New York/New Jersey -- February 05 -- 11, 2016 by Asian Journal Community Newspapers

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Volume 9 – Issue 19 • 16 Pages

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MANILA—The US is working closely with the government to monitor the threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. US Ambassador Philip Goldberg said that the rhetorical support of the Abu Sayyaf, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Ansar al-Khalifa to ISIS might become a

danger to the country or the region. “We all have to be on guard against groups that pledge allegiance to ISIS, that say they want involvement in the kinds of activities and ideologies presented by ISIS, and we are watching that ISIS in the Philippines very closely and we need to continue to do so to make sure that whatever rhetorical support or whatever might be happening behind the scenes

USA

DATELINE Aquino to receive honorary degree from Calif. university

is not something that becomes a danger to the Philippines or the region,” he said. “And I think that’s a joint commitment that we have, the security involving the countries of the world who are trying to defeat this scourge of terrorism, especially the one represented by this brutal group,” he added. The world is facing terrorists us8dYXjjX[fi G_`c`g >fc[Y\i^ i`^_k jX`[ k_Xk k_\ LJ Xe[ G_`c`ggè\ ^fm\ied\ekj Xi\ Zcfj\cp dfe`kfiè^ k_\ k_i\Xk f] k_\ @jcXd`Z JkXk\ f] @iXh ing social media and other means Xe[ Jpi`X è k_\ G_`c`ggè\j Xe[ Jflk_\Xjk 8j`X% @e g_fkf n`k_ >fc[Y\i^ `j C\pk\ >fm% C\fgfc[f ;fdè`Zf G\k`ccX Xe[ Gi\j% 9\e`êf 8hlèf @@@

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Franchising, business opportunities abound in PH by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

AJPress

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

PHILIPPINE President Benigno S. Aquino III is expected to visit Southern California on Wednesday, Feb. 17, where he will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Loyola Marymount University. During the invitation-only event, Aquino will be honored by LMU’s president, Timothy Law Snyder. The university has chosen to confer the degree on Aquino “in recognition of his dedication to his country, his integrity, and his embodiment of a Jesuit education,” according to a statement. Aquino, who took office as president in 2010, received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Ateneo de Manila University. He has received six honorary degrees from various institutions including Fordham University in New York, University of the Philippines, Diliman and Centro Escolar University. The event is being co-sponsored by the School of Education’s Teach for the Philippines Program and the World Policy Institute at LMU. No further details regarding Aquino’s visit, such the length of his trip and whether he will meet with the Fil-Am community in Los Angeles, have been revealed as of press time. (AJPress)

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NEW YORK—There are plenty of franchising and business opportunities in the Philippines where overseas Filipinos can invest their hard-earned money, according to Prof. Enrique Soriano III who teaches business at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business and a business adviser to many corporations all over Southeast Asia. Soriano was in New York last week, where delivered a seminar for Filipinos who want to know more about investing in the homeland, an offshoot of some of the talks he delivered before Filipinos based overseas who desire to invest in a business in the Philippines. He also promoted his just launched second book titled “Ensuring the Family Business Legacy.” “There is an opportunity for every budget,” Soriano said. “There are brands that are compelling and are worth every single penny that you invest.” He explained that

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his suggestions don’t include million dollar franchises like the top brands in the Philippine fastfood industry like Jollibee and McDonald’s. He talked about affordable business opportunities with emerging brands starting at 500,000 peso investment (soft serve ice cream) with the maximum at five million pesos (convenience store).Among the brands he mentioned were Mr. Softy, Generika, Julie’s Bakeshop and Mini-Stop. “If you’re going to invest, invest on a brand, a franchise that has a great story and a powerful value. Check the company’s track record. As it is in franchising, caveat emptor, or let the buyer beware,” he explained. “A lot of scams happen everywhere. They tell you it’s a good franchise but you end up with just a kiosk. The key is look at the track record. ” The biggest question raised in every talk he has overseas is management. Most people who want to start in franchising have no

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House minority report on Mamasapano finds Aquino liable for SAF men massacre by MARC JAYSON

CAYABYAB

Inquirer.net

THE three-member independent bloc in the House of Representatives found President Benigno Aquino III liable for issuing a stand down order in the Mamasapano operation. This was the finding of the independent minority report on the

Jan. 25, 2015 botched anti-terror raid that resulted in the death of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) police officers after a firefight with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other armed groups. In a press conference, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez led the disclosure of the report, with the House majority yet to release

its report on the congressional investigation last year. Romualdez said because Aquino did not issue any order to help the beleaguered elite police officers when they were being pinned down by Moro rebels in the cornfields of Mamasapano, Maguindanao, Aquino effectively handed a stand-down order.

Fil-Am microbiology student receives scholar award at the 28th CSU u G8>< 8) Biotechnology Symposium Pacquiao as fighting senator? Roach thinks it’s still possible LOS ANGELES — Karl Liboro, a microbiology major at Cal State LA, has been honored with the Howell-CSUPERB Research Scholar Award. Liboro is one of only 12 students in the California State University system to receive the award, which funds promising undergraduate BXic C`Yfif research related to women’s health. The award is offered by the CSU Program for Education and Research in Biotechnology (CSUPERB), in partnership with the Doris A. Howell Foundation for Women’s Health Research. “The Howell-CSUPERB Award will give me the funding and competitive edge necessary to continue my career and to continue work-

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by DINO

MARAGAY

Philstar.com

DESPITE Manny Pacquiao’s repeated claims that he will retire after his fight with Timothy Bradley this April, some observers think the Filipino icon will not stay retired. Count Freddie Roach among them. Speaking recently to Michael Rosenthal of RingTV.com, Pacquiao’s longtime cornerman said boxing won’t be totally out of Pacquiao’s mind even if the Sarangani congressman succeeds in his senatorial bid. “A lot depends on whether he becomes a senator or not,” said Roach. “If he doesn’t win the senate race, what will he do? Does he go back to being a congress-

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Comelec junks all DQ cases against Duterte by NANCY

C. CARVAJAL AND TINA G. SANTOS Inquirer.net

WITH protests against his candidacy out of the way, it is now full steam ahead for presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte. “I am now an official candidate, I will participate :fXZ_ =i\[[`\ IfXZ_ jX`[ Yfoè^ nfeËk Y\ kfkXccp flk f] DXeep GXZhl`XfËj dè[ \m\e `] k_\ in presidential debates and I am prepared to debate JXiXe^Xe` Zfeî\jjdXe jlZZ\\[j è _`j j\eXkfi`Xc Y`[% 8AGi\jj g_fkf Yp IfY\ik DXZXYX^[Xc with them,” the Davao City mayor said hours after man? Being a congressman and incumbent Vice President Je- the Commission on Elections (Comelec) dismissed a boxer is OK. Being a senator jomar Binay. In the latest survey petitions seeking to disqualify him from the May elecand boxer may be a little too of the Social Weather Stations, tions. “I will campaign extensively and I can now accept he ranked eighth among senatomuch,” he added. contributions, but with certain conditions, such as the Pacquiao is running for sena- rial candidates. If Pacquiao defeats Bradley money must come from legitimate sources, and from tor under the opposition party of presidential hopeful and u G8>< 8) u G8>< 8)

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FROM THE FRONT PAGE

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of communication to link groups and ideologies in many places, Goldberg said. “What I’m saying is that we have to watch very closely to see if at any point something develops more than this rhetorical situation, and we are concerned that something like that could happen, that’s

why we do watch it closely,” he said. “That’s why we cooperate on counter terrorism; that’s why we share information; that’s why we work for the special forces in the Philippines,” Goldberg added. In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the Philippines stands in solidarity with

other peace-loving countries in expressing deep concern on the continuing terrorist acts worldwide that indiscriminately target innocent civilians. “Today, more than ever, the world should close ranks to ensure that terrorism is combated in all its forms and wherever they may occur.” ■

standard-bearer Martin Diño, on grounds of Diño’s certificate of candidacy (COC) for President was invalid. Diño claimed he inadvertently placed in the COC he was running for mayor of Pasay City instead of President. In its 50-page resolution issued Wednesday, the Comelec first division noted that Diño had filed a valid COC for President, which meant that Duterte had also filed a valid COC for President as Diño’s substitute—both being PDP-Laban members. “The Commission First Division finds no material misrepresentations in respondent Duterte’s COC for President, and hence, it is valid and it gives rise to a valid candidacy,” the resolution said. The division resolved to dismiss the petition filed by Castor and Delas Nieves against Duterte for their failure to appear in the preliminary conference of their respective cases. The decision also pointed out that Pamatong had failed to present any evidence to prove his claim that Duterte should be declared a nuisance candidate. Bautista said the petitioners would be given five days to appeal the decision to the full commission. Duterte, who just came from

a farmers’ forum at the University of the Philippines, earlier said that he would not attend presidential debates until the Comelec had resolved his cases. He changed his mind after he received the news of the Comelec ruling at his national headquarters along Edsa in Greenhills, San Juan. An initial survey on a Duterte candidacy commissioned by a Davao businessman and conducted by the Social Weather Stations showed him a presidential front-runner for his efforts to transform his crime-ridden city into one of the world’s safest urban centers. But after his expletive-laden speech at the launch of his presidential bid Nov. 30, cursing Pope Francis for causing mammoth traffic jams during his visit a year ago, Duterte’s ratings fell. He also has a running word war with former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, challenging the administration Liberal Party standard-bearer to a slapping or boxing match for disputing that Davao is one of the world’s safest cities. Duterte is running on a platform of moving the country toward a federal system, wiping out criminals and drug lords, and eliminating corruption in government. ■

Comelec junks all DQ cases against... G8>< 8( t

those who have no business transactions with the government,” Duterte told the Inquirer. “The punisher will live to die another day,” a smiling Commissioner Christian Robert Lim remarked in announcing the ruling of the Comelec First Division, which handled the cases against Duterte, and which he chaired. He obviously was referring to Duterte’s no-nonsense campaign to clear his city of criminals and drug lords. In a press conference, Lim said the decision was unanimous in denying the four petitions against Duterte due to lack of merit. “He is a candidate as we speak and we are now in the process of finalizing the list of candidates,” Comelec Chair Andres Bautista said. The consolidated cases against Duterte were filed by broadcaster Ruben Castor, UP student leader JP delas Nieves and presidential aspirants Ely Pamatong and Rizalito David, who both had been declared by the Comelec as nuisance candidates and disqualified. All four petitions principally questioned the validity of Duterte’s substitution for former Partido Demokratikong PilipinoLaban ng Bayan (PDP-Laban)

Pacquiao as fighting senator? Roach thinks… G8>< 8( t

and becomes the WBO welterweight champion then wins the elections the following month, Roach said his ward might be prompted to defend the title even if he’s already a senator. “I do know M a n n y w e l l , though. He would love to be the senator who defended his title someday. I don’t think this [Bradley fight] is his last fight

for some reason,” the trainer continued. “I just don’t see it because he has a lot left in him. His work ethic is still great. I’d be disappointed if this was his last fight. I’ve been with him a long time, we had a great run. I’ll support whatever he does,” said Roach. Then there’s the looming possibility of another meeting with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“So far he [Pacquiao] says he’s going to retire no matter what. I might be the one that hopes something happens, maybe Floyd one more time. He’d be healthy and do much better than the first time. I was very disappointed with the first fight. I know Manny can do much better than that. I would love to see that fight one more time,” added Roach. ■

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Franchising, business opportunities abound... G8>< 8( t

plans of retiring from their day jobs yet. Realizing this, Soriano created a business model which he thinks would be helpful to this type of investors. “Engage a management team that is going to be focused and very professional, the (business) model is similar to a hotel management company. It is better than assigning a relative because eight out of 10 times, your relative will be your diabolical enemy after two to three years,” Soriano said. “By outsourcing, you increase the value, there’s financial reporting and disclosure and there’s a more professional, strategic direction.”

Soriano’s talk also focused on his experiences in working with the country’s top taipans, including Andrew Tan, John Gokongwei, Lucio Tan and George Ty. He was a Vice President at Unilab/Greenfield Corporation at the age of 29, became the chairman of Eastwood City in 2000 when he was 32 and became the first president of Travelers International (Resorts World Manila) when he was 35. “It’s all about creating your own success stories, similar to what some of the richest men in the country have done,” Soriano said, citing the common traits that were similar to the tycoons he worked with in the past.

He said that most of the businessmen he worked with had almost rags to riches stories. “They were visionary, passionate and purposeful, with a tremendous amount of tenacity,” he said. It was the same tenacity that drove Julie Gadionco to open her eponymous bakeshop when she was already 50 years old and the persistence and obsession of Andrew Tan to own the Fundador brand, a feat he achieved last November. Soriano also summarized the lessons he learned from them, something that he shares with his graduate school students and people who attend his seminars. ■

House minority report on Mamasapano... G8>< 8( t The bloc based its report on the findings of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Board of Inquiry as well as the Senate report that found Aquino ultimately responsible for violating the police chain of com-

mand. According to the report, Aquino’s actions showed that he issued a stand-down order in the deployment of artillery support to the SAF commandos. “Although unspoken, it is clear

from the actuations of the President, the members of the Cabinet security cluster, the senior AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP officials including officers on the ground and the OPAPP (Of-

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Ted Cruz, Hillary Clinton victorious in Iowa Caucus

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Obama proposes new rules to advance equal pay by AGNES

CONSTANTE AJPress

THE Obama administration on Friday, Jan. 29, announced new rules aimed at ensuring equal pay for all American workers. The proposal would require companies with more than 100 employees to annually report to the federal government how much they pay their employees with a breakdown of the employees’ ethnicity, gender and race. Friday’s announcement coincided with the seventh anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the first bill President Barack Obama signed into law when he took office in 2009. The act makes it easier for employees to challenge unequal pay. “Women are not getting the fair shot that we believe every single American deserves,” Obama said in the proposal announcement. “What kind of example does paying women less set for our sons and daughters?” Obama’s new rules would build on an executive order he issued about two years ago, which required federal contractors to provide salary data for men and women. “Social change never happens overnight,” he said. “It is a slog and there are times when you just have to chip away and chip away...It’s reliant on all of us to keep pushing that boulder up the hill.” Jenny Yang, chairwoman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, told The New York Times that the rules would be completed in September and reports would be due one year after.

