New York/New Jersey -- December 25 -- 31, 2015

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Volume 9 – Issue 51 • 16 Pages

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by 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, 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 with-

USA

DATELINE First Filipino to get Pearl Harbor attack news dies in California FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

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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, 1941 has died of a lingering illness here, according to a report

by Guerrero Coloma of NorthboundAsia.

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out drama and a surprise ending when show host Steve Harvey, a comedian and talk show personality, accidentally announced Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez Arévalo as the winner, but backtracked a few moments later to proclaim Wurtzbach as the true Miss Universe.

“I have to apologize,” Harvey said on live television, as a tearful Miss Colombia smiles and flashes

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Aquino teased on romance with Wurtzbach

by NIKKO

DIZON Inquirer.net

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III appeared to be avoiding any talk about newly crowned Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach whom he briefly dated earlier this year, evading questions from the media and ignoring the good-natured ribbing of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa.

On Tuesday, Dec. 22 when Ochoa introduced the President before his speech at the signing of the 2016 national budget at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang, he addressed the other officials with a crowd-pleasing, “Isang magandang Miss Universe sa inyong lahat (A beautiful Miss Universe to you all).”

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Binay back at the top; Duterte, Poe tied for 2nd Duterte-Marcos

Clinton, Sanders, O’Malley take stage in final 2015 Democratic presidential debate

by HELEN

FLORES Philstar.com

MANILA – Vice President Jejomar Binay has regained his lead in the latest survey on presidential candidates conducted by Pulse Asia.

The non-commissioned poll, conducted from Dec. 4 to 11, found 33 percent of 1,200 respondents want Binay, the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) standard-bearer, as president.

Binay’s rating jumped by 19 percent from the 14 percent he garnered in the Pulse Asia survey in September.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Grace Poe, with 23 and 21 percent, respectively, were statistically tied at

SIX days before Christmas, the three Democratic presidential candidates faced off in New Hampshire for the final Democratic presidential debate of 2015 and 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.

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Union City middle school renamed in honor of Fil-Am labor leaders

by AGNES

CONSTANTE AJPress

A HISTORICAL moment for FilipinoAmericans 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,

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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

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second place.

Duterte, who filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for president under the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan on Nov. 27, got a seven-point increase in his rating from 16 percent in September.

Poe suffered a five-point drop in her rating from 26 percent.

Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas took the fourth slot with 17 percent, down from 20 percent in September.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago was in fifth place with four percent, up from three percent in September.

Most favored Duterte was the most favored presidential candidate in Mind-

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is the new ‘AlDuB’

by IZA

GABRIELLE IGLESIAS ManilaTiames.net

LABOR 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 certificate of candidacy as a substitute candidate for President of PDP-Laban was recently accepted by the Commission on Elections, topped a recent pre-election survey, dis-

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Comelec en banc affirms Poe’s disqualification

by TINA

SANTOS Inquirer.net

MANILA—It looks like a bleak Christmas for Sen. Grace Poe. Comelec Chair Andres Bautista said the en banc has already voted to reject the motions for reconsiderations (MRs) filed by Poe regarding her disqualification from the 2016 presidential race.

“It looks like it’s denied (based on the votes),” Bautista told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a phone interview.

However, he declined to elaborate saying he would call a press conference to explain how the en banc voted.

Asked if there were commissioners who changed their votes from when the First and Second Division decided on the cases, Bautista said: “There were some who reversed their decisions.”

Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon on Tuesday, Dec. 22 said that the poll body already voted on the MRs filed by Poe.

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FROM THE FRONT PAGE

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her crown. “The first runner-up is Colombia. Miss Universe 2015 is…Philippines.”

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 apol-

ogized 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,” 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 ladies…it was still a great night.”

Fellow Colombian Paulina Vega, last year’s winner, had no choice but to awkwardly uncrown Arévalo 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,” 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.”

The public was in a laughable uproar after Harvey’s original tweet – “I want to apologize emphatically to Miss Philippians and Miss Columbia” – 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,” 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.”

“Everything happens for a reason,” 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.”

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,” she said, according to Inquirer.

“I was confused,” she told Entertainment Tonight. “I wasn’t sure what was going on.”

Pia said she even tried to reach out to Miss Colombia after the

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Aquino teased on romance with…

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But the President would not be baited. Responding to Ochoa, he said, “Executive Secretary na, kumpare ko pa, na nagmula ang relasyon natin sa aking mga magulang, sinira mo itong araw na ito (Executive Secretary, my good friend, with whom I share a relationship dating back to our parents’ day, you ruined this day).”

Mr. Aquino did not elaborate.

He also did not seem inclined to talk about the 26-year-old Wurtzbach, who was now officially the most beautiful woman in the world, or rather, the universe.

Cabinet members and journalists who were inclined to tease the bachelor President about his brief romance with the beauty queen held their peace, however, out of respect for Mr. Aquino’s privacy.

Reticent At the 80th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Clark Air Base, Pampanga province, on Monday, President Aquino was as reticent and did not grant any interview with the Malacañang press corps, deviating from his usual practice on previous AFP Day ceremonies.

At 55, Mr. Aquino was likely

to remain the country’s most eligible bachelor when he ends his six-year term next year. Despite regular updates on his various dates, he remains largely unattached.

At the Senate, a resolution had been filed commending Wurtzbach for her Miss Universe feat.

“The Filipina beauty queen’s positive attitude and strong determination to fulfill her dream of winning the 2015 Miss Universe title are indeed a positive example and great inspiration to her countrymen, particularly the youth, that no dream is impossible as long as he or she puts his or her mind and heart in it,” Senate President Franklin Drilon said in his measure.

Undaunted Drilon said Wurtzbach was undaunted in her quest for the beauty title despite two previous attempts to win the top spot in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant.

The Senate President also praised the newly crowned Miss Universe for her statement that showed concern over issues affecting her country, including HIV awareness.

“For winning the Miss Universe crown, which was last worn by a Filipina 42 years ago, she has brought great honor and

glory to the country and the Filipino people worthy of the praise and commendation of this august chamber,” he said.

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III also commended Wurtzbach on how she handled the wrong announcement that led to Miss Colombia being crowned the winner of the Miss Universe pageant.

Miss Universe host Steve Harvey had initially announced Miss Colombia as the 2015 Miss Universe and Wurtzbach as the first runner-up. After Miss Colombia had been crowned, the “Family Feud” host came back onstage to correct his wrong announcement, saying he had misread the cue card.

Through all the chaos that followed, the Philippine representative kept her poise, her big smile after initially being declared firstrunner-up a reflection of her humility and grace under pressure, Pimentel said.

“It was destiny and determination because she had dreamed of the crown since childhood and after three attempts at the (Binibining Pilipinas) pageant.

And suddenly the moment had come. She was just persevering and hard working,” the senator said in a statement. (With a report from Leila B. Salaverria)

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Binay back at the top; Duterte, Poe tied…

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Duterte-Marcos is the new…

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lodging Sen. Grace Poe. Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano is Duterte’s running mate.

Marcos, son and namesake of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, is running for Vice President as an independent and is in tandem with Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

“We are volunteer groups, we do not have anything to do with the campaign line of DuterteCayetano and Miriam-Bongbong because there are two tandems here. It was not started from just one group. This Team AlDuB was made by several groups, we are just trying to unify to solidify the win of Mayor Duterte and Senator Bongbong,” Col. Jose Pallarca said.

According to Terry Tuazon, secretary-general of Lakas Manggagawa Labor Center, one reason they have chosen the two because both are against contractualization, outsourcing and the so-called 555 labor scheme.

“They have pronouncement that they are against this. Sabi

nga natin ang manggagawang Pilipino ang producers ng wealth ng ating bansa, sila yung nagpapatakbo ng ating lipunan. Pero sila din yung uri sa ating lipunan 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

Comelec en banc affirms Poe’s…

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“We have voted on the motion for reconsideration, it will be finished most likely by tomorrow (Wednesday). We have all voted.

It would be better tomorrow because the promulgation will likely be tomorrow,” she told reporters in an interview on Tuesday.

“We have already cast our votes but it’s not yet promulgated, probably by tomorrow…Certainly, before Christmas, it’ll be finished here at the Comelec,” she added on Tuesday.

However, Guanzon had then refused to divulge the results of the Comelec en banc executive meeting.

“We cannot disclose our vote but the public should be assured that there is no delay. Many people have been asking why it’s taking so long,” she added, saying they had to carefully study the cases.

“Some commissioners are not

yet done with their separate opinions so we have to wait for that,” she said earlier on Tuesday.

Asked if the poll body’s votes were too far from the second and first division decisions, Guanzon hinted some commissioners reversed their earlier decisions.

“It can be different or can be the same but not all commissioners voted the same. And I think that every commissioner, including the Chairman, has arrived at a decision after careful study,” she said.

Poe filed two separate MRs after the first and second divisions of the poll body earlier ruled to disqualify her from the 2016 presidential race over her citizenship and residency.

On Dec 1, the Comelec 2nd Division voted 3-0 to disqualify Poe from the presidential race for failure to meet citizenship and residency requirement. The petition

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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 solutions

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anao, obtaining 43 percent voter preference.

In Metro Manila, Binay, Duterte and Poe shared the top spot, obtaining 30 percent, 27 percent and 21 percent, respectively.

In the rest of Luzon, Binay with 34 percent and Poe with 29 percent were the leading presidential bets.

Binay was also the top choice among Visayans with 34 percent and Roxas, 27 percent.

Binay was the top choice of those in Classes D and E at 30 percent and 42 percent, respectively.

