makakatulong ang pabor na desisyon ng world court. (What China has taken, we cannot get back, but we should not lose any more territory, which is why we should stand our ground. In that regard, the support of America is a big help and so will a favorable decision of the world court.).

4. Will our trade with China suffer because of the conflict? Ang mga intsik ay negosyante. Sa ngayon, mas malaki ang binibili natin sa Tsina kaysa binebenta natin sa kanila. Siyempre tuloy pa rin ang pagbebenta sa atin, kahit may alitan. Negosyo lang iyan. (The Chinese are businessmen. As of now, we are buying more from them than what we are selling to them, that’s why they will continue to sell to us in spite of the conflict. It’s just business) Pero dapat siguro gumawa tayo ng sariling pagkakakitaan, para hindi tayo masyadong nakasandal sa ibang bayan – tulad ng pagpapalago ng agriulutura, turismo at teknolohiya.. (But we should do something about generating earnings from other sources so that we don’t depend too much on other countries such as agriculture, tourism and technology) 5. Do we really need the support of the US in dealing with China? Bakit, kaya ba nating suwagin nang mag-isa ang Tsina?

Kung hindi ba nakikialam ang America, hindi ba lalo tayong inaapi? (Why, can we take on China by ourselves? If America were not involved, wouldn’t we be bullied even more?)

6. Do you think the US and China will go to war over the South China Sea? Girian lang iyan, at maaaring magkabarilan ng kaunti, pero hindi nila palalakihin iyan.

Talo silang pareho at ayaw nilang mangyari iyan. Parang Russia at

America nuong Cold War. (It’s just posturing and maybe some shooting, but they will not let it become a big conflict. They will both lose and they don’t want that that happen. Just like Russia and America during the Cold War).

7. Do you think the US will defend the Philippines in an armed conflict with China? Sea? Huwag nating kakalimutan na ang pakikialam ng America ay laging para sa sariling kapakanan. Kung ang kapakanan ng America ay apektado sa labanan ng Pilipinas at Tsina, makikialam ang America. (Remember that American involvement will always be in its own interests. If its interests will be affected by a conflict between the Philippines and China, America will get involved.)

8. Do you think the Philippines should remain neutral? Tayo na nga ang inaapi, papaano tayo hindi mapapadawit sa alitan? (We are the ones being bullied, how can we avoid being involved in the conflict?)

9. Is it too late to repair relations between the Philippines and China? Kahit ba ginahasa ang anak mong dalaga, kung pakakasalan, puedeng magareglo. (Even if your daughter is raped, if there is an offer of marriage, an amicable settlement is always possible.)

Sometimes, it helps to listen to the neighborhood tricycle driver and the average Pinoys. They may be wiser than we give them credit for. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

MANILA—She may be trailing rivals in recent surveys for the 2016 race, but Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago emerged as the netizens’ top choice for president in a poll run by Facebook.

Santiago was elated upon learning the latest result of a survey on Facebook page Pinoy History showing that 48.36 percent of respondents want her as president in 2016.

She was followed by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (42.35 percent), Liberal Party standardbearer and former interior secretary Mar Roxas (3.86 percent), Sen. Grace Poe (2.15 percent) and Vice President Jejomar Binay (1.28 percent).

The group behind the survey said the results show “the real score of candidates in the upcoming presidential elections,� basing the numbers on 40 million social media users in the Philippines.

In a recent survey on the official Facebook fan page of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Santiago also emerged as the winner. She was chosen by some 64 percent of 135,622 respondents.

Poe was a far second in the poll (14.35 percent) followed by Roxas (11.64 percent), and Binay (7.26 percent). The PUP survey was conducted from Oct. 16, the deadline for filing of certificates of candidacy, to Oct. 25.

Santiago, who has been sidelined by lung cancer, expressed belief that social media have led to an extraordinary change in voting attitude among Filipinos.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago was followed by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (42.35 percent), Liberal Party standard-bearer and former interior secretary Mar Roxas (3.86 percent), Sen. Grace Poe (2.15 percent) and Vice President Jejomar Binay (1.28 percent).

“Social media is the key to winning the 2016 elections. Traditional politicians can always pay for advertisements, or even preelection surveys, but no amount of money can silence Filipinos on social media,� she said in a statement.

Since announcing her presidential bid in October, Santiago has not tapped traditional media—television, radio, and print—for political advertisements in deference to election laws that intended to limit the campaign period to the weeks spanning from Feb. 9 to May 7, 2016.

No to premature campaigning Santiago decried the “early campaigning� by other presidential contenders who have put up advertisements on prime time slots on television and radio broadcasts.

Santiago is the only presidential aspirant who has yet to release campaign ads.

Santiago also filed Senate Bill

2445 or the Anti-Premature Campaigning Bill, which seeks to prohibit candidates and even prospective candidates from campaigning a year before the elections. “A protracted campaign period corrupts elected officials because it allows them to spend more and more money for ads. They are bound to steal that money back when they are in office,� Santiago said. “In addition, poor candidates always lose their chance to serve the public to richer and more popular candidates. In the absence of a law that will break this cycle, social media is the equalizer,� she added.

In the 2009 case of PeĂąera v.

Commission on Elections, the Supreme Court ruled that the offense of premature campaigning has been decriminalized by RA 8436 or the New Poll Automation Law, as amended.

Mr. Flip-flop? Look who’s talking, Palace tells Binay by

Jerry e. esplanaDa Inquirer.net

IT’S VICE President Jejomar Binay who should be called “Mr. Flip-flop,â€? not President Aquino, according to MalacaĂąang.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda reacted to reports Binay had accused Mr. Aquino of flip-flopping on the income tax rate issue. “Of course, what do you expect Vice President Binay to say? He’s sour graping because he was not endorsed by the President,� Lacierda told reporters.

Binay, who has formally assumed the leadership of the opposition and is the presidential candidate of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), “has not even answered the allegations of corruption against

him,� Lacierda said. “Five years he was with us and five years he was praising the President. He was all praises for the President,� he said of Binay, who served in the Aquino Cabinet in various capacities until recently when he resigned after shedding any pretense at being pro-administration. “Now that he was not endorsed by the President, what do you expect him to say?� Lacierda said. “What’s flip-flopping, by the way?�

Binay is “Mr. Flip-flop because he was not endorsed by the President and he changed his tune all the way,� he said.

Lacierda said the administration recognized that “there is a need to reform the taxes.�

“But let’s find a comprehensive way of looking at it, right? And with the short period right now, and this is a law, it will have to pass Congress. Do we have enough time to deliberate on these measures?� he said.

President Aquino has said he is not in favor of lowering income tax rates.

Instead, he said he favored the status quo, meaning the government would not lower income tax rates but would not raise the 12percent value-added tax either.

Binay has vowed to lower income tax rates if he becomes President. He criticized the administration for opposing income tax reform, saying the working class suffered the most under the current tax rates.

Bilibid raid yields more contraband MANILA—Several appliances, electronic gadgets, knives and shotgun ammunition were seized by agents of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) in the latest “Oplan Galugad� raid at the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City on Wednesday, Dec. 2.

NBP Superintendent Richard Schwartzkopf said the raid started at 5 a.m. and ended at 9:30am.

Subjects of the 6th “Oplan Galugad� raid were Building 4 and Building 13. Building 4 houses members of the Batang City Jail gang while Building 13 houses members of the Batang Cebu gang.

Also seized during the raid were several “sumpaks� or improvised shotguns, a refrigerator and assorted bladed weapons.

Earlier, the NBP said it plans to raise the walls of prison higher to thwart the entry of contraband from the outside.

NBP spokesman Msgr. Roberto “Bobby� Olaguer, the project would have to depend on the prison’s budget. “Pending available budget,� said Olaguer.

“(The walls) should be high enough to prevent escape and prevent contraband from being thrown over the fence,� added Olaguer.

In its recent series of surprise raids on the prison’s dormitories under “Oplan Galugad,� prison authorities have managed to confiscate several contrabands including guns, explosives, liquor, mobile phones, a radio-controlled toy helicopter, sex toys and television sets.

Olaguer said the surprise searches of the different NBP dormitories for contraband items, is a regular activity of the BuCor to complement the random frisking of inmates.

An “Oplan Galugad� search last November 11 of several dormitories at the NBP’s maximum security compound yielded television sets, refrigerators, bladed weapons, cell phones and other contraband.

BuCor Director Ricardo Rainier Cruz III had earlier ordered the continuing surprise searches to confiscate weapons and other illegal items that are being smuggled into the prison.

A previous surprise search done earlier this month at the dormitory

of Commando and Sigue-Sigue Sputnik gangs led to the seizure of a large cache of firearms that was found buried in one of the detention cells.

The prison guards also seized cell phones, television sets, air conditioning units and even sex toys from the cells during the search.

More than 50 high-value inmates that include convicted drug lords and murderers are detained in the prison. At least 14,000 convicts are detained in the nine-hectare NBP compound.

Meanwhile, Olaguer said the series of surprise raids on the prison dormitories could have contributed to a significant decrease in the prison’s electricity consumption.

