New York/New Jersey -- January 22 -- 28, 2016

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Volume 10 – Issue 4 • 16 Pages

JANUARY 22-28, 2016 Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

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Despite DQ, Poe, Duterte in Comelec list of presidential bets Binay of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago of the People’s MANILA—Sen. Grace Poe and Reform Party, Liberal Party (LP) Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, standard bearer Manuel Roxas II, who are both facing disqualifica- Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) tion from the presidential race, candidate Mel Mendoza, party-list made it to the initial list of candi- Rep. Roy Señeres of the Partido ng dates running for president in the Mangagawa at Magsasaka WorkMay elections. ers and Peasants Party (WPPPMM) Based on the list released on and independent candidate Dante Thursday, Jan. 21 by the Commis- Valencia. sion on Elections (Comelec), only Duterte is running under the Pareight out of 130 candidates seek- tido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ing the presidency were approved. ng Bayan. Poe is an independent Apart from Poe and Duterte, candidate. those on the list of presidential The Comelec listed Sen. Alan bets are Vice President Jejomar Peter Cayetano, Francis Escudero, by mAyEn JAymAlin Philstar.com

Gringo Honasan, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Antonio Trillanes IV as well as Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo as the official candidates for vice president.

A total of 19 aspirants filed their certificates of candidacy for vice president in October last year.

In the senatorial race, a total of 52 candidates made it to the list.

They include Raffy Alunan (independent), Ina Ambolodto (LP), Tonyboy Aquino (independent), Godofredo Arquiza (independent), Levito Baligod (independent), Greco Belgica (independent), Walden Bello (independent), Sandra Cam (PMP), Joel Catmon

(PRP), Mel Chavez (WPPPMM), Neri Colmenares (Makabayan), Leila de Lima (LP), Isko Moreno (PMP), Senate President Franklin Drilon (LP), Larry Gadon (KBL), Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian (NPC), Dick Gordon (independent), Sen. Teofisto Guingona III (LP), Risa Hontiveros (Akbayan), Princess Jaafar (independent), Eid Kabalu (independent), Lorna Kapunan (Aksyon), Princess Jacel Kiram (UNA), Alma Moreno (UNA), Panfilo Lacson (independent) and Juror Lagare (independent).

Other senatorial bets are Rey Langit (UNA), Mark Lapid

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Rodrigo Duterte and Grace Poe

Supreme Court to decide on Obama’s immigration program

USA

DATELINE The White House Initiative on AAPIs makes push for health care enrollment FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

WASHINGTON, DC—Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 19, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), in collaboration with the Action for Health Justice, will launch the third annual AAPI Affordable Care Act Week of Action, a public awareness drive to encourage AAPIs to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace by January 31, 2016. To enroll, individuals can visit HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 for 24-hour customer assistance in nearly 250 languages. Individuals can also find local in-person assistance at LocalHelp.

HealthCare.gov.

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Philstar.com photo

45,000 Filipinos are eligible for both DACA and DAPA

by Allyson

EscobAr

AJPress

FINAL FIGHT. The People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley pose for photographers in New York on Thursday, Jan. 21, for their upcoming April 9 fight in Las Vegas. Pacquiao announced that this bout -- his third against Bradley -- will be his last before he retires to focus on his career as a politician in the Philippines. Read more on this week’s LifEastyle Magazine.

Photo by Troi Santos

THE Supreme Court announced on Tuesday, Jan. 19, that it will decide whether President Barack Obama has the executive authority to declare that millions of undocumented immigrants can be allowed to live and work in the United States for a period of time, without fear of deportation.

Obama’s actions, unveiled just over a year ago, are aimed at allowing at least 4 million immigrants to apply for expanded programs that could make them eligible for work authorization and other associated benefits, reported CNN. The high court’s decision provides the last chance that the White House would have to implement the program before Obama leaves office next January.

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Filipina killed in ‘New SAF Probe can ruin Aquino Legacy’ San Jose bus crash osmena claims Enrile holds damaging evidence A FILIPINA who recently moved to the United States was one of two women killed when a Greyhound bus overturned on Highway 101 in San Jose, California on Tuesday morning, Jan. 19.

Fely Olivera, 51, was traveling back home to San Francisco from Los Angeles, where she had visited her two other sons. She had just immigrated to California from the Philippines in September.

Antonio Olivera, 25, Fely’s son who is based in the Bay Area, said that he was hoping that his mother was one of the passengers that got injured. “...So I called hospitals in San Jose

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by JEffErson

AntipordA JoEl n. sy Egco

dence to prove that Aquino allowed 44 police commandos to ManilaTimes.net die almost a year ago.

“I think that if Manong [Big EVIDENCE to be presented Brother] Johnny [Enrile’s nickby Senate Minority Leader Juan name] can prove that, it will Ponce Enrile when the Senate definitely hurt the President,” reopens its investigation of the Osmeña said.

Mamasapano massacre may “Manong Johnny was ominous ruin the legacy of President when he made that statement Benigno Aquino III, Sen. Ser- that he has new evidence. It will gio “Serge” Osmeña 3rd said hurt PNoy [Aquino],” he added. on Tuesday, Jan. 19.

The senator said Enrile’s eviEnrile had said he has evi- dence may even lead to the filAnd

ing of charges against Aquino when he steps down from office in June this year.

“Johnny cares to hurt PNoy. Maybe to put PNoy in the stockade,” Osmeña added.

Enrile, during the Monday session, confirmed that he has evidence to prove that Aquino did nothing to save the lives of the Special Action Force members who were killed by members of the Moro Islamic Liber-

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In this January 30, 2015 photo, Pres. Aquino condoles with the family of the fallen SAF Troopers during the Necrological Service in Bicutan, Taguig City.

Enrile said he has evidence to prove that President Benigno Aquino III was “actively” and “directly” involved in the planning and preparation of the Mamasapano incident and that “he did not do anything at all to save” the elite policemen who perished from it.

Malacañang photo by Benhur Arcayan

Loida Nicolas Lewis leads northeast Poe finds a champion Value of tax-exempt in the Supreme Court balikbayan goods Fil-Ams rally for Roxas-Robredo by momAr

g. VisAyA

AJPress

NEW YORK—The campaign of Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo has received a much-needed boost from the support of Filipino-American community leader and philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis, who led a meeting of northeast community leaders Friday in this city.

Talking before about a hundred Filipinos and Filipino-Americans from New York, New Jersey, ConLoida Nicolas Lewis explains how Filipinos outside the Philippines can help shape the future of the Philippines by voting for the right people in the upcoming May necticut and Massachusetts, Lewis elections.

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

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by JEromE

Aning Inquirer.net

WHY is Sen. Grace Poe, who was unjustly abandoned at birth by her parents, being unjustly compelled to find them just to prove that she is a naturalborn Filipino?

Associate Justice Marvic Leonen made this point on Tuesday at the start of oral arguments in the Supreme Court while questioning Poe’s lawyer, Alexander Poblador, on a petition by the senator to set aside her disqualification in the May presidential balloting by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for alleged abuse of discretion.

The Comelec has decided to nullify the certificate of candidacy of Poe, a foundling whose parents are

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raised to P150,000 by christinA

mEndEz

Philstar.com

MANILA—The Senate has approved on third and final reading the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), which also raises to P150,000 from P10,000 the tax-exempt value of pasalubong cargo brought in or sent by Filipinos overseas.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto hailed the approval of the measure.

Although the provision on the tax treatment of balikbayan boxes is but one of many in the

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A JANUARY 22-28, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

From the Front Page

Despite DQ, Poe, Duterte in Comelec list…

PAGE A1 t

(Aksyon), Dante Liban (independent), Romeo Maganto (LakasCMD), Edu Manzano (independent), Allan Montano (UNA), Mon Montano (independent), Getulio Napeñas (UNA), Susan Ople (NP), Emma Orozco (independent), Sen. Sergio Osmena III (independent), Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao (UNA), CoopNatcco party-list Rep. Cresente Paez (independent), Samuel Pag-

dilao (independent), Jovito Palparan (independent), Franciso Pangilinan (LP), Jericho Petilla (LP), Sen. Ralph Recto (LP), Roger Rodriguez (independent), Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (Lakas-CMD), Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo (independent), Dionisio Santiago (independent), Sen. Vicente Sotto (NPC), Francis Tolentino (independent), Joel Villanueva (LP) and Miguel Zubiri (independent).

There are 120 party-list groups seeking seats in the House of Representatives.

According to the poll body, the list is still subject to verification and editing since there are candidates facing disqualification cases.

The Comelec released the initial list to allow the candidates to check the accuracy of their names prior to the printing of official ballots. (With Non Alquitran)

tion reform, was swiftly blocked by lower courts when Texas, led

by US District Judge Andrew S. Hanen, and 25 other Republicanled states sued the administration in United States v. Texas.

The 26 states said that the program “would be one of the largest changes in immigration policy in our nation’s history” and that it raises major issues involving the separation of powers and federalism.

Since the executive order’s blocking, millions of immigrants, including the aging parents of US citizens and lawful permanent residents who would have been eligible, are left waiting for reform.

In a 15-page ruling, Judge Hanen said he “remains convinced” that his original findings in February 2015--halting programs meant to ease deportation threats to millions of eligible undocumented immigrants--were correct. “The Obama Administration’s blatant misrepresentations to the court about its implementation of ex-

panded work permits for illegal immigrants under the President’s lawless amnesty plan reflects a pattern of disrespect for the rule of law in America.”

“DAPA is a crucial change in the nation’s immigration law and policy—and that is precisely why it could be created only by Congress, rather than unilaterally imposed by the Executive,” said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) in a court filing.

On Tuesday, Paxton welcomed the Supreme Court’s review, saying in a statement: “In deciding to hear this case, the Supreme Court recognizes the importance of the separation of powers. As federal courts have already ruled three times, there are limits to the President’s authority, and those limits enacted by Congress were exceeded when the President unilaterally sought to grant ‘lawful presence’ to more than 4 million unauthorized aliens who are in this country unlawfully.”

Supreme Court to decide on Obama’s...

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CAPITOL COMPLEX. Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu and other dignitaries jointly initiated the launching of the new provincial capitol complex project in Buluan town in Maguindanao. The location is at a roadside lot near scenes of ambush attacks in the 1970s to highlight that there is fragile peace now in Maguindanao province.

Philstar.com photo by John Unson

‘New SAF Probe can ruin Aquino…

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ation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and other private armed groups while carrying out an operation in Mamasapano, Maguindano.

The minority leader took the floor on Monday and said Aquino actively involved himself in planning and preparation for Oplan Exodus, a police operation launched to capture suspected terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan.

Enrile said there are witnesses who want to participate in the hearing but he advised them not to.

But Osmena noted that the President need not attend the Senate investigation that will start on January 27 although there is no stopping Aquino from participating in the hearing through a video conference to answer questions that will be asked during the proceedings.

“I think because of the dignity of his [Aquino] office, we don’t want him to be subjected to that,” the senator said.

Enrile refused to disclose the evidence that he is holding, saying the people should wait for the investigation.

The senator was jailed for more than a year for plunder.

He was accused of getting millions of pesos in kickbacks from the alleged misuse of his Priority

Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel.

Enrile regained his temporary liberty after the Supreme Court allowed him to post bail for humanitarian reasons.

In the dark The police general who headed the Philippine National PoliceBoard of Inquiry (PNP-BOI) that also investigated the Mamasapano massacre is also clueless on the new evidence being claimed

by Enrile.

Director Benjamin Magalong, who was director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) when the board was set up, told The Manila Times that he himself is eager to know the nature of Enrile’s revelations.

“I really have no idea on the new evidence,” said the police official, who had since been transferred to another post after submitting his report on the carnage that happened on January 25, 2015 in Mamasapano town in Maguindanao province.

Magalong added that if he is invited again to appear before the Senate on January 27, he would have nothing new to say.

“I have nothing new to reveal. I stand by our report,” he said.

The Special Action Force (SAF) police commandos were deployed to get terrorists Marwan and Basit Usman.

Marwan died during the dawn raid while Usman was killed in May. The Board of Inquiry report indicated that Aquino bypassed the chain of command of the Philippine National Police when he allowed his friend, former PNP chief Alan Purisima, to implement Oplan Exodus.

Purisima was under preventive suspension when the mission was carried out.

The board was activated on February 2, 2015, days after the January 25 carnage.

The report contained more than 300 signed affidavits of SAF members, military officials, witnesses and other civilians who provided information on the firefight.

Meanwhile, in Malacañang, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. belied Enrile’s accusation that the President “did nothing to save the lives of the then-embattled policemen.”

Coloma said in a news briefing that the President said he did what he had to do as Commander-in-Chief.

Enrile maintained that he has evidence to prove that Aquino was “actively and directly” involved in the botched operation under Purisima’s brainchild, Oplan Exodus.

Coloma said government officials will respond to all of Enrile’s queries during the hearing. n

One of the programs proposed

by Obama was the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), which would allow undocumented immigrants in those categories to remain in the country and apply for work permits if they have been here for at least five years, and have not committed felonies or repeated misdemeanors.

The president’s executive actions would also expand the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program implemented in 2012, which applies to younger people who were born outside of the US, but raised within its borders.

The administration says the program is a way for a government with limited resources to prioritize which immigrants it will move first to deport, said the Washington Post.

However, Obama’s sweeping plan, taken after Congress failed to enact comprehensive immigra-

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Poe finds a champion in the Supreme…

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unknown, for failing to meet the expressed constitutional requirements that candidates for high office should be natural-born citizens and should have lived for at least 10 years in the country.

Leonen pointed out that Poe’s being abandoned after birth was wrong and unjust. He said the senator was “lucky” because she was adopted by movie stars Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces.

Recounting that he grew up without a father, Leonen said Poe surely had a “very difficult time” growing up not knowing who her real parents were.

Where’s justness?

He asked why a foundling like Poe would be compelled to look for her real parents or required to prove her parentage, such as through DNA testing, when ordinary Filipinos only need to show their birth certificates to prove their parentage and citizenship.

Those birth certificates were prepared by somebody else, he noted.

“At the end of the day, should this court ask her to look for those parents who actually left her because she had it lucky. She is now one of the candidates to become President of this country. Do you think that is a fair result? It’s clear

to us what should happen in terms of justness. Can our laws actually contain that kind of a result? Is it clear enough to say that the Constitution of the Republic looks this way on foundlings? That there can never be any foundling found in a rural area of the Philippines that can ever become President?” he explained.

“We are here not as legalists, we are here as justices. The root word is not ‘legal’ but it is ‘just’— meaning to say we do justice in accordance with law but if we can interpret law so that it can do justice then so be it. So we are not completely legalists,” he said.

