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Obama: ‘Threat from terrorism is real, but we will overcome it’ House passes bill to restrict visa-free travel by

allyson esCobar

like the islamic state. “tonight, i want to talk with you President Barack obama about this tragedy, the broader somberly addressed the nation threat of terrorism, and how from the oval office on sunday, we can keep our country safe,” dec. 6, outlining his administra- obama said in primetime address. tion’s strategy for fighting the war “our nation has been at war with on terror, namely, terrorist groups terrorists since al Qaeda killed AJPress

USA

DATELINE GOP says no to new gun control legislation from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

After San Bernardino attacks, lack of action in Congress rePUBLiCAns in Congress announced on thursday, dec. 3 that they would not take immediate action to bring up new gun control legislation, in the wake of the recent shooting attacks in san Bernardino, California. newly-elected house speaker Paul ryan said that there are “still too many unknowns” about the san Bernardino shootings, but “one common theme among many mass shootings is mental illness,” an issue which Congress has reportedly been working on through bills and legislation.

“People with mental illness are getting guns and committing these mass shootings,” ryan said on CBs this morning. he also made the same point earlier this week,

nearly 3,000 Americans on 9/11. in the process, we’ve hardened our defenses.” the president first acknowledged the hard work and professionalism of the military and armed forces, law enforcement, and airport security. “our military

and counterterrorism professionals have relentlessly pursued terrorist networks overseas—disrupting safe havens in several different countries, killing osama bin Laden, and decimating al Qaeda’s leadership.” obama’s address to the country came just days after the shooting rampage on Wednesday, dec.

2 in san Bernardino, California,

which left 14 people at the inland regional Center dead, and 21 injured. the terrorists—a muslim husband and wife, who were killed in a shootout with police hours after the attack—were “radicalized, embracing a perverted interpretation of islam that calls for war against America and the West.”

“We cannot turn against one another by letting this fight be

defined as a war between America and islam. isiL does not speak for islam. they are…part of a cult of death, and they account for a tiny fraction of more than a billion muslims around the world,” obama said, emphasizing that the Us is not involved in a war on religion. “We must enlist muslim communities as some of our PAGE A2

Pinoys in US ready to vote in May 2016 by donnabelle

arevalo/Philstar.com

Los AnGeLes—over 100,000 filipinos residing in the Us have registered and are ready to cast their votes on may 9, 2016, Philippine Ambassador to the Us Jose Cuisia Jr. said. “in the 2014-2015 period alone, the embassy and the consulates were able to register more than 100,000 filipino voters across the United states. We expect the Commission on elecPH Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr. tions (Comelec) to provide us the final list of eligible overseas voters soon,” Cuisia told the star.

Pres. Barack Obama addresses the nation on Sunday, Dec. 6 the threat of terrorism and the steps the governments is taking to keep its citizens the ambassador said the final figures would be released safe. “For seven years, I have confronted this evolving threat each morning in my intelligence briefing. And since the day I took this office, I in the coming weeks. have authorized US forces to take out terrorists abroad precisely because I know how real the danger is. As Commander-in-Chief, I have no PAGE A2 greater responsibility than the security of the American people,” Obama said.

White House photo by Pete Souza

Duterte tones Laude camp cannot question Pemberton detention Trump calls for ban on down antics to Muslim entry to US focus on campaign Controversial remarks PAGE A4

by

condemned

rePUBLiCAn presidential candidate donald trump on monday, dec. 7, called for a ban on all muslims entering the United states, following a dec. 2 mass shooting in san Bernardino committed by a radicalized muslim couple.

“Until we are able to determine and understand this problem and the dangerous threat it poses, our country cannot be the victims of horrendous attacks by people that believe only in jihad, and have no sense of reason or respect for human life,” trump said in a statement.

PAGE A3

edu Punay/Philstar.com

mAniLA—the family of slain transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude has no legal personality to question the arrangement for the detention of his killer, Us marine Joseph scott Pemberton, who was convicted of homicide last week. former justice undersecretary Jose Justiniano stressed that it should be the prosecutors of the department of Justice who should take the issue to the supreme Court.

Pemberton began serving time at a special detention facility at the Armed forces headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. “if ever this matter is brought to the sC, it should be the doJ through the office of the solicitor General and not the private lawyer,” he stressed in an interview yesterday.

Justiniano, who was part of the defense team PAGE A3

PH at climate change summit in Paris: ‘We are the face of vulnerability’

by Kristine

angeli Inquirer.net

sabillo

PAris—the Philippine delegation has been making strides, catching the attention of other nations and different groups at the climate change negotiations held in this city.

Known for advocating the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal and the inclusion of human rights provisions in the draft agreement of the 21st Conference of Parties (CoP21), Philippine officials have given strongly-worded speeches in behalf of countries vulnerable to climate change.

by Christina

Mendez/Philstar.com

mAniLA—even a confessed executioner and foul-mouthed womanizer can find his road to damascus and be called “santo rodrigo.” this is how some political backers of controversial davao City mayor rodrigo duterte regard the public umbrage at his antics as he positions himself as a formidable presidential candidate in the 2016 elections. sen. Aquilino Pimentel iii, president of the PdP-Laban which is supporting duterte’s presidential bid, admitted they are trying to help the mayor tone down his tough talking and philanConvicted US Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton is escorted to his detention cell upon arrival at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday, Dec. 1.

secretary manny de Guzman’s intervention during the ministerial meeting on tuesday, dec. 8 was no exception. de Guzman, who heads the Philippine delegation and the Climate Change Commission, talked in behalf of the Philippines and the Climate Vulnerable forum (CVf), which is currently chaired by the country. “for vulnerable countries, there is a single thing that will measure the ambition of the Paris agreement and it is a number: 1.5,” he said in the PAGE A2

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PAGE A3

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december 10-16, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

From The FronT Page

Obama: ‘Threat from terrorism...

PAGE A1 strongest allies, rather than push them away through suspicion and hate.�

In his speech, the president also laid out his administration’s strategy for combating terror: deploying Special Operations Forces, sending proper training and equipment to freedom fighters in Iraq and Syria, launching heavy airstrikes on oil tankers (which provide extremist groups with much of their revenue), high intelligence-sharing with European allies, and Secretary of State John Kerry’s “Vienna process� plan to halt the civil war in Syria, so that all parties can focus on a common enemy, according to the New York Times. “The threat from terrorism is real, but we will overcome it. We will destroy ISIL and any other organization that tries to harm us. Our success won’t depend on tough talk, or abandoning our values, or giving into fear. That’s what groups like ISIL are hoping for. Instead, we will prevail by being strong and smart, resilient and relentless, and by drawing upon every aspect of American power,�

Obama said.

In an impassioned plea, he urged Congress’ action to ensure that any potential suspects who are on the nation’s no-fly list are not able to buy a gun. “What could possibly be the argument for allowing a terrorist suspect to buy a semi-automatic weapon? This is a matter of national security,� he stated. “We need to make it harder for people to buy powerful assault weapons like the ones that were used in San Bernardino.�

A day after the president’s speech, the FBI also announced that the attackers were radicalized, and “had been for quite some time,� according to ABC News. Officials had found a stockpile of assault weapons, ammunition, and pipe bombs in their Redlands home. The FBI has not determined whether the attack was directed by a terrorist orga-

nization overseas, but are investigating it as an act of terrorism. “We do not see any evidence so far of a plot outside the continental US,� said David Bowdich, the assistant director of the Los Angeles bureau of the FBI. “We may find it someday, we may not, we don’t know. But right now we’re looking at these two individuals and beginning to focus on building it out from there. We will get to the bottom of this. We don’t know everything yet, but we will leave no stone unturned.�

Congress votes on restrictions for visa-free travel In his remarks, Obama also promised for stronger security screenings.

Separately, some lawmakers have discussed looking at the K1 fiancĂŠe visa program, through which the female shooter Tashfeen Malik, came through US borders from Saudi Arabia after her marriage to Syed Rizwan Farook, the other shooter in the San Bernardino attacks.

In a rare agreement, Congress and the White House are ready to combat terrorism with legislation that would slap on new, more secure travel restrictions on foreign visitors to the US who have recently been to Syria, Iraq, Iran or the Sudan.

On Tuesday night, Dec. 5, the House overwhelmingly passed legislation to overhaul the federal visa waiver program, barring those from or those who have visited those countries in the last five years, from traveling to the US without a visa.

The 407 to 19 vote had wide bipartisan support and White House backing, said The Associated Press.

The House measure, which was hammered out in private talks between the administration and leaders of Congress following the attacks in Paris last month, would ban visa-free entry of citizens from 38 countries, including most of Europe and several US allies in Asia, if they report on a travel application that they have visited

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any of the four targeted countries since 2011.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would also gather more detailed information from travelers about their past visits to countries like Syria and Iraq. “This will help neutralize the threat from foreign terrorists entering our country,� said House Speaker Paul Ryan, also emphasizing that there was no “religious test� in the House’s final vote. “Freedom of religion is a fundamental constitutional principle.

It’s a founding principle of this country.�

The program, endorsed by top House Democrats, allowed eligible citizens of the 38 approved countries--including Great Britain, Belgium and France--to travel into the States without first obtaining a visa. Instead, this new measure would require people from those countries to apply for entry to the US through the traditional visa process.

The measure would also require all 38 countries that participate in the visa-waiver program to share traveler information with the US. In the past, some countries had been slow to provide such vital information, some officials complained. Under the bill, those countries could face elimination from the program if they fail to comply.

Though the polls have shown a majority of Americans who also oppose the plan, the funding measure is tangled in other battles, said the LA Times. Republican contender Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a main rival of frontrunner Donald Trump, has called for blocking all refugees from Syria and other countries where terrorists operate from entering the US for the next three years.

Cruz vowed to try to attach is refugee ban to the broader House measure.

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 US. One potentially huge roadblock to passage of the visa-waiver bill remains in the Senate, where Sen. Feinstein has pushed for even tougher restrictions added to the program.

Under Feinstein’s proposal, which was drafted with Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), first-time visitors who apply through the visa-waiver program must undergo biometric fingerprint and photograph screening at US embassies or consulates in their home countries, rather than after they arrive to the US. A major difference between the House and Senate versions of the bill concerns which countries are affected. While the House bill also

GLOBAL WARMING. As negotiators work on the draft of a new climate treaty, blocks of ice from the Arctic, which had broken off from the Greenland ice sheet and were brought to Paris, continue their steady melting.

Inquirer.net photo by Kristine Angeli Sabillo

PH at climate change summit in Paris...

PAGE A1 speech shared on Facebook by delegation spokesperson Dean Tony La ViĂąa. “We are the face of vulnerability. We’ve been absorbing the punches and we will continue to receive these punches as the planet continue to warm,â€? De Guzman said. “We all know the vulnerable countries suffer the life-claiming brunt of climate disasters already today.â€?

The CVF and the Philippines have been pushing for more ambitious goals for COP21, including the 1.5 goal or limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius (instead of two degrees Celsius) below pre-industrial levels.

De Guzman pointed out that temperature increase has breached the 1 degree Celsius mark “and we only have 0.5 degree left to control it. “

“Paris is our chance, our hope.

And we know it can be done as the science informs us.1.5C of warming will be close to catastrophic for our countries, but we know it’s the best we can do if we all act decisively,� he said of this year’s negotiations, which aims to come up with a legally binding agreement on climate change.

He said the current two degrees Celsius goal “has no validity anymore as a guardrail.� “Limiting global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius would avoid or reduce risks, for example, to food production or to unique and threatened systems such as coral reefs, and to risks of sea-level rise,� he explained.

His speech coincided with the Philippine government’s submission of a report by the Special Procedures of the United Nations. The report confirms that

climate change has a negative impact on fundamental human rights and that “a 2-degrees goal would result in a major adverse impact on human rights globally, including on the right to life, to health and to food, some of the most basic human rights.� “We have an opportunity here to make an historic contribution to upholding human rights and affirm our faith in an international system that functions,� De Guzman said. “We are deciding on the fate of the planet here.

The parties need to know that on the basis of their decision rests that fate of billions of people alive and unborn.�

The Secretary said the Philippines “cannot in good conscience be party to a decision that constrains our survival and implies mass violations of human rights when there was an option to do otherwise.�

Pinoys in US ready to vote...

PAGE A1

According to the US Census of 2010, the total estimated number of Filipinos residing in the United States is 2,555,314 representing 0.83 percent of the country’s population. Of this, California alone accounts for a majority of 1,195,580 Filipinos.

Cuisia emphasized the need to beef up efforts to increase the number of Filipinos that would vote during the election. “After conducting an aggressive overseas voter registration campaign, the Philippine embassy in Washington, DC and the consulates across the US have now shifted focus to increasing voter turnout,� he said.

To be able to accomplish this goal, the embassy and its consulates are actively coordinating with all Filipino-American groups. “We have been enlisting the active support and cooperation of Filipino and Filipino-American PAGE A4 community organizations in en-

couraging their members to participate in the Philippine electoral process. We are constantly coordinating with Comelec and DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) in Manila on the preparations and making sure that the entire process is accessible, convenient and secure,� Cuisia said.

He added that they are also zeroing in on security and safety of election procedures. “Lessons from past elections continue to inform and guide our preparations. Our main priority is to ensure that the ballots reach its intended destinations and the integrity of the vote is preserved from the time our citizens cast their votes until they are duly counted and canvassed,� he also said.

It was reported that the Philippine consulate general in San Francisco has announced that the Comelec extended the period of filing of Application for Reactivation from Oct. 31 to Dec.

9, 2015. “Voters whose records have been deactivated on Sept. 30, 2015, as announced by the consulate general, will now have an extended period in which to file for reactivation of their voter records,� the consulate said in a statement.

The Comelec was reported earlier as having simplified the process of filing the Application for Reactivation by allowing either sending a copy of the duly accomplished OVF No. 1G via email tooverseasvoting.reactivation@comelec.gov.ph or by fax to (+632) 521-2952. It also allowed personal delivery at or through mail to Philippine consulates/embassies or the Office for Overseas Voting.

The Application for Reactivation form is available at the consulate general and can be downloaded fromwww.comelec. gov.ph and the www.dfa-oavs.gov. ph websites.

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

Duterte tones down antics to...

PAGE A1 dering ways as he aims for the country’s highest position.

“Yes, just continue to monitor the new Duterte. You will now start calling him Santo Rodrigo,” Pimentel said.

Duterte has reportedly been advised by his partymates not to take new lovers as his personal life would now be subject to public scrutiny.

The mayor is legally separated from his wife and has a partner with whom he has a child. He claims to have two girlfriends.