According to Olaguer, a study made following the series of recent raids and confiscation of various contrabands from the inmates, including electrical appliances, showed that the prison’s electrical consumption dropped by some 10 percent in the last three weeks. “For sure, hindi tumaas ang bill namin,� said Olaguer. (Philstar. com)

Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority 340 North 11th Street Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 Phone (702) 922-6060

Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority 340 North 11th Street Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 Phone (702) 922-6060

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY

Position Title: Maintenance Aide – EXTERNAL POSTING DEPARTMENT: Affordable Housing SALARY RANGE: $41,295 - $65,975 per annum

Announcement No.: 15-016EXT

Position Title: HQS Inspector (2) positions (External Posting)

Announcement No.: 15-018EXT

OPENING DATE: Monday, November 30 2015 CLOSING DATE: Monday, December 14, 2015

DEPARTMENT: Housing Programs/Section 8 SALARY RANGE: $40,261 - $64,412 per annum

OPENING DATE: Monday, November 30 2015 CLOSING DATE: Monday, December 14, 2015

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: This position performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled work in the maintenance and care of buildings, multi-family, commercial, and single family housing units, community facilities, and property interconnected to housing portfolio. The duties listed EHORZ LOOXVWUDWH WKH YDULRXV W\SHV RI ZRUN SHUIRUPHG 7KH RPLVVLRQ RI VSHFLĂ€F VWDWHPHQWV regarding duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment in association with this position.

SUPERVISION EXCERCISED: No direct supervisory authority For a list of essential job funcWLRQV GXWLHV DQG PLQLPXP TXDOLĂ€FDWLRQV JR WR WKH 6195+$ ZHEVLWH DW ZZZ VQYUKD RUJ HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must submit complete Employment Application, with updated Resume attached. Applications may be obtained at www.snvrha.org or picked up and submitted to the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority, 5390 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89122 Applications must be received in the Human Resources Department by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Applications become the property of the Housing Authority and will not be copied or returned.

QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION BASED UPON MERIT AND POTENTIAL WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION BECAUSE OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, VETERAN STATUS, OR GENETICS. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: Under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Housing Programs, this position requires inspection of housing units in the SNRHA Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program; assures housing units are up to standard and in compliance with required rules and regulations; and involves maintenance of records and reports pertaining to inspections. The duties listed below illustrate the various W\SHV RI ZRUN SHUIRUPHG 7KH RPLVVLRQ RI VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;F VWDWHPHQWV UHJDUGLQJ GXWLHV GRHV QRW H[FOXGH WKHP IURP the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment in association with this position. )RU D OLVW RI HVVHQWLDO MRE IXQFWLRQV GXWLHV DQG PLQLPXP TXDOLĂ&#x20AC;FDWLRQV JR WR WKH 615+$ ZHEVLWH DW ZZZ VQYUKD RUJ +2: 72 $33/< Applicants must submit complete Employment Application, with updated Resume DWWDFKHG DQG YROXQWDU\ $IĂ&#x20AC;UPDWLYH $FWLRQ 4XHVWLRQQDLUH $SSOLFDWLRQV PD\ EH REWDLQHG DW ZZZ VQYUKD org or picked up and submitted to the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority, 5390 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89122, or by calling (702) 922-1636, TDD (702) 387-1898. An incomplete Employment $SSOLFDWLRQ DQG RU IDLOXUH WR PHHW WKH PLQLPXP UHTXLUHPHQWV OLVWHG DERYH ZLOO UHVXOW LQ GLVTXDOLĂ&#x20AC;FDWLRQ Applications must be received in the Human Resources Department by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. ApSOLFDWLRQV EHFRPH WKH SURSHUW\ RI WKH +RXVLQJ $XWKRULW\ DQG ZLOO QRW EH FRSLHG RU UHWXUQHG Notice to Disabled Applicants: To request an accommodation contact the Human Resources Department.

48$/,),(' $33/,&$176 :,// 5(&(,9( &216,'(5$7,21 %$6(' 8321 0(5,7 $1' 327(17,$/ :,7+287 DISCRIMINATION BECAUSE OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, VETERAN STATUS, OR GENETICS. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

A

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

december 3-9, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

seafood city fpfc

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 3-9, 2015

VEGAS&STYLE

B

Journal

Bryan White tells Pinoy fans at Fil-Am Amy Vachal makes it to ‘The Voice’ Top 9 concert: You’re absolutely beautiful SHE’S not saying “bye, bye, bye.”

Filipino-American jazz singer Amy Vachal’s journey in the “The Voice” continues as it was announced on Tuesday, Dec. 1 that she made it to the hit singing competition’s Top 9.

Vachal continued her and coach Adam Levine’s tested strategy of flipping successful songs from different genres to suit her jazzy and folksy leanings. On Monday, Nov. 30 Vachal covered “Bye, Bye, Bye,” one of the biggest hits from American boy band *Nsync.

The official twitter page of the boy band praised her, saying her rendition was “well done.”

Her version also made it to the

Top 10 of the iTunes charts. Her previous covers of Drake’s “Hotline Bling” and Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” also proved to be popular among the viewers.

Both of Gwen Stefani’s bets, Korin Bukowski and Braiden Sunshine faced elimination, but viewers chose to save Sunshine, ultimately sending Bukowski home.

Joining Vachal in the Top 9 are fellow Team Adam members Jordan Smith and Shelby Brown.

Team Gwen’s Jeffrey Austin and Sunshine; Team Blake Shelton’s Zach Seabaugh, Barrett Baber and Emily Ann Robertson; and Team Pharrell Williams’ Madi Davis also made it through the next round.

Amy Vachal (Inquirer.net)

Charo and Piolo shine in International Emmys American country music artist Bryan White performs at the Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday, Dec. 1 for his Philippine concert. The singer became popular thanks to his song “God Gave Me You,” considered by fans as the “national anthem” of the “Eat Bulaga” love team Alden Richards and Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza.

Philstar.com photo by Efigenio Toledo IV

by ChuCk

Smith Philstar.com

“YOU’RE all beautiful to me,” American country music singer Bryan White told the audience in the first few minutes of his Philippine concert at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Tuesday.

White is known in the country as the artist behind the song “God Gave Me You,” whose popularity was revived by Alden Richards and Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza in their “kalye-serye” segment on GMA-7’s “Eat Bulaga.” And the singer himself is aware a lot of the people in his Manila concert may know him only for that song.

Nonetheless, he tried to engage and entertain his audience with his songs from his deep catalog (the 41-year-old artist started out in the music industry when he was 18). White also kept reminding the fans who he appreciates the warm welcome he has received since his arrival in the Philippine last weekend.

“It’s so great to be here. Thank you all for being here tonight,” he said. “You’re absolutely beautiful,

every one of you. You look good.”

White added, “We’re finally here. I’ve been counting the days, and here we are. We’re standing here right now. We’re in Manila.

We’re in the Philippines.”

As he promised members of the press in an interview last week, White introduced his songs old and new to Filipinos. He began the concert with upbeat 1996 country song “Sittin on Go,” with lyrics that go, as if a message to the audience: “I’m waiting on the green light to make you mine/But your heart’s just taking its own sweet time.”

He took on a number of songs— such as original songs as such as the unabashedly country “Amen” and “Rebecca Lynn” and covers of “I’ll Home For Christmas” and “Signed Sealed Delivered”—before performing the song everyone in the audience is waiting for, “God Gave Me You.” This prompted fans seated on the Patron area to rush near the stage to take photos of the singer on stage.

After a handful of songs, the audience asked White to sing “God Gave Me You” for a second time—and he did, but only after

performing a couple of other songs, such as Shania Twain’s “From This Moment On.” Like clockwork, the audience ran to the stage again as soon as White sang the first lines of his popular song.

“I’ve never been to the Philippines, and people have been telling me for years to come here, that I have so many fans here who have been asking when we are coming,” White said as he closes the show. “ He thanked those who made the concert possible—including Alden, who he described as a “cool dude.”

“I got to meet sir Alden,” he said as members of the audience, possibly fans of the Alden and Maine love team, scream. “We got to hang out a little bit, talk, catch up. Of course, we didn’t have a lot of time because we’re both busy but… You know how crazy it is for all of this to happen from Twitter and then [I] actually could be here… It’s really crazy.”

If the people at the concert were disappointed that Alden and Maine didn’t make an appearance on the show, they certainly didn’t show it.

THE Philippines may not be a major player in the world television content market yet but ABS-CBN president and CEO Charo Santos Concio believes that local shows can be appreciated by foreign audiences as proven by ABS-CBN shows already present in several territories.

This, Concio expressed at the 43rd International Emmy Awards (iEmmys) held last Nov. 23 at the Hilton Hotel New York. She shared, “We are grateful that through our content, we can show the world the real wealth of our country. These are our strong family values and our resilience as a people. We see no better way of achieving it than through television.”

Charo served as the gala chair of the iEmmys, the awards organized by International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for television programs outside the US. She delivered her speech before the world’s best producers, creatives, and talents.

As the first Filipino gala chair invited to participate in the prestigious event, she expressed that the International Emmys does not only celebrate television excellence all over the globe, but also demonActor Piolo Pascual and ABS-CBN president and CEO Charo Santos-Concio at the 43rd strates the power of television as International Emmy Awards held in Hilton Hotel in New York recently.

ABS-CBN photo PAGE B2

B december 3-9, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

EntErtainmEnt

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

Why Dingdong left newly-born New homelove team for Elmo Magalona daughter behind for trip to Paris by

Bot GloRioso Philstar.com

by

Alexis RomeRo Philstar.com

PARIS—Fathers do not usually attend work-related events abroad immediately after their wives give birth. But it was not the case for actor and National Youth Commission commissioner Jose Sixto “Dingdong” Dantes.