Duterte, Roxas, Binay and Poe with voter preferences of 28 percent, 22 percent, 20 percent and 19 percent, respectively, were leading in Class ABC. The survey has an error margin of plus or minus two percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.

Pulse Asia research director Ana Maria Tabunda said the ruling of the First and Second Divisions of the Commission on Elections cancelling the COC of Poe for failing to meet the citizenship and residency requirements of presidential candidates affected Poe’s rating.

“Some respondents thought she has been disqualified. Others may be unsure she can still run,” Tabunda said in a text message to The Star.

Chiz tops VP race Sen. Francis Escudero continued to be the top choice for vice president, garnering a 29 percent voter preference.

Escudero’s rating increased

by six points from 23 percent in September.

Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took the second spot with 23 percent, up from 13 points in September.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and Liberal Party vice presidential candidate Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo got 18 percent and 14 percent, respectively.

UNA vice presidential candidate Sen. Gregorio Honasan obtained nine percent. Honasan was not included in the Pulse Asia’s September 2015 electoral survey as he only announced his intention to run for vice president during the filing of COCs last October.

Independent vice presidential candidate Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV’s rating stayed at four percent.

Metro Manila residents and those in the rest of Luzon were most supportive of the vice presidential bids of Escudero (30 percent and 33 percent, respectively) and Marcos (28 percent and 26 percent, respectively).

In the Visayas, the leading candidates for vice president were Escudero, 27 percent; Robredo, 21 percent and Cayetano, 18 percent).

Most of the respondents from Mindanao were inclined to elect Duterte’s running mate Cayetano with 27 percent; Escudero, 21 percent and Marcos, 19 percent.

In Class ABC, the top choices for vice president are Escudero (26 percent), Marcos (20 percent), Robredo (18 percent), Cayetano (17 percent) and Honasan (11 percent).

Those in Class D are most

likely to vote for Escudero (29 percent) while those in Class E are most supportive of the vice presidential bids of Escudero and Marcos, 29 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

Welcome Binay welcomed the results of the survey. “Surveys, as I often tell my supporters, are snapshots of our people’s sentiment at a given time,” he said, adding that the most important survey is on Election Day. Binay said Filipinos continue to trust him despite the efforts of his opponents to destroy his and his family’s name.

He said he expects his opponents to continue their demolition campaign against him as elections draw near.

Affected Poe and Escudero admitted the disqualification cases she is facing have affected her ranking in surveys.

“The disqualification cases thrown my way have created confusion among the people,” Poe said.

She expressed hope she could overcome the difficulties she is facing and prove that she is qualified to run for president.

“I will hurdle this and prove that I am a qualified and legitimate Filipino candidate. Sen. Grace Poe is still your candidate for president in 2016,” she said.

She said she regards surveys as a guide to “work harder, reach out to more people and get across my platform of governance, where no one is left behind.”

Escudero said he remains posi-

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Union City middle school renamed in honor…

G8>< 8( t 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 FilipinoAmericans 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 well-represented 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, 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

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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 Filipino-American 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. ■

Comelec en banc affirms Poe’s…

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was filed by former GSIS lawyer Estrella Elamparo.

More than a week later, the poll body’s First Division voted 2-1 to cancel Poe’s certificate of candidacy for president after finding that she committed material misrepresentation when she claimed to be a natural-born citizen and has resided in the Philippines for at least 10 years.

The First Division ruling covered three consolidated petitions filed by former senator Francisco Tatad, De La Salle University Professor Antonio Contreras and former University of the East College of Law dean Amado Valdez.

Guanzon said the members of the en banc voted separately on the two cases.

“We did not consolidate because these are different cases in two divisions. So the MRs were also voted upon separately,” she said.

Guanzon said only Commissioner Christian Robert Lim inhib-

ited from voting on the 2nd division appeal because the petitioner in the case, former Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) lawyer Estrella Elamparo, was an associate in his former law firm.

No one inhibited from voting on the 1st division case.

“No one inhibited (in the 1st division) because Commissioner Lim has no conflict of interest. So this is good because the parties can now go to the Supreme Court very soon. As we said the SC is the final arbiter,” Guanzon added.

Without particularly referring to the Poe case, Guanzon said any candidate had only five days after promulgation of decision to secure a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court.

“If they don’t meet the deadline to get a TRO, they will not be on the ballot. I’m not speaking about any particular candidate, that’s just the rule. It’s better for the cases to go up to the Supreme Court.”

“It’s really the SC and person-

ally I think the sooner that we release this decision, the better for parties and the better for the Filipino poeple,” she added. ■

Binay back…

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tive Poe would bounce back once the SC rules in her favor.

Unfazed Roxas was unfazed by the latest Pulse Asia survey, saying the most important survey is during the Election Day. “We have seen things are still volatile. Last month, Grace was on top. Last week, it was Duterte.

Now it’s Binay. Maybe next time, I will be the frontrunner,” Roxas said.

He said what is important is he has a clean record, a clear platform on where to bring the country. “I’ll just continue my campaign,” he said. (With Paolo Romero, Christina Mendez, Aurea Calica)

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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.”

“I won Miss Universe based on the judges’ vote…it’s not as if I took the crown from her,” 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.’”

“It’s a very non-traditional crowning moment, isn’t it?

Very…2015,” 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,” 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),” 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!”

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.”

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,” a fan said on Facebook. “It feels like she and our country were robbed of the winning moment, 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,” Lacierda 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 Filipino-American soldiers who served this country in WWII had their benefits exclusively rescinded by the US, and remained unrecognized 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!” ■

First Filipino to get Pearl Harbor attack news…

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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 re-

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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Duterte-Marcos is the new…

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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

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Obama visits families of San Bernardino shooting victims Friend of shooters arrested and charged

by AGNES AND

CONSTANTE ALLYSON ESCOBAR AJPress

PRESIDENT Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle visited San Bernardino, California on Friday, Dec. 18, to meet privately with families of the victims of the mass shooting in the city that killed 14 and injured more than 20 others.

The president was slated to stop in San Bernardino while en route to his Christmas vacation in Hawaii, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said on Wednesday, Dec. 16, but was not set to make a public appearance.

In his third address to the nation from the Oval Office, the president condemned the attack in Southern California and sought to reassure Americans that the country can handle the dangers of terrorism.

“As a father to two young daughters who are the most precious part of my life, I know that we see ourselves with friends and coworkers at a holiday party like the one in San Bernardino.

I know we see our kids in the faces of the young people killed in Paris,” Obama said during the address to the nation earlier this month.

Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands), who represents the area, said he is pleased of the president’s visit to families.

“I’ve conveyed to the White House the importance of the president’s presence in our region as we rebuild, and I join with our community in welcoming him to San Bernardino,” Aguilar said in a statement.

Obama has previously attended memorial services for the victims of mass shootings across the country, including in Tuscon, Arizona, Newton, Connecticut, Charleston, South Carolina, Fort Hood, Texas and the Washington Navy Yard.

He has also privately met with victims’ families, including in October after nine people were shot dead at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon.

Also announced on Wednesday was that the Inland Regional Center, where the shooting took place, will reopen on Jan. 4, 2016. However, officials said the conference room, the area in the building where the attack occurred, will be closed indefinitely.

Friend of San Bernardino shooters arrested and charged

with terror plot Gun charges were filed against a friend of Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik, the married couple that carried out the Dec. 2 attack and died in a shootout with police a few hours later.

Enrique Marquez, 25, purchased the assault rifles used by the shooters, US law enforcement officials said Thursday, Dec. 17.

The weapons were purchased in 2011 and 2012, authorities said.

Marquez was arrested Thursday and charged with “conspiring to provide material support to terrorists,” and with making a “straw purchase” of the two rifles used in the attacks, officials said.

Under California law, transferring gun ownership must be conducted through a registered dealer, with exemptions such as transfers between spouses or from a parent to an adult child.

However, federal law enforcement sources told The Washington Post that no transfer record exists between Marquez and Farook or Malik, and when he handed them the rifles is unknown.

In addition to the terrorism charge, Marquez faces a count of lying on gun purchase forms to hide that he was really buying the rifles not for himself, and one of defrauding the immigration system by entering into a sham marriage with a Russian immigrant--the sister of the woman married to Farook’s brother, so that she could gain legal immigration status paying him $200 a month, the New York Times reported.

Marquez told investigators that he and Farook, a longtime neighbor, had been discussing radical Islam since 2007.

“Farook introduced Marquez to radical Islamic ideology,” FBI agent Joel Anderson wrote in the affidavit filed with the charges, which also discussed the time Marquez spent at his neighbor’s house, reading articles and watching videos involving radical Islamic content. Marquez converted to Islam later that year.

Though Marquez had no direct role in the Dec. 2 massacre, he admitted to “conspiring with Farook to commit vicious attacks, as set forth in [the] charges,” said US attorney Eileen M. Decker in a statement. “Even though these plans were not carried out, Mr. Marquez’s criminal conduct deeply affected San Bernardino County, Southern California and the entire United States when the guns purchased by Marquez

were used to kill innocent people and wound many others.”

“His prior purchase of the firearms and ongoing failure to warn authorities about Farook’s intent to commit mass murder had fatal consequences.”

On the day after the shooting, a distraught Marquez allegedly called 911 to report Farook: “My neighbor did the San Bernardino shooting.” He also said that Farook had “used my gun in the shooting,” and “they can trace all the guns back to me.”

