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Volume 9 – Issue 18 • 16 Pages
J A N U A R Y 2 9 - F E BR U A R Y 4 , 2 0 1 6 Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
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US involvement in Mamasapano encounter questioned by lEilA
b. sAlAVErriA Inquirer.net
the Aquino administration should explain why it allowed the United states to play a role in the operation against malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin hir, alias marwan, when it was just a police matter, senate minority Leader Juan Ponce enrile said Wednesday, Jan. 27. enrile raised the point as he questioned former Philippine National Police special Action force (sAf) chief Getulio Napeñas on the assistance that the United states, including
DATELINE
“Investigation” referred to the DNA testing on the finger taken from marwan, to prove that he was killed in the clash with sAf troopers, he said. Were they CIA? Napeñas also said that some of the Americans who provided training to the sAf were members of the Us military, while others were members of the Joint task force. the Joint task force Philippines was disbanded on feb. 24, 2015, a month after the mamasapano debacle. enrile asked Napeñas if the civilian members of the Joint
presumably the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), provided to “oplan exodus,” code name for the covert sAf mission to arrest marwan in mamasapano, maguindanao province, on Jan. 25, 2015. Napeñas said that through the Joint task force Philippines based in Zamboanga province, the United states provided the sAf real-time intelligence support, training and equipment. “In that oplan exodus, they provided support in terms of humanitarian and medical evacuation and also the investigation,” Napeñas said.
task force were CIA agents. Napeñas said he presumed they were CIA agents, though they were not expressly identified as such. “to my knowledge, your honor, because we are talking here about intelligence, they are providing real-time intelligence and intelligence, they should be working in that outfit,” he said. “the word CIA is never mentioned in our dealings,” he added. enrile asked why the United states was providing intelli-
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Senate committee hearing on the Mamasapano encounter where 44 PNP SAF were killed. Inquirer.net photo by Raffy Lerma
Honoring SAF 44 police in quiet rites in Cavite
USA
from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
Filipina fatally stabbed in Hawaii
A 65-year-old filipina was allegedly stabbed to death by her husband of 35 years on the morning of January 18 in oahu, hawaii. melita fajotina died from stab wounds to her neck and was found in her home in Aliamanu, oahu at around 5:43 am, reports said. the honolulu medical examiner’s office declared her death a homicide. Police arrested her Melita Fajotina husband, Isagani “sonny” fajotina, on tuesday, Jan. 19 on suspicion of second-degree murder, but he was released pending further investigation. the case is being investigated by detectives as a murder-attempted suicide. Isagani fajotina — who relatives said suffered from mental health problems — remains hospitalized at Queen’s medical Center with a self-inflicted stab wound. he is expected to survive, police said.
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by FErnAn
GiAnAn And MAricAr cinco Inquirer.net
the silence was broken only by the muffled cries of members of the family of slain special Action force (sAf) officer Chief Insp. max Jim tria as they watched a small group of police officers from the province execute snappy salutes in honor of the slain commando. from their home in Barangay Cabihian over a kilometer away, senior Insp. Guillermo tria and his wife efigenia visited their son’s black granite tomb housed in a concrete mausoleum at Palta Catholic Cemetery in the morning of Jan. 25, the day President Aquino gave honors to the fallen sAf 44.
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HOMECOMING QUEEN. Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach waves to the crowd during her grand homecoming parade in Pasay City on Monday, Jan. 25. Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes
A homecoming fit for a queen Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach returns to the Philippines by Allyson
EscobAr
AJPress
fANs lined the streets of manila to makati City as Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, the newlycrowned miss Universe 2015, traveled by float in her homecoming parade on January 25. the float traveled for more
than three hours from the sofitel Philippine Plaza hotel in manila, down roxas Boulevard to Ayala Avenue in makati City. At one point it rained, but the weather did not stop adoring filipinos hoping for a selfie with the beauty queen from attending. With thousands of supporters present, Wurtzbach smiled
Fil-Am mother and son charged with smuggling gun parts by AGnEs
constAntE AJPress
and waved a filipino flag to the crowd, wearing her signature crown and a teal dress by filipino designer Albert Andrada with traditional butterfly sleeves. she stood elegantly on top of a decorative float with her parade band, surrounded by police escorts. the parade was one of the
A fILIPINo-American woman from Long Beach, California and her son have been charged with smuggling ammunition and firearm parts to the Philippines. marlou mendoza, 60, was arrested last week at Los Angeles International Airport upon returning from a trip to the Philippines, officials from the Us Attorney’s office said Wednesday, Jan. 27. her 30-year-old son, mark mendoza, remains at
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Filipino in Virginia Beach wins $1-M Philippine economy New York, other states dig out after epic blizzard from Powerball grows 5.8% in 2015 by MoMAr
G. VisAyA
AJPress
WhILe most people were closely watching the national Powerball lottery drawing live on television on Wednesday, Jan. 13, an 82-yearold filipino man from Virginia Beach, Va. was not one of them. It wasn’t until he checked online when he realized he had a winning ticket. teofilo mesina won $1 million – before taxes – from the record $1.5 billion jackpot, after correctly picking five numbers. he missed only the Powerball number. “Not many people win that kind of money,” mesina told the Virginian-Pilot on Jan. 19, as he claimed his prize. mesina bought his ticket from a 7-eleven at Lynnhaven Parkway and salem road in Virginia Beach. “I would buy just sometimes,” he said. “I played a mix of my own numbers, and some computer pick numbers.” his numbers – 04, 08, 19, 27 and 34 – were selected from significant dates for loved ones, he said. (A friend was born in April, the fourth month of the year, so he chose number 4.) When mesina looked at the numbers, he first
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mANILA—the Philippine economy grew at a pace of 6.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015, bringing the full-year growth of 5.8 percent, the government announced tuesday, Jan. 26. Last year’s economic expansion was slower than the 6.1-percent growth in 2014. It also fell short of the Aquino administration’s target of 7 to 8 percent. the National economic and Development Authority (NeDA) said the 2015 growth gave a six-year average of 6.2 percent, the highest since the late 1970s. the fourth quarter growth, meanwhile, was expectedly the highest quarterly growth for the year. Yet it is still slower than the 6.6 percent posted in the same period in 2014. the country’s growth—based on gross domestic product (GDP) or the total value of all goods and services produced—while slower than expected still outpaced most of its peers. the Philippines lagged behind Vietnam, which led southeast Asia with a 6.68-percent growth last year due to strong exports and re-
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NeW YorK—the great blizzard of 2016 unloaded 26.8 inches of snow, the second biggest snowfall in New York City history, almost breaking the record set in 2006. According to unofficial totals reported by the National Weather service, the historic blizzard now ranks among the biggest snowfalls in the city’s record books, missing the record by a tenth of an inch. Communities across the northeast United states began digging out from the blizzard on monday, Jan. 25. “this weekend, mother Nature sent us the second largest snowfall since 1869 – and hundreds of our tireless workers rose to the challenge to keep our city safe,” said New York City mayor Bill de Blasio. “New Yorkers should continue to use extreme caution when walking and driving. When shoveling, remember to stay safe, and do not overexert yourself.” Because of the predicted snowfall, a travel ban was imposed in New York City, including Long Island. New Jersey transit, the Long island rail road and the metro North trains were also shut down as major roads, state highways and railways were covered with feet of snow. Under the ban, only emergency vehicles were allowed on the streets. Drivers who ignored the order EPIC BLIZZARD. More 60 million people in the East Coast were affected by a
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blizzard over the weekend.
Contributed photo by Nina del Rosario
A JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426
From the Front Page
US involvement in Mamasapano…
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FIRST ANNIVERSARY. President Benigno S. Aquino III holds a private talk with relatives of slain Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) troopers at the Mamasapano Massacre immediately after the program at Camp Crame for the commemoration of its first anniversary on Monday, Jan. 25. The President earlier presented the PNP Medalya ng Kabayanihan to relatives of the 44 SAF troopers who were slain in the massacre. Malacañang photo by Gil Nartea
PH economy grows 5.8% in… PAGE A1 t
on solid efforts by both public and “Ths growth is respectable, cord foreign direct investments. private sectors.” given the difficult fiscal environChina’s economy, meanwhile, “For 2015, among the major de- ment, the onset of El Niño and dipped to a 25-year low of 6.9 veloping countries, the Philippines the challenges in government percent growth in 2015. [was] likely among the fastest next spending in the first semester,” Economic Planning Secretary to India, the People’s Republic of he said. Arsenio Balisacan, who recently China and Vietnam,” Balisacan Budget Secretary Florencio resigned from the NEDA for an- said at a press conference. Abad said late last year that the other government post, said the Despite failing below forecasts, government is setting a 7.5- to Philippines has been “traversing Balisacan called the economy’s 8.5-percent goal in 2016 for now. the higher growth path, building performance “very encouraging.” (Philstar.com)
Fil-Am mother & son charged... PAGE A1 t large and is believed to be in the Philippines, Inquirer reported. Prosecutors say he operated a business called Last Resort Armaments, according to The Associated Press (AP). The mother and son were indicted on separate charges by a federal grand jury last month. In 2011, the mother and son attempted to smuggle hundreds of thousands of ammunition rounds and parts for assault rifles to the Philippines, authorities said. The indictment cited three instances when Mendoza did not provide the mandatory written notice to freight for-
warders that she was shipping ammunition, labeling shipments of .22-caliber ammunition as “household goods,” Inquirer reported. “The weapons shipments charged in the indictments allowed firearm parts and ammunition to leave the United States and travel tot he Philippines, where they could have been sold to anyone,” US Attorney Eileen M. Decker said in a statement. Mark Mendoza was charged with conspiracy, three counts of unlawful export of munitions, three counts of export smuggling and one count of money
laundering. The publication further reported that he ordered more than $100,000 worth of ammunition and firearm accessories, including parts for AR-15 and M-16 rifles, which are cannot be shipped to the Philippines without an export license from the Department of State, according to the Arms Export Control Act. Mark had the ammunition delivered to his parents’ home in Long Beach. His mother was released on a $10,000 bail bond pending trial. If found guilty, she faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. If Mark is convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 115 years in federal prison. n
gence on a “purely police matter.” Napeñas replied that the US Special Operations Command’s top priority was counterterrorism, and the capture of Marwan, who was ordered arrested by a Philippine court for murder, was part of the war on terror. Basis for US intervention The SAF is the counterterrorism unit of the PNP, and that was the reason the United States was dealing with it, he added. Enrile asked if the United States was using the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), or any other agreement, as a basis for the cooperation with the SAF. He pointed out that the VFA covered only military cooperation between the Philippines and the United States, and it did not cover law enforcement, which involved criminal laws. Criminal laws are strictly territorial except for a few excep-
tions, he added. “This is something that the government must explain, why they have allowed a police matter to include US participation. I’m not saying that I’m correct, but this has to be looked into,” he said. But Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said he did not recall Enrile asking for a government explanation of the US role in the SAF operation. “I think it was Napeñas who gave an account [of] this when he was discussing the background of previous operations. It was only Napeñas who had the opportunity to talk about it during the interpellation,” Coloma said in a text message to the Inquirer. “It was pointed out during the hearing that this involved counterterrorism actions in which there is cooperation between the Philippines and the US,” he said. Reward remains unpaid Napeñas said the United
States was interested in Marwan because he was a suspect in the 2002 bombings in Bali, Indonesia, where US citizens were among the 202 people killed. The United States offered $5 million and the Philippine government P7.4 million for information that would lead to the capture of Marwan dead or alive. Asked about it at Wednesday’s hearing, Supt. Fernando Mendez, PNP intelligence chief, said the payment of the reward was still being processed. When Sen. Vicente Sotto III asked him why it was taking too long to pay the informant, Mendez said he did not know. Sen. Ralph Recto asked the resource persons about the nationality of the informant. Former PNP Director General Alan Purisima replied that the informant was a Filipino. Recto asked if the informant was a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Purisima said no. n