Dantes was in Paris to attend the climate talks, leaving behind his wife, actress Marian Rivera, who just gave birth to their first daughter Maria Letizia last Nov. 23.

So what prompted him to assume his role as representative of the youth at a time when he is very much needed as a father?

For Dantes, his participation at the climate meet is about the future of his daughter.

“I come from an archipelago that knows an average of 22 typhoons a year. On paper, I am a commissioner representing the youth of the Philippines, but in my heart I feel like I’m really just representing my daughter, Maria Letizia,” he told members of the Climate Vulnerable Forum on Monday, Nov. 30.

“If you here are first time parents as well, you know that I really shouldn’t have left her or her mother’s side at this time even for a single minute. Yet, here I am.

I am here because when I represent Maria Letizia, I represent the

world,” he added.

“You are all also here for yours—your sons and daughters—and for those still without, the children you are about to bear, if fate bestows you.”

The Philippines is one of the countries facing high risks because of changes in the climate.

It is one of the five countries that experienced the biggest number of weather-related disasters since 1995, according to a recent report by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Another report by the United Nations Children’s Fund warned that children would bear the brunt of climate change because about 530 million of them reside in flood-prone areas and 160 million others are in drought severity zones.

Dantes said young people have an important role in spreading awareness about climate change, which has been blamed for natural disasters and extreme weather conditions.

He cited the launching of #NOWPH last year, which aims to promote vigilance for the care of the planet.

NOW, which stands for “Not on our Watch,” uses the Internet to encourage various sectors do their share in addressing climate change in a country known as the social media capital of the world.

Dingdong Dantes attended the climate talks to represent the youth of the Philippines.

Dantes said while there have been debates on whether to limit the global warming to below two degrees Celsius or 1.5 degrees, the heart of the issue is about caring for the planet regardless of race, color, stature or capacity.

“To choose to be involved and to get people involved is certainly the greatest contribution we can make in addressing the common problems we face in our common world. With a reach of 221 million social media impressions, and 3.6 million total pledges, please listen to all these voices saying NOW,” he said.

Maria Ozawa: PH perfect; it’s better here because there’s love

by ARvin

mendozA Inquirer.net

HOW does Maria Ozawa find the Philippines?

“Perfect,” the Japanese actress told the media during a cast party for “Nilalang,” her first movie shot in the Philippines.

“Philippines is so different from Japan. It is better here because you guys have the love. In Japan, work comes before family,” Maria said.

“Work is so important in Japan. You can’t skip anything for work. But here it’s opposite. Family comes first. It’s hard for me to handle that because it’s different from how I have been raised,” she said.

Maria finished taping last month her scenes in the actionthriller film, which also stars Cesar Montano, Meg Imperial and Yam Concepcion.

“Nilalang,” an entry to this

Cesar Montano and Maria Ozawa

year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, tells the story of Tony (Cesar), an NBI agent who investigates a series of rapes and killings in the metro.

Maria plays the role of Miyuki, daughter of elder Yakuza member Mr. Kazudo. She will team up with Tony and together they will come face-to-face with their true enemy.

Maria said she enjoyed working in the Philippines the most, after also having done movies in Taiwan and Thailand.

“Philippines is way better. Everybody is way too nice. They spoil me,” she said.

She added, however, that the working hours were crazy. “More than 15 hours every day. But still, because it is that long, I got to know the cast better. That was really good. The more I stay, the more I fell in love with them.”

Maria described her costar Ce-

sar Montano as a gentleman who was kind and handsome.

“He is really good as a leading actor. He’s always worried about me and keeps me company,” she said.

She admitted she was nervous before filming started because it was her first time to do action scenes and wield a gun and sword.

“The shooting, there is no way I could practice so I just went on the set. I didn’t know the guns could be so heavy. But I got so excited.

All my stress blew because I got to shoot bottles and I was like I want do this more,” she said.

Despite taking kendo lessons in Japan as part of her preparation, Maria said handling the sword was such a challenge. “It’s so hard to swing it and I had to run. And I got bruises all over my body.”

Maria got her role in “Nilalang” after saying in April on a radio program that she would love to be in a Filipino movie. She said she felt lucky that the offer eventually came.

Asked whether she’s open to do more films in the country, she said: “Of course! Definitely!”

Maria also shared she is very much single right now. What does she want in a guy?

“He has to be super romantic.

That’s really a hard thing to do in Japan…to find a decent guy because they are not romantic,” she said.

MANILA—Elmo Magalona is ready and excited to explore a new chapter of his showbiz life following his transfer to ABSCBN, his new “home” network.

The 21-year-old rapper-actor has moved from GMA 7 to ABS-CBN after his contract with the former ended. It was last Thursday afternoon when Elmo inked a deal with ABS-CBN which officially made him aKapamilya.

Present at the contract-signing were Kapamilya executives Cory Vidanes and Carlo Katigbak, Dreamscape Entertainment’s Deo Endrinal, director Laurenti Dyogi and Elmo’s mom Pia who also acts as his manager.

Earlier that day, Elmo tweeted via @SuperElmo, “Today marks a new chapter in my life. Don’t fail me now. Thank you for the love, Kapamilya!”

At the presscon after the contract-signing, Elmo said there’s no truth to the rumor that he moved to ABS-CBN because he felt neglected by GMA. “No, that never crossed my mind. No bad vibes. Hindi ko naman po iniiwan yung five years na experience na ibinigay sa akin ng GMA because that’s what put me into my spot now. It molded me to what I have become.”

He emphasized that he has no ill feelings toward GMA where he started his career in 2010.

“Malinis po talaga,” Elmo told The Star when pressed to share further. “Actually, it was like a few years after the contract expired when I got an offer so everything was like surreal, it just happened.”

However, Elmo cannot exactly tell when his ties with the Kapuso ended but as far as he remembers, it was between mid-August and early September. “I’ve been with them for five years that’s why my transfer here is very surreal but then yun nga I just want to take (career) more seriously and enhance (the craft) more

because I want to grow, to be a well-known artist.”

Although he is looking forward to a fruitful career in his new home network, Elmo admitted it was a tough decision. “It took a while. My mom and I really had a talk and I’m happy that we arrived at a common decision.” The opportunity to do something new played a major factor in accepting the offer “because it’s a new adventure; a new challenge.”

Did his girlfriend Janine Gutierrez support him in his decision?

“We had a light conversation and yeah, I’m happy that she’s supported this decision of mine,” he said. “The nice thing is we support each other even if we are both busy. I’m so happy because this is her breakout year, she’s had so many projects like she did magazines, movies, a TV show and now I’m getting the share of the blessings so nakakatuwa talaga.”

He also revealed that his mom never fails to remind him to work hard and treat every project like it is his last. By the way, Elmo will be part of Dreamscape Entertainment and Star Magic. “My mom needs all the help she can get as my manager so it will be a comanagement between my mom and Star Magic.”

PAGE B1 a medium of empathy, connection, and understanding among all peoples of the world.

“The more we care, the less we fight. During dark days of terror, we come together in prayer. So, the world, far from falling part, is even inspired to unite,” she said.

She added that when content producers begin to know and care about people and things, “we begin to care about other people’s quest for love, pursuit of dreams, cry for justice, celebration of triumph, and struggle for survival.

Meanwhile, award-winning actor Piolo Pascual also had his shining moment when he presented the award for Best Telenovela alongside Karla Mosley of “The Bold and the Beautiful.”

Before the awards proper, Charo and Piolo both graced the red carpet and granted media interviews. Charo looked elegant in her Cary Santiago terno gown, while Pascual looked dashing in a black suit.

Their participation in iEmmys marks a new milestone in Philippine broadcasting history. It serves as a recognition of how Filipino content can be at par with global standards.

The International Emmy Awards recognize excellence in global television programming. This year, Special Awards were presented to Julian Fellowes, creator and writer of Downton Abbey (Founders Award) and Richard Plepler, Chairman & CEO of HBO (Directorate Award).

The event was attended by actor Michael Douglas, Elizabeth McGovern of “Downton Abbey,” Tovah Feldshuh of “The Walking Dead,” Patina Miller of “The Hunger Games,” and Lea DeLaria of “Orange is the New Black,” who were among this year’s presenters.

Over the years, ABS-CBN has also earned several International Emmy nominations for its shows and actors such as “MMK” (Best Drama Series, 2013), Jane Oineza

Elmo Magalona is now a certified Kapamilya after signing a contract with ABS-CBN last Thursday afternoon. He is set to topbill Born For You under Dreamscape Entertainment with Janella Salvador as his love team.

Philstar.com photo

By early next year, Elmo is set to topbill a TV series titled “Born For You” under Dreamscape Enteratinment with Janella Salvador as his screen partner. It was only recently when Elmo personally met Janella.

“I believe mag-kakasundo kami because she’s also into music; she’s an old soul. Her family is also in the music industry. I think it’s cool that we both come from a family of musicians,” said Elmo whose dad is the late master rapper cum actor Francis Magalona.

Janella, on the other hand, is the daughter of Jenine Desiderio and Juan Miguel Salvador.

Aside from acting, Elmo is also bent on pursuing his career in the music scene. In fact, he has already guested in the Sunday noontime variety show “ASAP 20” and he hopes to become one its regulars soon.

“I’d like to work with John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo in a movie or teleserye if given a chance,” he said.

Asked if there is pressure being a Kapamilya, Elmo replied without batting an eyelash, “There’s always pressure when you are excited and when something is worth it so I’m glad that I’m pressured because that gives me the motivation.”

