Las Vegas Edition -- December 24 -- 30, 2015

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ALLYSON ESCOBAR AJPress

“I WANT to show the world – the universe, rather – that I am confidently beautiful, with a heart.� Those were the words of Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, 26, who took home the crown for Miss

Universe 2015 on live television Sunday, Dec. 20 at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. “To be a Miss Universe is both an honor and a responsibility. I will use my voice to influence the youth and to raise awareness to certain causes,

USA

DATELINE Clinton, Sanders, O’Malley take stage in final 2015 Democratic presidential debate FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS SS AMERIC MERICA RICA

like HIV awareness, that is timely and relevant to my country which is the Philippines,� she said, during the final question-and-answer portion of the night. In true beauty pageant fashion, the final crowning did not go without G8>< 8)

Binay regains lead in latest Pulse Asia presidential poll by ARIES JOSEPH

Inquirer.net

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VICE President Jejomar Binay has trumped former presidential preference poll frontrunners Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Grace Poe to become the leading can-

SIX days before Christmas, the three Democratic presidential candidates faced off in New Hampshire for the final Democratic presidential debate of 2015 and of offered their opinions on issues such as terrorism, gun control, healthcare and foreign policy. Hosted by ABC, the two-and-a-half hour debate took place Saturday, Dec. 19, in New Hampshire where Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders holds the lead, despite former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s significant national lead. Former Maryland Gov. M`Z\ Gi\j% A\afdXi 9`eXp G8>< 8*

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didate to succeed President Benigno Aquino III in 2016, the results of the latest Pulse Asia survey revealed. The survey, which was conducted from December 4 to 11 with 1,800 respondents nationwide, revealed that 33 percent of respondents would vote for Binay. “If the May 2016 elections were held during the survey period, 33 percent of Filipinos would elect Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay as the country’s next president. Two T candidates find themselves sharing second place – Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte (23 percent) and Senator Grace S. Poe (21 percent),� Pulse Asia said. Binay topped the poll among respondents in the National Capital Region (30 percent), Balance Luzon (34 percent) and Visayas (34 percent). Duterte got the votes of Mindanao G8>< 8*

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First Filipino to get Thousands of OFWs arrive in PH for Christmas Duterte-Marcos Pearl Harbor attack R S is the new ‘AlDuB’ I G I news dies in California by

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CARSON, Calif.—The first Filipino to receive the cablegram message about the Japanese Imperial Forces’ attack on the US Naval Base on Pearl Harbor on December 7, G8>< 8)

UDY ANTOS Philstar.com

MANILA—The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are busy coping with the arrival of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), including those from Afghanistan, in time for the traditionally joyous Christmas and New Year celebrations. Many of the OFWs in Afghanistan were earlier hesitant to come home this season after the Philippine

Fatal crash on Las Vegas Strip leaves dozens injured

Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) issued a work or OFW-deployment ban on the country, according to Manny Geslani, spokesman for the Samahang Pilipino in Afghanistan (SPA). Geslani added that the OFWs had second thoughts because they may not be able to go back to work if the ban continues. At the terminals, many returning OFWs are seen filling up the arrival and DXep i\klie`e^ F=Nj Xi\ j\\e Ôcc`e^ lg k_\ Xii`mXc Xi\Xj f] E8@8 k\id`eXcj% @ehl`i\i%e\k g_fkf G8>< 8*

Hit-and-run suspect was honored for turning her life around by

ALLYSON ESCOBAR AJPress

LAKEISHA Holloway, the 24year-old woman accused of deliberately driving onto a packed sidewalk several times through a crowd of pedestrians along the Las Vegas Strip on Sunday, Dec. 20, was publicly honored for turning her life around from homelessness to a government job. “Boy, have I come a long ways,� Holloway says in a 2012 video by the Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center, which helps at-risk youth with

education and career training, according to CNN. “I was a scared little girl who knew that there was more to life outside of crime, drug addiction, lower income, alcoholism, being undereducated--all of which I grew up being familiar with.� Everything changed on the night of Dec. 20, when police reported a fatal incident on Las Vegas Boulevard, steps away from the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino where the 2015 Miss Universe pageant was taking place before a live audience. G8>< 8)

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by ZA

ABRIELLE GLESIAS ManilaTiames.net

LABOR OR groups and people supportive of the candidacy of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday, Dec. 19, said they have repackaged the tandem as “Team AlDuB.� A take from the phenomenal noontime show love team between Alden Richards and Maine “Yaya Dub� Mendoza, popularly known as “AlDub,� the political “AlDuB� refers to Alyansang Duterte-Bongbong. Bongbong is Marcos’ nickname. Duterte, the feisty mayor whose certifiG8>< 8*

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drama and a surprise ending when show host Steve Harvey, a comedian and talk show personality, accidentally announced Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez ArĂŠvalo as the winner, but backtracked a few moments later to proclaim Wurtzbach as the true Miss Universe. “I have to apologize,â€? Harvey said on live television, as a tearful Miss Colombia smiles and flashes her crown. “The first runner-up is Colombia. Miss Universe 2015 is‌Philippines.â€? The cameras showed the speechless, stunned face of Wurtzbach, who was standing towards the back with the other top third finalist, Miss USA Olivia Jordan from Oklahoma. Wurtzbach hesitantly came forward to be crowned, while Harvey apologized again and told the Filipina-German actress and model to take her first walk as the new Miss Universe. “I will take full responsibility for this. It was my mistake. It was on the card,â€? Harvey immediately said, flashing the card onscreen as the show’s credits began to roll. “Horrible mistake, but the right thing. I could show it to you right here. Please don’t hold it against the ladies‌it was still a great night.â€? Fellow Colombian Paulina Vega, last year’s winner, had no choice but to awkwardly uncrown ArĂŠvalo and hand the title over to Miss Philippines, who was dressed in a stunning blue evening gown by Filipino designer Albert Andrada. “I’d like to apologize wholeheartedly to Miss Colombia and Miss Philippines for my huge mistake. I feel terrible,â€? Harvey tweeted not long after the show. “Secondly, I’d like to apologize to the viewers at that I disappointed as well. Again it was an honest mistake. I don’t want to take away from this amazing night and pageant. As well as the wonderful contestants. They were all amazing.â€?

The public was in a laughable uproar after Harvey’s original tweet – “I want to apologize emphatically to Miss Philippians and Miss Columbiaâ€? – misspelling both countries’ names was swiftly deleted. The official Miss Universe Twitter account also released a statement, calling the incident a direct result of “human error,â€? and apologized to each contestant, their families, and fans. “The excitement of live TV was evident tonight on The Miss Universe stage with over 10 million live fan votes tabulated. Unfortunately, a live telecast means that human error can come into play. We witnessed that tonight when the wrong winner was initially announced.â€? “Everything happens for a reason,â€? said Arevalo in a video message later posted by the Miss Universe account. “I’m happy for all what I did to [reach] this dream.â€? At a post-pageant press conference, Wurtzbach shared her sentiments about the crowning. “I felt calm when I was called first runner-up, because I felt like it was fate. But when they announced that I was Miss Universe, I had mixed emotions. I was happy because I really wanted to win, but felt sad for Miss Colombia,â€? she said, according to Inquirer. “I was confused,â€? she told Entertainment Tonight. “I wasn’t sure what was going on.â€? Pia said she even tried to reach out to Miss Colombia after the show, to apologize, but “I couldn’t get near her, as she was surrounded by the Latin American contestants. She was crying and then there was a crowd around her, the girls who were comforting her. I was actually very close to her already, but I decided that maybe it was bad timing to do it now--to apologize to her for what happened. So maybe I’ll do that in the future.â€? “I won Miss Universe based on the judges’ vote‌it’s not as if

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I took the crown from her,â€? she added. “I had to ask [them] many times, ‘Did I really win? Am I really Miss Universe? Are you going to take the crown from me now?’ And they said, ‘No, you’re really the winner.’â€? “It’s a very non-traditional crowning moment, isn’t it? Very‌2015,â€? Wurtzbach later said, laughing. The 26-year-old Wurtzbach was born in Stuttgart, a large city in southwest Germany, and grew up in Cagayan de Oro. She attended secondary school in Quezon City, as well as culinary arts school in Metro Manila, and speaks Tagalog, English, and German. She appeared in several TV and film roles under Star Magic Talent, going by the stage name Pia Romero. Known for her determination and strong personality, Wurtzbach has been training for beauty pageants since late 2012. She competed in several competitions including Binibining Pilipinas and Miss Universe-Philippines, winning the title as successor of Mary Jean Lastimosa. After three tries at the Binibining Pilipinas crown, Pia also hoped that her fans worldwide can learn from her story. “Wow, what an honor it is to represent our country in the most prestigious pageant ever. This may very well be the highlight of my life. Absolutely no regrets,â€? she said in an earlier Instagram post, the night before the big show. “Of course most importantly, I hope I inspired you. Never give up on your dreams and believe that dreams do come true! Walang susuko! Ang Pilipino, palaban (No giving up! The Filipino is a fighter),â€? she wrote, according to Rappler. The following day after her win, the pageant queen posted a stunning photo with her crown and sash, with the caption: “42 years of drought and now it finally reigns. Mabuhay! Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat!â€? When asked by Harvey about US military presence in her home country, Wurtzbach gracefully responded, “I think that the United States and the Philippines has have always had a good relationship with each other. We were colonized by the Americans and we have their culture and our traditions even up to this day, and I think that we’re very welcoming with the Americans. And I don’t see any problem with that at all.â€? Filipinos react, Colombia in uproar On the Internet, the announcement was met with mixed reactions: shock, anger, excitement, and an abundance of humorous memes. “Our Miss Philippines didn’t get her shining moment,â€? a fan said on Facebook. “It feels like she and our country were robbed of the winning moment, G8>< 8+

Fatal crash on Las Vegas Strip leaves... G8>< 8(

The crash left one person dead, identified as 32-year-old Jessica Valenzuela. Dozens (at least 35 people) were reported injured, with multiple persons in critical condition. “The videos obviously show intention,� said Nevada Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo in a press conference on Dec. 21. Videos from bystanders show Holloway driving her 1996 Oldsmobile sedan into the sidewalk, smashing into pedestrians, some of whom fought back by jumping onto the car. Holloway drove off from the scene and parked at a nearby hotel, the Tuscany Suites and Casino, before speaking with the valet/a security officer, admitting what she had done and telling them to call the police. A 3-year-old toddler was discovered in the back seat, apparently Holloway’s daughter. The child was in good condition and is now under the care of child services, Lombardo said. Metro Police Deputy Chief Brett Zimmerman denied initial reports that suggested the involvement of gunshots. “The preliminary investigation indicates [Holloway] jumped the curb just south of Paris Hotel, striking numerous pedestrians, before continuing north on Las Vegas Boulevard. The vehicle hit pedestrians in two separate locations—just before Paris and then in front of Paris,� Zimmerman said. Holloway will be charged with murder with a deadly weapon (her car) and other charges related to the incident, which occurred at 6:38 pm on Sunday evening, reported USA Today. She also faces charges of leaving the scene of the accident, as well as child abuse or neglect. Charges could be filed as early as Tuesday [Dec. 22], said Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson. Holloway is being held without bail at Clark County Detention Center. In the arrest report, Holloway said she lived in Oregon and had been visiting Las Vegas for about a week, apparently living out of

her car and parking it at garages throughout the city. After her arrest, Holloway told police she was in a “stressful period� that day, “where she was trying to rest/ sleep inside her vehicle with her daughter, but kept getting run off by security of the properties she stopped at.� “She ended up on the Strip, ‘a place she did not want to be,’� the report quotes Holloway as saying. “She would not explain why she drove onto the sidewalk but remembered a body bounding off her windshield, breaking it.� “We are treating this as an intentional act,� said Metro Police homicide Lt. Dan McGrath, according to the Las Vegas Sun. Lombardo said Monday that he did not believe the incident was terrorism-related, but the department is “still working through it. We are not 100% ruling out the possibility of terrorism.� Investigators said Holloway had run out of money and that she and her daughter had been living in the car. They believed she was headed to Dallas to find her daughter’s father after they had a falling out. However, a family representative said that Holloway was not homeless, had a job, and came from a loving family. The representative declined to comment on what could have prompted the incident. Holloway’s cousin, LaShay Hardaway, described her as “an overachiever� and “a hard-driven young mother� who spent long hours designing clothes and doing her best to support her young daughter, reported LA Times. “She’s never been homeless.� “She was such a great kid while she was a part of our program,� said a youth employment staff member at Portland OIC, the nonprofit that honored Holloway just years before. Antonio Nassar told the Sun he had just walked out of Planet Hollywood when he saw the car roar onto the sidewalk, careening into pedestrians. It also briefly dragged a young boy, he said. “By the time I looked over to the

right, all you could see was [her] driving away, and people were bouncing off the front of the car,� Nassar said. The sound of the car hitting people was like “watermelons falling on the sidewalk,� he added. “It was chaotic. I was running down the street saying, ‘Move! Move! Get out of the way!’� Another bystander, Justin Cochrane, said he and two other people had just sat down for dinner when the car began speeding onto the sidewalk. “It was mayhem and it was very intentional,� Cochran told CNN. “People were flying. It was a sound I will never forget. It (the car) wasn’t hitting cars, it was hitting people. I’m shaken still.� Clark County Fire Department spokesman Jeff Buchanan said six victims were transported to Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center and University Medical Center in critical condition. At 11:15 pm, authorities listed those six in stable condition. Victims also were sent to Spring Valley Hospital, according to Metro Police. Four victims were treated and released, including members of Oregon’s Pacific University wrestling team, who were in Las Vegas for a tournament. The case eerily mirrored a fatal incident from ten years ago, when the driver of a stolen car deliberately plowed into pedestrians on the Strip, killing three people and injuring a dozen others. Stephen Ressa of Rialto, California, pleaded guilty but mentally ill and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. In her video from 2012, Holloway said she was homeless in high school and nearly failing all her classes. Through the help of the Portland non-profit program, she graduated with a B+ average, went on to college and started working with the United States Forest Service. “Today, I am not the same scared girl I used to be,� she says in the video. “I’m a mature young woman who has broken many generational cycle(s) that those before me hadn’t.�

First Filipino to get Pearl Harbor attack news... G8>< 8( 1941 has died of a lingering illness here, according to a report by Guerrero Coloma of NorthboundAsia.com. Simeon Marcos Dumlao, 93, of Laoag City, died on December 9; he was born on March 28, 1922. Dumlao in 1941 was a 19-yearold radio operator of Mackay Radio and Telegraph Co., with offices at the Trade and Commerce Bldg. along Juan Luna Street in Binondo, Manila. Dumlao was on the night shift on December 8 (Philippine time) when he received the cablegram at about 3:00 in the morning, when more than 100 Japanese airplanes bombed the US Navy installations at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, starting the war with the United States.