Honoring SAF 44 in quiet rites in… PAGE A1 t Together with two of Max Jim’s siblings and close relatives, the Tria couple heard Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Ding Robles. The absence of any official from the provincial and municipal government was glaring. Senior Supt. Jesus Martinez, Catanduanes police provincial director, and five of his officers from Camp Francisco Camacho came after the Mass, with officers from the Virac police station following a few minutes later. Former Gov. Joseph Cua also arrived and joined the Tria family for refreshments. Senior Inspector Tria told the Inquirer that they would skip the ceremony for the awarding of medals of valor given to two of the SAF 44 officers and distinguished conduct medals for Max Jim and the other slain SAF officers. “We would rather be here with our son to mark the first anniversary of his death,” the elder Tria said. There were no pictures taken, as the family, as usual, had opted to keep their mourning private. There were no speeches either,
only condolences expressed in whispers and recollections of a fine, obedient son. The elder Tria, who is retiring in August this year, also withheld comment on the government’s handling of the Mamasapano case and the ongoing Senate hearing on the issue. Cavite rites A few hundred kilometers away, cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in Silang, Cavite province, offered Mass for the SAF 44. PNPA head Chief Supt. Armando Ramolete described Monday’s program as “simple” yet “solemn.” After the Mass, he said the cadets also offered a wreath at the SAF 44 monument inside the academy. Of the 44 slain police commandos, six were alumni of the PNPA. The short activity, Ramolete said, was organized by the PNPA Alumni Association. It was also the alumni association that invited former SAF Director Getulio Napeñas to the activity at the academy. But none of the families of the SAF 44 came. “The speeches talk-
ed about heroism. About how the cadets should follow the deeds and emulate the 44,” Ramolete said in a phone interview. “Nothing political,” he added. “It’s about being an inspiration [to the cadets] and of course achieving justice [for the SAF 44],” PNPA spokesperson Chief Insp. Ritchie Yatar said in a separate phone interview. Napeñas was the head of the SAF during its mission to capture Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, in Maguindanao province on Jan. 25, 2015. Private event Now retired, Napeñas is running for senator under the United Nationalist Alliance, the party of Vice President Jejomar Binay, a presidential candidate. Retired Chief Supt. Tomas Rentoy III, PNPA Alumni Association head, was quoted in his speech as saying the alumni association chose to hold the activity at the academy to keep it “solemn and away from prying eyes.” Last year, the alumni association called on cadets and police officers to join a nationwide justice march for the SAF 44. n
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From the Front Page
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2016
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New York, other states dig out after epic…
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VISIT FROM MISS UNIVERSE. Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach set aside time from her busy schedule to visit wounded soldiers at Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center on Wednesday, Jan, 27. Battle casualties who met Wurtzbach were visibly star-struck with the beauty queen titleholder. Employees eagerly waited for Wurtzbach, who came from a noontime show from a TV station nearby. Wurtzbach also met with HIV patients from another hospital. Inquirer.net photo
PH House panel approves bill exempting Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach from taxes THE Philippine House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means approved a bill on Tuesday, Jan. 26 exempting Pia Wurtzbach from paying taxes on her earnings as the reigning Miss Universe. House Bill 6367, filed by Reps. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro and Maximo Rodriguez Jr. of Abante Mindanao party-list, was unanimously passed in the committee. “In view of the tremendous achievement of Kagay-anon Ms. Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach and for bringing pride and honor to the Philippines by winning the 2015 Miss Universe pageant, it is only right that all her winnings and prizes be exempt from any form of taxes and duties,” the bill read. The tax break measure came in response to Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares’ statement that Wurtzbach has to pay taxes for
her winnings. The BIR earlier said that the winnings should be subjected to a maximum 32 percent tax. “I am aware just like any employee that I have to pay taxes. I have never (missed it) when I was with ABS-CBN, Binibining Pilipinas. When I start working in the US, I’d be doing that as well,” Wurtzbach previously said of her intentions to pay taxes, according to Inquirer. The measure is expected to be submitted for plenary approval. The prizes covered under the measure include: her yearlong salary, accommodations in a New York apartment for the duration of her reign, living expenses, wardrobe and personal services, among others. In addition to her one-year salary, Wurtzbach brought her $300,000-crown — made of 18k gold, diamonds and blue sapphire — back with her to
A homecoming fit for a…
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nearly week-long homecoming in the Philippines, which will end in a grand parade and show at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Jan. 28. Wurtzbach told press that she would also be advocating for HIV awareness and testing, as well as disaster relief, while visiting her home country and attending to her duties as Miss Universe. Wurtzbach also visited Malacañang Palace, home of President Benigno Aquino III, and paid a courtesy call to the President, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and the Philippine Senate. “We’re erasing the image that Filipinas are not palaban [fighters], because in fact we are,” she said following the visit. “We go out there and we’re brave and fearless…much more different than what people think we used to be. I think that speaks on how modern we are now.” She also confirmed her appearance as a special corre-
spondent at this year’s 50th Super Bowl between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers on February 7. “I see it as a great compliment. It is a great way of me connecting to more people and being recognized, not only as Pia and as Miss Universe, but as a Filipina,” she said, according to CNN Philippines. Wurtzbach, 26, is the Philippines’ first Miss Universe in 42 years, since Margarita “Margie” Moran-Floirendo was crowned in 1973. Last year, beauty queen Filipinas also took over the pageant scene with Trixie Maristela’s victory in the Miss International Queen, Ann Lorraine Colis’ win in Miss Globe, Angelia Ong’s big success in the Miss Earth, Leren Mae Bautista’s high accomplishment in Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International, and Wurtzbach’s renowned triumph in the Miss Universe. “It’s good that we’re finally getting the recognition that I think we deserve,” Wurtzbach said. n
TRIBUTE. The Japanese imperial couple have paid tribute to the country’s national hero Dr. Jose Rizal as they laid a wreath before his monument in Manila. The Official Gazette, through its social media pages, shared photos of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Rizal monument in Luneta. Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada was seen with the couple in the wreath-laying ceremony. Pia.gov.ph photo
the Philippines. Wurtzbach said the crown was given on loan and cannot be subjected to tax by the BIR, according to GMA News. Joined by her mother Cheryl Alonzo Tyndall, Wurtzbach also received the congressional medal of distinction on Tuesday afternoon. “I know you have our country in mind when making laws. On that note, we have the same inspiration, the Philippines. So let’s continue confidently working with a heart for the Filipino people,” Wurtzbach told 173 House members before receiving the House medal. (AJPress)
faced heavy fines and license points. Even the public was warned not to go outside. “If you want to go really quickly to someplace near your home, stay with your kids – adult supervision necessary,” de Blasio said on Saturday, Jan. 23. “This is a vastly intensifying storm and it’s slippery, it’s gusty. I, as a parent, wouldn’t let my kids out of my sight.” Many New Yorkers heeded warnings to stay home, but not after going to Central Park to snap a few photos and enjoy the blanket of snow covering the entire park. Among them were Fil-Ams Marilen Clemente and Nina del Rosario who both live in the city’s Upper East Side neighborhood and a few blocks away from Central Park. “I went to Chinatown and bought water and ingredients for sinigang on Friday,” Clemente told the Asian Journal. “I also readied water in a pail and other containers in case there’s electricity and water shortage. I also made sure my phone was fully charged.” Shortly after noon, Clemente and del Rosario went to Central Park to take some photos. “I was more excited than scared,” Clemente said. “But of course, we were careful and we were hoping that no one gets injured.” By 2:30 pm, it was announced that only emergency vehicles were allowed on the streets and by 4:00 pm, anyone caught walking around the city would be subject to a ticket and possible arrest. It was also around this time when the travel ban was imposed. The
Photo by Marilen Clemente
ban was lifted early Sunday morning. The blizzard of 2016 affected more than 60 million people as the storm’s effects stretched from Georgia to Massachusetts. According to Weather.com, eleven states have declared states of emergency. In Leesburg, Virginia, the snowfall was also as historic. With almost four feet of snow burying parts of the state, many private company employees were not able to report for work on Monday because of unplowed roads. Carol del Pilar-Boado, a banker, was one of them. The bank where she works is running on two-hour delays because of employee shortage. Out of their 35 branches, only six were able to open, including the branch where she works. “I’m not sure if the roads will be plowed by Tuesday, otherwise, I’d still be working from home,” she told the Asian Journal. Boado and her family were pre-
pared for the arrival of blizzard Jonas. They stocked up on food and the basics – eggs, water, bread and milk. She said she also marinated lots of meat, and on Friday, she cooked four Filipino dishes. “We were a little worried about losing power because we do not have a fireplace and it is freezing,” she added. “But we have flashlight batteries, lanterns, extra blankets in case we lose power.” Louise Bejer, a lawyer in midtown Manhattan, had no chance to prepare. “I worked late on Friday evening and I got home past midnight, by then there were already flurries,” she said. She was not that worried, though since she always keeps supplies in her apartment, from canned goods, frozen meats and fish in the freezer, bottled water, matches and candles. “I think the most preparation I did was I made sure that all of my gadgets were charged so if we lose power, I could still work,” she said. n
A JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
Report: Humans to lose 5 million jobs to robots by 2020 by Agnes
ConstAnte AJPress
BY the year 2020, humans are expected to lose a net of 5.1 millions of jobs to robots and artificial intelligence, according to a report from the World Economic Forum (WEF). In the report, 15 economies that make up 65 percent – about 1.9 billion workers – of the total global workforce were surveyed. About 7 million jobs will be lost while 2 million will be gained due to technological change in these developed and emerging nations. Robots have already begun taking over manual labor and jobs, such as cashiers, that involve redundant tasks. However, smarter machines are also jeopardizing more skilled occupations. “As entire industries adjust, most occupations are undergoing a fundamental transformation,” according to the report. “While some jobs are threatened by redundancy and others grow rapidly, existing jobs are also go-
ing through a change in the skill sets required to do them.” Jobs in every industry would be displaced, according to the report. But the effects would vary and the most at-risk jobs include data processing and administrative jobs. Latest findings say that two-thirds of anticipated losses will probably be in the office and administrative sectors. A Business Insider report states that humans could also lose nine jobs to robots: pharmacists, lawyers and paralegals, drivers, astronauts, store clerks, soldiers, babysitters, rescuers (the article notes that robots are able to search areas that are inaccessible to humans), and sportswriters and other reporters. CNN cited a Bank of America study stating that there is a 90 percent risk or more of the following jobs being replaced: bakers, butchers, tour guides, tax collectors, telemarketers, insurance sales agents, retail salespeople, clerks, accountants and pharmacy technicians. That report also stated that robots will likely be performing 45
concern on the continuing terrorist acts happening in many parts of the world, which are indiscriminately WITH terror attacks across the targeting innocents and civilians,” world becoming bolder and in- the Department of Foreign Affairs discriminately targeting civilians, (DFA) said in a statement. there is greater need for nations to The DFA issued the statement close ranks to fight terrorism “in all in the wake of terror attacks across its forms and wherever they may the globe, including in major urban occur,” a statement from Manila centers like Paris and Istanbul. addressed to the international A new UN action calls for a comcommunity said. prehensive approach to combating “The Philippines and the Fili- extremism, including taking syspino people stand in solidarity tematic preventive steps to address with other peace-loving countries the underlying conditions that and individuals in expressing deep drive individuals to radicalize and Philstar.com
Filipina fatally stabbed in…
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Isagani, a Vietnam War veteran, and Melita Fajotina moved to Hawaii from the Philippines. The retired couple previously worked at Queen’s Medical Center where he was a janitor and she was a nursing assistant. Several relatives, including a daughter and two grandchildren, and tenants live in the couple’s home. There were a few witnesses to the fatal domestic violence, according to police. “I couldn’t understand cause
the sister-in-law was screaming in Filipino and the daughter was just screaming, running out here waiting for the cops,” Wiiu Wilson, a tenant, told Hawaii News Now. The suspect’s sister-in-law also suffered a minor cut on her neck after trying to intervene, reports said. “There was one other individual who was injured when she attempted to intervene, but she was treated and she’s in good condition,” said Lt. Phillip Lavarias of the Honolulu Police Department.