“Too often, pay discrimination goes undetected because of a lack of accurate information about what people are paid,” Yang told the Times. “We will be using the information that we’re collecting as one piece of information that can inform our investigations.” In 2014, women earned 79 cents for every dollar a man earned, the White House reported. The White House Council of Economic Advisers states that the US gender wage gap is 2.5 percent higher than the average developed country. However, Pew Research reported in April that it found the gender pay gap to be less than what the White House claimed. The report stated that women earn 84 percent of what men do, while the wage gap for younger women stands at 93 percent of what men are paid. Compliance with the new rules is expected to cost each employer less than $400 in the first year, according to White House estimates, and several hundred dollars per year after that. Obama is also looking to push Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would provide additional resources to women seeking to challenge pay discrimination. “I don’t think this is an empty move,” Robyn Muncy, interim chair of women’s studies and a history professor at the University of Maryland, said of the new pay data proposal, according to NBC News. “I think it can have a very galvanizing, conscious-raising effect on people.” Marc Benioff, chief executive of Salesforce.com, who was en-

WHO declares Zika a global health emergency THE World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Zika virus and its purported links to birth defects a global public health emergency. The Zika virus, which has been found in more than 20 Latin American countries, has officials concerned about its possible link to microcephaly, a condition that causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads and improperly developed brains. “I am now declaring that the recent cluster of microcephaly and other neurological abnormalities reported in Latin America following a similar cluster in French Polynesia in 2014 constitutes a public health emergency of international concern,” WHO director general Margaret Chan said on Monday, Feb. 1, adding that the virus is “spreading explosively.” Chan added that “it was strongly suspected but not yet scientifically proven” that Zika causes microcephaly. The organization is focusing on protecting pregnant women and their babies and controlling

the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that are spreading the virus. Pregnant women are advised to consider delaying travel to areas affected by the virus and to seek physician assistance if living in areas affected by the virus. In Brazil alone, there have been about 4,000 reported cases since October of last year, and could potentially infect 4 million people in the Americas. Health officials also said Africa and Asia are susceptible to the virus. Currently, there are no vaccinations or medications to stop the virus. As of press time, the first virus transmission in the US was reported in Dallas on Tuesday, Feb. 2. Local health officials stated that it was contracted through sexual contact, not the bite of a mosquito. According to the WHO, this is the fourth time the agency has declared an international health emergency. Other cases included influenza, Ebola and polio. (AJPress)

Fil-Am microbiology student…

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ing on projects that will not only help improve women’s health, but the health of all individuals,” said Liboro, an Honors College student who resides in Glendale. Working with his mentor, Cal State LA Professor Hyunsook Park, Liboro will conduct research on vulvovaginal candidiasis, commonly known as vaginal yeast infection. The infection is primarily caused by Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungus. An estimated 75 percent of women will have at least one infection in their lifetime. Recurring infection can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life. “Even though there has been strong emphasis on the importance of probiotics in preventing yeast infections, there are few studies to explain how probiotic microorganisms prevent these in-

fections,” explained Liboro, who plans to pursue a career in biomedical sciences. Liboro’s research focuses on the mechanisms by which bacteriocin-like peptides secreted by Lactobacillus bacteria inhibit the biofilm formation of Candida albicans. Park said Liboro’s research may help researchers understand the role of probiotic microorganisms in preventing recurring vaginal yeast infections. Liboro received the CSUPERB Research Scholar Award during the 28th CSU Biotechnology Symposium, which was held at the Hyatt Regency Orange County earlier this month. The symposium aims to make connections between innovative life science research and the impact it has on society, to highlight cutting-edge biotechnologies, and to inspire students for success in the global economy. ■

listed by the White House to help make its case for the rules, said that although he never planned on paying women less than men, he found out his company was doing just that after two female workers raised that concern with him, according to the Times. “We’re never going to solve this issue of pay inequality if CEOs like myself and others continue to turn a blind eye to what’s happening in their own corporations,” Benioff said in

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THE Iowa Caucus on Monday, Feb. 1 – the first major hurdle on the narrow road to the presidential elections – proved to be a night of political surprises. Thousands of Iowa residents gathered in various caucus sites across the state to hear candidates’ appeals and make their vote, officially starting off the nomination process for both Democrat and Republican parties. In the crowded GOP race, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz--supported widely by evangelical Christians, and backed by vigorous campaigning in the state -- defeated real estate mogul Donald Trump in the Republican caucuses. Cruz won about a third of the evangelical vote, reported the New York Times. With 98 percent of precincts reporting, Cruz had nearly 28 percent of the statewide vote, while Trump closely followed with 24 percent. “Tonight is a victory for courageous conservatives across Iowa and all across this great nation,” Cruz said. “Tonight, the state of Iowa has spoken. Tonight is a victory for the grass roots. Tonight is a victory for courageous conservatives all across Iowa and our great nation.” Cruz, who has been trailing Donald Trump in recent Iowa polls, also set the record for most Iowa caucus votes received by a single candidate. Florida Senator Marco Rubio trailed in third place, with 23.1 percent of the vote. “We are not waiting any longer to take our country back,” Rubio told his sup-

porters that night. “I will be your nominee thanks to what you have done in this great state.” Other Republican contenders, including former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Carly Fiorina, John Kasich, and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul reported low numbers. For the Democrats, Hillary Clinton won by a very slim margin of victory over her opponent, Bernie Sanders. With a roughly 49.9 to 49.5 percent split, the Iowa Democratic Party described the race as a “historically close caucus.” Clinton proved victorious after the results showed the delegate gap larger than the 2.28 delegates available from the final, unreported Des Moines precinct, said New York Daily News. The former secretary of state has been leading every major national poll. “I am a progressive who gets things done for people,” Clinton, the top pick for 45 percent of likely Democratic caucus-goers, said Monday. “We have to be united when it is all said and done…against a Republican vision and candidates who would drive us apart and divide us.” Among young voters (between ages 17 and 29), Bernie Sanders reportedly won 84 percent of the vote (18 percent if the whole Democratic caucus electorate), to Clinton’s 14 percent. Sanders, a 74-year-old self-proclaimed “Democratic socialist,” has proven himself the clear choice of young people. However, among 45 to 64year-olds and those 65 and older, Clinton is leading Sanders in the

polls. “When I think about what happened tonight, I think the people of Iowa have sent a very profound message to the political establishment, to the economic establishment and — by the way — to the media establishment,” Sanders told supporters just before midnight, calling the Iowa race a “virtual tie.” “And that is that given the enormous crises facing our country, it is just too late for establishment politics and establishment economics.” After a dim showing in the Hawkeye State to keep their candidacies afloat, former governors Martin O’Malley and Mike Huckabee both suspended their campaigns. “We fought very, very hard in order to give the people a choice, and the people made their choice tonight,” said O’Malley at his rally in Des Moines, expressing gratitude to his supporters and Iowa citizens. “We have to hold strong to the values that make us Americans.” O’Malley, who entered the race last May but never polled high and struggled to gain traction with liberal voters, did not endorse a candidate. Huckabee’s suspension was not planned, but the extremely low turnout prompted him to step out of the race. “He is going to continue to push for the issues he believes, but right now this is about thanking his staff and supporters and being with his friends and families and see what

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Community organizations shine light on humanitarian efforts to help Typhoon Nona victims in fund-raising fair NEW YORKâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Four Filipino community organizations in New York participated in the first ever fund-raising fair entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Project Disaster Response: Typhoon Nonaâ&#x20AC;? held on Sunday, Jan. 30 at the Philippine Center in New York. The participating organizations were Handang Tumulong Foundation, Inc., Volunteers from Northern Samar, Philippine Disaster Relief Foundation and Kinding Sindaw. The one-day fair facilitated the various fund-raising and humanitarian efforts of Filipino organizations and groups to help the victims of Typhoon Nona by giving them a venue to reach out to prospective donors. At the same time, the fair helped prospective donors to learn and be informed of the many humanitarian responses to the natural disaster and make it easy for them to contribute their time and financial assistance. Each participating organization was given a table at the Philippine Center premises, where they displayed and distributed information materials about their organization and their humanitarian efforts. They were also given a 20-minute segment in the program to give a presentation and invite benefactors to support their cause. The participating organizations took this time to talk about their organization and humanitarian efforts and present video clips and photos of their activities.

A number of walk-ins, many of them non-Filipinos, visited the fair and were enthusiastically entertained by the participating groups. Founded in 2010, Handang Tumulong Foundation, Inc. (HTFI) raises funds to give immediate help for victims of natural disasters wherever it occurs in the world, but with special focus on the Philippines. It is a non-profit, 501 (C) (3) organization domiciled in New Jersey. To date, HTFI has donated US$188,000 to various charities, parishes, schools and organizations, most of them on the ground and in the forefront of helping victims and in rebuilding the communities devastated by either typhoons, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes. The Volunteers from Northern Samar is an informal group of friends formed to respond to the humanitarian needs of the victims of typhoon Nona situated in the hinterland barangays in Laoang, Northern Samar that government resources had difficulty reaching. The group is led by New Yorkbased freelance photographer Cesar Loverita, who coordinated with family members based in Northern Samar for the purchase and distribution of relief goods to the affected families. The Philippine Disaster Relief Foundation is a Manila-based private sector-led 501 ( C ) (3) agency established in 2009 to raise funds to help devastated communities recover from and

be better prepared to face future calamities. It offers many donor packages, including Adopt-AHome that supports the rebuilding efforts of Gawad Kalinga in Zamboanga. Kinding Sindaw, a performing group engaged in showcasing and promoting indigenous Philippine culture in Mindanao and a 501 (C)(3) group, joined the fund raising fair not so much to raise funds as to focus attention to causes that aim to preserve and protect the environment. Through special dance performances during the fair, Kinding Sindaw underscored the role of the indigenous peoples as guardians of Mother Earth. The group also pledged to partner with participating organizations by contributing the troupeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural performances in their future fund-raising projects. During the fair, a check amounting to US$2,000 donated by the Philippine Chinese Association was turned over by Deputy Consul General Azucena to HTFI. An acrylic-on-canvas 18x36 inch painting entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Old Pulleyâ&#x20AC;? by Filipino artist Fernando Kabigting worth US$1,500 donated by him was auctioned off, 70% of the proceeds of which would go to HTFI. The other 30% would go to Mr. Kabigtingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program to help young artists in the Philippines. The Volunteers of Northern Samar received part of the Philippine Chinese Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s donation amounting to US$1,000

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from HTFI. It has also received a US$1,500.00 from Fil-Aid Foundation based in New Jersey. To ensure transparency and

accountability, guidelines were set that essentially required full disclosure by the participating organizations about their orga-

nization, their partner organization in the Philippines, their target beneficiaries and feedback mechanisms for the donors. â&#x2013;

US-based Filipinos highly visible in Intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Eucharistic Congress US-based Filipinos were highly visible at the 51st International Eucharistic Congress. Shirley Figueroa Lascano, one of the many â&#x20AC;&#x153;pilgrimsâ&#x20AC;? representing Brooklyn and Queens, New York, noted on TheTablet.org: â&#x20AC;&#x153;On the final weekend of the pilgrimage, we participated in a Mass for 5,000 first communicants, celebrated by Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu, Cardinal Ricardo Vidal, who received his First Communion during the 33rd Eucharistic Congress, in the Philippines in 1937.â&#x20AC;? Following the IEC, organiz-

ers were guests at a luncheon hosted by one of Cebuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s furniture designers, Vito Selma, at the House of Lechon on Acacia Street, Cebu City. The congress, which took four years to plan, was all about â&#x20AC;&#x153;the experience of faithâ&#x20AC;?, that in spite of poverty, the Catholic spiritual festival expressed its faith through singing, eating and celebrating the Filipino way. There were 15,000 registered delegates from at least 73 countries who attended the IECâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities. Those who could not attend the symposium went to the out-

door masses, estimated at more than a million attendees. Another highlight was an â&#x20AC;&#x153;evening torchlight procession stretching over 5 kilometers and witnessing the participation of nearly two million people.â&#x20AC;? The African delegation traveled the longest distance while the largest group came from Taiwan, 600 delegates who chartered a plane. Pope Francis, during his videotaped message to the IEC, announced that the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress will be held in Budapest, Hungary, in 2020. For more information: www.IEC2016.ph. (Inquirer.net)

House minority report on Mamasapano... G8>< 8) t

fice of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process) and the government peace panel, among others, that there was a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;stand-downâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; order at the height of the firefight and eventually an elaborate effort to cover up the monumental blunders committed,â&#x20AC;? the report said. The report cited the testimony of Major Gen. Edmund Pangilinan, who supposedly ordered to withhold the artillery fire because of ;\glkp :fejlc >\e\iXc BìX ;Xe^XeXe$8qlZ\eX _Xe[j fm\i X Z_\Zb Xdflekè^ kf LJ )#,'' [feXk`fe ]ifd k_\ G_`c`ggè\ :_è\j\ 8jjfZ`Xk`fe the peace process with the MILF, kf ?Xe[Xe^ Kldlcfe^ =fle[Xk`fe# @eZ% Gi\j`[\ek E\cj`\ GXiiX[f kf _\cg k_\ m`Zk`dj f] Kpg_ffe EfeX% K_\ G_`c`ggè\ :_è\j\ 8jjfZ`Xk`fe# even though 1st Mechanized Brik_ifl^_ k_\ bè[e\jj f] Dj% A\eep B_f# i\hl\jk\[ k_\ :fejlcXk\ >\e\iXc kf _Xe[ fm\i k_\ [feXk`fe kf ?Xe[Xe^ Kldlcfe^ =fle[Xk`fe @eZ% gade Commanding Officer Colonel fe k_\ì Y\_Xc]% Gener Del Rosario had earlier sought for artillery support. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(The) moveâ&#x20AC;Ś was totally out of line and inexplicable at that juncture. That was indeed unforgivable and even more so given the belated finding that a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;stand-downâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; order was actually handed down presumably through the OPAPPâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? the report said. The report said Aquino was in Zamboanga city at the time of the Mamasapano incident, but he did not call a meeting with his top

commanders and security officials to help the elite cops. Aquino also texted then Western Mindanao Command General Rustico Guerrero to send help to the elite cops only at 4 p.m. or 12 hours after. The bloc in the report also accused then Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles and peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer of a â&#x20AC;&#x153;cover-upâ&#x20AC;? on the Mamasapano to shield Aquino from any liability. The report said Roxas and Deles echoed the claim of the MILF that the incident was merely a â&#x20AC;&#x153;misencounterâ&#x20AC;? between government and MILF troops due to lack of coordination. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Instead of exerting extra efforts to clear the air and pinpoint the flaws in the manner by which Oplan Exodus was conducted, Secretaries Roxas and Deles and peace panel chair Ferrer engaged in an elaborate cover-up meant to shield the President and the administration and, sadly, even the MILF from assuming responsibility

for the Mamasapano tragedy,â&#x20AC;? the report said. The bloc also said the MILF should share the responsibility over the botched operation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Taken in totality, the onus of responsibility for the Mamasapano massacre falls squarely in the hands of President Aquino. We concur with the findings of both the Senate â&#x20AC;Ś and the PNP Board of Inquiryâ&#x20AC;Ś that the President was and is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ultimately responsible for the outcome of the mission,â&#x20AC;? the report said. Aquino was accused of â&#x20AC;&#x153;compartmentalizingâ&#x20AC;? the operations when he coordinated with sacked SAF Director General Getulio NapeĂąas and authorized a personal friend, then suspended police chief Alan Purisima, to oversee the operation. The bloc also said Purisima and NapeĂąas committed criminal offenses for their blunders in the execution of the antiterror raid called Oplan Exodus, which took down international terrorist Marwan.