Officials who requested anonymity told CNN that Marquez told investigators he and Farook were planning a terror attack in 2011 and 2012 at Riverside Community College, but dropped the plan partly because they were concerned about arrests of four Riverside-area men who were charged with attempting to travel abroad to carry out jihad.

In a report from The New York Times, Nick Rodriguez, a frequent patron at Morgan’s Tavern, where Marquez worked, said he would say things like, “‘There’s so much going on.

There’s so many sleeper cells, so many people just waiting. When it happens, it’s going to be big.

Watch.’”

Rodriguez said the remarks were taken as a joke.

“When you look at the kid and talk to him, no one would take him seriously about that,” he told the Times.

But Marquez’s link to the San Bernardino incident came as a surprise to his boss, Jerry Morgan, owner of the tavern in Riverside, California, according to USA Today.

He described Marquez as an “emotionally immature” man who enjoyed reading comic books, but was not terrorist material, the publication reported.

“He was a goody, goody two shoes type kid,” Morgan said. “If anybody was talking about sleeper cells, if I had any suspicion he was a weirdo, I would have fired him.”

If Marquez was aware of a plot and aided it, he could face charges that could amount to a maximum life sentence to prison.

Marquez will return to court on Monday, Dec. 21 for a bail hearing. His arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 6, where he is expected to enter a plea.

The conspiracy charge against Marquez carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, and 10 years each for the firearms and marriage visa charges. ■

Clinton, Sanders, O’Malley take stage in…

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Former Maryland Gov. 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 to Syria. And when asked if she would shoot down a Syrian military aircraft or Russian airplane, she responded that she didn’t think it would come to that point.

First Filipino to get Pearl Harbor…

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leases 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. ■

“We are already de-conflicting air space.

“I am advocating the no-fly zone because I think it would help us on the ground to protect Syrians; I’m also advocating because I think it gives us some leverage in our conversations with Russia,” she said.

Sanders was much more skeptical about American involvement beyond bombing, and said the US cannot fight the Islamic State and the Assad regime simultaneously.

“I worry too much that Secretary Clinton is too much into regime change and a little bit too aggressive without knowing what the unintended consequences might be,” Sanders said.

In his opening statement, O’Malley addressed the issue by saying the United States would only defeat ISIS “if we hold true to the values and the freedom that unites us, which means we must never surrender to them terrorists, must never surrender our Americans values to racists, must never surrender to the fascists pleas of billionaires with big mouths.”

Gun control Following an ISIS-inspired mass shooting in San Bernardino earlier this month, the former Secretary of State also said she

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World Bank initiative to boost PH resilience against natural disasters WASHINGTON—A new contingent line of credit to support the Philippines’ efforts to manage the risks posed by natural disasters was approved Tuesday, Dec. 22 by the World Bank Group’s Board of Executive Directors.

The Second Disaster Risk Management Development Policy Loan with a Catastrophe-Deferred Drawdown Option (CATDDO 2) provides US$500 million to strengthen investment planning and regulations to reduce disaster risks and help manage the financial impacts when disasters strike.

“The Philippines is among the most vulnerable countries in the world. Together, the 20 most vulnerable countries face escalating losses of $44.9 billion due to climate-related natural disasters alone. Inaction is set to cost us even more. With the number set to multiply almost ten-fold by 2030, amounting to $418 billion, we turn to innovative financing mechanisms to boost our resilience,” said Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima.

The Philippines can access the new credit line following “a state of calamity” declared by the President.

CAT-DDO 2 gives the Philippines flexibility to use the funds as needed. The drawdown period is three years and renewable up to four times for a total of 15 years. Amounts repaid during the drawdown period are available for subsequent withdrawal.

The Philippines was the first country in the Asia and Pacific region to use this type of financing option with the CAT-DDO in 2011. This second CAT-DDO will provide the government with a platform for sustaining reforms and effectively implementing the

country’s disaster risk reduction and management program.

On average, more than 1,000 lives are lost every year in the Philippines, with typhoons accounting for 74 percent of the fatalities, 62 percent of the total damages, and 70 percent of agricultural damages. Also, the country is highly exposed to geologic hazards including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

In 2013, Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) devastated the country causing over 6,000 fatalities and thousands more missing, and creating extensive damage to properties, infrastructure, businesses, and livelihoods. Total damage and losses reached P571.1 billion (USD 12.9 billion), cutting economic growth by about 0.9 % in 2013, and another 0.3 % in 2014. As a result, about 2.3 million people fell below the poverty line.

“Financial shocks caused by natural disasters undermine economic growth and poverty reduction. This is the environmental equivalent of the middle income trap. Governments need to be agile in mobilizing resources if we are to break free from disaster-traps that knock back the poorest and most vulnerable,” said Secretary Purisima.

The Department of Finance (DOF) developed the Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance Strategy in 2015 to ensure financial resilience at the national, local, and individual levels.

• At the national level, the government will combine different financial instruments to protect the country against major events, including reserves such as the national and local disaster risk reduction fund, and contingent credit such as CAT-DDO 2.

• At the local and individual levels, the DOF is working with the World Bank to set up a subnational insurance pool to provide local government units with immediate liquidity following disasters and design a property catastrophe risk insurance pool for homeowners and businesses.

• The DOF is also collaborating with Department of Social Welfare and Development to set up a system of emergency income support through post-disaster cash transfers utilizing the payment infrastructure of Pantawid Pamilya, the country’s conditional cash transfer program.

This will help strengthen postdisaster assistance to the poorest and most vulnerable.

According to World Bank Country Director Motoo Konishi, this new operation signifies the World Bank’s recognition of the Philippines’ comprehensive efforts to strengthen the country’s capacity for managing disaster risks.

Following Tropical Storm Ondoy (Ketsana) and Typhoon Pepeng (Parma) in 2009, legislators passed Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act mandating a shift from disaster response to disaster risk reduction and preparedness.

“If not managed well, disasters can roll back years of development gains and plunge millions of people into poverty,” said Konishi.“Disasters can induce and exacerbate poverty through the loss of lives, destruction of assets, disruption of economic activities and trade, and indirect impacts on health, mobility, gender equality, and access to education.” ■

PH gets thumbs up for another Millennium Challenge grant WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Philippines received a unanimous thumbs up for a second grant from the board of the Millennium Challenge Corporation on December 16, in recognition of the country’s efforts to improve its performance on the corporation’s scorecard.

The MCC measures countries’ commitment to just governance, ensuring economic freedom and

investing in their people. It is an independent American aid agency created by the U.S. Congress in 2004.

The second compact follows the first compact, which is about to expire at the end of May 2016.

Approved in 2010, the first compact, which provided the following: $262 million for the Secondary National Roads Development

Project to improve access to markets and services for farmers, fishermen and small businessmen; $120 million for Kalahi-CIDSS that empowers communities by encouraging their participation in poverty reducing activities; $54.3 million for the computerization and streamlining of business processes of the Bureau

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OPINION

FEATURES

Christmas wish

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

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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.

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)

COA: Another institution Aquino damaged which claims to have THE Commission on the biggest circulaAudit had been, even Commentary tion (Manila Times is through martial law, just no. 4 among the one of the most presbroadsheets) seemed tigious agencies of our to have found as its Republic, its reputation newest cause this year untainted by graft or the demonization of partisanship.

RIGOBERTO TIGLAO the Vice President?

With just a few Why should I help it in months remaining for this inglorious Administration, the COA its project, which could have been underwill be left as another institution dam- taken for not-so-noble reasons?

I am not only talking about its news aged by President Benigno Aquino 3rd, who has turned it into a political weap- sections. Columnist Solita Monsod, its most widely read columnist, must have on.

Even in this rather late stage of the written over 50 columns against Binay, electoral game, this yellow regime is us- with many of the occasional contribuing the COA for its political ends, as in a tors trying to show off, unsuccessfully, report mysteriously leaked the other day their polemical skills to vilify the candialleging unliquidated funds of the Office date. Fair play, I say, so I have presented of the Vice President. The next day, of the other side to the allegations, most of course, as if on cue, was another accusa- which, I think, had been indisputably detion against Binay by former Makati vice bunked as pure lies. And these lies, the mayor Renato Bondal – yes, the same Ombudsman insists, should be investiaccuser whose allegations have been gated in the courts.

For example, both the Securities and proven false, yet hogged the headlines of the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s front pag- Exchange Commission (SEC) and the es for 44 nearly consecutive days. (See Department of Environment and National http://www.manilatimes.net/inquirer-vs- Resources (DENR) records showed that binay/155669/) It’s the familiar flurry of the Batangas estate belonged to a Chinese-Filipino businessman, and not to Biaccusations for a vilification campaign.

I had been asked in the comments sec- nay. The Makati Building II’s costs were tion of my column why I haven’t written comparable in terms of price per square much about the allegations against Bi- feet to Senate President Franklin Drilon’s nay. My simple answer is: Why should Iloilo Convention Center, or to the BangI, when the Philippine Daily Inquirer, ko 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 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 anti-corruption crusade?

Is it because the COA itself received P143.7 million in 2012 from President Aquino’s scandalous “Disbursement Acceleration Plan” (DAP), which the Su-

preme 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 (1987-1993), 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 Carpio-Morales, 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)

House failure to pass Bangsamoro Basic Law DESPITE President Benigno Aquino’s challenge for them to pass the measure before the holidays, the House of Representatives adjourned for its Christmas break without passing the Basic Bangsamoro Law (BBL), now called the proposed Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBAR). The House will reconvene on Jan. 18, 2016, with a three week final session to Feb.5.

The blame falls on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), not the government. The MILF was responsible for the Mamasapano massacre of 44 Philippine National Police-Special Agent Force (PNP-SAF) commanders. That incident was the turning point in the change of mind of majority of the lawmakers.