http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426
percent of manufacturing tasks by 2025, compared to just 10 percent today. “To prevent a worst-case scenario – technological change accompanied by talent shortages, mass unemployment and growing inequality – reskilling and upskilling of today’s workers will be critical,” the authors wrote. “It is simply not possible to weather the current technological revolution by waiting for the next generation’s workforce to become better prepared.” Jobs involving much social interaction, empathy and intuition are least likely to be replaced by technology, according to CNN. Among these occupations include teachers, artists, mental health care workers, police and detectives, and social workers. Women are projected to be disproportionately affected, with more than five jobs lost for every one gained throughout the next five years, versus one job gained per three lost for men. This is due to the low participation of women in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. n
PH calls for international action vs terrorism by PiA Lee-BrAgo
Dateline USa
join violent extremist groups. The UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism appeals for concerted action by the international community and cites critical elements for its success including good governance, rule of law, political participation, quality education and decent jobs and full respect for human rights. The action plan provides more than 70 recommendations to UN member-states to prevent the further spread of violent extremism stemming from “poisonous ideologies. n A recent study presented by lawmakers found that 30 percent of fatal domestic violence cases in Hawaii involved Filipinos. “What stood out for me was the level of over-representation of D.V. related deaths within the Filipino community,” state Rep. Della Au Belatti, chairwoman of the House Health Committee, said according to Hawaii News Now. The study noted that most of the women killed previously sought help or contacted agencies, such as law enforcement, the prosecutor’s office, courts and health care providers. (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)
NEW MACHINES. Comelec employees demonstrate the new Vote Counting Machines (VCM) as part of the Comelec’s roadshow to showcase the VCM’s new security features. The VCM’s will be used for the upcoming national elections this May. Inquirer.net photo by Alexis Corpuz
Amb. Cuisia briefs Washington-based journalists on Philippine foreign policy WASHINGTON, DC—“In the past seven decades, the Philippines and the US have seen themselves become treaty allies, strategic partners and close friends. We believe that bilateral relations are truly at their best as they are comprehensive, dynamic and forward-looking,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said in the opening of his special briefing for the members of the National Press Club on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at the Philippine Embassy. The Ambassador briefed the audience on the outcomes of the recently-concluded 2nd Philippines-US Ministerial Dialogue, the Philippine Supreme Court’s favorable decision on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), and the Philippines’ position and advocacies on the South China Sea issue, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). “The Philippines and the United States recognize EDCA as a security component of our treaty alliance. It is especially critical to enhancing joint capacities for the provision of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and to increasing the inter-operability of the Philippine and US Armed Forces,” the envoy remarked. Capacity-building efforts form a significant part of PhilippinesUS defense cooperation. “We appreciate the commitment and assistance of the United States towards enhancing our capacity for maritime domain awareness and maritime security,” Ambassador Cuisia said. The Philippines and China are currently embroiled in a maritime row concerning certain areas in the South China Sea. The dispute led the Philippines to initiate arbitral proceedings under the 1982 United Nations Law of the Sea in January 2013. “Having an impartial third party rule on a case holds weight because one side will have the backing of international law,” the Ambassador explained. He also expressed support for sustained US Freedom of Navi-
gation operations (FONOPs) in critical sea lanes of communication. On the subject of regional economic integration, Ambassador Cuisia described the evolution of the AEC as a “slow and steady process that strikes a balance between the high ambition of full integration, and the realities of domestic constraints and equally important developmental objectives in the Member States.” “There is also clearly more complementarity today, rather than competition among ASEAN industries. Recent years have seen more trade within industries, belying the sceptics of the 1990s who predicted little impact and benefit from the ASEAN free trade area,” he added. Ambassador Cuisia also informed the group that expanding economic cooperation between the United States and ASEAN will be among the topics of discussion when US President Barack Obama hosts the ten ASEAN leaders, including Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III, in a special summit in California next month. The Ambassador likewise remarked that the key results of the Philippines’ hosting of APEC 2015 are “vital building blocks towards eventually achieving the Bogor Goals for free and open trade and investment in the Asia Pacific region”. Delving into the Philippines’ keen interest in the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), Ambassador Cuisia acknowledged the need to ensure that domestic economic reforms and good governance measures should parallel the high standards requirements of the TPP. He shared that the Philippines has engaged TPP participants in informal consultations in order to understand what would be required for accession to TPP. In the ensuing Q&A session, Ambassador Cuisia also fielded questions on Philippines-Japan relations, Philippines-US cooperation in countering terrorism and the good governance program of the Aquino Administration. “I have to say that the relations between Japan and the
Philippines have also never been better. Japan has been very, very supportive of the Philippines,” the envoy said, adding that Japan has consistently been the Philippines’ largest provider of official development assistance and leading trade partner. Japan’s assistance in boosting the Philippines’ defense and security capacities were also cited as proof of the strong ties between the two countries. On the May 2016 presidential elections, Ambassador Cuisia pointed to poverty as one of the top campaign and election issues. He said that the Philippines must continue with the good governance reforms of the Aquino Administration in order for the country to have a fighting chance in sustaining economic growth and alleviating poverty. The Ambassador’s briefing was well received by the members of the National Press Club (NPC). Tyler Crowe, who co-chairs the NPC’s International Correspondents Committee with Congressional Quarterly reporter Rachel Oswald, remarked, “This is our first event of the year. I’ve been to the Embassy of the Philippines a couple of years ago when I first joined the National Press Club. I have always loved coming here because everybody is so nice and I always end up learning a lot. I think 2016 is going to be a good year for our Committee as we plan to have a lot of really interesting and thoughtful panels with a lot of interesting and thoughtful people, and so I’m glad we can start it here.” “The National Press Club thoroughly enjoys the opportunities to greet Ambassadors from across the world and we really enjoyed the wonderful, educational conversation we had with Ambassador Cuisia,” said Mr. Thomas Burr, President of the National Press Club. Established in 1908, the National Press Club (NPC) is the world’s leading professional organization for journalists. It has over 3,500 members, including journalists from every major news organization. n
Filipino in Virginia Beach wins $1-M… PAGE A1 t thought he was misreading. He checked with his wife, Irene, then other family members to make sure he had won. “I was shocked; I couldn’t believe it,” Irene Mesina said. Including Messina, there were 72 $1 million winners -- 12 of whom are from California -- and eight $2 million winners. More than 635 million tickets were sold for the drawing. “I finally called my son when I realized the numbers matched,” he told Virginia’s WTKR News Channel 3. “The next day, I talked to a financial advisor so I can decide how to handle my winnings. I wanted to win the whole thing, but I’m lucky because I won a million!” Three winning tickets in Florida, California and Tennessee will share the largest prizes in the $1.5 billion jackpot. Wednesday’s drawing marked the first time a ticket matched all five numbers and the Powerball since the jackpot began on Nov. 7 at $40 million. The pot had been rolled over 20 times before winners emerged during Wednesday’s drawing.
Teofilo Mesina, 82, is joined by his wife Irene as he claims a $1 million Powerball prize. Photo courtesy of Powerball’s official website
Mesina is retired from working in a sign shop, where he bent glass. After claiming his prize, presented by the Virginia Lottery’s deputy director Randy Wright, he told reporters that he doesn’t any plans yet for how he
will spend the money, except to pay off his mortgage first. As an occasional lottery player, Mesina is not done trying his luck. “Of course, [I’ll] win some more money,” he said. (Allyson Escobar / AJPress)
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Dateline PhiliPPines
A
Roach still ‘bothered’ by Mayweather Aquino to Pia: If you hit nerve with vs Pacquiao fight, wants rematch leftists, you did something right by Dino
MaraGaY Philstar.com
MANILA – If there’s one person who is still finding it hard to move on from Manny Pacquiao’s loss to Floyd Mayweather in boxing’s richest fight ever, it is Freddie Roach. For Roach, that fight could have ended differently had Pacquiao not injured his right shoulder in training. “That [Mayweather-Pacquiao] fight really bothers me,” the bespectacled trainer said in a report by Keith Idec of NorthJersey.com. Roach is expected to arrive in the Philippines next week to open Pacquiao’s training camp for the Filipino icon’s fight with Timothy Bradley in April. It’s a fight – something Pacquiao insists would be his last – that Roach is confident of winning. Nevertheless, the multi-awarded cornerman admitted still being haunted by the ghost of the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight in Las Vegas last year. “I haven’t even watched it again because I’m just so [ticked] off about [it], because I thought Manny could’ve won that fight.
by Yuji
Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach
… Manny thought he won the fight anyway, but I think he could’ve done a lot more,” Roach continued. Pacquiao’s last-minute request to use anti-inflammatory injections was denied by the Nevada Athletic Association, which supervised the fight. Roach once again recalled Pacquiao complaining of pain in his shoulder during the fight. “But when he came back after the fourth round and said, ‘My shoulder’s shot,’ I said, ‘Well, do the best you can,’” said Roach.
Vincent Gonzales Inquirer.net
WHAT did President Benigno Aquino III think of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach’s controversial answer during the pageant’s coronation night? In an interview with Boy Abunda during her homecoming special at Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, Jan. 27 Wurtzbach shared the President’s reaction on her stand on American military presence in the country. “He said when you sparked the comments of the leftists, then you know you did something right,” Photo by Troi Santos Wurtzbach said. Wurtzbach said the President The trainer couldn’t hold back made the remark when she paid from expressing his desire for a a courtesy call on Tuesday. rematch between Mayweather The Filipino beauty queen’s and Pacquiao, saying the lure of answer during the Miss Universe money would be hard to resist. top five question and answer por“He [Pacquiao] still thinks he tion raised eyebrows among acwon the fight, but I don’t. And I tivists and politicians when she would like to get that one back,” said she did not find anything Roach added. wrong with US military presence “I did ask [Pacquiao’s promotin the country. er] Bob [Arum] if it [Mayweather “I think that the United States rematch] was a possibility and and the Philippines have always he doesn’t think so,” Roach said. had a good relationship with “But the way they both spend money, maybe they will fight again.” n
THE QUEEN AND THE PRESIDENT. President Benigno S. Aquino III receives Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach during her courtesy call on Tuesday, Jan. 26 in Malacañang. Miss Wurtzbach was joined by her mother, along with Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart, and Binibining Pilipinas Charities chairperson Stella Araneta. Malacañang photo by Gil Nartea
each other. We were colonized by the Americans and we have their culture and our traditions even up to this day and I think
that we’re very welcoming with the Americans. And I don’t see any problem with that at all,” she said. n
Archbishop Tagle urges Allies rally around Aquino, say he was misled families to eat together at home by leila
by nestor
corrales Inquirer.net
B. salaVerria
Inquirer.net
ADMINISTRATION allies, led by Senate President Franklin Drilon, rallied around President Aquino Wednesday as Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile attempted to pin the blame on the Commander in Chief the deadly clash between police commandos and Moro fighters in Mamasapano a year ago. At the reopening of the inquiry into the carnage in Maguindanao province, senators pointed to purported inaccurate information fed to the President by police officials about what was happening in the early hours of Jan. 25, 2015, which meant Mr. Aquino did not know what was actually happening on the ground. Enrile earlier said he would show that Mr. Aquino knew that the Special Action Force (SAF) troopers were being slaughtered in the clash with Moro fighters, but did nothing about it. Sen. Teofisto Guingona III pointed out that the text messages that suspended Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima sent to Mr. Aquino on the morning of Jan. 25 showed that the President was told that some 160 SAF fighters were up against 15 to 20 adversaries. Mr. Aquino was also informed that one SAF trooper was wounded. “Based on the information that was fed him, there was no basis for the President to be alarmed,” said Guingona, a member of the President’s Liberal Party. In the President’s mind, the operation was going as planned, he added. “That’s why I think it was unfair to say there was no concern on the part of the President.” Guingona pointed out that Purisima told the President that the SAF troopers had mechanized and artillery support from the military.