In an interview with the NorthboundAsia.com reporter early this year, Dumlao recalled that his speaker monitor suddenly became alive with an urgent message. “I automatically switched on the tape recorder and inserted a half-inch wide white paper on the typewriter on which the encrypted message, in Morse code, was printed and encoded,� he said. The message was addressed to the Associated Press, informing their reporters about the Japanese surprise military attack. Dumlao said a series of press releases addressed to other press offices in Manila followed. His fingers froze and became numbed and he could not type out the messages. “So I asked the traffic clerk to massage my

fingers, which he did, to calm me down,� Dumlao said. The three telegraph companies operating in the Philippines at that time used short wave radio as medium of transmission of cablegrams, telegrams or radiograms, to and from international points. Mackay Radio merged with Globe Wireless and Press Wireless to become what is now Globe Telecom, where Dumlao retired in the late 1980s. Dumlao, a guerrilla officer in Ilocos Norte during World War II, died at the Harbor UCLA Medical Center. He is survived by his brother Tony, his wife, Ana Julian Miguel, 89, and five children, all professionals working in Canada, the US and the Philippines; and several grandchildren. (Inquirer.net)

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Binay regains lead in latest Pulse Asia... G8>< 8( respondents as 43 percent said they would vote for him as president. Binay also retained his hold in Class E where 42 percent of the respondents said they would vote for him in next year’s polls. He also got the highest votes from Class D with 30 percent. Binay used to be the uncontested leader in presidential preference polls until corruption allegations caused his ratings to slip.

In fourth place is administration bet Manuel “Mar” Roxas II with 17 percent, and Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago is fifth with four percent. In the vice presidential race, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero remains the frontrunner with 29 percent of respondents saying they would vote for him in next year’s elections. Trailing him is Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. with 23 percent of respondents saying

that they would vote for him. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is third with 18 percent and Camarines Sur representative Leni Robredo obtained 14 percent. Meanwhile, Senator Gringo Honasan and Antonio Trillanes IV got single-digit numbers: Honasan with nine percent while Trillanes had four percent. Pulse Asia said that “no religious, political, economic, or partisan group influenced any of these processes.”

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Queue of Donaire foes getting longer by MARC

ANTHONY Inquirer.net

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SUDDENLY, everybody wants a piece of Nonito Donaire Jr. Donaire’s former stablemate, Russian-Mexican Evgeny Gradovich, has joined the list of boxers seeking to challenge the newly crowned World Boxing Organization super bantamweight champion. Gradovich, who like Donaire also trained under former Trainer of the Year Robert Garcia, told boxing scene.com he’s willing to go down to 122 pounds to gain a crack at the Filipino star. Apart from Cesar Juarez, the lechon, kaldereta, puto-bumbong Kabul and the US bases. Mexican whom Donaire recently He added that many of the and bibingka. Giant international contractors decisioned for the title, and sevOFWs in Afghanistan posted in their Facebook accounts the joy and the Afghan government are eral top challengers in the WBO, and happiness of being able to hiring more Filipinos for the mas- the “Filipino Flash” is also being fly to Manila and fly back to their sive development projects aided called out by the undefeated by the USAID, EU Commission, 24-year-old American Jessie job sites. Tabaloc pointed out that many the World Bank and the Asian De- Magdaleno. Gradovich has been fighting OFWs look forward to spending velopment Bank, Tabaloc said. Most of the Filipino workers as full featherweight (126 lb) time with their families and loved ones, and to share in the Filipino in Afghanistan are recruited in Christmas tradition of Simbang Dubai by companies that prefer Gabi (dawn mass), hanging Filipinos because of their ability bright and colorful lanterns, to speak English and read engiG8>< 8( and partaking of the sumptuous neering plans. cate of candidacy as a substitute candidate for President of PDPLaban was recently accepted by the Commission on Elections, topped a recent pre-election to Syria. And when asked if she billionaires with big mouths.” survey, dislodging Sen. Grace Gun control would shoot down a Syrian miliPoe. Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano is Following an ISIS-inspired Duterte’s running mate. tary aircraft or Russian airplane, she responded that she didn’t mass shooting in San Bernardino Marcos, son and namesake think it would come to that point. earlier this month, the former Sec- of the late President Ferdinand “We are already de-conflicting retary of State also said she does Marcos, is running for Vice Presisupport Republican front-runner dent as an independent and is in air space. “I am advocating the no-fly Donald Trump’s idea that arming tandem with Sen. Miriam Defenzone because I think it would help more Americans will make citi- sor-Santiago. us on the ground to protect Syr- zens safer. “We are volunteer groups, we “Guns, in and of themselves, in do not have anything to do with ians; I’m also advocating because I think it gives us some leverage my opinion will not make Ameri- the campaign line of Dutertein our conversations with Russia,” cans safer. We lose 33,000 people Cayetano and Miriam-Bongbong a year already to gun violence. because there are two tandems she said. Sanders was much more skep- Arming more people to do what here. It was not started from just tical about American involvement I think is not the appropriate re- one group. This Team AlDuB was beyond bombing, and said the US sponse to terrorism,” Clinton made by several groups, we are cannot fight the Islamic State and said. just trying to unify to solidify the Sanders cited that more than win of Mayor Duterte and Senathe Assad regime simultaneously. “I worry too much that Secre- half of the population in Vermont tor Bongbong,” Col. Jose Pallarca tary Clinton is too much into re- – a state with virtually no gun said. gime change and a little bit too control – owns guns, but said he According to Terry Tuazon, aggressive without knowing what believes there is a consensus on secretary-general of Lakas Mangthe unintended consequences sensible gun safety regulations. gagawa Labor Center, one reason “Who denies that it is crazy to they have chosen the two bemight be,” Sanders said. In his opening statement, allow people to own guns who cause both are against contracO’Malley addressed the issue by are criminals or are mentally un- tualization, outsourcing and the saying the United States would stable? We’ve got to eliminate the so-called 555 labor scheme. only defeat ISIS “if we hold true gun show loophole. In my view, “They have pronouncement to the values and the freedom that we have got to see that weapons that they are against this. Sabi unites us, which means we must designed by the military to kill nga natin ang manggagawang never surrender to them terrorists, people are not in the hands of ci- Pilipino ang producers ng wealth must never surrender our Ameri- vilians,” he said. ng ating bansa, sila yung nagpaO’Malley cited his own track patakbo ng ating lipunan. Pero cans values to racists, must never surrender to the fascists pleas of G8>< 8+ sila din yung uri sa ating lipunan

Thousands of OFWs arrive in PH... G8>< 8( luggage conveyor areas as they wait for their balikbayan (repatriate) boxes and checked-in baggage that are usually filled with pasalubong (a gift or souvenir brought home by a Filipino who travels). SPA chairman Roberto Tabaloc said they are thankful to POEA administrator Hans Cacdac for not enforcing the ban in time for Christmas, pointing out that the deployment ban earlier caused confusion among Filipinos in

Clinton, Sanders, O’Malley take stage... G8>< 8(

Martin O’Malley also participated in the debate. During the early stages of the discussion, Sanders apologized to Clinton for a breach of voter data – which is typically shielded by a firewall from other opponents – involving at least one campaign aide. “This is not the type of campaign that we run, and if I find anybody else involved in this, they will also be fired,” the senator said. Clinton then thanked Sanders for the apology and the debate pressed forward without much time spent on the breach. “Now that, I think you know, we have resolved your data, we have agreed on an independent inquiry, we should move on. Because I don’t think the American people are all that interested in this,” she said. Foreign policy and terrorism Terrorism consumed the first half of the debate, and all candidates agreed that air strikes on ISIS were necessary, as well as a Sunni army to fight jihadi fighters on the ground. Clinton expressed support for sending special operations forces

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and recently won on points over Aldimar Santos, after losing to Lee Selby via technical decision last May. However, the 29-year-old Gradovich (20-1-1) will have to slide down in weight and fight first at 124 lb. “I want my next fight at maybe

Duterte-Marcos is the new...

na pinapabayaan ng ating gobyerno,” Tuazon told the media. “During the regime of President Marcos, he gave benefits during Labor Day. It only stopped during the leadership of President Corazon Aquino until today, kaya sa palagay namin si Bongbong ang kaniyang plataporma ay nakatuon sa pagkalinga, pagasikaso at pagbibigay benipisyo sa ating working class,” he added. Tuazon said he was jailed three times during Martial law for he was an activist, however, he is now campaigning for Marcos because people should now move forward. “Let’s give Bongbong a break to lead the Philippines. Yung kasalanan ng ama ay hindi naman pwedeng kasalanan din ng anak. Hindi ako nagtanim ng galit. Ang kailangan ng ating bayan ay isang leader na kayang disiplinahin hindi lang ang mga mahihirap kundi pati na yung mamamayang umaabuso sa taas at yung military na abusado. Kaya ako naniniwala na ang tandem duterte-marcos ay people’s choice,” Tuazon said. Pallarca, meanwhile, said that they are tired of hearing leaders who are full of excuses and who are blaming past administrations. He said that it is about time that leaders who will assume in the office have the responsibility to be accountable and who will make

124 pounds to test it out and if I feel as good as I think, then I will go to 122 where there are more opportunities for me,” he said. The 33-year-old Donaire also realized he was not fit as featherweight after he absorbed a knockout loss to Nicholas Walters last year at 126.

solutions for the problems ahead and the problems to be inherited in the past administration. “Kung hindi nila lalapatan ng solusyon ay dapat hindi po natin dapat sila iboto. Si Mayor Duterte lang ang nagsabing ‘When I assume command, wala na akong problema sa nakaraan, gagawan natin ng solusyon’. Si Bongbong naman also stood by his priniciples,” Pallarca said. On the other hand, Atty. Raul Lambino, who was the spokesman of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, said he started supporting Duterte as early as April 2014 when the mayor started going on a nationwide speaking tour purportedly to campaign for a shift to the federal form of government. “Hindi na ako nagpatumpiktumpik pa dahil sa pagkakakilala ko kay Mayor Duterte sa husay sa pamumuno sa Davao City. Yung pag suporta ko naman kay Senator BongBong bilang pangalawang pangulo ito po ay commitment naming mga taga Norte and Central Luzon, hindi bababa ng 90 percent ay naniniwala kay Sen. Bongbong Marcos,” Lambino said. Lambino cleared that he is not a Marcos loyalist, in fact he was anti-Marcos when he was younger, but according to him he have seen huge difference between Senator Marcos and the regime of President Marcos.

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shame!” “It was a horrible mistake that hurt both [Colombia and Philippines], because Miss Philippines didn’t get her time to shine. And that’s devastating to Colombia, to have that taken away right when you thought you won,” said Mariel Camiling from Chino Hills, CA. Immigration activist Jose Antonio Vargas tweeted: “WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!?!?” and later, “Imagine if [Steve Harvey] DID NOT correct his mistake because he feared the reaction??” Broadway star Lea Salonga also chimed in, “Mabuhay ka, Pia Wurtzbach! Congratulations! We have something to smile about! This high is going to last us awhile!” Salonga also said: “I shall refrain from the #MissUniverse host-bashing today. He takes full responsibility for the error and in the end, he righted the wrong. Let’s keep it classy, everyone.” Philippines presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda commented Wurtzbach for her poise and grace throughout the competition and during the announcement. “In the first few moments of the original announcement, she showed tremendous poise and control, and even more tremendous graciousness when the real verdict was finally announced,” Laci-

erda said. Past winners, including Margarita “Margie” Moran-Floreindo, the last Filipina Miss Universe crowned in 1973, also criticized the incident. “It robbed [Pia] from the glory of that moment, of the excitement and waiting to be called Miss Universe and hearing the rejoice of all the Pinoys watching it. That was the most unfortunate part of the whole contest. Unfortunate, but she won. That’s all that matters really.” Another former Miss Universe Philippines, Gloria Diaz, told TV Patrol that Harvey should pay a fine of “$100,000, to Miss Colombia and to the Miss Universe [Wurtzbach].” Diaz won the title in 1969. Other Filipinos were not happy with certain aspects of the results, arguing it was a “shallow victory.” Arturo P. Garcia, national coordinator of Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) said in an email, “We respectfully disagree to the statement of winner of Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach for saying that ‘the Philippines and the US have always had a good relationship.’ Injustice and racial discrimination in America still prevails. It is due to the fact that until today, 250,000 FilipinoAmerican soldiers who served this country in WWII had their benefits exclusively rescinded by the US, and remained un-

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recognized and denied of their rights and benefits as American soldiers…Colonization is the exploitation and oppression of a people. Historically, the US has subjugated the people of the Philippines through plunder, rape, and genocide.” “We have not won. Our winning is very shallow for our people still fighting for true independence, freedom, and justice. We understand Ms. Wurtzbach for [in] her mind she ‘won,’ but at the expense of the great patriotic and brave heart of all patriotic Filipinos,” he added. “I’ll tell you what I think I’d do…I’d make ‘em a co-winner; it’d be very cool,” Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (who was cut off from NBC in June amid controversial comments, and later sold the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants to WME/IMG), told Matt Lauer on the Today Show. In Colombia, celebration turned to anger just moments later as the real results were announced. “They took away her crown” and “the shortest reign in history” was voiced on Twitter, and the hashtag #RespecttheCrown became the country’s top trending topic. #Colombiazoned was also trending on social media. “I was watching Miss Universe with my family. We started a huge celebration when they said Colombia had won the Miss Universe title for the second straight year,” said Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos, according to Radio Nacional. “They put the crown on [Arévalo’s] head. The photos are there to prove it. To me, as a Colombian, she is still Miss Universe.” Fil-Am Jenine Nerecina from Northridge, CA expressed her overall excitement, pride and joy for her country. “When I first heard that Pia won, I couldn’t believe it. I was filled with excitement and pride that the Philippines is gaining deserving recognition. I am so proud that in these modern times Filipinos are actually making a difference, and that the world is finally seeing it!” she exclaimed. “Humility is one of the most important attributes in our culture, and Pia showed that throughout the competition,” Nerecina added. “It feels amazing to be a part of this moment because this is going to be a part of history!”