Obama proposes new rules toâ&#x20AC;Ś

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a conference call organized by the White House, noting he was spending $3 million to eliminate the pay gap at his firm, the Times reported. Not everyone touted the White Houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pay gap logic, however. Other critics say that the metric

used by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics is not the most accurate measurement. A new report by Payscale suggests that â&#x20AC;&#x153;men are simply more likely to hold higher-paying jobs, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because of the industry, job type, or job level.â&#x20AC;? Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actions on pay equal-

ity have also been criticized by Republicans, who say that gender discrimination is already illegal and that extra measures are unnecessary. Additionally, the new rules would require the president to use his executive authority, for which Republicans have further criticized him. â&#x2013;

Ted Cruz, Hillary Clinton victoriousâ&#x20AC;Ś G8>< 8* t

doors will open next,â&#x20AC;? said Hogan Gidley, a spokesman for Huckabee, according to CNN. The turnout of the Iowa caucuses was about 158,000, according to Edison Research, which conducted entrance polls at precincts across the state. The caucuses determine which candidates send delegates to this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republican convention in Cleveland. Nine other states will also assign delegates this way, in both party contests. While Republicans cast secret ballots, Demo-

crats gather in candidate affinity groups, and reshuffle if some voters stood for a candidate without enough viable support in the state caucuses (for example, Martin Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley, who has recently trailed badly in all polls). Delegates are distributed based on the percentage of support each candidate received, according to USA Today. The final voting results are reported to the state party headquarters, which then report it to media. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Turnout is everything,â&#x20AC;? national political strategist David Axelrod told USA Today. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The race is

a tight as can be.â&#x20AC;? A win for a candidate does not by any means spell a nomination at his or her partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s convention, but victory (or even a competitive placing) in Iowa can help build momentum for the rest of the year, said CNBC. Still, a weak result in the state could mean the beginning of the end for some campaigns, especially in the crowded GOP ticket. New Hampshire is the next state to vote, with its primary on Tuesday, Feb. 9. (Allyson Escobar / AJPress)

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DATELINE PHILIPPINES

China envoy hopes for better PH ties by PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com

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Binay: More poor Filipinos under Aquino administration by MARC JAYSON

CAYABYAB

Inquirer.net

THE camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay has claimed that more Filipinos called themselves poor since President Benigno Aquino III assumed the presidency in 2010. In a statement on Thursday, Feb. 4, Binay’s spokesperson Joey Salgado cited the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on self-rated poverty. He said the fourth quarter 2015 SWS survey showed 50 percent or an estimated 11.2 million families considering themselves poor, an increase from 48 percent or nine million families in third quarter 2010 or within the first three months of Aquino administration. “They cannot dispute the fact that more Filipinos consider themselves poor today than in 2010,” Salgado said. Salgado said the SWS survey results disputed the inclusive growth being bannered by the current administration.

CALICA

Philstar.com

MANILA — Malacañang on Thursday, Feb. 4 welcomed statements from US Ambassador Philip Goldberg and Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle that corruption is still an election issue and that the people must elect only leaders with integrity. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Goldberg was in a position to voice such observation as he has seen the benefits of choosing a leader like President Aquino “who leads by example.” “He has seen that good governance translates to good economics,” Lacierda said. On Tagle’s statement, the presidential spokesman said the prelate “regards corruption as a moral issue and urges voters to use their stand against corruption as a yardstick for voting.” “We fully agree with the constructs of the two gentlemen as this government has subscribed to anti-corruption since the start. Hence, like the two, we urge our voters to choose

by TETCH

TORRES-TUPAS Inquirer.net

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He said the Binay administration would focus on uplifting the lives of the poor. “Where are we at right now? Despite the economic growth the administration keeps crowing about, 10 million Filipinos are still unemployed. More and more Filipinos are forced to leave the country to find work overseas because there no job opportunities

here. The cost of healthcare has risen and it is getting harder for people to get treatment in hospitals,” Salgado said. “Do we want more of the same? Of course not. The Vice President will not allow poverty—spawned by six years of incompetence, insensitivity, and indecisiveness—to continue,” Salgado added. ■

“very important” improvements in the country was the fight against corruption. “Clearly I agree with my friend Cardinal Tagle who has said that corruption is a very important issue. We’ve seen progress over the last few years on that, too,” Goldberg said. In his message during the 51st International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu last week, Tagle criticized corrupt politicians and said they were part of the “throwaway culture” condemned by Pope Francis. For his part, Presidential Communications Operations Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the government was vigorously pursuing the fight against corruption to strengthen good governance as well as its straight path advocacy. Last week, Coloma said the administration’s battlecry that there DXe`cX 8iZ_Y`j_fg Cl`j 8ekfe`f :Xi[`eXc KX^c\ are no poor where there are no the next leaders on the basis corrupt is being taken seriously of proven integrity, among oth- despite challenges. ers,” Lacierda added. He said reforms have taken Goldberg cited in a press con- root, contrary to an international ference the importance of con- survey showing perception on tinuing the reforms started by the Philippines has worsened Aquino, noting that one of the due to persistent corruption. ■

MILF on stalled Bangsamoro Basic Law: Filipinos not ready for reconciliation by ALEXIS

ROMERO Philstar.com

MANILA—The failure of Congress to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) means that Filipinos are not yet ready for reconciliation, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said . In an editorial posted on its website luwaran, the MILF claimed that Moros are still being seen as “sub-human” and “not deserving of equal treatment.” “There are countless exceptions, but generally Filipinos are not ready for reconciliation. Congress had just shown it. They are making it very hard,” the editorial read. “They are still in the state of denial. Their thinking and what they say are still reminiscent of the bloody days of Spain in this country.” The MILF claimed that while thousands of Moros were killed in the past, the country never mourned their deaths and perhaps “only crocodile tears were shed.”

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added. He said that China remains one of the top trading partners of the Philippines, noting that trade volume in the first 11 months of 2015 reached $41.46 billion, an increase of 2.3 percent. More than 400,000 Chinese tourists also traveled to the Philippines last year. “China and the Philippines should not be confused by the current and temporary difficulties,” Zhao said. “We are close neighbors, we can not move away from each other. We are partners, we can benefit more if we can use the great potentials for win-win cooperation. We are friends sharing over a thousand years of friendship and amicable exchanges. We do have some differences and disputes, but China is committed to peaceful settlement through

dialogue and negotiation with the Philippines,” he added. He congratulated the Philippines for the successful hosting of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting last November. Chinese President Xi Jinping participated in the meeting. He also welcomed the Philippines as a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). He noted that the AIIB offers great opportunities for cooperation in the sector of infrastructure and it would inject a greater vitality in current and future Philippines-China bilateral relations. “The new year marks a new beginning. I sincerely hope and believe that through our joint efforts, we will continue to make progress and open a new chapter of win-win cooperation,” Zhao said.

SC asked to reconsider ruling on EDCA

Cardinal Tagle, Amb. Goldberg: Corruption still an election issue by AUREA

MANILA—Sending a message that Philippines-China relations do not revolve merely around maritime disputes, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario attended the Spring Festival reception on Tuesday, Feb. 2 and conveyed his greetings for a happy Chinese New Year. Del Rosario had not attended receptions hosted by the Chinese embassy in Manila since the filing of the case against China before the United Nations arbitral tribunal challenging China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea. When Del Rosario and his wife attended the Spring Festival reception at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, they were welcomed by Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua, who told The STAR he was “pleasantly surprised” by the attendance of Del Rosario. “I hope it will be the start of good things to come,” Zhao added. Del Rosario and Zhao had a congenial conversation, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. Zhao noted that the coming year is the Year of Monkey. In the Chinese zodiac, the monkey symbolizes vitality, flexibility and intelligence. “The same goes for the bilateral relations between China and the Philippines. Despite the challenges and difficulties, our overall relations remained stable and developing in 2015,” Zhao

“Most of us showed that we are only ruled by our hatred, biases, and prejudices,” the MILF said. The group also decried the supposed injustice in the Mamasapano clash, which left 44 police commandos and 18 MILF members dead last year. The MILF reiterated that the Special Action Force (SAF) commandos had violated the ceasefire agreement which required prior coordination in case of movement of troops or police actions. The group lamented that despite the supposed violation, the MILF was tagged as the villain while former SAF commander Getulio Napenas was regarded as the hero. “Clearly, justice is only applied fairly for the majority, but not for Moros,” the MILF said. The proposed BBL, which seeks to create a new Bangsamoro political entity with enhanced autonomy, is in danger of being bypassed because of lack of quorum in Congress. The measure would have implemented the peace agreement

signed by the government and the MILF in 2014. Malacanang appears to have accepted the fate of BBL as President Benigno Aquino III has ordered Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles to work with stakeholders on sustaining the peace efforts beyond his term. The MILF said lack of time was merely an alibi of Congress for its failure to pass the proposed BBL, one of the priority measures of Aquino. “Other laws including the National Appropriation Bill passed without much hassle. Even if there was no quorum especially in the Lower House, deliberations proceeded,” it said. The group, however, believes that the president had nothing to do with the bypassing of the measure. “It is not to his (Aquino) interest that the legacy of peace through the BBL will not be realized. In fact, he pushed for it vigorously through to the end,” it said. ■

THE Supreme Court has been asked to reconsider its decision upholding the constitutionality of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). Filing separate motions for reconsideration are former Senators Rene Saguisag and Wigberto Tañada, among the 12 senators who, in 1991 voted to eject US bases in the Philippines, and the militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) joined by

other party-list groups. The high court, last Jan. 12, voting 10-4-1, ruled that EDCA is an executive agreement which the President is allowed to enter into under Article XVIII Section 25 of the 1987 Constitution. “We have difficulty accepting that despite the plain meaning of the Constitution, this Honorable Court ruled the way it did,” Saguisag said. Like Saguisag and Tañada, BAYAN, in their 82-page motion said the people, through the Senate should be represented in

the discussion of foreign military presence in the country. “Neither the Court nor the Executive has the monopoly of discussion on the presence of foreign military personnel and their war weapons and bases. The Constitution clearly accorded unto the Senate, by representation the Filipino people, the power to decide on the return of foreign military bases,” Atty. Rachel Pastores, counsel for BAYAN said. “The majority’s strict textual

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OPINION

FEATURES

Broken vow

WITH only five months left before he steps down from office, President Benigno Aquino III has yet to fulfill one of his campaign promises in the 2010 presidential election: to bring resolve to the Maguindanao massacre. Who could ever forget that fateful day on November 23, 2009, when a private army (allegedly led by the Ampatuan clan) killed a 58person convoy, on their way to file the certificate of candidacy of then Buluan vice mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu. The news made international headlines and was tagged as one of the most heinous election-related crimes in history. With 32 of the victims killed during the carnage identified as media practitioners, the incident is easily recognizable as the single worst act of extrajudicial killing and reiterating that the Philippines is indeed a dangerous country for journalists. These 32 victims are among 2,297 journalists and media staff who have been killed in the last 25 years. In its recent report, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said that these journalists were killed for doing nothing more than trying to inform the world about war, revolution, crime and corruption. The report added that Iraq topped the list of the most dangerous countries for journalists with 309 killings. The Philippines ranked second with 146 killings, but IFJ underscored the “recurring finding of our reports that there are many more killed in peacetime situations than in war-stricken countries.” “The Ampatuan Massacre remains the key focal point of the Philippines media’s battle with impunity, but it must be stressed that the killing of journalists didn’t start on November 23, 2009, nor did

it end there. At least 40 journalists have been killed since. Since 1986, when the People Power uprising against the Marcos dictatorship brought democratic institutions back to the Philippines, 180 media workers have been killed. And as the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) continues to point out, it is inevitably only the gunmen who are pursued,” IFJ noted. On its sixth anniversary in November last year, Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, who lost his wife, some relatives and supporters, expressed his disappointment that six years after the killings, the court had yet to decide on the case. “It’s been six long, agonizing years. Where is justice?” Mangudadatu said. The Aquino administration asserted that it remains committed to bringing justice to the victims of the Maguindanao massacre and their families but speeding up the trial solely rests on the judiciary. The Dept. of Justice gave a marching order for the swift resolution of the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre. It directed state prosecutors to oppose any dilatory tactics and vowed to have convictions, particularly on the principal accused, by 2016 before President Aquino steps down. “Make no mistake, we are very concerned also. We would certainly like to have the trial of the Ampatuan case hastened as well and, in fact, we do want to see a decision before the President leaves office. But is it something within our control? That