CEBU CITY—”Restore family meals,” thus said Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on Thursday as he urged families to break individualism when eating meals. “The basic unit of the meal is the table, the common table. Nowadays, the basic unit of the meal is my plate. And if I have Senate President Franklin M. Drilon grills retired Philippine National my plate with food on it, I can Police (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF) Director Getulio Napeñas, go anywhere and eat by myself,” resigned PNP Chief Alan Purisima (both not in picture), and other Tagle said. officials of the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) “But that is not a meal. That is during the re-opening of the Senate probe on the Mamasapano just eating,” he said. encounter on Wednesday, Jan. 27. The prelate urged families to Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo break the culture of individualWith this information, an ordinary person would ism in the home. conclude the operation was going all right, he add“Individualistic persons know ed. how to eat, but they don’t know how Purisima sought to clarify, though, that he did to participate in a meal,” he said. not mislead the President by giving him that inforHe explained that during a mation. It was just what was available at that time, he said. Sen. Sonny Angara also attempted to show that contrary to what had been reported, there was no order to military, police and security officials from the President to stand down during the clash in order not to jeopardize the government’s peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Angara asked the officials present during the hearing to say whether they had received any directive from Mr. Aquino to withhold assistance to the SAF troopers. None of them said they got such an order. Former SAF chief Getulio Napeñas was among those who said he did not get this kind of order missive. n
Binay camp belittles Senate probe: No credible, admissible evidence THE CAMP of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday, Jan. 26 belittled the findings of the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee, saying that after 25 hearings it was unable to prove the corruption allegations against Binay. Binay’s political spokesperson Rico Quicho said the final hearing Tuesday “highlighted the obvious’’ as “no credible and admissible evidence has been presented to support the outrageous allegations against the Vice President.’’ “The hearings were just a waste of time and resources of the Senate,’’ Quicho said in a statement he issued after the almost three-hour hearing. The Senate subcommittee concluded its hearings Tuesday after more than a year of inquiry into allegations that Binay and his family had amassed illegal wealth through projects and programs under the city government and under him as Vice President. The subcommittee submitted last year a partial report recom-
mending plunder and graft cases against Binay in connection with construction of the Makati City Hall Building II. No-show Binay did not participate in the proceedings of the subcommittee and lashed out against senators for the way they treated witnesses from the city government and certain agencies under him. In a statement, Quicho also claimed that key witnesses, particularly lawyer Renato Bondal and former Makati City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, had “no personal knowledge whatsoever on the issue they testified on.’’ He belittled Bondal for basing his testimonies “from newspaper clippings from a biased newspaper,’’ in reference to the Inquirer. In the case of Mercado, he said the former vice mayor just retold “lies’’ he had been saying since last year. “The rest of the ‘testimonies’ are just political rhetoric from a vice presidential candidate lagging
behind in the surveys,’’ Quicho said of Trillanes. Evidence against VP Binay’s camp also belied Trillanes’ claim that the folders that the Vice President had presented in a television ad were actually evidence against Binay. Joey Salgado, Binay’s media affairs head, said that the folders were submitted by the Makati City government to show cooperation in the Senate and that the contents showed that “all transactions and projects are transparent and in compliance with established rules and procedures.’’ He said senators had admitted they were not able to read all the documents, adding this was not a surprise considering that the senators had prejudged the matter even before the start of the hearings. Salgado also said the photo of folders used in a TV ad of Binay were taken last year and showed these were in a store room “gathering dust.’’ (Christina Avendaño/ Inquirer.net)
Sen. Trillanes and Sen. Pimentel watch a presentation during the regarding the alleged P1.601 billion overpricing of the 11 storey new Makati City hall parking building and the alleged irregular transcations entered into by the HDMF/PAGIBIG Fund and the Boy Scout of the Philippines under the leadership of Vice President Jejomar Binay at the senate on Tuesday, Jan. 26. Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande
meal, family members share more than the food. “It is during common meals that we also share common stories. We don’t only share food. We share life,” he said. The cardinal said many values are developed when having meals with the family. “Trust, sharing, and sensitivity are developed when having meals with the family,” he said, adding these are not developed in a seminar. “So when the moment family meals are absent, where do we learn sensibility and all of these?” he asked. But the cardinal admitted that were a lot of factors that prevented families from sharing meals together. One is traffic, he said. “If we want to restore family meals, we should address the is-
sue of traffic.” He cited that in Metro Manila, the mother will cook at 6 p.m. for the family dinner but the husband and their children would arrive late because of traffic congestion in the metropolis. He suggested that families could have a meal together at least once a week. He cited an example when families have many television sets, computers and other gadgets that distract them from having a meal together. “So instead of coming together in one table, each one takes his or her own plate. I go to my television. I go to my computer. I go to my iPod. And then we all eat but not together, as a meal,” he said. “So we can have, for example, at least once a week, a time when, okay no television, we face each other,” he added. n
A JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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OpiniOn
Features
Recurrence
IT has been a year since the bloodbath between the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), and elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and private armed groups in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. That fateful Sunday on Jan. 25, 2015 left 44 elite policemen and 19 Moro rebels dead. The government’s failure to successfully resolve the Mamasapano encounter has become emblematic of persistent dangers that affect everyone. Criminal charges have been filed against 90 commander and members from different Moro entities, but justice has yet to be delivered for the victims’ kin. Justice department spokesman and Undersecretary Emmanuel Caparas said the agency is aware of the cry for justice for the families of the slain policemen and vowed to have a resolution soon. “The DOJ continues to do what it needs to do so that it can deliver justice to all parties involved. Let’s just say the authorities are moving as quickly as they can, as responsibly as they can, as judiciously as they can so that justice may be delivered,” Caparas said. Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile initiated the resumption of the Senate investigation into the Mamasapano encounter and vowed to implicate Pres. Benigno Aquino III for his active and direct involvement in the planning and preparation of the botched “Oplan Exodus.” For Sen. Bongbong Marcos, the reopening of the Senate investigation will address the government’s unfulfilled promises and the continuing
cries for justice of families of the 44 slain SAF commandos. “No case has been filed in court to prosecute those responsible. We owe it to the families of the SAF heroes to resolve these issues and the Senate investigation will allow us the opportunity to do that,” Marcos said. Earlier, Aquino admitted that he believes that the resumption of the Senate investigation is fueled by politics and an attempt to put blood on his hands. “We all know that the campaign period is coming soon. Among our opponents, they see that this has been the greatest burden I have had since I took office. Perhaps, they are trying to take this opportunity,” Aquino said, alluding to his administration’s rivals. Meanwhile, on the first anniversary of the Mamasapano encounter on Monday, Jan. 25 Aquino awarded the fallen SAF troopers with medals to honor their their gallantry during the operation that resulted in the death of Zulkifli Abdhir (also known as Marwan), who was one of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most wanted terrorists. “On this day, we are gathered to honor the valiant efforts of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force. Together with the whole nation,
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
we whole-heartedly recognize them for their service. To our valiant SAF: Thank you so much for your heroism to promote peace,” Aquino said in Filipino after presenting the posthumous awards to the fallen SAF troopers’ families. The President also assured them of the government’s assistance and vowed justice over the killings. Another victim of the Mamasapano encounter is the fate of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). The peace pact made between the national
government and Muslim rebels in the country— meant allow comprehensive growth and development in the southern region—has been gaining headway, and an expected passage in the legislature was already underway, until the Mamasapano tragedy occurred. Depending on the outcome of the Senate investigation, the future of the peace and stability in Mindanao will remain in a precarious balance. (AJPress)
Surprises ahead of the start of presidential election primaries and caucuses IN less than a week, the race to the White House takes off in Iowa for both the Democratic and the Republican parties. The voters of this state and all the others, as scheduled perhaps until summer, will head to the polls and choose the candidate who they believe will best represent the principles, vision and advocacies of their party. The developments of the week preceding the February 1 Iowa caucuses headlined so many unexpected twists and turns many were not expecting in the past six months. The Bush brand did not seem well for Jeb Bush, who many thought would be the frontrunner for the GOP, but six debates later and the entry of billionaire real estate mogul and reality TV star Donald Trump has shaken and perhaps redefined what “conservative” means for the Republican Party. Donald Trump has been perceived as someone embracing more liberal principles, and yet he has emerged to be the candidate most likely to be the nominee of the Republican Party. Trump dominated the recent CNN/ORC poll with 41 percent of Republican voters nationwide saying they
former Maryland Gov. Martin will vote for the billionaire. CNN O’Malley’s 3 percent. Sanders further reported that more than The Fil-Am remains the frontrunner in New two-thirds believe he will win the Perspective Hampshire, the first primary party’s nomination. state after Iowa with a 56 perTrump has beaten candidates cent to 34 percent advantage in the polls who were more traover Clinton. ditional Republicans embracThe surge of Bernie Sanders ing conservative principles with Gel SantoS-ReloS in the polls over time has been strong ties to evangelical Chrisfueled by the support of the tians. According to CNN, the nearest competitor, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, got 19 younger voters who see the 75-year-old senator as the candidate who can bring real change in percent support in the poll. The CNN/ORC poll revealed that no other can- America, with his “democratic socialism” prindidate hit double-digits. Florida Sen. Marco Ru- ciple. This is different from the Soviet Union kind of bio landed at 8 percent, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson at 6 percent, former Florida Gov. Jeb socialism, and Sanders defined it in the recent Bush at 5 percent, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie Democratic town hall meeting in Iowa: “What democratic socialism means to me is at 4 percent, and the rest at 1 percent or less. In the Democratic Party, the latest Fox News that economic rights, the right to economic secuPoll shows frontrunner Hillary Clinton’s national rity, should exist in the United States of America,” lead among likely Democratic primary voters has said Sanders, who calls himself a “democratic socialist.” He said the term means that government narrowed -- 49 percent to Sanders’ 37 percent. In Iowa, the Fox news poll reveals Clinton with listens to the middle class as much as it listens 48 percent support to Sanders’ 42 percent and to the rich, and that government helps students
have access to college. “Creating a government that works for all of us, not just a handful of people on the top. That’s my definition of democratic socialism.” The CNN-sponsored debate highlighted how each candidate differentiated themselves from each other, with Clinton perceived as the more “experienced” candidate while Sanders highlighted that aside from his experience and preparedness for the highest post in the nation, he has the better judgement to be President. We will know by February 1 who among the candidates in both parties will have the wind behind their backs heading to New Hampshire. And we will see if another billionaire, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, will join the race as he has been seriously thinking of doing so. 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
IS THERE A PLAN ‘P’?
If Aquino couldn’t trust Roxas, why should we? when they were on IF presidential canthe presidential jet didate Manuel Roxas Commentary for an hour-and-a-half II looked so morose just sitting, watching at the Senate hearing the clouds pass by on the other day on the their way to ZamboMamasapano massaanga City? cre—especially when What kind of a head Senator Juan Ponce RiGobeRto tiGlao of our internal secuEnrile grilled him on rity was he? An interwhy he did not do anything to save the massacred police national terrorist was terminated, there commandos—it was most probably be- was an operation still ongoing in which cause he has already been mourning the the troopers were in some trouble, yet fatal impact of that incident on his bid to Roxas didn’t even take the initiative to discuss these important developments be the next Philippine President. Enrile snarled at him and Defense with the President? Almost the whole day of Jan. 25, 2015 Secretary Voltaire Gazmin: “You two are in charge of the nation’s security! You in Zamboanga, Roxas was with Aquino, on internal security, Secretary Gazmin getting messages that indicated that the (who sat beside Roxas) on external se- police troopers were trapped in enemy curity, but you did nothing [to save the territory, and the defense secretary— who could have given express orders to 44 Special Action Force troopers]?” Indeed, Roxas by his own admis- the military to save the SAF troops—was sion, said that he was informed of Oplan by his side. Yet Roxas didn’t bother to ask—to Exodus, its success in killing a wanted international terrorist, Marwan, and of demand—that Aquino call for an emerthe troopers’ difficulties at about 7:00 gency command conference to deterin the morning, after which, he said, he mine exactly what was happening and promptly informed President Aquino plan how to save the SAF members who through an SMS message of what he were still locked in battle. He was exchanging text messages just learned. “What was Aquino’s response?” he with his police officials, of course. But was asked. Roxas said, “He replied: no, he did not bother to ask for a command conference. Why? ‘thank you’.” “When I got the reports of an encounDidn’t Roxas find that response strange? Did he not get angry that the ter, it seemed just another encounter police, which was supposed to be under in the normal course of events. There him, undertook probably the most im- was no sense of urgency,” he said. He portant anti-terrorist operation ever in thought it was just another encounter, in the country, and he knew nothing about which an international terrorist is killed in a raid deep into Muslim insurgent terit? Why did he not ask Aquino about it ritory?
What did the police officials need to do to emphasize to him a “sense of urgency?” Show him pictures of bloody SAF troopers on the ground? Roxas’ excuses could have sounded logical if he were in his office in Manila, and moving from meeting to meeting. But he wasn’t. The whole day he was with the President, ranking police and military officers, and with defense secretary Gazmin, as reports on the carnage in Mamasapano trickled in. Did he not find it strange that Aquino the other day suddenly asked him to go to Zamboanga ostensibly to check what really happened in the reported bomb attack in the city, only to be told when they got there that an international terrorist had been killed in Mamasapano near Cotabato City, an hour away by helicopter from where they were? Roxas’ last excuse was pathetic: “I didn’t even know there was an operation going on. We were blinded, and we didn’t know we were blinded,” referring to the fact Aquino had not informed him and defense secretary Gazmin of Oplan Exodus. “The entire morning I and Voltz (Gazmin) were looking at each other, wondering what was happening,” he even dared to say. The President didn’t trust him and Gazmin enough to tell them about Oplan Exodus. When he found out about it early in the morning, Roxas did not even have the guts to ask Aquino what was really going on, who had the task of informing the President about the progress of the operation and why the President blindsided him on such an important operation, to demand that the Zambo-
anga visit be cut short so that the entire presidential party could focus on taking immediate action to save the lives of the SAF troops under him. That would have been leadership. Men with just an iota more of integrity would have resigned right there and then, refusing to accept and dignify the President’s act of going over his head in the chain of command and demonstrating to the whole world that he didn’t trust his interior secretary. And this guy of weak command sinews and moral fiber wants to be President of this Republic? Aquino himself couldn’t trust Roxas with Oplan Exodus, why are they, then, asking us to trust him to run the country? The Mamasapano and “Yolanda” disasters were litmus tests for Roxas to show his leadership. He utterly failed. The Mamasapano hearing the other day provided the last nails for Roxas’ political entombment. Plan “P” I have been hearing rumors that given Roxas’ inability to demonstrate his leadership and his low poll ratings, Aquino and his Yellow Cult—worried that they could end up in jail this year if they lost power—are launching a Plan B, or rather Plan “P,” which involves shifting their support and resources to Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares. The talk is that Roxas has been forced to rely almost entirely on the AranetaRoxas wealth, rather than on the Liberal Party-Yellow Cult’s campaign kitty, and that the new Interior Government Secretary Senen Sarmiento had been given explicit instructions to wait for express
orders from Aquino and Senator Franklin Drilon on the release of DILG funds for use in the May election campaign. The Mamasapano hearing provided us with indications that Aquino may have, indeed, shifted his support to Llamanzares. Llamanzares appeared to be supportive of the plot to clear Aquino of any accountability for the Mamasapano massacre, and seemed to want the hearing to end as soon as possible. Aquino’s lawyer, Senate President Franklin Drilon, was on Llamanzares’ side the whole time, and had been seen whispering to her from time to time. Although I admire very much presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte for his anti-elite worldview, the Mamasapano hearing added to my suspicion that his bark may be worse than his bite. He has been bragging that he knows what really happened in the Mamasapano massacre because he was there, hinting that he was in the confidential briefings with the President. While he says the information he holds is confidential, he may be forced to disclose what he knows in a Senate hearing. But Enrile issued an open invitation for him to attend the hearing. He made no appearance at the Senate and we don’t hear his bark over Mamasapano any more. The only presidential candidate that has been unscathed by this Mamasapano hearing is Vice President Jejomar Binay. Quite cleverly, and in contrast to Duterte, he has kept his mouth shut— after commiserating profusely with the SAF 44 relatives last year, and the image embedded now in the public’s mind is that of Binay saluting a huge mural of the fallen troopers. (ManilaTimes.net)
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2016
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MILF unit formed in bid to counter ISIS spread
COTABATO CITY—The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said it has formed a task force to counter the recruitment activities being conducted in the name of the Islamic State (IS) group in Central Mindanao and nearby areas. Mohagher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator, said the forming of the task force came in the wake of confirmed reports that some personalities, claiming to have links with IS, have been convincing people in areas like Cotabato, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur to support and join their cause for the establishment of an Islamic caliphate. “The recruitment activities as well the video of their training that came out were authentic,” Iqbal said. However, he said that the MILF is still verifying if the recruitment is well-organized. “But whether or not there is already a formal organization of the IS in Mindanao, that is still a subject for validation,” Iqbal said.