Charo and Piolo shine in International...

iEmmys Gala chair Charo Santos-Concio delivers her speech before the world’s best producers, creatives, and talents

for “MMK” (Best Actress, 2013), “Precious Hearts Romances presents Impostor” (Best Telenovela, 2011), “Dahil May Isang Ikaw” (Best Telenovela, 2010), Sid Lucero for “Dahil May Isang Ikaw” (Best Actor, 2010), “Kahit Isang Saglit” (Best Telenovela, 2009), and Angel Locsin for “Lobo” (Best Actress, 2009). (ManilaTimes.net)

Features

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 3-9, 2015

B

‘Asian-American: Proudly Inauthentic Recipes from the Philippines to Brooklyn’ Fil-Am chef Dale Talde launches debut cookbook

By MoMar

G. Visaya

AJPress

It was bound to happen.

After appearing on the Bravo hit series top Chef for three seasons and cooking Filipino dishes on the show; then opening his eponymous restaurants – first in Brooklyn, then in Jersey City; Chef Dale talde’s next career move was eagerly anticipated and expected.

Last September 15, the FilipinoAmerican chef and his publishers Grand Central Life & Style released his debut cookbook, “ASIANAMERICAN: Proudly Inauthentic Recipes From the Philippines to Brooklyn.”

In the book, Chef Dale shares 75 of his recipes, all told in his inimitable voice with fun, inspired, and gorgeous photography. He proudly dedicates this book to his family – dad Salvador, mom Eva, brother Ian and sister Aileen.

While some chefs cook to trans-

port readers to Northern thailand or Sichuan province or tokyo, Dale’s food reminds all of us that we’re home, and that is how he wants his recipes done. And the taste? Exciting, straight-forward and ridiculously tasty.

A hugely successful restaurateur, Dale is an integral player in the ongoing movement in Brooklyn and across America, led by uniquely creative and hip chefs who are redefining food culture.

Dale continues to shape the public dialogue about New AsianAmerican Cuisine and he offers no qualms or apologies about it. to that end, his first cookbook is not only a cookbook; it is a cuttingedge study in cultural fusion and the story of one inventive Chicagoan who understood the universality of food at an early age.

Born to Filipino parents, Dale talde grew up both steeped in his family’s culinary heritage and

Chef Dale Talde

Photo by Momar G. Visaya

infatuated with American fast food, from burgers to chicken nuggets.

He effortlessly blends the tastes, ingredients and nuances of a wide swath of Eastern and Western cuisines and techniques. today, his dual identity is etched on the menu at talde, where he reimagines iconic Asian dishes, imbuing them with Americana while doubling-down on the culinary fireworks that made them so popular in the first place.

Emphasizing the unexpected, his riff on pad thai, for example, features bacon and oysters, and he gives juicy pork dumplings the salty, springy exterior of soft pretzels.

When we spoke with him a few days after opening his Jersey City outpost, Dale was a little introspective, thinking about all the hard work he and his team has poured into the project. “the journey has been amazing so far. It has been a lot of hard work, it’s been incredibly rewarding. A little sleep, incredibly frustrating at times but ultimately, incredibly rewarding,” Chef Dale shared. “the response has been unbelievable, so much so that we had to disappoint people by telling them the wait is up to three hours. the outpouring of people has been crazy. I couldn’t really ask for more.”

Proudly Inauthentic An acute listener, Dale is aware that there have been Filipinos who ate at talde and complained afterwards that the dishes were not authentic Filipino.

Chicken Wings and Waffles Serves 4 to 6

this is the second most-ordered dish, after Buttered-toast Ramen, on talde’s brunch menu. And I can take only partial credit: People just go nuts for the combination of crunchy, salty fried chicken and waffles, no matter who makes it. Yet I like to think that my version would get props even from connoisseurs of the genre.

I treat my bird in the Korean style, double frying for extra crunch and coating it in sauce for extra flavor. (Remember, though, that you can always cheat and buy wings from Popeyes.) the waffle is textbook: light, crispy, and drizzled with syrup to achieve the sweet-savory collision that makes the dish so popular.

Special Equipment Waffle iron Deep-fry thermometer Ingredients: For Marinating the Chicken 2 pounds medium-size chicken wing drumettes and flats (about 20 total) 1/2 cup Kimchi Yogurt (see recipe) For the Waffle Batter 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F) 2 teaspoons granulated sugar 1 (1/4-ounce) packet active dry yeast 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2 large eggs 2 cups whole milk 1 stick (¼ pound) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly For Frying the Chicken Vegetable oil for deep frying 2 cups Asian white rice flour (not sticky rice flour) 1/3 cup thai or Vietnamese fish sauce 1 teaspoon ground cayenne For Finishing the Dish Nonstick cooking spray, if necessary 1 cup Kimchi Yogurt (see recipe) Coconut–Brown Butter Syrup (see recipe) or maple syrup, warmed Method: Marinate the Chicken Combine the chicken and kimchi yogurt in a large bowl and toss to coat the chicken well. Cover and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 12 hours or up to 3 days (the longer the better).

Make the Waffle Batter Combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl, stir well, and leave in a warm place until it looks frothy, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl and stir well. In a medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs, add the milk and butter, and stir well.

Chicken Wings and Waffle Recipe excerpted from the book ASIANAMERICAN by Dale Talde with JJ Goode.

Copyright © 2015 by Dale Talde, LLC. Reprinted by permission of Grand Central Life & Style. All rights reserved. Photo by William Hereford

Stir the yeast mixture into the milk mixture. Briefly stir this mixture into the flour mixture, about a quarter at a time, then stir just until you have a very thick, very lumpy batter. Cover the bowl and keep the batter in the fridge (the batter will get even thicker) for at least 3 hours or up to 12 hours. the waffles will be more flavorful and crispier the longer you let the yeast do its thing.

Batter and Fry the Chick en Bring the chicken to room

Bao-ed Lobster in Warm Chile Butter Makes 6 buns I HAVE no loyalties when it comes to lobster rolls. If you pile sweet chunks of crustacean on a bun, I’m sold. Yet there’s something about the Connecticut style—warm, buttery lobster as opposed to the chilled mayocoated Maine style—that gets me particularly amped. Purists, look away: I use scallion, cilantro, and Sriracha in my version. For anyone who thinks Sriracha is played out, I dare you to taste what happens when it gets mellowed with butter and brightened with lemon juice. Chinese steamed bao buns provide a slightly sweet, doughy backdrop similar to the classic split-top bun.

Ingredients: 6 fresh or frozen Chinese buns (aka gua bao, folded buns, or steamed sandwiches) 1 stick (1/4 pound) unsalted butter, cut into several pieces 1/4 cup Sriracha 1/2 teaspoon red chile flakes 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning 10 ounces cooked lobster meat (from two 1½-pound lobsters), chopped into bite-size chunks (2 cups) 1 generous tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 generous tablespoon thinly sliced scallions PAGE B4

Bao-ed Lobster in Warm Chile Butter Recipe excerpted from the book ASIANAMERICAN by Dale Talde with JJ Goode.

Copyright © 2015 by Dale Talde, LLC. Reprinted by permission of Grand Central Life & Style. All rights reserved. Photo by William Hereford

Short Rib Kare-Kare Serves 8

Short Rib Kare-Kare Recipe excerpted from the book ASIAN-AMERICAN

by Dale Talde with JJ Goode. Copyright © 2015 by Dale Talde, LLC. Reprinted by permission of Grand Central Life & Style. All rights reserved.

Photo by William Hereford

WELCOME to Filipino Christmas. there are screaming babies on your left, cases of Miller High Life on your right, and approximately four thousand people in the living room of whatever aunt, cousin, or sort-of cousin was willing to host that year.

When I was a kid, I’d wait all year for this. It was my opportunity to eat my aunt Catalina’s kare-kare. Not that the other food wasn’t dope, too. there was Mom’s wonton soup, and her Christmas ham, lacquered with caramelized sugar and pineapple juice. Someone always brought arroz valenciana, a Filipino version of paella, yellow from turmeric rather than saffron and made with sticky rice, Chinese sausage, shrimp, and peas.

I ate like a beast but always

saved room for several servings of kare-kare, a classic Filipino stew rich with peanuts and funky from shrimp paste. Aunt Catalina reserved the stew for Christmastime, because it took a long time to make. She used oxtail and innards. I rock short ribs. the stew’s so rich you might need some charred cabbage, eggplant, and long beans to go with it.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the oil, annatto seeds, and turmeric in a large Dutch oven or oven-proof pot, set it over medium-high heat, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the oil is a reddish color, about 1 minute. Add the onion, ginger, garlic, and chiles and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are brown at the edges, about 5 PAGE B7

to that, Dale has a firm response.

“I’m not doing Filipino food, I am not Filipino. My parents are Filipinos, I’m a Filipino American.

I think most importantly, my voice through food is Fil-Am,” he told us once, explaining that he grew up in Chicago eating a version of Filipino cuisine that his parents cooked, using American ingredients.

“Even people who were born in the Philippines would recognize it as Fil-Am. I don’t speak the language, I wasn’t born there but I grew up in a Filipino household eating Filipino culture, Filipino food all day long. I can only represent who I am, my voice as a Fil-Am,” he added.

And now, his version of the dishes he grew up eating, along with other Asian-American classics, are in one cookbook. In it, he recalleddevouring pizza and tater tots when he was in school, but when he got home, it was karekare, sinigang, dinuguan.