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the BBL is dead.

He blamed the Aquino administration for the delay in the submission of the draft bill which forwarded it to Congress in September 2014, instead of April that year.

Senate President Franklin Drilon has countered Marcos’s statement by expressing confidence the Senate will still pass the stalled BBL by

Search For Truth ERNESTO M. MACEDA January.

MILF wants the Bangsamoro measure passed under the current administration because the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro was forged under President Aquino’s watch.

The MILF warned that it will not lay down more arms if the BBL is not passed. Failure of the Congress to pass the BBL would freeze the agreement to decommission firearms of the MILF, MILF chief negotiator Mohagner Igbal said.

However, Igbal remains hopeful that the House of Representatives will be able to pass the bill next year. Moreover, the MILF leader warned that the non-passage of the controversial measure may also prompt extremists to mount attacks.

One thing is clear, President

Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino Jr., who has repeatedly been calling on Congress to pass the controversial measure, did not push hard enough for the approval of the BBL. Pulse Asia senatorial survey Pulse Asia survey released its latest presidential survey as commissioned by ABS-CBN. Topping the list of winners is Senator Tito Sotto with 72.6 percent, followed by Sen. Panfilo Lacson with 65.3 percent.

Third place was Sen. Ralph Recto with 62.9 percent, followed

by Sen. Francis Pangilinan with 58 percent. In fifth place were Senators Frank Drilon and Miguel Zubiri with 57.5 percent.

Next came Senator Sergio Osmeña, 52.17 percent; Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, 50.2 percent; Sen. Richard Gordon, 49.7 percent; Sen. T.G. Guingona, 44.8 percent; Secretary Leila De Lima, 37.9 percent; Rep. Rizza Hontiveros, 36.5 percent; Vice Mayor Isko Moreno was on 13th place with 30.4 percent. Former Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino was 14th with 23.4 percent.

Actor Edu Manzano and Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian tied for 15th place with 22 percent.

The survey was taken from Nov. 8-15 with 1,200 respondents nationwide.

Comelec accepts Duterte’s COC Voting 6-1, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc voted to accept Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s certificate of candidacy (COC) for president as a ministerial duty of the commission. According to the Comelec, Duterte was able to comply with all the requirements stipulated in the Omnibus Election Code. Despite the ruling, Chairman Andres Bautista said the Comelec 1st Division will still hold a hearing on the disqualification case filed by broadcaster Ruben Castor. Duterte is still at risk of being removed from the 2016 presidential race.

Bautista said this acceptance of the COC is ministerial and without prejudice to the disqualification charges filed against Martin Diño – the candidate Duterte is replacing.

With this positive decision, Sen. Grace Poe remains hopeful that

the Comelec en banc applies consistency in rendering decision on the motion of reconsideration for her “honest mistake” in her 2013 COC. Commissioner Rowena Guanzon dissented saying it would have been procedurally preferred to first review the veracity of Duterte document before acceptance. She also noted the fact that there is still a pending case alleging Duterte’s COC being “void” because it contains untruthful acts or misrepresentations.

Senate President Franklin Drilon urged the Comelec to postpone the printing of the ballots until after the Supreme Court (SC) has decided on the disqualification case of Sen. Grace Poe. Duterte said, should he and Poe get disqualified, he will support the candidacy of Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Binay’s energy platform Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay speaking in Tupi, South Cotabato unveiled his complete energy platform to solve the power crisis in Mindanao.

Binay said his administration will move toward ensuring that all

Filipinos, particularly in Mindanao, will have access to cheap electricity and long-term energy supply and security.

Binay stressed the need for getting more investors in the power sector; and vowed to streamline the application process for the construction of power plants.

Outstanding government officials Commendations are extended to these government officials for their outstanding work performance.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Sec. Albert del Rosario; Department of Tourism (DOT) Sec. Ramon Jimenez; Department of Education (DepEd) Sec. Armin Luistro; Government Service Insurance Service (GSIS) president Robert Vergara; Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) chief Percida Acosta; Pag-IBIG president Darlene Berberabe; Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Lilia de Lima; Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Sec. Gregory Domingo; Department of Finance (DOF) Sec. Cesar Purisima; Ambassador Marciano Paynor. (Philstar.com)

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DATELINE PHILIPPINES

Clinton, Sanders, O’Malley take stage in…

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does support Republican frontrunner Donald Trump’s idea that arming more Americans will make citizens safer.

“Guns, in and of themselves, in my opinion will not make Americans safer. We lose 33,000 people a year already to gun violence. Arming more people to do what I think is not the appropriate response to terrorism,” Clinton said.

Sanders cited that more than half of the population in Vermont – a state with virtually no gun control – owns guns, but said he believes there is a consensus on sensible gun safety regulations.

“Who denies that it is crazy to allow people to own guns who are criminals or are mentally unstable? We’ve got to eliminate the gun show loophole. In my view, we have got to see that weapons designed by the military to kill people are not in the hands of civilians,” he said.

O’Malley cited his own track 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 semi-automatic 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 recruiter. 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 lightlywatched 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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DOT surprises PH’s 5 millionth visitor

by ROSETTE

ADEL

Philstar.com

MANILA—Department of Tourism (DOT) officials on Monday, Dec. 21 dawn surprised the 5 millionth person to visit the Philippines this year.

Tourism Assistant Secretary Alan Canizal and Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. warmly welcomed and greeted the lucky Filipino-American female tourist at the Ninoy Aquino International Terminal 2.

The lucky visitor, 23-year old New York-based Gabby Grantham, received a bouquet of flowers from the DOT officials which caught her by surprise.

Canizal said that Grantham will also be receiving a package tour

with hotel accommodation as a prize for being the 5 millionth visitor in the Philippines.

“I thought I was in trouble,” Grantham said.

It was Grantham’s second time to visit the country while the last time was when she was still seven years old.

Grantham, born to a Filipino mother and American father, flew via Philippine Airlines flight PR103 and landed in Manila at 3:48 a.m. She planned to visit her grandparents in Cebu and explore Palawan in her two-week stay in the country.

Meanwhile, Canizal said the next to be welcomed and rewarded will be the 6 or 7 millionth foreign tourist.

Bengzon described welcoming

the 5 millionth visitor as a very significant event.

“This milestone is a result of the collaborative and sustained efforts of all partners in tourism industry,” Bengzon said.

He said that motivation to push harder is better than the headcount.

“The fact that we have crossed the 5 million mark is that we are already in the big league,” Bengzon said.

“This will allow us to compete more strongly against other destinations in the region. After the 5 millionth mark the next will be 5 millionth,” he added.

DOT eyes to have 5.2 million tourist arrivals before 2015 ends and aims to double the visitors by 10 million next year. ■

PH gets thumbs up for another…

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of Internal Revenue to bolster tax collection and reduce corruption under the Revenue Administration Reform Project.

Ambassador Jose Luis Cuisia called the second compact a recognition of President Aquino’s “firm and continuing commitment to good governance.”

Cuisia said that in the latest MCC scorecard the Philippines passed 12 out of 20 indicators, including Trade Policy, Land

Rights Access, Rule of Law and the “must-pass” indicators of Control of Corruption and Democratic Rights, both of which are considered “hard hurdles.”

“I expect that the reforms and good governance that the Philippines has embraced under President Aquino will be sustainable even after June 30, 2016 because these have been institutionalized and the Filipino people will continue to be vigilant,” Cuisia added, also noting that the Phil-

ippine Core Team is developing concept notes on possible investment areas that will be proposed to the MCC. It is expected that the MCC investments for the second compact will likely be in projects addressing the constraints that have so far been identified, namely, government coordination and implementation capacity, high costs of transport logistics, cost of electricity and land and market failures. (Inquirer.net)

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DEEDEE MAGNO HALL On a passionate career, family & favorite roles

by ALLYSON

ESCOBAR/AJPress

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f life is one big stage production, then everyone plays a role: mothers and fathers, daughters, sons, siblings, students, workers, even humanitarians and CEOs. As William Shakespeare put it, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players…and one man in his time plays many parts.”

For Filipina actress Deedee Lynn Magno Hall, life has many different stages, and on each she has had many roles -- from a peasant bargirl, to a Wicked Witch, an Arabian princess, and an alien crystal gem.

But her most favorite role to play is herself.

“This is what I love to do,” she told the Asian Journal. “I am so blessed and grateful to be able to perform and act for a living, for my whole life, and to also provide for my family. To be able to do what I love and say that’s my job? It’s wonderful.”

For Deedee, performing has been a series of blessings in disguise: her first audition, her first lead role, finding love and beginning a family. It didn’t happen all at once; rather, like a musical, her life has had many acts. At 40, with two kids and an exciting role in a new touring musical, Deedee’s show has just begun.

Act I: Growing up, Mickey Mouse Club, & The Party Deedee was raised in sunny San Diego, California, where her Navy family relocated from Portsmouth, Virginia. Her dad is from Baguio, while her mom grew up in Manila.

“I really wish my parents had taught me fluent Tagalog. They didn’t want us to grow up with an accent or have difficulties in school,” she recounted about her upbringing. “But aside from language, we were so immersed in Filipino cul-

ture—we always ate the food and had movies, music playing in our house. I always gravitated toward Sharon Cuneta, of course.”

She grew up listening to Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and a variety of Filipino singers, including Cuneta, Kuh Ledesma, Regine Velasquez, Vilma Santos, Lea Salonga, and Gary Valenciano.