He recently sparked outrage for cussing at Pope Francis after being caught in traffic during the papal visit in January, but he denied his cuss words were directed at the pontiff.

Duterte, along with supporters, went to the Commission on Elections yesterday to file his certificate of candidacy for president, and was told by Comelec officials the COC he filed last Nov. 27 was in order.

Pimentel said he agreed that the mayor should show more finesse in his pronouncements and actions.

He urged the public to “continue to monitor the pronouncements of Mayor Duterte” in the next few days.

“Beginning today and compare it with his past pronouncements and you judge whether he is a changed man and whether he has reached the level of a saint,” Pimentel said.

On his “love” for women, Pimentel said the mayor has been urged not to add more names to his list of lovers.

At the end of the day, Pimentel conceded that it would ultimately be up to the voters to decide if they still want Duterte, who topped the recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey of possible presidential candidates.

“That’s the message of Mayor Duterte. The messenger can love four women. So it’s going to be the voters’ decision. Will you listen to the message or will you ignore the message because you do not like the messenger,” the senator said.

According to Pimentel, there is more to Duterte than his womanizing ways and his recent badmouthing of Pope Francis.

“It’s how I understand his life story. He’s telling his life story because he is running – that he loves four women. So be it, it’s past. This is part of his life story,” Pimentel said in Filipino.

Pimentel said the party supports Duterte, primarily for his

Dateline USa

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte holds a certificate of candidacy for president which he intended to file at the Comelec main office in Manila on Tuesday, Dec. 8 in case there were problems with the original document. The Comelec has not yet ruled on whether he can run as a substitute presidential candidate.

Philstar.com photo

support for federalism, his all-out war against criminality and corruption.

‘Holy’ Duterte himself said there had been episodes of sanctity in his life, like when he felt “holy” during his visits to the San Agustin Church when he was still a young student of Lyceum of the Philippines University and San Beda College in Manila.

From Comelec at the Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, the 70-year-old Duterte made a quick trip yesterday to the San Agustin Church to pray—and where he recalled his moments of piety as a young man.

However, he and his vice presidential candidate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano did not enter the church because there was a wedding ceremony going on and there was no available parking space.

They were about to leave when one of the church staff Teresa Saguban told the senator that there was a small prayer room at the back of the church.

Duterte spent about three minutes of quiet time to pray at the Adoration Chapel. After praying, Duterte told reporters that as a young student he would often visit the church because his dormitory was at the nearby YMCA in Manila.

He said the experience “made me holy.”

He said he wanted to meet with a priest before leaving and while waiting, his attention was caught by the smell of food being cooked for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

When he and Cayetano checked on what’s being prepared, they were each served fried lumpia.

The mayor promised the church staff he would cook for them if they visit Davao.

Fr. William Arana, prior of the

Convent of San Agustin, arrived shortly and shook hands with the mayor.

When the priest, who is from Iloilo, asked what he could do for the Mayor, Duterte replied, “Just pray for me, Father.”

Look deeper into killings Meanwhile, Sen. Sergio Osmeña III said now is the best time to look deeper into allegations of human rights violations against Duterte.

The allegations of human rights violations against the tough talking mayor reemerged due largely to his own public pronouncements about killing criminals.

Amnesty International (AI) previously aired its concern about the reports of killings in Davao allegedly carried out by the so-called Davao Death Squad of Duterte.

Osmeña said that a lot of threats being issued by Duterte were just meant to scare off criminals in Davao City.

According to Osmeña, AI should just go to Davao City and conduct its own investigation into the reports.

“Of course, if I was AI I would express concern. I would, before going further, send a team to check since they deploy investigating teams anyway,” Osmeña said.

Osmeña said he is urging Duterte to send out an invitation to AI to visit Davao City and see for themselves if the rumors are true.

Pimentel said he met with representatives of AI the other day and they did not raise the issue of Duterte’s alleged human rights violations.

With no cases filed against Duterte, Pimentel said the reports are nothing more than rumors for now.

PAGE A4

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 10-16 2015

A

Trump calls for ban on Muslim entry...

PAGE A1 A campaign press release cited an online poll from the controversial Center for Security Policy, which claimed that 25 percent of Muslims living in the United States believe violence Americans is justified as part of a global jihadist campaign. The organization is run by a man named Frank Gaffney who is identified as an anti-Muslim extremist by the Southern Poverty Law Center, The Washington Post reported.

In reading a press release announcing the immigration proposal in South Carolina, Trump said it was “common sense” and that the nation has to do it.

“These are people who are here, by the way,” he said, citing the poll.

“These are people who only believe in jihad. They have no respect for human life,” he continued.

In an earlier interview on Fox News, Trump said his proposal doesn’t apply to Muslims residing in the United States, “but we have to be vigilant.”

Trump’s proposal is “disqualifying,” contrary to American values and national security White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Trump’s remarks “disqualify” him from being president of the United States and called on other Republicans to withdraw support for him, even if he becomes the Republican

presidential nominee.

“What he said is disqualifying,” Earnst said of the real estate mogul, according to NBC News.

“And any Republican who’s too fearful of the Republican base to admit it has no business serving as president either.”

Secretary of State John Kerry also spoke against Trump’s proposal, saying it does not align with American values.

“I would simply say that nondiscrimination and equal treatment are a pillar of not just American values but of our immigration and our admission policies in this country and the State Department remains totally committed to treating all religions with respect and without discrimination,” Kerry said at a press briefing in Paris, CNN reported.

Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook, without explicitly mentioning Trump’s name, said the comments put the nation’s security at risk, CNN reported.

“Anything that bolsters ISIL’s narrative and pits the United States against the Muslim faith is certainly not only contrary to our values but contrary to our national security,” Cook said.

He added that many Muslim Americans are serving the country and that the United States is working with Muslim nations now.

“We want to, in essence, take the fight to ISIL with the help of Muslim around the world,” he

said, according to CNN. Political leaders condemn proposal Trump’s call to action has elicited backlash from a number of individuals, including rival presidential candidates and international leaders. However, he has defended his “reasonable precaution” by citing how Roosevelt classified Japanese, Germans and Italians in the United States as “enemy aliens” during World War II when he was president.

“This is a president highly respected by all; he did the same thing,” Trump said, according to The New York Times. Just as America was at war in the 1940s, it is now “at war with radical Islam,” he said.

“This is the kind of thing that people say when they have no experience and don’t know what they’re talking about,” said Republican presidential candidate and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

“This is just more of the outrageous divisiveness that characterizes his every breath and another reason why he is entirely unsuited to lead the United States,” said Ohio Gov. John Kasich, also a Republican presidential candidate.

Ben Rhodes, President Barack Obama’s deputy national security adviser, told CNN that Trump’s proposal is contrary to the values of Americans and to the nation’s PAGE A4

Laude camp cannot question Pemberton...

PAGE A1 of Lance Corporal Daniel Smith in the 2005 Subic rape case, explained that the interest of the Laude family should be limited to the civil aspect of the case.

“When you file the complaint, your interest is civil in nature since criminal case is the interest of the state. This is why the private prosecutor is always under the jurisdiction of the public prosecutor,” he pointed out.

The former DOJ official expressed belief it would be difficult for the Laude camp and its private lawyers to justify in court their reported challenge to the detention of Pemberton.

The Laude family and their lawyers led by Harry Roque Jr. were reportedly planning to question Pemberton’s continued detention in Camp Aguinaldo before the Supreme Court.

The issue on Pemberton’s detention after his conviction last Dec. 1 arose after the Olongapo

regional trial court Branch 74 ordered his transfer to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City pending agreement between the US and Philippine governments on where to have him serve time as provided for under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

The DOJ, however, said in a statement that Pemberton would remain in detention in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City despite his conviction for homicide.

VFA officials also informed the RTC that there was an agreement between the two governments to have Pemberton temporarily detained at the AFP custodial center in Camp Aguinaldo under the watch of Bureau of Corrections personnel pending completion of the judicial process, including an appeal of his conviction.

This prompted Judge Roline Jinez-Jabalde to issue another order Tuesday evening committing the American serviceman to the Camp Aguinaldo facility.

Justiniano, who resigned from his DOJ post last October, also confirmed discussions as early as last August on the possible place of detention for US personnel convicted in the country.

“There was an agreement that in case Pemberton would be convicted, he would be detained in AFP Custodial Center in Camp Aguinaldo… but I did not see if there was a signed agreement,” he added.

Justiniano said Jabalde was not aware about the agreement when she ordered the transfer of Pemberton to the NBP. “It was premature for the judge to know since there was still no judgment when the agreement on his detention was done. Why would you presume that he would be convicted?” he explained.

In its decision, the RTC found Pemberton guilty of homicide— not of murder as charged by the prosecution—and sentenced him to six to 12 years in prison.

A

december 10-16, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

Trump calls for ban on Muslim entry...

PAGE A3 security.

“The fact of the matter is ISIL wants to frame this as a war between the United States and Islam, and if we look like we’re applying religious tests to who comes into this country, we’re sending a message that essentially we’re embracing that frame and that is going to make it very difficult to partner with Muslim communities here in the United States and around the world to prevent the scourge of radicalization that we should be focused

on,” he said.

In an address to the nation on Sunday, Dec. 6, Obama urged Americans to resist the temptation to discriminate.

“It’s our responsibility to reject proposals that Muslim Americans should somehow be treated differently,” he said. “Because when we travel down that road, we lose.”

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont also criticized Trump’s suggestion.

“Demagogues throughout our history have attempted to divide

Dateline USa

us based on race, gender, sexual orientation or country of origin.

Now, Trump and others want us to hate all Muslims. The United States is a great nation when we stand together. We are a weak nation when we allow racism and xenophobia to divide us,” he said in a statement.

British Prime Minister David Cameron called Trump’s comments “divisive and unhelpful.”

UK Independent Party leader Nigel Farage, who has previously said he agrees with some of Trump’s comments, said the candidate has gone too far, according to The Telegraph.

“I think that Mr. Trump’s somewhat kneejerk reaction to this, saying that all Muslims should be banned from coming into America, was, perhaps for him, a political mistake too far.”

The Council on AmericanIslamic Relations (CAIR) also criticized Trump’s remarks as unAmerican and unconstitutional.

“It seems that Donald Trump is now channelling the worst of the worst of the Islamaphobia industry in the United States,” said CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper.

Muslims overseas react Muslims around the globe also offered their responses to Trump’s call for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.”

Ahmed Yousri, a 23-year-old banker in Cairo, told The Associated Press that Trump’s proposal may play into the hands of the Islamic State and help the group find additional recruits.

“We must also blame our media and religious leaders for not preventing extremist thought from expanding. That is their role and they are not taking it as seriously as they should,” Yousri said.

“But what Trump is doing is giving IS a more legitimate cause for its existence. It will justify their acts and help them recruit more people.”

Aziza Yousef, a computer science professor at King Saud University from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, said she thinks Trump represents himself and not all Americans.

She also asked why when there are “crazy people” who happen to be Muslim, all other Muslims are blamed.

“I will not be responsible for someone who commits a crime who happens to be a Muslim. I will not defend myself or defend Islam because a guy or a person who happens to be Muslim did something stupid,” she said.

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LA Mayor leads coalition for Supreme Court review on Obama’s immigration plan LOS ANGELES—Mayor Eric Garcetti announced on Friday, Dec. 4 that, as part of the Cities United for Immigration Action coalition he has led with New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, 84 cities and counties filed an amicus brief asking the Supreme Court to lift an injunction blocking President Barack Obama’s executive actions on immigration.

Drafted by the Los Angeles City Attorney and the Corporation Counsel of the City of New York, the amicus brief makes a strong case for support of lifting the injunction on public safety, economic, and humanitarian grounds.

“National, state, and local leaders across the country are asking the Supreme Court to review the decision in Texas v. United States because we have a special understanding of how generations of immigrants have contributed to the foundation of our cities and the strength of our nation,” said Garcetti in a statement. “Partisan politics should not stand in the way of doing what is right for families who simply want to stay together. These are true American values, and it is our obligation to do all we can to preserve and protect family bonds.”

In November, the Obama administration announced that it would seek the Supreme Court’s review of the president’s executive actions on immigration, fol-

lowing a federal appeals court’s ruling that the plans must remain blocked.

Obama, in November 2014, announced a series of actions that would shield up to 5 million undocumented immigrants from deportation. Texas v. United States -- a lawsuit brought on by of 26 states -- seeks to ban two key provisions of the plan: Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) and an expanded version of the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Under DAPA, parents of US citizens or lawful permanent residents could be spared from deportation if they meet certain criteria, including continuous residency in the US since Jan. 1, 2010 and a clean record free of any criminal offenses.

Meanwhile, the amended version of DACA was slated to include children brought to the United States before Jan. 1, 2010, notwithstanding their current age, and would have provided three years of relief.

The original version of DACA, which was introduced in 2012, remains intact and untouched by the lawsuit. The program is reserved for those who were born after 1981.

Texas and 25 other states filed a lawsuit back in February, stating that the creation of DAPA and expansion of DACA go against the president’s executive power

and would have negative effects on each state’s economy. Texas asserted that the “lawful presence” of the immigrants would require the state to issue “statesubsidized driver’s licenses” and other aid programs.

Garcetti’s coalition continues on his administration’s commitment to immigration issues.

Similarly on Friday, over 210 congressional Democrats -- including Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) -- announced that they filed an amicus brief supporting the Department of Justice’s appeal for the high court’s review of the federal appeals court’s decision.

“We are confident that the Supreme Court will support President Obama’s decision to use the authority granted by Congress to set enforcement priorities and focus our limited resources on threats to national security and public safety, not hard-working families,” Reid and Pelosi said in a statement. “President Obama took executive action after extensive legal analysis by the Department of Justice and only after Republicans refused to address our broken immigration system.”

If the Supreme Court decides to hear the immigration case, a decision could come by June, before the term ends. (AJPress)

Obama: ‘Threat from terrorism...

PAGE A2 blocks visa-free travel for those who admit to visiting Iran and Sudan, with several exceptions for citizens involved with government or the military, Feinstein’s bill in the Senate restricts those who have gone to Syria and Iraq, and gives the DHS the ability to add countries to the restricted list, with no exceptions for any travelers.

“Sen. Feinstein is encouraged by the consensus on strengthening the security of the visa-waiver program and will work with her colleagues to get something signed into law,” said a Feinstein aide.

Critics of the Senate proposal say that overseas facilities are not staffed up to handle the expected onslaught of a potential thousands of visitors who would need extra prescreening. Some also argue that the new restrictions might create problems for innocent citizens, such as Iranian or Iraqi immigrants who have settled in Europe and visited their home countries in recent years.