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(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

From the Front Page

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 22-28, 2016

A

Supreme Court to decide on Obama’s…

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PEACE PACT. Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu led the signing of an interim peace pact between Moro and Visayan peasant groups fighting over parcels of lands in Datu Abdullah Sangki town. Datu Abdullah Sangki, home to mixed Muslim and Christian settlers, is located in the second district of Maguindanao. Mangudadatu said local officials in Datu Abdullah Sangki and the joint ceasefire committee of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have also been helping address the problem. Philstar.com photo by John Unson

Value of tax-exempt balikbayan…

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311-page bill, “it is one that is most awaited by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs),” Recto said on Wednesday, Jan. 20.

“We can now report to them that the Balikbayan Box Law has passed the Senate,” he added.

Recto filed Senate Bill 2913, or what he dubbed as the BBL, last August after a public outcry over a Bureau of Customs (BOC) plan to open and inspect balikbayan boxes revealed outdated regulations, one of which taxes any box whose contents are worth more than P10,000.

Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara, chairman of the Senate ways and means committee, later incorporated the provision on increasing the ceiling for taxation of goods sent through balikbayan boxes under Section 800 of CMTA. Once the CMTA is signed, each balikbayan box would be protected by Super Section 800,” Recto said, noting that it defines “conditional-free and duty-exempt importation.”

Under this section, “residents of the Philippines, OFWs, other Filipinos while residing abroad or in their return to the Philippines shall be allowed to bring in or send to their families or rela-

tives in the Philippines balikbayan boxes which shall be exempt from duties and taxes.”

The “total dutiable value” of the boxes shall not exceed P150,000.

The privilege can only be enjoyed “up to three times in a calendar year,” Recto said, quoting the proposed law.

“This means that an OFW can send two boxes at the same time provided that their total worth is not more than P150,000. That will be counted as one shipment,” Recto said.

The boxes, however, must contain “personal and household effects only and shall neither be in commercial quantities, nor intended for barter, sale or for hire.”

“This is to prevent senders from abusing this privilege. With this privilege comes the duty to observe the law. It also comes with penalties so that smugglers won’t take advantage of it,” Recto said.

The bill also includes a provision indexing rates to inflation, “so that it will not take another quarter of a century to adjust the tax-exempt ceiling for balikbayan boxes,” Recto said.

“Every three years after the effectivity of this act, the secretary of finance, upon recommendation

Poe finds a champion in…

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Leonen added that the cases against Poe also pertained to Filipinos who went overseas to work or reside and decided to come home to run for public office.

He said laws were made to give such expatriates, or balikbayan, to reestablish their residencies and reacquire citizenships.

Poe had lived in the United States with an American husband and had become a US citizen. She later decided to reacquire her Philippine citizenship and run for high office. Poe insists foundlings like her should be regarded as natural-born, otherwise those with unknown biological parents would become stateless and, worse, denied the right to serve the country.

Let people decide Leonen joined the position of some Poe supporters, including former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, who held that the expressed provision of the Constitution on qualifications of presidential aspirants should be disregarded and the issue thrown to the electorate, saying the voice of the people is the voice of God. It was the electorate, in exercise of their sovereign right, who had ratified the Constitution, Leonen said.

The magistrate said the Constitution already provided a mechanism for the people to decide whom to elect and the court could only step in to become the final arbiter should there be a contest.

It is the 1987 Constitution that

is in effect today and not the old 1935 and 1973 Constitutions that applied to specific historical periods of the country, Leonen pointed out.

He said justices should confine themselves to the reading of the text of the present Constitution to find its meaning and apply it to a situation that may not have been contemplated by the framers.

No power to judge Under the 1935 Constitution, in effect when Poe was born in 1968, only those born of Filipino fathers are regarded as naturalborn, while those born of Filipino mothers have to elect their citizenship upon reaching the age of majority.

According to Leonen, this year marks the first time in the country’s history that a founding will be running for President so it will be the first time that the court will be laying down a doctrine on foundlings.

Leonen pointed out that the Constitution never granted the Comelec the power to adjudicate on qualifications of elected national government officials.

He said the Comelec should have just confined itself to evaluating Poe’s certificate of candidacy and determining whether the facts stated there, from her point of view, were correct or not.

To interpret these facts, Leonen said, “is a matter of opinion and law; to do so would be to adjudicate,” which the Comelec is barred from doing by the Constitution. n

Filipina killed in San Jose…

PAGE A1 t

and I called emergency rooms but they said my mom was not on their lists,” he told the Associated Press.

Although authorities have not released the identity of the victims, Antonio said he was notified by the Santa Clara County coroner’s office that his mother died after being ejected from the bus.

Antonio shared to the Associated Press that his mother was a stay-at-home mom who loved to take care of her family. Prior to the crash, he said that his mother had made that trip to Los Angeles three times before.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the bus crashed around 6:40am during a heavy rainstorm. The Greyhound was in the northbound lanes near the Highway 58 flyover when the bus landed on its right side and straddled the center concrete barrier.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but a pas-

senger Gary Bonslater, 22, said that the bus driver had earlier pulled over, complaining that he was tired, according to a report

by SFGate.

Another unidentified passenger also told reporters at the scene that at one time the driver fell asleep. “He pulled over 5 miles back to catch himself, but he didn’t have any energy,” the passenger added.

The bus was carrying 20 passengers and left Los Angeles at 11:30pm Monday with stops planned in Gilroy, San Jose, San Francisco and Oakland, said Greyhound spokeswoman Lanesha Gipson. She added that the company requires operators to rest nine hours between trips.

Officials said that apart from the two fatalities, another person suffered major injuries while three others were moderately hurt. A number of passengers had minor injuries and got patched up at the scene or were taken to a hospital for treatment.

(AJPress)

of the (Customs) commissioner, shall review the value herein stated and shall adjust its present value using the consumer price index as published by the Philippine Statistics Authority,” Recto quoted the provision.

He said the “antiquated provision” of slapping a 50 percent duty on the value of a balikbayan box in excess of P10,000 was set 28 years ago through former president Corazon Aquino’s Executive Order 206.

Even BOC Memorandum Cir-

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He added that the Obama administration has violated the Administrative Procedures Act, which sets forth how federal agencies can establish regulations.

The programs represent one of the “largest changes in immigration policy in our nation’s history,” Paxton said, arguing that the state of Texas has the standing to bring the case, partly because it would also bear the burden and cost of issuing additional driver’s licenses.

White House officials also welcomed the announcement, saying they were confident their side would prevail. White House assistant press secretary Brandi Hoffine said that US v. Texas affects “immigrants who want to be held accountable, to work on the books, to pay taxes, and to contribute to our society openly and honestly.”

Comprehensive immigration reform has confounded a politically deadlocked Congress, and has become one of the main disagreements between Democrat and Republican presidential candidates.

The issue of undocumented immigration has taken center stage in the Republican primary battle, said Fox News, with frontrunner candidate Donald Trump calling for a wall to be built along the US and Mexico border, and other candidates calling for tough proposals.

Though the White House has appealed, the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the lower courts in November of last year, keeping the programs from being implemented.

The administration contends that the states have “no legal

standing to sue,” because it is up to the federal government to set immigration policy. They also defend that the Department of Homeland Security did not violate federal statutes in devising the executive programs.

“Setting priorities about whom to deport is a practical response to the fact that Congress has given the administration only enough money to deport no more than about 400,000 of the nation’s estimated 11 million [undocumented] immigrants,” the government said, according to the Washington Post.

In their petition to the court, US Solicitor General Donald B. Verrilli Jr. said that the lower courts had blocked “a federal immigration enforcement policy of great national importance…in violation of established limits on the judicial power.

If left undisturbed, that ruling will allow states to frustrate the federal government’s enforcement of the nation’s immigration laws.”

Verrilli also added that lowercourt rulings “will force millions of people —who are not removal priorities under criteria the court conceded are valid, and who are parents of US citizens and permanent residents—to continue to work off the books, without the option of lawful employment to provide for their families.”

In challenging the immigration plan, the Supreme Court justices also added a question about the constitutionality of Obama’s actions. Texas argued that the Court precedent requires that “presidential action that lacks congressional support must be scrutinized with caution.”

Supporters of the immigration order welcomed the justices’ decision to take up the case, saying it is the only way to resolve the status of millions of undocumented immigrants stuck in litigation limbo.

“The president’s program has been delayed for far too long by this political lawsuit and the clearly erroneous decisions of the lower courts,” said Elizabeth Wydra, chief counsel of the Congressional Accountability Center.

“We are thrilled that the Court decided to hear Texas v. US, as it preserves the very real possibility that expanded DACA and DAPA will become available to qualified applicants later this year,” said Sally Kinoshita, deputy director of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, which leads the Ready California campaign--a coalition of organizations working together to educate and provide outreach on DACA and DAPA. According to data from the Migration Policy Institute, many immigrant Filipinos in the US would qualify for both the original and expanded DACA and DAPA programs. Out of around 197,000 undocumented Filipinos currently in the US, approximately 45,000 are estimated to be eligible for both DACA and DAPA. In California’s Los Angeles County, around 7,000 are estimated to be eligible for the expanded DAPA program, and 4,000 for the original DACA. In San Francisco, those eligible for both DACA and DAPA are estimated to be less than 1,000; while in New York’s Queens County, around 2,000 undocumented Filipinos would be qualified. n

A JANUARY 22-28, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Democratic candidates face off on health care, Wall Street and guns

by Allyson

esCobAr

AJPress

HILLARY Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and Martin O’Malley met for their fourth debate, which aired live on Sunday, Jan. 17 on NBC. It was the Democratic contenders’ final face-off before the crucial Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary.

In a strong performance, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley came across as experienced and empathetic, but did not get the chance to talk as much, while former Secretary of State and frontrunner Hillary Clinton argued she was pragmatic, skilled and a “battletested politician” who can work effectively on both foreign policy and domestic fronts, reported CBS News. 74-year-old Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, meanwhile, drove home the message about the influence of funding in politics.

The candidates talked about a variety of issues, from health care to foreign policy, to the criminal justice system, to President Barack Obama.

When asked what their top three priorities as president would be, Sanders cited universal health care, minimum wage increases (to $15 an hour), and rebuilding infrastructure. Clinton said she would focus on equal pay for women, building on Pres. Obama’s Affordable Care Act, and working diligently to bring the nation together, reported USA Today. O’Malley spoke about wage increases, empowering labor unions, and reforming the immigration system.

“I understand that this is the hardest job in the world,” Clinton said in her opening remarks, but assuring that she was capable of doing “all aspects of the job.” She also clung tightly to her loyalty with President Obama, arguing she would build on his legacy and promising continuity, according to CNN. Clinton and Sanders took most of the time on the debate stage, coming face to face over issues with health care, gun control, and financial politics.

Clinton called Sanders out on his support of the National Rifle Association (NRA), for voting “with the gun lobby, numerous times,” and also named several occasions when she said the Vermont senator sided with guns rights supporters to gain votes in Congress. She said she was glad that Sanders had

“reversed his position on immunity” after his recent support of a bill to amend gun manufacturers immunity from prosecution, but also accused him of flip-flopping and getting “cozy” with the NRA. However, Sanders retorted that he had a D-minus voting rating from the NRA, and rejected her list of charges. “I think that Secretary Clinton knows that what she says is very disingenuous,” he said.

Dateline USa

ready. I do not want to see the Republicans repeal it, and I do not want us to start all over again with a contentious debate.”

“No one is tearing this up--I helped write [the Affordable Care Act]. We are going to go forward,” Sanders retorted angrily, saying he wanted to focus on the issues, not on her husband.

Accomplishing goals (such as an inclusive health care system,

“Right now what we have to deal with is the fact that 29 million people still have no health insurance. Tell me why we are spending almost three times more than the British, who guarantee health care for all of their people.” - Bernie Sanders “Let me talk about polling…In terms of polling, guess what, we are running ahead of Secretary Clinton in terms of taking on my good friend Donald Trump,” he added. “We have the momentum.

We’re on a path to a victory.”

The biggest argument of the night was on health care. Just two hours before the debate, Sanders rolled out a tax plan that would fund his Medicare-for-all proposal to scrap private health insurance entirely, replacing with a federallyrun health program.

“Right now what we have to deal with is the fact that 29 million people still have no health insurance. Tell me why we are spending almost three times more than the British, who guarantee health care for all of their people,” he said.

“What a Medicare-for-all program does is finally provide in this country health care for every man, woman and child as a right,” he added, saying his plan would lead to tax increases for the middle class, and would take aim at insurance companies.

Although Clinton leads Sanders 59 percent to 34 percent, according to an NBC/Wall Street Journal national poll, many viewers of the debate believe Sanders, who is very popular with young people, emerged the true winner. Sanders’ poll stats numbers have been rising over the last month.

“I certainly respect Sen. Sanders’ intentions,” Clinton replied, but stayed defending the Affordable Care Act. “When you’re talking about health care, the details really matter. We finally have a path to universal health care, we have accomplished so much al-

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free public colleges, and a higher minimum wage) is dependent on the influence of big corporations and their funding. “Nothing real will get done unless we have a political revolution where millions of people finally stand up,” he stressed, citing problems on Wall Street.

Clinton rebutted that there’s “no bank too big to fail, no individual too powerful to jail.”

When asked about how she wins the votes of younger generations, Clinton cited her goal of debt-free tuition, and is concerned about the “Republican assault” on voting, and on women’s, LGBT, and workers’ rights. “This is an election where we have to pull young people and older people together.

Turning over our White House would be bad for everybody, including our young people.”

O’Malley managed to squeeze in a word regarding guns and criminal justice reform, personalizing the issue with a story about meeting a three-year-old shooting victim in the hospital.

He also showed an endearing side when talking about putting ground troops in the Middle East to fight the terror group ISIS, telling a more personal appeal on the matter. All of the candidates agreed there should be no US troops on the ground to fight the war on terror.

The debate viewed by over 12.5 million viewers, including 10.2 million who watched it live, reported The Associated Press.

The debate was also the thirdmost watched Democratic debate in history, according to NBC, drawing in more young viewers than the two previous broadcasted debates. n

ASEAN TOURISM FORUM. President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr, heads of International Tourism Organizations, and by members of the diplomatic corps upon arrival at the Philippine International Convention Center for the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Tourism Forum.

Malacañang photo by Joseph Vidal

Homeland Security announces new regulations, opportunities for certain highly-skilled workers

THE Department of Homeland Security amended its regulations on Friday, Jan. 15 to improve the programs serving the H-1B1, E-3 and CW-1 nonimmigrant classifications and the EB-1 immigrant classification, and remove unnecessary hurdles that place such workers at a disadvantage when compared to similarly situated workers in other visa classifications.