“We ate that at home all day. It was a completely different culture outside the home. For me, that’s the viewpoint that I am taking. I’m a Filipino American and I’m going to put whatever that means to me on the plate. that’s how I push the culture through,” he said. this issue, we are sharing three of the recipes found in his book - Short Rib Kare-Kare, Bao-ed Lobster in Warm Chile Butter and Chicken & Waffles.

Other masterfully creative and delicious dishes from the cookbook include Crispy Moo Shoo Beef tartare Sandwiches; Corncakes with Ham and Coconut Brown Butter Syrup; Sausage, Egg, and Cheese

Fried Rice; Roast-Chicken-Dinner Lo Mein; Root Beer Glazed Pork Bahn Mi with Bacon; ButteredtoastRamen with Bacon and Eggs; Carrot Rendang; and, of course, Potato Chip and Pretzel Squares with Caramel-Chocolate Ganache. the cookbook is an homage to his family who influenced him to cook, particularly his mom and an aunt, who he honors with his take on her kare-kare recipe. Dale pays tribute to his mom, who still finds time to cook delicious and hearty Filipino dishes after working 16hour shifts in a Chicago hospital. that she cooked Filipino dishes almost exclusively pushed the young Dale to rebel and he began to cook his own breakfast and at some point, preferred pizza, burgers and tater tots over his mom’s sinigang, adobo or dinuguan. then came the realization that

he had to live in two worlds and that he practically led a double life. Outside his home, he was an American, but at the end of the day, he comes home and becomes Filipino. this unique perspective is what he explores with the recipes he shares with the world through his Asian-American cookbook.

(Dale Talde is the chef/owner of: Talde Brooklyn, Talde Jersey City, Thistle Hill Tavern, Pork Slope, Carrino Provisions & the just-opened Talde Miami Beach.

He is also a three-time contestant on Bravo TV’s Top Chef. Dale lives in Brooklyn, NY. JJ Goode has written for the New York Times, Saveur, and Bon Appétit, and has co-authored several cookbooks.

Visit Dale at www.taldebrooklyn. com / www.facebook.com/ChefDaleTalde and JJ atwww.jjgoode. com. )

temperature. You’re going to fry the chicken twice and in several batches to avoid crowding the oil.

About an hour before you’re ready to eat, pour enough oil into a large pot to reach a depth of about 3 inches. Set the pot over medium-high heat and bring the oil to 275°F (use a deep-fry thermometer). Meanwhile, combine the rice flour, fish sauce, cayenne, and 1 cup water in a large mixing bowl and stir until the mixture is well combined and has no lumps.

Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Add the first batch of chicken pieces to the batter and toss to coat well. Gently shake the pieces to let any excess batter drip

off and add them to the oil. Fry, turning them over occasionally, until they’re light golden brown and crispy but not quite cooked through, about 8 minutes. transfer the pieces to the paper towel–lined baking sheet and fry the remaining chicken. Reserve the batter and the oil.

Cook the Waffles Preheat the oven to 200°F. Preheat a waffle iron (if possible, on the second-darkest setting) and, if necessary, spray with nonstick cooking spray. Pour about 3⁄4 cup of the waffle batter onto the iron (the amount will vary according to the machine), spreading it a bit.

Cook until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through, 4 to 6 min-

utes. transfer the waffles directly onto the oven rack to keep them warm while you make the rest.

Finish the Dish Set a rack over a baking sheet and use a skimmer to remove any stray fry from the oil. Set the pot over high heat and bring the oil to 325°F. Working in batches again, add the chicken to the batter, toss to coat, shake the pieces gently, and fry again until they’re deep golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked, 4 to 5 minutes. transfer the pieces to the rack as they’re cooked and put the baking sheet in the oven to keep the chicken warm. toss the chicken well in a large bowl with the kimchi yogurt.

Waffles, chicken, syrup. Eat.

Photo by William Hereford

B december 3-9, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

EntErtainmEnt

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

Paulo Avelino: Happy with career and personal life Rachel Ann Go bags theater award anew by

Boy ABundA Philstar.com

In real life and off-screen, he is soft-spoken and can strike you as a bit shy. Even when he faces the press, his answers are measured, and he’s not as talkative or as gregarious as other actors.

But put him onscreen and Paulo Avelino seems to instantly transform. A lot of people remember his intense performances in TV dramas like “Walang Hanggan” and “Bridges of Love” where he showcased a totally different side of himself. He will get another chance to do this when he joins the cast of the top-rating Dreamscape drama “On The Wings Of Love (OTWOL)” as advertising executive Simon, the new boss of nadine Lustre’s character Leah. Based on the show’s official character description, Simon will come in as a sort of third wheel that will shake up the relationship of Clark and Leah a bit.

Paulo is excited to be joining the show, even if his character is a bit on the kontrabida side, a fact that might invite bashers and negative comments. “Di naman maiiwasan ‘yon na madala ang tao sa pinapanood nila na character,” he says. “Pero hindi naman ako nag-join sa show para sirain ang pagiging magkaibigan nila,” he explains.

As an actor, he has done mostly dramatic and intense roles, so for “OTWOL” he needs to make some adjustments. But that is something that he has come to expect with every role that he takes on.

“Siyempre, laging may adjustment,” he says. “Bawat adjustment, medyo iba, but for me, that’s never-ending. As an actor, you always adjust. Maraming nadadagdag sa alam mo, pero mas maganda ‘yon kasi parang continuous ang learning.”

Ever since he moved to ABSCBn, Paulo has been kept busy,

working on project after project, and that’s not even counting the ones that aren’t network-produced. Sometimes it gets physically and mentally exhausting, says Paulo, but when he feels that way, he thinks of his future, which — aside from it being his passion — is the reason he got into show business in the first place. “Oo, napapagod din ako, medyo tumatanda na rin kasi (Paulo is in his late 20s) pero kailangan pag-igihan ang trabaho para sa mga pinapangarap sa buhay.”

Right now, his priority is his career. He wants to seize all the opportunities coming his way to the point that he’s willing to let his private life take the backseat.

Paulo was formerly linked to mega-daughter KC Concepcion, but their relationship fizzled out before it could go the distance.

Since then, there have not been any reports of Paulo getting into a new relationship, or seeing someone. He’d rather spend his time studying the characters he plays instead of getting into a relationship right now. What he is in a relationship with right now is his career. Paulo sees every role as a challenge because it forces him to tap into his creative juices. He likes three-dimensional characters, or those that stretch him as an actor.

“That’s why I always look for something broken about them,” he says, adding that, “Challenge sa akin lahat ng roles ko, like for instance, coming from ‘Bridges (of Love)’, ibang-iba siya dito sa gagawin ko sa On the Wings of Love.”

The challenge he is facing in “On the Wings of Love” is twofold: First, he is joining a show that is already successful and has a built-in audience and solid following built around the JaDine love team, and second, that Leah is a woman who is brilliant and yet has an air of mystery about her. He is intrigued by those types of women.

by ChristinA

ManilaTimes.net

AFTER winning Broadway World UK’s “Best Featured Actress” award for her first international theater exposure as Gigi in “Miss Saigon” 2014 revival, Rachel Ann Go has bagged another award from the same theater site for the “Best Performance in a Long-Running West End Show (Female)” as Fantine in “Les Miserables.”

Rachel Ann’s home studio in the Philippines, GMA network first reported the happy news Thursday night on their news website.

Broadway World UK, on the other hand, is apparently touted as the world’s biggest theater website to cover and review productions from around the globe, most especially from the renowned Paulo Avelino is now part of ABS-CBN’s “On stages of new York’s Broadway the Wings of Love.” and London’s West End. Despite this, he is excited to be working with James and nadine. “Medyo late na ako papasok sa show, but it’s an honor dahil alam naman nating hit ang ‘OTWOL,’” he says. “Working with the love team, I’m pretty MAnILA—Julian Barretto can excited sa mabibigay kong bago, na mayayanig at palalakasin pa relate to her role as Trixie in her lalo sina Leah at Clark as char- upcoming ABS-CBn TV series “And I Love You So.” acters sa show.”

In “And I Love You So,” she porHe addresses the JaDine fans: “To the JaDine fans, thank you trays the role of a daughter left by for the welcome. I’m just here her mother (Angel Aquino) and is as an actor, baka kainisan ako raised by her father (Tonton Gutisa show, but I’m really just here errez). Since her mother left, Trixie tries to prove herself to her dad, to inspire everyone.”

Paulo is very happy with the who constantly ignores her. She way his career and life are go- then crosses paths with Joanna ing. On a scale of 1 to 10, he’d (Miles Ocampo), who seem to be rate things as they are now as a 9. Why not a perfect 10? Paulo quips: “Para may room for improvement.”

What is his Christmas wish?

“Hindi showbiz pero ngayon ang daming terror attacks, and not just in Paris. I just wish it would stop, and that everything would be peaceful for humanity’s sake.”

1 generous tablespoon loosely packed cilantro leaves Method: 1. Right before you serve, arrange the buns on a plate, cover them with damp paper towels, and microwave, flipping once, about 1 minute.

EMPLOYMENT

2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and stir in the Sriracha, chile flakes, and ½ teaspoon salt. Reduce the heat to low, add the lobster, and stir occasionally just until the lobster is hot all the way through, 1 to 2 minutes. Take the pot off the heat and stir in the lemon juice,

Rachel Ann Go poses as Fantine for her Instagram followers.