The American Civil Liberties Union, arguing that the measure passed Tuesday was too arbitrary and does not make exceptions for aid workers and dual citizens,

said in a letter to lawmakers: “We urge Congress to exercise caution and to avoid passing legislation that would broadly scapegoat groups based on nationality, and would fan the flames of discriminatory exclusion, both here and abroad.”

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee also raised concerns, pointing to another feature of the bill that it found troubling: the exclusion from the visa waiver program of people who have traveled to Iraq or Syria since March 2011, when the conflict in Syria began. That provision could target people who do humanitarian work in those countries, the group said, according to Politico.

“There are other avenues to strengthen security other than placing blanket exclusion on all countries designated under this bill and groups of people based on their national origin,” the group stated.

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

The visa-waiver changes are

among the most substantial ever made to the 30-year-old program.

A task force in the House of Representatives is meeting 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 (R-Calif.) last week.

“The House bill’s more limited approach [would bring] thoughtful solutions that will enhance America’s security,” said US Travel Assn. President Roger Dow in a statement, also warning against “knee-jerk restrictions that could harm tourism to the US.” Around 20 million visitors a year—roughly 59 percent of all overseas visitors—have traveled on the current waiver program, which grants 90-day stays in the US, and is vital to America’s tourism economy, says the travel association.

The visa-waiver program measure will now move to the Senate, and is likely to be attached to a must-pass spending bill to fund federal operations in Congress.

Despite unresolved bipartisan differences, the Senate is expected to have approved the bill by the end of the week to avoid a government shutdown.

will answer it,” Pimentel said.

Both Pimentel and Osmeña expect Duterte to cut down on rhetoric, especially after he drew flak for cursing Pope Francis.

“I’m sure that he is going to tone it down because he already got

into trouble for the Pope Francis comment. I’m sure he was carried away but now he has to be a little more circumspect because what you say in Manila is sometimes broadcasted throughout the world,” Osmeña said.

Duterte tones down antics to...

PAGE A3 However, Pimentel said he expects the issue to be raised during the campaign period and Duterte would just have to address it.

“It will be raised during the campaign. It’s a political issue then he

GOP says no to new gun control...

PAGE A1 in reaction to the Nov. 27 shooting at a Planned Parenthood in Colorado.

GOP leaders said they would “prefer to focus on overhauling the country’s mental-health system,” according to the Wall Street Journal.

Part of the discussion surrounding mental health legislation is who should and should not have access to guns, Ryan said, adding that banning gun purchases by people on no-fly terrorist watch lists (as urged by President Barack Obama) is not an option.

“Some may be aware of the fact that we have a no-fly list where people can’t get on planes, but those same people who we don’t allow to fly could go into a store right now in the United States and buy a firearm and there’s nothing we can do to stop them. That’s a law that needs to be changed,” Obama said on Wednesday, Dec. 2, the day of the San Bernardino attacks.

“Government officials put people on such lists without any due legal process, and so denying those listed the right to bear arms would violate their rights,” Ryan argued, according to USA Today.

“People have due process rights in this country.”

“There will be multiple issues Congress can address, whether it means finding gaps in law enforcement, or passing crucial legislation,” the Republican from Wisconsin also suggested. But “there shouldn’t be a rush to do either at the risk of infringing upon the rights of law-abiding citizens.”

House Republicans have already rejected several Democratic attempts to use a procedural motion

to bring gun reform legislation to the House floor.

Authorities have not indicated that the San Bernardino shooters, Syed Farook and his wife Tashfeen Malik, were on any no-fly lists. The guns they used to kill 14 people at the Inland Regional Center for people with developmental disabilities were purchased legally.

“Part of the challenge here… and I think the frustration that people feel is everybody kind of feels like we should do something, but doing something versus doing something which will actually make a difference are two different things,” said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD). “Sometimes we focus on the gun itself when we probably should be focusing on the person that’s using that gun.”

In the wake of last month’s terror attacks in Paris, Republican House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) created a Republican task force on homeland security, which is intended to consider “any gaps or vulnerabilities in US security.”

He has also said the no-fly list gun ban would be something the task force “will look at.”

A day after the attacks, Democratic leaders attempted to force votes on several gun control measures, including expanded background checks of suspected individuals.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) offered an amendment to allow the attorney general to prevent someone from buying a gun if that person is a known or suspected terrorist. A person could also be barred from buying a firearm if the attorney general has a “reasonable belief” that the individual would use it in connection with a terrorist act.

“If somebody is too dangerous to board an airplane (because they are on a terrorist watch list), they are too dangerous to buy a gun,” Feinstein said at a press conference with Democratic senators.

“This shouldn’t be a partisan issue.”

Senate Republicans have blocked Democrats’ gun-related amendments to a healthcare bill, including a measure that would have expanded background checks to all gun sales online and at gun shows, aiming to flag people with criminal or mental-health histories that would disqualify them from gun ownership.

Current law states that checks are needed only for sales by federally-licensed dealers.

Democrats also tried to attach the background check provisions to a Republican measure that intends to repeal portions of Obamacare, and ban federal funding for Planned Parenthood (which Obama has said he will veto). However, Republicans swiftly blocked the measures in a series of floor votes, instead offering alternative versions of the amendments.

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) said Democrats would “continue to push the legislation, and may try to attach it to an omnibus spending bill to fund the government through the 2016 fiscal year.”

“The worst thing we can do is do nothing,” Schumer said.

“For far too long we’ve done nothing, even as gun violence shakes our nation to its core,” said Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on the Senate floor. “The American people are desperately looking for help, some help, any help.” (Allyson Escobar / AJPress)

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 10-16, 2015

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Dateline PBinay hiliPPines unfazed by Duterte lead in

A

EU to provide P275-M peace process aid despite Bangsamoro Law passage woes survey, vows to reduce poverty in PH

by Yuji

by MaYa jajalla

Vincent Gonzales

Inquirer.net

Inquirer.net

Amid woes in passing the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the European Union (EU) has vowed to continue its support to the peace process in mindanao. in a press conference in makati on Wednesday, dec. 9, EU ambassador Franz Jessen announced that the union will provide the Philippines â‚Ź5.5 million (P275 million) worth of grants over the next 18 months in support of the peace process for a “smooth transition period.â€? “EU is impressed by the fact that the Philippine government’s and the miLF’s (moro islamic Liberation Front) commitment to the peace process, despite the delay of the adoption of the BBL, has not changed,â€? Jessen said, noting that the country’s “firm resolveâ€? to peace has made EU still eager and ready to support political settlement and long-term development in mindanao.

Jessen is set to visit mindanao, particularly Cotabato from dec.

11 to 12, to meet with various stakeholders.

Asked if the grant was the EU’s

EU ambassador Franz Jessen

way of pressuring the government to hasten BBL’s passage, Jessen said it was only the union’s way of encouraging development in the region.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday, dec. 8 failed to muster a quorum to tackle the BBL, just after President Benigno Aquino iii made his personal appeal to lawmakers to pass the measure.

But House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte remained confident that the BBL will be passed by January next year, downplaying speculation that it will be as good as dead, as solons will focus on the upcoming elections.

The ambassador noted that the disbursement of funds would not depend on or “non-conditional�

Inquirer photo by Yuji Gonzales

to the passage of the BBL in Congress, adding that such grants was part of EU’s economic interest in increasing its presence in the Philippines.

The aid will benefit a program aimed to create conditions for the creation of the Bangsamoro region, conflict mitigation, implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, and strengthening of local institutions and political processes, among other areas.

As per EU’s development strategy for the Philippines from 2014 to 2020, mindanao will also gain access to sustainable energy, job creation, and benefit from the strengthening of the rule of law.

Grace Poe: I am a natural-born Filipino, I have nothing to hide

by Maila

aGer

Inquirer.net

“ONLy the people of the Philippines have the right to decide if i should continue to serve in a greater capacity as president,�

Senator Grace Poe said on Tuesday, dec. 8.

Poe took to social media to insist that she is a natural-born Filipino and is qualified to run for president. “Ako po ay isang (i am a) natural-born Filipino citizen under the Philippine constitution, customary international law and domestic laws. This is the truth and i have nothing to hide,� she said.

Using hashtags (#) FiGHT4POE and ForTheGreaterGood, Poe urged Filipinos to protect their freedom.

The senator, in her Facebook account, also posted the pictures of four legal experts who believe that she is qualified to seek the presidency.

The four were former Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, former Commission on Elections chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr., former senator Rene Saguisag and lawyer Katrina Legarda.

The Comelec’s Second division earlier ruled to disqualify Poe from the 2016 presidential race for allegedly making false statements about her period of residency in the country and her status as a natural-born Filipino.

Poe has pending appeal at the Comelec en banc. despite this, Poe reiterated that she would not withdraw from the race until all questions surround-

ing her candidacy are resolved with finality by the Supreme Court. She called on the people to be vigilant against attempts to subvert the will of the people to choose their own leaders. “Tuloy po ang laban natin.

Para sa ating mga kababayan, umasa po kayong patuloy akong tatalima sa inyong kagustuhan para sa halalan sa 2016 (Our fight continues. To my fellow Filipinos, you can count on me to heed your desires for the 2016 elections),� she said.

Poe said various attempts to disqualify her as a candidate for the highest position in the land were meant to “weaken her support from the electorate, confuse the public and ultimately remove her name from the official ballot.� “But these will fail,� said the senator.

Palace: No delay in 2016 elections

by Gil

c. cabacunGan, jerrY e. esplanada Inquirer.net

mALACAĂ‘ANG on monday, dec. 7 said the 2016 elections must be held as scheduled, as it is mandated by the Constitution.

The Palace was commenting on the statement on Sunday of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair Andres Bautista that the elections might be postponed because a Supreme Court order temporarily Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda stopping the Comelec’s “no bio, no boto� (no biometrics, no vote) policy had upset preparations for the balloting.

Under the rule, only registered voters with biometrics data with the Comelec will be allowed to vote.

The Comelec, following its schedule, must complete the polling precinct assignments by dec. 15.

But the Supreme Court order means the Comelec has to allow 2.4 million registered voters without biometrics data to vote. it also means the Comelec has to revise the precinct assignments to make room for the 2.4 million voters without biometrics data—a revamp too big it cannot be finished by dec. 15.

Bautista said the snag would have a domino effect on the rest of the Comelec’s preparations, making the may 9 vote likely to be pushed down to a later date.

The Constitution requires national elections to be held on the second monday of may.

Filipinos are looking forward to that date, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told reporters in malacaĂąang monday. “So we ‌ certainly [want the elections to be held as scheduled],â€?

Lacierda said.

Defer to SC He added, however, that the Palace would “deferâ€? to the Supreme Court’s decision on the matter. “Our ‌ position is ‌ the elections [must] push through as mandated by the Constitution. [All parties—the Comelec, the Supreme Court, all of them—must have that in mind],â€? Lacierda said.

Lacierda also brushed aside fears of an extension of President Aquino’s term in the event the elections were postponed. “We are counting the number of days left. We have 206 days left and we cannot wait to leave, for the President to take his long-delayed break,� he said.

ZAmBOANGUiTA, Negros Oriental—Unperturbed by the recent survey results of the Social Weather Station (SWS), Vice President Jejomar Binay went on with his sortie in Negros Oriental on monday, dec. 7.

He vowed that his administration would prioritize poverty alleviation and uplifting the lives of Filipinos, particularly in Negros Oriental, considered the poorest province in Central Visayas.

He also promised to continue the cash doleout program of the government for poor families—the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)—and improve it to ensure better and efficient services as well as provide financial assistance to the senior citizens like what he did in makati City.

Negros Oriental has a poverty incidence of 43.9 percent, according to the National AntiPoverty Commission.

Binay and the senatorial candidates of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) arrived in Bacong town before noon on monday and Ong Che Tee Bacong High School.

His visit to Negros Oriental came a day after the release of the SWS survey that ranked him second in the survey. He tied with Senator Grace Poe at 21 percent. davao mayor Rodrigo duterte led the survey results with 38 percent.

But Binay appeared unperturbed and went on attacking the administration in his speech in Bacong and Zamboanguita. “Nakakalungkot na kahit sinasabi ng administrasyon na gumaganda ang ekonomiya, hindi ito ramdam ng karamihan sa ating mga kababayan (it is sad that even if this administration claims that the economy is doing well, it is not felt by many Filipinos),� Binay said. “in the present administration, the rich became richer and the poor became poorer. What’s good in that?� he asked.

He said poverty, unemployment and hunger would be the

Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay

issues that should be discussed during the elections.

Binay expressed confidence he could address these issues when elected president.

He pointed out that when he took over as makati mayor, the city was bankrupt. But under his administration, he said the city grew economically, eventually attaining a budget of P11 billion. “Now that is good governance,� he said.

Aside from continuing the

4Ps program, Binay stressed the importance of government investments in social services like education, housing and health.

Focus should also be on job generating sectors like agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, among others to provide decent jobs to Filipinos.

From Bacong, Binay met with sectoral groups, senior citizens and residents of dauin, Zamboangita, Siaton, and Catalina towns. in Zamboanguita, he told a crowd of senior citizens that they should go to makati City to see how the elderly were valued there. “in makati, if a person reaches 100 years old, we give him or her P100,000,� Binay said.

On Tuesday, dec. 8, Binay toured the Siliman University and Foundation University and proceed to visit the municipalities of Sibulan, San Jose, Amlan and Tanjay.

On Wednesday, dec. 9 visited Bais, manjuyod, Bindoy, Ayungon, Tayasan, Jimalalud, Guihulngan, and Vallehermosa.

He also joined the celebration of the Kasadyaan Festival at the Foundation University in dumaguete.

Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority 340 North 11th Street Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 Phone (702) 922-6060 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY

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december 10-16, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

OpiniOn

Global commitment

Features

RECENT climatic and environmental events warn that the world is doomed for disastrous consequences. The Philippines—who is among the countries that bear the brunt of this phenomenon—seeks adaptive measures that would strengthen livelihoods, food security and ecosystems.

In his trip to Paris, France last week, Pres. Benigno Aquino III called for significant actions to address the challenge of climate change. He urged world leaders to arrive at a “fair consensus” that would help developing countries like the Philippines squarely confront the ruinous impact of climate change.

During the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21), Aquino called for global security among heads of state and government, leaders from the private sector and civil society representatives, in addressing climate change saying every country must commit to reduce green house gas emissions and build resilient communities.

“It is imperative that all countries do everything, and maximize what can be done to address climate change. Either we all strive and sacrifice, or we all lose to the cycle of destruction and reconstruction,” Aquino said.