This final rule, posted to the Federal Register effective on Feb. 16, revises regulations affecting highly skilled workers in the nonimmigrant classifications for specialty occupations from Chile, Singapore (H-1B1) and Australia (E-3); the immigrant classification for employment-based first preference (EB-1) outstanding professors and researchers; and nonimmigrant workers in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1) classification.

Specifically, this final rule amends DHS regulations as described below: • DHS is including H-1B1 and

principal E-3 classifications in the list of classes of foreign nationals authorized for employment incident to status with a specific employer. This means that H-1B1 and principal E-3 nonimmigrants are allowed to work for the sponsoring employer without having to separately apply for employment authorization.

• DHS is authorizing continued employment with the same employer for up to 240 days for H1B1 and principal E-3 nonimmigrants whose status has expired while their employer’s timely filed extension of stay request remains pending.

• DHS is providing this same continued employment authorization for CW-1 nonimmigrants whose status has expired while their employer’s timely filed Form I-129CW, Petition for a CNMIOnly Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker, request for an extension of stay remains pending.

• Existing regulations on the filing procedures for extensions of stay and change of status requests now include principal E-3 and H-1B1 nonimmigrant classi-

fications.

• Employers petitioning for EB1 outstanding professors and researchers may now submit initial evidence comparable to the other forms of evidence already listed in 8 CFR 204.5(i)(3)(i), much like certain employment-based immigrant categories that already allow for submission of comparable evidence.

This final rule does not impose any additional costs on employers, workers or any governmental entity. Further, changing the employment authorization regulations for H-1B1 and E3 nonimmigrants makes them consistent with other similarly situated nonimmigrant worker classifications. Additionally, this rule minimizes the potential of employment disruptions for US employers of H-1B1, E-3 and CW-1 nonimmigrant workers.

Finally, DHS expects that this change will help US employers recruit EB-1 outstanding professors and researchers by expanding the range of evidence that US employers may provide to support their petitions. n

PH, UK to revise & sign defense agreement before end of 2016

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

THE Philippines and the United Kingdom are looking to sign a revised defense agreement before the end of the year, British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad said Monday, Jan. 18.

The new agreement would expand both countries’ cooperation on military, security and disaster response, GMA News reported.

Ahmad did not provide specific details on the new pact, but did say it will “not be as complicated” as the agreement between the Philippines and the United States. He added that he wouldn’t describe the agreement as British troops coming to the Philippines, saying it sounds “a bit emotive.”

“I would say British expertise coming here. Two hundred fiftyone years ago, when we sent British troops here, they liked it so much, they stayed,” he said, according to Rappler.

At the moment, the two coun-

tries are exchanging drafts, he said.

The ambassador added it is not the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the US, which allows American troops to enter the Philippines for joint military training with their Filipino counterparts.

“I think, basically, it codifies what we’re already doing and some of the ambitions that we have. I don’t think it translates into something more than that.

“What happened is, the old one was so lacking in ambition that it really allowed us very little scope to do anything,” he said.

In particular, Ahmad said the two countries would like to incorporate lessons they learned during Super Typhoon Yolanda, also known as Haiyan, which struck the Philippines in November 2013 and killed more than 6,300 people.

After Super Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines, the UK was one of the countries that helped

out the most. Ahmad noted, however, that most of the cooperation between the two nations was completed “very informally.”

The ambassador was asked if the UK and Philippines decided to revise their defense agreement due to the territorial quarrels between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea, as well as the threat of terrorism, among other issues. He said that, in regard to the dispute, diplomacy is needed.

“I always say that if you’re starting to talk in terms of military intervention, then diplomacy has failed. It’s the tool of last resort,” he said, according to Rappler.

Ahmad added that Britain is keen on aiding the Philippines, which has one of the weakest militaries in Asia, enhance its defense capability.

He also said he isn’t ruling out the possibility of evolving the partnership between the two countries to a more strategic one that could involve joint training between Filipino and British troops. n

Loida Nicolas Lewis leads northeast…

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explained why she is supporting the presidential campaign of Mar Roxas.

“There is a need to continue what President Noynoy Aquino has started, and with the experience of Sec. Roxas and his running mate Leni Robredo, we can be assured that there will be continued growth for the Philippines,” Lewis said.

The event, dubbed “Let’s Talk Good Governance” was the fourth stop for Lewis in the United States after appearing in Chicago, Los Angeles and and San Francisco.

“The Philippines through Good Governance under PNoy has moved up in global standing, [the Philippines] now is the new tiger in Asia, has investment grade and is second to China in GDP last year 2015,” added Lewis.

President Benigno Aquino III has endorsed Roxas as the standard-bearer of the ruling Liberal Party.

Manuel (Mar) Roxas II is the grandson of Manuel Roxas, the first president of a fully independent Philippine Republic (194648). He is the son Gerardo (Gerry) Manuel Roxas, Congressman (1957-1961) from Capiz and later Senator (1963-1972), He is married to Korina Sanchez and has one son, Paolo, from a previous relationship. He is a graduate of the Ateneo de Manila. He has a BS degree from the Wharton School of Economics of University of Pennsylvania.

After graduation he worked as an investment banker in New York. In 1985 he joined the presidential campaign of Cory Aquino. In 1993, he represented Capiz in the Philippine House of Representatives and in later years served as House Majority Leader. He served as Cabinet Member in the Estrada Administration, Philippine Senator and Cabinet Member under Benigno Aquino III (2010-15). He was Aquino’s Secretary of Transportation and Communications and

later the former Interior and Local Government Secretary.

Leni Robredo was born in Naga, Camarines Sur. She is the widow of former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and has three children Jillian Therese, Jessica Marie and Janine Patricia. She holds an economics degree at the University of the Philippines and Law degree at the University of Nuevas Cacares. A human rights lawyer, Robredo emerged in the public eye with the loss of her husband, former Naga Mayor and Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo in 2012. She represents Camarines Sur in the Philippine House of Representatives.

In addition to New York, “Let’s Talk Good Governance” is scheduled to launch in Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey-Philadelphia in January. The Fil-Ams for Mar-Leni have already met with Filipinos in Saipan, Northern Marianas, Los Angeles, Paris, and Vienna. n

The White House Initiative on AAPIs makes…

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“Since the first open enrollment period in 2013, nearly 18 million Americans, including many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, have gotten life-saving, quality and affordable health coverage,” said US Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy. “But our work is not done.

There are still more than 200,000 AAPI community members who don’t have the safety, security and peace of mind that comes with having health coverage. We must close that gap because health equity is a civil rights issue, and it’s an AAPI community value.” In May

2015, Dr. Murthy was appointed

by President Obama to serve as Co-Chair of the White House Initiative on AAPIs. Week of Action activities consist of a stakeholder call with Dr. Murthy on Tuesday, January 19 from 3-3:30 pm ET and an #AAPIhealth Twitterstorm with special guests George Takei and Angry Asian Man’s Phil Yu on Wednesday, January 20 from 3-4 pm ET. In addition, profiles of the inperson assisters—trained community members who help individuals through the enrollment process—and stories about enroll-

ment experiences will be featured throughout the week.

One in three AAPIs is limited English proficient, and one in four AAPIs has not seen a doctor in the past year. “Affordable healthcare has been a crucial need within our diverse AAPI populations,” says Doua Thor, executive director of the Initiative. “Trained experts, known as in-person assisters, speak more than 50 languages and are helping people in AAPI communities throughout the nation enroll in health insurance. We also have many translated materials to help guide the process.” n

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Poe

Duterte

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 22-28, 2016

Dateline PhiliPPines

Binay

Roxas

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Santiago

PH presidential bets commit to join debates

by Tina

SanToS Inquirer.net

EVERY one of the six presidential candidates on Wednesday, Jan. 20 committed to participate in a series of debates being organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and various media entities.

The first debate, to be organized by Inquirer and GMA Network, will be held at Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro City on Feb. 21.

During a meeting on debate rules and regulations, which was attended by officials of the Comelec, media organizations, and political parties, the camps of Vice President Jejomar Binay, Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas, Senators Miriam Santiago and Grace Poe, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, and OFW Family Club party-list representative Roy Señeres all agreed to participate in the debates.

Part on debates depends on SC Poe’s lawyer, George Garcia,

said his client’s participation in the debates will depend on the Supreme Court ruling on Poe’s petition seeking to reverse the Comelec decision disqualifying her from the race.

“Nakadepende po kami sa SC (we are dependent on the Supreme Court),” Garcia said, eliciting laughter from the crowd.

Duterte’s representative, lawyer Antonio Kho, said he would “strongly recommend” to the feisty mayor, who has expressed some reluctance to join the debates, participate.

Comelec Chair Andres Bautista, while stressing that attendance by the candidates is not mandatory, said it would be to their disadvantage if they don’t join.

“This is a huge opportunity for the candidates to have the chance to talk to the people for free. If they do not attend, I think that the voters might take that against them,” he said.

The debate guidelines have yet to be finalized and are still

Value of tax-exempt…

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cular 7990, which ups the maximum value of a tax-exempt balikbayan box to $500, is more than 25 years old, he said.

Recto said the proposed CMTA also increases to P350,000 the tax-exempt ceiling of “personal and household effects” that a returning resident who had lived abroad for 10 years may ship to the Philippines.

Recto said this provision was not in the BBL he filed but a brainchild of Angara, principal sponsor of CMTA.

Recto praised Angara for shepherding the CMTA, with its many complicated provisions, to approval.

The CMTA is a consolidation of eight bills, two of which are authored by Recto. The other bill Recto filed is Senate Bill 456, which slaps higher penalties for smuggling.

The measure has been described by Angara as a “broad reform measure which simplifies rules, aligns tariff regime with treaties, promotes transparency and combats smuggling.” n

YOU’D BE

subject to further amendments.

One of the issues to resolve is whether political advertisements would be aired during the commercial segments of the debates. Media networks want political ads be allowed to recover the costs of putting up the debates.

The debates will run for two hours each, including breaks.

There will be five to six rounds of questioning, with each round focusing on a main issue or topic. n

First Chinese visitors arrive at Kagitingan Reef MANILA — The first visitors of China’s newly-built airport in the Fiery Cross (Kagitingan) Reef in the West Philippine Sea arrived last week.

A report from Chinese online news agency Sina said the visitors were wives and children of garrison soldiers and officers on the island.

The visitors landed at the airport of the island on January 15.

The Fiery Cross Reef or Yongshu island is part of the Spratly Group of Islands where China has been conducting massive land reclamation activities.

The reef is also being claimed by the Philippines. China has also been building structures on other Manila-claimed areas such as the Panganiban (Mischief), Zamora (Subi), Kennan (Chigua), Mabini (Johnson South), Burgos (Gaven) and Calderon (Cuarteron) Reefs.

A few weeks ago, China held

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SINULOG 2016. The carnival queen holds a statue of the Child Jesus to lead the Sinulog grand parade marking the feast of the Sto. Niño in Cebu City on Sunday, Jan. 17. The sinulog, a dance ritual that moves two steps forward and one step backward, is described as a link between the country’s pagan past and its Christian present.

Philstar.com photo

Resolution on SSS veto override pushed in Senate

by Marvin

MANILA—Sen. Francis Escudero has initiated an effort to help accomplish the congressional override of President Aquino’s veto of the P2,000 increase in monthly pension of Social Security System (SSS) retirees.

A resolution drafted by Escudero was circulated among senators, the intention of which is to express the sense of the Senate that Congress should override the veto.

Escudero said that he would come out with details of the resolution once all the senators have reviewed it.

Escudero said 11 senators had signed the resolution.

However, Senate President Franklin Drilon has rejected the initiative, which he said was part of political maneuvering meant to isolate the President.

“Political season is here. That smacks of politics. We all know that the initiative to override must come from the chamber where the proposed law originated and in this case, the SSS bill came from the House,” Drilon said.

“Any effort to override must come from the House. So here

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in the Senate, we will just wait for the action of the House. That kind of move is dictated by the politics of 2016, and I think is designed to isolate the President,” he added.

Even if moves to override the veto gain any traction, Drilon said it would be difficult to get the vote of two-thirds of the Senate or 16 senators, when merely mustering a quorum has lately become a challenge.

As far as Drilon is concerned, the resolution of Escudero will have no legal effect whatsoever.

“What is the effect of the resolution? The resolution has no legal effect because the override must come from the House first,” Drilon said.

Escudero clarified that the resolution, being a sense of the Senate only, would merely state the chamber’s opinion on the issue.

He said that it was just like the resolution adopted by the Senate expressing its sense that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States must be sent to the Senate for its concurrence.

When the EDCA resolution was approved, the Supreme Court had not yet ruled on the legality

of the document.

Escudero aired his surprise at the stance being taken by Drilon when he was one of the senators who voted in favor of the bill to raise the pension of SSS retirees

by P2,000.

“What Senate President Drilon should be answering is why he voted in favor of this before and now he’s against it?” Escudero said.

“And if he didn’t want the President to be isolated, then he should have communicated to us, as Senate President and party mate of President Aquino, the stand of the President so that the Senate did not have to waste all that time and money for a bill that was going to be vetoed anyway,” he added.

Escudero said that it should not be too difficult for the House to get the necessary votes to override the veto, considering that its approval of the original bill was near unanimous.

In the Senate, he expressed confidence that all 15 senators who voted for the bill would support the override of the veto and that getting one more vote would not be too difficult.

“If it was unanimous there

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A JANUARY 22-28, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

OpiniOn

Features

Alerted

TO this day, terrorism poses a serious threat anywhere in the world.

Clashes among cultures continue to have a damaging impact on world peace and security. Grim news of insurgency and terror attacks are thrust onto international headlines every day. Because of crosscultural ignorance, the essence of civilization is compromised.

Even with an intensive and multilateral approach by international governments to combat terrorism, the world remains on its toes. The international community has valiantly dealt with these threats through various military campaigns. But even with successes in containing one group, another one still manages to pop up.

During a gathering in an undisclosed area in Central Mindanao on Tuesday, Jan. 19, over 300 armed Christian civilians gathered to stand up against attacks by a radical Moro group.

The group called themselves “Red God’s soldiers,” as they burned a replica of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) flag and vowed to defend their lands and families.

In its country report on terrorism, the United States government claim that terrorist groups, including the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Jemaah Islamiya (JI), and the Communist People’s Party/New People’s Army (CPP/NPA), were unable to conduct major attacks compared to previous years due to continuous pressure from Philippine counterterrorism and law enforcement efforts.

“Terrorist groups’ acts included criminal activities designed to generate revenue for self-sustainment, such as kidnapping for ransom, extortion, and bombings for hire,” the report said.