In her Twitter account, the latest Filipina to successfully make it in the international theater scene said of her win, “Thank you so much @BroadwayWorldUK, especially to all those who voted for me! Means a lot. Maraming salamat po.” In a separate tweet, after receiving all the congratulatory messages, Rachel added,

“Thank you for sending all your love. To God be the glory! Thank You po Lord!”

Fortunately, the Filipino audience will get to see Rachel Ann’s Broadway World award-winning performance as Fantine when “Les Mis” comes to Manila in March 2016.

While there seems to be no fancy awards night set for Broadway World UK’s annual voter’s choice awards, several theater based groups and publications have also picked up the news about Rachel Ann’s win, among them, the London Theater Workshop and West End Frame. Of the long list of winners, the reports especially mention the 29-year-old singer, as well as Hollywood star Benedict Cumberbatch (“Black Mass,” 2015; “The Imitation Game,” 2014; “Sherlock,” 2010) who earned the Best Leading Actor in A new Production of a Play for “Hamlet.”

Julia Barretto relates to her ‘misunderstood’ role in new show

scallions, and cilantro. Season to taste with more salt and lemon juice. Cover to keep it warm.

3. Remove the buns from the parchment and put them on a plate. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the lobster meat to the bao buns, spoon on as much of the sauce as you’d like, and eat.

Julia Barretto

loved by all. Their lives intertwine when his father marries Joanna’s mother (Dimple’s Romana).

“I love my role kasi gusto ko ‘yong may pinangagalingan siya,” she said during the press conference of the show on Tuesday. “Ang pagiging kontra bida ko dito hindi lang dahil gusto niyang maging masama, mayro’n siyang pinanggagalingan.”

Julia said she can relate to her role who is often “misunderstood” by the people around her.

“Si Trixie at si Julia, they’re both misunderstood, hindi nila maintindihan bakit siya gano’n, hindi nila maintindihan bakit gano’n si Trixie. Same with me, they don’t understand why I’m the way I am now,” she explained.

Julia is the talk of the town recently because of the different issues thrown at her—like her decision to drop

EMPLOYMENT

FOR SALE

Bao-ed Lobster in Warm Chile Butter PAGE B3

AlpAd

PSYCHIC

FOR RENT

the last name of her father Dennis Padilla and her being romantically linked to James Reid.

Despite all these controversies, Julia said she remains strong, just lke her her character in “And I Love You So.” “Ang pareho rin sa amin is kapag may problema we always stand strong and we stick to what we believe in and we fight for it kapag alam naming nasa tama kami,” she said. “napaka-strong niya, pero may mga times na bumibigay rin kapag alam niyang enough is enough.”

Julia is making a big shift in “And I Love You So,” her second regular TV series after her first soap opera “Mirabella.”

In “Mirabella,” she maintained a “nice girl image.” In her new show, however, she is feisty.

The Kapamilya actress said she’s excited to portray her new role since it’s something new for her. She even finds inspiration in her auntie Claudine Barretto.

“She’s a very versatile actress,” she said of Claudine. “She was able to be funny, sweet and maldita at the same time. So I thought maybe this is a challenging role for me.”

“And I Love You So” will air on December 7 in the Kapamilya afternoon block of ABS-CBn.

Features

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 3-9, 2015

B

Why you need an immigration Calendar of Events across America attorney when you have been charged with a crime ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS!

Your Immigration Solution

Atty. RobeRt Reeves NANcy e. MilleR of Reeves MilleR ZhANg & DiZA

Committing a crime can get you into a lot of trouble. But entering into a plea agreement in criminal court may get you into even more trouble. if you don’t know the immigration consequences of the guilty or no-contest plea you enter, your troubles may just be beginning. that great deal that kept you out of jail may also get you removed from the United States. that is why the United States Supreme Court has held that criminal defense attorneys must inform their non-citizen clients of whether the plea they are considering entering into carries a risk of deportation. the Court recognized that deportation is sometimes the most important part of the penalty that may be imposed on noncitizen defendants who plead guilty to specific crimes. For that reason, a defendant is entitled to the effective assistance of competent counsel before deciding to enter into a plea agreement.

Criminal defense attorneys are not required to become experts in the area of immigration law.

Courts have acknowledged that immigration law can be complex and that there will be numerous situations in which the deportation consequences of a particular plea may be unclear or uncertain. in those circumstances, the criminal defense attorney’s obligation is to advise the noncitizen that the pending criminal charges may carry a risk of adverse immigration consequences. this limited obligation may, however, raise more problems than it solves. As Justice Alito said in his concurring decision in Padilla v. Kentucky, “nothing is ever simple with immigration law.” terms such as “conviction,” “moral turpitude,” “single scheme of criminal misconduct” are terms of art and have different meanings in immigration law than in state law. other concepts in the immigration & nationality Act are ambiguous or confusing to attorneys not versed in the intricacies of immigration law. is someone an alien (or are they a citizen without knowing it)?

What is the difference between being inadmissible, removable or ineligible for naturalization?

The Court recognized that deportation is sometimes the most important part of the penalty that may be imposed on noncitizen defendants who plead guilty to specific crimes.

For that reason, a defendant is entitled to the effective assistance of competent counsel before deciding to enter into a plea agreement.

the criminal defense attorney does not need to know the answers to these questions. But the alien trying to avoid deportation does. the question then for the noncitizen accused of a crime is, how can he best protect himself from a “good” plea bargain that results in his deportation? the immigrant quite plainly must consult an immigration attorney experienced and knowledgeable in the immigration consequences of criminal offenses and convictions and he must do so before he enters into any plea agreement. ideally, his criminal defense attorney and his immigration attorney should work together to obtain a “deal” that is beneficial from both a criminal defense and an immigration standpoint. this “good deal” can take several forms. it may involve convincing the prosecutor to agree to an amended charge that does not render the alien either inadmissible or removable. A non-citizen who is removable may be in the United States in lawful status but be subject to removal because of the conviction. A non-citizen who is not in lawful status may be inadmissible as a result of a criminal conviction, even if they are the beneficiary of an approved, immediately available petition. And a non-citizen who is in lawful status (and whose specific conviction does not render him removable) who leaves the United States for a temporary purpose may be charged with being inadmissible upon their return. Each of these instances can end the non-citizen’s ability to remain in the United States.

So it is best if the charge to which the non-citizen pleads does not result in his being either inadmissible or removable.

Unfortunately, many prosecu-

d Ec E m b E R 3

AAPA Awards Gala

tors take the position that the immigration ramification of the plea is not their concern and will not agree to a charge amendment that will keep the alien safe from all negative immigration consequences. However, the criminal conviction with immigration consequences may be subject to a waiver that would allow the alien to either obtain status, if she is otherwise eligible, or keep her green card and, potentially, apply for US citizenship at a later time.

And “crimmigration” (the interaction of criminal and immigration law) changes all the time. Last year, governor Brown signed a bill that lowered all sentences for misdemeanors to no more than 364 days. A recent court ruling held that a green-card-holder who adjusted status may still be eligible for a waiver of an aggravated felony conviction. other court rulings have addressed immigration consequences of burglary and crime of violence convictions. to the alien who says “why do i need two attorneys to deal with one criminal problem?” the answer is “because you have two problems and you want to be able to legally stay in the United States.”

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.

*** Atty. Reeves has represented clients in numerous landmark immigration cases that have set new policies regarding INS action and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

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 (707-704-7887), Marico Enriquez (650-483-8306), Oscar Rosales (707-332-4991), Jerry Field (925-681-0974), Marivic Beltran-Tuazon (707-656-1081), or Pete Saguisag (650-994-0701).

"SIMBANG GABI" - December 13-24, 2015

BACKGROUND: In the Philippines, "Simbang Gabi" is a daily mass/novena just before Christmas, celebrated early in the morning, 4-5am or in the evening 6-7pm. It is also called “Misa de Gallo” (mass when the cock crows) or “Misa de Aguinaldo”.

This is a very much desired Filipino religious tradition. Back home, families wake up early, attend mass and fill up many churches. After the liturgy, delicious Filipino food and delicacies are served and shared by families. Thus this becomes both a

religious and social gathering.

ACTIVITIES: In the Las Vegas valley, “Simbang Gabi 2015” is celebrated in twelve different parishes at their regular mass time. The schedule is published in parish bulletins and all parishioners, especially Filipino Catholics, are invited to attend, participate & complete the novena. It is recommended that the Pastor/Associate at the assigned parish presides the liturgy.

Other priests are welcome to concelebrate. The readings of the day are read and proclaimed. A simple reception/fellowship takes place after mass.

SCHEDULE of Mass/Novena: Dates, Time and Places 1. December 13, Sunday – 5:00PM at Saint Francis of Assisi 2300 Sunridge Heights Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89052 2. December 14, Monday – 6:00 PM at Saint John Neumann 2575 El Campo Grande Ave., North LasVegas, NV 89031 3. December 15, Tuesday – 5:30PM at Saint Thomas More 130 N. Pecos Road, Henderson, NV 89074 4. December 16, Wednesday – 8:00AM at Saint Joseph, HOM 7260 W Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89117 5. December 17, Thursday – 7:00PM at Our Lady of Las Vegas 3050 Alta Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89107 6. December 18, Friday – 6:00PM at Christ the King 4925 S. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89118 7. December 19, Saturday – 5:00PM at Saint Bridget 220 N. 14th Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101 8. December 20, Sunday – 12:30PM at Holy Spirit 5959 S. Hualapai Way, Las Vegas, NV 89148 9. December 21, Monday – 6:00PM at St Elizabeth Ann Seton - 1811 Pueblo Vista Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89128 10. December 22, Tuesday – 6:00 PM at Saint Anne 1901 South Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89104 11. December 23, Wednesday – 6:00PM at St Peter the Apostle 204 South Boulder Hwy, Henderson, NV 89105 12. December 24, Thursday – 8:00 AM at St Joan of Arc 315 S. Casino Center Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101

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

d Ec E m b E R 4

Filipinotown Christmas Festival and Parade

This holiday season, the Historic Filipinotown Christmas Festival kicks off on Friday, December 4th with a Christmas Parade along the streets of Temple, Beverly, and Alvarado.