He said the task force that the MILF has formed, which is composed of Islamic preachers in Mindanao, aims to counter the distortion of the Koran and Islamic teachings by those recruiting for IS. Sheikh Abu Hurayrah Abdulrahman Udasan, grand mufti of the Philippines, had said the recruitment activities by IS-inspired personalities in Mindanao was disturbing and alarming as they openly flout the teachings of the Koran. It is for this reason, Udasan said, that IS is haram (forbidden) and its teachings not recognized. “[IS] is against the teachings of Koran. The teaching of Koran is peace, they are extremists, sometimes they execute people, even women, this is un-Islamic,” he said. Iqbal said some people, including Moro professionals, had been swayed into IS because of frustration over the fate of the Bangsamoro. “They are frustrated. They thought their leaders in the
MILF and Moro National Liberation Front have abandoned their struggle. The failure in the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law is also a source of frustration,” he said. The recruitment activities of the IS-inspired Al-Ansar Khalifa was first confirmed by Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr., who said that 30 of the recruits came from this city. Early this month, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte also confirmed that an IS-affiliated group has already started recruiting members in Mindanao and unless the government moves, a serious terror attack could soon occur. Joel Maturan, former mayor of Ungkaya Pukan in Basilan, also said he knew that there has been IS recruitment in Basilan. In December, the military maintained that there was no conclusive evidence that IS exists in Mindanao even with its admission that a Malaysian jihadist had recently been killed in Basilan. (Jeoffrey Maitem, Inquirer.net)
Comelec ties up with Facebook for 2016 polls
ROUSING WELCOME. Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. receives a warm welcome from supporters and residents during a meeting with multi-sectoral groups in Brgy, 145 in Sto, Nino, Pasay City. Senate photo
PH warns Taiwan for increasing tensions in disputed sea South China Sea,” Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose said in a statement. Ma’s visit aims to emphasize the sovereignty claim of Taiwan over the South China Sea. Taiwan shares overlapping claims with China, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines over territories in the disputed sea. The Taiwanese leader will step down in May after eight years in office due to term limits. Meanwhile, the United States expressed its disappointment for
Ma’s plan to travel to the Itu Aba Island as it could exacerbate tensions in the region. “I stressed the importance of finding common ground among the claimants and avoiding the destabilizing cycle of mistrust or escalation,” US Secretary of State John Kerry said following a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The US takes no position on territorial claims over the islands but says that developments in the South China Sea are a matter of national security. n
states that detainees can vote through a special polling place inside jails or escorted to vote MANILA—A total of 42,252 in- elsewhere if the registration remates nationwide will be allowed cord is not transferred, deactito vote on May 9, a Bureau of vated, canceled or deleted. Jail Management and Penology Solda explained that if a jail fa(BJMP) officer said Thursday, cility has more than 100 inmates Jan. 28. and the polling precincts are far, Jail Inspector Xavier Awican the detainees can vote within the Solda told The STAR that the jail complex. Commission on Elections (ComHowever, if there are fewer elec) and the BJMP are in the than 100 inmates, they will be process of finalizing the rules escorted to the nearest polling and policies for detainee regis- precincts. An exclusive lane will tration and voting, although he be created for them for security added that the provisions in the reasons. 2013 elections would most likely He gave assurance that maximum security would be provided Commission on Elections Chair Juan Andres Bautista on Thursday signed the agreement with Facebook executives Katie Harback and Elizabeth be implemented. Comelec Resolution 9371 for personnel and inmates, esHernandez for its partnership for the May 9 elections. Philstar.com photo by Sheila Crisostomo
pecially in areas considered as election hot spots, having coordinated the activity with the police and the military. The BJMP, he added, recognizes the prisoners’ right to vote and must ensure a safe and secured voting process for them. This is the third time that Comelec allows detainees to vote. The first was in 2010 with 17,000 detained registered voters followed with 27,105 in 2013. The BJMP has informed its regional directors and would conduct simultaneous education orientations for inmates and personnel once the rules and regulations for the 2016 elections are finalized. n
by Patricia Lourdes
Viray
nandez signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the partnerMANILA—The Commission on ship. The MOA also includes an Elections (Comelec) on Thursday sealed its partnership with Face- agreement with Facebook to book to promote the May 9 elec- source out questions for Comelec’s debates for presidential and tions. Comelec Chair Juan Andres vice presidential candidates. The poll body recently anBautista, Facebook executives Katie Harback and Elizabeth Her- nounced its partnership with Philstar.com
by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com
Twitter to enable voters to interact with top election candidates. The Comelec earlier announced to move the start of ballot printing for the upcoming elections from February 1 to February 8. The poll body moved the printing of ballots again as it is “still cleansing the lists of candidates.” n
Viray
MANILA—The Philippines on Thursday warned Taiwan for supposedly increasing tensions in the disputed South China Sea. This follows the visit of outgoing Taiwan President Ma Yingjeou to Itu Aba or Taiping Island which is part of the Spratly Islands. “We remind all parties concerned of our shared responsibility to refrain from actions that can increase tension in the
42,252 inmates can vote in May by charmie Joy
PaguLong Philstar.com
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JA N uA RY 29, 20 1 6
Nina Sophia Mojares
The multi-faceted Miss New Jersey’s Outstanding Teen 2016 by BoBBy T. yalong
J
ust when you thought that after more than a month Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach victoriously snatched the most coveted crown at the recently concluded Miss Universe 2015 that finally ended the 42 years of title drought for the Philippines, the irresistibly overwhelming pageant fever would die down and gradually fade into oblivion, think again. The winning streak of the Philippines continues to garner prestige in the international pageant scene following the yearender crowning of Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International Leren Mae Magnaye Bautista last December 31, 2015 at Sepang Utara, Malaysia and Babylyn Decena Newfield who brought home the bacon after being crowned Mrs. Grandma Universal and Best in National Costume in an international pageant for grandmothers held in Sofia, Bulgaria last January 21, 2016. Incidentally, in the eastern seaboard of the USA, another Filipina made history that distinctly stamped a mark and carved a niche in the annals of local pageantry. Last January 9, 2016, Nina Sophia Mojares, a stunner from Freehold, New Jersey who represented Monmouth County, bested 21 candidates from different New Jersey cities, townships, and counties via a rigid and grueling clash of beauty, brain-power, and platforms to vie for the Miss New Jersey Outstanding Teen 2016 title held in Millville, New Jersey. Aside from the title and overall category winner, Nina received
$4,000 in the form of scholarship money and the honor to represent and influence New Jersey youths to become well-rounded individuals. A junior at the Freehold Township High School with a 4.64 GPA and a student in the Global Studies Learning Center, Nina is one bundle of feminine pulchritude gifted with impressive multi-faceted talents: she’s a singersongwriter, a national ballroom champion, a TV and print ad model, a school and community theater actress, a potential instrumentalist with virtuosity in piano and the guitar, a model student, and just recently another feather was added to her already feathery cap…a state beauty title as Miss New Jersey’s Outstanding Teen 2016. If this grandiosity of assets wasn’t remarkably astounding enough to make your jaw drop, consider this: the young beauty queen is ambitiously armed with a gargantuan advocacy - her self-proclaimed platform for the education of the under-privileged children. Such ruthlessly huge idea commonly associated with politically motivated public servants but this juvenile beauty titlist has been voluntarily active in its
With Miss World 2013 Megan Young
implementation quite well equipped with self-persuasion and inherent compassion. This was actually one of her winning points… her noteworthy platform: “Building Resilient Communities: Youth Empowerment.” Unlike in international pageants where finalists are confronted with just a common question, the New Jersey Outstanding Teen pageant, a sister organization of Miss America, merely based the subject inquiry from the contestant’s resume where their individual platforms are affirmed. All throughout the pageant, Nina was in her innate best with fiducial confidence sans trepidation, fiddling tension, and agitation. “I was just enjoying the moment. I just want to really feel the experience of the journey although winning was foremost on my mind… who wouldn’t think of that? That’s exactly the purpose of your joining the competition,” Nina justifiably rationalized sounding unruffled and confident. “And besides, I was competing with New Jersey’s best of the best…so, I might as well give the most of what I’ve got and what I could offer.” Getting to know Miss NJ’s Outstanding Teen 2016 The newly crowned teen beauty has a roster of achievements neatly tucked under her sleeves. Educational and Community recognitions: selected from over 700 applicants to enroll in the Talented Academic & Gifted Program; enrolled in Honors and Advanced Placement Classes; attended the National Young Leaders State Conference in Princeton, NJ; recipient of National Honor Society; and recipient of the Outstanding
Nina Sophia Mojares’ winning form
Richard Krauss Photography
Nina during her crowning and bequeathal
Richard Krauss Photography
information about the deplorable learning situation of the youths in Honduras that she personally addressed in her own humble way. As the lead singer of the rock band “All The Stops”, Nina is still a kid at heart despite her voluminous Nina already showed queenly potential even notable achievements. Nina, who during her Honduras voluntarism. just turned 18 last January 15, Achievement Award from the loves to play Xbox with her 11-year Freehold High School District and old brother, Christian and enjoys Board of Education for Academics painting her nails in different hues and Community Services. from the more than hundred nail Community activities: She held polish in her growing collection. the Treasurer position when she The first born of Dennis E. volunteered for “Students Helping Mojares, Jr. (of UBS Financial Honduras;” a Student Government Services) and Jeanette Sangalang officer; Publicity Chair for Drama Waga Mojares (Director of Strategic Club; a Member of “Special Strides Enterprise Marketing at Comcast : Therapeutic Center for Kids;” Corporation), this Capricorn-born performed at the fundraiser relief beauty stands 5 feet and 6 inches events for Typhoon Haiyan, Hurrican on her dainty frame base and Sandy, Make-A-Wish Foundation, tips the scale at 115 pounds with Relay For Life, and Special Olympics vital statistics of 34-25-34 with 2014; and rendered the National proportional curves in the right Anthem at the Madison Square places. A fine-heeled dresser with Garden, the US Tennis Open meticulous penchants for the latest Championships, and at the Carnegie fashion styles, Nina feels at her Hall. best when wearing her favorite Self-sacrificing, accessory: a bangle or bracelet. dedicated,considerate with a Nina, just like any ordinary teen, munificent heart, Nina chose to go has also her favorites: among the on a trip to Honduras in lieu of an all- many movies she has watched, “Les inclusive Caribbean cruise with the Miserables” got on the top of her list; family. Together with her classmates, when trying to while the time, find Nina was able to gather first-hand her in a cozy nook reading “The Fault
in our Stars” or watching her favorite TV show, “The Voice;” movie actress Anne Hathaway tickles her envious nerves while Adele’s music simply calms her down; and when you want her to forget maintaining her figure and physical regimen, serve her sushi, pizza, or penne vodka. But if others will choose either cellphones or car keys or any material stuff that makes them feel good when asked what they cannot live without, Nina’s instant response would be “My family!” which easily gives away her closely knitted kinoriented upbringing. When queried what degree she is keenly leaning on to after high school: “I want to become a Child Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician because I love taking care of little kids. My three cousins are facing developmental challenges and they serve as my inspirations. Their conditions all the more ignited that passion in me to seriously consider this degree.” As an alternative choice or in the event when she needs to dodge away from the boredom or the monotony of her daily grind, Nina relies on her not-so-secret dream: to become a professional singerperformer or an accomplished Broadway or movie actress. Continued on Page 4
Regine on success: You have to be passionate What Derek Ramsay learned from Solenn Heussaff by Dolly anne carvaJal Inquirer
Regine Velasquez does not believe that anyone can inherit the title of an icon in the industry.
by Joyce Jimenez Philstar
REGINE Velasquez is one of those personalities who has been in the business for years, and still being looked up to by every generation. The secret to her success? Passion. “If you have passion with what you do, I think ‘yon ang umaangat. ‘Yon ang tumatagal sa industriya,” she said about her staying power in the business, during the press conference for “Royals” on Tuesday. A lot of talents today are being discovered through different talentsearch shows or social media sites like YouTube. Regine herself started by joining and winning different singing contests, but her win in “Bagong
Kampeon” made her realize that she finally wanted to become a recording artist. “So I won in ‘Bagong Kampeon’ and after that I had to work doubly hard pa. Kasi kumbaga hindi na ako nagko-contest, e, I wanted to be a recording artist na during that time. So I had to work really, really hard,” she recalled. “Now a days, even if you have the backing of the network, you still have to work hard. Parang I’ve noticed also na parang hindi porket you have the backing of the network is sisikat ka na agad. Hindi na rin pala gano’n ngayon,” she said. “You also have to prove yourself pa rin to the people, to the audience, gano’n,” she added. Regine’s advice to the
WHO says ex-lovers can’t be friends? Derek Ramsay and Solenn Heussaff dispel that notion. They are living proof that love can give way to friendship. The gorgeous ex-sweethearts topbill Regal Entertainment’s zany Valentine movie, “Love is Blind,” along with Kiray Celis and Kean Cipriano. Derek portrays a spoiled bachelor (Wade) who turns his back on sassy girlfriend Maggie (Solenn) when he meets Fe (Kiray)—a hotel intern who looks so much like his ex. Unknown to Wade, Fe’s Philstar.com photo secret weapon is a love potion younger generation of singers is that transforms her into Maggie’s to “be passionate with what you character every time she and Wade do.” meet. The story line is so hilarious “Kasi you really have to be that its full trailer has reached passionate with what you do,” she over one million views and likes in explained. “I guess, kasama rin Regal’s social media accounts. ‘yon sa ibang work, kung saan ka The movie will make you laugh passionate doon ka mas nagiging your heartaches away. Love isn’t all successful. I can’t remember who romance and drama—it can also be said it but, ‘God gave us special funny. If love ain’t fun, why bother? talents. All of us were given special “Love is Blind” opens on Feb. 10. talents.’” Here’s my tête-à-tête with Derek: So when you find yourself Do you believe that love is pursuing a career not lined with blind? your college degree, Regine believes Yup. Love is intangible. When that it is because “yon ang passion you fall in love, you can’t really find mo, and you don’t realize na that the words to explain it. You just feel passion pala is your gift. So it’s really it! up to us to find out what that gift is How does your girlfriend, and you’ll be happy whatever it is Joanne Villablanca, feel about you you do.” working with your ex, Solenn?