Counterterrorism cooperation between the Philippines and the United States has continued to improve.

“The Government of the Philippines made progress in implementing its 2011–2016 Internal Peace and Security Plan that calls for the transition of internal security functions from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the Philippine National Police (PNP). The increasing role and capability of the police in maintaining internal security in conflict-affected areas will permit the AFP to shift its focus to enhance the country’s maritime security and territorial defense capabilities. To date, however, this transition continued to be slow and ineffective. Continued violent extremist activity, as well as counterterrorism capability gaps between the AFP and PNP, slowed this transition and forced the AFP to continue playing the lead counterterrorism role in the Philippines,” the report added.

Furthermore, the AFP downplayed alleged reports that several terrorist groups in the country are establishing a local base for ISIS. Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Hernando Iriberri said that military operations are underway to neutralize terror leaders and members who are responsible for the insurgence. “Our armed forces are trying their best. Every time we have the information, we validate it and we take action just to make sure we will prevent whatever terror acts they are planning to do,” Iriberri said.

Pres. Benigno Aquino III also belittles the same reports and suspects that those in the country who

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

claim allegiance to ISIS are not in direct contact with the terror group and are just riding on the prominence of its threat.

“The same groups that were claiming linkage to Al-Qaeda according to our intelligence reports are the same people who are claiming that they have pledged allegiance to the caliph of the ISIS. And we presumed not to belittle them but if there is a new group that is ascendant, they will be probably the next franchisee in our country,” Aquino assured.

He added that the problem of extremism in Min-

danao was not triggered by ideologies or conflicts religious beliefs, but more by the lack of economic opportunities in Mindanao.

As an offshoot to the latest news of terror-related violence, people are alerted to promote individual responsibility and are encouraged to commit to effective long-term solutions. Confronting this challenge is beyond the power of governments alone.

Today’s terrorism will only be defeated with the engagement of the public and on the basis of common values. (AJPress)

Who is leading before the February 1 primary election season begins?

FEBRUARY 1 is a big day in US politics as it marks the beginning of the primary elections in the United States. This is when both the Democratic and Republican parties choose their nominees for president in all the 50 states of America, the victors of which will be in the race for the General Elections in November.

Only one nominee for each major party will run against each other, although other parties may field their candidates against the major league.

Or, somebody from either the Democrats or the Republicans may run as an Independent if he or she fails to win the party’s nomination.

In the next months, perhaps all the way until the end of summer, the candidates for president will continue their campaigns as primary elections and caucuses move from one state to another, starting off in Iowa, to be followed by New Hampshire. Sometimes, the winner emerges early in the game and the contenders for each

party concede. Other times, the nominee is known not until the The Fil-Am convention of both parties.

Ahead of the Iowa caucuses Perspective which will be in a little over one week, who is leading? What do the latest polls say for each party?

Gel SantoS-ReloS Monmouth Poll Results After Democratic Debate (January 18): Hillary Clinton’s lead over Bernie Sanders in the latest national Monmouth University Poll has narrowed in the past month. However, Clinton retains a massive advantage among black and Latino voters – groups that will play a prominent role in the primaries immediately following Iowa and New Hampshire. She is also seen as the stronger nominee when pitted against the Republican field.

Clinton currently has the support of 52 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning voters nationwide, which is down from 59 percent in December. Sanders gets 37 percent support, which is up substantially from his 26 percent support level last month. Martin O’Malley has 2 percent support. This marks the first time Clinton’s lead has dropped below 20 points in a national Monmouth poll.

NBC/Wall Street Journal Poll Ahead of the Republican Debate (January 13) : Donald Trump has opened a double-digit lead over his next-closest Republican rival, less than three weeks before the first votes of the 2016 presidential race are cast.

Trump is the first choice of 33 percent of national Republican primary voters - his highest

percentage in the poll. He’s followed by Ted Cruz at 20 percent, Marco Rubio at 13 percent and Ben Carson at 12 percent. Chris Christie and Jeb Bush are tied at five percent. No other Republican presidential candidate gets more than 3 percent.

Trump’s 13-point lead over Cruz is an increase from last month, when he held a five-point advantage over the Texas senator, 27 percent to 22 percent.

WHO DO YOU THINK WILL WIN in Iowa in both the Democrats and Republican caucuses?

Who will win in New Hampshire? Will these contests affect the next states’ primary elections?

Abangan! *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Pacman’s maternity leave Mamasapano: Aquino and Roxas’ political grave, and Llamanzares’ too proposal is anti-business, anti-labor reinforcing troops to stand down, THE massacre of 44 elite poin effect leaving the SAF to the lice troops in Mamasapano, Ma- Commentary Moro insurgent wolves. guindanao on January 25 last It will also expose why Llamanyear is President Aquino and his zares stopped short in exposing presidential candidate Manuel Aquino’s criminal negligence Roxas II’s political graveyard. and in asking for his impeachAquino, in his hubris that he ment. could catch international ter- RiGobeRto tiGlao If Aquino and Roxas have any rorists, and then in his paralysis decency left, they would resign when the operation turned awry dug the grave, enough to fit Roxas since he stood their posts when the hearings indubitably prove idly by while his police commandos—whom he of- this.

I don’t know how any decent, intellectually honficially had command over —were massacred by est Filipino would agree to suffer even for just a Muslim insurgents.

Presidential candidate Grace Poe Llamanzares few more months a lying President with blood on exploited the fiasco by projecting herself, as chair- his hands.

I don’t know how any decent, intellectually honman of the committee investigating the massacre, as a competent, fearless senator out to uncover est Filipino would vote for Aquino’s clone with the the truth. Yet very cleverly, she left room for same blood on his hands.

Just the photos alone of Aquino and Roxas galAquino to wiggle out of the quagmire, and didn’t submit her committee report to the Senate, so it livanting in Zamboanga City while the SAF troops were embattled and massacred are proof enough was just left in her office and forgotten.

I suspect that at that time she was hoping that of their criminal negligence.

Ironically these photos were by the Malacañang by helping Aquino, he would anoint her as his sucPhoto Bureau; since Aquino’s trip to Zamboanga cessor rather than Roxas.

Or did Aquino himself, as I was told, tell Llaman- that day was unscheduled, the main broadsheets zares at that time (February 2015) to help him sur- were unable to send their own photographers vive the hearings, and quid pro quo, he’ll anoint there.

Note the shadows the sun cast in the photos, her as his candidate towards the end of the year.

That would explain why a Balikbayan, who can’t which show that Aquino and Roxas were going even boast what her highest working position in around Zamboanga from noon to late afternoon, the US was, suddenly became so confident she when the SAF troopers were being killed.

By Aquino’s and Roxas’ own statements they could win the presidency of the Republic.

But Aquino obviously double-crossed her and were aware that “Oplan Exodus”—with internainstead offered her the vice-presidency. After that tional terrorists Zulkifli Abdhir (a.k.a. Marwan) she’s been barraged by disqualification cases, and Abdul Basit Usman as its targets—was well underway in the wee hours of the morning, and which likely would strike her out of the contest.

The new investigation into the Mamasapano that shortly after daybreak the SAF troops had massacre called by senator Juan Ponce Enrile will been pinned down in the corn fields with little undoubtedly show Aquino and Roxas as at best cover.

They did nothing standing idly by while the Special Action Forces Yet what did Aquino and Roxas do? were being massacred.

After a closed-door meeting with Defense SecAt worse, as Enrile has hinted, the hearing would establish without doubt that Aquino called u PAGE A7

HAVING Manny Pacquiao in Congress has always been a lot Analysis like having Michael Jordan in a baseball uniform: It’s uncomfortable to watch, and one desperately hopes he figures out on his own that he’s a fish out of water, before someone has to tell him ben. D. KRitz he’s making a fool of himself.

Although Pacman is a stellar boxer, and in his prime was maybe the best the world has ever seen, the only thing he has ever excelled at in his career as a politician is setting a record for absenteeism (in 2014 he reported for a grand total of four out of 70 sessions). Perhaps that is just as well, because when he does bother to give his legislative job some attention, he will more likely than not propose something completely daft, such as a bill he has filed extending paid maternity leave for government workers from the current 60 days to 180 days.

In another bill that seems set to pass the Senate, the length of maternity leave for all employees public or private is to be extended to 100 days, but Pacquiao does not feel that is adequate, because, according to a report from GMA News, “The lawmaker, who has five children with Sarangani Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao, noted the International Labor Organization’s recommendation that the standard length of time for maternity leave should not be less than 14 weeks.”

Fourteen weeks is 98 days, but maybe we should overlook the math on that one; after all, the man’s been hit in the head several thousand times. There are much bigger problems with the whole concept of maternity leave.

Maternity leave is one of those sacred cows of an idea (like the minimum wage) that no one dares question; there may be some debate about details such as how long maternity leave should be, but to suggest that maternity leave shouldn’t even be a thing is considered blasphemy. But maternity leave is an example, maybe the best one, of how regulation of labor— which was originally necessary to

curb admittedly gross abuses as the Industrial Age developed— has gone too far into economically negative social engineering.

Harsh as it may sound to the more liberal-minded among us, employment is logically not a social arrangement but a userresource equation. A for-profit business needs employees to fill process roles; any other objective in having employees is simple philanthropy.

Indeed, employers should be held accountable for their employees’ well-being to the extent it is relevant to their jobs: That means providing competitive compensation, ensuring that the number of working hours required are not unreasonable and that sufficient rest periods are provided, that the working environment is safe and healthy, and that any harm to employees’ health and well-being arising from the job environment is fully corrected by the employer.

All of those things fall into the category of proper use and care of a valuable resource. Many employers, of course, go well beyond that and do foster a social relationship with their employees, and that’s fine—it’s good business, and employers should be encouraged to go beyond what is reasonably required to the extent their capacity allows. But going beyond the reasonable requirements should be optional. The capacity to reward employees varies from business to business, and the business case for compensation and employment terms beyond those that can reasonably be universally applied varies from job role to job role. Obliging employers to go beyond those is a form of intervention that ignores economic logic.

Even though it does not actually make sense to do so, it is still the prerogative of the government representing the people to decide that a) having a baby is a right, and not a choice; and b) employers, and by extension shareholders and end-consumers, should be required to subsidize that right.

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A

Marcos: What happened to 90 people charged in Mamasapano?

by Frances

Mangosing Inquirer.net

SENATOR Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. wants an update on the 90 people criminally charged over the death of members of the Special Action Force in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last year.

“I want to find out the status of those who murdered the SAF 44. We were all very encouraged that the National Bureau of Investigation will charge up to 90 people with murder….Isang taon na eh wala pa ginagawa ang Department of Justice to bring these people to justice. It’s very disturbing,” he told reporters at a Senate forum on Thursday.

He said he will ask Sen. Grace

Poe, chairman of the Senate committee on public order, to invite then Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, who was not on the list of those who were asked to appear in the reopening of the Mamasapano investigation next week.

The NBI has previously filed charges against members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Moro Islamic Liberation Front and private armed groups who were involved in the deadly police operation last year.

The new probe was requested

by Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, who was then detained at the time of the investigation.

“I think he has questions dahil sa pagbabasa ng transcript ng investigation report. Nakita niya na may mga dapat itanong…Para

sa kanya may blanks pa and he wants to fill in those blanks ganung impression. An additional info is always a good thing,” Marcos said.

Enrile earlier warned that he has evidence that would prove Aquino’s direct involvement in the high-risk Mamasapano operation, which killed 44 police commandos.

Asked if Marcos thinks Enrile is politicking, he said he is just doing his job.

“I really think he just wants to perform his function as a senator and ask questions that he feels the need to be asked, why we ended up with 44 dead policemen? What were the circumstances that allowed that to happen?” he said. n

Mamasapano: Aquino and Roxas’…

PAGE A6 t

retary Voltaire Gazmin and other generals after they arrived at 10 AM at Edwin Andrews Air Base, they went to Guiwan village to see where the car bomb exploded just a few days earlier. Then they went to the Zamboanga Peninsula Medical Center to visit a wounded policeman, and to the Western Mindanao Medical Center on Santa Cruz Street where two blast patients were confined. After a long lunch probably with the local delicacy curacha served, they visited another blast victim at the Ciudad Medical Center and 10 other victims at the Zamboanga City Medical Center in Santa Catalina village. Of course, in all these affairs, Aquino and Roxas went with the hand-shaking, back-patting routine.

All these activities when the SAF troops’ bloody fate was being sealed as the hours passed by without any reinforcement nor artillery fire to scare off the Moro insurgents.

Visiting the bombing victims was actually scheduled merely as a cover story for Aquino and his several Cabinet members for them to be there, so they could proceed swiftly to Cotabato City to congratulate the SAF troopers after they had taken down the international terrorists.

Any other president, any commanding officer would have dropped everything in the face of a crisis that could mean the death of his men, so he could monitor closely the events as they unfolded, so he could issue orders to save the troops.

Even US President Obama with his closest security advisers had set up a war room to monitor the American commandos in their operation to terminate Osama bin Laden.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was given special facilities to similarly do so in the operation that hunted down and killed Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Sabaya in 2002.

In Aquino and Roxas’ case, they pretended nothing was happening during those frenetic hours from mid-morning to late afternoon, when the SAF troops were pinned down and were picked off one by one by long-range MILF Barrett sniper rifles.

Without help coming for the SAF, the insurgents simply waited for their ammo to run out, and then rushed them to shoot those still alive point blank one by one.

By the police commanders’ account these were the hours when they were frantically begging the Army to send reinforcements and to fire non-deadly artillery fire to scare off the Moro insurgents.

It was a criminal failure of leadership. Was Aquino so shocked and then paralyzed that his fantasy as a commander of commandos who killed two international terrorists turned into a bloody nightmare?

It is a very expensive lesson for us a nation, but one we should never forget: Never again elect a president, especially a spoiled scion of hacenderos, who hasn’t been tested in the crucible of experience and leadership. (ManilaTimes.net)

NAVAL BASE. Oyster Bay Palawan- Philippine Navy Vessels are scattered around the Oyster Bay and Ulugan Bay fronting the West Philippine sea, and is being deveopled as a “mini Subic” where the country’s two former US Coast Guard cutters would be based. Oyster Bay is only 160 km (100 miles) from the disputed Spratly islands, where China has been reclaiming a reef known as Johnson South Reef, and building what appears to be an airstrip on it.

Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez

Indonesia vows to help PH capture Veloso recruiters

THE Indonesian government has vowed to help the Philippines capture those responsible for bringing convicted Filipina drug courier Mary Jane Veloso to its country, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Following a recent meeting with Yogyakarta chief prosecutor Tony Spontana, DFA officials and Veloso’s lawyers, the foreign affairs department said Indonesia was ready to provide assistance on the case against the illegal recruiters.