Aquino added that the economic costs of climate change amount to $44.9 billion annually for the Vulnerable 20 (V20) countries alone, which includes the Philippines. Inaction to this problem

will cost all affected nations even more, Aquino warned, as this number is set to grow almost 10-fold by 2030, bringing the total estimated amount up to $400 billion.

Rising water levels brought by climate change threatens the existence of other island-nations such as Kiribati, Tuvalu, and the Maldives. Aquino said that the extinction of these islands would be certain, “unless we pursue realizable goals that acknowledge that, for some nations, the fight against climate change is a matter of survival.”

People must understand how the world’s current practices exhaust many of the planet’s limits—leading to risks of damaging the ecosystem that is beyond repair. About 75 percent of disasters are caused by or related to weather. The world has reached a critical stage in its efforts to exercise responsible environmental stewardship. Despite intentions and some admirable actions done by notable organizations, unsustainable use of the world’s natural resources has left the degradation of the global environment unabated.

Environmental degradation, urban develop-

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

ment and population growth, combined with the impacts of natural calamities have increased the risks. Environmental problems caused by impacts of human activities on resources is a phenomenon commonly known as climate change.

As time goes by, the planet becomes more vulnerable. Its ability to ward off wastes and destructive effluent is growing thin. The planet has be-

come fragile, recent catastrophic events should be enough emphasis for nations to change their ways to make this planet a safer place.

While we cannot undo the damages done, we are still capable of learning from recent climate change incidents and decelerating the rate of change to produce a desirable future for the planet altogether. (AJPress)

Do you agree with Trump’s call to ban Muslims from entering the US? Donald Trump once again shook the nation with yet another plan to purportedly keep America safe following the San Bernardino massacre that killed 14 people and injured 21 others. The Republican presidential frontrunner wants a total shutdown of all Muslims entering America — whether they are immigrants or tourists.

While Trump’s fans cheered when he made the announcement on Monday, Dec. 7, many were outraged, even among members of the Republican Party.

Recent investigations revealed that the perpetrators of the San Bernardino shooting were radicalized, drawing inspiration from the ideology of extremist group ISIS. As he himself announced on television, “Donald Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until

our country’s representatives can figure out what the hell is going The Fil-Am on.”

This proposal excludes Mus- Perspective lims who are already living in the US and those who serve in the US military.

The Filipino Channel’s daily Gel SantoS-reloS newscast “Balitang America” reported on the reactions from individuals on either side of the political spectrum, who are against Trump’s proposal.

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest challenged the Republican Party to denounce Donald Trump, and said this proposal disqualifies him from serving the country as president.

“What was proposed yesterday is not what this party stands for,” Republican House Speaker

Paul Ryan said, contending that Trump’s statement is in violation of the Constitution.

Presidential candidate and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush called Trump “unhinged”.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, another presidential candidate, criticized Trump, saying his comments clearly show the frontrunner does not have the experience to be president.

Meanwhile, Senator Lindsey Graham said it is time for all Republicans to unite against Trump.

On “Balitang America,” I interviewed Abu Qadir Al-Amin to get his reaction to Trump’s plan.

Located in the Excelsior District of San Francisco, which has the highest concentration of Filipinos in the city, the Center is where many Filipino Mus-

lims go to pray.

While the Imam categorically stated that America is not and should not be at war with ALL Muslims, he said they choose not to respond to Trump, and just live by the very essence of the Muslim faith: to live in peace.

This is also the message kababayans in the Philippines want to spread through an art exhibit that they staged, in order to shine a positive light on the stories and contributions of Filipino Muslims.

Do you agree with Donald Trump’s proposal? *** 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

May angal, Circa 2015 IN April 2010, towards the end of the Street term of President Gloria Macapagal-Ar- Talk royo, I wrote a biting piece entitled, “May Angal???” I wrote it out of sheer frustration over the abuses of the GreG B. MacaBenta Arroyo administration that we, as citizens, could only helplessly protest. Here’s how that piece read: “If you grew up in the streets and had to deal with a bully, you may recall having been told this to your face: May angal? Literally: Any complaints? If the bully was much bigger than you, and especially if he had other toughies backing him up, you simply swallowed your pride, meekly shook your head, and took whatever abuse was heaped on you.

“Your only recourse was to weep in self-pity and complain to the heavens about your fate. If you were the type with some measure of braggadocio, you told your friends that you didn’t have the heart to embarrass the bully or you didn’t want to dignify his lack of manners. But deep inside you, you felt really puny, impotent, and helpless.

And ashamed of yourself for not fighting back.

“In this country, which has deteriorated into one governed, not by laws but by people wielding raw power, we are being bullied and told to our faces: May angal???

“We make a lot of noises, organize marches, sign petitions, hold up placards, write letters to the media, threaten to go to court, and curse the bullies to high heavens. But after so much sound and fury, the bullies in government still get away with their abuses. In fact, in a literal sense, they get away with murder.”

That was the situation then. And that still seems to be the case now, even as the tenure of President Benigno S. Aquino III nears its end.

At least, at one point, Arroyo said, “I-am-sorry…”, no matter that she obviously did not mean it and that she

promptly took it back.

But Aquino’s self-righteousness appears to be cast in stone. He seems to be a staunch believer in that kiddie taunt, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me!” In the face of protests and accusations – even being told to his face that he lied - he has brazened it and, in effect, has shot back: May angal?

Thousands of victims of super typhoon Yolanda are still living in pitiful conditions in Leyte, two years after the tragedy, and yet P10.28 Billion in rehabilitation funds have not been released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and nearly P4.5 Billion in quick response funds allocated to various national government agencies have remained idle – a clear case of government incompetence and insensitivity.

Aquino himself did not even bother to show up in Tacloban for the second year’s commemoration of the disaster, choosing instead to attend the wedding of a taipan’s son. And who can forget how, amidst the death and destruction, Aquino and Mar Roxas, then Interior Secretary, made the most heartless remarks ever mouthed by national leaders? “Buhay ka pa naman, hindi ba?”(You’re still alive, aren’t you?) and “Bahala na kayo sa buhay niyo!” (Loosely: You’re on your own!)

May angal???

Some P10 Billion in public funds were spent, thousands of Metro Manilans were made to suffer monstrous inconveniences, businesses had to bear massive financial losses and, in effect, the entire country was swept under the rug, along with the filth of the metropolis, in order to present an impressive façade to the delegates of the APEC summit.

In the aftermath, with a straight face, Aquino claimed credit for a “successful” summit, making the inconveniences and financial losses “worthwhile.”

Meanwhile, Metro Manila promptly has

returned to “normal” with its shanties, vagrants and horrible traffic.

May angal???

Forty-four members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force were slaughtered in Mamasapano, in an operation in which Aquino clearly had a direct hand.. Worse yet, when the remains of the troopers were flown to Manila, Aquino did not bother to honor them with his presence. He preferred, instead, to attend the inauguration of a Mitsubishi facility in nearby Laguna. Former President Fidel V. Ramos was also at that event but left early to meet the SAF remains, along with Vice-President Jejomar Binay.

Ignoring the facts, Aquino has stubbornly refused to acknowledge command responsibility for the tragedy, choosing to blame others, including suspended PNP Chief Alan Purisima, for having “misled” him. And yet it was Aquino who had gotten Purisima involved in the operation, in spite of the latter’s suspension. In his last State of the Nation Address, Aquino made no mention of the Fallen 44 and, to this day, their families’ cries for justice have been in vain.

May angal???

Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares fudged her birth, residency and citizenship records en route to the Senate and, she hopes, the presidency. Three Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, sitting in the Senate Electoral Tribunal, wrote incisive positions against Poe’s claim to being a natural-born Filipino citizen, but five other members of the SET – Senators Pia Cayetano, Cynthia Villar, Tito Sotto, Bam Aquino and Loren Legarda – ignored the Justices’ arguments, as well as their Constitutional underpinnings, in the name of political expediency..

May angal???

The Department of Transportation & Communication (DOTC), once headed

by Liberal Party presidential standard bearer, Mar Roxas, and now by LP Acting President Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, has been a glaring example of government incompetence and insensitivity. In spite of the daily torment that

THE bullet-planting or tanim-bala extortion scheme involves NAIA security officials and personnel demanding money from a passenger in exchange for dropping criminal charges for possession of a bullet.

Rudy Santos/Philstar.com/File

commuters have to suffer in taking the MRT and LRT, the congestion at the country’s airports, the frequent sea mishaps due to lax government oversight, and the infernal traffic made worse by the delayed implementation of infrastructure projects, Aquino has shown no intention of replacing Abaya. “It’s not fatal!” was how Abaya described the traffic situation, while Roxas called it “a sign of economic progress.”

May angal???

Hundreds of travellers have reportedly been victimized by extortionists manning the security process at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The incidents have been bannered in the international media, further eroding the already tarnished image of the country’s principal airport. Instead of vowing to immediately get to the bottom of the problem, the government responded like a bunch of kids caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

President Aquino dismissed the incidents as having been “blown out of proportion by media,” Secretary Abaya

cited figures to show that the affected passengers constituted an insignificant percentage of total travellers, and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Jose Angel Honrado disclaimed any accountability because, according to him, his function is simply to “coordinate” airport activities.

Meanwhile, the mysterious single bullet appearance in the bags of departing passengers continues and a new “profit center” has been devised at the NAIA: an “escort service” to guarantee hassle-free departures.

May angal???

The good news is that the Aquino administration will soon make its exit and the citizenry will have a chance to choose a new set of leaders with more competence and compassion than the ones in power. The bad news, however, is that our cherished hopes could be dashed by gold, goons and an automated version of Garci.

May angal??? (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)’

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.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 10-16, 2015

A

US fast-attack submarine visits Subic

by Patricia Lourdes Viray Philstar.com

MANILA—A fast-attack submarine from the United States arrived at Subic Bay last week as part of its Indo-Asia-Pacific deployment.

Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Tucson (SSN US fast-attack submarine USS Tucson is one of the stealthiest and most advanced submarines 770) is one of the stealthiest and in the world.

US Navy/1st Class David J. Weideman most advanced submarines in

BuCor conducts another raid, includes jail guards’ office by tetch torres-tuPas Inquirer.net

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) conducted another raid on Tuesday, Dec. 8 as part of their “Oplan Galugad” but this time, they have included in their raid the office of the jail guards at the medium security compound of the National Bilibid Prisons (NBP).

BuCor Director Ricardo Rainier Cruz said they have included the jail guards’ office after the raiding team came out empty handed from raiding the inmate’s detention facilities.

Seized items included GoPro, mobile phones, improvised deadly weapons, pornographic DVDs, alleged illegal drugs, , television sets, P18, 000 in cash, several roosters, laptops, surveillance cameras, WiFi sticks and sound system.

Also seized by the raiding team were 30 wooden paddles allegedly used by gangs inside the national penitentiary in the initiation of new members.

“Magsasagawa tayo ng mas malalimang imbestigasyon dito sa involvement ng ilang jail guards sa smuggling nitong mga contraband items,” Cruz said.

(We will conduct a deeper investigation here with regards involvement of jail guards in smuggling of contraband items.)

Initial report said six jail guards are being investigated after the raid though prison officials declined to elaborate on the matter.

Besides BuCor personnel, the raiding team also included members of the Philippine Army’s explosive and Ordnance Division and K-9 units from the Philippine Drug enforcement Agency.

The operation started early morning has targeted Camp Sampaguita, the medium security compound of the NBP housing some 6, 137 inmates serving prison sentences 10 years and below.

They also inspected the detention cell housing road-rage-involved inmate Jason Ivler and actor and former Quezon City congressman Dennis Roldan.

Ivler was convicted last month by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court and was sentenced to reclusion perpetua or 40 years imprisonment for the killing of Renato ebarle Jr. in a road rage incident in Quezon City in 2009.

Roldan was also sentenced to reclusion perpetua for kidnapping then-three-year-old Kenshi Yu in 2005.

The raid was the seventh conducted by BuCor as part of its “Oplan Galugad.”

SC allows Arroyo Christmas, New Year furlough The Supreme Court has allowed former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria MacapagalArroyo to spend Christmas and New Year’s Day at her house in Quezon City. high Court’s Information Chief Theodore Te said Arroyo’s furlough starts at 8 in the morning of Dec. 23, 2015 until 5 in the afternoon of Dec. 26, 2015; and 8 in the morning of Dec. 30, 2015 to 5 in the afternoon of Jan. 2, 2016.

Te said the furlough will be “spent exclusively at her residence at La Vista Subdivision in Quezon City.”

“The petitioner shall remain under preventive custody of the law,” Te said.

The high court ordered Sandiganbayan acting Chief of Security and Sheriffs Services Alberto Dela Cruz to implement the resolution and coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The high court required Dela Cruz to submit a report of his full compliance to the Supreme Court on Jan. 11, 2016.

The high court gave the furlough pending resolution of her urgent motion for house arrest.

Te said the high court ordered government lawyer to comment on Arroyo’s urgent motion.

Arroyo is currently detained at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) while her lone plunder case in connection with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) scam. (Inquirer.net)

the world, according to the US embassy in Manila.

The submarine’s crew of approximately 150 will conduct missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet while in the country.

“The men have worked and trained hard to prepare the ship for deployment and their performance over the past 11 months has been nothing less

than exceptional,” USS Tucson chief Billy Daly Jr. said.

The Tucson measures 360 feet long and is capable of supporting missions such as anti-submarine warfare, antisurface ship warfare, strike, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

The submarine carries 12 vertical launch tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles and four

torpedo tubes which provide offensive capabilities and strategic value.

The Tucson is home-poted in Pearl harbor, hawaii and is able to operate in all oceans of the world.

Last month, US Navy submarine USS Key West arrived at Subic Bay for a routine port visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.

A

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Miss Saigon’s Jon Jon Briones is off to Broadway Philippines wins back-to-back Miss Earth titles ‘I’ll be turning 51 by that time. Goes to show you that it’s never too late for dreams to come true’

by Walter

ang

Inquirer.net

From Quezon City to Broadway, with the West End in between. That appears to be the journey of Jon Jon Briones, who will be making his Broadway debut in 2017 as the Engineer in the revival of the musical “miss Saigon.”

Producer Cameron mackintosh has confirmed that the West End production at the Prince Edward Theatre will close on February 2016 and will transfer to Broadway in 2017.

“This is going to be my Broadway debut, and I’ll be turning 51 by that time,” says Briones. “Goes to show you that it’s never too late for dreams to come true.”