Ex-lovers-turned-friends Derek Ramsay and Solenn Heussaff behind the scenes for their latest movie project called “Love Is Blind.” Inquirer.net photo
She’s OK with it. She knows who Solenn is to me and my family. She’s happy to see that Solenn and I are mature enough to be friends. How is it possible that you have remained friends after your breakup? Though they say it’s wrong to be friends with an ex, it works for me. For the sake of whatever we’ve shared, I am friends with most of my exes. If you and Solenn could travel back in time, what would you have done differently to make your relationship last? We had a great relationship. No regrets. I wouldn’t change a thing. What’s the biggest lesson that Solenn taught you? The value of true friendship, which manifests itself on- and offscreen.
What makes your relationship with your girlfriend work? We have mutual respect for each other. Have you met Solenn’s boyfriend, Nico Bolzico? Yes. He’s a very nice guy. If Cupid were real, what would you ask him? Why is he in diapers? If you and Solenn were “single,” would reconciliation be possible? We have become very good friends—and I’d like it to stay that way. What’s your reaction to the rumor that your ex, Angelica Panganiban, has split up with John Lloyd Cruz? I don’t want to get involved with rumors. Let’s respect Angelica’s relationship.
Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ IF, years ago, you were petitioned by an employer, and that employer’s petition (Form I -140) was approved, but you never received a green card from that case, a new employer could petition you, and you could possibly have the old priority date transferred to the new case. This could save years of waiting time for a green card, as you could utilize the old priority date from the first employer’s case. In addition, it does not even need to be the same type of job! For example, a person was petitioned as a caregiver in 2000, and their I-140 was approved. However, before the person could adjust status, the employer went out of business, and the case was never concluded. Years later, in 2015, the person had a new employer who will petition them as an accountant. Of course, they will still need to file a new labor certification application (PERM) and have it certified by the Department of Labor, and have a new I-140 filed and approved by USCIS for an accountant. However, they could then have the old 2000 priority transferred to the newly
It could be possible to retain and transfer your old employment-based priority date – filed Form I-140. Even though the USCIS is currently processing cases with 2007 priority dates, if a person is able to retain and transfer their older (or earlier) priority date, they would be immediately eligible to file for adjustment of status and get a green card, instead of waiting years for the later priority date to become current! The regulation states that a “petition approved on behalf of an alien. . . accords the alien the priority date of the approved petition for any subsequently filed petition for any classification. . . for which the alien may qualify.” If a person has several approved petitions, the person is entitled to the earliest priority date. (Note: transferring of priority dates in this manner applies only for employment based petitions; not for family based petitions.) If you have a previously approved employment – based petition, and you believe you may be eligible under this regulation, you should seek the advice of an attorney, who can evaluate your situation, and determine your eligibility. I also want to caution you that there are other requirements as well, such as if you are out of
capital. IBC-13 was also in financial distress–operating at an average net loss of P45.26 million from 2010 to 2014 and receiving operational subsidies amounting to P23.56 million in 2015. The privatization should pave the way for the infusion of additional capital to revitalize the network, which will also be able to operate with more flexibility as a private entity. The privatization of IBC-13 will be done through public bidding with an estimated floor price of P1.977 billion. A committee composed of representatives from GCG, the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), and IBC-13 shall implement and conduct the said process.
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JA N uA RY 29, 20 1 6
status, you may still need the benefit of section 245(i)-- if your priority date was after April 30, 2001. In addition, if your previous petition was revoked or denied, you may not be eligible to transfer the priority date to another petition. However, if your situation qualifies, you could save years of waiting time for a green card by retaining and transferring an older employment – based priority date. *** 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 re-enactments) 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 attorney-client 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)
Aquino approves privatization of IBC-13 PRESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III has approved the privatization of Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13) based on the recommendation of the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG). The privatization rationalizes the State’s portfolio in the Communications Sector in view of the overlap with PTV-4, which is already sufficient to address market failures in the private broadcast industry, such as providing programs with social value but are not considered profitable. This comes in the wake of the recent revitalization of PTV-4 mandated by Republic Act No. 10390 which identified the privatization of IBC-13 as one of the sources of funding the increase in PTV-4’s
An Asian Journal Magazine
Since GCG’s establishment in 2011 as the central advisory and oversight body for ensuring the active exercise of the State’s ownership rights in GOCCs, it has abolished 22 nonperforming GOCCs and classified 25 more as inactive or nonoperational. IBC-13 started out in 1960 as a private company known as Inter-Island Broadcasting Corp., and then was sequestered by the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) in 1986 as part of the recovery of ill-gotten wealth. It has been one of 2 networks considered as GOCCs aside from Philippine Television Network, Inc. (PTV4). The State also has a minority share in Radio Philippines Network (RPN-9).
PROVISIONAL WAIVER DISPELS THE FEAR IN GOING BACK TO MANILA FOR VISA PROCESSING — ON A SPECIAL EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Cindy was a crewman who jumped ship and had been a TNT for more than 10 years. After seeing a CITIZEN PINOY episode about a crewman who also jumped ship, Cindy and US citizen husband, Tom decided to consult with leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. Through Atty. Gurfinkel’s help, Cindy’s PROVISIONAL WAIVER was approved. She went back to the Philippines and was processed for her immigrant visa at the American Embassy in Manila and returned to the US as a legal permanent resident. Watch an encore episode on Provisional Waivers, which could benefit crewmen, those who entered the US without inspection, or K-1 who did not marry their US petitioner, on “Citizen Pinoy” – this Sunday, January 31 at 6:15pm (PST) on TFC.
Prof. enriQue M. SoriAno
Faith and Pinoy pride: Outperforming and Outhinking the giants
(Part 1 of 2) “Fighting multinationals was very tough. At first, everyone thought i was crazy. they told me, how would i survive this? true enough, it’s by the grace of god that i’m still here in the toothpaste industry after 20 years. god is good,” – Cecilio K. Pedro In our fast-paced, hectic world we all need a daily dose of faith, hope and love. Stories of heroic struggle against odds, survival and eventual triumph have always inspired people, given them hope, courage to fight, and egged them on to persevere. When you read inspirational ragsto-riches stories, you’ll start to see a
few common threads. Hard work, passion, determination, and drive are all common elements of these stories. Surprisingly, obstacles, failure, and incredible odds are also elements of these stories. In almost every case, the main character of the story would never have been expected to achieve so much in a single lifetime. These individuals, however, overcame tough odds, surpassed difficult obstacles, and laughed in the face of failure. “Things aren’t always what they seem.” If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You might not know it until some time
The Kite Runner
later. I am sure Cecilio Pedro’s story would ignite your never-say-die spirit and inspire you to become all that you can be. His company, Lamoiyan Corporation, is the manufacturer of Hapee toothpaste, the first homegrown toothpaste in the Philippines. I first had the opportunity to exchange notes with Cecilio more than a decade ago when he was our speaker in an ATENEO MBA Roundtable meeting with fellow Professors. Then a little more than a year ago, we had the rare opportunity to share stories when we were both invited as reContinued on Page 6
An Asian Journal Magazine
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Martin: It’s better to keep relationships private
The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JA N uA RY 29, 20 1 6
by Joyce Jimenez
The multi-faceted Miss New Jersey’s... From Page 2 But in this modernly urbanized global community which turns to be diminutive with the advent of upto- date technology, a great number of self-proclaimed guardians of morality openly spurn and despise the staging of pageantries. Nina has a ready defense in this regard: “Personally, I think beauty contests are still relevant despite the modernization of our society. The crown, sash, and title give the bearer that noteworthy responsibility to create change and be a role model, not only for her people but also to the younger generation.” The outspoken teen beauty queen ardently opined. “I, for one, always consider this prestigious break as an opportunity to pursue what I have advocated and hope that my voice and mission could reach out as far as to the last individual that needs my help.” Nina’s secret supporter unveiled In Nina’s life-long journey, one very special being holds close to her heart. She’s isn’t only the so-called supportive wind beneath her wings that ably pushes her to soar and attain greater heights but her most reliable cushion, as well, who’s constantly ready to catch and shield her if ever she falls. “My mom was with me in every step of the way… from early preparations to perfecting even my nuances… from choosing my outfits to achieving the right projection techniques… from the complexities of the whole process to the most composite element of the details. She has been constantly my strength, my inspiration, and the very soul of my being,” Nina enumerated with exultant pride. “It was actually my mom who influenced me in joining the pageant. She was very optimistic that I could make it.” For Nina, her mom Jeanette epitomizes the quintessential exponent of a mulliebrity… altruistic, kind-hearted, strongwilled, sympathetic, sharing
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Nina with her family: brother Christian, Mom Jeanette and Dad Dennis
everything she knows, a perfect homemaker, a friend and ally, and a whole lot more that quantify a woman’s truest essence. “My mom is an excellent singer and also one-time beauty queen. She taught me how to sing along with the karaoke machine since I was barely 3 and that made me love singing. And I don’t really need a trainer or fashion consultant since she’s my ever reliable personal talent coach,” Nina said as she expressed her profound fondness in appreciation of her mom. “I am what my mom is!” Then, where does that leave Dennis, her dad? “My Dad is indubitably supportive. He stands side by side with my Mom in the pursuit of my ambition and every undertaking. He’s the supplementary force that keeps me going and the sturdy bough where I can perch and can rest my weary soul,” Nina said highly of Dennis. Every one, after a journey or upon completion of a term or a period of influence, has a legacy to bequeath. For Nina Sophia Mojares: “At the end of my term as Miss New Jersey’s Outstanding Teen 2016, I want my peers and the organization to remember me as the Jersey girl that inspired teens to become more passionate about helping others in need,” she uttered coyly with humility. “So far, I have raised over $70,000 for charities and I am still continuing my efforts. With no cost I
She’s also an outstanding student.
have used the power of the internet and my talent to make a difference. It is important for me to influence people, especially the teens of my generation, to be active in the world around them. I know I have the ability to show people that even someone as young as me can spark the fire to make an impact in the community, become an ambassador of goodwill, and create a positive brand of their own.” Nina will be representing New Jersey at the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen pageant finals slated on August 6, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. For comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@yahoo. com.
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IF there’s one thing that Martin Nievera learned from his estranged marriage with Pops Fernandez, it’s that showbiz couples should keep their relationship private. “If I could do it all over again, I wish I didn’t have so much admission. I wish I didn’t show much affection to now my very dear friend and exwife Pops.” he said during the press conference of his upcoming concert “Royals.” Martin was married to Pops Fernandez and they were tagged as the Concert King and Queen. They separated in 1996 and their annulment was granted in 2000. They had two kids, Robin and Ram. He said that there must have been a problem in “the way we presented our relationship to the press and to the world. You’d think we couldn’t be friends today. But because our foundation is true friendship, we can remain friends today.” The Concert King added that “professional jealousy” is possible between a celebrity couple, but as long as they “keep private” their relationship, things may go more smoothly for them. “[There’s] professional jealousy within the relationship somewhere Martin Nievera advises showbiz couples to limit the details of their relationship they share down the road. This might happen, to the public. we don’t know. So let’s not give the ing them leading their lives for us, live their lives for each other,” he relationship more pressure by hav- when they should be really more concluded.