“The two sides confirmed

their respective government’s commitment to work together in responding to the Philippine government’s request for mutual legal assistance in relation to the prosecution of those responsible for bringing Mary Jane to Indonesia,” the DFA said in a statement on Thursday.

In 2010, Veloso was arrested after authorities found 2.6 kilograms of heroin inside her bag at Yogyakarta airport.

Last week, the DFA arranged a “humanitarian visit” to Veloso with her parents and two children.

PAGE A5 t

added.

Malacañang has reiterated its stand against the P2,000 hike in the monthly pension of SSS retirees, defending anew President Aquino’s veto of the bill.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the public must look at the “bigger picture,” where 33 million

According to the DFA, a simple celebration inside the prison’s social hall was arranged by the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta for the 31st birthday of Veloso.

“A cake and the children’s favorite fried chicken were brought inside the prison for the celebration,” DFA said, adding Veloso’s family brought her clothing, books, letters and greeting cards from friends and relatives as presents.

The visit took place at Wirongunan Penitentiary in Yogyakarta from Jan. 12 to 15. (Nestor Corrales/Inquirer.net)

Resolution on SSS veto override pushed in…

(House) and we have 15 here, then there is no reason why the House can’t override this and there is also no reason why we won’t be able to override it too,” Escudero said.

“And isn’t it that our standards should be based on: my loyalty to my party ends where my loyalty to my country begins,” he

active SSS members obviously outnumber the 2.15 million pensioners.

Giving the pensioners additional benefits would not only be unfair to the current membership but it would also jeopardize the stability of the government financing institution, as this might deplete the SSS funds leading to eventual bankruptcy. n

First Chinese visitors…

PAGE A5 t

test flights over the South China Sea and landed two civilian planes over the Fiery Cross Reef.

The Philippines has filed a protest contribute to a dearth of worthwhile employment against China’s test flights on the ManilaPAGE A6 t By the same token, since it is impossible to force opportunities for women. If Pacquiao’s proposal claimed reef. Foreign Affairs spokesperson someone to become an employer, it is the pre- passes into law, it will have a chilling effect on hir- Charles Jose said that China’s actions were rogative of would-be job creators to choose not to ing for women, and may even reduce job growth “provocative” and “restricting the freedom subject themselves to those impositions, and not in general. If businesses are threatened with the of navigation and overflight in the West employ anyone in the first place. prospect of being accused of discrimination, they Philippine Sea.” Which is likely to be the result of measures to may choose to avoid hiring altogether, or turn to China, however, claimed that the Philipextend maternity leave, and may—although it other undesirable alternatives such as contractual pines’ accusations were made with ulterior The first visitors to the Fiery Cross (Kagitingan) Reef in the West Philippine Sea are composed of wives and children of garrison soldiers and officers on the island. is impossible to determine empirically—already hiring or outsourcing. (ManilaTimes.net) motivesand are not worth refuting. n

Pacman’s maternity leave proposal…

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An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JA N uA RY 22 , 20 1 6

Manny Pacquiao dedicates last match to kababayans

by MoMar G. Visaya/AJPress

“I REMEMBER I started boxing because I wanted to help my family, my mother, and now I end my boxing career because I want to help my countrymen, the Filipino people.”

With those words, reigning Fighter of the Decade Manny Pacquiao announced his retirement from the sport that has given him fame, fortune and power.

Pacquiao will enter the ring for the last time on April 9 to battle Timothy Bradley for the third time and the pound for pound pugilists will slug it out in a multimillion dollar fight for the World Welterweight Championship.

This is going to be Pacman’s 66th professional fight.

“This fight has a very special meaning to me and I will pour every ounce of my being - physically, emotionally and spiritually -- into preparing for Bradley. He has my full attention. I dedicate this fight to my fans and to my countrymen throughout the world who have kept me in their prayers. And as always, I fight to bring glory to the Philippines,” Pacquiao said earlier.

This year’s match is the third meeting between the two.

They first fought in 2012, where Bradley beat Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight crown in a controversial split decision. Two years later, in 2014, Pacquiao dealt Bradley his first professional loss in their world title rematch.

This also marks Pacquiao’s return to the ring after the disappointing unanimous decision loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. last May 2015.

With 57 wins, 6 losses and 2 draws and a total of 38 knockouts, the 37-year-old Pacquiao is the only fighter to win eight world titles in as many different weight divisions.

After the April 9 fight, Pacquiao will go back to the Philippines to continue campaigning for a senatorial seat. An incumbent congressman, the boxer said that he wants to concentrate more on helping his fellow countrymen.

Pacquiao with Freddie Roach

“I’m hanging up my gloves so I can focus on another responsibility I have, to help other people,” he said.

For his wife, incumbent Sarangani vice governor Jinkee Pacquiao said Manny’s retirement announcement is an “answered prayer”.

“Noong natalo siya kay Marquez, sinabihan ko na siyang mag-retire na. Hindi lang ako, pati si Mommy D,” Jinkee told the Asian Journal.

To say that Pacquiao has led a storied boxing career would be an understatement.

A three-time Fighter of the Year and the Boxing Writers Association of America’s “Fighter of the Decade,” Pacquiao’s resumé features victories over present and future Hall of Famers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, Juan Manuel Márquez and Bradley.

From 2008 to 2010, five of his seven victories were world title victories in five different weight classes, from 130 to 154 pounds. No active boxer has sold more live tickets in the U.S. than Pacquiao, who is also credited with over 18 million domestic

pay-per-view buys. The May 2 world championship fight against Mayweather generated a record 4.5 million pay-per-view buys and over $400 million in television revenue alone.

Coast to Coast Media Blitz Like his previous matches, a coast to coast media blitz was staged to announce this historic fight. It began on Tuesday, January 19 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California and concluded at The Theater of the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City two days later.

The two fighters were joined by their respective trainers, Freddie Roach and Teddy Atlas, and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum.

This is the second time that the press event was held at The Theater. Prior locations were iconic New York landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Chelsea Piers and the Yankee Stadium.

As to why his camp chose Bradley to be his last opponent?

“I chose Bradley because I believe Bradley, he is different than before we had the last fight. He improved a lot and we know that, and we saw that in his last fight with Rios.” Pacquiao explained.

Promoter Bob Arum seems unconvinced about Pacquiao’s

retirement talk on Tuesday.

“I will not promote it as Manny’s last fight,” Arum told the media in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

“He says he’s going to retire, and maybe he will. The truth is that you never know with any boxer, but I haven’t known Manny to say things he doesn’t mean. But we all realize this could be the last time he fights.”

Pacman’s trainer Freddie Roach on the other hand says “it has been a great ride” and that the 15 years they have spent together are more than some of the marriages he knows. Which is why he is looking forward to the match as well.

“I’ve never needed to light a fire under Manny to get him ready for a fight. He’s a professional,” said Roach. “April 9 will be Manny’s finest hour.”

“The greatest responsibility we have is to care for our families. But our greatest privilege is to be given a challenge to achieve something special that our families can share and always remember. Fighting Pacquiao is exactly that challenge,” said Atlas.

“I am looking forward to this

Photos by Troi Santos

“He says he’s going to retire, and maybe he will. The truth is that you never know with any boxer, but I haven’t known Manny to say things he doesn’t mean. But we all realize this could be the last time he fights,” says Promoter Bob Arum.

fight between Manny Pacquiao and Tim Bradley. We will see how much Manny has recovered from shoulder surgery and whether he has been able to retain all of his power. We saw in Tim’s last fight a new, improved Tim Bradley thanks

and largely due to his astute trainer Teddy Atlas. One thing is for sure, this fight will be vastly different from the first two these two warriors have had,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank.

Pacquiao and Bradley pose with their respective trainers, Freddie Roach and Teddy Atlas.

Miss Universe pays courtesy call on Consul General Discusses advocacies with Fil-Am leaders NEW YORK—A few weeks from her Miss Universe 2015 coronation, Pia Alozo Wurtzbach paid a courtesy call on the Philippine Consulate General New York (PCGNY) last Wednesday, Jan. 13.

Consul General and Mrs Mario De Leon welcomed Pia in the Boardroom and engaged her in a discussion on her advocacies, namely HIV awareness, disaster relief and fight against cyberbullying. ConGen De Leon opened the possibility of teaming up with PCGNY to help her advance her causes and in raising the profile of the Filipinos in the US Northeast and the whole US. The Consul General also facilitated meetings with some targeted organizations relevant to her advocacies.

In line with her HIV awareness campaign, Pia, accompanied

by Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart, met with UNAIDS-NY who gave her vital information on the state of HIV-AIDS globally and gave inputs on projects that she can collaborate with. She as well sat down with the President of APICHA Community Health Center, an organization providing medical and health assistance for underserved and vulnerable people, especially Asians and

Ronnie del Carmen on Oscar nod: I’m the luckiest man on Earth by ruben V. nepales Inquirer

LOS ANGELES—After the Academy announced its nominations to the 88th Oscars on Thursday, Ronnie del Carmen became the first University of Santo Tomas (UST) alumnus to earn an Oscar nod. The College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) graduate bagged a best original screenplay nomination for Pixar’s “Inside Out,” which he shared with Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve and Josh Cooley.

“Inside Out,” codirected by Ronnie, also got a best animated feature film nomination that went to director Pete and producer Jonas Rivera. The film, acclaimed as one of the year’s best since its Cannes fest debut last May, tackles (Clockwise from top left) Ms Wurtzbach and ConGen De Leon speaking with Friends Indeed on calamity relief; APICHA President Therese Rodriguez how the human mind works, gave updates on community efforts for HIV-AIDS in New York; PIDCI Executive Board invites Miss Universe to the Independence Parade; Pia listens specifically that of an 11-year-old intently to Mr Simon Bland of UNAIDS for more insights on her HIV awareness campaign. girl named Photos by Yetbo Loverita and Michael Azucena Riley. It also won the Golden held afterwards, with members the presence of Filipinos in the Pacific Islanders, the LGBT Globe Awards’ best animated of the Filipino-American media mainstream American society, Community and individuals living feature prize last Jan. 10. inquiring about her love life, Ms Wurtzbach also met with the with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Last August, Ronnie returned political inclinations, plans during to UST’s historic Manila campus Executive Board of the Philippine Ms Wurtzbach also met with her reign, her general outlook in Independence Day Council, Inc., the leaders of Friends Indeed, and was honored by CFAD as an life, and personal character. in the hopes of planning her a Filipino community charity outstanding alumnus.

As it was the first time participation at the Philippine organization that sends medical, Ronnie’s other Pixar credits Pia has ever met the Filipino Independence Parade in June. humanitarian and relief missions include “Up,” “Brave,” “Monsters community after her win, she PIDCI offered her a float at the to the Philippines especially in University,” “Finding Nemo,” “Wallgraced the meet and greet with Parade which she can use to times of disasters, such as after E” and “Ratatouille.” photo opportunity in Kalayaan project her advocacies and even typhoon Sendong in Cagayan Actor John Krasinski, directors Hall, with about 180 community speak before the audience.

De Oro. Ang Lee and Guillermo del Toro members in attendance.

A short Press Conference was As a way to help elevate and Academy president Cheryl

Ronnie del Carmen.

Inquirer.net photo by Ruben V. Nepales

Boone Isaacs announced the nominations in the traditionally early morning rites inside the Samuel Goldwyn Theater at the Oscars’ headquarters in Beverly Hills.

The Pixar team competes in the original screenplay race against “Bridge of Spies,” “Ex Machina,” “Spotlight” and “Straight Outta Compton.”

Continued on Page 6

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ ON January 19, 2016, the US Supreme Court agreed to review the legality of President Obama’s executive action, which he announced in November 2014, of Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and expanding the existing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Those programs would have halted the deportation/removal of millions of out of status parents of US citizens and green card holders, granted them work authorization, and increased the number of out of status young people eligible for DACA. After Obama announced this executive action, 26 states, including Texas, filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of President Obama’s action.

In February 2015, a federal judge in Texas issued a preliminary injunction, halting (or shutting down) the program while the case slowly made its way through the court system.

The government appealed, but on November 9, 2015, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the federal judge, and upheld the injunction. Obama then sought review (or Certiorari) with the Supreme Court (which is rarely granted), especially since the deadline for accepting cas-

Supreme Court agrees to review Obama’s executive action on DAPA and expanded DACA es was quickly approaching.

Fortunately, the Supreme Court required an expedited briefing schedule from both parties (after Texas sought a postponement), and on January 19, 2016, the Supreme Court accepted the case. However, it still remains to be seen if Obama will prevail, which I hope he will.

However, if Obama prevails, things would have to move quickly for those who are potentially eligible. The case\appeal will be heard (or argued) in April 2016. It will be decided in June 2016. A new president will take office in January 2017.

If a Democrat is elected, it is likely this program will continue. However, if a Republican is elected president, most candidates (especially Donald Trump) have vowed to discontinue the program. Therefore, if Obama’s executive actions are upheld, USCIS plans to immediately implement DAPA and expanded DACA, which would give people basically a six month time period between a favorable decision by the Supreme Court in June 2016 and a Republican president taking office in January 2017. If people applied for and were granted DAPA or expanded DACA during that brief window, it would be very difficult for a Republican president to take those benefits away, as they would face lawsuits and other challenges.

The basic issues are that, of course, it is Congress that makes the laws, especially when it comes to immigration. However, once Congress passes a law it is the job or duty of the executive branch (president) to “take care” to enforce those laws.

Executive action and prosecutorial discretion are ways by which the president decides how and where to enforce the law, and where to commit time and resources.