Briones had known about the transfer for some time now. “We finished negotiations for Broadway last month but even though I was expecting the announcement to happen, it’s still exciting and wonderful to read it in all the news outlets.”

Raves “miss Saigon” returned to the West End in may 2014 with record-breaking advance ticket sales. His performance has been met with raves. The Telegraph called it “memorably seedy”; The Guardian, comparing him with Jonathan Pryce who originated the role, said his Engineer was “an even grubbier, sleazier figure who is the victim of both his background and pathetic fantasies”; and New York Times hailed his “diminutive presence with a slithery, sleazy command that brings home the sardonic second-act showstopper, ‘The American Dream.’”

When it premiered in 1989, the musical thrust Filipino actors into the international theater scene.

Lea Salonga and monique Wilson were cast as alternates for the titular character Kim, a Vietnam war orphan who falls in love with

mANILA—Filipina beauty queen Angelia ong was crowned as the 2015 miss Earth yesterday in Vienna, Austria, the third Filipina to win the title in the pageant’s 15 years. ong’s victory also marks the first time in the history of miss Earth pageant that a country, the Philippines, won in two consecutive years.

She succeeded Jamie Herrell who bagged the crown in 2014, six years after Karla Henry’s victory in 2008.

The 24-year-old ong bested more than 80 candidates, includ-

ing Brazil’s Thiessa Sickert who was named miss Earth Fire, the United States’ Brittany Payne who bagged the miss Earth Water title, and Australia’s Dayanna Gradega, miss Earth Air. In her profile page for miss Earth, ong said she would continue her advocacy of caring for the environment, which she started when she was a candidate for miss Philippines Earth.

“These were restoration, reforestation, minimizing carbon footprints and taking 5r (rethink, reuse, reduce, recycle, respect) by heart which brings

The Telegraph has hailed Jon Jon’s performance as the Engineer as “memorably seedy.”

an American soldier during the final days of the American occupation.

The current London revival features Filipino-American Eva Noblezada as Kim, with Filipino actresses Tanya manalang as alternate for Kim and rachelle Ann Go as Gigi. Noblezada will be part of the Broadway transfer.

LA-based Briones was part of the ensemble in the original production at the Theatre royal, Drury Lane.

He subsequently landed the role of the Engineer in Germany (where he met his wife megan), and for a US tour, an Asian tour, a manila production and a UK tour.

Born and raised in Quezon City, Briones has since relocated to Los Angeles, where his wife and two children also work as actors (brionestalent.com). After his stint with the original London production of “miss Saigon,” he

acted in several repertory Philippines productions such as the Lion in “The Wiz” and Enjolras in “Les misérables.”

Before he joined the London revival last year, he was involved in the pre-Broadway development of the musical “Allegiance” with Lea Salonga. He’s also done TV work, with guest roles in shows like “Sons of Anarchy,” “Bones,” “The mentalist,” and “monk.”

During the break from march 2016 onwards before he debuts at the Great White Way, Briones says he will keep himself busy: “Actors don’t really go on holidays unless they are really successful and can afford to just take the time off. So, as soon as I get back to LA, I go straight to what actors do—audition and go to acting classes.”

He adds: “If there is nothing going on, my family and I will take our convertible and just drive somewhere nice and take a couple of days away.”

Angelia Ong is crowned Miss Earth 2015 by fellow Filipina Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrell at the Marx Halle in Vienna, Austria on Saturday, Dec. 5.

me to a campaign I call #WEWILLBECAUSEWECAN. This campaign aims to inspire and educate people on how they can contribute in helping the environment in their own little ways and even through social media,” she said.

“Getting the campaigns online is a strategy to get the message out there and create more awareness. Awareness or identifying the problem is the first step in solving the problem.

“We have to educate people about the threats of Climate Change because it is only through an educated society can true reform be achieved,” she added. ong, who is taking marketing management at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in manila, earlier said that she hopes to win so she could join in the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris. It started on Nov. 30 and will end on Dec. 11. malacañang congratulated ong for winning the miss Earth title and for bringing more honor to the country.

“Congratulations and best wishes to her,” Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communications operations office said over state-run dzrB. “This is again a proof of the beauty, intelligence and excellence of Filipinas in international competitions, which are held to strengthen the country’s friendship and cooperation with other countries,” he said in Filipino.

(Philstar.com)

‘Heneral Luna’ charging for Golden Globes win FILIPINo independent film “Heneral Luna” is gunning for a win in the foreign language film category in the 73rd Golden Globe Awards.

Directed by Jerrold Tarog, “Heneral Luna” is one of the 71 entries from 46 countries vying for the award.

Five nominees be selected and the winner will be announced

during the awards ceremony on January 10, 2016.

The Golden Globe awards lauds the best in American television and film. This year’s awards ceremony will be held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and will be hosted by ricky Gervais.

“Heneral Luna” is also the country’s entry to the 88th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language

film category.

The biopic holds the record of being the “highest grossing Filipino historical film of all time” after it reached P240 million last october. It also holds the distinction of being the highest grossing independent Filipino film. “Heneral Luna” is part of a trilogy, with its sequel focusing on the life of Gregorio del Pilar. (Inquirer.net)

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Interdisciplinary artist Kimberly Arteche creates remarkable things to connect art, history and culture

By Malou liwanag-Bledsoe

Trained as a photographer, she works mainly with images and NO matter how much one di- considers her pieces as “portraits.” verts his or her path, the call to art However, she transitioned into is strong and will most likely take being an interdisciplinary artist you to the road to creativity. For because she felt that her ideas interdisciplinary artist Kimberly are not conveyed fully with just a Arteche, she realized that after she photo in a frame.

“I wanted my ideas to blow up got really restless while she was pursuing a medical/nursing route. and be large. I want my work to She eventually ended up getting a envelope my audience and credegree in Visual Arts/Photography ate atmospheres that might shift from the University in Maryland in their perspectives for a moment,” Baltimore County and is currently she said. “I realized that a twoin her final year for her MFA at San dimensional image just wouldn’t communicate what I wanted. InFrancisco State University.

“I don’t think my family is terdisciplinary art is a way to say aware, but I think I was born that you work across traditional with creative genes,” she shared. mediums, or for example, you “As I’m learning more about my may not just be a painter, but you parents, I’m starting to uncover work your paintings into sculpture more and more about the legacy as well. For me, I’m still imagebased, but have been applying of creatives in my family.”

Arteche related that her father them to architecture or fabric.”

Among the exhibits and shows worked as a chef/cook on the Holland America Cruise line during she has participated this year the late 70s and early 80s, and include Now Is It-Epekto Arts Projlearned how to do ice carvings. ects at the Oakland Asian Cultural Since he was also travelling a lot, Center for the Filipino American he also carried a 35mm Canon Heritage Month and as a featured camera around him. This, she re- artist at eh APAture 2015 with alized, is how she was introduced Kearny Street Workshop.

Sharing that her family is alto photography.

“He always had a film camera or ways a major influence in her VHS camera around to document creations, Arteche there is a wealth all of our birthdays, road trips, and of ideas and concepts around her family’s history. family memories,” she added.

AJPress

“I spent a lot of time really questioning why I decided to go into art, and many times felt ashamed because I felt I was the only one in family that decided to go with a career that was ‘non-traditional.’

Once I started delving more into my family history, I started to see more connections that it’s in my blood. A majority of my mother’s side works with their hands—they have farms and pig farms—my Nanay and Mamay made and sold kulambo (mosquito nets).”

Connecting through one’s culture through art Although her work is a reflection of her experience as a Filipino-American, Arteche noted

that we should not generalize the Filipinos, Fil-Ams and our heritage, as the Philippines is a country with different islands, dialects and cultures.

“The Filipino people are multifaceted, and I think it’s important for all of us to be proud of the provinces or cities we come from, and the different traditions we all bring,” she said and then added, “My work is very personal, and the experience that I have is quite different from my neighbors who just moved here from Manila. It’s important for people to understand that there are so many different perspectives and experiences with the diasporic population.

“The other thing is that I try not to make my work so Filipino specific that other folks don’t understand it. Yes, the work is about my Filipina heritage, and there are visual cues that are clearly Filipino, but the experience of wanting to know and understand my family that lives so far away is not only limited to Filipinos. The condition of feeling in-between or disconnected is common for any second generation American; which is a majority of Americans today. This sentiment is also not limited to Filipino families who have moved all over the world for opportunities, but any immigrant family who has done the same. “ Adding that although it’s important to know and preserve our heritage, it’s also just as critical to know why we are here in the US and why we many of our fellow Filipinos leave the country to settle in different countries. “Why are there so many Filipina nurses and caregivers all over the world?

Why does the Philippines have such a unique relationship with America, and what laws were put in place that brought us here?,” she said. “It’s important to know our Filipino culture, and just as important to know our history as Filipino Americans. There’s a legacy of Filipina/o pioneers that we often forget when honoring our culture and heritage.”

As an educator with Pin@y Educational Partnerships When not creating art, Arteche also teaches at Skyline College as part of Pin@y Educational Partnerships (PEP). PEP is an educational pipeline that creates critical spaces in the educational system and in the community where students and teachers study the struggle and survival of Filipinos in America and around the world.

Currently, there are about 60 volunteer teachers who teach at different sites including Longfellow Elementary, Denman Middle School, Burton High School, Balboa High School, Skyline College and USF. “Our teachers are from different Bay Area colleges and are given rigorous training in critical pedagogy and doctorate level teaching education,” she said. “The classes are focused on counter-narratives; being able to place ourselves into

history, when regular American history classes don’t teach us about our contribution to the country/world. “ Arteche also wants to impart that if a person is creative and artistic, he or she should embrace it.

“As a Filipina-American who grew up in a family full of nurses, it was confusing for me to come to grips with wanting to make a career out of being creative.

Knowing how to create remarkable things with our hands, communicating through singing and rhythm, performing and writing...

Filipino ingenuity is what makes our cultures so rich,” she pointed out. “If you feel like you can’t go a day without expressing yourself, don’t be ashamed of it. If you want to go into the arts as a career, don’t let family pressures scare you from being successful. Just work ridiculously hard, and don’t make excuses.”

At present, Arteche has no upcoming exhibits or show. Her next project will be in April 2016 for the San Francisco State University MFA Thesis Show at the SFSU Fine Arts Gallery. To know more about her and her work, you can find her online at www. kimarteche.com or on instagram. com/kimbr.

BBC asks Alden, Maine: Are you both in love? Aquino gift to Pope: 28-piece dinnerware

by ChuCk

sMith Philstar.com

MANILA—BBC News has finally aired its special on AlDub, the onscreen love team of “Eat Bulaga” mainstays Alden Richards and Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza, on Tuesday.

The feature was done by BBC World News anchor Rico Hizon, a Filipino journalist who is formerly with GMA-7.

The report focused on the financial aspect of AlDub and how the love team has helped the 36-year-old noontime variety show penetrate social media and a younger audience.

With AlDub, “Eat Bulaga” was able to captivate the audience using “Twitter, Facebook anf Instagram and draw them back to television,” the report said.

But the report also tackled Alden and Maine’s relationship with each other. Alden and Maine play lovers who were initially unable to meet personally and only interacted via split screen and Dubsmash on “Eat

by nikko

dizon Inquirer.net

ROME—President Aquino gifted Pope Francis with a dinner set, not a tea set as earlier reported.

Ito Kish, the Filipino home retailer and designer who made the gift, informed the Inquirer on Friday night that the gift of President Aquino to Pope Francis was dinnerware and not a cup and saucer set.

Rico Hizon of BBC News interviews Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards for a feature on their Kish apparently saw the InquirAlDub love team. er’s tweet about the exchange of Bulaga,” and fans have been hop- and we’re just having fun,” Alden gifts between Mr. Aquino and the ing that the two young stars have said.

Pontiff.

“No pressure,” Alden and Maine taken their onscreen relationship The dinner set, according to added. somewhere deeper.

Kish, was part of his new collecMaine further said they’re open tion launched last month.

“Are you both in love?” Hizon to having a relationship. asked Alden and Maine.

“We’re not closing out doors to “Well, that’s for the people to find out very soon,” Alden what’s going to happen next between the two of us,” she said. quipped.

This isn’t the first time AlDub Hizon further asked if it is “just an act for your sponsors and en- has been featured on international media. BBC News via its website dorsers?”

“Whatever we have now, we’re had previously described AlDub as just making the most out of it a “social media phenomenon.”

Reporters covering the President’s visit to the Pope were told that Mr. Aquino gave the Pontiff a “bone China tea set.”

Journalists were not allowed to cover the two leaders’ meeting at the Apostolic Palace, it being a private meeting.

“The gift to His Holiness, Pope Francis, was a complete dinner set, 28-piece for 4 persons service

by Ito Kish,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte told the Inquirer in a message, quoting Social Secretary Susan Reyes, who is responsible for these matters.

“The service is composed of a soup bowl, soup bowl plate, salad plate, dinner plate, dessert plate, cup and saucer,” Valte added.

A photograph of President Aquino showing Francis his gift clearly showed that it was not a tea set but a dinner set.

Valte also denied allegations on social media that President Aquino’s gift to the Pope was recycled from the gifts given to the spouses of the world leaders who went to the Philippines for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Valte said Kish was also “appalled at the allegation.”

For his part, Pope Francis gave Mr. Aquino a copy of his encyclical and apostolic exhortation, and a bronze sculpture of an olive branch holding the two halves of a cleft rock, which symbolizes peace and unity.

Angel Locsin undergoes ‘back procedure’ MANILA—Angel Locsin underwent a “back procedure” a month after she revealed having a discbulge in her spine.

It was in October when the Kapamilya actress announced that she’s giving up the movie “Darna” due to the disc bulge in her spinal cord.

On Friday, Dec. 4, Angel posted photos of her lying in hospital bed before undergoing the procedure.

The first photo shows the Kapamilya actress doing the peace sign. This is where she announced the success of the first stage of her back procedure.

“Photo taken earlier before the procedure :) I’m still a little bit groggy and sore but happy & thankful tapos na ang first stage of the procedure :) thank you all for the prayers!” she said.

On the second photo, she was posing with the nurses who as-

sisted her during the operation.

“Another photo before heading to lab with the Filipino nurses who took really good care of me :) thank you so much!

Mabuhay kayo!” she said in the caption.

Recently, her boyfriend Luis Manzano revealed that she’s considering different operations for her disc bulge, and expressed his hope of Angel still portraying the Pope Francis speaks with President Benigno Aquino III at the Apostolic Palace. role of Darna. (Philstar.com)

Malacañang photo

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 10-16, 2015

B

How Pia Wurtzbach prepares for Miss Universe Sarah Geronimo journeys back ‘from the top’ at two-night concert

by Luis

in Quezon City.