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Union City middle school renamed in honor of Fil-Am labor leaders A HISTORICAL moment for Filipino-Americans in the United States took place Friday, Dec. 18, when a middle school in Union City, California was officially renamed in honor of Fil-Am labor leaders Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz. Alvarado Middle School is now officially Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School, and is believed to be the first school in the nation named for Filipino Americans. “We’re very honored,” Johnny Itliong, the son of Itliong, told the Asian Journal on behalf of his family. “We’re also honored to have Philip Vera Cruz’s name alongside Larry’s even though they didn’t see eye to eye on many occasions. But they both stood up for the rights of people, first and foremost of their Filipino brothers and sisters, the manongs, and then for all others.” Itliong and Vera Cruz were key leaders who helped organize the United Farm Workers union in the 1960s and led Filipino farmworkers who were the first to walk out in the Delano Grape Strike on Sept. 8, 1965. “I think it’s so important that we recognize Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz [who] inspire all of us to be change makers that we need in our community, our state our nation and our world,” state Assemblyman Rob Bonta said during the school’s dedication ceremony on Friday. Although the renaming of the school gives recognition to Itliong and Vera Cruz, Johnny acknowledged that there were others who helped them. “There were many other Filipino

labor leaders and union organizers who stood and fought with my dad ... it wasn’t just my dad and Philip. It was also Andy Imutan, Pete Velasco and there were many others,” he said. Talks of naming a Union City school in honor of Filipino-Americans date back to 1992, said Joe Angeles, who is part of a coalition that urged the school to be renamed, according to the Contra Costa Times. “We had two schools named Alvarado: Alvarado Elementary and Alvarado Middle. Alvarado Elementary has more history; it’s one of the first elementary schools in the area,” Angeles said, the Times reported. Though Itliong and Vera Cruz primarily worked in the Central Valley advocating for the rights of farm workers, Angeles said Itliong spent some time organizing in Union City and worked with some residents from the area in the 1960s. Approval for renaming the school came from a split 3-2 decision in 2013 by the New Haven Unified School District board. Some wished for the school’s name to remain Alvarado, which was in honor of 19th-century Mexican governor Juan Bautista Alvarado. Others said he was already wellrepresented in Union City, with an elementary school, two streets, a park and a neighborhood bear his name, according to the Times. The issue resulted in staged demonstrations and full school board meetings. In the neighborhood surrounding the middle school, 38 percent of residents are Filipino-American,

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said Joe Angeles, who is part of a coalition that urged for the renaming of the school, according to the Times. Renaming the school is estimated to cost $60,000. The bulk of the price tag, $57,440, will be covered by Alameda County Supervisor Richard Valle, state Sen. Bob Wieckowski, Assemblyman Bill Quirk, and Bonta. Separately, an overpass in San Diego that intersects State Route 54, which is known as the FilipinoAmerican Highway, was also set to be renamed in honor of the labor leaders to the Itliong-Vera Cruz Memorial Bridge. “These [renamings] are huge strides for our Filipino community to be recognized in American history, and we are basically indebted to the manong generation, [which] has made our lives much better,” Johnny said. In June of this year, Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill designating October 25 -- Itliong’s birthday -- as a day dedicated to recognizing the late labor leader’s contributions to the state of California. (Agnes Constante / AJPress)

Clinton, Sanders, O’Malley take stage... G8>< 8* record when responding to the issue, saying he was the only candidate on Saturday’s stage that approved comprehensive gun safety legislation with a ban on combat assault weapons. However, he said he would not confiscate semiautomatic rifles that an estimated seven to 10 million Americans currently own. Government programs and the middle class Contrasts emerged between Sanders and Clinton when it came to addressing domestic issues. Clinton vowed she would not raise taxes on the middle class, specifically those making less than $250,000 annually. “That is off the table as far as I’m concerned,” Clinton said. “That is a pledge that I am making.” She said the cost of paid leave could be covered by increasing taxes on the wealthy. However, Sanders said Clinton’s plan would exempt everyone but 2 to 3 percent of American families, and it would rule out the possibility of any new programs similar to Social Security, which are funded by national taxes. “She is disagreeing with FDR on Social Security, LBJ on Medicare, and with the vast majority of progressive Democrats in the House and the Senate, who are fighting to end the disgrace of the United States being the only major country on Earth that doesn’t provide paid family and medical

leave,” Sanders said. The senator discussed his own proposal for paid leave, which he said would cost the average household just $1.61 per week. “Now, you can say that’s a tax on the middle class. It will provide three months paid family and medical leave for the working families of this country. I think, Secretary Clinton, $1.61 a week is a pretty good investment,” he said. Donald Trump Sanders and Clinton also agreed they dislike Republican front-runner Donald Trump. Sanders said Trump’s popularity reflects Americans’ fears of another terrorist attack and put it in the context of stagnant wages, increasing inequality and widespread disaffection with the political process, according to The New Yorker. “Somebody like a Trump comes along and says, ‘I know the answers. The answer is that all of the Mexicans, they’re criminals and rapists. We’ve got to hate the Mexicans. Those are your enemies. We hate all the Muslims, because all of the Muslims are terrorists. We’ve got to hate the Muslims.’ Meanwhile, the rich get richer,” he said. Clinton called Trump, who suggested a controversial ban on all Muslims entering the United States, a powerful tool for the Islamic State. “He is becoming ISIS’ best re-

cruiter. They are going to people showing videos of Donald Trump insulting Islam and Muslims in order to recruit more radical jihadists.” Steve Elmendorf, a veteran of Democratic presidential and congressional campaigns, said focusing on Trump was a good strategy for the democratic candidates. “He provides a useful foil to remind Democrats what the stakes of the election are,” Elmendorf, who is supporting Clinton, told The Wall Street Journal. Even if Trump doesn’t win the nomination, Elmendorf told the Journal that “it’s in the Democrats’ interest to make the Republican Party own him. Winners and losers Various publications had different takes on who won Saturday’s debate. The New Yorker magazine said there were no winners; Washington Post political reporter Chris Cillizza said Clinton won, while Sanders and O’Malley lost; in an opinion piece, Fox News contributor Douglas Schoen wrote that Clinton won, executing a “masterful strategy,” while O’Malley lost. “The former secretary of state was the only one on stage Saturday night who looked like she could step into the presidency tomorrow,” Cillizza wrote, citing that her knowledge was evidently significantly greater than her opponents, and that she often focused on the differences between Democratic candidates and Trump rather than disagreements between members of her party. Cillizza pointed out that O’Malley attempted to portray Sanders and Clinton as old Washington politicians and highlight that he was the youngest candidate. However, Cillizza said this made him appear too scripted and forced. Schoen wrote Clinton was “the most balanced candidate on how she’d manage the economy.” He also wrote that Sanders was “completely sincere and passionate, showcasing his major selling points.” While O’Malley has experience, Schoen said he is not appealing to voters. “[O’Malley did] his best, but flopped on a number of issues. He took swipes at both Clinton and Sanders that won’t resonate with viewers and voters,” he wrote. Separate from the issues discussed, Cillizza said there was no justification for hosting the final debate less than a week before Christmas. “Unless the goal is to ensure that said debate is lightly-watched and, therefore, any mistakes made by the presumptive frontrunner are lessened,” he wrote on “The Fix,” a political blog for the Post. Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus expressed a similar view. “It’s clear the Democrat establishment worked hard to bury their debate on a Saturday night just days before Christmas, when few would be watching, in order to prevent the American people from seeing Hillary Clinton’s record of dishonesty and her role as the architect of the Obama administration’s failed strategy for confronting radical Islamic terrorism,” Priebus said in a statement. The final debate came less than two months before the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary. (Agnes Constante / AJPress)

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DATELINE PHILIPPINES

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After filing cases against Poe, David wants Duterte disqualified ng Bayan’s former standardbearer Martin Diño, saying the presidential aspirantis making a mockery of the rules of law by filing his candidacy outside the given period. “It is respectfully prayed of the Honorable Commission to grant due course to this petition and to declare the substitution of Martin Diño by Rodrigo Duterte for President as null and void, as well order the cancelation of his [Duterte]

certificate of candidacy for not having been validly seasonably filed,” David’s petition read. The petitioner argued the ComMANILA—After a slew of petielec can use as evidence Duterte’s tions against Sen. Grace Poe, errant and late submission of his political aspirant Rizalito David on certificate of candidacy. Monday, Dec. 21 filed a petition be“Since the Commission is in posfore the Commission on Elections session of the certificates of candito drop Davao City Mayor Rodrigo dacy filed by Duterte and Dino, the Duterte’s bid for the presidency. petitioner earnestly pleads that it In the petition, David opposed take judicial notice of the same for Duterte’s substitution for Partido purposes of this petition,” David’s ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas petition stated. “I cannot play deaf and blind to these circumventions, otherwise the integrity of the Commission will be put into question,” he added. David, a defeated senatorial candidate in the 2013 elections, was recently declared a nuisance candidate for presidency. Earlier this year, he filed a disqualification case against Poe, then a frontrunner in presidential preference surveys, before the Senate Electoral Tribunal to question her citizenship. On December 17, the Comelec accepted Duterte’s presidential I`qXc`kf ;Xm`[ fe Dfe[Xp# ;\Z% )(# )'(, Ôc\[ X [`jhlXc`ÔZXk`fe ZXj\ Xjb`e^ k_\ :fdd`jj`fe candidacy without prejudice to fe <c\Zk`fej kf elcc`]p gi\j`[\ek`Xc Xjg`iXek ;XmXf :`kp DXpfi If[i`^f ;lk\ik\Ëj ZXe[`[XZp% other disqualification cases filed G_`cjkXi%Zfd g_fkf Yp J_\`cX :i`jfjkfdf against him. by ROSETTE

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Gov’t starts rehabilitation after ‘Nona,’‘Onyok’ by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com

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MANILA—Government agencies are coordinating to deliver relief goods and work on the early recovery of areas affected by tropical cyclones “Nona” (international name Melor) and “Onyok” the past week. The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) said Monday that an estimated P59.9 million worth of by ROSETTE ADEL relief assistance was provided to Philstar.com affected towns in regions III, IV-A, MANILA—Department of TourIV-B, V and VIII as of Friday. ism (DOT) officials on Monday, Dec. The Department of Social and 21 dawn surprised the 5 millionth Welfare Development (DSWD) person to visit the Philippines this provided P51.3 million while year. local government units and nonTourism Assistant Secretary Alan government organizations gave Canizal and Undersecretary Benito P8.1 million and P463,050, reBengzon Jr. warmly welcomed and spectively. greeted the lucky Filipino-American Some 37,145 families or 175,168 female tourist at the Ninoy Aquino persons are residing in 536 evacuInternational Terminal 2. ation centers while 38,601 famiThe lucky visitor, 23-year old lies or 192,028 persons stay outNew York-based Gabby Grantham, side evacuation centers in regions received a bouquet of flowers from affected by Nona. the DOT officials which caught her Kfli`jd f]ÔZ`Xcj n\cZfd\[ k_\ Ôm\$d`cc`fek_ kfli`jk m`j`kfi f] k_\ Zflekip# =`c`g`ef$8d\i`ZXe DSWD Undersecretary Vilma >XYYp >iXek_Xd% by surprise. Cabrera assured that relief opCanizal said that Grantham will She planned to visit her grandpar- harder is better than the head- erations will continue despite the also be receiving a package tour ents in Cebu and explore Palawan in count. ambush of government trucks with hotel accommodation as a her two-week stay in the country. “The fact that we have crossed carrying relief goods for typhoon prize for being the 5 millionth visiMeanwhile, Canizal said the the 5 million mark is that we are victims in Samar provinces last tor in the Philippines. next to be welcomed and rewarded already in the big league,” Beng- week. “I thought I was in trouble,” will be the 6 or 7 millionth foreign zon said. Meanwhile, 32,914 families or Grantham said. “This will allow us to compete 143,097 persons have been affecttourist. It was Grantham’s second time Bengzon described welcoming more strongly against other desto visit the country while the last the 5 millionth visitor as a very tinations in the region. After the 5 time was when she was still seven significant event. millionth mark the next will be 5 years old. “This milestone is a result of the millionth,” he added. Grantham, born to a Filipino collaborative and sustained efforts DOT eyes to have 5.2 million mother and American father, flew of all partners in tourism industry,” tourist arrivals before 2015 ends via Philippine Airlines flight PR103 Bengzon said. and aims to double the visitors by and landed in Manila at 3:48 a.m. He said that motivation to push 10 million next year.

Dept. of Tourism surprises PH’s 5 millionth visitor

Duterte: I won’t debate with Number 4 by EDITH

REGALADO Philstar.com

Duterte said he would only get into debates once the campaign DAVAO CITY—Mayor Rodrigo period starts. Duterte vowed to do away with Duterte said a debate with Manuel Roxas II would be possible only if lavish oath-taking ceremonies the administration candidate im- should he win the presidency. “I will take my oath not in Luneta proves his rankings in surveys. “If he wants a debate with me, maybe he should make it to No. 2 in the surveys. He wants a debate but he is No. 4… he should at least improve his ratings first,” Duterte said. Duterte made this condition before entering into a debate with Roxas. Roxas had earlier challenged Duterte to a debate on different issues affecting government. But Duterte said any debate with Roxas would not make sense if the Liberal Party presidential candidate is faring poorly in the survey ratings. The two had been in a word war since earlier this month. The word war turned into a slapping challenge and even to the point of a possible gun duel. The proposal to debate came out after cooler heads prevailed upon the two presidential aspirants. “Ayaw ko, mayabang siya (I don’t want to, he is arrogant),” Duterte said of Roxas who said the peace and order situation in Davao City is a myth, which the mayor did not take lightly. Duterte retorted by saying Roxas is not a graduate of the Wharton School of Economics, contrary to his claims regarding educational background. Duterte stressed he is not so keen on debating with Roxas whom he described as a liar. “He is a liar. I do not want to debate with him,” Duterte added. Mar chides Digong Roxas, on the other hand, chided Duterte for refusing to accept his challenge. “Perhaps those are the words of a person who backs down. It was he who challenged me to a slapping match. I said I am ready but what did he say? He refused. I challenged him to a fistfight. He also refused. He challenged me to a debate and now I accepted but he refused again,” Roxas said in a chance interview in Leyte. “What do you call that?” he added.

but in my office at Malacañang to avoid traffic congestion. No lavish dinners, invited guests will have to eat first, only soft drinks and water will be served,” Duterte said Duterte said he would invite a G8>< 8.

ed by Onyok, which has weakened into a low pressure area. Some 3,240 families or 12,585 individuals have been staying in 87 evacuation centers since Friday in the Caraga region due to Onyok. DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman assured that the department will continue to provide

resources in affected areas until the needs of victims have been met. President Benigno Aquino III declared a state of national calamity last Friday, Dec. 18 following the aftermath of Nona which hit the Visayas and Bicol regions. The proclamation will remain in effect until lifted by Aquino.