President Obama decided that although there are over 11 million people in the US who are deportable, the government must prioritize certain of those people, such as felons, terrorists, and those who are a danger to society. Others, such as parents of US citizens and green card holders, who have been in the US for a long time, are otherwise law abiding, and who do not pose a danger, should not be a priority for removal\deportation. Therefore, as part of his job of enforcing the law, he wanted to use resources to go after the really bad guys first. The lawsuit by these 26 states would take away from the executive branch the ability to use discretion on the best way to enforce the law, or would enable states to override the executive branch on enforcement decisions and prioities. I hope the Supreme Court sees it that way, strikes down their lawsuit and the injunction, and

An Asian Journal

3

Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JA N uA RY 22 , 20 1 6

THREE PETITIONS BY TWO MOTHERS AND A “SISTER/MOTHER” CREATE VISA CONFUSION — ON A SPECIAL ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” A teenage pregnancy forced Armi (middle) to keep the birth of her son, Kevin (right), a secret. Kevin’s birth certificate listed his grandmother (Armi’s mother) as his mother. Years later, Armi became a US citizen. She petitioned her mother immediately. When Armi’s mother arrived in the US as an immigrant, she petitioned all of Armi’s brothers, including Kevin, who is actually her grandchild (Armi’s son). Armi also filed a sibling petition for Kevin. After much guilt and reflection, Armi decided to come out with the truth to set things straight and admitted to Kevin that she is his biological mother. After that major revelation, Armi filed a petition for Kevin (now as parent-child petition). This resulted in three distinctive petitions filed for Kevin (as a grandchild, Armi’s brother, and son) which caused a major confusion for the National Visa Center. Watch this inspiring story and find out how Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel helped Armi and Kevin on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday, January 24 at 6:15pm (PST) on TFC.

upholds Obama’s executive action. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different. The information

contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established

with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

Box A Smile delivered smiles to 3,000 children over the holiday season Watermelon’s surprising health benefits THE busy holiday season was made extra special with the activation of Box A Smile, LBC’s Christmas GiftGiving activity during which smiles were delivered to 3,000 underprivileged children in various communities. With the invaluable assistance of Project Pearls, the Box A Smile giftgiving events were a success, drawing volunteers both from the LBC & Project Pearls communities.

Project Pearls, a volunteer, nongovernment agency headed by Melissa Villa, gathered children in the various communities of Helping Land/Newland, Tondo, Manila, Lubusang Alyansa ng Katutubong Aeta ng Sambales (LAKAS) in Botolan, Zambales, and relocated residents of Ulingan now in Barangay Batia, Bulacan.

A total of 3,000 children were treated

to a Christmas party with games and prizes, lots of dancing and singing, and of course, food and drinks.

With these events, an overwhelming sense of community and camaraderie was felt throughout, in keeping with the spirit of giving, the true spirit of the holiday season. Over 3,000 donor participants from the US were engaged, and co-sponsors likewise provided much-needed assistance for the events.

LBC volunteers from various departments and areas participated in the gift-giving activities: from the principals, executives, and their children, to warehouse personnel, associates and front-liners, delivery associates and teams. The LBC family “The experience was simply priceless! Truly, it is more blessed to give than to receive. It came in full-force, some employees rekindled the desire in my heart to go back as an NGO volunteer when I retire.” - LYNNE ORTAL, Continued on Page 7 Vice-President Controller, LBC Express Inc.

by Willie T. Ong, MD Philstar

DID you know that watermelons may help prevent cancer and other diseases? Recent studies are just discovering the wonderful benefits of this fruit.

According to Dr. Bhimu Tail, director of Texas A&M’s Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center, “The more we study watermelons, the more we realize just how amazing a fruit it is… the list of its very important health benefits grows longer with each study.”

For starters, every two cups of watermelon (280g) contain 80 calories, zero fat, 27g of carbohydrate, 10mg sodium, 80mcg of vitamin A, lots of vitamin Bs, 80mg of vitamin C, 18mg of lycopene, and ample

amounts of potassium, iron, and calcium.

• May help prevent cancer and slow down aging. The deep-red watermelon variety contains the pigment lycopene, which may help prevent prostate cancer. This antioxidant helps counter the bad effects of free radicals circulating in the body. Once we reduce these free radicals, we can theoretically slow down aging. Tomato is another good source of lycopene.

• Good for the eyes. Watermelon’s vitamin A and vitamin C contents are beneficial for our eyes. Yellow watermelon is a good source of lutein, which is important for preventing age-related macular degeneration. So, remember, red Continued on Page 7

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On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places BoBBy T. yalong THE most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion, which is hard to find and never sold. Makeup simply defies the degradations of time and not the marks of life’s prime…it doesn’t cover up an empty brain but merely holds perception temporarily.

Beauty is only skin deep. In the truest sense of the idiom, beauty is purely associated to just carnal attractiveness and external attributes sans relation to the righteousness, decency, and essential qualities of an individual. Makeup, then, is just a rebranding of the human face.

With the current advent of cosmetics and medical enhancement procedures being born far from the standard or norms of beauty isn’t a problem any longer. One just needs the aid of beauty experts and voila, a magical transformation instantly happens for the right price.

The history of cosmetics dates back at least 6000 years of human history and cosmetic body art was considered the earliest form of ritual in human culture. Archaeological evidence of the existence of cosmetics could be traced from ancient Egypt and Greece with the use of protective balms and skin creams made of beeswax. In ancient Rome various substances such as lead-based formulae to whiten skin and kohl to line the eyes were already used.

Kohl, a black powder used to darken the edges of the eyelids similar to eyeliners today, and henna, a substance used to draw and tattoo, originated from Africa and Egypt.

From the copper and lead ore used by the ancient Egyptians who were the first to wear facial beauty enhancers, over the centuries, women used burnt matches to darken their eyes, berries to stain their lips, and even young boy’s urine to fade their freckles. They even swallowed ox blood in some misguided attempts to improve their complexions.

Meanwhile, ancient Chinese performers stained their fingernails with gum Arabic, gelatin, beeswax, and egg whites while in Japan, geisha wore lipstick made of crushed safflower petals and sticks of bintsuke wax as a makeup base.

Although it was considered sinful

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Beauty is simply skin-deep that could either be enhanced or altered and immoral by church leaders during the Middle Ages to wear makeup, still many women insisted in adopting the fad of lightening their skin with the use of white powder to look more aristocratic. Queen Elizabeth I of England was a well-known user of the white lead substance that illustrated her influential style which was evident in all paintings of her.

Pale faces were a trend during the European Middle Ages so much so that around the 16th century women would bleed themselves just to achieve pale skin. While Spanish prostitutes wore pink makeup to contrast their pale skin, the 13th century Italian women wore red lipstick to show that they were upperclass.

Various makeup applications were used in many countries during ceremonial events and battles in the early times especially among aborigines, natives, and tribes. Facial makeup was more of status symbol than a way of life.

The recent turn of the century gave rise to the mass production and general public application of makeup. During the early years of the 20th century, makeup became fashionable in America and Europe owing to the influence of ballet and theater stars with the most influence from the booming movie industry.

Thus, the opportunity for a lucrative makeup business was first conceptualized by Max Factor, Elizabeth Arden, and Helena Rubinstein while modern synthetic hair dye was first invented in 1907 and the sunscreen in 1936 by Eugene Schueller, founder of L’Oreal.

Flapper style had a great influence in the manufacture of cosmetics in the 1920s where dark eyes, red lipsticks, red nail polish and suntan invented as a fashion statement by Coco Chanel.

The first patent for a nail polish was granted in 1919 in a very faint pink and throughout the early 1910s, nail polish became available in many shades of pink and when a woman wore dark pink nail polish she would risk being gossiped as someone who was “fast.”

In the 1970s, at least 5 companies, Astarte, Afram, Libra, Flori Roberts, and Fashion Fair initiated producing makeup shades for African-American women that complimented their richer skin tones. Then later modern technology developed High-shear mixer which facilitated the produc-

tion of cosmetics that were more natural looking and with greater staying power.

Then an unknown inventor from Philadelphia developed a cosmetic deodorant in 1888 trademarked under the name, Mum. A roll-on version was launched in 1952 while its aerosol counterpart was introduced to the market in 1965.

Due to human’s innate nature to constantly strive to attain perfection and discover new ways to enhance and improve their looks, cosmetic laboratories had astonishingly increased in number and manufacturers found a gold mine in this thriving industry.

Although modern makeup has been mainly used by women, gradually an unprecedented percentage of the male populace started using beauty enhancers topped by concealer to cover pockmarks, skin blemishes, and dark shades around the eyes.

Unlike during the days of yore when makeup were thick and pasty, modern technology has introduced light makeup ingredients with natural finish and wide variety of skin tones to match multi-racial consumers’ needs.

Permanent makeup or cosmetic tattooing is now a growing part of the health and beauty industry. Lips can now attain permanent lip line definition, eyes can bid eye pencils goodbye, and perfect eyebrow contour are achievable, too.

Today, natural-looking beauty is almost realizable through body sculpturing and facial contouring, collagen injection, glutathione use, skin peeling, rapid repair eye serum, anti-wrinkle care, nose lifting, and even hair transplant.

For most people, wearing makeup is an essential duty that they cannot live without, especially among careeroriented women, for they feel great about themselves knowing that they look better and presentable.

Modern society openly accepts the irresistible dictates of the pressing demands for fashion cosmetics and related beauty products which became more saleable with the hiring of influential celebrity product endorsers.

Makeup, when perfectly applied, could defy age, conceal flaws, enhance physical appearance, and boost confidence and morale.

And just when you thought makeup and related beauty enhancing

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FOR SALE

Makeup artist Victor Palmos with client Angel Ram

A specially conceptualized fantasy makeup

Special makeup to create a horrifying effect

Beauty expert and TV host Ricky Reyes

products and techniques can only be applied exclusively on the living, think again! If the living has beauty salons to walk into, the deceased have the funeral parlor to pamper them for the last time .

A special two-year beauty course, Mortuary Makeup Degree or Mortuary Cosmetology, is offered in specialty schools which trains and prepares one to be a professional funeral makeup artist to proficiently and cosmetically make the dead look as it did in life especially for open casket viewing.

Then there’s still prosthetic makeup training, a special creative skill and technique that applies special effects (FX) for film television, and Halloween. From the ancient Greek word, prosthesis (which means additional application or attachment), artificial makeup or device replaces a missing body part or make one appears to be in a completely different form.

Hollywood has hired the services of the best prosthetic artists for the movies with Rick Baker, Rob Bottin, Lon Chaney, Ray Harryhausen, and Phil Leakey topping the list. The convincing cinematic transformations on screen were but products of these talented creative artists and their colleagues that undoubtedly contributed to the success of the movies.

The growing number of professional makeup artists with magical hands continually reinvented the fabulous world of sophistication, glamour, and fantasy especially in the movies and the modeling industry. These creative artists are gifted with the capacity to transform plain faces and live mannequins into almost perfected images required for the film roles, ramps, photo shoots, and public appearances.

In Manila, freelance marketing writer Holly Bissonnette personally

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Beauty experts Danny Yvanoff Julian and Irene Zapanta

enumerated 10 outstanding makeup artists which services and expertise are most sought-after especially for photo shoots: Bambi Fuentes, Lala Flores, Juan Sarte, Albert Kurniawan, Gela Laurel-Stehmeier, Robbie Piñera, RB Chanco, Micky Lee, Jake Galvez, and Krist Bansuelo.

But that doesn’t leave behind some of the more popular names who are in the business for decades with numerous regular clients among celebrities and socialites: Fanny Serrano, Ricky Reyes, Jinky Ilusorio, Jesi Mendez, Monet Chang, and those closely involved in television and movie productions.

Incidentally, here in the east coast, particularly in the tri-state area, the most visible Filipinos dominating the demands in makeup services are Danny Yvanoff Julian and Irene Zapanta of the renowned Danica-Irene tandem, Milette Marienski, Verush Continued on Page 7

The Kite Runner Prof.

EnriquE M. Soriano THAT’S the title of my second book! After three years and three copy editors, my book is now available!

To give you an idea on how this book was conceptualized, let me share with you two distinct reasons.

First, the family business in Asia has grown considerably in the past decades. It has made an impact in China, India, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

In the Philippines, there are quite a number of family businesses that are at least 100 years old such as the Ayala-Zobel and Aboitiz clans. I can mention a friend and former neighbor, Dr. Vivian Sarabia, whose family business, Sarabia Optical, is way past its centennial mark. (The family has been making the eyeglasses of all Philippine presidents since the time of Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon. Dr. Sarabia herself made a new pair for President Aquino to wear during his oath-taking ceremony last June 30, 2010.)

Those that have reached the third generation are generally more structured as their organizations naturally evolved.

The second reason has something to do with my experience as mentor and business consultant. I was deluged with cases and stories from clients and students about their family business, and most importantly about the issues and problems related to business succession. Majority of these businesses are still in their first or second generation and managed by founder-owners or sibling-partners. In these firms, one witnesses the struggle between maintaining family harmony and gaining respectable profits. The family business ownership group is the real engine for long-term success and yet we invest so little time in keeping it healthy. Somehow, we assume it will naturally stay strong with a unified vision for the future.

The need for a book on Asian Family Business really struck home.

Almost every member of a family business is interested in continuing the life of his or her business as an innovative and successful endeavor until the third generation and beyond. It was then that I realized the imperative of writing a book about the Asian family businesses.

The stories of successful Asian business tycoons and their succession problems can encapsulate everything a client or student engaged in

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA IF figures are to be believed, 93 million Americans are not working. Every economic and political pundit is harping on the need to create jobs that will bring the country back on track. American economy has been on life-support with the debt clock running in the trillions at hyper speed with Congress who holds the purse strings spending and funding tax dollars on frivolities much like a drunken sailor.

Frankly, I think it will take a sea change of heart and spirit not only in the leadership, from top to bottom, but more importantly, among the majority of ordinary Americans to revive this country back to the glory days.

Perhaps, it’s time to bring moxie back.

It is time to think NATIONAL instead of GLOBAL. Charity begins at home, not elsewhere.

What can you say of a country that has outsourced so much of the production of practically all its needs to China, India and all other countries all in the name of improving profits? What can you say of a country that has forgotten that work itself and the creation of quality products that satisfy the creative impulse of human beings are, by themselves, a blessing to the people who create them? To create something from concept to actualization is ennobling. To be rewarded for creating something that people find useful and that lasts, has been the secret of what was once a strong US economy.

We have taken advantage of the low wages and traded on the appalling work conditions of other countries and the lower costs of overseas production but in the process, created a serious imbalance and a lingering malaise in the psyche of the American work force. Uncontrolled outsourcing

‘Ensuring the Family Business Legacy’: My second book a family business needs to know.

Today, business successors are more inclined to shift from the founder’s patriarchal perspectives to a more corporate style of management.

This book fits as a quick but comprehensivereference for understanding what it takes to continue a family business across generations.

Moreover, one of my basic aims as an author is to provide a book that every reader would be able to take something from, whether he or she is a business founder or successor.

Of course, the main benefit for the reader is the variety of Asian family business stories and complexities shared here. Most of the stories contain timeless business insights, inspiration and advice for both the patriarch/business founder and the younger successor.