Editorial

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is not within our control,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said responding to criticism about the slow-paced trial of the case. The outcome of the Maguindanao massacre trials will dictate whether the Philippines is a country has learned its lesson to put an end to violence and impunity—or one that is condemned to repeat the same mistakes. When justice is delayed, is justice denied? This

pithy aphorism seems to be fitting for the relatives of the victims of the 2009 Maguindanao killings. Six years later, the faltering steps for truth and justice have brought more than 200 people implicated in the massacre, topped by members of the Ampatuan clan. Some have been arrested, others were arraigned. But for the victim’s family, justice remains elusive until a conviction is passed. (AJPress)

Iowa Surprises: Cruz beats Trump, Clinton and Sanders in a virtual tie

THE long race to the White House has started with the caucuses in Iowa on Monday, Feb. 1. The election in this state has defied all conventional wisdom, polls and political pundits’ analyses and fearless forecasts. Voter turnout was reported to have broken records, revealing voter enthusiasm in both parties. Republican caucuses Frontrunner Donald Trump was crushed by Texas Senator Ted Cruz — the ultra-conservative candidate who pundits, the polls, and Trump himself prophesied to have a dying campaign after he was pummeled in the FOX News-sponsored Iowa debate that Trump decided not to participate in because of his feud with the network. The missed appearance might have hurt Trump, who decided instead to stage an event -- at the same time of the debate -- that he said would raise money for veterans Many believe, including Trump himself in hindsight, that this was a misstep on his part because he ended up losing the chance to convince the people of Iowa that he has better vision and platform than his competitors. Trump might have ducked having to respond to questions examining his positions, statements and actions in the past, but with the unique political process of caucuses in Iowa, he might have lost voters to Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who was just a percentage point lower than Trump, despite

his not so impressive rating in the polls before the Iowa caucuses. Cruz finished with 28 percent The Fil-Am of the votes, Trump with 24 per- Perspective cent and Rubio 23 percent. All the other GOP candidates got single digit votes. This result proves that the caucuses might have just reinforced GEL SANTOS-RELOS the fact that Republicans in Iowa were looking for candidates who share their conservative principles and values. This triumphed over the birther issue raised by Trump against Cruz, not the Trump’s star power. During the caucuses, voters actually openly discuss with other voters why they are voting for their selected candidate, and may even sway supporters of the other candidates to change their votes in favor of their candidate, or convince the undecided to join them in caucusing for their candidate. Democratic caucuses Who would have thought that 74-year-old Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders would be in a virtual tie with frontrunner former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton? Just a year ago, he was polling only 7 percent versus Clinton’s 68 percent. On caucus night in Iowa, Sanders and Clinton were in a virtual tie, with less than one percent difference between them: Clinton got 49.9, while Sanders got 49.6.

Because of the tightness of the race, officials resorted to coin toss, a practice allowed by rules for Democratic precincts. Des Moines Register reported on at least two instances of decisions by a coin toss, all breaking for Clinton. Clinton might have been declared the winner in Iowa, but this could still change, and Sanders might still turn out to have won in this state. The Clinton victory was announced based on results from 1,682 of 1,683 precincts. One the result of precinct — precinct 42 — was reported missing, and according to the Des Moines Register, “Votes from one precinct in Iowa were still missing Tuesday morning, and Democrats from that neighborhood scrambled to find party officials so that they could report their tally: Bernie Sanders won by 2 delegates over Hillary Clinton.” Heading to New Hampshire, both candidates have their own respective bragging rights. Clinton touts her experience and pragmatism, which she claims will make her beat whomever will be the Republican Party’s nominee for president. However, Clinton needs the support of the young and first time voters who overwhelmingly support Sanders for his progressive principles, and

his consistent stand in his fight against income inequality, and the power of the richest of the rich Americans and corporations over the people in Washington, to the detriment of the 99 percent of the population: hardworking middle class and poor Americans. Clinton also needs to work on her other deficit — and that is the trust factor. Those who are not in her camp believes she has been in bed with Wall Street, corporations and big businesses who have contributed heavily to her campaign and paid her a lot of money for speeches. The Benghazi controversy and her email issues also add to this trust problem of Clinton. On the other hand, Sanders has proven that even without help from Wall Street and big businesses, he can win because of the help and support from the grassroots who believe in his cause. The Sanders campaign has exceeded all expectations and raised more money, all coming from ordinary voters with an average of $27 contribution each to help catapult him to be the next president of the United States. *** >\c JXekfj I\cfj `j k_\ XeZ_fi f] K=:Ëj È9Xc`kXe^ 8d\i`ZX%É M`\nj Xe[ fg`e`fej \ogi\jj\[ Yp k_\ Xlk_fi `e k_`j Zfclde Xi\ Xi\ jfc\cp k_fj\ f] k_\ Xlk_fi Xe[ efk f] 8j`Xe AflieXc Xe[ 89J$:9E$K=:% =fi Zfdd\ekj# ^f kf nnn%K_\=`c$8dG\ijg\Zk`m\%Zfd# _kkgj1&&nnn%]XZ\Yffb%Zfd&>\c% JXekfj%I\cfj

The lessons of Pol Pot, Idi Amin and El Salvador

Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA DAVAO mayor and presidential hopeful Rodrigo Duterte has announced that part of his platform of government is the extermination of criminals and corrupt public officials within six months from assuming the presidency. “Extermination,” as in kill them dead, like Flit Insect Spray. The enthusiastic approval by Duterte’s supporters are reminiscent of movie audiences lustily cheering on Rambo as he exterminates the bad guys. Some of these Duterte fans are intelligent and knowledgeable. Thus, their endorsement of a policy considered illegal and unacceptable in civilized societies makes you wonder if Duterte may be justified after all. There is a saying in Tagalog, “Kung hindi mo makuha sa santong dasalan, kunin mo sa santong paspasan.” (Loosely translated: If you can’t do it the nice way, do it the violent way.) Perhaps the Dutertans (a term akin to Noranians and Vilmanians, to describe fans of Nora

Aunor and Vilma Santos) have already given up on santong dasalan as a means to clean up our government and society and have decided that santong paspasan is the only way. It could also be conceded that Duterte has the best and noblest of intentions—a vision of a Philippines cured of the cancer that Dr. Jose Rizal exposed in Noli Me Tangere. Without considering the gory means for achieving such an end, who would object to a country where there are no criminals in the streets and no thieves and extortionists in government? And here is this presidential candidate who vows to deliver Utopia in six months! Hallelujah! But the problem lies in the murderous means Duterte intends to use to achieve his ends. In a previous column, I suggested that Duterte’s way is not the best way. I listed several instances of successful reforms and civil discipline being achieved without spilling blood, such as those in Lee Kwan Yew’s Singapore, Dick Gordon’s Olongapo and Jesse Robredo’s Naga City. Apparently, the Dutertans were not impressed. I would, therefore, like to present the op-

posite scenario immortalized by such icons of mass extermination as Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Pol Pot, Idi Amin and the death squads of El Salvador. Some may protest that Duterte isn’t in that class and “will never be.” But where does he differ? Like them, Duterte sees himself as a Redeemer whose bloody means are justified by his noble ends. Does he differ in magnitude? Well, what do you think will happen if he becomes president and institutes extra-judicial killings as a policy of the state? Of course, I don’t believe we will ever see that gruesome fate befall our hapless country. In the first place, I doubt that Duterte actually believes his own bluster. If his supporters are hanging on to his every utterance, they should recall his admonition that the media should not take seriously everything he says. This was after he backtracked on his claim that he had presided over the extermination of 1,700 criminals—not just 700—in Davao. Joke only, he seemed to say, in not so many words. In the second place, Duterte will not win the presidency, assuming that he is not disqualified by the Comelec.

If there are a few million fanatic Dutertans, there are millions more who know better than to elect a self-appointed judge, jury and executioner to lead the country. To use an American cliché, the Filipino people need a Duterte presidency like a hole in the head—or a bullet in the head. Nonetheless, I think it serves a good purpose to go over the bloody history of those who pursued the transformation of their respective countries according to Duterte’s gory template. Like Duterte, they must all have set out—in their own minds—with a vision of a country cleansed of every kind of social, political, economic and religious vermin, leaving only a happy and contented citizenry under a wise and benevolent leader. Hitler believed in an Aryan super race, rid of the infestation of Jews whom he considered sub-human. His solution was the holocaust. Stalin staged a brutal purge of those he branded enemies of the working class, among the intelligentsia and within the Communist party, the military and the bureaucracy. Millions were forced to work in the Gulag labor camps, imprisoned, exiled or executed without due process.

As prime minister of Kampuchea and leader of the Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot liquidated intellectuals and relocated urban dwellers to the countryside to work in collective farms and forced labor projects. Those he considered enemies of the state were summarily executed. Millions died in Pol Pot’s killing fields, immortalized in the Hollywood film of the same title. As president of Uganda and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Idi Amin mounted a campaign of ethnic cleansing which saw thousands killed (the estimates range from 80,000 to 300,000) and Asians expelled from the country. The El Salvador experience may be easier for Dutertans to relate to their idol’s proclivity for extra-judicial killings. In a paper in the Foreign Policy Journal, Steve Dobransky wrote: “The civil war that raged in El Salvador from 1980 to 1992 is often described as a successful model for counterinsurgencies, which included the use of death squads. The Salvadoran model involved large numbers of paramilitary units that were privately funded or were officially and unofficially government forces (of-

ten just a change of clothes).The death squads were guided by military, political, and economic elites. They sought to eliminate not only the armed insurgents but anyone who may have been supportive or sympathetic to the insurgent cause. Their goal was to kill many and intimidate the millions of others into submission. The Salvadoran civil war waged viciously, as the right-wing government and economic elite contended with the left-wing forces led by the FMLN. An estimated 75,000 civilians died during the war, many attributed to death squads…The Salvadoran model quickly reached international dimensions when four American missionaries were brutally raped and murdered in December 1980 by Salvadoran military forces.” The international spotlight suddenly focused on El Salvador and the involvement of the CIA in training and funding the death squads. When six Jesuit priests were murdered by the death squads, the US government was forced to threaten to cut off aid to the Salvadoran government unless the death squads were dismantled. But the most shocking victim

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Filipino, American troops end joint drills in Cavite Tumanda Jr. said the training had provided an opportunity for the Philippines and the United States navies to strengthen their inter-operability. “Enhancing capability through this kind of exercise enables the Philippine Navy to assert more efficiency and effectiveness in the conduct of our mandated tasks,” he said. US Navy Joint Mission Commander Lt. Lowell Bruhn said Flash Piston allowed his fellow participants to build camaraderie with their Philippine counterparts. “By working together, we exchange our tactics, techniques and procedures,” Bruhn said. Flash Piston is an annual ex-

ercise that started in 2008. The exercise aims to increase and develop capability on gas and oil platform operations, enhance riverine warfare capability and inter-operability, enhance and develop sea, air and land tactics, techniques and procedures; and improve individual skills and professionalism among troops. During the first week of the exercise, participants exchanged information on medical evacuation procedures, combat military marksmanship, and human rights training. Field training exercises that focused on maritime interdiction operation activities were conducted during the second week of the drill. ■

MANILA—Alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles on Wednesday, Feb. 3 filed a motion for reconsideration before the Sandiganbayan to reverse its decision to junk her bail petition. The camp of Napoles, who is facing plunder charges, asked the anti-graft court to take a second look at the facts governing the case. “The Honorable Court seriously erred in resolving that there is a strong evidence showing that accused Napoles together with her alleged co-accused amassed, AXe\k C`d EXgfc\j accumulated, and/or acquire ill- least (P50 million),” the Napoles gotten wealth amounting to at camp said in the petition.

The petition also argued that the court erred in holding that the non-government organizations allegedly used as conduit in the pork barrel scam were owned and controlled by Napoles. “The prosecution clearly failed to prove a strong evidence against accused Napoles to warrant the denial of her petition for bail,” the petition said. Napoles spent Christmas and New Year in jail last year after the Sandiganbayan denied her petition for bail. The Sandiganbayan has started the trial proper for the plunder charges filed by the Office of the Ombudsman against Napoles and Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile’s former chief of staff Jessica “Gigi” Reyes. ■

by ALEXIS

ROMERO Philstar.com

MANILA—Filipino and American Navy troops on Monday concluded joint drills intended to improve their capabilities to deal with maritime threats and emergencies. The Flash Piston 16-1 exercises kicked off on January 18 and involved more than 60 sailors from the Philippine Navy and 20 personnel from the US Navy Naval Special Warfare Unit-1. The closing ceremony was held at the Navy Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) headquarters at the Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Sangley Point, Cavite. NAVSOG chief Capt. Alfonspin

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Napoles asks Sandiganbayan to reconsider bail plea Poe hopes Chief Justice view on by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com

VIRAY

The lessons of Pol Pot, Idi Amin…

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of the death squads was the Archbishop of San Salvador, Monsignor Oscar Romero, who was shot and killed while saying mass. According to a media report, Monsignor Romero was “felled by a single bullet as he prepared Communion, his blood soaking the holy bread in his hands at the altar.” He was assassinated shortly after he had made a public appeal to members of the death squads to stop the killings and to defy the unlawful orders of their superiors. To go back to Duterte, how sure are his adoring supporters that all of the victims of his death squads were drug dealers and criminals? How about those killed on mere suspicion. And how many street children, disadvantaged by poverty, could have been led away from a life of vagrancy and could have gone on to become responsible members of Philippine society – even become can-

didates for president like the foundling Grace Poe and the orphan Jejomar Binay? The horrible part of Duterte’s cure for the cancer afflicting our country is that he himself is morally sick. Anyone with a demented understanding of right and wrong has no right to pass judgement on the life or death of fellow human beings. Whatever his protestations of noble intentions might be, Duterte’s way is no better than that of other mass murderers like Pol Pot, Idi Amin and the killers of Monsignor Oscar Romero. Just a few words of caution to the Dutertans. If your idol should ever become president, who will protect those of you who may happen to annoy members of the death squads? You may end up pining for the “good old days” when one could freely criticize Noynoy Aquino and his Tuwad na Daan without fear of being exterminated. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