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OPINION

Christmas wish

FEATURES

GIVEN the unsure situation the world is facing today, we are looking for some sort of a sign this Christmas—something that could calm our fears about what lies ahead. Times may be difficult, but Christmas and its spirit of love, faith and hope will always endure. It’s that time of the year—when war, conflict, political differences, disputes and ill wishes come to a grinding halt, replaced by warm tidings of love, hope, peace and generosity. For Pres. Benigno Aquino III, “this is the time for reunions. This is the time to bond with each other and also commune with God, and we are re-energized for all of the challenges in the coming years.” Aquino wishes Filipinos to have a peaceful, clam and optimistic Christmas celebration. Meanwhile, Pres. Barack Obama and the first family arrived in Hawaii on Saturday, Dec. 19 to celebrate their annual Christmas vacation. But before heading to Hawaii, Obama and First Lady Michelle stopped by in Southern California to console the loved ones of the victims of the San Bernardino shooting, where a married couple opened fire on the husband’s co-workers at a workplace holiday party. At least 14 people were killed in the shooting. “You had people from every background, every faith. Some described loved ones who had come to this country as immigrants, others who had lived in the area all their lives, all of them extraordinarily proud of the work they were doing to keep people healthy and safe” Obama shared. “As difficult as this time is for them and for the entire community,

they’re also representative of the strength and the unity and the love that exists in this community and in this country.” With less than a year left in office, Obama vowed to focus on the US-led campaign to defeat IS. “Since taking this office, I’ve never been more optimistic about a year ahead than I am right now,” he said. “And in 2016, I’m going to leave it out all on the field.” Earlier this month, Obama also listed down the top 10 things that happened in 2015. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Not just for spreading holiday cheer—but also for list makers. You’ve got wish lists; Santa’s list; and of course, a blizzard of year-in-review lists. So I decided to get in on the action,” Obama said. Among the country’s recent achievements included in the President’s list are the positive performance of the economy, more Americans getting health coverage, and the US-led campaign on climate change and terrorism. The President said that it’s been a good year and that he is confident of bigger things in the new year.

Editorial

Duterte’s way isn’t the best way

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“And the number one reason I’m optimistic going into 2016: It’s you—the American people. All of this progress is because of you—because of workers rolling up their sleeves and getting the job done, and entrepreneurs starting new businesses. Because of teachers and health workers and parents—all of us taking care of each other. Because of our incredible men and women in uniform, serving to protect us all. Because, when we’re united as Americans, there’s nothing that we cannot do,” Obama concluded. goals without giving the funeral parlors a windfall. Duterte’s admirers have even likened him to Lee Kwan Yew, conveniently overlooking the fact that Singapore never resorted to extra-judicial killings even while being authoritarian and very tough in dealing with official graft and corruption, sending bureaucrats to jail if perceived to be living beyond their legitimate means. Lee Kwan Yew and his new government also set an example of strict morality, civility and urbanity – a stark contrast to the vulgarity and low-life bluster of Duterte. Duterte’s fans and admirers talk about “the need to enforce discipline” among the citizenry, forgetting two things: (a) they themselves make up the citizenry and should learn to discipline themselves without a gun being cocked at their temples, and (b) there is a difference between a disciplinarian and an executioner. As Mayor of Olongapo, Dick Gordon was a disciplinarian. He enforced the kind of civic discipline – including traffic discipline - that we in America automatically observe, like making a full stop at stop signs, even in the dead or night or in the middle of nowhere. An online write-up about Gordon as Mayor of Olongapo states: “When Dick Gordon was first elected, Olongapo was known as ‘Sin City’ for the rampant pros-

So as we look for answers, and as we try to search for Christmas and its true meaning in these troubled times, we must be reminded that our focus should not be on what we don’t have today. Christ was born in a manger, with hardly any possessions. And yet His birth is a symbol of hope for all Christians. Christmas is also about sharing more than material things. It is embracing its true meaning, and knowing that it should always be in our hearts. (AJPress)

titution and rowdy night clubs in its infamous Red Light District, populated by GIs from the US naval base in nearby Subic. Under his leadership, Olongapo became a ‘model city’ through his innovative programs such as raising police accountability through ID systems, proper health and sanitation, waste management and the strict observance of color-coding in public transport.” And then, of course, there’s Gordon’s unmatched track record of raising Subic from the ashes and converting it into a bustling Freeport – through volunteer effort and not at the point of a gun. Vice-presidential candidate Leni Robredo was right when she reminded Duterte that Naga City, under her late husband, Mayor Jesse Robredo, was considered one of the most business-friendly and livable cities in the Philippines, with poverty and unemployment significantly lower than the national average, with a successful housing program that alleviated rampant squatting, and with greatly improved levels of literacy and sanitation. Did Robredo have to do it with a death squad? Not at all. He applied governance by consensus, empowering the citizenry through the Naga City People’s Council. For his sterling performance, Robredo received the 2000 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service. Indeed, without belittling his

achievements in Davao City, Duterte does not have a monopoly of effective governance. There are many others who have either matched or surpassed his performance without being vulgar and homicidal, from Albay governor Joey Salceda to former Marikina Mayor Bayani Fernando, to former Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn, to Iloilo Mayor Jed Mabilog, who ranked 5th among the Top Ten World Mayors in 2014. Vice-President Jejomar Binay who was Mayor of Makati for over two decades, was ranked 4th among World Mayors in 2006, and managed a deficit-free government throughout his entire tenure while providing educational, health care and other social services that became the template for other progressive local executives. And during the incumbency of Mayor Junjun Binay, Makati was one of twenty world cities that matched the stringent 37120 ISO certification in 2014, and one of only nine rated platinum. The certification was given to Makati by the International Organizational Standards of Geneva, Switzerland, for meeting 98 out of 100 indicators intended to measure a city’s social, economic and environmental performance. With due respect to those who are completely sold on Duterte, his way is not the only way – nor is it the best. (gregmacabenta@ hotmail.com)

I WOULD like to apologize to everyone I have called an idiot for believing that Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte deserves to be president of the Philippines in spite of his womanizing, his pottymouth and his homicidal bluster. On reflection, there is in all of us a kind of idiocy that causes us to resort to extreme options in the face of intractable problems or severe aggravations. Call it jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Call it suicidal or masochistic. Or call it something we will regret in hindsight. But at the point in time that the idiot in each one of us is ticked off, who the hell cares. Sluggo Rigor, who publishes and edits the Filipino-American Bulletin, a newspaper in Seattle, Washington, must have thought that I myself had reached the tipping point, when I wrote a column item entitled, May Angal!!!??? Circa 2015. “May angal?” is Tagalog for “Any complaints?” which is what the neighborhood toughie tells you to your face when he bullies you, knowing you can’t do anything about it. My piece was a litany of instances of impunity, incompetence and insensitivity on the part of the Aquino administration that have left the citizenry hurling unprintables at the President and his key officials. In each instance, this

administration’s response – or the message communicated by its inaction - has been the equivalent of, “May angal???!!!” Sluggo was so upset himself that he suggested launching a contest that would urge Pinoys in the Philippines and overseas to submit “May angal???!!!” incidents attributable to the Aquino government. In fact, Sluggo started it off with his own long list. I promised him that I would use his piece in one of my columns. At any rate, the kind of frustration felt by Sluggo Rigor and I and many otherwise intelligent folks has stirred the inherent idiots in us. Some have already succumbed to their idiocy as shown in the latest Pulse Asia and SWS surveys on presidential preferences. Even assuming that the surveys were flawed, the emergence of Duterte as the first choice even among socio-economic classes ABC (who are supposed to be more financially well off, better educated, more enlightened and

Demand and Supply

God and sinners reconcile COA: Another institution Aquino damaged

BOO CHANCO PALO ALTO, Calif—The choir was singing a medley of Christmas Carols in a recent Sunday service I attended and there it was… a line in one of the songs that captures the real essence of Christmas: God and sinners reconcile. That’s a great reason to be joyful and yet I have never understood the importance of that line for as many years as I had been singing that Christmas carol. Indeed, sin has separated God from sinful man.... from the disobedience at the Garden of Eden to that day in Sinai when the recently rescued Israelites decided to build a golden calf to worship. In Psalm 90, Moses described how sin angers God: “We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence…Who knows the power

Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA

of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.” Yet, God’s anger is tempered by His love for us. And that’s why Christmas happened. I had been struggling for an explanation of the very basis of our Christian faith — why the Son of God must suffer the pain and the indignity of death on the cross to bring salvation to all of us. He who can turn water to wine, multiply the five loaves of bread and two fish to feed 5000 people and make the dead Lazarus rise can surely defend Himself from the Jewish leaders and the Roman soldiers... perhaps blind them as what happened to Saul, who was persecuting Christians, on the road to Damascus. But Christ had to follow the will of the Father. His mission of redemption must be accomplished and that requires the cross. God abhors sin. God’s sense of justice makes it impossible for him to simply ignore sin. And Isaiah 59:2 declares: “your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” Because God so loves us, he has

better informed) cannot be dismissed. These folks are fed up and don’t care if Duterte is Beelzebub himself. As far as they are concerned, he will at least solve their problems - and let the devil take care of the rest. They seem to think that Duterte is offering not one silver bullet but an arsenal of silver bullets that will – if we are to follow their logic – extinguish criminality in all its permutations (the drug menace, particularly), cleanse the government of graft and corruption, infuse the bureaucracy with competence and efficiency, provide the business sector with a safe and secure environment in which to grow their enterprises and, as a result, create job opportunities which will, in turn, bring about the much-sought inclusive prosperity that will guarantee a bright future for every Filipino family. This fantasy is naïve and obviously born out of desperation and Duterte has been milking it, vowing to make it all come true over people’s dead bodies. Take it or leave it. To use an American idiom, it’s Duterte’s way or the highway. Blinded by their frustration, they fail to see that Duterte’s way will bring the country to the edge, where vigilante justice is the norm. They also fail to see that there are other ways to achieve their elusive

provided a way for sinful men to approach Him. As was explained by Pastor Peter Tanchi in a CCF service, God’s solution to this separation between God and man is the shedding of blood. During a visit to the Holy Land, we went to a site where they have a replica of the Tabernacle, which has the Ark of the Covenant within the Holy of Holies. The Ark represents the presence of God.Only the high priest approached God by entering the inner room, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people have committed in ignorance. He sprinkles the blood of unblemished animals on the mercy seat (Hebrews 9:6-7). But when Christ appeared as our high priest, He entered God’s presence through His own blood. Once and for all time. He obtained eternal redemption for us. Remember the scene at the Crucifixion at the moment of Christ’s death as recounted by St Luke: “darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the G8>< 8.

Commentary

RIGOBERTO TIGLAO THE Commission on Audit had been, even through martial law, one of the most prestigious agencies of our Republic, its reputation untainted by graft or partisanship. With just a few months remaining for this inglorious Administration, the COA will be left as another institution damaged by President Benigno Aquino 3rd, who has turned it into a political weapon. Even in this rather late stage of the electoral game, this yellow regime is using the COA for its political ends, as in a report mysteriously leaked the other day alleging unliquidated funds of the Office of the Vice President. The next day, of course, as if on cue, was another accusation against Binay by former Makati vice mayor Renato Bondal – yes, the same accuser whose alle-

gations have been proven false, yet hogged the headlines of the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s front pages for 44 nearly consecutive days. (See http://www.manilatimes.net/ inquirer-vs-binay/155669/) It’s the familiar flurry of accusations for a vilification campaign. I had been asked in the comments section of my column why I haven’t written much about the allegations against Binay. My simple answer is: Why should I, when the Philippine Daily Inquirer, which claims to have the biggest circulation (Manila Times is just no. 4 among the broadsheets) seemed to have found as its newest cause this year the demonization of the Vice President? Why should I help it in its project, which could have been undertaken for not-so-noble reasons? I am not only talking about its news sections. Columnist Solita Monsod, its most widely read columnist, must have written over 50 columns against Binay, with many of the occasional contributors trying to show off, unsuccessfully, their polemical skills to vilify the

candidate. Fair play, I say, so I have presented the other side to the allegations, most of which, I think, had been indisputably debunked as pure lies. And these lies, the Ombudsman insists, should be investigated in the courts. For example, both the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) records showed that the Batangas estate belonged to a Chinese-Filipino businessman, and not to Binay. The Makati Building II’s costs were comparable in terms of price per square feet to Senate President Franklin Drilon’s Iloilo Convention Center, or to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) branches in three provinces, which all had the same contractor. Binay’s “crime” is his inarticulateness or his campaign staff’s inefficiency in debunking and burying the corruption allegations against him. But back to the COA. It was astonishing that former chair Grace Pulido-Tan claimed, when she

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Duterte: I won’t...

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small crowd of selected guests, which would include representatives from the military, the police and only a few other government officials. He said he will hit the ground running on his first day of office. Duterte is facing a disqualification case before Commission on Elections (Comelec) regarding the substitution made on Martin Diño. Diño withdrew his candidacy under the PDP-Laban party and Duterte later substituted for him. A Comelec division allowed the substitution of Duterte as PDP-Laban presidential candidate although the Davao mayor still faces disqualification petition. The Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) offered its party to Duterte to substitute for Augusto Syjuco who was disqualified as a nuisance candidate, according to lawyer Oliver Lozano. Lozano said the KBL is offering its draft unity accord to Duterte.

COA: Another...