“They’re some of my biggest vocal influences,” she said. “Filipinos are amazing singers.”

Encouraged by her parents and three siblings, she often performed at school talent shows, local competitions and pageants. As a child, she was a sensation at family “pancit parties,” where the house karaoke machine was a must.

She remembers her first large stage performance—a humble singing gig at a new park attraction at SeaWorld. “I was hooked,” she said. “Afterwards, I always knew I wanted to perform.”

After quickly gaining local fame and performing a few gigs, Deedee and her family knew this would be her full-time commitment. When she was 12, she traveled across the country to Orlando, Florida to audition for the revival of an audiencefavorite variety TV show, The Mickey Mouse Club.

“We sang and danced, performed comedy skits and music videos, interviewed outstanding kids and celerity guests,” Deedee recalled of her first professional acting job. “It was like ‘Saturday Night Live’ but for kids. It was fantastic, because at such a young age I got to learn many different aspects of the entertainment business: being in front of the camera, knowing my

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blocking, live audience participation, choreography and lighting, etc.”

“It was like an acting school.

[The Mickey Mouse Club] provided great training for what was to come in my future,” she remarked. “And of course, filming on a set so close to Disney World, we snuck out sometimes for a few rides and ice cream bars between lessons.”

From 1989 until 1991, Deedee was a TV Mouseketeer until Hollywood Records noticed her distinct voice and all-around talent. She was recruited to a new teen pop group, “The Party,” where she recorded and traveled worldwide for a few years.

The Party’s initial success landed it opening-act spots on major tours, with artists such as Hi-Five, Taylor Dayne and Vanilla Ice. “It was so exciting, especially at such a young age, to be traveling and performing everywhere. And all with the amazing support of my family, who has worked hard and sacrificed so much for me,” she added, tearing up. “I really owe it all to them. It could not have been a more perfect beginning of a career.”

Act II: Miss Saigon and Princess Jasmine At 19 years old, Deedee found herself in Los Angeles auditioning among hundreds of girls for a new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, “Sunset Boulevard.”

“My first thought was, I don’t

look anything like these tall, blonde, long-legged women. But my manager told me to stick it out.

And it ended up being the greatest blessing,” Deedee shared. “The casting managers called me back not too long after my audition, only it wasn’t for ‘Sunset Boulevard’—but for the Toronto company cast of ‘Miss Saigon.’”

At the time, due to an important family trip to the Philippines, Deedee ended up not taking the part. But her initial “no” ended up a huge blessing in disguise.

Not long after her return, Deedee was offered the starring lead role of Kim in the 2nd US national tour of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s musical drama, “Miss Saigon.”

“Of course, I freaked out,” she remembered. “I had seen the show in London with my mom a few years before, and I fell in love with the role. I told my mom, I want to play that part. I wanted to play Kim.” From 1995 and several years afterward, Deedee toured the country in her first major theatrical role. She also played Kim for a time on the Broadway cast, following veteran Lea Salonga’s departure in New York City.

“Lea is lovely,” Deedee gushed when asked about working with Salonga, at the “Suites by Sondheim” show sponsored by the Philippine Development Foundation in 2011.

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“We never quite worked together in Broadway, most likely because we’re often auditioning for the same roles.

But she has always been one of my musical idols.”

Deedee also shared of her deep connection with the show, and how it has opened many doors for her professional and personal life.

“In retrospect, if I were given the opportunity to play a role again, it would be Kim. I think now after having my own children, I would have a deeper connection to the role.

Singing the words, ‘I’d Give My Life For You’ would mean so much more, and I’m sure it would be extremely difficult to get through night after night without a good cry.”

Expanding her colorful acting resume, Deedee has had several roles in major films and productions, including “Sister Act 2”, the Tony award-winning “Wicked” (as Nessa Rose), and a brief run in the contemporary musical “If/Then” (as ensemble part/understudy). In 2003, she also played the original Princess

Jasmine in Disney’s “Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular” showing at Disney’s California Adventure.

“Alan Menken wrote a new song for the show, and it was amazing to be featured on the original soundtrack,” Deedee shared. “And in ‘Wicked,’ at the time, I was the first Filipina to play Nessa Rose, which was special because they hired someone who didn’t look Caucasian.

And someone said, ‘It makes sense; you are the Wicked Witch of the East!’ ” Her most recent, favorite role was playing Mrs. Walker in the Los Angeles-based East West Players’ rock musical production of The Who’s “Tommy.” She also got to play the part alongside her husband, Cliffton Hall.

“I’ve been a fan of EWP for years.

I think more and more because of things like East West Players, and theater companies that promote heritage and encourage diversity onstage, it is slowly getting to a Continued on Page 6

ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ

A wonderful Christmas gift for your family

AN important part of Christmas is buying gifts for loved ones.

Filipinos are busy filling their balikbayan boxes with pasalubong, to send to their families â&#x20AC;&#x153;back home.â&#x20AC;?

The pasalubong may consist of clothes, food items, electronics, or other useful items, given as a way of â&#x20AC;&#x153;sharing oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blessings.â&#x20AC;?

However, many Filipinos forget about what could be the most important â&#x20AC;&#x153;giftâ&#x20AC;? for their family members: legalizing their status, or finding a way for their family members to immigrate to the US and be reunited, under the same roof, not only during Christmas, but all year round. I know that some people have been separated from their family members for many years, because they have not done anything about their immigration situation. Yet if you ask the family

members back home, they probably believe that nothing that could be bought in any store would mean as much as the family being together.

Other people have their children with them in the US, and their children could be eligible for work authorization, driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, SS #, etc. under DACA. What a wonderful present for a child!

If you have not yet done anything about your immigration situation, and are spending yet another lonely Christmas in the US, maybe now is the right time to switch your spending prioritiesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; from the usual balikbayan box items to the real gift a family wantsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; being together in the US. Or at least make a New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolution to finally take steps to either legalize your status and/or bring your family to America.

On behalf of myself and my law

Immigration Corner

CONSTANTE AJPRESS

ABOUT one-fifth of ovarian cancer deaths could be prevented if women were given yearly blood tests that screened for the condition, a new study has found.

The findings, published in The Lancet, a medical journal in the United Kingdom, are based on a 14-year-study of 200,000 postmenopausal women in Britain between the ages of 50 to 75.

Each woman was randomly assigned to three different groups: 50,000 were given transvaginal ultrasound tests; another 50,000 were screened by a new test to measure changing levels of a blood protein, CA125, which has been linked to ovarian cancer; and a control group of 100,000 was not screened.

The women did not have what researchers considered â&#x20AC;&#x153;a strong family historyâ&#x20AC;? of ovarian cancer.

A total of 1,282 were diagnosed with the cancer, and by the end of the study, 649 had died.

More women from the control

group died than those who were screened every year.

The trial, led by University College London, was the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest screening test for ovarian cancer and was designed to compare the outcomes of regular blood tests versus alternate screening methods or no screening at all, The Guardian reported.

Dr. Usha Menon, a co-author of the article in The Lance and head of the gynecological cancer center at University College London said follow-up is needed to confirm that the findings are significant throughout. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is almost there, but not yet,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Another finding from the study was that two out of every three women that underwent surgery to check for the cancer, which was based on their blood test results, did not have any condition. Such an outcome results in unnecessary worry for women. Additionally, 3 percent of women who had surgery wound up with major complications.

Menon said the apparent

Magazine

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA

benefits of screening may have been due to chance, according to The New York Times, adding that monitoring the participants for a few more years will clear up the issue.

Dr. Clare Mckenzie, consultant gynecological oncologist and vice president for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in the UK, agreed, according to The Telegraph. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Women who are worried about ovarian cancer should talk to their doctor who can explain the risk of cancer and available tests,â&#x20AC;? she said.

With a poor prognosis for ovarian cancer, the results of the trial, the biggest of its kind, have been long-awaited. Scientists have been seeking a method for decades that would detect the disease in time to save lives, according to The New York Times.

In the early stages of the cancer, there are no symptoms and it can progress quickly. As a result, most cases of the condition are advanced by the time women are

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 Seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greetings. Businesses who cater to all denominations and do not wish to â&#x20AC;&#x153;offendâ&#x20AC;? will stay the course of political correctness. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 watchersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; websites and yahoo news segments devoted to science, the heavens are putting out spectacular light shows Continued on Page 5 seen during midnight and the early

Christ is still the reason for the season â&#x20AC;&#x153;He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.â&#x20AC;?

-Roy L. Smith morning hours.

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 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

!"* ',$ %/ *+ %'- / + '" " '$ * ."* % ) Chair and CEO of TLC Beatrice, LLC Philanthropist

!"$ * $+! & $$& ** ) *',) * & *" '" + " ( & # +,$ &"/ ) &'. $ +' ! - * %, ! ,& "& +! $$)''% * +! / " "& +! ' ) )''% Loida has enjoyed a long career as a successful businesswoman, and she remains just as active today. Bilang miyembro ng halos 20 na taon, she keeps current with AARP publications on health, diet, exercise at iba pang activities that help her enjoy life and live it to the fullest.

Not surprisingly, her boundless energy and generous contributions para sa Filipino community have made her a role model for many. Para kay Loida, walang hanggan ang mga posibilidad and the best is yet to come. AARP offers members a wealth of resources na siguradong makapagbibigay ng saya, sigla at importanteng impormasyon para rin sa inyo. ' $ )& %') -"*"+ )( ') (" ') $$

+' /

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office, Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat! ***

Study: Screening for ovarian cancer could reduce related deaths

By AGNES

An Asian Journal

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is the line, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.â&#x20AC;? 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;THANK YOUâ&#x20AC;?, a time to draw lessons from the year just past in order to use a new and fresh supply of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gift called TIME, given in equal measure to all men, rich or poor, from one glorious day to the next.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

An Asian Journal

Magazine

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On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places

Sylvia Labial Avanceña Buhian: Her life beyond being a cancer survivor

‘to converge’) International social fundraising but bearably ignored the pain. She went about the routine and fully delivered what was expected of BOBBY T. YALONG her as the event’s organizer.