NORTH AMERICA

foundlings would inspire SC justices to reporters. “I hope that the public and those who will make a final judgment on my case will see things in this light,” she added. Poe issued the statement when sought for comment on the Chief Justice’s warning that disqualifying her from the presidential race for being a foundling could set a dangerous precedent and would have dire consequences if upheld by the Supreme Court. “If you’re saying that foundlings are not natural-born citizens, have you thought about the impact on the rights of all foundlings?” Sereno asked Commission on Elections (Comelec) member Arturo Lim during the SC’s third oral arguments on the disqualifi-

PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Senator Grace Poe expressed hope on Wednesday that Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno’s strong position on the rights of foundlings like her would ring “loud and clear” not only to the public, but also to other Supreme Court justices, who will make a final decision whether or not she is qualified to run for president in May. “We take refuge in the statement of Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno fighting hard for the rights of foundlings like me. It rings loud and clear that the right of foundlings to a nationality will just be an empty rhetoric unless the government accords it due respect and take measures to implement this right,” Poe said in a text message

cation cases filed against the lady senator. “The court now has to categorically answer the question about her (Poe’s) status, because the pronouncements we will make will affect so many others,” the Chief Justice added. Poe’s being a foundling was one of the two subjects of the cases against her. The other issue was her alleged failure to meet the 10-year residency requirement for candidates running for president. Found in a church Iloilo when she was a baby, the lady senator was later adopted by the late action king, Fernando Poe Jr., and veteran actress Susan Roces. (Maila Ager/Inquirer.net)

SC asked to reconsider ruling on…

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tion 25 is to prohibit the return of foreign military bases, troops, facilities except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate,” BAYAN said. Bayan said that the assertion that EDCA will help the Philippines’ position in the West Philippine Sea disputes has left out the fact that the US is “another bully” the country has to deal with. “Another underlying assumption and judicial notice made by the Majority to uphold the Edca is that China is a bully. True. But we cannot rest our backs on the pretext that another bully—greedy and giddy one at that—the US

approach lulls one to believe that its intersectional interpretation is neutral, objective, apolitical, scientific and precise and to accept the majority’s underlying conclusion that US-Philippine security relations is equal,” the MR read. Petitioners added that contrary to the high court’s position that what was prohibited under the law was the initial entry of foreign troops, the Constitution is clear when it stated that “foreign military bases shall not be allowed in the Philippines.” “Thus, the General rule and clear intent of Article XVIII sec-

TAIPEI

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will fly to our side the moment confrontations escalate to defend our backyards and home front. Do we expect the US to prod their Federal Government to go to war for us?” “Even if we say for the sake of argument that indeed the Philippines and the US stand on equal sovereign status and that China would eventually run scared because of America’s presence, we are at least deserving of hearing to contest these assumptions. The views espoused by the Majority are not the only world view about these matters,” the motion further stated.

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An Asian Journal Magazine

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Always on a Sunday: The history of the Super Bowl

The Big Game: What to expect at Super Bowl 50 by AJPRESS ON Sunday, Feb. 7, football teams Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos will come face-to-face at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California for Super Bowl 50. This marks the third straight season that the number one seeds from both conferences will meet in the Super Bowl. The Carolina Panthers finished the regular season with a 15-1 record, defeating the Arizona Cardinals in the National Football Conference Championship game. This is the team’s second Super Bowl appearance since

the founding of the franchise in 1995. The Denver Broncos, with a 12-4 season record, defeated the New England Patriots in the American Football Conference Championship Game, marking the team’s eighth appearance in the Super Bowl. This year marks the 50th edition of the Super Bowl, and is the first time the big game will be played in California since 2003, and first in the San Francisco Bay Area since Super Bowl XIX in 1985. Levi’s Stadium is home of the San Francisco 49ers.

The game, which starts at 3:30 pm PST/6:30 EST on Sunday, will be broadcast on CBS with Jim Nantz and Phil Simms in the booth and Tracy Wolfson on the sidelines. The game will also be live streamed on CBSSports. com. Whether you’re a football fanatic or just want to tune in to see the Halftime show and commercials, the Asian Journal explores the different facets that make Super Bowl Sunday an unofficial American holiday and one of the most popular television events.

Football 101

Before you head to a Super Bowl party on Sunday, learn/brush up on football lingo OBJECT of the game: To outscore the opposing team. TERMS Down: A period of action that begins as soon as the ball is put into play and ends when the ball is ruled dead, when a player is tackled or if the ball goes out of bounds. The offensive team is given four downs to advance the ball 10 yards. Should it fail to do this, the offense must surrender the ball to the defensive team, which it typically does by punting on the final down. FUMBLE: The act of losing possession of the ball while running before a tackle or score occurs. Members of both teams can recover a tackle. Should the defense obtain the ball, it is called a turnover. A fumble can also occur if a reciever losses the ball after a catch. INTERCEPTION: A pass made by the offensive team that is caught by the defensive player. This ends the offense’s possession of the ball. KICK OFF: An action that occurs at the beginning of the first and third periods, and after each successful field goal and touchdown. It involves the “kicking team” kicking the ball to the “receiving team.” PUNT: A kick in which a player drops the ball from their hands and kicks it before it hits the ground. This kick typically occurs on the fourth down when the offense has failed to advance the ball 10 yards. Although the offense can choose to attempt to advance the ball again, by punting, the opponent is likely to start farther up the field than they otherwise would. SNAP: The action when the center tosses the ball backward between the legs to the quarterback, marking the start of a play. TACKLE: The act of stopping a

15, 1967 at the Los Angeles Coliseum with the Green Bay Packers beating the Kansas City Chiefs, 35-10. The Super Bowl has always been on a Sunday, usually the last Sunday in January. However, for the first time in its history, it was held in February 3, 2002. This was due to the September 11, 2001 attacks, which made all TV schedules delayed by one week. Today, Super Bowl has also been scheduled in February since 2014. The games are identified by Roman numerals rather that numbers since 1971. However, in 2014, it was announced that for its fiftieth year, the game will not be using Roman numerals as they did not like “L” as “50.” As a result, they are breaking tradition for one year and will resume to “LI” to represent 51 for 2017. The winner of each Super Bowl receives the Vince Lombardi Trophy, named after Vince Lombardi, coach for the Green Bay Packers. He led his team to victory in each of the first two Super Bowls. (Malou Liwanag-Bledsoe/ AJPress)

Interesting facts about the Super Bowl:

player in possession of the ball by seizing and throwing them to the ground. HOW THE GAME WORKS A football game consists of four 15-minute quarters with a 12-minute halftime break between the second and third periods. Before a game begins, the captains from both teams meet with the referee at the center of the field for a coin toss. The winner of the coin toss gets to decide to start the game by either kicking the ball to the other team or receiving the kick off from their opponent. Once the kick off happens, the game begins. The team receiving the ball must try to bring it as far back toward the kicking team as possible and get it into their end zone. This is done most commonly by running with the ball either by carrying it and running. Although this yields less yardage, advancing the ball this way reduces the risk of accidentally turning over the ball

to the other team. The team in possession of the ball has four opportunities called “downs” to advance the ball 10 yards. If it succeeds, it gets another four downs to advance it another 10 yards. If it fails, it must surrender possession of the ball to the other team. Once the team in possession of the ball manages to bring the ball to the end zone of the opposing team, it has the opportunity to score an additional point or two by opting for an extra-point or twopoint conversion. At the end of the game, the team with the most points wins. HOW TO SCORE Touchdown (6 points): Scoring a touchdown is achieved when a player in possession of the ball crosses the opposing team’s goal line into the end zone. Field goal (3 points): A field goal is scored when the ball is kicked anywhere on the field, though it is typically attempted

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within 40 yards of the goalpost. For the field goal to be deemed good, the kicked ball must go above the crossbar and between the uprights of the goalpost. Two-point conversion (2 points): At the end of a touchdown, the offensive team can attempt a two-point conversion by lining up on the defense’s two-yard line and advance the ball the same way it would to score a touchdown. If the team succeeds, it receives two points in addition to the six points for the touchdown. Safety (2 points): This occurs when the defense tackles an offensive player in possession of the ball in the offense’s end zone. Extra point conversion (1 point): At the end of a touchdown, the offensive team can attempt a one-point conversion by kicking the ball through the uprights of the goalpost, the same way done in a field goal. In the NFL, the ball is snapped from the 15-yard line. (Agnes Constante/AJPress)

Who’s on the field: Player positions explained Offense Quarter Back: The leader of the team who calls the plays, is the primary passer and ball handler, and receives the ball from the center. He then passes the ball to a running back, throws it to a receiver, and occasionally runs the ball. Center: The innermost lineman on the offensive line who snaps (or passes between the legs) the ball to the quarterback at the beginning of every play. He also handles the ball on each play. Wide Receiver: Typically the team’s fastest receiver (pass catcher). Teams will use two or four of these players on each play. Wide receievers are positioned seven yards from the interior linemen. They use their speed to catch the football and evade the defense.

ONE of America’s biggest sport events started with two things: the merging of the American Football League (AFL) with the National Football League (NFL), and a rubber ball. In 1966, the NFL-AFL World Championship Game began as part of the merger between the two organizations. The name “Super Bowl” came from Lamar Hunt, owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, after watching his daughter play with a “Super Ball” — a small, high-bouncing ball that was very popular at that time. The name was supposed to be only temporary, until the powers that be could think of something better. The first championship took place in 1967 and was named “The NFL-AFL World Championship Game.” The official title was quite long, so the fans as well as the media took to the short, unofficial name, Super Bowl—which in 1969 became official. The sports event determines who wears the crown after a long series of elimination games. The first Super Bowl was on January

• Crime takes a day off: In 1985, when the San Francisco 49ers played the Super Bowl in Palo Alto, California, the crime rate in San Francisco dropped 75 percent! • It is estimated that 45 percent of all US homes tune in to watch the Super Bowl. • From cheap to $$$. Tickets weren’t always pricey. The cost of tickets to the very first game was around $6. Today, you’d be lucky if you find a ticket for less than $3,000, depending on the game,

teams, location, seating and also the economy. • Face value vs demand value. Ticket prices also change because of their “face value” against “demand value.” For example, a ticket may have a face value of $900, but the actual demand value may range from $5,500 to $11,000. • Get lucky. Every year the NFL has a lottery in which 500 names are drawn out of a hat for a chance to buy a pair of tickets at their face value.

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Fil-Am to know: Jordan Norwood

Denver Broncos wide receiver DURING 2014’s Super Bowl XLVIII, the Filipino-American community rallied behind the Seattle Seahawks to support Fil-Am football star Doug Baldwin. That excitement is seen once again for this year’s Super Bowl 50 as Fil-Am wide receiver Jordan Norwood heads onto the field with the Denver Broncos. Jordan signed on to play with the Broncos during the 2014 offseason. After graduating from Penn

Left Tackle and Right Tackle: The outer two players on the offensive line who must shield the ball carrier from defendors. Left Guard and Right Guard: The inner two players on the offensive line who are responsible for protecting the quarterback on

players who carry the ball. Running Back: A player whose job is to receive the ball from the quarterback, catch passes from the backfield and run with the ball. Running backs make physical contact in almost every down. There are typically one to

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two running backs on the field during a play, and may be referred to as a fullback or halfback. Tight End: The player stationed next to the offensive tackle who has the responsibilities of an offensive lineman and wide Continued on Page 6

State in 2008, where he played college football, Jordan signed onto the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2009. Prior to joining the Broncos family, he did stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During these collective seasons with the Eagles (2009), Browns (2010-12) and Broncos (2014present), his record includes 48 receptions, 493 yards and one touchdown. Born in Honolulu to Brian and Tiffiney Norwood, Jordan has been surrounded by football since birth. His father Brian played college football for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and played one year in the NFL as a defensive back for the Calgary Stampeders. From 2001 to 2007, Brian served as secondary coach at Penn State and currently works as the assistant head coach at Baylor University. From their half-Filipino mother Tiffiney, Jordan and his siblings get their Filipino blood and identify as quarter-Filipino. Jordan’s older brother Gabe currently plays for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Tune in to this Sunday’s Super Bowl 50 to catch the Fil-Am in action. (AJPress)

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ DEAR Atty. Gurfinkel: I received my green card through my employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s petition, but the priority date on my petition retrogressed (went backwards) before I was able to bring my family from the Philippines. I have now been waiting several years, and the priority date is moving forward so slowly. Is there any other, or faster, way I can bring my spouse and kids to the US? Very truly yours, W.T. Dear W.T.: Most family and employment petitions include not only the principal beneficiary, but also his or her spouse and minor children, who are considered â&#x20AC;&#x153;derivatives.â&#x20AC;? If you obtained your green card in the US, but your family is back home in the Philippines, your spouse and minor kids could receive green cards under your petition as â&#x20AC;&#x153;following to joinâ&#x20AC;? derivatives. However, in order to receive their

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA NO matter the season, the soul may go through what may be described as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;winter of discontentâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a restless time when we wonder quietly if we could trade our life for someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. If you are, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t flog yourself silly. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even have to admit it to anyone else but yourself. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing more than a normal rite of passage that allows us to imagine what it would be like if we had someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s luck, genetic make-up, breaks, talent, connections, relations, education, intelligence, looks, skin color, pedigree and other x factors that are supposed to tip the scale in our favor and make us happy and fulfilled. In short, they refer to those things that we think will allow us to live a charmed life and drive our fellow men mad with envy. The discontent hits you when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re feeling most vulnerable: when thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not enough cash to tide you over until the next pay period; your job stinks; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going

A new family petition could be faster than waiting for your pending employment case green cards, the priority date on your petition must be â&#x20AC;&#x153;current.â&#x20AC;? If your priority date retrogressed (moved backwards), your family would have to wait until the priority date on your petition once again becomes current, which can sometimes take many years. A possible faster alternative is to file a new F-2A family petition, rather than waiting for the priority date on an existing employment based petition to become current again for your derivatives. For example, the priority date in F-2A for visa issuance is September 2014, as of February 2016. For employment-based petitions, the priority date for visa issuance is January 2008. This means if you adjusted status, and the priority date on your employment based petition retrogressed, it may be faster to file a new family based petition than to wait for the priority date on your employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s petition to become current again. If this situation applies to you, you may want to seek the advice of an attorney, who can evaluate your