G8>< 8- stepped down, at the pork-barrel investigations what her legacy was: the pork-barrel exposés. How on earth could she claim that, given the fact the probe had been ordered undertaken by her predecessor who was appointed by President Arroyo, and when most of those investigated under her administration, and charged, were opposition figures like senators Enrile, Estrada, and Revilla? Pulido-Tan herself said two years ago that a special audit was also being undertaken to investigate the pork-barrel funds released during Aquino’s Administration, from 2010-2012. The report had been completed and I myself viewed a TV report in 2013 by broadcast journalist, Anthony Taberna, about that investigation. A camera even panned a copy of the actual report. Two years after it was completed, COA hasn’t released the report. And she has the gall to claim that she did her part in Aquino’s anticorruption crusade? Is it because the COA itself received P143.7 million in 2012 from President Aquino’s scandalous “Disbursement Acceleration Plan” (DAP), which the Supreme Court has ruled unconstitutional? Or was it because Pulido-Tan has been angling for a position in the Supreme Court when it announced a vacancy in 2012? (Aquino, instead, appointed Marvic Leonen, who is as inexperienced in legal practice as the Chief Justice is. Is Tan still hoping she will be the last Aquino appointee in April 2016, when Justice Martin Villarama retires?) In the past, those appointed by Presidents as COA chair and members were people of unquestionable integrity, without the slightest taint of partisanship, such as Teofisto Guingona (chair 1986 to 1987), Eufemio Domingo (19871993), Celso Gangan (1994-2001), Guillermo Carague (2001-2008) and Reynaldo Villar (2004-2008), who ordered the special pork-barrel audit. It had also been a tradition for the other two members of the commission to be appointed among the COA’s veteran auditors, especially for those who spent their entire professional career in the agency. Contrast that to Aquino’s appointees to the COA: • A nearly retired Heidi Mendoza – who had vowed to pin down Binay on corruption charges many years ago, jumping several pay levels – was appointed as one of the three COA commissioners. It was Mendoza who provided Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales, when she testified in Chief Justice Renato Corona’s impeachment trial, with grossly false analysis that artificially bloated his bank accounts. For that monumental fabrication that whipped up a mob against the Chief Justice, she, together with Carpio-Morales, should have resigned their posts. • Jose A. Fabia was appointed a COA member in 2014. Who is he? The Director-General of the Philippine Information Agency since Aquino assumed office, up until 2012, when he reached the government’s retirement age. He replaced a former Liberal Party Cadiz City mayor Rowena Guanzon, who served only a year, since she was given what Aquino thinks is a more important task, as Commission on Elections member. (I am hopeful, though, that Guanzon, at the end of the day, would live up to her lofty principles.) • Aquino in March appointed Michael G. Aguinaldo as COA chair. Aguinaldo was the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs of the Office of the President since Aquino assumed office, and reportedly his classmate in their Ateneo days. Isn’t that, in his hubris, Aquino’s way of practically telling the country: “The COA, one of my favorite political weapons, has been attached to the Office of the President”? It is a wasteland of damaged institutions that Aquino will be leaving us with when he steps down in office a few months from now. (Manilatimes.net)

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God and sinners reconcile

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curtain of the temple was torn in two…” The curtain symbolizes the separation of sinful man from God. When it was torn in two from top to bottom, separation ended because man was redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, once and for all times. It all makes sense now. That nativity scene predicted by the prophet Isaiah is the expression

of God’s love for us despite our sinfulness… God sent his only Son to be born as man on Christmas Day…unblemished by sin, to be the ultimate sacrifice, so that by Christ’s death and resurrection, we are given hope for eternal life in heaven. The prophet Isaiah: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned…”

This is the story of Christmas. It is the story of our redemption. It is God’s way of ending our separation from Him. And because Christ was born to us on Christmas Day, we have that hope for eternal life that once was beyond our reach because of sin. On Christmas day, God and sinners reconciled. Hark the herald angels sing… glory to the new born King. A real joy to the world, indeed! A Merry and Blessed Christmas to everyone! (Philstar.com)

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JOURNAL Gloria Diaz wants Miss Universe host slapped with hefty fine THE host of the Miss Universe 2015 coronation night who announced the wrong winner of the pageant should pay a fine, said the 1969 Miss Universe winner Gloria Diaz on Monday, Dec. 21. “He should pay a fine of 100 thousand dollars to Ms. Columbia and to the Ms. Universe,” Diaz said in an interview with TV Patrol, referring to Steve Harvey. During the coronation night on Sunday, Dec. 20, Harvey mixed D`jj Le`m\ij\ (0-0 >cfi`X ;`Xq As for Diaz, Wurtzbach’s vicup the result of the pageant as he announced that Miss Colombia tory was “amazing,” ending a Ariadna Gutierrez won the Miss title drought of 42 years for the Universe but later apologized Philippines which last won the as Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo crown in 1973. “Forty-two years, that’s a long Wurtzbach was the rightful wintime. It’s amazing,” she said. ner. Weighing on Wurtzbach’s anMeanwhile, Margie Moran, the 1973 Miss Universe, said she “felt swers during the question-andanswer portion, she said her first sorry for both candidates.” But Moran said Wurtzbach answer was “easy.” “The first answer for me was was the rightful winner because she exceled in the question and easy, playing to the Americans. That’s fine, of course I love Amerianswer portion, “She answered very well. She’s ca. Take me with you,” Diaz said. During the question-and-anvery confident,” Moran said in an swer portion, Wurtzbach was interview with TV Patrol.

asked on her stand on the reestablishment of US military bases in the country. Citing the shared history of the Philippines and the US, Wurtzbach said that the Philippines is “very welcoming” to the Americans. “I don’t see any problem with that at all,” she said. During final question and answer portion, all the candidates answered the question: “Why should you be the next Miss Universe?” Wurtzbach, who was the last to answer, said that she wants to lend her voice to certain causes such as HIV/AIDS awareness and youth issues. “I want to show the universe that I am confidently beautiful with a heart,” she said. Diaz said Wurtzbach’s second answer was “really very inspired. The Philippines last took home the crown in 1973, courtesy of Margie Moran. It was a short wait after the first victory of Gloria Diaz in 1969. (Inquirer.net)

Kris bares why President’s romance with Wurtzbach failed “I DON’T think she liked Noy,” said Presidential sister Kris Aquino when asked why her brother’s relationship with Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach didn’t prosper. In an interview on Monday, Dec. 21 the younger Aquino said she and her sisters liked Wurtzbach since the time she was rumored to have been dating President Benigno Aquino III. “All of us kaming mga sisters, from before pa, we liked her, noong naru-rumor that they were dating. Because one, she could have easily denied [that they were dating] because that was the time na ‘yung SAF big deal, and Noy was being hit left and right. But she spoke up for him. Kaya sabi ko ay matapang

Action Force of the Philippine National Police, 23 Moro rebels and several civilians. “But I don’t think she liked Noy,” she added, drawing laughter from the media. The younger Aquino believed that Wurtzbach treated her brother well but the beauty queen was focused on her preparation for the Miss Philippines and Miss Universe. “I think she entertained him but the thing is, you can tell from her character na single-minded. Kinailangan na ito ang focus ko muna,” she said. Bi`j 8hl`ef The actress-host congratuitong girl na ito,” she said. lated Wurtzbach, admitting that Kris was referring to the she was impressed with how she Mamasapano clash that left 44 answered during the questionmembers of the elite Special G8>< 9)

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Piolo, John Lloyd among 2014’s top taxpayers Pinoy superstar artist to draw Star Wars comic

MANILA—Seven celebrities are in the top 50 individual tax payers list of Bureau of Internal Revenue for year 2014, according to the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is second in the list with P210.30 million in regular income taxes paid. Presidential sister and TV host Kris Aquino ranked sixth spot for having paid P54.53 million in taxes. Also in the list is “Your Face Sounds Familiar” judge Sharon Cuneta, wife of Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pagilinan with P49.12 million regular income taxes paid. Kapamilya actors John Lloyd Cruz and Piolo Pascual are also in the list with P37.70 million and P26.42 million in income taxes paid, respectively. Anne Curtis-Smith is also one of the top 50 individual tax payers

by

Philstar.com

John Lloyd Cruz and Piolo Pascual are among the top 50 individual income taxpayers in 2014, according to the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

with P 31.47 million in taxes. Vic Sotto landed on the 45th spot with P 27.00 million in taxes paid. Some of the personalities

included in the top 500 list of individual tax payers are Derek Ramsay, and GMA executives Felipe Gozon and Gilbert Duavit Jr. (Philstar.com)

Former ‘PBB’ housemates Tommy, Miho now a couple by

JOYCE JIMENEZ/Philstar.com

MANILA—Former “Pinoy Big Brother 737” housemates Miho Nashida and Tommy Esguerra are now officially a couple. On the episode of “It’s Showtime,” on Saturday, Dec. 19, Tommy asked Miho if she could be his girlfriend. Before she gave her answer, Miho appreciated Tommy’s efforts to win her heart and how he proved that his feelings are real. “No’ng una sa totoo lang, hindi ako naniniwala sa ‘yo dahil siyempre ‘PBB,’ show ‘yon, e. Madaming camera,” she said to Tommy. “Tapos pagkatapos ng bahay ni Kuya, ito nasa labas na tayo, nasa outside na tayo ngayon kala ko magbabago ka, magbabago ang isip mo.” “Pero nakikita ko naman sa araw-araw na hindi ka nman nagbago,” she added. Tommy first confessed his feel-

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MANILA—The adventures of beloved characters from a galaxy far far away are now being drawn by someone not too far away. Filipino comic book artist Leinil Yu, who has drawn such high-profile comics such as Civil War and Wolverine for Marvel, Superman: Birthright for DC, and Superior under Icon to name a few, will be working on the Star Wars comic beginning February 2016. “I think my coming onboard is very timely,” said Yu who was all smiles as fans crowded the Promenade Hall in Greenhills for Star Wars Saturday, December 19. “I was supposed to do a Han Solo book then they (Marvel) switched me over to the main Star Wars series. But before I could really begin work on Star Wars, they asked to do the Darth Vader Annual. Now I didn’t know that the Darth Vader Annual was coming out during the opening week for ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ so that made it pretty cool.” Yu admitted to be an old-time Star Wars fan and the new penciling gig is a dream come true for him. “Drawing Star Wars is something I said yes to immediately. Why not? Who doesn’t love Star Wars? You’re talking about Han Solo, Darth Vader, the cast and crew that we grew up with in the main book. What is not to like? However, if they asked me

ing for Miho when they were still inside the “PBB” house. She also thanked him for valuing her mom and her daughter Aimie. “Ang pinakamasaya kong ginawa mo, e, inalagaan mo ang mommy ko, si Aimie, ‘yong mas binibigyan mo siya ng respeto pa kaysa sa akin,” she said. “‘Yon ang nagustuhan ko sa iyo,” she then stated, which made Tommy face light up with hope until she finally said “yes” to his question. As if he still cannot believe, Tommy confirmed, “Sigurado ka, hundred percent? Hindi para sa show? Walang pressure dahil WASHINGTON, DC—A young maraming tao?” artist whose creative works “Hindi ko inisip ‘yong presare inspired by a love for the sure, hindi ko inisip ‘yong taong environment was featured at a bayan, basta ‘yong sarili ko lang celebration of Philippine design, =fid\i ÈG`efp 9`^ 9ifk_\i .*.É _flj\dXk\j textiles and fashion at the Philipang inisip ko,” Miho replied. In the end, Tommy gave her a D`_f EXj_`[X Xe[ Kfddp <j^l\iiX Xi\ efn pine Embassy. f]ÔZ`Xccp X Zflgc\% promise ring. Francis Sollano, a 28-yearold visual artist and self-made social entrepreneur from Cebu, is making waves on the international fashion scene with his innovative pieces made from “upcycled” trash, part of the “trashion” movement whidh is mobilizing communities, women and youth. Sollano traveled to Washington, D.C. to showcase his work and share his story during a talakayan and exhibit entitled “From Waste to Hip: A Creative Paradigm” on December 14 at the embassy. Featured in the exhibit were dresses, bags, dolls, jewelry and sculptural pieces made from recycled trash such as plastic bags, PET bottles, drinking straws and sticker paper. “Tonight’s event is in support of the Philippine and global vision on sustainable development and climate change adapta9\X 8cfeqf Xe[ Af_e Ccfp[ :ilq tion,” said Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia. “Francis and the Youth for a Livable Cebu are showing us the way from Waste to Hip. Upcycling is the new wave of said, referring to Wurtzbach’s bases in the country. Citing the shared history sustainable fashion. It produces answer on her stand on the reestablishment of US military of the Philippines and the US, beautiful and original works Wurtzbach said that the Philip- from what are often considered pines is “very welcoming” to the waste materials.” Cuisia said further: “I want Americans. you to think of the significance “I don’t see any problem with of displaying these crafts that that at all,” she said. The TV-host said she agreed represent not only a means of livelihood but also a labor of love with Wurtzbach’s answer. “I agree with her. Because in and expression of creativity in a world where China is so strong the midst of material scarcity,” we need them. Let’s be honest. said the Ambassador. Sollano was inspired to make Kailangan natin sila and let’s fashion from trash three years be friendly with them, di ba?” ago while driving home in heavy she said. During final question-and-an- rain. “While I was driving, my car’s swer portion, all the candidates carpet started to wave. It was answered the question: “Why should you be the next Miss then that I realized that it was flooding after just a few minutes Universe?” Wurtzbach said that she wants of rain. Aside from the kids bathto lend her voice to certain ing in the flood rain, garbage causes such as HIV/AIDS aware- was also all over the place. It was a painful picture. I immediately ness and youth issues. “I want to show the universe felt the urge to do something that I am confidently beautiful about it in the way I feel most comfortable—trashion,” said with a heart,” she said. Aquino said she was inspired Sollano. He added, “It was never a by Wurtzbach’s answer. difficult decision to choose trash “Ang galing niya, gusto ko as material. It is painful to see siya,” she said. (Inquirer.net)

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to do a Jar Jar Binks mini-series that’s another thing.” Han Solo, arguably the most popular of the Star Wars characters, is Yu’s favorite. Yet the artist admitted that he hasn’t gotten a full grip on all the characters just yet. “It’s one thing to enjoy them on film as a fan and it’s another to draw them. I just started working on the characters so I haven’t figured them out. You can say that I am still getting to know the characters better. It usually takes me a couple of issues before I get into the groove of the book I am working on. But so far, I like drawing Han and everyone. The cast is so diverse it’s fun for me. It’s also a test to what I can do with this icon of a franchise.” “It’s being solicited for February but I am still working on it. It’s

harder because it’s the Christmas season.” Regarding “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” Yu said he loves it. “I love it. I had high expectations because it is JJ Abrams. But I have some reservations as a fan though. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it and look forward to watching it again.” Star Wars Saturday was organized by Filbar’s and the alliance of pop culture stores thoughout Manila. The Star Wars franchise returned to Marvel this 2015 when Disney purchased Lucasfilm Ltd., ending close to two decades run under Dark Horse Comics. It was Marvel that originally published Star Wars concurrent to the original film’s release in May of 1977.