Two days later, the pain grew CANCER, according to the insufferable as she was threatened American Cancer Society, is the unrelentingly only to find out the second most common cause of harsh reality --- that she was suffering death in the US and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths in 2012 based from uterine cancer.

“I felt numbness all over me from the World Health Organization upon learning about it,” she inaudibly estimated data. muttered with misty soulful eyes. “It The astounding figures alone was such deafening to hear… but are more than enough to set one’s I had to be strong. I didn’t blame mode in to a panic attack but such God for I knew I was just one among is overwhelmingly the effect of those that suffer from cancer… and environmental factors affecting with His ultimate power and grace, I human conditions. would be healed!”

The word “cancer” is as old The grueling agony of the as history with its etymology dreadful disease and the morbid dating back since 400B.C. when thought of possibly losing her life Hippocrates, (the Greek scientist once crushed in the battle have regarded as the Father of Medicine) constantly blighted her daily routine was said to have named masses of that used to be well-planned and full abnormal cells “karkinos” (which of enthusiasm. Accepting reality was means crab in Greek) because the swollen veins around them resemble almost a bitter pill to swallow, “…but such is life!” the limbs of a crab.

Then suddenly her life was The complicatedly atrocious shattered… her dreams were syndrome inexorably attacked doomed… while her hopes grew hard-working and indefatigable thin and jilted. There was no other community leader Sylvia Labial recourse for her but to solely depend Avanceña Buhian on October 24, on her Creator and embrace her 2009 when she was 58. She felt the faith even more fervently. Every initial symptom while occupied morning was a blessing… a gifted with the annual Tapok (Visayan for opportunity to face another challenge.

“I felt like being pushed into some unfathomable couloirs or some kind of abysmal depth that could have left me for dead,” the fierce, well-heeled Sylvia intensely recounted her perturbing encounter during the early stage of treatment. “The tedious 6 cycles of chemotherapy and 28 times of radiation procedures were actually burdensome as they were excruciating and torturing… I had no option but to undergo such unbearable measures because I really wanted to prolong my life.”

She tried to remain tough about the whole situation. There was firmness in her determination to face the trial straightforwardly while Cfm\ k_\ )e[ k`d\ Xifle[ Y\kn\\e Jpcm`X insistently struggling to maintain Xe[ >`c 9l_`Xe

her sanity. She was positive that things would be okay. Despite the fact that she was dwelling in such tormenting predicament there never was a single moment when she would regret having existed or blame anybody… instead her ponderous anguish made her even physically powerful and hopeful that a second lease of life would be possible.

“I regularly saw my doctor for check-ups and up-dated cancerfree development analysis. I tried to manage my emotions. I was concerned not only about my physical condition but also about my mental healing. Through family and friends’ support I was able to take control of my fears, grief, and lonesomeness that inevitably interfered with my life while recovering from cancer treatment,” she said.

And true enough, after 4 years her conscientious therapy, excessive misery and undiminished faith in God, she was pronounced cancerfree in 2013… but with internal complications that were medically addressed.

For others, a cancer survivor would be someone who is suffering from the dreaded disease and still trying to cope up with the situation. And still others define survivorship as crossing the finish line to remission or a cure. For Sylvia: “Cancer isn’t only about that alarming disease but also about the harrowing experiences we encounter everyday that left us stressful, tensed, and sleepless.

Successfully overcoming all these makes one a survivor… because these are the negative elements that trigger the rapid production of cancer cells.”

“I’m relating my story not for anything else…neither to catch the attention of the public nor gain sympathy but to inspire others who are affected by cancer and undergoing the same trial and agony that I went through,” the strong-willed lady uttered with full conviction.

Incidentally, having had

regained health and with her life back to normalcy, the former secretary of the Minister of DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, is visibly full of zip again and back in circulation… attending to what she loves doing best --organizing and planning fundraising events.

A Commerce graduate from the Liceo de Cagayan, in 1968, she responded early to the call of wedded life when she was barely 16 and he was 25. She was not even a full woman when she started a family but her innately compassionate nature made it undemanding for her to tackle the role of motherhood while being a perfect partner to her spouse.

Sylvia was admirably credited for being the founder of the Oro Women Society, Inc. (OWSI), a civic-oriented organization of humanitarian women from Cagayan De Oro, where she also sits as its President and Chair of the Board.

It will be recalled that OWSI was instrumental in bringing over to the US the Singing Priests from different western archdioceses: Cagayan De Oro, Bukidnon, Bohol, and Cebu; the 2007 grand prayer rally for Typhoon Sendong with a huge latitudinarian and ecumenical attendance; had sent units of computers for community use; annually hosting children’s Christmas Feeding Program in Cagayan de Oro; sponsoring medical and dental pack for distribution among under privileged children; and providing livelihood program for the urban poor.

“Actually, most of the people we are helping are living inside the cemetery compound with menial jobs as either maintaining niches or caretakers. We thought of providing them a good source of income by teaching them how to manufacture hollow blocks and supplied them with bags of cement courtesy of generous NGOs. They earned reasonable amount from burial and niche construction service s until they were able to establish a

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cooperative store to sustain their livelihood,” Sylvia extensively related with dignified pride.

A divorcee from a 20-year connubial relationship with 3 grown-up children, Sylvia found a more meaningful and rewarding life after being freed from a tormenting matrimonial bondage. She migrated to the US and turned herself into an HHA (Home Health Aide), a trained and certified health care worker providing assistance to patients at home.

For the last 17 years, Sylvia had stanchly adhered to her profession.

Each day was always a special one since she would be out again doing things to make other’s life free from stress and strenuous physical activities.

Her daily grind became even more exciting upon meeting a colleague, Gil Buhian, a former Certified Public Accountant (CPA) from Davao. In 2004, Sylvia’s world turned kaleidoscopic again and life became worth living once more when she changed her status, got married and established a home for two in Queens, New York.

“A second wind is indeed achievable. There’s another heaven after losing one,” she quipped.

But Sylvia’s untiring mind never ceases to create huge ideas and ambitiously grandiose projects that benefit the community. “I don’t know why but I always feel contented whenever I could create a worthwhile event that benefits the majority.” She clarifies. “There’s this very rewarding satisfaction in me every time I was

able to help even to the point when nothing more was left for me.”

For this coming 2016, this empathetic lady has already a list of what she has planned.

“I’m planning to invite all existing Filipino-American organizations in the tri-state area to participate in a regional dance contest. This may sound ambitious but there never was somebody who has done it so why not me?” Sylvia proudly divulged what’s in her priority list.

“I was also thinking of having at least one fashion model from every organization to showcase the best creative design out of a region’s native woven fabric or whatever indigenous material distinctly significant in the area. In that way we can bring together all Fil-Am communities while promoting our regional culture.”

“Unite with Peace and Grace.

That’s what I want to aptly dub the project. Isn’t that great?” She conceitedly expressed. “2016 will undoubtedly be a good year for Oro Women Society, Inc….with God’s grace.” And she punctuated it with a candid smile.

Indubitably, there’s still an effervescent life after tempestuous trials. Life doesn’t end after failures and remember, there appears clear open skies after every storm… and these have been Sylvia Labial Avanceña Buhian’s guiding principle in life. No wonder, life has been good to her!

For comments and suggestions, please email: gemini0646@yahoo. com..

Calendar of Events across

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ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS ; <: < D 9 < I ( - $)+

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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Miss Universe judge: Pia Wurtzbach deserved to win, Miss Colombia didn’t HOLLYWOOD gossip blogger Perez Hilton, who served as one of the judges in the 2015 Miss Universe, has broken his silence on the controversy which has plagued the annual pageant.

Perez on Tuesday, Dec. 22 said that he refused interviews so that he would be able to talk about the contest in his podcast hosted on his own website. In the podcast, he compared Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach with first runner-up Ariadna Gutierrez of Colombia, saying that the Filipina delegate deserved the title unlike the latter.

Miss Colombia was the most beautiful contestant, but I don’t think she deserves to win the title, and she didn’t win the title for a variety of reasons,” Hilton told his co-host Chris Booker.

“Here’s the difference between Miss Philippines and Miss Colombia.

Miss Philippines came to win. Miss Colombia came to lose. Colombia came there as if she had already won. And that’s sexy also and intoxicating that confidence. But I think that she came there thinking she would really win. Whereas Miss Philippines came with something to prove,” he further said.

He explained that while Gutierrez was considered as among the frontrunners, Wurtzbach surprised him during the competition.

“She really surprised me. I wasn’t expecting her to be fierce and fabulous,” the blogger said about the Filipina beauty during the swimsuit round.

He also revealed that he liked Colombia’s performance in the evening gown competition better.

Major turnoff

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The outspoken blogger, however, called out Gutierrez for her snarky attitude during the question and answer portion.

“I don’t know if the people at home could see this. But Miss Colombia was being straight-out diva-bitch rude to her translator…

She was giving the most awful sideeye, throwing major shade because Colombia was not happy with the pace or the way the translator was translating…I was drying. She’s

being cunty right now,” he said.

“It was a major turnoff,” he said of Colombia’s attitude.