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situation and determine your best choices and options, and whether a new F-2A petition would be better (or faster), or if you need to stick with the existing petition out of concerns for the Child Status Protection Act, etc. *** D`Z_X\c A% >liĂ&#x201D;eb\c `j c`Z\ej\[# Xe[ Xe XZk`m\ d\dY\i f] k_\ JkXk\ 9Xi f] :Xc`]fie`X Xe[ E\n Pfib% 8cc `dd`îXk`fe j\im`Z\j Xi\ gifm`[\[ Yp# fi le[\i k_\ jlg\im`j`fe f]# Xe XZk`m\ d\dY\i f] k_\ JkXk\ 9Xi f] :Xc`]fie`X% <XZ_ ZXj\ `j [`]]\i\ek% K_\ è]fidXk`fe ZfekXè\[ _\i\è èZcl[è^ k\jk`dfe`Xcj# Ă&#x2C6;JlZZ\jj Jkfi`\j#Ă&#x2030; \e[fij\d\ekj Xe[ i\$\eXZkd\ekj `j f] X ^\e\iXc eXkli\# Xe[ `j efk èk\e[\[ kf Xggcp kf Xep gXik`ZlcXi ZXj\# Xe[ [f\j efk Zfejk`klk\ X gi\[`Zk`fe# nXiiXekp# ^lXiXek\\ fi c\^Xc X[m`Z\ i\^Xi[è^ k_\ flkZfd\ f] pfli c\^Xc dXkk\i% Ef Xkkfie\p$ Zc`\ek i\cXk`fej_`g `j# fi j_Xcc Y\# \jkXYc`j_\[ n`k_ Xep i\X[\i% N<9J@K<1 nnn%^liĂ&#x201D;eb\c%Zfd :Xcc Kfcc ]i\\ kf jZ_\[lc\ X ZfejlckXk`fe ]fi Xepn_\i\ è k_\ LJ1 /-- Ă&#x2021;>LI=@EB<C =fli f]Ă&#x201D;Z\j kf j\im\ pfl1 CFJ 8E><C<J Ă&#x2014; J8E =I8E:@J:F Ă&#x2014; E<N PFIB Ă&#x2014; G?@C@GG@E<J

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Of charmed lives â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by this son of York.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; William Shakespeare Richard IIIâ&#x20AC;?

through an extended rough patch with your wife or husband or lover; your car needs an overhaul; your kid hit a schoolmate and you need to see the principal; your sister in the home country, needs you to remit moolah fast, and lots of it, because your younger brother got into trouble and needs bail money. Everything sucks. Well, you get the picture of a gothic novel nobody wants to read. You want to scuttle everything and trade up to a charmed life. But would you, if you knew the real score behind those deceptively airbrushed images of the charmed lives we see on TV and the rags we read? We are sitting ducks open to negative suggestions we receive nonstop. We end up unhappy and dissatisfied with who we are, what we have and our place in the universe. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re too fat, too short, too poor,

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too old. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make enough. We drive clunkers. Our clothes are passĂŠ. Our nose bridge needs a lift; the chest is too flat; hair is too thin; skin is too sallow; our eyes need to be lasered; our teeth need whitening; our ears stick out; our behinds, too saggy. Picture the word REJECT stamped on our pathetic, little foreheads if we were in a conveyor belt in an assembly line, as we head directly to the recycling bin unless we undergo a drastic make-over that will cost us plenty. We look and read about the airbrushed lives of celebrities on the red carpet. We see them parading and preening in their Pradas, Jimmy Choos, or Blahnik shoes, sheathed in thousand dollar Versace and Vera Wang gowns with dĂŠcolletage showcasing ample natural or shored up cleavages, their gravitydefying faces tight with botox or

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nipped and tucked by a surgeonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scalpel and dripping in Harry Winston gems, escorted by equally gorgeous hunks dressed to the nines in their Armanis, as media people buzz around them like flies around honey. And weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hoodwinked to the vision of charmed lives. Imagine that God sees how unhappy you are, takes pity on you and he gives you access to His Celestial PowerBook, with a database cataloging the lives of the past, present and future of the seven billion or so people that inhabit the world. He permits you to type in the name of the person you would like to exchange your life with. You discover surprising twists and turns of character and fate. You discover dirt that has been airbrushed or little dark secrets edited out or given a new spin. You discover untold pain and suffering, the great equalizers, etched in every life. That gorgeous, woman hiding behind a ready smile has a young daughter with cystic fibrosis and is going through a bitter divorce with a philandering husband. The goodlooking guy you thought was to die for is a closet pedophile cum sadomasochist. The distinguished couple Continued on Page 6

Entering the US with a fake visa had grave consequences Citizen Pinoy shows how a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fraud waiverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; could save the day! JOHNNATAN visited the US in 2002 with a tourist visa he acquired through a newspaper ad that offered a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Non-Appearance Visaâ&#x20AC;? for $2500. He breezed through US Immigration without incident. In 2003, he returned to the US for another vacation, but this time he was detained, handcuffed, held overnight, and returned back to the Philippines the next day, without even seeing his family! He was charged with fraud and was banned for life from entering the US! Such devastating news! Especially when his motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s petition for him became current in 2013. At his Immigrant Visa interview at the US Embassy, he and his young daughter were refused immigrant visas due to his visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visa fraud in 2003. This

shattered Johnnatanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dreams for a better life for his daughter, and his long-time dream to be reunited with his family. The Carpio family decided to consult with leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel for help. Atty. Gurfinkelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teams in the US and in Manila came to the rescue by preparing a convincing presentation and filing a Fraud waiver for Johnnatan, which USCIS approved. Watch how Atty. Gurfinkel was able to help the Carpio family realize their dream of being reunited in the US on a brandnew episode of Citizen Pinoyâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;on Sunday 6:15pm PST/EST (9:15pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers). 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

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Chinese Zodiac: What this New Year means for your animal sign

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KUNG HEI FAT CHOI Celebrating the Year of the Fire Monkey THE Year of the Fire Monkey officially begins on Monday, Feb. 8. Around the world, those who observe the Chinese New Year holiday will celebrate with various rituals to ensure that the coming year is full of luck, fortune and good energy. From what this year means for your animal sign to what to eat on the first day of the new year, the Asian Journal takes a look at the symbolism behind every ritual and tradition that goes into ringing in the Chinese New Year. While 2015 — the Year of the Sheep — was characterized as the meeting of the minds and collaboration, “the energy of the monkey is very different…It’s not a year for the weak and timid,” said Melissa Yamaguchi, an energy therapist and Feng Shui educator based in Westlake Village, California, adding that 2016 will bring tricks and twists. Tips to prepare for Chinese New Year • DECLUTTER. Up until Feb. 6, it is the best time to declutter and get rid of old files by legally storing or shredding them. For example, untouched business cards and old papers should be disposed of because they represent lost contacts and unfinished business. It’s not just about stacking and organizing these items, Yamaguchi said, but rather removing them from your workplace. “It’s old information and old money spent,” she said. Additionally, wastebaskets at home and at work should be emptied daily. On the 14th day of the new year, it is encouraged to clean the house again to remove traces of celebration. • DONATE. Gather items at home that are no longer useful — whether clothing, furniture or dinnerware — and donate them

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if they are still in good condition. “Donating not only provides for those who don’t have…but it clears the way for new possibilities in your own life..in terms of movement and creativity,” Yamaguchi said. “When we are stagnated by things that are old, it really blocks new energy from coming in.” Repairing and gluing broken items is seen as bad luck because when an item breaks, it absorbs negative energy. • NO BEGGING. On the eve of Chinese New Year, it is considered bad luck to beg and ask for a loan. It is strongly encouraged to not ask parents/other relatives for money, but exchanging red envelopes is okay. However, the red envelopes are not supposed to be opened until the day after. When you lend someone money on Chinese New Year, Yamaguchi said, it sets the tone that s/he will be begging for money for the entire year. • ALL THINGS RED. Red is a special color in Chinese culture because it signifies energy, happiness and good luck. RED ENVELOPES. One of the defining symbols of Chinese New Year is a red envelope (hongbao in Mandarin), which contains money to be given as gifts, usually to kids from their parents, grandparents and other adults. Though you may give any amount you’re comfortable with, Yamaguchi said you should offer the most to your parents. According to China Highlights, giving a red envelope is a way to share your blessings if you have started earning money, and suggests that parents should be given $100-$300; $10-$30 for close friends and relatives’ children; $20-$200 for employees; $20 for your own children; and $5-$10 for acquaintances’ children.

RED CLOTHING. Yamaguchi suggests purchasing at least one new item of red clothing, as the color attracts the strongest energetic response. On New Year’s day, red clothing must be worn to represent vitality and strength. RED DECORATIONS. Anything red, such as tablecloth, flowers or lanterns, should be brought into the home because they offer prosperity and goodwill. • TIME FOR FAMILY. On Feb. 8, it is important to spend time with family and friends. New Year’s Eve (Feb. 7) should be a family reunion, which can be marked by a dinner of close family members. The meal should be spent talking about future plans and dreams, never anything negative. On the second day of the new year, it is custom to visit in-laws, and it is also recognized as the day to be kind to dogs and animals. It is discouraged to eat any kind of meat. On the third day, it is encouraged to go to bed early and not to eat pork — both of which show that you are putting your health first. On the sixth to the tenth day, it is expected to visit and celebrate with others. • REMOVE NEGATIVE ENERGY. At midnight, open windows and doors at home to allow negative energy from 2015 to leave. • DON’T SWEEP. It is largely discouraged to avoid using scissors or a broom on the first day of the new year because it means you cut/sweep away possibilities. • GREET OTHERS WITH HAPPY THOUGHTS. According to tradition, ringing in the new year means spreading happy thoughts when

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speaking to others. What to eat on Chinese New Year SWEETS — The very first bite of New Year’s day is supposed to be something sweet because in Ancient China, when someone would deliver good news, it would be delivered with something sweet (i.e. glutinous rice, candy, fruit). FISH — An entire fish, complete with tail and head, should be served during the New Year celebration because it symbolizes prosperity and full abundance coming your way. LONG NOODLES — Noodles are a sign of long life and good health. No matter how long they are, they are not supposed to be cut in the middle. Typically noodle dishes have up to seven vegetables in them, which represent different arms of Chinese medicine in encouraging good health. DUMPLINGS — According to Chinese Highlights, traditional dumplings are eaten to represent the money you will make in the New Year. FRUITS — Certain round and golden fruits are eaten and displayed during the Chinese New Year period, such as: pineapple (good luck), apples (wisdom), mangos, watermelon (abundance), tangerines/oranges (fortune), pomelos (prosperity), kiwi, papayas (good health), grapes (wealth and luxury), lemons and limes (remove negative energy), and starfruit (securing reputation). (Feng Shui tips and Chinese New Year traditions as told to Christina M. Oriel / AJPress by Melissa Yamaguchi. You may contact Melissa at myenergymy- life@gmail.com)

The Chinese Zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle, and each year in that cycle is related to an animal sign: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Those born in 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 and 2016 are considered Monkeys. Since this year is about the fire monkey, it will be overall be an interesting and creative year for the sign, despite some bumps and the need to carefully consider decisions. 2016 is shaping up to be a good year for monkeys (highly creative energy, skillful with hands), snakes (will see financial success), dragons (benefit those around them) and rats because of the strong energies. The rabbit is also well-favored because they have excellent business skills. “It will be good to hang out with those born in those years, listen to their advice and partner with them in business,” Yamaguchi said. For other signs: the ox will have a neutral year of nothing too crazy,

as it is an animal that is slow and steady; the tiger’s biggest challenge will to not be argumentative because they won’t win; the horse will not see any dramatic highs or sinking lows, but will see opportunities for change to embrace; the sheep is positioned well for business, but may be inclined to complain and could block any good energy; the rooster is strong financially from Feb - July, but should slow down in the autumn; the dog was very well protected in 2015, but there is no unseen protector this year so must find protection and speak up for themselves; and the pig may see a bumpy year because of some false worries, but should ignore them because stomach and back issues could arise. “The most important thing of this year is to bring out the best of the monkey because the monkey is full of energy, likes to talk a lot and be the center of attention,” Yamaguchi said. “Bring in the monkey with laughter, love, smiles, good music and fun cheer.”