Filipino designer’s fashion from trash showcased in Washington

‘A Second Chance’ now highest-grossing Filipino film of all time THIRD time may be the charm but “A Second Chance” has the glam. John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo’s romantic drama is now the highestgrossing Filipino movie of all time, raking in P566 million worldwide as per Star Cinema executive Roxy Liquigan. Liquigan posted the announcement via Instagram with the straightforward post “now the highest grossing Filipino movie of all time” together with the movie’s poster. A simple hashtag #P556MWorldwide was the icing. A Second Chance beat the previous record holder “The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin,” one of the entries in the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival starring comedian Vice Ganda, by a whopping P100 million. (Inquirer.net)

Kris bares why President’s romance with...

G8>< 9( and-answer portion. “She answered so well,” Kris

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garbage littered all over our cities, much worse seeing Filipinos throw their garbage in the streets as if our country is a huge trash bin. I wish to re-ignite a culture that truthfully values our environment and to take responsibility over our waste. It would be a very beautiful country to live in with products that speak the language of the earth.” Creating fashion and art pieces from trash is no longer a solo endeavor for Sollano. Through a partnership with the non-profit Youth for a Livable Cebu (YLC), local communities have become an integral part in Cebu’s trashion scene. “I can recall my childhood playing with candy wraps and turn them into trinkets. It was when I joined YLC that I started to take trashion seriously. YLC, as a youth group, advocates for sustainability and part of its programs is upcycling. I saw this as a wonderful platform to introduce my art pieces and network with commercial establishments,” said Sollano. Women also play an active role in the production process. According to Sollano, trashion has allowed the women of the community to not only earn an income but also to rediscover their worth. Artist and social entrepreneur Francis Sollano explains his craft. “During one of our evaluations, we found out that most women felt happier because they had found a new sense of worth in themselves, that they are able to contribute in their

community and produce designs that are beautiful for the world to own. Instead of having a routinely lazy day, the women now enjoy creating trashion. Money has become secondary,” said Sollano. Although trashion is a fairly new concept, Sollano believes there is a lot of potential for it to become a thriving industry. “The future of trashion is very promising, most especially with the new consciousness that the upcoming designers bring with them. There are also fashion brands that have started to adopt the same principles of upcycling. For our brand, we hope to preserve its aesthetic with its products as pieces of art while we aim to grow its reach in different regions across the globe,” said Sollano. YLC is the youth arm of the Movement for a Livable Cebu (MLC). Started in June 2012, the MLC is a network of young professionals and volunteers collaborating in creative and sustainable ways to make Cebu a better place to live in. Earlier this year, the embassy featured Philippine hand-woven fabric and the grand dame of Philippine fashion, Patis Tesoro. From Waste to Hip: A Creative Paradigm caps off 2015 as a year of Philippine textiles, design and fashion. Talakayan sa Pasuguan is the embassy’s ongoing forum series which serves as a venue for the discussion of timely and relevant issues that affect the Filipino American community. (Inquirer.net)

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Being second choice for Walang Forever... Jericho: Not an issue by

MARIO E. BAUTISTA Philstar.com

MANILA—Jericho Rosales is happy to have an entry once again in the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). “The first time I had an entry was in 2000, Star Cinema’s ‘Tanging Yaman,’ which won Best Picture,” he says. “This was followed by ‘Bagong Buwan’ in 2001, ‘Baler’ which I did for Viva in 2008, ‘Yesterday Today Tomorrow’ for Regal in 2011 and now, ‘Walang Forever’ for Quantum Films.” Did he have second thoughts about accepting “Walang Forever” that was originally meant for JM de Guzman? “No, it was never an issue. I believe everything happens for a reason. I’ve long wanted to do a light drama like this with touches of comedy, so I consider this an answered prayer and I want to thank the Lord for granting my request,” he says. “Even if I were the third or fourth choice, I won’t let go of the opportunity to do this project, which happens to be a Metro Manila Filmfest entry also. I really enjoyed doing this film with Jennylyn Mercado who I get to work with for the first time.” He was praised to high heavens by Jennylyn during their presscon. When asked about him, she declared: “He’s one of the best leading men I’ve worked with. He’s a great actor and nice to everyone. He treats even the staff and the crew with care and concern, at siempre, maalaga siya sa kapareha niya, especially in our love scenes.” What can Jericho say about this? “What else but thank you,” he says. “But Jen herself is a joy to work with. Napakagaan niyang kasama. We clicked right away on the set on the very first day of shooting. Truth is, when I’d see her billboards then, I was wishing that we’d be given the chance to work together someday and here it is, nagkatotoo na.” What can he say about Jen’s

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acting? “She’s the best. We both won in a contest on TV. She in ‘StarStruck,’ and me in Mr. Pogi of ‘Eat Bulaga.’ She can be called the Rom-com Queen after doing hit romantic comedies, but in fairness to her, she’s also good in doing our dramatic scenes. Ito kasing ‘Walang Forever,’ it’s not just a rom-com, marami rin itong dramatic scenes and she’s also good in all of them. “I play Ethan, her former boyfriend, an information technology expert who works abroad. We broke up because she thinks I’m so self-centered. Then I come back to her life, woo her again, she gives me a second chance, then things go wrong again for us, which is why she believes that in a relationship, walang forever.” What does he think are their chances against younger love teams like AlDub, JaDine and KimXi who are also starring in MMFF entries? “I believe in our movie. Our director, Dan Villegas, is very good. He has fresh, great ideas on how to come up with a crowd pleaser. Last year, he surprised everyone with “English Only Please,” which won

awards and was also a box-office blockbuster due to positive wordof- mouth endorsement from satisfied viewers. I won’t be surprised if Walang Forever would follow the same route. We’re all happy with our movie. I think it will spread like wildfire that it’s worth watching and it will have long legs at the box-office.” Jericho got married to modelTV host Kim Jones in May of last year. When do they intend to have kids? “As of now, we don’t have any plans. We’re doing a lot of traveling together to enjoy each other’s company. When you have a baby, that would be hard to do. So having kids would have to wait.” He has romantic scenes with Jennylyn in “Walang Forever,” won’t Kim get jealous? “No, she’s very secure with me. She knows my heart belongs only to her and that when I kiss my leading ladies, it’s just part of my job as an actor. I’m only doing it to be effective in my work and she already knew that even before she married me. Actually, she’s excited to watch the movie and she thinks there’s kilig factor and good chemistry in my team-up with Jennylyn.”

AlDub takes Cebu by storm by RYAN

MARK Philstar.com

MANILA—The inclement weather brought about by typhoons Nona and Onyok proved to be no match to the drawing power of the phenomenal love team of Alden Richards and Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza. Thousands welcomed the duo as they barnstormed the cities of Cebu and Davao last week to bring “Eat, Bulaga’s” Kalyeserye and to promote their first movie together “My Bebe Love.” An estimated crowd of 10,000 trooped to Brgy. Lorega in Cebu City last Dec. 17 just so they could have a glimpse of the phenome-

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Guillen and Leo Martinez. It was with Tanghalang Pilipino, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, that he got his stage legs, eventually graduating to lead roles. Since then he’s gone from strength to strength, expanding his range to include roles in film and television. In 2012, he bagged a small part in the big-budget Hollywood thriller “The Bourne Legacy.” The following year he starred in “Metro Manila,” a British independent film which was entered in the 86th Academy Awards and earned Arcilla a best supporting actor nomination in the British Independent Film Awards. Before all that, however, he was an activist, going to the barrios to teach children of peasants and laborers as a “cultural worker.” He broke with the orthodox Left when it opted out of People Power in 1986. Since then he has chosen to follow his own path toward social and

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political change. Outside the stage and screen, Arcilla runs an environmental non governmental association called Care and Protect Life on Earth that he started in 2003. He also put up a community animal shelter called Stray Home, an outlet for his love for animals. (Arcilla shares his home with nine poodles, a Belgian Malinois and a Siberian Husky, and has an almost psychic connection with his pets.) Though Arcilla’s current success has been decades in the making, there’s no denying that “Heneral Luna” has been a career breakthrough. Hopefully, the convergence of Arcilla’s art and his activism can continue in the future. “I am a Filipino first… before I am an actor,” he says when asked about how he plans to choose future roles. “Makakatulong ba ako sa enlightenment ng audience o hindi? Makakatulong ba ako sa pag-evolve ng society o hindi?” (Inquirer.net)

where fans and onlookers stayed to see the celebrities is located in an interior portion of the city. At the mall show later that day to promote “My Bebe Love”—AlDub’s first film with Ai-Ai delas Alas and Vic Sotto, who in turn jokingly called their tandem as AiSing—a limited audience of 800 were allowed to watch the program at the SM Seaside Sky Wall. Only those who were able to purchase items on Dec. 16 or 17 worth P500 or a movie card worth P250 were allowed to enter. A throng of fans, however, patiently and eagerly waited outside the venue, hoping for even a quick glance of their idols.

Gov. Vi still goes to market

John Arcilla aka Heneral Luna: I am a Filipino first, an actor second THEATER stalwart John Arcilla has skyrocketed from semiobscurity to, at the very least, semi-fame, thanks to the leftfield success of the historical biopic “Heneral Luna.” His feral performance as the hot-blooded revolutionary hero Antonio Luna has made him a recognizable public figure, specially when he goes out wearing Luna’s trademark handlebar moustache and military uniform on speaking engagements. “Gusto nilang murahin ko ang mga barumbadong opisyales ng gobyerno,” says a bemused Arcilla, who’s happy to oblige his adoring public. Luna has become a touchstone of sorts for society’s discontents—from government corruption to the incompetence of public officials. And for many Filipinos, it seems, Arcilla is Luna. In fact, he’ll be reprising the role in the coming Gregorio del Pilar biopic. Far from rebelling at being so typecast, Arcilla hopes to sustain the momentum of nationalist sentiment following the success of “Heneral Luna.” The best part about being famous, he says, is that it gives him a platform for expressing his thoughts and opinions on social and political issues. Arcilla, who turns 50 next year, spent his formative years in Baler, Aurora, where his parents took refuge during the martial law years. At age 7, he began to show an interest in the stage, and joined the Philippine Educational Theater Association (Peta) while still in high school. He earned a degree in Mass Communication from St. Joseph’s College of Quezon City, and was a scholar of the Actors’ Workshop Foundation under Laurice

non that is AlDub, the love team of Alden Richards and Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza. The tandem topbills the Juan for All, All for Juan segment of “Eat, Bulaga” with the famous trio JoWaPao (Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola and Paolo Ballesteros). There were some Cebuanos who went to the area very early, hoping to become part of the segment’s popular Sugod Bahay. But many were already contented that they had finally gotten the chance to see Alden and Yaya Dub in person for the first time. The Cebu City Traffic Office, on the other hand, declared a “comfortable” traffic flow since the barangay

SHE may be one of the few highly successful actors-turnedpoliticians, but Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos Recto, who is in her final term as Lipa governor, still does the marketing for her family. Wife to former senator Ralph Recto and mom to college student Ryan Christian and TV host Luis Manzano, Gov. Vi endearingly made this revelation just before she mounted her final “Voices Songs and Rhythms” [also an acronym for Vilma Santos-Recto] talent search at this year’s Ala Eh Festival. In reply to a question why she decided to run as Representative of the Lone District of Lipa when she was previously offered to be the vice presidential running mate of former DILG Secretary Mar

Roxas, the beloved governor said, “Maraming nga pong nagulat na hindi ako tumakbo ng pagka-vice president, pero nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga nagtiwalang kakayanin ko umakyat sa national level. Kaya lang, hindi ko kasi ma-imagine na pag tayo ay palarin na wala nang tatao sa bahay! “Maniwala po kayo at sa hindi, ako pa rin po ang nag-ma-marketing para sa bahay, at gusto ko pa rin na pag may nangyari sa anak ko, makakatakbo ako sa kanya. “Maganda naman po ang rating ni Ralph [who is running for the senate anew], kaya mas gusto ko na po na isa lang sa amin ang nasa national level, because I still believe that the family is the most important unit of society.” (ManilaTimes.net)

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GIFT GIVING. On Thursday, Dec. 17, the Asian American Group (AGG) distributed more than 900 toys for the students of Marion E. Cahlan Elementary School in North Las Vegas. “What you and the Asian American Group are doing for our school is truly amazing. We are so truly grateful. I look forward to many more years working with the Asian American Group.” Corey Holden, counselor of the elementary school said. Leaders of the Asian community and AAG board members joined the gift giving to “children who will grow up and realize that we all have to share and give in this world by helping a fellow human being and the Asian community will take the LEAD,” shared Mike Vaswani.

AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal

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Your Immigration Solution ATTY. ROBERT REEVES DEVIN M. CONNOLLY NANCY E. MILLER D E PA R T I N G t h e U n i t e d States when you are not a US citizen can lead to serious problems upon your attempt to return. This is true for both lawful permanent residents and for non-citizens with pending applications or non-immigrant visas. Many lawful permanent residents mistakenly believe that a green card guarantees their re-admission to the US after traveling abroad. Not true. Everyone seeking entry into the US is subject to inspection. If questions of inadmissibility arise during these inspections, the non-citizen can be placed in secondary inspection or in Removal Proceedings where the alien will have to fight to remain in the US and keep his lawful status. There are many reasons why a person already granted permanent resident status may face problems when attempting to return to the US. One common reason is based of the amount of time the alien has spent outside of the US. Attending school, working abroad, caring for an elderly relative, are all possible reasons for remaining out of the US for an extended period of time. The issue is one of intent. Did they intend to abandon their permanent resident status or did they always intend to continue to live in the US? The question is one of fact and must be resolved by sufficient persuasive evidence submitted by the alien. To help reduce the risk of being charged with abandonment, the permanent resident who foresees being out of the US for an extended period of time should obtain a re-entry permit. The re-entry permit may allow a resident to remain outside of the US for up to 2 years while main-

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA LEST we forget, Christ is the reason for the season. The generosity personified by the iconic Santa Claus figure comes from the love of God who sent His only begotten Son as a gift to the world. We need to refocus with laser sharp accuracy on what is truly important about the season. So say Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays if you agree. Those who wish to stay politically correct will say Happy Holidays or Season’s Greetings. Businesses who cater to all denominations and do not wish to “offend” will stay the course of political correctness. It’s a matter of survival these days given the cultural climate. But take heart, it seems the pendulum is swinging. Soon the scourge of political correctness in our time and all its dark assaults on morality, truth and goodness will go the way of the dodo. The weather is highly unusual in most parts of the world this year but if you tune in to sky watchers’ websites and yahoo news segments devoted to science, the heavens are putting out spectacular light shows seen during midnight and the early morning hours.

Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS WHEN international celebrity Marilyn Monroe, in her sexy tightfitting gold gown that hugged her shapely figure, sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. President,” in May 1962, the attention of the world was momentarily focused on her. But John F. Kennedy, 45, was still center stage. After all, he was the honoree and the man of the hour. During this season, jolly old Santa Claus -- with his famous white mustache, beard, and long curly hair, red baggy outfit and winter black boots -- is given the glory. Every year, he gets the honor. Men, women, young and old, and children of all ages, have accepted him as the symbol of Christmas itself --- holiday cheers, gifts, food, and merriment. He appears to have a monopoly of the reverence and the spotlight is mostly on him all throughout the festivities. It almost seems that without Santa Claus, there would not be any reindeer, sleigh, stockings, gifts, or even Christmas itself. Ask any child, and that would invari-

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What to know before you go Calendar of Events across taining permanent resident status. This travel document must be applied for before departing the US and is usually granted for a 1 or 2 year period of time. However, while the re-entry permit makes admission at the end of the period of absence more likely, it is not a guarantee that the green card holder will be readmitted as a lawful permanent resident. Again, the question is one of intent and the evidence provided to show proper intent is essential. A special immigrant returning resident visa (SB-1) may become necessary if the resident failed to obtain a re-entry permit before leaving or remained outside beyond its expiration date. The SB-1 is issued by consular officers at a US Embassy. It will only be issued if the resident is able to clearly demonstrate that he or she always maintained the intent to reside in the US. They must also demonstrate that the cause of their protracted stay outside of the US was beyond their control. Consular officers begin their analysis by assuming that one who intended to remain a permanent resident would have applied for a re-entry permit prior to departing the US. And it is the alien’s burden to persuade the officer that her conclusion is incorrect. Another reason why a green card holder might be refused admission is a prior criminal conviction. Crimes of a serious nature (and sometimes even those that might not seem serious) may result in a refusal of admission. At that point, the alien could be paroled into the United States and given a chance to fight for their green card status in Immigration Court. Resolution of this potential problem might include obtaining a waiver of inadmissibility or naturalizing (if eligible) prior to departing. A person with a pending application for permanent resident status who did not obtain advanced parole before she left

will be deemed to have abandoned her application. So, advanced parole is essential if one wishes to travel out of the country and continue to pursue her application for a green card. Advanced parole is also necessary in order to avoid incurring the 3-10 year unlawful presence bars for having remained in the US in unlawful status beyond a period of time. The Board of Immigration Appeals has ruled that aliens who travel on advanced parole are not considered to have departed the US and, therefore, have not triggered these bars. A non-citizen who entered the U.S. on one type of visa (such as a visitor’s visa) and then changed status (to student or H1B etc) may be required to apply for a visa in that new category at their US Consulate in order to return to the US. Those in removal proceedings or with existing removal orders invoke a whole different set of problems that are not addressed in this article. Anyone without US citizenship should keep in mind that re-entry is not guaranteed. It is the non-citizen’s burden to show that they are eligible for admission. Give yourself the best chance of making your readmission to the US uneventful. Consult a knowledgeable and experienced immigration lawyer before you go.

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Christ is still the reason for the season “He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” -Roy L. Smith If you live in Los Angeles, go check out the schedule at the Griffith Park Observatory. Tune out of the internet. We live too much in our heads gawking, gaping tethered to our phones. We become virtual slaves to our ipads and our computers — our eyesight becoming progressively weak, our derrieres getting bigger, our muscles getting flabbier and sadly, our lives becoming predictably boring. We fail to see the big picture. We need to stop living virtual lives. We need to CHOOSE TO REALLY LIVE with all our senses and marvel at the heavens. If you live in areas with very little light pollution or you can find a group of friends who love to watch the night sky with their telescopes on higher ground, bundled up like Eskimos for the frigid hours of the night and early morning hours with their thermos full of hot cocoa, you can really feel the velvet grandeur of the night skies around this time of the year. At no other time during the

year is the line, “Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.” more appropriate to ponder than at Christmas time when all the splendors of the world around us, if we look carefully and listen well, take on special meaning. Christmas is a time for remembrance of things past, mostly the good ones. We ought to edit out and leave the unwanted footage of those memories that are best left forgotten on the cutting room floor. Above all, it is a time to say “THANK YOU”, a time to draw lessons from the year just past in order to use a new and fresh supply of God’s gift called TIME, given in equal measure to all men, rich or poor, from one glorious day to the next. M E R RY C H R I ST M A S TO ALL! *** EfkX 9\e\1 Dfe\kk\ 8[\mX DX^cXpX `j JMG f] 8j`Xe AflieXc GlYc`ZXk`fej# @eZ% Kf j\e[ Zfdd\ekj# \$dX`c dfe\kk\%dX^cXpX7 Xj`XeaflieXc`eZ%Zfd

The uninvited celebrant: Where’s the birthday boy? ably be the answer you get. Santa Claus is very important during this holiday. Without him, there won’t be any Christmas. There won’t be any gifts. He is, after all, the bearer of gifts from the North Pole. That’s what the children are led to believe -- unintentionally I am sure, but nonetheless that’s the subliminal vibe they get from adults as they grow up in very this materialistic world where priorities are sometimes twisted. Everything during the Christmas season, including our conversations and greetings, is about Santa -- the parties, food, drinks, gifts, and all the material things we can buy in this highly commercialized world. Many of us hardly talk to our children and amongst ourselves about the true meaning of Christmas, the Birthday Boy, the celebrant Himself. About His wonders, His greatness, and His ultimate sacrifice for us. Are we off track focusing too much on ourselves, the material and earthly things and too little on the sacredness of Christmas? Yes, I think we are, and, sadly, most inappropriately. We seem to have lost our focus. Jesus, the

celebrant, is often relegated to the background, even forgotten during His own birthday party. Shopping, food and merriment preoccupy and overwhelm everybody’s minds during this holiday. The honoree, the Main Event, the very reason why we are celebrating in the first place, is no longer on the center stage. Sometimes, I feel that we have even neglected to invite Him to His own party. In many cases, He is nowhere to be found, because He may not be a conscious priority on our minds during this busy and festive occasion. The sheer joy of the celebration and the loud “Ho! Ho! Ho!” seem to have drowned Him out. We seem to be missing the significance and the holiness of it all. Isn’t it time to put the birthday Boy back on center stage, where He belongs, and to honor Him in the right spirit? After all, this is His party. And we are only His guests. To one and all, a Very Merry CHRISTmas, and to our Santo Nino in the manger: Happy Birthday, and thank you for the gift of life and for blessing us once again with the G8>< 9.

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Jk% GXlc k_\ 8gfjkc\ :Xk_fc`Z :_liZ_ J`dYXe^ >XY` )'(, We invite you be a part of our annual celebration of an old-time Filipino Christmas tradition, Simbang Gabi, a project of the Filipino Catholics of Saint Paul the Apostle Ministry. Simbang Gabi (meaning “Night Mass”) will occur each morning for 9 straight days, starting December 16 to 25, with Mass starting at 5:30am. Everyone is welcome to celebrate the joyful upcoming birth of Jesus Christ! Light breakfast will be provided after each mass at the Maher Hall of St. Paul the Apostle Church (14085 Peyton Dr, Chino Hills, CA 91709). We are currently in need of volunteers to help serve breakfast or assist us in serving at the Mass as ushers or Eucharistic ministers. We gladly accept and encourage individual or group volunteers. Please spread the news and invite your friends to this joyous community gathering. If you are interested in helping please call any of the following; Tara Villavicencio - (909) 2104891, Emily Jiao - (909) 248-8791, or Rick Jiao (909) 248-8790.

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:_liZ_ f] k_\ >ff[ J_\g_\i[ J`dYXe^ >XY` )'(, The Filipino-American & ethnic parishioners of the Church of the Good Shepherd of Beverly Hills will celebrate “Simbang Gabi 2015” on Tuesday, December 22, at 7:00 pm. Everyone is invited to come and celebrate the special Advent Mass in the parish, in consonance with the observance of the tradition by the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The theme of this year’s Simbang Gabi is “Jesus our Savior, empower our families to be better stewards of your creation” –translated in Pilipino as “Jesus aming Tagapagligtas, bigyan mo ng kapangyarihan ang aming Pamilya na maging mas mahusay na tagapangalaga ng iyong nilikha.” Most Reverend Bishop Oscar A. Solis, the first Filipino Bishop in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and currently the Head of the San Pedro Pastoral Region, will be the main celebrant, with other priests including Fr. Ed Benioff to concelebrate with the Bishop. Special guests include the Philippine Consul General of Los Angeles, Leo HerreraLim, and his wife, with music from the Philippine Chamber Singers of Los Angeles. A catered and potluck reception follows after the Mass at the Church Hall.

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GXdgXe^X ?`^_ JZ_ffc :cXjj f] Ë-, >fc[\e AlY`c\\ :\c\YiXk`fe 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.

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=\Xjk f] JXekf E` f [\ :\Yl 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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)0k_ 8ee`m\ijXip =\Xjk f] JXekf E` f Santo Niño Cruzada USA, with the participation of the Cathedral Knights of Columbus and a Sinulog group, is inviting everyone for a holy mass to celebrate the 29th anniversary of the Feast of Santo Niño, the Divine Infant Jesus, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles (555 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012) on Sunday, January 17, at 3:30pm. The main celebrant is Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik, with Father David Gallardo as concelebrant. For more information, please contact any of the following officers: Romy & Tess Esturas (213-387-9682), Rey & Tess Edpao (818-469-7292), Lilia Figuracion (626-3942661, Carmen Estrada (213-413-2881), Fe Montana (323-218-1587), Ester Paredes (213864-1149), Fe Reyes (213-413-5286), Laurie Dolorfino (213-407-0097), and Cherry Guerrero (213-632-2096).

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

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GLG&G:: kf _fc[ (jk >cfYXc I\le`fe 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 27-29, 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 ormarispalanca@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 or honey@worldclassfreight.com; Virginia Herbito at virginiaherbito@gmail.com; Connie Acosta at 323-854-5303 or connieacosta1@att.net; Violeta D. Cristobal at 310-880-5808 or vee@cristobalcpa.com; Jun Mapoy at 323-627-5326 or jcmapoy@yahoo.com.

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Heart Evangelista reacts to online bashers Miss Spain wins Miss World 2015 IN this day and age of social media, it isn’t easy to be a celebrity. More so to be a celebrity and married to a politician vying for the second highest position in the land. Heart Evangelista acknowledged the fact when she and her husband Senator Chiz Escudero took the hot seat on Winnie Monsod’s Bawal Ang Pasaway on GMA Network, adding that she has gotten used to the negative

comments she reads online. Active on Facebook and Instagram, Heart confessed, “In the beginning, it drove me crazy. Especially ako sanay ako sa social media. I’m very active [online], so nung umpisa nakikita ko lahat. But my husband advised me na wag ko nalang daw pansinin ang mga bashers.” She quickly added, “Pero siyempre bilang asawa or bilang kaibigan din, parang nasasaktan

ako para sa kanya. Hindi ba? So I have learned to let go. Eventually, siguro, you get immune din to what they throw at him or even to me.” Heart continues to be active in showbiz via projects on GMA Network, but has declared she will be active in campaigning for her husband in 2016. Escudero is currently leading in surveys among the vice presidential candidates. (ManilaTimes.net)

PH bet reaches top 10, wins multimedia evemts

by ARMIN P. ADINA Inquirer.net

MISS World Philippines Hillarie Danielle Parungao scored a Top 10 finish and topped the “Multimedia” event in the 2015 Miss World pageant held at the Crown of Beauty Theater in Sanya, China, on Saturday, Dec. 19. Prior to the final cut to the Top 5, Parungao ranked fourth in the Miss World “leaderboard” based on points she earned from the preliminary events. In the Miss World pageant, all delegates undergo a series of preliminary activities, where they earn points to help boost their chances of bagging the title. Aside from bagging the Multimedia Award, Parungao also figured highly in the “Top Model” and “Beauty With A Purpose” events, the latter with her charity project called “Katuwang” I\^Xc DXki`XiZ_ C`cp Dfek\m\i[\ nXj fe\ f] k_\ j`o _fefi\[ Yp k_\ ;`i\Zkfij >l`c[ f] k_\ G_`c`gg`e\j# @eZ% ;>G@ i\Z\ekcp ]fi k_\`i Zfeki`Ylk`fe which aims to curb infant and kf k_\ dfm`\ `e[ljkip# j_\ ]fi Y\`e^ X gif[lZ\i Xe[ k_\ Ôm\ fk_\ij i`^_k# j\Xk\[ ]ifd c\]k# n`k_ ;>G@ f]ÔZ\ij Xe[ d\dY\ij `e k_\`i child mortality in depressed i\jg\Zk`m\ Ô\c[j1 JljXe IfZ\j XZki\jj# i\gi\j\ek\[ Yp ^iXe[jfe 9ipXe Gf\$CcXdXeqXi\j # B`[cXk KX_`d`b `e[`\ Ôcd dfm\d\ek # Ifdp M`kl^ communities. The 24-year-old nursing grad Z`e\dXkf^iXg_\i # I`Zbp C\\ jZi`gkni`k\i Xe[ Cfi\ I\p\j n`k_ Zf$[`i\Zkfi G\hl\ >XccX^X n_f nXj efk gi\j\ek % uate from Nueva Vizcaya also sustained the Philippines’ strong running in the global tilt, which was ignited by Gwendoline Peque Gallaga (Scorpio Nights, Haunted Mansion directed by Jun Ruais’ first runner up finish in by RICKY LO etc.), Gil Portes (Beautiful Life), Lana, stars newcomers Janella Sal- 2011. Philstar.com In 2013, Megan Young gave Joel Lamangan (one of the Mano vador, Marlo Mortel and Jerome REGAL Matriarch Mother Lily Po movies, etc.), Erik Matti (one Ponce, together with Sharlene San the Philippines its first victory Monteverde couldn’t help but be of the Mano Po movies, etc.), Joey Pedro, Ingrid dela Paz, Devon Se- in the London-based global tilt. emotional when she and five other Javier Reyes (My Monster Mom, ron, Eliza Pineda, Phytos Ramirez Queneerich Rehman finished in the Top 15 in 2012, while last industry icons were honored by etc.), Joey Gosiengfiao (Tempta- and Paulo Gumabao. At the movie’s recent presscon, year’s representative Valerie the Directors Guild of the Philip- tion Island, etc.), Mario O’Hara (Shake, Rattle & Roll, etc.) and Mother Lily delivered a short Weigmann cracked the Top 25. pines, Inc. (DGPI) recently. For the pageant’s 65th stagThe five others were Susan Elwood Perez (Bilangin ang Bituin speech, saying (quoted verbaing this year, the crown went to tim): “Marami ang nagtatanong Roces (actress, represented by sa Langit, etc.), among others. Mother Lily was criticized for kung bakit hindi Shake, Rattle Spain’s Mireia Lalaguna Royo, grandson Bryan Poe-Llamanzares at the event), Romy Vitug her pito-pito style of movie-mak- & Roll ang entry niMother Lily a 23-year-old Pharmacy student (cinematographer), Ricky Lee ing (films shot in seven days) and sa Metro Filmfest. It’s because from Barcelona. She also re(scriptwriter), Kidlat Tahimik ably acquitted herself by launch- I believe so much in Haunted ceived the “Top Model” award. Russian delegate Sofia Ni(indie film movement) and Lore ing the careers of Lav Diaz (Ang Mansion. I believe so much in kitchuck, who ranked first in Reyes (with directing partner Kriminal ng Bo. Concepcion) and my newest babies, Janella, Marlo Peque Gallaga who wasn’t able Jeffrey Jeturian (Sana Pagibig and Jerome. First time I visited the Top 10 leaderboard, finished Na). Most of today’s finest actors the set in Bulacan. Natakot ako! second. Indonesia’s Maria Harto make it). Thanking the directors and started as Regal Babies (Maricel Nakakakilabot! Di ako makatulog! fanti, who topped the “Beauty sharing the honor with them, Soriano, Gabby Concepcion, Dina That’s how scary the movie is. Pati With A Purpose” race, placed Mother Lily credited the directors Bonnevie, Albert Martinez, et al). si Mother Lily,na-shake, na-rattle third. Jamaica’s Sanetta Myrie and “Without you,” continued at nag-roll…!” for helping make Regal Films a Mother Lily ended her DGPI Lebanon’s Valerie Abou Chacra formidable pillar of the industry. Mother Lily, still addressing the Name a director and chances are directors, “there would not have acceptance speech this way: rounded up the Top 5. Guyana’s Lisa Punch, who that he has worked with Regal been classic movies and New Age “Producers an directors, not to performed a song number dur— Mike de Leon (Sister Stella L, films even today’s young genera- mention actors and production people, share one body, one soul, ing the coronation ceremonies, etc.), Lino Brocka (Adultery, etc.), tion enjoys.” In a manner of speaking, Moth- one mind and one goal. That is, to topped the Talent competition, Ishmael Bernal (Relasyon,etc.), Mel Chionglo (Nasaan Ka Nang er Lily continues to shake, rattle create more films that will not only while Namibia’s Steffi Van Wyk Kailangan Kita?, etc.), Marilou and roll (as the title of her previ- entertain but will put Philippine scored the highest in the Sports Diaz-Abaya (Boystown, etc.), ous 13 MMFF entries aptly put it). Cinema at par with the world’s and Fitness challenge. Vietnam’s Trn Ngc Lan Khuê Maryo J. delos Reyes (Diosa, etc.), Her company’s 2015 MMFF entry, best.”