Anne Curtis on viral photo of sister Jasmine with boyfriend Erwan: This is a non-issue
“IT was all an inside joke,” this is how Anne Curtis described the photo of her sister Jasmine CurtisSmith and Erwan Heussaff hugging each other, which went viral on social media on Tuesday, Jan. 26. On her Twitter account, the Kapamilya actress said that the photo was “wrongly screencapped” from her private social media account. Anne was sad that the people “reacted maliciously” about the photo and that “such viciousness is being thrown to the people I love.” She then clarified that “nothing
happened, we are all fine. I’m lucky that Erwan treats Jasmine as his own sister.” In the end, Anne said that it’ll be the last time she’ll talk about the issue and asked the public to “stop saying awful things about my sister & boyfriend.” Solenn on Tuesday also reacted on the viral photo by posting a photo of her and Erwan hugging. “OMG!!!!! Nakakaloka sila!!!! Magkapatid sila!! Soo groosss! At tignan niyo shirtless pa si solenn!!! Full of malice!!!!,” she said in the caption. (Philstar.com)
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Anne Curtis said the photo of her sister Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Erwan Heussaff is a “non-issue” after it went viral on social media sites on Tuesday, Jan. 26. Philstar.com photo by Jonathan Asuncion
Seeing the big picture
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA AMID all the hype about climate change, global warming and all junk science made possible by manipulating data to support predetermined results to advance a political global agenda, we all need to step back, take a deep breath and SEE THE BIG PICTURE. The Big Bang Theory claims that out of gas and dust, the universe was born 13.2 billion years ago in a spectacular explosion. The solar system where our tiny, fragile, magnificent earth orbits was born only in the last 4.5 billion years. Life, in the form of single celled organisms began on earth 3.4 billion years ago and man began to walk the earth just a few million years ago. How does one fathom the unfathomable? One brilliant writer drew a more readily comprehensible parallel about the existence of human life as we know it, in this way. If the time frame of 13.2 billion years were to be thought of as a 24-hour day, human life only began the last two or three seconds just before midnight. Our planet earth, with its satellite moon, is the third rock from the sun — an ordinary, garden variety, midsize yellow star — only one of two billion stars in an ordinary, garden variety spiral shaped galaxy called the Milky Way. Scientists estimate that our sun has enough fuel in its belly to burn for another 9 billion years at current brightness before it dies. There was a time when men thought that the Milky Way comprised the entire universe. Now we know better. Galaxies huddle together to form clusters and superclusters and our galaxy — the Milky Way — is only one of a small group of about 20 galaxies orbiting in our tiny neck of the woods of the visible cosmos. Scientists now claim that there are perhaps 125 billion galaxies. Edwin Hubble — for whom the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) was named — theorized that the universe is still expanding. In 1993, the Hubble telescope has been able to turn out stunning photographs of about 40 billion other galaxies orbiting in space in a universe that is perhaps, boundless. Since then, that telescope, the extension of the human vision into the vastness of the universe, has continued to astound even
“Get out of yourself and out of the house, preferably in the countryside with less artificial sources of light on a moonless, cloudless, velvet night and gaze at the stars in the heavens. Fall in love with your own life all over again.” the most cynical among us. It has photographed the existence of another 1,500 galaxies, previously undiscovered. In 1997, the Hubble showed evidence of a black hole bigger than the sun’s mass — 300 million times at least. A few astronomers even theorize the distinct possibility that there is not just one universe but the existence of multiverses. The concept and the imagery of watching the night skies particularly on clear, moonless nights boggle the mind and strains the limits of the human imagination. Man has been sending out probes to find some other forms of life comparable to human life in the outer reaches of space but have found nothing convincing — as of yet. And while we search and probe for other life forms, we know that absence of evidence does not mean evidence of absence. What is the point of bringing up this cosmic canvass that seems little to do with our mind, body and spirit? The point is this. It has taken billions of years in a universe so incredibly vast — it staggers the human imagination — for anyone born on earth to be given the wondrous gift of life the Creator of the Universe is giving each one of us — whether we deserve it or not — a gift that puzzles us no end. One thing is certain, there is nothing on earth more precious than life itself. Looking at the big picture makes us see how infinitesimally tiny we are in the grand scheme of things, most times, how laughably insignificant our concerns are, how trivial our pursuits, how fearfully short and delicate life is and how utterly foolish to throw away the minutes and the hours in useless, useless fretting and worrying. Next time you feel overwhelmed with tension, worry and ill health and seriously thinking of giving up — as you are perhaps tempted to do while you figure out the complexities and parry
with the slings and arrows of your life — do what the wise among us have done — sometimes out of sheer desperation. Look heavenward. Get out of yourself and out of the house, preferably in the countryside with less artificial sources of light on a moonless, cloudless, velvet night and gaze at the stars in the heavens. Fall in love with your own life all over again. Thoreau was right when he said that the darkness reveals the heavenly lights. Carl Sagan, the noted astronomer who began researching the origins of life beginning in the nineteen fifties made his mark in astronomy and cosmography showing that Venus is too hot, Mars is too cold and our wondrous planet, the Earth, a tiny blue and white marbled dot, a mere iota, in the vast expanse of the cosmos — just right, for human life. We live in the tiny sliver of the Goldilocks zone with liquid water. To the question of whether we are alone, there are, as yet, no answers. Unfazed and undaunted by the silence of galactic neighbors to earthly probes by radio telescopes beamed into outer space, listening for signs of intelligent life, similar to ours perhaps with a mind-body-spirit connection as well, somewhere in deep space, Sagan wrote: “It says something about the rarity and preciousness of life on this planet. The flip side of not finding life on another planet is appreciating life on earth.” If the earth with all its beauty and abundance and the vast expanse and majestic glory of the heavens themselves cannot impress upon thinking, feeling man the fragile and utterly precious nature of his own life, it is doubtful anything ever will. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
The radiant glow of a beautiful bride
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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 29, 20 1 6
How Patricia & Rob keep marriage intact by Ricky Lo Philstar
IN a field where most marriages don’t last (so many pressures, so many temptations and so many intrigues, you know), Patricia Javier and Robert “Rob” Walcher III are among the very few exceptions. They celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on Dec. 27 last year. At the start, some cynics predicted that the east-meets-west union wouldn’t last. The couple has proven them terribly wrong. Asked how they keep their marriage intact, Patricia told Funfare in an exclusive interview, “I don’t know how to fight in English. It takes time for me to decide what to say. And by the time I’m about to open my mouth, wala na ang galit ko.” That’s a joke. “Seriously,” continued Patricia, “give-and-take kami. We compromise. We meet halfway on some issues. Rob is patient and understanding. Simple lang. Mabait na tao siya, sobrang maka-pamilya.” A chiropractor, Rob is part-German and part-Scot who grew up in the States (Reno, Nevada) while Patricia is a homegrown actress-singer raised on Filipino custom. Luckily, they didn’t suffer from culture shock. They instill the best of both cultures in their children Robert IV, eight years old, and Ryan. “We train them to be punctual in everything, always American time and never Filipino time,” said Patricia, “and to be independent. We teach them Filipino values such as respect for elders, ‘yung pagmamano, and to say ‘po’ and ‘opo.’” They were two right people who met at the right time. She was free and so was he. They met in San Diego, California, introduced to each other by their mutual friends Dr. Benjamin Camacho, and Melinda and Romy Casas. “It was perfect timing,” recalled Patricia. “It didn’t take time before Rob began courting me. Before I knew it, we were going steady already.”
Patricia Javier and Robert Walcher III at their 10th wedding anniversary celebration on Dec. 27, 2015, with their sons Robert IV and Ryan.
But when Rob proposed marriage, Patricia said that she developed cold feet. “Ang daming pinagdaanan bago natuloy ang kasal,” laughed Patricia. “I had my wedding gown made in the Philippines but it got lost on my way to the States. I thought that was a bad sign until I found out that my gown was misplaced at the Customs.” It helps that they are both Christian who put God at the center of their marriage. “Rob didn’t used to be religious and I was able to influence him,” said Patricia. “Dati, he didn’t go to church as often as he should. Malaking factor na pareho kami ng religion.” After living for years in San Diego where Rob ran chiropractic clinic and Patricia resumed her rudelyinterrupted career as a singer, the couple decided to settle down in the Philippines. The Dec. 27, 2015, event was a celebration of both their 10th wedding anniversary and their happy homecoming. Joining them were
Calendar of Events across
their close friends, including (as principal sponsors) the late German “Kuya Germs” Moreno, Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado, Bernie and Ernesto Leyva, Melinda and Romy Casas, and Dr. Ann and George David. The event organizer was Kristine Rose Cruz of Krissybey Events Management. Other credits: Susie Bonaobra and Bing Cristobal (gowns), Wilfoto (photo and video), Joane Quimio (hair and makeup), Dawn Escarte of Rojo Flowers (florist), Acoustic After Class (reception band), Studio 22 (might’s and sounds), Bente Dos Akustik (ceremony band), Sweet Solutions (cake), Jeff Quinquileria of Walkabooth (photo booth), Wedding Digest Philippines (souvenirs), Red Veil (candy buffet), and Janne Rabe and Phoebe Walker (emcees). The reception was held at Patrick’s Café at The Paris Beach Club of Azure Urban Resort & Residences, catered by Lady Lynn Catering Services. “We are here to stay,” said Patricia. “Enjoy na dito ang mga bata.”
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Need access to capital? Having difficulties with bank loans? By Monet
The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater LA (FACC-GLA) is hosting a FREE workshop for aspiring entrepreneurs or business owners in need of a small loan. This free workshop and consultation will include beverages and hors d’oeuvres. Please join us at FACC-GLA (5121 Van Nuys Blvd, Suite 205 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403) on Thursday, January 28. For more information, please contact FACC-GLA president Leo Maranan, 818-290-0577.
Lu
“THE radiant glow of my bride is simply breathtaking.” This was what people have told me about beautiful actress Joyce Jimenez, and countless other brides that have trusted me to be part of their very special day. Even after many years of making brides shine on their wedding day, I still have this important task—to master perfection and pursue my Continued on Page 6
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Infant Jesus of Prague 9 hour Novena and Mass The Infant Jesus of Prague Apostolic Group is celebrating 32 years of service and prayer, and will hold its 32nd annual 9-hour Novena and Mass in honor of the Divine Child Jesus on Saturday, January 30, at Saint Joseph the Worker Church (19855 Sherman Way, Winnetka, California). The Novena starts at 7:00am with Mass following at 3:20 pm. Based in San Fernando Valley, the Apostolic Group aims to promote the Gospel message of Jesus and spread devotions to the Infant Jesus. For more information, please contact Leo Nevada at (818) 633 3926 or visit www.IJPAG.com.
Faith and Pinoy pride: Outperforming... From Page 3 source speakers in a Family Business Conference at AIM. Knowing the man up close and listening intently to his inspiring story gave me goose bumps in a positive way and today I want to share his story. Reflecting upon it, the key to success is the owning of the family’s devotion to the business, its resilience in coping with disappointment, and the intensity of its long-term commitment to the business. That in a nutshell best characterizes the country’s Toothpaste King. It is my fervent hope that family business owners and visionaries can learn so many lessons about Cecilio’s values, faith, tenacity and vision for his company. Cecilio Kwok Pedro is an entrepreneur who made it to the top after his failure back in 1985. His principle is much grounded and to quote this man of humility, he once said, “We are competing against the giants. Without faith and without the intervention of the Divine, it is really difficult to survive in this industry.” Twenty-five years ago, people thought Cecilio Pedro was crazy for competing head-on with global toothpaste brands Colgate and Close Up.
Faith will give you courage, courage will give you faith Before he went head-to-head with Colgate and Close Up, the two multinational toothpaste brands were Pedro’s only customers. His first company, Aluminum Container Inc., sold aluminum toothpaste tubes to these foreign firms from 1978 to 1985. “At that time, I was thinking that toothpaste is something that everyone uses. And multinational firms will be here for the long term, so I thought it was a safe business,” he said. All was going well for his company until plastic toothpaste tubes were invented. Both Colgate and Close Up decided to switch to plastic tubes in 1985, forcing Pedro to close shop. “I never thought that they would switch to plastic tubes. My business got in trouble when they left,” he lamented. Relying on a few customers was Pedro’s biggest mistake yet. Money stopped coming in, and he was left with millions of aluminum tubes. Deeply mired in debt, he could have committed suicide had it not been because of his deep faith in God’s power and mercy. He turned his crisis into opportunity when he opted to compete with Colgate
despite its being a multinational. With faith, guts and hard work, he put up a “David vs. Goliath” type of fight. When his sales started to dent Colgate’s, they offered to buy him out but he answered, “I don’t think you can afford my price.” Lamoiyan has now captured 30% of the market and still growing. Now, Hapee toothpaste tubes and sachets are selling like hotcakes in the Philippines, making his company, Lamoiyan Corporation, the country’s first homegrown toothpaste empire. (To be continued) *** Prof. Soriano is an ASEAN Family Business Advisor, Book Author, Executive Director of Asean-based Consulting group, Wong + Bernstein Advisory and Program Director for Real Estate and the former Chair of the Marketing Cluster of the ATENEO Graduate School of Business. He is slated to deliver a talk on Philippine Business and Franchising Opportunities. The first talk is in NY on Feb 1 at the Philippine Consulate and Boston on Feb 4 at the Harvard Campus and in LA. The talk is organized by the Philippine Consulate in New York, in coordination with the Bagong Kulturang Pinoy (bkpinc.org), The Harvard Philippine Forum, TFC with Asian Journal as media partner. For those interested to attend, pls email nzuelke@ gmail.com. Prof Soriano’s business articles can also be accessed at www.Faminbusiness. com (Advertising Supplement)
Year of the Monkey celebrations at The Grove and the Americana at Brand Both The Grove in Los Angeles and the Americana at Brand will transform into a grand celebration of cheer and good fortune on Saturday, January 30 from 2:00 – 5:00pm with two Chinese New Year parades, including traditional lion and dragon performances, Chinese and Korean folk dancers, and a special appearance by cast members from the comedy TV series “Fresh Off the Boat” at The Americana. Guests can also enjoy traditional lantern décor, calligraphy artists, face painters and craft activities for kids, gourmet food and cultural bites, special shopping offers and surprise gifts (including cash prizes or gift cards) in lucky red envelopes, from now until Feb. 8. The dancing fountains at both properties will turn red for Lunar New Year, and the event will conclude with a final parade. Share your photos of the event by tagging #LunarAmericana and #LunarGrove.