The origin of Chinese Lunar New Year The most important holiday for the Chinese people started out of fear. Legends tell of the battle against Nian, a beast that ate livestock and children. Nian, in fact, is the Chinese word for year. To keep Nian out of chicken coops and cradles, villagers were told by a wise old man to wear red clothes, hang red signs and make lots of noise — three traditions of Chinese New Year. Fireworks and firecrackers are also traditional weapons against the beast and are widely used over the holiday. With the old man’s advice, Nian was conquered, which the people

recognize as the “passing of the Nian,” known in Chinese as guo nian, which is also synonymous with celebrating the new year. Also known as the Spring Festival, the Chinese Lunar New Year begins at the new moon—typically between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20. Originally tied to the lunar-solar Chinese calendar, the popular adoption of China of the western calendar in 1912 made their people join in celebrating New Year’s Day on Jan. 1st. China, however, continues to still celebrate the traditional Chinese New Year. (Malou LiwanagBledsoe/AJPress)

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How do you celebrate Chinese New Year? FILIPINOS and Fil-Ams shared how they traditionally celebrate Chinese New Year, and what the 2016 Year of the Monkey means to them. “Growing up both Filipino and Chinese, I celebrated both the Buddhist and Catholic traditions, so it was a unique experience. We celebrated by lighting firecrackers, exchanging red envelopes, eating traditional mooncake and ricecakes. We also burned incense by the gravesites of our departed loved ones, to keep their memory alive.” - Gloria Ho, Glendale, CA “I’m hoping for more good luck this year, because it’s my zodiac year!” - Maxinne Vergara, Chino Hills, CA “This year we’ll be watching the Super Bowl, but we usually gather extended family and everything. We hand out red envelopes. We have authentic Chinese food, dumplings, and fruits, especially oranges. And basically for one night, everyone speaks Chinese to everyone.” - Luke Baumbach, Anaheim, CA “I celebrate Chinese New Year on the Eve. My family generally goes out to dinner or orders Chinese food and brings it home. It’s usually a lot of food, signature dishes with significant meanings. Lettuce wraps, for example, signify money. And lots of food means lots of leftovers…which means an abundance

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of wealth in the coming year.” - Kathryn Wong, Irvine, CA “We either go out to a Chinese restaurant for dinner, or prepare food at home. This year, we booked a Chinese restaurant, which you should do fast because they get fully booked really quickly. Fish and noodles signify wealth and health. Before we eat, always do an offering for our deceased Chinese family members. We light candles and incense, and this is the part where we do all the bowing. Another big thing is the red envelopes, usually given during holidays or celebrations. Red symbolizes good luck.” - Jessica San Luis, Los Angeles, CA “As a Filipino/Vietnamese-

American, I celebrate Lunar New Year with my Vietnamese side. We typically have a party at my grandma’s house with traditional Vietnamese food, Bánh cuốn, Bún chả, Bánh Xèo, and Nộm ngó sen. We play a game called Bầu cua cá cọp, a Vietnamese gambling game involving dice, and we greet our elders in traditional Vietnamese. To me, Chinese New Year is important, because it gives me a chance to celebrate my Vietnamese side, culture and traditions. All of my cousins are the first generation here, so we don’t get too many opportunities to do so. ” - Anthony Nguyen, Diamond Bar, CA

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Celebrate the Year of the Fire Monkey by making the decision to quit smoking SAN DIEGO—The start of a New Year offers a new opportunity to set new goals, or to try again to reach your goal. To celebrate the Year of the Fire Monkey, which is known in Asian culture for its cleverness and openness to new challenges, you also can also find the motivation and confidence to overcome an addiction to nicotine and smoking. “You can decide to quit smoking and change your life any time,” said Dr. Caroline Chen, project manager of the Asian Smokers’ Quitline. “But quitting smoking this year can be especially inspiring as the Fire Monkey symbolizes the most active and confident of all monkey years, according to the Lunar Zodiac.” The Asian Smokers’ Quitline (ASQ) is a free nationwide telephone program for Chinese-, Korean-, and Vietnamesespeakers who want to quit. ASQ offers various services, including self-help materials, one-on-one counseling over the phone, and

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a free two-week starter kit of nicotine patches. Here are the cessation coaches’ top ten tips for quitting successfully: 1. FIGURE OUT WHY YOU WANT TO QUIT. Do you want to improve your stamina? Save money? Whatever gets you fired up, write it down. A strong reason can get you started, and it will help you stay quit when you’re tempted to smoke. 2. CALL THE ASIAN SMOKERS’ QUITLINE! Don’t hesitate to contact ASQ, which is available Monday through Friday from 7am to 9pm, Pacific Time: • 1-800-838-8917 Mandarin and Cantonese • 1-800-556-5564 Korean • 1-800-778-8440 Vietnamese People who call the Asian Smokers’ Quitline are twice as likely to quit for good. A trained cessation coach will help you create a personalized plan to quit and offer support along the way. It’s free, and it works! Deleted Facebook.

3. MAKE A PLAN. Think about when you’ll want to smoke. Plan something else for those times, to keep your hands busy and your mind off cigarettes. Common triggers are stress, alcohol, and socializing. What’s your plan to get through these times without smoking? Examples: drink water, talk to a nonsmoker, take a walk. 4. SEEK OUT SUPPORT FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY. Discuss your plan to quit with the people you trust. Let them know what they can do to help. In return, they will enjoy cleaner air and a longer, happier life - with you still in it! 5. SET A QUIT DATE. Choose a date when you will quit. This shows you’re serious. 6. QUIT ON YOUR QUIT DATE. Sounds obvious, right? But what good is a quit date unless you actually try to stop smoking? Planning is good - doing is even better. 7. USE A QUITTING AID. Nicotine-replacement therapies and other FDA-approved

medications are helpful and may be available through your health care or Medicare benefits. Products like nicotine patches and gum make withdrawal easier. They also increase your chance of success. Talk to your doctor about which quitting aid is right for you. 8. MAKE YOUR HOME AND CAR SMOKE-FREE. This will help you stay off smoking. And as your sense of smell improves, your nose will thank you! 9. ENVISION YOURSELF AS A NONSMOKER. After you quit, you have a choice to make. Are you a smoker who’s just not smoking for now? Or are you a nonsmoker? For nonsmokers, smoking is not an option in any situation. Choose to see yourself as a nonsmoker. 10. Keep trying. Most people make several attempts before they quit for good. Slips don’t have to turn into relapses - but if they do, remember each time brings you closer to your goal. If you keep trying, you will succeed!

Of charmed lives From Page 3 you met who lacks for nothing, has a son languishing in jail. That tall, reed-thin Victoria’s Secret lingerie model suffers from bulimia. That hottie celebrity is a wife beater and is in rehab for serious addictions. You go through the entire universal data base frustrated and somewhat relieved to find out that your own life with all its warts, is just as bad or just as good as those of others and there’s no one you’d like to trade your life with, thank you very much. In most cases, the life we have is the life we would choose all over again. We just need to realize that there’s always more to a story and an image than meets the eye. Packaging can be mere illusion. What you see is not necessarily what you get, ergo, the need to dig deep. We are all programmed to go through great lengths to put up a deceptive front to hide the truth — either goaded by ego or the instinct for self-preservation. A self-respecting gardener winterizes the grass and preps it for the

cold, dark days of winter to give it a fighting chance to survive and thrive in the spring and summer. We ought do the same thing and winterize the garden of our soul to keep it young and hopeful. I wish I could say it’s easy. But like anything that is worthwhile, it takes time, patience, work, persistence and gumption. But we could start with something basic. Upon waking up each day, we can psyche ourselves up with an unfailing weapon of choice — PRAYER. Personalized and heartfelt, it is our instant connection with the God of our being. These can merely be secular, positive affirmations of our own worth and place in this life or it can be the simple act of prayerful acceptance and thanksgiving for all that was, is and yet to come. Chances are, you’re already living one heck of a charmed life and you don’t even know it. *** EfkX 9\e\1 Dfe\kk\ 8[\mX DX^cXpX `j JMG f] 8j`Xe AflieXc GlYc`ZXk`fej# @eZ% Kf j\e[ Zfdd\ekj# \$dX`c dfe\kk\%dX^cXpX7 Xj`XeaflieXc`eZ%Zfd

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Halftime Hots: Some of the most memorable performances in Super Bowl history

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More than football: Super Bowl’s halftime shows APART from guessing which teams made it to the Super Bowl, the most anticipated news about the event is who’s going to perform during the halftime show. The last two decades has given football fans a concert-like feel with crazy production designs, costumes, fireworks and outstanding performances of various popular artists. This year for NFL’s golden anniversary, Super Bowl will feature past performers Beyonce and Fil-Am Bruno Mars. They will join Coldplay for the halftime show at Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. However, the SB halftime shows weren’t that entertaining before. Initially, the goal of the SB halftime show was to fill the void and keep the fans entertained—those who weren’t stuck in lines at concession stands or the bathrooms. Band camp, star power and Disney Early shows drew less attention and press, as they featured patriotic halftimes performance by school marching bands. The first SB in 1967 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum had the University of Arizona Band, Grambling College Band and trumpeter Al Hirt entertained the audiences, minus, of course any kind of commercialization.

The band phase went on until SB XI, but through the years NFL would insert a few star power like Broadway and movie star Carol Channing (SB IV and VI), singer Anita Bryant (SB V), jazz great Ella Fitzgerald, and singer Andy Williams. The Walt Disney production also became a part of SB, starting with the Mousketeers in 1977 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, 1984 for SB XVIII, with an explosion of floats, balloons, dancers, Disney characters and of course, Mickey Mouse himself; and 1987 with Disney’s Salute to Hollywood featuring George Burns and Mickey Rooney.

Big stars, super stages Although the gigantic 1970s singing ensemble Up With People performed at four halftime shows (1976, 1980, 1983 and 1986), they weren’t really the most memorable. The group—who was supposedly (quietly) funded by Exxon and CocaCola—was seen as a cult-like organization aimed to discredit liberal culture during the‘60s and‘70s. However, it was during Up With People’s first SB performance that brought in a concert-like quality sound system, covering the stadium. The nineties brought in more pop stars onstage. In 1993, NBC brought in the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. A new era in viewing ushered in—millions of viewers apparently opted to take their breaks during the game, as halftime ratings surpassed the actual game for the first time. Halftime shows after that became a huge viewer magnet—big productions with multi-million dollar commercial viability. It also gave the audience the concert feel, with huge stars like Aerosmith, U2, Black Eyed Peas and Katy Perry to name a few. Today, the halftime show is equally viewed as the game itself, with a whopping 118.5 million viewers from last year’s Super Bowl. (AJPress)

Who’s on the field: Player positions... From Page 2 receiver receiver, although a tight end is bigger and stronger than most receivers. Defense Cornerback: A player who is positioned on the wider ends of the field. Cornerbacks are among the fastest players on the field and are responsible for defending against offensive passes and making tackles. Defensive End: The two outer players in the defensive line who are two of the largest members on the defensive team whose jobs are to penetrate

offensive blocking and together tackle the quarterback or whoever is carrying the ball. During running plays, defensive ends are responsible for forcing the ball carrier out of bounds or toward other defensive playeres. Safety: Safties are the last line of defense and must tackle bigger runners, but also possess the speed to catch the ball from fast receivers. Defensive Tackle: The inner two members of the defensive line who are two of the biggest men on the defensive team. Their jobs are to stop the running attack and get to the passer. They

are allowed to use their hands against blockers. Linebacker: A linebacker is considered among the team’s best tacklers. Teams typically have three to four linebackers per play. They line up behind the defensive linemen and are responsible for pursuing running plays and preventing passes. Nose Guard: The most interior defensive tackle whose name is derived from the fact this player sometimes lines up directly across from the ball, putting him nearly nose-to-nose with the offensive team’s center. (Agnes Constante/AJPress)

AS eager football fans prepare to watch their respective teams to battle it out on the field, millions of viewers too are anticipating Coldplay, Beyonce and Bruno Mars in the halftime show for Super Bowl 50. Will they fare better than past high-rating performances, or will they belong to some of the most boring shows in SB history? For now, we can only guess and give you some of the best and worst halftime shows: King of Pop, Michael Jackson, 1993 With the goal of keeping the viewers glued, the National Football League (NFL) brought in no less than the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Although MJ lip-synched his way to halftime, viewers went into frenzy with a medley of hits like “Billie Jean” and “Black and White.” It was also a good way to clean up his image, as reports of child sexual abuse against the pop star was starting to come out. To present his message of peace and harmony, he concluded his performance with “Heal the World,” backed up by 3,500 youngsters. Nipplegate: Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, 2004 The duo’s performance was not as memorable as the “wardrobe malfunction” that happened. Towards the end of their number, JT “accidentally” exposed JJ’s “bedazzled” breast for millions of viewers to see. After fines, appeals and the outrage, it still remains a debate whether the faux pas was part of their act. In memoriam: U2, 2002 It was less than five months after September 11, and the country was still reeling from the tragedy. How do you present halftime and still show sensitivity to a very touching issue? Bring in U2. The group included a 9/11 tribute to their performance of “Where the Streets Have No Name,” with a scrolling backdrop of names of all the victims who died in the attacks. The Queen “B”: Beyonce, 2013 Multimedia indulgence in its finest covered Bey’s performance of her hits such as “Bootylicious,” “Independent Women,” and “Single Ladies.” It was also a mini-reunion for Destiny’s Child, when ex-members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams shot out from under the stage for “Bootylicious.” Of course, apart from the dozens of female dancers, fireworks, smoke and animation screen; viewers went wild over Bey’s seizure-inducing dance skills. Old school dynamic performance: Bruno Mars, 2014 He’s not voluptuous like Beyonce, or as seasoned as Madonna, but Fil-Am Bruno Mars took the stage and

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owned it with his old-fashioned sense of showmanship. His 12-minute display showed his talent in singing, dancing and drums—without exuding an ounce of star ego. This friendliness vibe made the audience love him more in his performance of his hits such as “Locked Out of Heaven,”“Treasure” and closed with “Just the Way You Are,” with videos of troops serving overseas sending love to their families. The Red Hot Chili Peppers also joined him for two songs. Aside from breaking halftime show ratings with a whopping 115.3 million viewers, at 28 years old, he was also the youngest star to perform the SB halftime show in 13 years. Other notable performances: Diana Ross’ (1996) helicopter exit, Prince’s (2007) “Purple Rain” rainy performance in Miami with his controversial guitar, Bruce Springsteen (2009), Madonna with Nicki Minaj, LMFAO, CeeLo Green and MIA’s “bird flippin’” fiasco, and Katy Perry’s (2015) four costume changes, metallic lion (or tiger?) and two dancing sharks. (AJPress)

SUPER BOWL INSPIRED RECIPES At Purple Yam in Brooklyn, chef /owner Romy Dorotan will be serving the following in their menu: • Breadfruit chips with Bicol express • Curry puffs • Garlic popcorn with dilis

• Pork, chives & chestnut dumplings • Perry’s sriracha fried drumstick • Duck gizzard & octopus adobo

Maharlika’s Chicken Inasal drumsticks

Broncos & Panthers inspired cocktails by Gelo Honrade

Moby dick (Broncos) 1/2 oz ginger syrup 1/2 oz lime juice 3/4 oz passionfruit 2oz sailor jerry spiced rum Rumaway baby (Panthers) 1/2 oz mango syrup 1 1/2 oz pineapple juice 1/2 oz lemon juice 2 oz Selvarey white rum

Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken drumsticks 1/2 cup Suka 4 stalks of lemongrass chopped 1 head garlic smashed 2 tbsps. chopped ginger 1 tbsp. brown sugar

1/2 cup calamansi juice Basting Sauce 1/4 cup Achiote butter Procedure: 1. Marinate the chicken for one hour. 2. Grill chicken for eight minutes

on each side or until done, basting every 30 seconds. *** Maharlika — a restaurant serving updated Filipino home-cooking classics — is located at 111 First Avenue, New York, NY

Hifi Punch

by Darwin Manahan Yield: 1 liter Ingredients: 2.5oz - Lemon Juice 2.5oz - Caster Sugar 5oz - Lambanog 5oz - Gin 1oz - Jasmine Cordial 2oz - Jamaica Tea 3oz - Calamansi Juice Garnish Calamansi Leaf Nutmeg Half Lemon Wheel