These business tips and insights are products of my years of consultancy work and experience with various companies, to wit: a. As Chair of the Marketing Cluster and Family Business Professor at the ATENEO Graduate School of Business b. My experience as part of the Executive Committee of theUnilab Group’s property arm, Greenfield Development Corporation; c. Working and reporting directly to Andrew Tan as President and Chair of several companies under his group. Noteworthy was my being handpicked to mentor his eldest son Kevin from day one until he became vice president; d. Working as Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Belo Medical and mentoring Dr. Vicki Belo’s daughter, Cristalle Henares; e. Family Business Mentoring is a core service of Wong and Bernstein Business Advisory Group where I mentored andstill mentoring several

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family owned businesses —initiating a shift from family owned and managed to family inby ChuCk Smith spired; Philstar.com f.

Doing MANILA—After weeks of speculation, Zanjoe advocacy and turnaround Marudo admitted he and Bea Alonzo have broken up.

The actor made the confirmation in an interview strategies for Small andMe- with ABS-CBN’s “Tonight with Boy Abunda” aired dium Enter- Wednesday, Jan. 20.

“Wala namang madaling way, so kailangan talaga prises (SMEs) and fam- pagdaanan,” Zanjoe said when asked how he is coping ily businesses with the split.

In an earlier part of the interview, the actor said he andmentoring young en- is looking forward to new opportunities “dito sa career, trepreneurs syempre sa personal din, sa pamilya.”

He added: “Excited ako kasi this year marami and students at the ATENEO akong plano, like magpatayo ng farm house. Tapos, sa G r a d u a t e trabaho ko... excited ako.”

Zanjoe is part of the upcoming ABS-CBN soap School of Business.; g. Doing Receiv- opera “Tubig at Langis.”

Speculations that the two have broken up came ership of and initiating rehabilitation about weeks ago, when they went to trips abroads of distressed family separately; Zanjoe on a vacation in Europe alone, owned companies; while Bea went to Japan.

Zanjoe and Bea admitted they were in a and h. Being a Strate- relationship in October 2011.

Last year, the two admitted that they are having gic Advisor to the JG Summit Group problems in their relationship but both said they are “working it out.” and its affiliates “Siguro hindi ninyo mahal ang isa’t isa kung hindi To further compliment the chapters of the book, I included apowerful kayo nase-shake or wala kayong pinagdadaanan. bonus feature about the phenom- That’s not a relationship,” Bea said in an interview with enal rise of Andrew Tan, the chal- Philstar.com and other members of the press back in lenges and adversities he faced and November. “A relationship is full of misunderstandings his climb to being the country’s third and love. Mahal n’yo ang isa’t isa kung may pakialam pa kayo sa isa’t isa.” wealthiest Filipino.

Zanjoe Marudo It is reassuring to know that the vibrancy of the Asian family business has been captured in this book.

Thus, we can look around and realize

by ChuCk Smith that Asia is at par with its western nied the involvement of his movie Philstar.com counterparts in terms of successful “Beauty and the Bestie” in any of the MANILA—Coco Martin is sad- film fest’s controversies. management succession planning “Nakarating din po sa akin yung as far as family businesses are con- dened that the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival was marred with issue na yun. Sa akin po, sasabihin cerned. scandal. ko na definitely hindi po totoo yun,” *** However, the ABS-CBN actor de- Coco told members of the press durProf. Soriano is an ASEAN Family Business ing a media gathering on Thursday, Advisor, Book Author, Executive Director of Jan. 14.

Asean-based Consulting group, Wong + Bernstein He added, “Kung ano man yang Advisory and Program Director for Real Estate sinasabi na anomalyang yan, huwag and the former Chair of the Marketing Cluster po kayo mag-alala dahil ipaiimbistiof the ATENEO Graduate School of Business. He ga po natin yan kay Cardo.”

A number of moviegoers alleged is slated to deliver a talk on Philippine Business that there was “ticket swapping” and Franchising Opportunities. The first talk is during the first few days of the 2015 in NY on Feb 1 at the Philippine Consulate and MMFF, an allegation that “My Bebe Boston on Feb 4 at the Harvard Campus and Love” director Jose Javier Reyes in LA. The talk is organized by the Philippine acknowledged.

Consulate in New York, in coordination with Ai Ai delas Alas also refuted Star the Bagong Kulturang Pinoy (bkpinc.org), The Cinema’s announcement that their Harvard Philippine Forum, TFC with Asian Journal entry “Beauty and the Bestie” is as media partner. For those interested to attend, number one at the box office in the pls email nzuelke@gmail.com. Prof Soriano’s 2015 MMFF, besting her movie “My Bebe Love.” business articles can also be accessed at www.

In previous years, the MMFF Faminbusiness.com announced the ranking of the top (Advertising Supplement) grossers of the film fest. For the 2015 edition of the film fest, however, it only announced the top four movies Coco Martin Philstar.com photo by Chuck Smith in the box office unranked.

Zanjoe Marudo moves on from breakup with Bea Alonzo, looks forward to new opportunites

Coco Martin speaks up on MMFF box office controversy

Bringing moxie back “A brave person is someone who takes positive action after he has said his prayers.”

— Unknown

has taken away tens of thousands of jobs, which in turn, decimated what was once a strong American middle class.

Perhaps a group of economists and business people with dark agenda and financial and political clout, goofed big time from the early 1990’s. You want to finger point and put the blame on the myopic architects of this economic disaster. More than likely, they could be regarded as a band of conspirators, so-called economic experts, who sold out the well-being of the country with their economic policies which resulted in the conditions that we are seeing and suffering from these days.

If these were Medieval Times, and you would think it is with the beheadings of Christians by the terror group ISIS, they would be hanging from their toes or boiled in oil in the public square for treason and economic sabotage of the highest order.

But for the unemployed who has lost his home and has trouble putting food on his table, none of the finger pointing and the brilliant but empty rhetoric matters at all. In a situation such as what we have where a significant percentage of the working class is without a source of income, the times call for a crash course on survival where each man must learn to fend for himself.

We now live in a cynical age when no one, it seems, can be trusted. Even those institutions we used to hold sacred and sacrosanct are suspect. We assume everyone is a con artist until proven otherwise. We have now learned to steer clear of strangers, screen our calls, trash suspicious emails asking us about account information or be wary of just about anything new. We even refuse

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to answer the door. In the media and online, we have seen a parade of scandals: from political scumbags, depraved men of the cloth, big-time con artists to scandal-plagued celebrities. We seem to be breathing their toxic fumes when they self-destruct into flames. Honor, decency, civility and respect are in short supply these days. And we heave a heavy sigh and shake our heads in disbelief.

Our zeitgeist is characterized by distrust and cynicism. It’s been building up for a long time. Zeitgeist is that fancy, $20 Germanic word sociologists use to refer to the spirit of the age. There seems to be a collective negative energy that hovers about and affects the thoughts and feelings of many who are affected by these seemingly dark times. Perhaps, this is somewhat similar to the dark mood and feelings of helplessness that afflicted many who slogged through the long years of the Great Depression.

But we need to shake it off. For us to get back on track, we have to refuse to live in fear and zap out of this paranoia and malaise that can paralyze us into immobility. We need to take courage.

Someone once said, “A brave person is someone who takes positive action after he has said his prayers.” Time and again, it’s been found that tough survivors believe in a God who cares, believe in themselves, believe in the correlation between luck and hard work, believe in the greatness of their country and has decided to muster enough moxie to engage the enemy within.

In some ways, we can influence good fortune with the attitude, motivation and oftentimes, with sheer moxie, with which we face our individual daily lives. If you

“Hindi po ako makapagbigay ng opinyon tungkol dyan kasi honestly, wala po akong gaanong kaalaman kung ano ang patakaran nila,” Coco said on the MMFF. He added, “Kung ano man ang desisyon nila o ginagawa nila, nirerespeto ko na lang po. Basta po ako, bilang artista, alam ko nagawa ko po ang trabaho ko at napasaya ko ang mga tao.”

The actor also hopes that the in-fighting within the MMFF would stop.

“Sana po ang nangyayari na lang po sana ay gumagawa tayo ng pelikula, lalo na kapag Metro Manila Film Festival, para mabigyan na rin ng regalo ang mga tao, upang mapasaya sila,” he said.

“Hindi po ito para makipag-compete kung sino ang number one o kung sino ang mas malakas, sino ang mas mahina. Sana po ginagawa natin ito para sa mga tao kasi ang pangit po na nasa maliit tayo na industriya tapos nag-aaway-away tayo,” Coco added.

Despite the controversy, Coco hopes to be part of the MMFF this year.

‘Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo’ now available for global audience via Filipino Cinetropa.com CINETROPA.com, the Filipino-movie streaming site based in the US, kicks off the New Year with the streaming of Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo (International Version) in HD on January 26. The movie is also available to watch in other countries.

An official entry to the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the Robin Padillastarrer won more than 20 awards, including Best Picture from the MMFF, FAMAS and the PMPC Star Awards as well as five Gawad Urian nominations.

The producers, Tuko Film Productions and Buchi Boy Films, have since re-edited the film and created a more lucid and powerful international cut of the feature. Tuko Film Productions and Buchi Boy Films are also the same team behind last year’s critical and commercial hit, Heneral Luna.

Six other independent films are already streaming at cinetropa.com. These include two films by Clodualdo del Mundo Jr. (screenwriter of such classics as Maynila Sa Kuko ng Liwanag and Kisapmata) namely Pepot Artista and Paglipad ng Anghel (Flight of an Angel).

Also available are the acclaimed LGBT documentary titled Jazz in Love, the Coco Martinstarrer Jay, the controversial feature MNL 143, and the award-winning fable, K’na The Dreamweaver, a heartrending love story set among the T’bolis.

Cinetropa is the only movie-streaming site in the market exclusively dedicated to Filipino films. Aside from independent titles, the site will soon showcase classic Filipino favorites. With a starting rate of USD$3.99 in the US and other countries, and PHP190 for Philippine-based viewers,

film enthusiasts can now enjoy a wide range of Filipino movies in HD. Unlike illegal and other streaming sites, Cinetropa is backed by Filipino independent producers and investors, with the purpose of providing local filmmakers more exposure for their films on a global scale both for Filipinos and non-Filipinos discovering or exploring Philippine cinema and culture.

Cinetropa offers a revenuesplit model with Filipino filmmakers so they can sustain their passion for filmmaking and give them the leeway to make more films and reach out to more viewers anywhere in the world.

For more details and updates on upcoming movies, visit cinetropa.com.

On Facebook, Cinetropa is at https://www.facebook.com/ cinetropa/.

expect bad things to happen to you or if you yourself confirm that you are unlucky, more than likely, it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. You might as well admit it. You’re a sad sack Eeyore with a permanent, black rain cloud hanging over your head.

The negative energy you emit repels people who would otherwise be of help to you. You just might be the person who can brighten up a room simply by leaving it.

Perhaps, it’s your personality and there’s nothing you can do about it, not even if you soaked up the brightness of the sun. You were wired to be negative and pessimistic and no motivational speaker can undo you. You’re one tough customer for the Holy Spirit to work wonders with. Fine. But for as long as you think that you have nothing to do with the ill fortune that seems to bedevil your

life, you can just live with the dire consequences of fear, anxiety and unhappiness which result from being toxic and always believing the worst of everything.

Particularly during these uncertain times, no one can afford the luxury of a negative thought.

But much more so for vulnerable immigrants who are on survival mode, an optimistic can-do attitude is a MUST. With this current economic morass, a big chunk of the immigrant population along with many more in the middle class, will regress back to survival mode, quite by default. Many who have moved to more comfortable levels but were caught by the real estate slump and lost their homes, may find themselves sliding back to square one and engaging in the daunting prospect of finding a job.

Do take heart. Most immigrants

who come from poverty-stricken nations have what it takes to survive times such as these. They have had plenty of practice.

Jobs to your liking and at the compensation you were accustomed to in the past, may be harder to find these days. You may have to just take what is available and expedient, just for the time being. Though media is touting an economic recovery, the job numbers are misleading because these are mostly part time MacJobs which offer no benefits. The slump is longer and deeper, than anyone can imagine. But as in everything else under the sun, THIS TOO SHALL PASS. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

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Fulop administration launches ‘Serve Jersey City’ website to connect residents with volunteer opportunities at local non-profits ‘Serve Jersey City’ is part of Jersey City’s partnership with the National Nonprofit Cities of Service

The drawings for the “Magpadala Magpalipad” promo were witnessed by Jomito Torres, Philippine Airlines senior account officer for passenger sales, PNBRCI President and CEO Ricky Villacisneros, Marie Jemma B. Saranillo of Philippine Airlines, Joanne Rivera, business development head and general manager of PNB’s LA Branch, and Monette Maglaya, senior vice president of Asian Journal Publications, Inc.

PNBRCI holds drawings for ‘Magpadala Magpalipad’ promo

Three lucky individuals from the United States are now going on vacation to the Philippines, thanks to PNB Remittance Centers Inc. (PNBRCI)’s “Magpadala Magpalipad” promotion in cooperation with Philippine Airlines.

Those who remitted money through any US location of PNBRCI from Oct. 15, 2015 to Jan. 14, 2016 received one raffle entry for a chance to win one of three tickets back to the Philippines.

The prizes included: 1st prize—a business class roundtrip ticket from Los Angeles to Manila; 2nd prize—an economy class roundtrip ticket from Los Angeles to Manila plus a domestic ticket to any Philippine domestic destination; and 3rd prize — an economy class roundtrip ticket from Los Angeles to Manila.

The drawings were witnessed

by Ricky Villacisneros, president and CEO of PNBRCI, Joanne

Rivera, business development head and general manager of PNB’s LA Branch, and Marie Jemma B. Saranillo, area manager of Philippine Airlines in LA on Friday, Jan. 15.

Randomly selected from over 100,000 valid transactions, Resty Pagala of Chicago, Illinois won the first prize; the 2nd prize went to Eden Donato of San Jose, California; and lastly, Jun Oliveros of National City, California received the 3rd prize.

PNBRCI in the US makes remitting money more fun and exciting. This is also the company’s way of thanking its loyal patrons in every part of the globe who have used the services of the company through the years. PNB also reinforces the emotional ties that bind expatriates and their loved ones by making it possible for some very lucky winners to come home for free and enjoy the warmth and comfort of the

homeland.

Even if overseas Filipinos can’t be with their loved ones back home, PNBRCI has introduced a simple and fast way for beneficiaries to receive remittances with the Global Filipino Card (GFC).

The GFC is a reloadable prepaid ATM card for beneficiaries who want their funds credited online, which then can be withdrawn from any PNB SuperTellers or any selected ATMs. For an annual $5 fee, the many benefits for remitters include up to $10 off on remittance fees, free ATMSafe Insurance, and a free Globe sim card.

So why remit your valuable dollars using any other company?

PNBRCI offers a relationship that is mutually rewarding.

For more information about PNBRCI and its services, please visit: www.pnbrci.com or to remit money by phone, please call PNBRCI Phone Remit at (855) 889-7788.