Sarah also turned emotional when she acknowledged how things may change for her in the coming years. “Kung mawala man lahat ng ito... alam ko eventually mawawala ‘tong lahat. Lahat ng bagay sa mundo ay may katapusan,� she said. “How i want to be remembered, sabi ko hindi ko naman gusto na tawagin ‘The Popstar Royalty,’ binigay lang ‘yan tao,� she continued. “Ang gusto ko talaga, ang ultimate goal is fulfilling god’s purpose for me, kung ano man dahilan bakit niya ako nilagay sa industriyang ito.�

She then expressed her love to her family saying, “i’m hunPhilstar.com dred percent sure that my family MAniLA—Sarah geronimo knows how much i love them, journeyed back with her fans in buhay ko sila, e. Ang pamilya ko her “From the Top� concert. ay buhay ko.� “Mahal na mahal The pop princess recalled ko kayo, ‘wag na ‘wag n’yo ‘yan how her dreams started and kakalimutan,� she added. how she dealt with the people She also thanked her fans who who didn’t believe in her in the “alam ko napakasuwerte ko sa beginning. inyo. Hindi ako perpektong idolo “Basta una ang desire ng puso pero nananatili kayong nandyan ko ay patuloy na kumanta para sa tabi ko. nananatili kayong gamitin ko ang talentong binigay nandyan from the top!� sa akin ng Diyos. Pangalawa, Some celebrities present sobrang in love po ako sa muduring her concert are gary sic,� she said during the second Valenciano, father of her concert night of her concert, Saturday, director Paolo Valenciano, Vice at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum ganda and Jason Dy. The crowd also went wild when Piolo Pascual appeared on stage to join Sarah in singing “Paano Ba Magmahal.� it is the theme song of their movie “The Breakup Playlist.�

She also performed her winning piece in the talent search show “Search for a Star,� which she said “launched my singing career.�

Some of other hits she performed are “Forever’s not Enough,� “ikot ikot,� “if Only,� “Perfectly imperfect� and her latest single “Minamahal.� Watch “Ang gusto ko talaga, ang ultimate goal is fulfilling God’s purpose for me, kung ano man dahilan some of Sarah’s performances bakit niya ako nilagay sa industriyang ito,� said Sarah Geronimo during the second night of her in her “From the Top� concert in clips below. “From The Top� concert at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Saturday, December 5. by

JoyCe Jimenez

Xian Lim: Feelings for Kim Chiu continue to grow YEARS may have passed, but Xian Lim said his feelings for Kim Chiu never goes “stagnant.� “Tinanong ni Kim na kung mula ba noong una kami magkaeksena pareho pa rin ba ang pagtingin ko sa kanya. Sabi ko siyempre tuwing nakikita kita mas dumadagdag ang nararamdaman ko para sa kanya,� he said during the press conference of the film “All You need is Pag-ibig.�

Since they were paired in the ABS-CBn primetime TV series “My Binondo girl,� Xian has been very vocal for his feelings for Kim. Although they’re not in a relationship, Xian said he’ll continue to love Kim. “never siya nagiging stagnant,� he said, describing his feelings for Kim. This may be the reason why he somehow can relate to his role in the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival entry “All You need is Pag-ibig.� in the movie, he plays a character who is able to get everything he wants in life, except love.

The film also stars Kris Aquino, Jodi Sta. Maria, ian Veneracion, Pokwang, nova Villa and Bimby Aquino-Yap, under the direction of Xian Lim says his feelings for Kim Chiu never goes “stagnant.� The two are part of the 2015 Antoinette Jadaone.

Metro Manila Film Festival entry “All You Need is Pag-Ibig.�

Luis Manzano, Billy Crawford deny getting waiter fired over steak ABS-CBn hosts and actors Luiz Manzano and Billy Crawford have denied the allegations of an instagram user who has accused them of demanding his dismissal as a restaurant waiter. in the comments section of actress Angel Locsin’s Dec. 6 post, a certain Cris Silao (@ cris0224) claimed that Manzano and Crawford urged the owner of the establishment to fire him for serving them steak that was cooked differently from what they ordered. “Aminado naman ako na nagkamali ako sa order nyo eh. Pero tama ba na ipa-sisanti mo ako?

Kailangan ba na mawalan ako ng trabaho dahil lang hindi well done ‘yung steak na naibigay ko? inayus naman namin eh. Hindi mo lang alam kung gaano ka-importante yung trabaho na yun sa akin. Ako lang ang inaasahan ng mga kapatid ko dahil iniwan na kami ng mga magulang namin,� the user said. “Masama lang yung loob ko kasi ginamit nyo yung pagkaartista nyo para lang mang-api ng kapwa. Sinabi pa ni Billy na ipa-

pasara nya yung restaurant pag hindi ako mawawala sa trabaho.

Sympre aalisin nga ako. Pati yung amo ko ayaw nya akong tanggalin. naiiyak pa nga ya nung sinabi nya sa akin kasi alam nya yung situation ko at alam nya na maayos ako magtrabaho,� he added.

Locsin replied in her boyfriend’s defense, saying what she liked about Manzano was that he never disrespected anyone. The actress dismissed the accusations as “made up.� “Ano namang kinalaman ni Luis dyan at bakit mo naman sya dinadamay? never nangbastos si Luis ng kahit sino. isa yun sa mga nagustuhan ko sa kanya.

Kaya sana wag kang kang magimbento ng kwento dahil sabi mo nga may karma,� she said.

Manzano also took time to defend himself, noting it had been a while since he and Crawford went out together. “Medyo mali facts mo, dahil never kami lumabas ni Billyboy at kumain ng steak! HAng TAAAAAAgALLLLL ko ng di nakakasama si Billyboy, kung gusto

gumawa ng kwento, magulang mo na lang kausapin mo, tanungin mo sila bakit ka nila binuo, isama mo na rin yung mga bastabasta naniniwala sa comment online,� Manzano said. “gumawa pa yan si @criss0224 ng hate account na parang ihateluisandbilly hahahahaha baka nahuling nagnanakaw sa restaurant kaya natanggal kaya naghanap ng idadamay, di ko na nga maalala kelan kami huling nagkasama ni Billyboy outside of work, lalo pa’t kumain ng steak,� he added.

Supporting his fellow Kapamilya actor, Crawford said Manzano “isn’t capable of hurting a fly,� adding he wished the instagram user well if inventing stories was what made him happy. “First of all si Luis at ako siguro dalawang beses na magkasamang kumain una sa birthday nya pangalawa pag nagdive. And Luis isn’t capable of hurting a fly. But if this is what makes you happy to stir things up, wala kaming magagawa. good luck na lang sa buhay mo. At sana mapansin ka dito para makapasok ka sa PBB,�

Crawford said. (Inquirer.net)

CarLo san Juan Inquirer.net

BiniBining Pilipinas Universe Pia Wurtzbach had just had the busiest four months when William Morris/iMg finally bought the Miss Universe pageant from Donald Trump. Then came the green light that the pageant would push through.

People speculated it would be in January 2016, but it was finally announced that it would be on Dec. 20. She was no longer stuck in “limbo,� as we termed it; the moment finally came, which she has been psyching herself up for three years.

Despite her very busy schedule (busy is an understatement), she tries to be the same bubbly and funny Pia her friends know. As i write this, i am chatting with her on WhatsApp as she ends her first official day at Miss Universe.

Tidbits from the pageant Here are some tidbits on her preparations for the pageant: Pia, being a perfectionist, would do catwalk practice for three hours straight at a time. Her trainers had to adjust her walk to suit her curvy body frame—they still want her to project confidence, elegance and power.

Aside from physical preparations, Pia had to prepare herself mentally. Like other winners, she’s had her share of detractors, especially where her weight was concerned, when she won Binibining Pilipinas.

There were moments when she would binge-eat after her diet, but in the past months she was able to stick to her diet and achieve the

Pia Wurtzbach

desired weight she needs for the competition.

Pia ate mostly sweet potatoes, egg whites, chicken breasts, bananas and green vegetables.

For the past three years, Pia has been a beauty writer for inquirer Lifestyle’s To be You section. Being a makeup aficionado, she found it easy to embrace the job, which was a great way to learn the latest makeup and

Photo by Gee Plamenco

beauty trends.

With William Morris/iMg as the new owners of Miss Universe, we can make our beauty queens more “fashion� now, moving away from the typical pageantgirl look.

With minimal makeup and sleek hair, fashion photographer gee Plamenco creates magic with the country’s muse, Pia Wurtzbach, on this spread.

Ian Veneracion ‘enjoying the ride’ of love team success by

JoyCe Jimenez Philstar.com

MAniLA—ian Veneracion is happy with the public’s positive response to his team up with Jodi Sta. Maria. “Siguro aside from komportable kami katrabaho ang isa’t isa, alam ng fans na we’re just being professional,� he said in an interview on Tuesday.

The Kapamilya actor happily married with two kids, while Jodi is in a relationship with Cavite vice governor Jolo Revilla. ian and Jodi’s love team started in the ABS-CBn primetime series “Pangako Sa ‘Yo,� where Jodi Sta. Maria and Ian Veneracion during the press conference for the movie “All You Need they portray the roles of Eduardo is Pag-ibig,� an entry in the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festiva, on Tuesday, Dec. 8.

PAGE B4

Philstar.com photo by Joyce Jimenez Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority 340 North 11th Street Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 Phone (702) 922-6060

LVDA_SNRHA_12-10-15 IFB-B16013 THE SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY, NEVADA, herein called ³615+$ ´ ZLOO UHFHLYH VHDOHG ELGV IURP TXDOL¿HG DQG OLFHQVHG &RQWUDFWRUV IRU WKH IROORZLQJ ZRUN Contractor to provide labor, materials and equipment for the potable water system upgrades at Marble Manor located at 1320 Morgan Avenue, Las Vegas, NV. 89106, pursuant WR WKH VSHFL¿FDWLRQV DQG GUDZLQJV LQFOXGHG LQ WKLV ,QYLWDWLRQ IRU %LG 3DFNDJH Until D P local time, Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at the Development/Modernization 2I¿FH RI WKH 6RXWKHUQ 1HYDGD 5HJLRQDO +RXVLQJ $XWKRULW\ ORFDWHG DW 1 WK 6WUHHW 6XLWH /DV 9HJDV 1HYDGD At D P bids will be opened publicly and read aloud at WKH VDPH RI¿FH DW 340 N. 11th Street, Suite 150, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101. %LGGLQJ 'RFXPHQWV PD\ EH H[DPLQHG DW WKH IROORZLQJ ORFDO SODQ URRPV &RQVWUXFWLRQ 1RWHERRN ): 'RGJH 6LHUUD 3ODQ 5RRP 5HHG &RQVWUXFWLRQ 'DWD RU DW WKH 'HYHORSPHQW 0RGHUQL]DWLRQ 'HSDUWPHQW RI¿FHV RI WKH 615+$ %LGGLQJ GRFXPHQWV VSHFL¿FDWLRQV DQG DQ\ DSSOLFDEOH GUDZLQJV ZLOO EH DYDLODEOH IRU ELGGHUV WR GRZQORDG IURP 615+$ ZHEVLWH ZZZ VQYUKD RUJ FOLFN RQ ³3URFXUHPHQW´ then ³&XUUHQW %LG ,QYLWDWLRQV´ IURP WKH 9HQGRU &HQWHU ³ IROORZ WKH GLUHFWLRQV RU SLFN XS D &' DW QR FKDUJH IURP the SNRHA’s Development/Modernization Department, 340 N. 11th Street, Suite 150, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 - (702) 922-6060. NOTE: &RSLHV RI ELG GRFXPHQWV UHFHLYHG IURP VRXUFHV RWKHU WKDQ WKH 615+$ ZLOO FDXVH \RXU ELG WR EH GHHPHG LQYDOLG &RQWUDFWRU LV UHVSRQVLEOH IRU WKH UHSURGXFWLRQ RI ELG SDFNDJH VSHFL¿FDWLRQV DQG DQ\ DSSOLFDEOH GUDZLQJV DV ZHOO DV WKH FRVWV DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK VDLG UHSURGXFWLRQ :RUN WR EH SHUIRUPHG LV VXEMHFW WR 'DYLV %DFRQ ZDJH UHTXLUHPHQWV IRU DOO FRQWUDFWV ZKHUH WKH FRQVWUXFWLRQ LV HVWLPDWHG WR EH RYHU This contract is subject to the conditions under Section 3 of the Housing and Urban 'HYHORSPHQW $FW RI DV DPHQGHG 8 6 & X 6HFWLRQ 7KH 615+$œV 6HFWLRQ 3 Plan contains mandatory numerical goals for hiring of residents and low and very low-income persons on all construction contracts, service contracts and professional service contracts that FRQWDLQ D ODERU FRPSRQHQW 7KH 615+$ HQFRXUDJHV :RPHQ 0LQRULW\ DQG 'LVDEOHG 9HWHUDQ 2ZQHG ¿UPV WR DSSO\ (DFK ELG VXEPLWWHG PXVW EH DFFRPSDQLHG E\ HLWKHU D D FHUWL¿HG FKHFN RU EDQN GUDIW SD\DEOH WR WKH 6RXWKHUQ 1HYDGD 5HJLRQDO +RXVLQJ $XWKRULW\ 8 6 *RYHUQPHQW %RQGV RU E D VDWLVIDFWRU\ ELG ERQG H[HFXWHG E\ WKH ELGGHU DQG DFFHSWDEOH VXUHWLHV LQ DQ DPRXQW HTXDO WR ¿YH SHUFHQW

RI WKH ELG 7KH VXFFHVVIXO ELGGHU ZLOO EH UHTXLUHG WR IXUQLVK DQG SD\ IRU VDWLVIDFWRU\ SHUIRUPDQFH DQG SD\PHQW ERQGV Award will be made to the responsive and responsible low bidder who submits the low bid that PHHWV DOO UHTXLUHPHQWV RI WKH FRQGLWLRQV DQG )RUP RI %LG *HQHUDO 5HTXLUHPHQWV DQG &RQWUDFW UHTXLUHPHQWV %LGGHU PXVW EH D GXO\ OLFHQVHG FRQWUDFWRU LQ WKH 6WDWH RI 1HYDGD IRU WKH FDWHJRU\ RI ZRUN LQFOXGHG %LGGHU PXVW DOVR EH OLFHQVHG WR GR EXVLQHVV LQ WKH &LW\ DQG &RXQW\ KDYLQJ MXULVGLFWLRQ A Pre-Bid conference is scheduled for Wednesday, December 16, 2015 beginning @ 10:00 D P DW WKH $ ' *X\ &HQWHU ORFDWHG DW 1RUWK ³1´ 6WUHHW /DV 9HJDV 19 All SURVSHFWLYH ELGGHUV VKRXOG DWWHQG 7KH SXUSRVH LV WR FRQVLGHU SURVSHFWLYH ELGGHUV FRQFHUQV 7KH 615+$ UHVHUYHV WKH ULJKW WR UHMHFW DQ\ DQG RU DOO ELGV DW DQ\ WLPH GXULQJ WKH ELG SURFHVV RU ZDLYH DQ\ LQIRUPDOLWLHV LQ WKH ELGGLQJ Inquiries may be submitted in writing only to Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority, Dev/ 0RG 'HSW 1 WK 6WUHHW 6XLWH /DV 9HJDV 19 RU YLD IDFVLPLOH DW

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SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY John N. Hill, Executive Director Luiz Manzano and Billy Crawford

B december 10-16, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

EntErtainmEnt

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Filipina nurse stars in US reality Jana Agoncillo shines as Ningning show on arranged marriages by

Kane errol Choa Philstar.com

SILVER SPRING, Maryland—A Filipina is featured in the reality show “Married By Mom and Dad.” “Married By Mom and Dad,” is a modern take on voluntary arranged marriages, based on old school tradition and real world success. Four singles who have been unable to find love in the world of modern dating, have now agreed to put their future into the hands of their parents.