*** Los Angeles, is currently the Beverage Darwin Manahan, a Fil-Am based in Director at Cliff’s Edge in Silverlake.

Raise a glass in honor of Miss Universe After Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach was crowned Miss Universe last year, Fil-Am mixologist Gelo Honrade concocted a cocktail in her honor: Pia The Drink. Wurtzbach, who tasted the drink during her visit to Jeepney (a Filipino gastropub in New York), said it was “sweet but with a kick,” according to Honrade. Honrade shared the recipe with the Asian Journal as a perfect Super Bowl party cocktail since Wurtzbach will be reporting at the big game on Sunday, Feb. 7 as a correspondent for “Inside Edition.” #PiaTheDrink 1oz Coco Lopez 3/4oz orange juice 3/4oz lemon juice 1 1/2oz pineapple purée 3/4oz blue Curaçao 2oz Selvarey white rum

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On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places BOBBY T. YALONG After having defied all odds, they finally tied the knot! Destiny concluded Pauleen Luna and Vic Sotto’s 5-year relationship and certainty capped their poignant reverie with a “forever” that commenced after they exchanged vows in a solemn matrimonial service officiated by Rev. Fr. Jeffrey Quintela last Saturday, January 30, 2016 at St. James the Great Parish Church in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Now popularly tagged “Bosleng” (coined Vic’s alter moniker “Bossing” and Pauleen’s nickname “Poleng”), the couple’s peculiar and rough sailing relationship was seemingly displayed in a glass case viewed by the scrutinizing public. Their MayDecember affair (he is 61 and she is 26) was even predicted to end prematurely even before the malicious conjecture gradually died down but the strong emotional connection between the couple proved soothsayers wrong. They faced every challenge, survived all trials, and stood victorious against every single odd. While the dashing groom waited before the altar donned in a deep blue tuxedo of the same hue he coordinately shared with his groomsmen, the elegantly garbed bride beamingly treaded down the aisle in a daintily corded French lace embellished with crystal beads and sparsely embossed with Swarovski stones that ostensibly emitted suppressed coruscation in ethereal subtlety. Ciara Sotto soulfully rendered the wedding’s theme song, “When I Fall In Love,” during the processional while JoWaPao (Jose, Wally, and Paolo) vocally provided the background music, “Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin,” during the ceremony. “Pauleen has a very fine, simple taste…never flamboyant or ostentatious,” said the amiable couple’s designer, Francis Libiran. “From the start she made it clear that all she wanted was a simple gown of timeless elegance: no petticoat, nothing fuzzy, something light and comfortable.” The couple picked baby pink and taupe (brownish gray) for motif colors. Meticulous and hands on, the bride personally attended to every detail during the preparatory stages before endorsing it to their wedding planner, Rita Neri.

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Pauleen Luna and Vic Sotto seal May-December affair with a lifetime commitment Among the members of the entourage were Pauleen’s closest Eat Bulaga chum Ruby Rodriguez as her Matron-of-Honor, the bride’s longtime friends Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach and Franchesca Que as Bride’s Maids, while bubbly child host Ryzza Mae Dizon with Vic’s granddaughters as Flower Girls. Vic’s four children from previous marriage and relationships were assigned notable roles: Vicco (son from Coney Reyes) was Best Man, Oyo Boy (son from former wife Dina Bonnevie) and wife Kristine Hermosa were Cord Sponsors, daughter Danica (also from Dina) and basketballer husband Mark Pingris were Veil Sponsors, while daughter Paulina (courtesy of Angela Luz) and Pauleen’s brother Miguel were Candle Sponsors. Incidentally, Vic’s brothers Val and Maru stood as Groom’s men simultaneously with wacky Eat Bulaga trio Wally Bayola, Jose Manalo, and Paolo Ballesteros while Tito was one of the Principal Sponsors together with longtime buddy Joey De Leon and Mr. Antonio Tuviera. EB’s hot property Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza of AlDub tandem were designated as flower sponsors. The intimate ceremony, the first for Pauleen and second for Vic, was witnessed by, aside from the couple’s immediate families, only close friends and relatives and free from the presence of the entertainment press with only Pauleen’s road manager, Gorgy Rula, around. Guests were treated to a sumptuously prepared dinner at the Filinvest Tent that was grandiosely festooned and bedecked with imported floral accents highlighted with a grand crystal chandelier as overhead centerpiece. According to Bizu Patisserie Chef Alexander Tanco, the event’s culinary executive, the couple ordered more of interactive recipes with bold ingredients and flavorful taste with preferences to Pauleen’s favorite Caesar’s salad with Pecorino Romano cheese and linguini carbonara while Vic opted for his personal choice, tempura. Well-attended beef-carving, tempura, and dessert stations were strategically set-up in the dining pavilion for the guests to fully savor and enjoy the wide variety of gastronomical creations aside, of course, from the main entrees of smoked salmon, roast beef belly with mush-

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room sauce, and other meticulously prepared recipes. The newlyweds entertained their guests with their first dance to Hotline Bling followed by another joint performance to the tune of Dessert that almost brought the tent down due to Vic’s comical moves. The Megastar, Sharon Cuneta, dedicated one of her top-selling ditties, “Ikaw.” The pompously conceptualized interior that created an unsullied, high-spirited ambience was duly credited to the collaborative efforts of the newlyweds’ ever dependable bridal team: Florist Rose Aguilar and Mabel Sotto, souvenir specialist Tony Elipano, souvenir supplier Carol Lim, cake maker-decorator Penk Ching, videographer Jason Magbanua, and lensman Oly Ruiz. Flashbacks, quotes, and anecdotes: Looking back: Pauleen, who was

then barely 6 years old and sans front teeth, joined Eat Bulaga’s young beauty search segment Little Miss Philippines 1995 aptly armed with a kasabihan: “Ang batang mabait, pupunta sa langit” and smartly capped her brief exposure with an energetically rehearsed dance number. Bonding moments: Road trips, out-of-town adventures, watching movies, and dining out. Proposal: “It was actually something out-of-the-ordinary and very informal,” was Pauleen’s comment when queried about Vic’s wedding proposal. “He gifted me with a signature bag from one of his trips abroad with a tag that bear my initials as a “Sotto… then showed me a solitaire diamond ring which I excitedly slipped into my finger… hindi siya and nagsuot… at saka pa lamang niya akong tinanong ng ‘Will you marry me?’! Imagine, of all places… inside the bathroom!”

then punctuated her statement with a hearty laugh. Vic’s personal message: “Thank you for loving me kung ano man ako…kung ano man ang pinagdaanan ko…tinanggap mo pa rin ako…!” Pauleen: “Since Vic is a golf enthusiast and I usually tag along with him, I might as well learn how to golf and join him. We are very blessed to have each other!” Danica Sotto-Pingris (Vic’s eldest daughter): “They can say what they want to say about my family but I will forever be grateful that I have them in my life.” (Caption of a family picture she posted in her Instagram account.) Dina Bonnevie (Vic’s first wife): “In a situation like theirs you can eventually outgrow your mate na dapat sana ang mindset is for companionship. How could she be falling in love with a sixty-yearold? But the mere fact that Pauleen has proven herself to be sincere well, it may be really something, It’s Vic’s choice and we cannot judge Pauleen’s decision.” (On the circulating bashes and malicious comments about Vic and Pauleen’s relationship.) Pauleen: “I truly appreciate the fact that she sees my efforts. I’m grateful for her kind words and most especially for respecting my relationship with Vic…and I’m truly

humbled.” Vic: “Her physical aspect…her face…!” (When asked what he likes most about Pauleen). Pauleen (on Vic): “He’s actually very down-to-earth… simple, gentle, and sensitive.” Vic: “Before Pauleen didn’t like crabs which happened to be my favorite but now she devours on them since I persuaded her to favor my cravings…” (On how they adjust to each other’s preferences.) The road to Forever: Now that their almost tumultuous relationship was finally sealed with a lifetime commitment, Mr. and Mrs. Marvic Sotto are all set to move into their newly built lovenest (that was initially blessed on New Year’s Day) after coming back from their European honeymoon. The couple, after having defied all the odds, has proven that, in love or in any relationship, age doesn’t really matter. In my personal opinion, for a relationship like theirs to survive and last, Vic, who’s got more years of experience, should adjust while Pauleen, although younger but indubitably smart, must exert effort to level up so that they could meet halfway. Here’s wishing Vic and Pauleen a lasting blissful connubial life! For comments and suggestions, please email: gemini0646@yahoo. com.

‘Revolution Revisited’ book Calendar of Events across America to be launched this month WASHINGTON, DC—As the Filipino nation prepares to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution later this month, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. welcomed the news that Pulitzer Prize-winner photojournalist Kim Komenich is set to launch his book, “Revolution Revisited” at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco on Feb. 25. “The 1986 People Power Revolution was not only a turning point in Philippine history but also a source of inspiration for oppressed peoples everywhere. It was an unequivocal proof that a nation’s yearning for freedom and democracy could never be totally suppressed and that it could give the people the courage to rise above their fears and pessimism. This is the story that Kim Komenich’s photographs eloquently tell,” Ambassador Cuisia said. “Revolution Revisited” is a compendium of photographic images of the days leading up to, during, and after the EDSA People Power Revolution, which is considered the first peaceful and bloodless revolution launched by the people against their autocratic government. Komenich won the Pulitzer Prize in 1987 for his extraordinary coverage of the

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Le`m\ij`kp f] k_\ <Xjk KXl 8cg_X J`^dX K8J =iXk\ie`kp >fc[\e 8ee`m\ijXip Please join us in congratulating TAS for their Golden (50th) Anniversary to be held at Tower Club, Philamlife Building in Makati, Philippines on February 5, 2016. All brothers from all over the world are encouraged to attend. There will be fun–filled activities including dancing, singing, reminiscing college days, golf, trips to Bicol, Batangas, and Tagaytay and reconnecting with both old and new TAS brothers and their spouses. Those who have not yet confirmed their attendance, please contact: (USA) Bernie Lim (bernielim@sbcglobal. net) & Rene Marcos (rmarcos_cpa@verizon.net); (PHILIPPINES) Rodrigo Mangay-ayam (rodman0983@yahoo.com.ph) & Manny Bautista (Manuel.D.Bautista@ph.ey.com).

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historical event. The photographs were also exhibited in a show of the same title at the Ayala Museum and other parts of the Philippines in 2011, and in the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. in 2015. “While I was working, I kept history in mind,” Komenich said while explaining the measures it took to protect and preserve the quality of the photographs.

“On one level, I was just photographing the day-to-day life in the Philippines, but on another, I was watching some of these things happening behind the scenes. What a gift it was to be a witness to this,” Komenich further remarked. To find out more about the book and how to get a copy, please visit revrev.com/blog or e-mail komenich@me.com.

Oliver Tolentino at SAG and PG Awards

SCREEN Actors Guild (SAG) nominee Mayim Bialik (left photo) wore an Oliver Tolentino gown at last Saturday’s SAG Awards in Hollywood. Bialik, known for conservative dress due to religious modesty, chose a black hand-draped silk chiffon gown accented with hand-beaded gold embroidery at the top of the bodice and on the cuff of a sheer sleeve. As reported here a few weeks ago, Bialik won Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series at the Critics Choice Awards—she noted it was her first award—in Oliver’s green draped silk chiffon gown. The actress won for playing Amy in “The Big Bang Theory.” And last week, Oscar winner Marcia

Eagle Rock High School invites the community to International Baccalaureate Open House Tours, from 8-10am during the spring semester on Friday, February 5; Friday, March 11; and Friday, April 1. Eagle Rock Junior/Senior High School serves students in grades 712, and was the first school in the LAUSD to be authorized to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (grades 7-10) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (grades 11-12), a project-based program for concept and content-based learning to promote global mindedness and service to others. The IB Open House is open to all interested students, and will include an introductory presentation in the ERHS library, followed by campus tours, classroom visits, and a short questionand-answer period. To register for the Open Houses, please visit www.erhs.la, and click on the “IB Open House Registration” link. Please email Mylene Keipp mylene.keipp@lausd.net for more information. We look forward to your visit!

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D`jj DX^j`e^Xc Fi^Xe`qXk`fe f] 8d\i`ZX :fifeXk`fe ;`ee\i$;XeZ\ The Officers and Members of Miss Magsingal Organization of America (MOA) cordially invites townmates and friends to attend our Miss MOA 2016-17 Coronation and Dinner/Dance on Feb. 6, from 5:00pm -12 midnight at the Hilton of Stockton (2323 Grand Canal Blvd, Stockton, CA). Our Royal Court to be honored and crowned are: Her Majesty Queen, Jillian Foronda; 1st Princess, Jemina Atanaya; and 2nd Princess, Jeramae Luczon. Attire is formal, dinner is $50/person, with live band entertainment. Limited seats are available on a first come first serve basis. For more details, please call Tereso U (209) 603-8440, Lanie (209) 814-8004, and Grace (209) 817-5674. Thank you.

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G::?J& GLGC?J (00- >fc[\e AlY`c\\ The Philippine College of Commerce High School Laboratory Batch 1966 (now Polytechnic University of the Philippines) will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee from February 20-21 in Manila, Philippines. According to the President of the PCCHS Batch ‘66 Alumni Association, ROLAND ATIENZA, about 55 batchmates from Australia, Canada and USA have confirmed attendance to the Homecoming and 50 from Manila local chapter.

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Gay Harden wore Oliver’s white and black crepe de chine mermaid gown to present at the Producers Guild Awards. The top featured hand-

sewn cotton strips on tulle. Harden won Best Supporting Actress for Pollock and again was nominated for Mystic River. (Philstar.com)

Beat the Valentine’s Day rush and get your tickets to “An Intimate Night with Miguel Vera,” a special Valentine Show featuring Miguel Vera, performing the greatest OPM hits and romantic Filipino classics by Cayabyab, Canseco, and Cruz. The one-night-only concert will take place at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel (7675 Crescent Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620) on February 12 at 8:00pm. Special guests include Annie Nepomuceno and Kit Navarro. Please call (714) 814-0412 or (818) 913-329 for tickets and information. Tickets are $40 each.

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An Asian Journal

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