Mother Lily still shakes, rattles & rolls

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earned the highest public votes and was included as the 11th finalist through her People’s Choice Award. She also topped the World Fashion Designer Dresses contest. Young was tapped to host the pageant for the second year in a row, along with returning host Tim Vincent and Angela Chow. This year’s competition had 114 delegates. Lalaguna’s victory marked the first-ever win for a Spanish contestant. Not present was Miss Canada, Chinese-born Anastasia Lin, who had been prevented from boarding her connecting flight to Sanya from Hong Kong last month after China refused her a visa. Lin is an outspoken critic of Chinese religious policy and a follower of the Falun Gong meditation practice, which was outlawed by China in 1999. She said that after she won the Canadian title, Chinese se-

curity agents visited her father, who still lives in China, in an apparent attempt to intimidate her into silence. China has hosted the competition seven times, starting in 2003, part of its attempts to project a more modern, outgoing image. However, the controversy over Lin’s attendance illustrates the authoritarian communist government’s determination to do so on its own terms, regardless of the cost to the country’s reputation. Neither Beijing nor the London-based Miss World Organization has commented on the controversy. It was the second consecutive year that outside events intruded on the competition. Last year’s contest in London was marred by the murder the month before of Miss Honduras and her sister in that country. The first Miss World contest was held 64 years ago in Britain.

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‘Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas’

BY MONET

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WHEN malls start playing Christmas songs all day long, you know: Christmas is knocking at your door. One of the holiday anthems often played is the song, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland. But not everyone knows the story behind this song. Time Magazine Contributor, Wook Kim wrote: “The original lyrics for this lovely holiday song—written for the 1944 musical ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’—were too depressing for the movie’s famous star and director. ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ tells the story of a close-knit family living in St. Louis in the early 1900s. The family is devastated when the father announces that they will soon be moving to New York City—the news hitting his daughters especially hard. In a memorable scene towards the end of the film, Esther (played by Judy Garland, five years after ‘The Wizard of Oz’) tries to console her younger sister Tootie (Margaret O’Brien) with a song. ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ was supposed to paint a picture of fragile hope and optimism.” I am no “Grinch” but learning about the surprising twist behind this lovely Christmas song gave me some form of relief that I am normal. After all, there could be a reason that I somehow turn melancholic when I hear that song. The same is true for some people whose loved ones have passed on, and those who will be celebrating Christmas alone (they usually call themselves ‘loveless’ or in our native language, ‘samahan ng malalamig lang pasko’). Whatever their reasons are for not ‘having a merry little Christmas,’ it does not stop me from sharing some of the little ways other people can ignite that holiday cheer. While many people find it hard to be excited about Christmas, many are full of reasons to celebrate and be filled with the Christmas Spirit. And you can sense it in them the moment you step into their homes or get in the car. They seem to have transformed their homes into a mini

Christmas concert, and their cars into a Christmas-themed party van. In light of that, as my first tip, I suggest you listen to good Christmas songs – and there are a ton of them! Among my all-time favorites are Nat King Cole’s Christmas music, “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney, “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby, “Happy Christmas (War is Over)” by John Lennon, “Frosty the Snowman”, All I Want For Christmas is You by Mariah Carey, “Jingle Bells”, “Christmas Lights” by Coldplay, and of course, Michael Buble’s Christmas medley. Also, if you have satellite TV, watch the music channels as they play Christmas songs. Some people love to have a Christmas songs playing in the background while they do other things, while some watch some great classic Christmas movies. Whatever tickles your Christmasfancy – go for it. Christmas is also a great time to get in touch with family and friends. Call or email friends whom you have not talked to in a while – you have a reason to now because, well, “It’s Christmas!’ If you have time and some hidden creativity that is waiting to be unleashed, decorate as much as you can with ornaments, Christmas cards, strings, ribbons, candy canes and more. You may also send out Christmas cards! Visit your neighborhood craft store and indulge yourself in making personalized Christmas cards. I speak from experience when I say these are the most effective stress relievers you can treat yourself to on the holidays. Speaking of stress, one very effective way to de-stress this holiday and make a “merry-little-happy-Christmas home” is by de-cluttering. Make sure everything is clean and uncluttered. By doing so, you feel more at peace and homey. Partner that moment with a white peppermint mocha latte and you feel like sitting on Santa’s lap with a wish list in hand. The best way to feel the Christmas spirit is by giving. Donate your time and/or money to those in need. Think of your less fortunate relatives or that homeless person you often see across the street. Try to do something good for another person -- it can be from holding the door to taping some quarters on to a vending machine with a note. And of

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privilege of being invited to your celebration. *** Looking back As the year comes to an end, there seems to be a natural sense that inspires us to reflect on the past. Please allow me to take you back on a virtual time machine to a decade and nine years ago. My first Heart to Heart column in Cebu Daily News came out June 18, 1998, about four months after its maiden issue rolled out of the press on February 8, 1998, as a new Philippine Inquirer publication. Cebu Daily News has progressed a lot over the years to its current premier status, one that I am very proud of as a CDN writer. Less than three months earlier, on November 21, 1997, my cardiac surgery team and I performed the first standard open-heart surgery at the Cebu Doctors’ (University) Hospital, where the heart was stopped and a heart-lung machine was used while doing the bypass. On June 8, 1999, we did the beating-heart off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB), the first in the Philippines, a procedure now being done as a routine. The patient was a 68-year-old American retiree in Cebu and he had quadruple bypasses. Mayor Mike Rama once labeled me “an adopted son of Cebu, a Cebuano at heart” (although I was a Tagalog/Pampangueno/Chinese born in Manila), because I shuttled almost every other month from Chicago or Las Vegas to Cebu to do heart surgery at the Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital, flying more frequently to Cebu than most Cebuanos in the USA. I was tickled pink with that privilege and distinct honor, especially because

I have always had a special place in my heart for the great people of Cebu, even before I visited Cebu for the first time in 1996. In December 2010, I retired from the chairmanship of the CDUH Cardiovascular Surgery, a position CDUH President and Chairman, Dr. P. V. Larrazabal, Jr., had appointed me to in 1997. The rapid progress of CDUH and its various colleges and satellite hospitals has impressed me to no end. I am very proud and grateful to have been a part of CDUH and its fantastic staff and employees. Time has flown by so fast. In those 13 years of my life in Cebu, I was blessed with a lot of friends and patients, who I frequently think of with fond remembrances. I now visit Cebu about once or twice a year, while on our annual medical missions in the Philippines. Those happy memories I shall cherish each day as they provide me warmth in the winter of my life. On this holiday, I wish to greet all my friends, past patients, my fellow members of the Cebu Daily News Family, the CDUH Family, readers of my column, and all the other wonderful people of fabulous Cebu a blessed Christmas and a new year filled with love, good health, peace, prosperity, and time to enjoy them. God bless. See you next year!! *** G_`c`g J% :_lX# D;# =8:J# =G:J# :Xi[`XZ Jli^\fe <d\i`klj `e Efik_n\jk @e[`XeX Xe[ Z_X`idXe f] ZXi[`XZ jli^\ip ]ifd (00. kf )'(' Xk :\Yl ;fZkfij Le`m\ij`kp ?fjg`kXc# n_\i\ _\ _fc[j k_\ k`kc\ f] G_pj`Z`Xe <d\i`klj `e Jli^\ip# `j YXj\[ `e CXj M\^Xj# E\mX[X% ?\ `j X =\ccfn f] k_\ 8d\i`ZXe :fcc\^\ f] Jli^\fej# k_\ G_`c`gg`e\ :fcc\^\ f] Jli^\fej# Xe[ k_\ ;\ekfe 8% :ffc\p :Xi[`fmXjZlcXi Jli^`ZXc JfZ`\kp% ?\ `j k_\ Z_X`idXe f] k_\ =`c`g`ef Le`k\[ E\knfib Æ LJ8# X ,'( Z * _ldXe`kXi`Xe ]fle[Xk`fe `e k_\ Le`k\[ JkXk\j% <dX`c1 jZXcg\cg\e7^dX`c%Zfd

course, give gifts! It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it would be a lot more special if you personalize it. In closing, everyone can have a ‘merry little Christmas’ especially when you can help them have one. !!! Dfe\k Cl `j X DXi`b`eX$Yfie# XnXi[$ n`ee`e^ Z\c\Yi`kp Y\Xlkp jkpc`jk n`k_ _`j fne Z_X`e f] Dfe\k JXcfe jXcfej XZifjj Jflk_\ie :Xc`]fie`X Xe[ CXj M\^Xj# E\mX[X% Lck`dXk\cp# Dfe\k `j befne Xj Xe Xcc$Xifle[ Xik`jk\ n_f gif[lZ\j jfc[$flk ]Xj_`fe Xe[ XnXi[j j_fnj Xj n\cc Xj le]fi^\kkXYc\ dXib\k`e^ ZXdgX`^ej% Dfe\k `j Xcjf k_\ ]fle[\i f] k_\ i\mfclk`feXip Xcc$eXkliXc Y\Xlkp gif[lZkj jlZ_ Xj <ec`^_k\e# pfli jfclk`fe kf [`jZfcfiXk`fe% Kf ZfekXZk Dfe\k# gc\Xj\ m`j`k nnn%dfe\kjXcfe% Zfd fi \dX`c _`d Xk dfe\kjXcfe7 Xfc%Zfd

RIGHT before 2015 ends, Iñigo Pascual is taking a big step forward in his career as he stars in his firstever teleserye, “And I Love You So (AILYS).” It is major for him, not just because it’s his first regular TV show, but also because he won’t have his father Piolo Pascual around as part of the cast. Piolo is busy working on his own show, “Written in Our Stars,” also under Dreamscape Entertainment, which will debut in 2016. Iñigo is very excited over his teleserye debut where he shares acting credits with other talented young stars in Julia Barretto and Miles Ocampo. Also in the cast with them are some more senior actors, including Angel Aquino and Dimples Romana. They have already taped several scenes, and Iñigo says that so far, the experience has been “amazing.” He had a hard time in the beginning, though, because he was used to the way things are done in the movies, where only a few scenes are filmed a day. In television, it can sometimes go up to 30-plus sequences a day, so the pace is much faster. Thus, he had to adjust. “Having a hard time was part of it, especially in the beginning,” confesses Iñigo. “It was very fast-paced, I was just so used to the whole movie set-up na ilang beses tina-take ang isang scene. So medyo na-shock ako na parang ang bilis. Yon na ‘yon? I had to really come prepared every time kasi sobrang dami naming

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sequences na tatapusin in such a limited time so that was the main challenge for me.” His father has been a big help. From watching him, Iñigo has slowly gotten used to how things are done on television. “Just watching him, visiting him on the set, seeing the way he is even off-cam, the way he focuses on his role and the way he gets into his character, is something I’m lucky that I get an inside scoop on for free — that I’m able to see that and use that as well.” And yet Iñigo is clear on one thing, which is that he doesn’t want to be seen as just an extension of his father. Not because he’s ashamed or shy about it, but because he wants to carve his own identity as an actor. “Of course, I want to be different,” he says. “I

want people to say I’m Iñigo Pascual, and not just the son of Piolo. Kukunin ko yung mga ginagamit niya at ginagawa niya, but at the same time I want to come up with my own way of acting and going through things.” But through the years, there is so much that he has learned, even just from watching his dad. “How professional he is (is one thing),” says Inigo. And yet it wasn’t until recently that Iñigo felt the showbiz bug had really taken a hold of him, and that he was here to stay. Now he’s pretty much decided on settling in the country to make this a career. All he knows now is that he has fallen in love with the craft of acting, and that from this point on, it’s going to be a big part of his future.

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