When the modern ways of dating don’t work, the four singles go to the two people who know them best—their parents—in hopes of finding their soul mates and walking down the aisle.

Viewers will follow each mom and dad through the process of meeting and vetting the potential future spouses and watch their kids meet their life partners for the first time. But the real work begins as the couples get to know what they like, dislike, and everything in between.

The four singles searching for wedded bliss are: Marivic Febiar (Valley Cottage, New York)–Marivic is outgoing,

Marivic Febiar of Valley Cottage, New York, with mom, Edna, and dad, Manuel.

opinionated, fun-loving and very single. A 34-year-old full-time nurse, she lives with her parents outside of New York City. She’s asked her traditional, Filipino parents to date on her behalf and choose the man that is right for her.

Mitch Sargent (Los Angeles)–a 30-year-old certified level II sommelier and full-time wine salesman, Mitch has had a hard time meeting the perfect girl in the L.A. dating scene. He wants the love and stability marriage can bring.

John Coultrip (Denver, Colorado)–John has had a good time casually dating, but he recently turned 31 and is ready to find his perfect match.

Christina Rollyson (Charleston, South Carolina)–Christina recently moved from her hometown of Charleston, West Virginia, to Charleston, South Carolina, to start her own travel agency and has had a hard time dating due to her long work hours. But the 33-year-old is finally ready to settle down and devote her time to finding love. (Inquirer.net)

Janine Guetierrez ‘happy’ over boyfriend Elmo Magalona’s move to ABS-CBN by

JoyCe Jimenez Philstar.com

MANILA—Janine Gutierrez is giving her full support to boyfriend Elmo Magalona who just transferred from GMA-7 to ABSCBN. “I’m happy for him,” she replied when asked to react on Elmo’s transfer, in an interview. “Siyempre alam ko how much he wanted to work and masaya ko makita gaano siya ka-excited sa trabahong ginagawa niya ngayon. Happy naman ako para sa kanya kaya susuporta ako sa kanya.”

Although she admitted feeling a bit sad that she won’t be able to work with him anymore in TV series.

They’ve worked together in the GMA TV series “Villa Quintana” in 2013 where their relationship started, and was followed by the recently defunct show “More Than Words.”

“Siyempre may konting lungkot din kasi hindi ko na siya maka-

EMPLOYMENT

Janine Guetirrez gives full support to boyfriend Elmo Magalona’s decision to move to ABS-CBN.

kasama sa teleserye. Pero totoo naman na masaya ako para sa kanya,” she said.

Janine also said that she’s not worried about their relationship even if Elmo will be paired with different leading ladies.

He’ll soon be paired with Janella Salvador for the upcoming ABSCBN TV series “Born for You.” “Ako hindi naman po ako natatakot kasi work is work,” she explained. “Kasi hindi naman kami together dahil magkatrabaho kami, do’n lang kaami nagkakilala.

I’m not worried right now kasi alam ko naman na ang priority talaga

niya ngayon ay work.”

“Supportive rin siya sa mga projects ko last time, so susuportahan ko rin siya sa mga bago niyang projects,” she added.

One of the projects that Janine’s talking about is the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Buy Now, Die Later.” The horror-comedy film also serves as her launching film.

Although nervous, Janine said “I’m excited kasi iba na naman po ito sa mga usually ginagawa ko sa TV.” She’ll star with Vhong Navarro, Alex Gonzaga, John “Sweet” Lapus and TJ Trinidad.

EMPLOYMENT

She has wit, she has talent and she is just six years old.

Kapamilya child actress Jana Agoncillo has already starred in two teleseryes and her “Ningning” director, Jeffrey Jeturian, believes that she has everything it takes to be the next child star sensation.

“Jana is a director’s dream actor. On top of her talent and good attitude, the kid oozes with charm and charisma,” said direk Jeffrey. “She doesn’t have tantrums. The kid is a natural actress. She obviously loves what she’s doing.”

Before bagging the titular role of the ABS-CBN daytime series Ningning, Jana was first introduced as the charming girl named Baby in the top-rating drama series “Dream Dad,” which was also directed by Jeffrey.

As young and little as she is, Jana has already proven that she has the personality, talent and guts to wow and touch the hearts of TV viewers.

“She reports to the set with lines memorized. She even corrects her co-actors when they bungle their lines. She knows her units, her markers, her nuances and appropriate reactions,” revealed direk Jeffrey.

According to him, what differentiates Jana from other child actors is that she takes instructions easily.

“I’ll just tell her the point of the scene, her blocking and she easily understands and remembers. Her performance is consistent regardless of the number of takes per scene,” he said.

When asked how she is able to do her role effectively, Jana admitted that aside from direk Jeffrey, it is her dad who helps her become a good actress.

“My Daddy is the one who teaches me the emotions for every scene. He explains it to me

Kapamilya child actress Jana Agoncillo has already starred in two teleseryes and her Ningning director, Jeffrey Jeturian, believes that she has everything it takes to be the next child star sensation.

clearly so I’ll understand and be able to show what my character is feeling, especially when there are scenes where I need to cry,” she shared.

“It was not in our plan for her to be an actress, but we saw how much she likes and enjoys what she’s doing so we supported her,” shared Jana’s Mommy Peachy.

While a lot has changed in her life ever since her career kicked off, Jana said that nothing much has changed about her.

“People began to know who I am when I became an artist, but I don’t think that I changed because my mom always reminds me to be simple and humble,” she said.

In fact, Jana is still continuing her studies as a grade one student at Palanan Elementary School in Makati City.

“My schedule is arranged so I can go to tapings but still attend my classes. I usually spend the mornings of my weekends playing, so Mommy and I can review my lessons in the afternoon,” Jana shared.

“As parents, we always make sure that she doesn’t lose interest in school by reminding her how

Ian Veneracion ‘enjoying the ride’ of love...

PAGE B3

and Amor.

Now, they’re part of the Star Cinema 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival entry “All You Need is Pag-ibig.”

Aside from his successful team up with Jodi, what amazes him more is when girls still get affected by his “charm.”

“Natatawa ako,” he said about

having girls having a “crush” on him. “I’m just enjoying the ride.

Kasi you have projects that everyone notice and some projects that no one knows about.”

“Pero I’ve been in the show business long enough to know I shouldn’t take things personally,” he added.

He’s just thankful that his wife Pam is very supportive of his

PSYCHIC

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important it is. I always coordinate with her teachers so I can teach her lessons in advance,” explained Mommy Peachy.

During her past time, Jana opts to play with the classic children’s toy “lutu-lutuan,” unlike most kids today who choose to play with high-tech gadgets.

“I used to dream of becoming a teacher or a policewoman, but now, I want to become a chef because of my toys,” Jana said in jest.

She shared, however, that she dreams to become like her idol Kim Chiu someday, after working with her briefly in the teleserye Ikaw Lamang. She played the young KC Concepcion in the series.

But behind the fame, limelight and the glamor of showbiz, Jana has truly imbibed the positivity and good values that her characters Baby and Ningning have taught her.

“I am very thankful for all the blessings that I have received.

My only wish is for me and my family to have good health, and for us to be always together,” she shared.

career and doesn’t get affected by his roles.

“She knows how professional I am when it comes to work,” he said. “So alam ng wife ko ‘yon and kilala niya rin si Jodi, she knows how professional she is.”

“All You Need is Pag-ibig” also stars Kris Aquino, Kim Chiu, Xian Lim, Pokwang, Nova Villa and Bimby Aquino-Yap.

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

Your Immigration Solution

Features

process the submission. In effect, the government cannot simply let an application or petition languish – the government must make a decision within a reasonable period of time. USCIS posts its normal processing time on its official website. These processing times typically state how many months it is currently taking to process various petitions and applications at its numerous offices. When a petition or an application is pending beyond its posted processing time, it is appropriate to consider additional action, including a lawsuit in federal court.

Unreasonable delays and erroneous actions by the US government are nothing new.

In fact, Congress passed the administrative Procedure act (aPa) in 1946 to deal with these same problems. This act was specially designed as a “bill of rights” for individuals who have been aggrieved by certain conduct by the government.

Many individuals seeking an immigration benefit in the United States encounter inexplicably long delays in receiving a final decision on a pending application or petition. Too often, individuals who find themselves experiencing such a delay are frustrated and uncertain as to what, if anything, can be done to pry loose their case and get a decision. Many simply resign themselves to waiting for the government to act. However, there are options beyond simply waiting indefinitely. One such option is to sue the government in the United States District Court (USDC) aka federal court. not all petitions and applications for immigration benefits in the United States are processed

Health@Heart

Aspirin daily: Safe or risky?

PhiliP s. chuA, MD, FAcs, FPcs My column on “aspirin, the Wonder Drug,” came out in 2002, when this common household item was in the spotlight for some time for its new role in staving off a heart attack, medically termed acute myocardial infarction (the killer, acute MI). In 1962, a year after I graduated from medical school, my 46-year-old father succumbed to a heart attack, and at that time, the medical community did not even have a clue that aspirin was useful in lowering the risk of acute MI and that taking aspirin immediately when chest pains developed was a prudent thing to do as one prepared to go to the emergency room. Today, this is all “common knowledge,” especially in this wonderful age of the Internet, where Dr. Google is on-call 24/7. a study involving 11,000 people in the United Kingdom is underway to find out if aspirin could really reduce the recurrence rate for cancers, or even prevent cancer as suggested by preliminary data. For more

B

Ending the long wait: Suing the government when it fails to act timely in the same fashion. Some petitions or applications require interviews. and no decision is made until all the applicant’s files are located and given to the adjudicating officer. as a result, some cases will naturally take longer than others. However, that does not mean that United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) has carte blanche to take as long as it sees fit to process a request for a benefit. Ultimately, there comes a point in time when a petition or application has simply been pending too long. and while administrative means exist to follow-up a pending matter with USCIS, often such action yields little or no results. It is at this point in time when an individual should consider exercising his or her rights in federal court.

When an individual files a petition or an application for an immigration benefit, there is an expectation and a requirement that the government will timely

Atty. RobeRt Reeves NANcy e. MilleR GReGoRy J. boult

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • dEcEmbER 10-16, 2015

than 4 decades, this popular and cheap pill has been used, not only as antipyretic (against fever), analgesic (for pain), and anti-inflammatory (against arthritis), but also to prevent inflammation in the veins in the pelvis and legs (phlebitis) and resultant blood clots (thrombophlebitis) in the legs which could travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolus) and cause death. Here, aspirin acts as a mild blood thinner.

But, since drugs -- almost without exceptions -- have “natural” side-effects, does aspirin have any?

What is aspirin? aspirin (medically known as acetylsalicylic acid) is a common household medication for pain (analgesic), fever (antipyretic), and inflammation (anti-inflammatory). This “simple” and inexpensive drug is so much underrated and practically taken for granted. aspirin is really a versatile drug, with a lot of uses, much more than the lay public realizes.

How was aspirin discovered?

In 1827, Henri Leroux of France first came upon salicin, an active ingredient in the willow bark, and in 1838, Raffaele Piria produced salicylic acid

from salicin. In 1899, Heinrich Dreser introduced acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) into medicine. This has been in popular use since then, with about 20 tons used annually today in the United States alone. More than 100 million standard aspirin pills are produced every year, globally. The enteric-coated form is preferred to minimize gastric irritation.

How is aspirin versatile?

Besides being used as an analgesic for pain of various causes (headaches, body aches, arthritis, dysmenorrhea, neuralgia,gout, etc), and for febrile states, aspirin is also useful in the treatment of rheumatic disease, and as an antiplatelet (to thin the blood and prevent blood clots) in coronary (heart) artery and in the deep veins in the legs and pelvis, as we stated above. There have also been articles written in the medical literature postulating reduction in the risk of ovarian cancer by 20% and also lowers the risk for colorectal cancer, as reported in the Journal of national Cancer Institute. Many physicians themselves and patients today take low-dose aspirin (baby aspirin or 81 mg.) daily to reduce the chances PAGE B7

Specifically, the aPa entitles individuals to sue the government when it unlawfully withholds action or when it unreasonably delays action. as an agency of the government, USCIS can be sued by an individual when it unlawfully withholds action, or unreasonably delays action, in rendering a decision on an individual’s pending petition or application.

In addition to suing the government under the aPa, an individual can also seek to compel the government to act upon an unreasonably delayed petition or application through a lawsuit for a Writ of Mandamus. When filing a Writ of Mandamus in federal court, an individual must establish a clear and certain claim, an administrative duty which is plainly prescribed, and establish that no other administrative remedy through governmental process is available. In most instances this legal standard is met by showing the unreasonable delay by USCIS. While a Writ of Mandamus is a separate

and distinct legal action from one undertaken under the aPa, the result sought in both of these types of actions is identical - to compel the government to act when it has failed to do so in a reasonable period of time.

Unfortunately, too many individuals who are victims of unreasonable delays by the government are unaware of their rights or afraid to exercise them. However, prompt action can save months or even years of unnecessary waiting. Filing a US District Court action for relief under the aPa or a complaint for a Writ of Mandamus are both very effective in compelling USCIS to act on an unreasonably delayed petition or application.