“It wasn’t just that she (Colombia) didn’t give the best answer. And it wasn’t just that she came across not just me, but several of the other judges (as) bitchy and arrogant. It was that Miss Philippines gave a better answer,” he further said.

During the final round of the Continued on Page 6

Study: Screening for ovarian...

From Page 3 diagnosed with it: Less than half of ovarian cancer patients remain alive within five years of their diagnosis.

This year in the United States, more than 21,000 new cases and more than 114,000 deaths from ovarian cancer are expected, according to the American Cancer Society.

Experts not associated with the recent study agreed the study was not ready for routine use and expressed varying optimism about it, the Times reported.

“It is good news because ovarian cancer is a serious problem,” said Robert Smith, vice president for cancer screening

at the American Cancer Society, according to The New York Times.

“The incidence is not high, but it has a high mortality rate and we’ve not been able to offer women much with respect to early detection. This has the potential to change that.”

Dr. Fiona Reddington, head of population research at Cancer Research UK, said the trial has significantly contributed in understanding ovarian cancer.

“Detecting it early is vital to make sure that patients have the best treatment options and that more women can survive the disease,” she said, adding that the organization would not suggest such screenings on a national

level.

“While this is an important step in ovarian cancer research, we would not recommend a national screening program at this point.”

Dr. Saundra Buys, a professor of medicine and medical director of the high-risk breast cancer clinic at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Cancer Institute, told the Times that the amount of screening is “a lot” for the amount of resulting benefit. Still, she said the study was “an amazing accomplishment,” but noted that the issue with screening for ovarian cancer is the disease is difficult to screen due to its lack of symptoms and aggressive growth, the Times reported.

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 itong girl na ito,” she said.

Kris was referring to the Mamasapano clash that left 44 members of the elite Special 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.

The actress-host congratulated Wurtzbach, admitting that she was impressed with how she answered during the question-and-answer portion.

“She answered so well,” Kris said, referring to Wurtzbach’s answer 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.

The TV-host said she agreed with Wurtzbach’s answer.

“I agree with her. Because in a world where China is so strong we need them. Let’s be honest.

Kailangan natin sila and let’s be friendly with them, di ba?” she said.

During final question-andanswer portion, all the candidates answered the question: “Why should you be the next Miss Universe?”

Wurtzbach 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.

Aquino said she was inspired

by Wurtzbach’s answer.

“Ang galing niya, gusto ko siya,” she said. (Inquirer.net)

James, Nadine thankful for sold-out concert in February 2016

by JOYCE JIMENEZ Philstar

MANILA—James Reid and Nadine Lustre still cannot believe that the tickets for their concert in February 2016 were sold out in one day.

“Ako hindi pa rin makapaniwala until now, isang araw?” Nadine said in awe when asked to react about their sold-out concert, in an interview on Thursday after their Jollibee concert in Kia Theater in Cubao, Quezon City.

Since many of their fans were not able to buy tickets for their concert on February 20 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum the two are willing to have a second night

of concert.

“Kasi ang daming nagsabi na wala pa silang ticket, para naman din makapanood sila,” Nadine said.

James also added that “some of our fans are coming from abroad, so they’ll fly in just to watch the concert.”

Aside from more “kilig” performances from the JaDine love team, joining them that night are other cast members of “On the Wings of Love.”

The two are also excited for the upcoming 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival Parade of Stars. It will be the first time that they’ll join the float parade.

They’re part of the Star Cinema

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and Viva Films entry “Beauty and the Bestie” which stars Vice Ganda and Coco Martin, under the direction of Wenn Deramas.

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Jose, Wally and Paolo’s Christmas wishlist

Deedee Magno Hall On a passionate...

From Page 2 point in entertainment where people are going to be colorblind.”

Deedee continued, “I’ve been so blessed to be able to play roles where it didn’t matter what I looked like—I could be the Wicked Witch of the East, Captain Walker’s wife, or Princess Jasmine. For most of the roles I’ve done, the color of my skin was not an issue.”

“I hope my own kids experience that same diversity in this industry.

There are so many issues and stories to tell, and so many resources to share them. If you don’t see those stories being played out, then maybe it’s your destiny to write them, act upon them, and put them out there for yourself.”

Act III: Finding love on and offstage Deedee’s first major role in “Miss Saigon” was not only a turning point in her onstage career, but also a reallife opportunity for romance.

“It was also my first experience to do a love scene in front of people…and little did I know, it was where I would meet my husband,” she smiled.

In 1995, during the 2nd national touring company of “Miss Saigon,” Deedee met a Filipino-JapaneseCaucasian actor from Hawaii named Cliffton Hall, who just so happened to be playing her love interest (Chris, an American GI soldier). They were both 19 years old.

“I always thought he was so cute and nice, and we were such good friends,” she shared. “I fell in love with my leading man. You put two people together onstage and they fall in love every night; it was inevitable.”

The two reunited several years later, after Deedee re- joined the Broadway company of “Miss Saigon.”

Cliffton was also in New York, starring as Marius in a revival of “Les Misérables.”

“We were, first and foremost, always good friends, and then things just kind of happened. We were initially scared of destroying our friendship, but it always felt right in the end, like it was honestly meant

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to be,” Deedee said.

As a couple, Deedee and Cliffton worked briefly together as Kim and Chris in “Miss Saigon” on Broadway, then later joined the international tour for six months in Singapore and Hong Kong. They also starred opposite one another in the first national tour of “Wicked,” playing Nessa Rose and fiyero.

“We didn’t have any scenes together, but we were always sneaking kisses backstage. And at the end of the show at curtain call, I got to hold his hand!” she shared excitedly.

She and Cliffton were married in 2003. Their first son, Kaeden, was born in 2005—around when Deedee was playing the original Princess Jasmine in “Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular,” and Cliffton was departing for the “Wicked” tour.

Brycen, 4, was born in 2011.

“During shows, the hardest thing about [our jobs] sometimes is having to leave our sons at home.

Luckily, my family has always been so gracious, helping me take care of them while Cliffton and I are out every night onstage,” she said.

“Now we’re getting ready to start homeschooling them on the road, so that we can stay together while we travel. We’re very excited for our family adventure.”

Act IV: Telling her story Over the years of building her life around her family and passion, Deedee has kept herself quite busy.

Recently, she has been voice acting in a new animated Cartoon Network series, “Steven Universe,” as the fun-loving alien crystal companion, Pearl.

“It is so, so fun!” she exclaimed.

“I’ve always wanted to be a cartoon character, or at least the voice of one. And this show is a perfect combination of music and voice acting, where we’re definitely acting out even though we’re not on camera.

Our cheeks are always hurting when we record in the studio.”

Her two sons and their Universeloving friends think “Mrs. Pearl” is a hit.

“I think I gained some cool points with my kids,” she laughed.

by BAYANI

SAN DIEGO JR.

Inquirer

What would you like to give to, or receive from, your loved ones this year?

Comedian Jose Manalo, aka Lola Tinidora, told the Inquirer: “I can’t ask for anything more this Christmas. All I want to give my family is happiness all year round.”

Comedian Wally Bayola, aka Lola Nidora, told Inquirer: “I want to give my family a travel package abroad. A trip to Hong Kong would be nice. It’s too expensive to tour Japan (laughs)! As for my Christmas wish? I want to receive a GC (gift certificate) for an executive 8k (0 p\Xij fc[# ;\\[\\ Cpee DX^ef Ôijk Xl[`k`fe\[ ]fi k_\ c\X[ ifc\ f] B`d `e 8cX`e checkup at Saint Luke’s Medical 9flYc`c Xe[ :cXl[\$D`Z_\c JZ_ eY\i^Ëj D`jj Center.”

JX`^fe% Actor and TV host Paolo “The series has a wonderfully fast-growing following, and I look forward to a long run!”

Deedee also shared news of an upcoming project for her and Cliffton: both are joining the 1st national tour of Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey’s “If/Then” in the fall, as understudies/ members of the ensemble. Deedee, who briefly joined the company earlier on Broadway, said the part is “exciting and an amazing opportunity.”

For aspiring actors, artists, and musicians in the industry, Deedee has one simple advice: don’t limit yourself.

“Nowadays, we have vehicles like YouTube and the Internet, where you can virally share your God-given gifts and talents. Go out and perform. Be seen and be heard. There is so much talent out there. If you choose to put it out, you just never know who’s watching. Maybe even the right person who can change your life in a positive way.”

To those struggling to find their voice, Deedee said, “No matter where they are from, human stories are stories. They’re your story. And now, more than ever, those narratives are being written by people from all different backgrounds.

There are so many resources out there; make yourself known.”

“You make your life what it is.

You play a very big part in this world, so choose the right one.”

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Ballesteros aka Lola Tidora told the Inquirer: “I want to receive God’s

love forever, and share or give it to the ones who need it.”

Miss Universe judge: Pia Wurtzbach...

From Page 5 competition, finalists Philippines, Colombia and Miss USA Olivia Jordan were asked why they should win Miss Universe.

Wurtzbach answered, “To be a Miss Universe is both an honor and a responsibility. If I were to be Miss Universe, I will use my voice to influence the youth and I will raise awareness to certain causes like HIV awareness that is timely and relevant to my country, which is the Philippines. I want to show the world, the universe, rather, that I am confidently beautiful with a heart.”

Hilton said he was impressed by Wurtzbach’s performance in both question and answer portions.