Participants in the parade come from various community organizations and businesses, and include Fil-Am community leaders and humanitarian advocates. A reception will follow after the parade with live entertainment, vendor booths, and delicious food. The crowning of Miss/Mrs. Filipinotown will be presented on December 11th at Casa Italiana in downtown Los Angeles. Join us as we celebrate the holidays in Historic Filipinotown! Please email Project Manager Lou Razon at lou.filipinotown@gmail.com for sponsorship inquiries, or visit www.historicfilipinotown.org for more details.

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

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 5

LA Archdiocesan SIMBANG GABI 2015 WHAT: LA Archdiocesan SIMBANG GABI 2015 WHEN: Tuesday, December 15, at 6:30pm WHERE: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels (555 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012) Principal Celebrant: Most Rev. Jose H. Gomez, D.D., Archbishop of Los Angeles The Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, San Fernando Pastoral Region, will sponsor the first day of the Archdiocesan Simbang Gabi. Pre-liturgy/Parol Procession will begin at 6:30 pm, followed by the Mass celebrated by Archbishop Rev. Jose H. Gomez. Filipiniana attire is requested to be worn by organizers and participants. This year’s theme is “Jesus Our Savior, Empower Our Families to be Better Stewards of Your Creation.” For the Parol Procession Guidelines and other information, contact any Chairperson: Patty Santiago – email: piesan@hotmail.com; Phone: (818) 472-4288 or Raymond de Guzman- email: rdeguzman1317@verizon.net; Phone: (818) 634-8664.

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 (0939-118-2888; 0926-660-35540); Cecille Morales Bernas (0932-509-2646); and Marcial Morales (0918-915-9095); 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.

JA N UA RY 9

Feast of Santo Niño de Cebu All are cordially invited to the Feast of Santo Niño de Cebu on Saturday, January 9, 2016, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Bellflower, California, organized and sponsored by the Santo Niño de Cebu Association of Southern California, Inc., a non-profit religious organization. The Eucharistic Celebration will be presided by the Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, His Excellency Bishop Oscar A. Solis at 10:00 am followed by the traditional procession of the image of Santo Niño de Cebu, fiesta lunch and Sinulog presentations. Food and financial donations are welcome, and all donations are tax deductible.

For further information, you may contact the association President, Danny C. Diluvio at (323) 252-4991 or email at: dannydiluvio1@gmail.com.

Released: Fr. Manny Guico 11-25-2015/rsjurani

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

B december 3-9, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS TOxIC chemicals commonly used in almost all homes could cause various diseases, including cancers. At least a dozen of chemical agents are found in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry area, and the garage of practically every household today.

Sixteen studies done since the 1990s published recently in the journal Pediatrics state that “pesticides use in homes may increase the risk of children developing leukemia or lymphoma,” indicating that kids exposed to indoor insecticides had an elevated risk of having these blood cancers. Weed killers and non-organic house cleaning agents are also toxic, just like most chemicals in the garage or gardens.

Other researches also implicated household chemicals in the causation of many illnesses among adults too. Ironically, this does not exonerate alcoholic beverages, which could cause cancer of the throat, esophagus, breasts, etc.

Breast cancer and Oncotype DX “A gene test known as Oncotype Dx may help certain women with early-stage breast cancer skip chemotherapy,” according to a report presented at the European Cancer Congress in Vienna and posted online in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The research revealed that “the test accurately identified a group of women whose cancers are so likely to respond to hormone-blocking drugs that adding chemo would do little if any good while exposing them to side effects and other health risks…and that “women who skipped chemo based on the test had less than a 1 percent chance of cancer recurring far away, such as the liver or lungs, within the next five years.”

Vitamin D on senior brain Vitamin D -- D3 being the choice version -- is essential to health. A study published in JAMA Neurology showed that seniors with lower than normal levels of vitamin D may lose their cognitive brain function faster than people of the same age whose vitamin D levels are normal. A long term Alzheimer’s study revealed that those with dementia have lower levels of vitamin D, supporting the JAMA-N report.

Features

Pesticides and blood cancers Pregnancy and autism risk A study of 45,261 children born in Northern California between 2000 and 2009 shows that “the time between the birth of oone child ad the conception of the next may affect the second child’s risk for developing autism.” Researchers noted that among children “conceived less than 12 months or more than 72 months after the birth of an older sibling, the risk of autism was two to theree fold higher than for those conceived 36 months to 47 months later.” This supports the recommendation of the World Health organization for women to wait at least 2 years after the child is born before attempting the next pregnancy.”

Drinking hand sanitizer?

Yes, you read it right. Some kids are drinking hand sanitizer to get an alcoholic high and many ignorant little kids ingest them accidentally, leading to alcohol poisoning. A study by the Georgia Poison Control revealed that ““since 2010, poison control center hotlines across the United States have seen a nearly 400 percent increase in calls related to children younger than 12 ingesting hand sanitizer.” Hand sanitizers contain a range between 45 to 95 percent of alcohol and swallowing even 2 to 3 squirts can cause `cute alcohol poisoning.

An aspirin, not apple, a day….

The United States Preventive Task Force (USPSTF) stated the taking a daily low-dose (81 mg) of aspirin “for adults ages 50 to 69 who are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases can help prevent both cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer, but the recommendation stoked a long-running disagreement about whether the practice carries more risks than benefits in some patients.” The anti-cancer effect is seen among those who took lowdose aspirin for at least 10 years.

The potential risks of aspirin intake include gastric upset, stomach bleeding, hemorrhagic strokes or bleeding in the brain, which, fortunately, are fairly uncommon, considering the millions of people on aspirin. While low-dose aspirin is part of the standard of medical care today, we recommend that anyone interested in this regimen consult their physician first, who could design a personalized health strategy that suits your particular situation.

By the way, an apple a day could do wonders.

Carbs: sweet “killers” More than ever before, science today has an abundance of scientific data that justifiably condemns

carbohydrates, sugars, as the major culprits, the public health enemy #1, causing the epidemics of obesity, even among children, osteoarthritis, heart diseases, stroke, Alzheimer’s and, indirectly, cancer.

While soft drinks are considered toxic drinks responsible for metabolic syndrome today, affecting not only adults but more so children, our daily staple as Asians, rice, bread, and sugary desserts, are as harmful to our health and longevity. Those who are overweight and more so those who are obese have increased risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Cutting down on our carbohydrates on a daily basis (staying away from soft drinks, reducing our rice intake to half of what we have been consuming, skipping dessert or just taking a bite of it, eating fruits instead of drinking fruit juices) will go a long way in helping us maintain a normal weight and reducing all the risks brought on by this family of sugars.

Walk briskly, not jog The benefits of daily physical exercises do not only confer muscular strength and stamina and improved sexual drive, but also boost our immune system and truly minimize our chances of developing diseases, including cancer. We commonly associate exercise with cardiovascular health, but studies have shown that it is also an anticancer activity. However, the old concept that jogging is the best way to do physical exercise is giving way to brisk walking, which has been found to confer similar benefits as jogging, but minus the eventual injuries to the hip, knees, and ankles.

Walking briskly, to a level of speed comfortable to the individual, is recommended even to those who had coronary bypass surgery, as a part of their cardiac rehab.

Man was born to be active, just like our animal friends. We are animate and not vegetative. Physical exercise is a natural part of our being. Sedentary life is unhealthy. Let’s get up, be active, and maximize our health and longevity. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States.

Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

Circles, cycles and movement

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

“Life is like riding a bicycle.

To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

Monette AdevA MAglAyA HAVE you ever felt sometimes that nothing ever changes?

It feels like the same ‘ol, same ‘ol, each and every single day, doing the same thing over and over again from sunrise to sunset.

We are like the mythical Greek figure Sisyphus destined to roll a rock uphill. When we reach the topmost point, the rock rolls down to the bottom of the hill and we have to roll that rock again uphill over and over again until the end of our days.

The tedium is enough to drive us out of our wit’s end.

But although it may sometimes feel like it, human life is not meant to evolve that way.

Human life wasn’t meant to move in half cycles or in flat lines. The best of human life was intended to go through seasons and complete one cycle – hopefully, happily in one glorious cycle until the end game, until it is time to cross over and to finally come home.

But while alive, we have to fight the tedium of our days.

The grease that puts the ease in cycling through the rough and tough seasons in one’s life with grace and equanimity is that wonderful thing called JOY. JOY is that magical, mystical potion from which loving and appreciating one’s life, with all its countless heartbreaks, comes.

Seasons come. Seasons go. They move in cycles and circles.

A circle is perhaps the perfect geometric structure there is.

Although some would claim the triangle or a square to be

— Albert Eistein

better structures because of their stable nature, the circle and all its derivatives — the orb, the sphere, the globe and every structure on earth and in the universe with a core, circumference and radii emanating from the core — can teach and even help us to understand much about nature, our very own human life story and its cycles and seasons.