It is important to note that neither an action under the administrative Procedures act nor a Writ of Mandamus orders USCIS to make a specific decision.

The US District Court Judge orders the USCIS to make a decision. That in itself is beneficial because, even if the decision is

Calendar of Events across

not positive, the applicant may be able to appeal it or renew it in another venue. an action seeking that the federal court Judge order USCIS to make a specific decision is called a complaint for declaratory relief.

Some delay is a normal part of the process when dealing with the federal government but inordinate delays are not. an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney can help get your case “unstuck”. *** Atty. Reeves has represented clients in numerous landmark immigration cases that have set new policies regarding INS action and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City.

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

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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.

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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.

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JASHS (Binondo) Alumni Christmas Party Jose Abad Santos High School (Binondo) USA Alumni Association will hold its 2015 Christmas Party at 6:00pm on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, at the Mayflower Seafood Restaurant (679 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012). Please contact Val Abelgas val.abelgas@aol. com for more information.

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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.

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PUP/PCC to hold 1st Global Reunion

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

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

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

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA “REMEMBER the Wonder” was a catchy TV ad slogan from Wonder Bread before it abandoned California for another state. But the phrase can very well be used to refer to the true season of wonder — CHRISTMAS. December days and nights seem to slip from our grasp like fine grains of sand. The hours seem to hurtle through the day as we complete a year’s cycle and move on to the next.

Many of us, particularly the women, try in earnest to mesh the unusually heavy demands of the roles we play in our lives specially this season. If we get completely sidetracked by the minutiae and the methodology, the expenses and the endless activities of what constitutes Christmas, we are more than likely to morph into the likes of Ebenezer Scrooge and be tempted to say “Bah, humbug!”

But unlike the tightwad Scrooge, the cost of doing Christmas has little to do with it. More than likely, the heaviness and drudgery that we seem to associate with this season have a lot to do with the failure to find that somewhat elusive sense of real joy that this season can bring in abundance to those who are open to it.

Sure, we can go through the motions of Christmas activities, shopping, baking, decorating, partying, drinking and binging. And yet, very often even if we diligently check off all the things in our list, something remains amiss. We just don’t have that Christmas feeling.

At the risk of sounding redundant, the spirit of the season is like a butterfly. If you keep mindlessly trashing about in endless activities, it will elude you but if you sit very still, that Christmas feeling might simply alight on you. Be still and soak in the sight, sounds and smells of the season.

One trick I have learned is to simplify and not try to take on too much of anything, and

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Once more with feeling …

Remembering the Wonder “Love your life but without conceit.

It is simply on loan to you.” that includes refraining to max out my credit cards, no matter how infinitely tempting it is to rush out and join the shopping madness. Each day of the season, count at least one blessing that you may have taken for granted — like your family, dysfunctional or imperfect the members may be, including yourself, we are all we’ve got.

To borrow from a song, “Love the one you’re with.” That means stop looking elsewhere.

The internet has proven to be a minefield of dashed hopes and dreams. For the most part, it is definitely not the place to find what you think is missing in your life.

If you still have relatively good health and do not have to depend on a cocktail of drugs to get you through the day, REJOICE AND BE GLAD! Many wealthy yet ailing people longing to live a bit longer, will trade places with you in a heartbeat. TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED. Love your life but without conceit. It is simply on loan to you. Treasure the hours. Forcibly yank out just an hour each day to sit in the silence during this season to take the time to smell the coffee, steep the tea or quaff the cocoa in a quiet spot, free of the interruptions of all those annoying electronic beeps.

Unless your job entails spelling the difference between life and death, cut off your electronic leash, at least for just an hour. Who said you have to be on call all the time? That hour you gift yourself with is yours to savor and JUST BE. That hour might very well help you to remember the wonder — to get back that gift of amazement we once had when we were children, before we became jaded, cynical souls.

Lest we forget, CHRIST IS STILL THE REASON FOR THE SEASON. Pay no attention to the godless fools who

would like to delete Christ from the season. The strongest evidence of Christ living in our hearts during this season is an inner glow and outward manifestation of joy that wells within, overflows and like a heaven-sent viral infection affects those we work and live with within the orbit of our existence.

Sorrow, pain and disappointment, heartache and heartbreak in spades — we will always have. They have a place in the general scheme of things. They work like a sculptor’s tool kit that shapes and molds the structure of resilient souls that can weather all seasons.

But just for this season, BELIEVE that you are allowed to get a moratorium from all that.

This season is filled with awesome wonders and all it takes is to open our eyes, sharpen our senses and soak them all in. We have become inured to the possibilities of joy each moment brings. Conditioned by years of mundane repetition, we have lost the magic and instinctive sense of wonder we were born with.

We went through the motions of getting an education, raising a family, earning a living, running a business, working ceaselessly, it seems till we drop down dead or until Social Security says we can stop, (whichever comes first), sleeping and doing the same things all over again at daybreak.

Routine and predictability though calming and reassuring, can numb the soul over time. Don’t let that happen.

Take heart. This season, as God intended it to be, will always be a joyful reminder of what truly matters in life. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

End your holiday parties in style with fireworks

By Monet

Lu

‘TIS the season to be jolly!

Christmas songs are heard everywhere, holiday parties held everyday, homes decorated with lovely and colorful accents, snowmen, Santa Claus and mistletoes.

People decorate their Christmas trees, deciding whether they should go with white or green.

And how can I forget the holiday parties? They are basically what I look forward to this season! The most creative Christmas parties are being thrown at this time of the year. And I am just so thrilled to go to the best ones.

If you are working on the theme for your next Christmas party, you may take heed of my tips below.

As holiday party season comes in full swing, think: what better way to host a party but with an amazingly grand finale. Not to spoil your party mood but the point is, that the end of the party should be as spectacular, if not even rander, than as its start. As prose writer Baltazar Gracian once said, “What matters isn’t being applauded when you arrive - for that is common - but being missed when you leave.” Contrary to popular belief, “exits” are as important, and sometimes even more memorable than entrances.

Which is why, and as party enthusiasts say, “the end of the party (or leaving) should be a defining moment.”

There are a number of ways to end a party. Some people conclude it with a prayer or a speech; some officially announce it while others just let people leave any time during the party – which practically tells us how the party went and why it should come to an end. Great parties do not end when the last person calls it a night. In fact it is quite the opposite because contrary to what our not-so -awesome selves may have been used to, the end should be announced while everybody is still at the party. Now this doesn’t mean you have the right to be rude and drive them away. What it means is that while the ball is rolling, you seize the moment to capture their attention, and stage your prestigious grand finale (and

get ready to be famous for hosting the most amazing party ever) by ending it with a bang – and I mean that literally – and yes, you guessed it: Fireworks!

Fireworks are definitely the best way to end a party and make a lasting impression (and not a bad one at that). You can choose among a variety of momentumgrabbing pyro-magic. The most commonly used and a real crowd pleaser are fountains. Fountains are those usually cone-shaped ones that sit on the ground and release showers of colorful sparks upwards. Its incredibly luminous spark will surely brighten both your party and your guests’ faces.

Another crowd favorite and one of the most popular types are the multi- cakes. They are basically everything you love about a firework show, all stacked up in one place. Multi-cakes produce a variety of effects in long durations, which make them a total crowd favorite. So if you are into that laidback and savor- the- moment type of endings, go ahead, light that fuse and enjoy the show. Prepare to be mesmerized by your own party ending, as this will definitely be one of your most memorable one. And as soon as those beautiful sparks shoot up high in the air, you can kiss “boring party endings” goodbye because this one will definitely be the talk of the town.

There is a plethora of different

fireworks to choose from. You can go from roman candles and sparklers to sound shells and barrages.

You may also choose to light them up individually or orchestrate a mixture of different fireworks for an “all- spark” cast.

Now, don’t be intimidated thinking this might cost a fortune, because it doesn’t. Besides, pulling up a kind of show like this is definitely worth it. My advice is first, know where to get it, and find the best ones – quality and cost considered. Some offer discounts and packages, as well as fireworks that are on sale.

So to my readers and my partyloving friends, I suggest you start planning your parties and not worry about ending with blah…

Fireworks are here to save the day! In fact, after this party, you may have to be ready to host next year’s party again. Just be sure to invite me. Happy Holidays! *** 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

"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

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

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St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Church Las Vegas ‘Simbang Gabi’ Celebration ST. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church is one of the twelve different parishes in the Las Vegas Valley that will celebrate Las Vegas’ “Simbang Gabi” 2015 advent mass.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish is scheduled to hold a concelebrated Simbang Gabi mass on Monday, December 21, 2015 at 6:00 pm.

“Simbang Gabi”, or “Misa De Gallo” is a Philippine religious tradition of celebrating Advent with evening or early morning masses to heighten the coming of the birth of our savior, Jesus

Christ.

After the mass, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish will host a reception and fellowship at the Parish Hall. Filipino dishes and desserts will be served. A program full of carols reminiscent of the Philippine celebration will be rendered by choirs and its highlight is the traditional “caroling” number that will feature children that will serenade the audience to warm hearts.

The parish hall will be decorated with colorful Philippine lanterns or “ parol” and array of lights to capture the festive

Philippine Christmas mood that Filipinos in the United States miss.

Filipino Catholics and their families all over the Las Vegas Diocese are most welcome to attend. It is a time when everyone can gather to celebrate and witness the coming together of all Filipinos at this much-awaited time of the year.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Church is located at 1811 Pueblo Vista Dr., Las Vegas NV, 89128. Please call the Parish office at (702)-228-8311 for more information.

Aspirin daily: Safe or...

PAGE B3 of getting a heart attack and stroke by its anti-platelet (blood thinning) action by blocking the production of a prostaglandin called thromboxane. It is believed that the drug produces the analgesic/anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of pain-producing chemicals called prostaglandins.

Are there other known uses for aspirin?

Aspirin has also been used with success in the treatment of children with Bartter’s Syndrome, and also in enhancing the closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus, an abnormal connection between the aorta (main artery connected to the heart) and the pulmonary artery (to the lungs) in the newborn. If the PDA does not close normally, surgery may be needed to ligate it (close with sutures) before the child starts school.

There are also studies that suggest regular aspirin use increases the chances of conception and a successful pregnancy, among those women who have had dilemma in getting pregnant or having miscarriages or stillbirths.

How does aspirin reduce r i s k f o r h e a rt a t t a c k a n d stroke?

Aspirin, as we stated earlier, thins the blood by preventing platelet aggregation. Platelets are blood component that plays a role in blood thickening or clot formation. When they aggregate (clump together) blood thickens and clots form. Clots tend to clog arteries and veins.

When arteries to the heart (coronary) get severely blocked by clots, heart attack occurs, and when this clogging happens to the arteries to the brain, stroke happens. As simple as aspirin, this wonder drug plays a very vital role in these conditions, together with a change in lifestyle (no smoking, low carb/cholesterol diet, regular exercises, etc.) to maintain a thinner blood condition.

Is aspirin safe for children?

Pediatricians all over the world have, for almost 5 decades, discontinued prescribing aspirin for children for pain and fever, because aspirin has been implicated in the occurrence of Reye’s Syndrome in children following a viral (upper respiratory or gastrointestinal) infection, which syndrome could be fatal. For fever or pain, physicians now prefer to prescribe acetaminophen (like Tylenol) or Ibuprofen, but for some specific illnesses (like Kawasaki Disease, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc.) aspirin is still being used effectively by Pediatricians.

What are the side-effects of aspirin?

Besides Reye’s Syndrome in children, allergy (especially those with asthma), life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding, long-term intake of aspirin (for arthritis or any condition, or even for prevention of cardiovascular diseases), have also shown that it increases the risk for the development “agerelated” macular degeneration,

the major cause of blindness in older adults. Taking aspirin also raises the bleeding risk of those on blood thinners, like warfarin (Coumadin), dabigatran, apixaban, and on food supplements like evening primrose oil and fish oil. Minor side-effects include headache (believe it or not), bruising, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus (ringing in the ear).

In spite of all this, the new guidelines issued by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) “recommend daily low-dose aspirin for heart attack and stroke prevention for individuals aged 50-59 who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease.”

“Taking aspirin every day will increase your chance of survival against serious diseases; this is clear-cut, and aspirin is cheap and effective,” says Peter Elwood, professor of epidemiology at the UK’s University of Wales.

Before embarking on an aspirin therapy, consult your attending physician. *** 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

AMERICAN TOUR. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin and Gemma Ver (PMA Class 1970) stop by at Joy’s Restaurant Buffet during their American tour. The couple was joined by Mr. and Mrs. Rodolfo and Nora Ruelos (PMA Class 1967) and Vangie, the owner of Joy’s Restaurant.

Julia and Miles battle for love and family in new series THE ultimate fight for love and family begins as “And I Love You So,” starring Julia Barretto and Miles Ocampo, premiered on Monday, Dec. 7 at ABS-CBN. The latest offering from the network and Dreamscape Entertainment Television revolves around the lives of Trixie (Julia) and Joanna (Miles), who will find themselves pitted against each other in everything they want. They become bitter rivals in school and even in love when they fall for the same guy, Internet sensation Justin (Iñigo Pascual).

At the show’s press conference this week, Julia talked about her role and said, “I love my role kasi gusto ko ‘yong may pinangagalingan siya. Ang pagiging kontra bida ko dito hindi lang dahil gusto niyang maging masama, mayro’n siyang pinanggagalingan.”

“Si Trixie at si Julia, they’re both misunderstood. Hindi nila maintindihan bakit siya ganon, hindi nila maintindihan bakit ganon si Trixie,” she added.

The characters’ rivalry intensifies and becomes more complicated when they are forced to live under one roof as stepsisters.

Joanna’s mother Michelle (Dimples Romana) and Trixie’s father Alfonso (Tonton Gutierrez)—unexpectedly meet again.

After years of being separated from each other, Alfonso takes

Miles Ocampo and Julia Barretto

his chance to ask Michelle—her true love—to marry him amidst the disapproval of Trixie.

But as they start to live their lives anew as one family, Katrina (Angel Aquino), Trixie’s mother and Alfonso’s first wife, returns after having abandoned both of them years ago without explanation.

Now that she’s back, Katrina is determined to win back everything Michelle took away from her: her husband, her daughter,

and her wealth.

For her part, Miles is thankful that she has finally been given her first major role in a TV series.

She said, “Sobrang thankful ako sa Dreamscape, kay sir Deo Endrinal, sa trust na binigay nila sa malaking proyektong ito.”

Will Trixie and Joanna learn to accept their new family and treat each as sisters, or will their rivalry destroy their only chance at having a complete and loving family?

(ManilaTimes.net)

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