“It was the second time that she (Pia) gave a great answer, actually a better answer, and by that point, I felt like wow, she really brought her A-game, was super competitive, but also like, she deserved it. Like she deserves it. To me, there’s a real beauty, and grace, and elegance (in Pia). She is Miss Universe.”

He then proceeded to compare Gutierrez to her fellow Colombian, Hollywood actress Sofia Vergara.

“Miss Colombia, you’re Sofia Vergara. You’re not Miss Universe.

You look so much like Sofia Vergara.

It’s spooky how much she looks like

Sofia Vergara. Whereas this other girl, she was just being herself and not trying to emulate anybody else.

I felt like she earned it and won it fair and square,” he said.

Unanimous He said that up until the last round, he was not sure whom he was going to select as Miss Universe.

“I went with my gut and voted for Miss Philippines. And actually, I found out afterwards it was unanimous. Every single judge on that panel, all four of us, voted for Miss Philippines to be number 1,” he revealed.

Aside from Hilton, the other judges were former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo; actress-comedian Niecy Nash; and former American football player Emmitt Smith.

The global audience and the 77 eliminated contestants were also asked to vote during different segments of the competition.

With their votes unanimous, he said he and the other judges were surprised when host Steve Harvey announced that it was Colombia who won and not the Philippines.

“My initial thought when Steve Harvey announced that Colombia won was ‘this is rigged,’” Hilton said.

He later backtracked, saying

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that he thought the mix-up was just a publicity stunt for more people to talk about the pageant.

“I still find it hard that he could have messed up that badly,” Hilton continued.

The media personality closed the podcast by saying that amid the gaffe and that furor it had caused, it was important to know that the Philippine delegate won the competition “fair and square.”

“It’s important to know that Miss Philippines won it fair and square. All of the judges thought so. She deserved to win. It’s not just a physical beauty contest,” he said.

He said that he, however, believes that Gutierrez would have a successful career after the competition.

“I think that she could have a more successful career after Miss Universe than Miss Philippines will,” the gossip blogger said.

“Miss Philippines is perfect for being a Miss Universe, but I think that Colombia can go on like Sofia Vergara and be a crossover success in the US, and be a Spanish-language personality or if her language improves, an English-language personality. She is smoking,” he closed. (Inquirer.net)

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US Northeast Fil-Am community Timely reminder of Gerald’s thespic edge embraces Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado

by NESTOR U. TORRE

had given her son the dreaded and debilitating disease.

RECENTLY on Maalaala Mo Kaya, Gerald and Snooky did well, Gerald Anderson was given a plum but the younger actors who played opportunity to remind viewers of his his character’s siblings were less thespic talent, when he was assigned focused in their roles, which came to play a dedicated teacher whose off more like an “ensemble blur.” bright career was tragically abridged Still, the episode was ultimately by his being stricken with a rather an inspiring and instructive viewing rare form of Parkinson’s disease. experience, even if it ended in a At first sight, Gerald looked too question mark rather than with a old to play a college student—but, clear denouement and resolution of after his character had become its harrowing central problem. a teacher, that dubious piece of That “hanging” ending gave the casting was rendered moot, and we telecast an element of uniqueness, could more pertinently appreciate because it concluded with an invitation to viewers to assist in =Xk_\i GXki`Zb Cfe^Xcfe^# k_\ J`dYXe^ >XY` X[m`j\i# f]ÔZ`Xk\j k_\ Ôijk J`dYXe^ >XY` jX the actor’s depiction of his ethically BfejlcX[f n_`Z_ Zfdd\eZ\[ fe ;\Z% .% Kn\cm\ d\dY\i jZ_ffcj f] k_\ :fXc`k`fe f] Xclde` and physically contorted character. giving the drama a happy ending— XjjfZ`Xk`fej _\X[\[ Yp Dj% M`m`Xe KXcXdY`iXq :ilq n_f kliej fm\i 9XYp A\jlj kf k_\ e\ok Gerald’s new portrayal was by actually contributing money to [Xp jgfejfi% reminiscent of his acclaimed defray the cost of the expensive performance in Budoy years ago. operation that would gift its real-life To his credit, he went beyond protagonist with the prospect of early career achievement—his living a more “normal” life. recent MMK characterization was Unusual turn more mature not just on point of This is an unusual turn of events chronological age, but also in thespic in a local TV drama because it breaks insight. down the separation between acted Also scoring thespic points in drama and the real-life issue or the episode was Snooky Serna in medical problem it’s been based on. the role of the teacher’s mother, How will viewers respond to this who felt spasms of guilt when she unusual invitation to participate in :fejlc >\e\iXc DXi`f C% [\ C\fe# Ai% Xe[ Dij% <c\Xefi [\ C\fe Z\ek\i af`e k_\ =`c`g`ef was told that her line of the family solving or salving an actual problem Inquirer.net

NEW YORK—Forty seven Filipino community organizations came together for the celebration of a Filipino Christmas in a nine-day evening mass or Simbang Gabi held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in Manhattan from Dec. 7 to 15.

Now on its 28th year, Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado (SGK) reaffirmed the Filipino-American community’s re-connection with its culture and heritage through this unique Filipino Christmas tradition.

As practised by the community in the past years, each evening commenced with a recitation of the rosary, a reflection through a 2-minute video of the Panunuluyan, another Filipino Christmas tradition narrating the search of Mother Mary and St Joseph for a place to prepare for Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem, and the celebration of the Holy Mass.

A group of second generation Filipino-Americans and their children dramatized the Panunuluyan on the last day.

The Simbang Gabi also gave an opportunity for Filipino-American community organizations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania to coordinate, work and bond together to organize the masses, salu-salo and the program. The program each evening demonstrated common Filipino rituals during the festive season of gift giving, community Christmas caroling and dancing.

In his closing remarks on the 9th day, Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. highlighted that the Simbang Gabi has become an institution that is embraced and honored by the community. He also acknowledged the community’s faith at work in bringing back the Simbang Gabi in 2014 after a 2-year hiatus. With this year’s theme “Isapuso ang Pasko”, he asked the community to “pray to take the spirit of Christmas to heart.”

“May our unity in faith always bind us together, in triumph and trials. May this spirit be carried throughout the new year 2016 as we, Filipinos represent solidly in America as an emerging community

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K_\ -k_ [Xp f] J`dYXe^ >XY` jX BfejlcX[f Yifl^_k \`^_k Zfddle`kp fi^Xe`qXk`fej I$C _\X[\[ Yp Dj% E\cj`\ GXiiX[f# Gi\j`[\ek f] ?Xe[Xe^ Kldlcfe^ =fle[Xk`fe# @eZ%2 Di% IXlc :X_`^Xj# Gi\j`[\ek f] 8jjfZ`Xk`fe f] =`c`g`ef K\XZ_\ij f] 8d\i`ZX2 Dj% ;XiX MXcZfeZ_X f] D`e[XeXf JkXk\ Le`m\ij`kp DJL 2 j\Zfe[ ifn# Ô]k_ ]ifd i`^_k Dj% C`q >Xcfe# Gi\j`[\ek f] 8p 9fife^Xe2 j`ok_ ]ifd i`^_k Di% 8c\o <jk\YXe2 Xe[ Di% ?\Zkfi <jg`efqX j\Zfe[ ifn# j\Zfe[ ]ifd c\]k Gi\j`[\ek f] =\[\iXk`fe f] 9`c`iXe# C\pk\ Xe[ JXdXi%

that is very much welcomed in our second home,” the Consul General concluded.

Leaders and members of the Filpino-American organizations,

who enthusiastically offered their time and resources, looked forward to next year’s preparation of this joyous celebration during the holiday season.

or need? Some of the people we were watching the telecast with said it was worth a try—but suggested that the show’s staffers and cast members should start with their own donations. What do you think?

Finally, back to Gerald: His convincing portrayal in the MMK drama came right in the nick of time for him, because his acting career has been faring rather poorly these days, and viewers need to be reminded of how good he can be.

Perhaps, to further strengthen his stellar prospects, Gerald should objectively see that he looks too big and chunky these days, which makes him come off as older and thus less of an exciting lead with something dynamically new to offer.

He definitely isn’t stout or flabby, but his added heft makes him look not just older but also less sensitive, a projection that dramatic leads should have, in order to convince the viewing public that they’re deeply troubled and emotionally exposed and vulnerable, thus needing and descending to its concern and empathy.

Jennylyn Mercado on love, career: Maghintay ka lang!

MANILA—Jennylyn Mercado said waiting for the right time is the most important lesson she has learned from her career and love life.

“Maghintay ka lang, maghintay ka lang sa tamang panahon, tamang tao,” she said in an interview in the ABS-CBN late-night talk show “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” aired on Monday, Dec. 21.

The Kapuso actress, however, admitted the “waiting game” will really test one’s patience.

“Mahirap maghintay,” she said.

“Ang tagal ko ng naghihintay.

Minsan nakakainggit kapag nakakakita ka ng gano’n, ‘ang sweet nila, kalian kaya ako?’”

Despite that, Jennylyn said that the state of her heart is “happy.”

During the fast talk segment of the show, she was asked: “Naniniwala ka ba sa forever?”

The actress-host replied: “No.

A\eepcpe D\iZX[f jXpj j_\Ëj nX`k`e^ ]fi k_\ i`^_k cfm\ kf Zfd\ _\i nXp%

Kasi wala naman forever, e. May pang-lifetime, pero walang forever.”

She’s currently linked to her ex-boyfriend Dennis Trillio after some reports claimed that they have reconciled, an issue both have

denied.

Jennylyn stars in the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Walang Forever” together with Jericho Rosales and directed by Dan Villegas. (Philstar.com)

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