From the micro to the macro levels, every creative urge in every level, in the intellectual and the physical realms, begins as a thought and if tenaciously pursued and fleshed out by one’s strength of will, proceeds from concept to completion as a circle.

Even in the mundane reality of living an ordinary life from day to day, circles and cycles mark the patterns of our lives.

Note nature’s seasons and cycles of birth and death, of sleep and wakefulness, of sunrise and sunset, of the waxing and waning of the moon and of the quarter million year rotation of the solar system around the core of our home galaxy, the Milky Way and in the grandest of levels, the movement of a nearly infinite number of galaxies in the universe, the edge of which only the Creator knows.

On the minutest level, the astounding movement of electrons around a nucleus and the wondrous flow of the human bloodstream from and to the heart are

cyclical.

As science has found out, blockages, either man-made or natural to the flow or movement in the processes existing in nature at all levels, can create anomalies, abnormalities and mutations, resulting in pain and illnesses in the human body and if uncorrected, result in diseases, debilitation and ultimately, death. This presents a strong argument for regular exercise and movement, which pumps the movement of blood flow down to the capillaries and strengthens the muscles of the heart.

Nature moves in cycles. While the earth’s atmospheric cloak adheres to the surface because of the gravitational pull of the earth’s mass, the hydrologic cycle will continue to maintain our seas and give us rain to sustain all planetary life — that is, for the time being —unless something unforeseen and catastrophic upsets and upends this delicate homeostatic-like balance.

In a way, the life of our living, breathing planet is reflective of human life itself.

“Life,” according to Einstein, “is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

And on that point, we are finding out he is absolutely right. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Thank you for ‘A Second Chance’

By Monet

Lu

IN light of Thanksgiving of last week, 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

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

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 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 realis-

tic evolution of a really good love story. Fashioned in the same romcom 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 PAGE B7

What Can You Do In JOIN THE TEAM! Four Hours? Greeter I Tax Preparer I • Make a difference in the lives of Clark County Residents.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provides free tax-preparation services to veterans, active duty personnel and individuals /or households with low to moderate income.

INTERESTED

?

For Training Information – Contact: Aldy Calbay 702 767 2309 Ronnie De Los Santos 702 289 2997 Leo Fortuno 702 588 9122 Jim Castillo 702 367 4144 Hope (Spanish) 702 300 9226

Features

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 3-9, 2015

B

Amid breakup rumors, Lovi Erwan Heussaff spreads the word Poe jokes about being single on healthy living around the world

by ChuCk

Smith Philstar.com

MANILA—Did Lovi Poe admit she is now single?

This is question asked by fans of the GMA-7 star after Lovi made a joke about being single on her social media account.

On her Instagram account, the 26-year-old actress has been posting photos of her vacation in Italy.

In an Instagram video she posted on Tuesday, Dec. 1 Lovi made a self-deprecating joke about her being alone while being surrounded by couples.

“Hay naku, kapag bakasyon talaga, may mga ano,” she said.

Showing a couple in the background, Lovi jokingly said: “E di

sila na ang may love life. Sila na, sila na ang may love life. E di kayo na. Ang saya-saya n’yo!”

In another photo, Lovi is with a couple locked in an embrace.

“Sums up my love life. I’m obviously the girl on the right,” Lovi said.

The jokes come amid rumors that she has already broken up with GMA-7 actor Rocco Nacino.

In an Instagram post last month, Rocco denied rumors that he stole from his and Lovi’s joint bank account, saying no such thing exists. He also denied that there’s a “third party,” although Rocco did not say if he and Lovi Lovi Poe are still together.

Entertainment Portal, Rocco In a recent interview with remained mum on the rumored showbiz news site Philippine breakup with Lovi.

Short Rib Kare-Kare

PAGE B3 minutes. Stir in the shrimp paste and sugar and cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes more. Use your hands to add the tomato, squeezing the pieces to release their juice. Cook, stirring occasionally and scraping the pot to release stuff that’s stuck to it, until the tomatoes begin to fall apart, 5 to 7 minutes.

Stir in the coconut milk and vinegar, and let it come to a boil.

Add the beef in a more or less even layer, tightly cover the pot, and cook in the oven until the beef is very tender but not falling apart (more like pot roast than pulled pork), about 3 hours.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate and strain the liquid into a large bowl, discarding the solids. Return the liquid to the pot, set it over very low heat, whisk in the peanut butter until it’s fully combined, and return the beef to the liquid. Season

with salt (or even better, more shrimp paste) to taste, turn the heat to medium, bring the liquid to a simmer, stir well, then turn off the heat.

You can eat it right away— topped with the garlic-chile vinegar, cilantro stems, and toasted coconut flakes—but it’s even better a few days after you cook it. Let the beef cool in the liquid, cover, and store it in the fridge.

Gently reheat it when you’re ready to eat. *** 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 teaspoon annatto seeds (aka achiote seeds; available at Latin markets) ½ teaspoon turmeric powder 1 medium Spanish onion (½ pound), very roughly chopped 1 (2-ounce) knob peeled ginger (about 4 by 1½ inches), roughly chopped 2 medium garlic cloves, smashed and peeled

2 fresh red Thai chiles, halved lengthwise (including seeds) 1/3 to 1/2 cup Shrimp Paste Soffrito, or well-stirred Barrio Fiesta brand spicy ginisang bagoong 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 medium tomato (about ½ pound), very roughly chopped 4 cups well-shaken coconut milk 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar 5 pounds boneless beef short ribs (excess fat trimmed) or chuck roast, cut into approximately 3inch pieces 5 tablespoons smooth peanut butter Kosher salt *** For serving Garlic-Chile Vinegar Thinly sliced cilantro stems Unsweetened coconut flakes, toasted

Thank you for ‘A Second Chance’

PAGE B6 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, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his

own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada.

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

By AlixAndrA

CAole Philstar.com

VilA

MANILA—Proving that there is so much more to him than being the boyfriend of actress Anne Curtis, Erwan Heussaff has recently been appointed as the brand ambassador of cable channel TLC Southeast Asia.

“When they approached me, it was kind of a validation that what I was doing had that international accent that people all over the world could kind of relate to,” the food blogger and restaurateur said in an email interview with Philstar.com recently.

There’s no better poster boy for successful weight loss than the owner of the massively popular blog, “The Fat Kid Inside.”

Erwan is known for losing almost 100 pounds after deciding to live the healthy lifestyle. Now, aside from being the owner of several restaurants in the Metro Manila, he is also an in-demand product endorser and writer.

According to Erwan, it made him really happy because he has been working hard to spread the word not only in the Philippines

Erwan Heussaff

but around Asia, US and Europe as well.

“It was a dream come true and a step in the right direction in terms of who I want to work with and who I want to partner with,” “ Erwan said.

Last November 21, Erwan joined TLC host Janet Hsieh and Tom and Henry Herbert from TLC’s The Fabulous Baker Brothers at the first ever TLC Festival in the Philippines to demonstrate some of his easy-to-do recipes.

In Erwan’s own words, the

festival is “just a great way to have a nice day out and interact with people that you enjoy and the people you like seeing on TV.” Aside from attending the festival, he also shared his current project tagged as “Food Fix with Erwan Heussaff” where he appeared in four videos showing himcook his favorite dishes in easy steps.

Erwan also said he is excited about the possibilities and the opportunities that’ll present themselves from the experience.

Chito Miranda still backs Duterte despite slur against Pope Francis “PAROKYA ni Edgar” frontman Chito Miranda remains a loyal supporter of 2016 presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte despite the flak he received for cursing Pope Francis over the traffic situation caused by his visit to the country last January.

Miranda weighed in on the issue through posting a lengthy message on his Facebook page on Tuesday, where he said that he was not offended by the slur directed by the feisty mayor to the Pope.

“I value my faith more than anything, even my country. I love and respect the Pope a lot more than Duterte. Pero honestly, ‘di naman ako na-offend sa speech niya. ‘Di naman ganun katanga si Duterte para murahin niya si Pope sa context na pinapalabas ng ibang tao,” he said.

On his Twitter account, the singer said that while he is not offended by Duterte’s act, the mayor

should be sensitive to the faithful who might have been offended by his statement. “’Di ko sinasabi na tama. He needs to be more sensitive. Madami talagang na-offend. Pero I don’t think yung religion natin ang tinitira niya,” he said.

He said that despite the furor brought by Duterte’s cursing at Pope Francis, he still believes that Duterte is still the best presidential candidate who can institute reforms in the country.

“As I said before, alam ko hindi siya santo. And as I also said before, I don’t always agree with everything Duterte says or does… but I still firmly believe that he is what our country needs. Hindi dahil nawalan na ako ng tiwala sa Pilipinas at sa mga Pilipino, but because naniniwala ako na gusto niya talaga ayusin ang Pilipinas,” Miranda said.

During the proclamation event of Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban ng Bayan on Monday,

Parokya ni Edgar frontman Chito Miranda

Duterte shared an anecdote where he cursed at the Pope.

“Sabi ko, ‘Bakit?’ Sabi sarado na [ang daan]. Sabi ko, ‘Sinong darating?’ Sabi si Pope. Gusto kong tawagan, ‘Pope, p——ka, umuwi ka na. ‘Wag ka nang bumisita dito’” he said, earning laughs from the crowd.

However, not everyone was amused, including the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines who slammed Duterte for his act. (Inquirer.net)

B december 3-9, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678