(Advertising Supplement)

PNBRCI President and CEO Ricky Villacisneros and Marie Jemma PNBRCI President and CEO Ricky Villacisneros introduces the drawings B. Saranillo, area manager of Philippine Airlines in Los Angeles . for the “Magpadala Magpalipad” promo on Friday, Jan. 15.

AJPress photos by Ding Carreon

JERSEY CITY—As the nation prepares to pay tribute to the life and legacy of service of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mayor Steven M. Fulop announced today the launch of ‘Serve Jersey City,’ a new citizen-powered resource that connects residents with volunteer opportunities as part of Cities Of Service, a national nonprofit organization that supports mayors and city chief executives to engage local communities and residents in identifying challenges and solving problems together. Serve Jersey City includes projects led by the City of Jersey City, local nonprofits and community groups.

“As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” said Mayor Fulop. “We hear all the time from residents asking how they can get involved with their community and volunteer, and that’s why we’ve launched the city’s first clearing house for service opportunities on the very weekend we pay tribute to Dr. King’s legacy.”

Serve Jersey City, at http:// volunteer.jerseycitynj.gov enables residents to identify and search for volunteer opportunities based on their interests, skills, schedule availability, and date. Registered users can log volunteer hours, create a user profile which sends them volunteer opportunities when it matches their search criteria, and bookmark opportunities.

Several local nonprofits and other community organizations have already registered to be a part of Serve Jersey City. These inaugural signatories include the Jersey City Parks Coalition, Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County, The Sharing Place, Hudson County CASA, Liberty Humane Society, Team Walker, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hudson, Bergen and

Essex Counties, and New City Kids.

Other nonprofits and community groups are strongly encouraged to register their volunteer opportunities.

The City of Jersey City also seeks to tap Serve Jersey City to recruit committed volunteers for JC shovels, a program that will provide volunteer shoveling of snow for low-income seniors who can no longer do so for themselves. The Department of Public Works also seeks to identify volunteers for a planned citywide cleanup this spring. In addition, the city in partnership with United Rescue and the Jersey City Medical Center, will recruit emergency assistance volunteers through Serve Jersey City.

“The Sharing Place is grateful to participate in Serve Jersey City, a platform that enables participants to build a volunteerism resume that helps certify residents for other volunteer and career opportunities,” said Jim Nelson, Executive Director of the Sharing Place, a food pantry in the Journal Square area, which utilizes 20 to 40 volunteers per months. “It is particularly exciting that Jersey City is launching this program in conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, realizing that service opportunities help us Live The Dream, for an inclusive community that addresses immediate human needs and workforce development.

“The Serve Jersey City website platform for integrating volunteerism and workforce development is an asset for non-profit/social impact, arts and service organizations. It underscores the importance of the non-profit sector to the vitality of Jersey City, and the valueadded of building relationships among civic, social service and business sectors for social change

and workforce development,” added Nelson.

“We are excited to partner with Mayor Fulop in this important initiative. Serve Jersey City will enable residents to easily and effectively find opportunities to serve alongside local organizations, building relationships and working towards achieving long-term change in their communities,” said Myung Lee, Executive Director of Cities of Service.

Serve Jersey City also aims to raise awareness and empower residents to address local challenges. Many nonprofits face obstacles when it comes to recruiting and retaining volunteers. Through Serve Jersey City, organizations will be able to engage more volunteers and to use them more effectively. Serve Jersey City also seeks to maintain strong partnerships with local non-profit organizations in order to expand and enhance programs that serve residents in need.

The administration will be reaching out to the Jersey City Public Schools to develop a system where students who are required to complete community service hours as part of their curriculum can be connected to non-profits through Serve Jersey City.

Any non-profit organization who would like to be listed in the Serve Jersey City database can register at the following link:http:// volunteer.jerseycitynj.gov/register.

In January 2013, President Obama called for a National Day of Service that coincided with the Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service. As a result, thousands of Americans joined the First Family and engaged in service across the nation. Jersey City is encouraging residents to commit to service in their community not only on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, but throughout the entire year.

Beauty is simply skin-deep that could...

From Page 4 Benitez, Victor Palmos, Jessy Daing, and Gloria Cabrera.

In the west coast, Los Angeles in particular, the name Monet Lu has been consistently synonymous to meticulously applied classy touch-up with the addition of Jun Encarnacion International Beauty Salon.

The mushrooming existence of makeup artists could be motivated by the glamorous status of the profession aside from the good pay attached to it. Amazingly, makeup artists are compensated quite well… actually, very well!

In fact in 2012 Forbes, in a published article, called makeup artists as “America’s Most Surprising Six-Figure Jobs.” Most in-demand and wellexperienced beauty experts have earned the reputation as being lucrative beauty professionals that could earn as much as $3,500 a day before travel allowance and overtime pay.

In a much broader perspective, here are the world’s top 5 makeup artists who were dubbed as the artists of superior excellence… the finest authorities behind big named cosmetic brands : Sam Fine – an AfricanAmerican who has broken through the color barrier having been hired as the first black spokesperson for Revlon; Charlie Green – considered the Betsey Johnson of the makeup artists’ world; Pat McGrath – considered by Vogue Magazine as the most influential makeup artist in the world today; Tom Pecheux – Estee Lauder’s Creative Director and former L’Oreal and Shisheido’s makeup image cre-

Prosthetic makeup with special effects

ator; and Gucci Westman – Revlon’s Global Artistic Director and known for creating that exuding sensuality in makeup.

But makeup users, sometimes, have a price to pay for beauty. Excessive usage, inappropriate application or inadequate cleansing could lead to clogged pores and skin breakouts… and even allergies.

Having almost everything about makeup being covered, it is easier to conclude that one cannot always judge a person based on his or her “enhanced” looks alone for after the face has been cleared of concealer and makeup, the reality surfaces… candidly revealing the very individuality of the person and the actual look she or he was born with.

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

Ultimate makeup guru Fanny Serrano

Ronnie del Carmen on Oscar nomination...

From Page 2 With his first Oscar nod, Ronnie joins a select group of FilAms who have garnered Academy citations. The list includes Robert Lopez (2014, best original song, “Let It Go”—he went on to be the first Fil-Am to win an Oscar); Hailee Steinfeld (2011 – best supporting actress, “True Grit”); Matthew Libatique (2011, best cinematography, “Black Swan”); producer Pia Clemente (2006, best short film-live action, “Our Time Is Up”) and a man whose name escapes my mind—my apologies—but he cinched a nomination in a technical category.

“I was in bed with my iPad watching a live stream,” Ronnie described how he learned about his nomination. “I even forgot to set the alarm for this (announcement) the night before.

Somehow, I woke up in time.

Somebody up there likes me.”

“This is such an amazing honor!” exclaimed the Cavite native whose brothers, Louie and Rick, are also UST alumni and accomplished animators in the United States. “‘Inside Out’ is that movie you wait a career lifetime to be part of. Pete invited me to codirect and, that day, I felt like I won the lottery!

“On top of that, the movie

is nominated for two Oscars!

And I am mentioned by name on the best original screenplay nomination! I can’t believe it! I am the luckiest man on Earth!”

On being the first UST alumnus to score an Academy nod, Ronnie said, “I can’t wait to go back to UST someday and bring this full circle. This is your tribe—you want to bring honor to your tribe. And though there are many ways to do this, walking back in there with an Oscar nomination is way cool. Heck— it’s super-cool!”

The UST campus is also significant to Ronnie because Continued on Page 7

An Asian Journal

Ronnie del Carmen on Oscar nomination...

From Page 6 that was where he met his wife, Theresa or “Tess,” also a CFAD student at the time.

As for joining an elite group of Fil-Ams who have the distinction of being Oscar nominees, the multi-awarded animator and comics and book illustrator said, “We used to watch the Oscars as a family when I was a kid. We loved watching it. Movies are a big deal in the family. I’d watch TV all day and night if left on my own.

“It is mind-blowing to even consider that this could happen.

In fact, I was trying not to think about it as the nominations

announcement approached. But what an honor to serve on ‘Inside Out’ and be part of Oscar history.

Can you imagine? My people in the Philippines can share in this honor as their own. I get to be that person! How cool is that?”

“I am so lucky to be part of a studio that is certainly the only one that could have green-lit a movie like ‘Inside Out,’” he remarked about Pixar where Filipino employees proudly call themselves “Pixnoys.”

“Such a courageous and groundbreaking movie,” he added. “John Lasseter, as our creative leader, makes sure

Watermelon’s surprising health...

From Page 3 watermelon to prevent cancer and yellow watermelon for the eyes.

• Good for the heart and blood vessels. US Department of Agriculture researchers report that eating watermelons increases our body’s arginine levels, an important amino acid (Journal of Nutrition, March 2007). Arginine is a component needed to produce nitric oxide, a substance that relaxes the blood vessels, improves blood flow, and may save us from a heart attack and stroke. In addition, watermelon may help people with high blood pressure because of arginine’s vessel-dilating effect and its potassium and magnesium contents.

• May be good for sex. Citrulline is the special nutrient in watermelon that gives rise to arginine. One gram of watermelon flesh contains 1.5mg of citrulline. When citrulline is converted to arginine, this can lead to the relaxation of the blood vessels, which is the same basic effect of drugs for erectile dysfunction like Viagra and Andros. Watermelon may not be as potent as these drugs, but it can still help the heart, brain, and male sexual organ, too. And watermelon comes without the drug’s side effects.

• Your source of alkaline water.

The good news is that watermelon is made of 92% pure alkaline water. A lot has been said about the possible benefits of alkaline water.

Compared to the acidic juices of orange and pineapple (which may

irritate people with ulcer and gastritis), watermelon is safe for your stomach.

• Good for the mouth and digestive tract. Watermelon has health benefits for the whole digestive tract, starting from the mouth, to the esophagus, and down to the stomach and intestines. Watermelon can relieve the pain of people with singaw or mouth sores. Some experts claim that watermelon can also minimize bad breath. And as it goes down to the intestines, it can treat constipation and normalize your bowel movement.

• Good for the kidneys, bladder, and those with gout. Just like coconut water, watermelons are effective for cleansing the kidneys and bladder. If you have urinary tract infection or kidney stones, drinking lots of watermelon juice (and distilled water, too) can help you with your condition. Moreover, watermelon does not contain uric acid, and can help people with gout by reducing the amount of uric acid in the body.

• Your natural energy drink.

Watermelon boasts a rich source of B vitamins, electrolytes, and potassium. The B vitamins are needed for energy production and potassium is essential for heart and muscle contraction. Compared to an apple, watermelon has only half as much sugar, and yet, it tastes sweeter because of its high water content.

• Prevents heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Watermelon has long provided a safe source of

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that these kinds of stories not only get explored but thrive out there in the world. I am in a unique role now where I can be part of all the movies being made in the studio—a role created by John for me to do here at Pixar.”

Pete, for his part, said about his two nominations: “We are beyond grateful to the Academy for honoring us with these nominations, especially in a year with so many fantastic movies.

We’re lucky to work in a studio that allows us to make movies that are colorful, fun, personal and emotional.” fluid for many desert regions in the world. Watermelon’s cooling effect comes from its component citrulline, which is converted to arginine in the body. Arginine can help remove ammonia from the body (bad stuff in the urine). In South Africa, watermelon rind is placed on the forehead and temples to cool a headache. In India, the fruit is being sold by vendors everywhere during summer.

• Treatment for heat rash and burns. Watermelon pulp can be used to treat heat rash and burns.

Heat rashes are pimple-like eruptions at the back and chest area due to excessive sweating and heat. Try this as a home remedy: Put a watermelon rind in a refrigerator and let it cool. After a few hours, apply the inner part of the rind on the affected areas of the body. The cooling effect of watermelon rind relieves the heat rash.

And lastly, did you know that researchers have discovered that watermelon contains more glutathione per bite than 95 other fruits and vegetables? For the ladies, glutathione means skin whitening and antioxidants.

Tips for storing watermelon: Watermelon should be left uncut if stored at room temperature. The lycopene levels are still maintained as long as it is not opened. But once you slice it, you need to refrigerate it. You can also cover the watermelon with plastic to prevent the juice from evaporating.

For today, why not try and enjoy a sweet and juicy slice of watermelon? It’s healthy and refreshing!

LBC VITAS Warehouse Manager Glenn Garcia as Santa Claus, with the children of Helping Land, Tondo, Manila

Box A Smile delivered smiles to 3,000 children over...

From Page 3 dressed as Santa Claus, enjoining the children and all present that it is indeed FAMILY that truly makes the holiday season special and memorable.

“LBC has been a very important partner for Project PEARLS. LBC USA has generously provided assistance to Project PEARLS in transporting inkind donations to Manila from United States. Because of this, we are able to provide to hundreds more children in the communities we serve mainly in Bulacan and Tondo, Manila.

“When they informed me that they would like to partner with Project PEARLS for a gift-giving for 3,000 children, I was very grateful and humbled, not to mention, I was jumping up and down from excitement because this is the first time we are able to provide Christmas gifts to over 1,000 children.

LBC BOX A SMILE would not have been possible without the kind assistance of co-sponsors and donors who heeded our call to action. Namely, Mc Donald’s Philippines, LDL Marketing, Inc., Children’s Hour, Belo Essentials, Adriatic Manufacturing Corp., Agron and United Laboratories, Inc. Media Partners in the US included: Asian Journal, Philippine News, Weekend Balita, Filipino Press, Fil-Am Inquirer, Philippine Weekly, One Philippines, Fil-Am Courier, Manila Mail and Filipino Star; in Canada: Philippine Canadian Inquirer and Atin Ito. We thank all our co-sponsors, and volunteers, and

LBC Chief Innovation Officer Fernando “Dino” Araneta distributing gifts in Barangay Batia, Bulacan

likewise our customer participants for helping LBC make this possible, and bring smiles to 3,000 children. *** LBC Express, Inc. is the Philippines’ market leader in payments, remittance, courier products, mail, parcels and, cargo logistics. Through a global presence in over 30 countries in Asia-Pacific, North America, the Middle East and Europe, LBC Express’ network of 4,400 locations, partners, and agents is growing steadily, and commits to moving lives, businesses, and communities in the Philippines

and across the globe. Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC Express pioneered timesensitive cargo delivery and 24hour door-to-door delivery in the Philippines. Today, it is the most admired and trusted courier, cargo, and remittance service of millions of Filipinos, an iconic and global Filipino brand. LBC can move it for you: visit us at www.lbcexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (Provincial), and follow LBCExpress (Facebook and Twitter).

(Advertising Supplement)

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JANuARY 22, 2016