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Prof. Enrique Soriano Talks About Philippine Business and Franchising Opportunities Prof. Enrique Soriano, ASEAN Family Business Advisor and book author will be delivering a talk on Philippine business and franchising opportunities on February 1st at the Philippine Consulate in New York and on February 4th in Boston. Free admission but reservations required. This is a wonderful opportunity for kababayans to learn about owning a business while still working in the US. This event was put together by BKP, a US based social enterprise group helping Filipino children to read their way out of poverty; the Philippine Consulate in New York, and the Harvard Philippine Forum.
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Eagle Rock High School Monthly Open House Tours Eagle Rock High School invites the community to International Baccalaureate Open House Tours, from 8-10am during the spring semester on Friday, February 5; Friday, March 11; and Friday, April 1. Eagle Rock Junior/Senior High School serves students in grades 712, and was the first school in the LAUSD to be authorized to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (grades 7-10) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (grades 11-12), a project-based program for concept and content-based learning to promote global mindedness and service to others. The IB Open House is open to all interested students, and will include an introductory presentation in the ERHS library, followed by campus tours, classroom visits, and a short questionand-answer period. To register for the Open Houses, please visit www.erhs.la, and click on the “IB Open House Registration” link. Please email Mylene Keipp mylene.keipp@lausd.net for more information. We look forward to your visit!
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
An Asian Journal Magazine
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JA N uA RY 29, 20 1 6
PIDCI Grand Marshals Gala to launch 118th PH Independence Anniversary NEW YORK – The Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) set the commemoration of the 118th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence in New York into high gear in a meeting of its Board of Directors last week. The Board discussed at length the plans for the multitude of events that comprise the many-months annual commemoration, starting with the Grand Marshals Gala. The Gala will honor this year’s unanimously elected (by the PIDCI Board) Grand Marshals of the 2016 Philippine Independence Day Parade, Dr. Leonidas “Ned” Pulido and wife Carmencita “Menchie” Pulido. It will be held at the Astoria World Manor at 25-22 Astoria Boulevard, in Astoria, New York 11102 on Saturday. March 12, 2016 starting a 7:00 o’clock in the evening to 12:30 the following morning. Invitations have long been sent out to the couple’s colleagues, relatives, friends, associates, community leaders and others. Donations for the invitation is $100 and the attire being asked for the evening is Filipiniana or Formal. Dr. Ned, as he is fondly called by family, friends and associates, retired after a 25-year private practice in Internal Medicine and Nephrology, while Menchie was also in the medical profession where she is retired nurse. At this writing, the couple is in the Philippines as participants in a medical mission, an occupation which take up a good deal of their time after their retirement. After being chosen unanimously by the partially new Board of Directors of the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) in tis first regular meeting last Novermber, Dr. Ned and Menchie were introduced to the community at PIDCI’s “An Evening with the Consul General” in early December held at the official residence of the Philippine Consul General in New York, Ambassador Mario L. de Leon, Jr.
Joel Lamangan: MMFF should be run by show biz industry not by LGUs by Dolly Anne CArvAjAl/Inquirer THE METRO Manila Film Festival (MMFF) brouhaha rages on. At the rate things are going, MMFF could very well stand for Money Making and Fundraising Festival. Ace director Joel Lamangan shares with the Inquirer his sentiments about the issue: “The MMFF must be run by the industry, not by the local government units of Metro Manila. It must go back to the days when outstanding Filipino films were being shown in the festival! “Profit was not just the sole reason for its existence—it also gave filmmakers a chance to focus on the different realities of our society! The film fest is an industry concern. The government must create an agency—or assign a film organization to supervise it!”
Joel Lamangan
Meryll Soriano: No to abolition of MMFF despite ‘injustice’ by AllAn PoliCArPio Inquirer
Dr. Leonidas “Ned” Pulido and Carmencita “Menchie” Pulido, Grand Marshals, Philippine Independence Day Parade 2016. Photo courtesy The Filipino Catholic
Dr. Ned obtained his M.D. from the University of the Philippines (UP) while Menchie got her RN at San Juan de Dios School of Nursing and her Bachelors Degree in Nursing from La Corcordia College. The Pulidos are very active in volunteer community activities in the Greater New York area and beyond, especially because they are among those in the core group of the Filipino medical community. PIDCI’s Grand Marshals Gala, where an investiture will honor them, launches the New York celebration of the 118th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence. It goes on for many months marked by multiple commemorative events, such as the Mrs. Kalayaan Pageant and Gala and the Diwa ng Kalayaan (Spirit of Independence) Selection and Coronation Pageant and Gala, climaxing with Philippine Independence Day on the first Sunday in June (5th) where three major events share the whole day celebration: the all-day Independence Day Street Fair, the celebration’s centerpiece Independence Day Parade, and the afternoon cultural Festival, all taking place on Madi-
son Avenue in the Center of New York’s Manhattan Island, from 38th Street down to 23rd Street. The annual commemoration winds up with the Philippine Independence Ball, usually held the weekend after Independence Day. The newly-elected President of PIDCI is Dr. Prospero Lim. The Vice President is Antero “Ner” Martinez, the Secretary is Joycelyn Aligarbes and the Treasurer is Violeta McGough. Elected to the Board of Directors to serve until 2017 are re-electionists Olivia David and Violet McGough along with new Board members Rely Manacay, Beth Manalo, Edilberto Olimpo and Shiran Ybanez. They join Board members Raul Estrellado, Helen LaBarbera, Antero Martinez, Nonoy Rafael, Maryann Sanagustin, Margie Wisotsky and Tambi Wycoco, who will be on their last year in the PIDCI Board. Annie Ortiz, last year’s Internal Auditor was re-appointed as was Gheng Pingol who was Executive Director. Manuel B. Quintal, PhD was named General Counsel of PIDCI for the tenth consecutive year.
FOR Meryll Soriano, the contentious disqualification of “Honor Thy Father” from the best picture category in the recent Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) turned out to be a blessing in disguise, after the incident sparked discussions and became a catalyst for possible changes in the annual event. “It was disappointing because we worked hard and were passionate about the project. We felt that there was injustice, but things happen for a reason—and in this case, perhaps because some things needed to be brought to light,” Meryll told reporters at a press conference for GMA 7’s new TV series, “That’s My Amboy,” which airs weeknights. The exclusion of “Honor”—apparently due to its exhibition in other festivals prior to MMFF— prompted Rep. Dan Fernandez, also a cast member, to bring the matter to Congress. “I’m happy that there was a stir, and I’m proud to be part of this movement. It’s high time to point out that something’s wrong,” Meryll said, adding that she feels heartened that a lot of her colleagues in
the industry feel the same way. “It was great to see that even people who weren’t part of our film trooped to Congress to show their support. We were very pleased with how things went,” related the 33-year-old artist, who also maintained that she wasn’t upset about losing the best actress award—for which she was touted as a strong contender—to Jennylyn Mercado of “#WalangForever.” Food for the soul “A trophy is an acknowledgment of your talent, but the only thing that saddened us was our film’s disqualification,” stressed Meryll, who has always made it a point to be part of independent movies “to feed my soul.” “It’s my goal to be part of projects that I can be proud of.” Asked about her thoughts on some critics calling for the MMFF’s abolition, Meryll said: “To stop it completely would be sad, because many people look forward to the festival—it’s a great platform to see local films without competition from their foreign counterparts. An overhaul, however, is much needed.” Despite the controversy, the actress remains optimistic that things would eventually turn out for the
Meryll Soriano
better. Personally, she said she’d love to see local movies in general get better distribution deals and given ample screening dates. “We have to support our own. I’m hoping for more awareness among moviegoers about the different genres the industry offers,” she said. Meanwhile, Meryll, who now plans to focus on acting after studying in London for the past four years, said she was thrilled to be back on TV and doing comedy, especially after working on such a dark and “heavy” film. “The last time I did a lighthearted series (“I Love Betty La Fea”) was in 2008. Comedy is home to me, as I’m makulit in person. This is a refreshing change after doing drama,” she said of “That’s My Amboy,” which is topbilled by Barbie Forteza and Andre Paras.
Luis Manzano on Angel Locsin: We’re going through something MANILA—Luis Manzano and Angel Locsin are going through something in their relationship. This is what the Kapamilya actor told MJ Felipe in his exclusive interview aired in the late-night news program “Bandila” on Wednesday, Jan. 27. Luis declined to give details about their problem, but said it was the biggest fight since they got back together in 2014. Their fans had mixed emotions after Angel got emotional in the January 23 episode of “Pilipinas Got Talent,” after watching the interpretative dance of contestant Power Duo. Luis approached her and asked why she’s crying, and later told her “I love you.” Despite this, Luis still attended the premier of “Everything About Her” which stars Angel, his mom Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos and Xian Lim. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
Luis Manzano and Angel Locsin
It’s a special night for a lot of people. So dumating talaga ako,” he said. Earlier, Ricky Lo published on his “Funfare” column that according to a source, the couple has called it
quits “three weeks after they came back from a vacation in the States.” Although the source clarified there was no third party involved. (Philstar.com)
The radiant glow of a beautiful... From Page 5 passion to continuously update my knowledge in the latest styles in make up and hairstyle, like the new “ 3D illusion technique 2016.” My stylists and I have done weddings so many times that they have become second nature to us. If you have been doing this as long as we have, I think you reach a certain level of proficiency. It is my passion, and I am still so excited to apply the skills that I gained after all these years of being in the beauty industry. I employ highly proficient hair and makeup artists as my part of my team. We work together in unison to create a perfect makeup look and style for the whole bridal entourage. Timeless elegance starts with perfection. Personalized service is a key element in my profession and experience, especially for brides who are still deciding on a look they want to wear on the big day. It’s important that the bride communicates how she wants her overall look to be. It’s her day and she should be the center of attention. As experts, we can make recommendations and perhaps improve on her raw ideas but ultimately it is up to the bride.” From our variety of personalized
service menu, brides may opt for salon-caliber makeup and hair service from the comforts of their own home or hotels. More than this, brides can also count on me and my crew to dish out useful tips on the essential pre-wedding must-knows, such as choosing the perfect gown, the placement of the tiara, skin care and other details. One suggestion would be light makeup, which is very soft, glowing and flawless. The aim is to look like you are not made-up. The natural, timeless look never runs out of style, nor do the dramatic smoky eyes -- so that when a bride looks back at her wedding pictures, she will be reminded that she wore a style that never ages. I have been grooming beautiful brides from all over Southern & Northern California, Nevada, the East Coast and even as far as Europe. Budget is never an issue, as I give personalized and reasonable prices depending on the bride’s need and location. We understand that price is always a big consideration when it comes to choosing your hairstylist and makeup artist. There are other salons out there who charge lower than
Monet Salons, but the important question to ask is: “Will I be happy with the outcome?” Brides should choose talent and expertise over budget. My team of makeup artists and hairdressers boast of extensive training and experience both in the Philippines and in the United States. We have three locations in Panorama City and Winnetka, California. All are full service salons that specialize in hair and makeup for weddings, debutante balls, and other special occasions. For the full service menu and a complimentary consultation, visit www.monetsalon.com or call (213)216-4923 and ask for me. I would love to be of service to you. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
How Karylle stays in shape by Mylene Mendoza-dayRit Philstar
ANA Karylle Yuzon energizes the room as soon as she enters. Simple, down-to-earth, yet extremely talented. Her acting, hosting, and entertaining career crosses over stage, television, and even film. She sings, writes songs as well as produces. She has several business ventures. Despite having a daily noontime show, Karylle still finds time to share her insights not only on social media but also on blogs and recently, a column in Shape Philippines where she is also featured as its first local cover. Shortly after reading her story as a marathoner’s wife where she recounted special moments of husband Yael’s first marathon in France, it dawned on me that what I have learned from Karylle is how to have joie de vivre. Her posts on social media will certainly perk you up and inspire you. She always points out the joy of living and even slowing down. She is not afraid to laugh at herself. She celebrates people she meets and finds joy in everyday things. She has an infectious smile and a healthy appetite to try new things. She is very committed to her own fitness as she is to her music. She tells us more about both. Philstar.com: What are you busy with lately aside from your daily hosting onShowtime? Karylle: My new album “A Different Playground” is out now. I worked on it the whole of last year and I’m really excited for everyone to hear it. I wrote Can’t Shut Up and if you know my husband Yael, you’d know it’s about him instantly. I also wrote Half a Million, Sunny Daze, and Sunflowers. There is a standard song there calledTenderly, which I recorded eight years ago. I waited for the perfect time to release it. I’m very proud of that recording. I’m also very fortunate that I was given the chance to record Magbalik ka na Mahal because being part of Ballet Philippines’ Rama Hari at the CCP is one of my career highlights. The song is by NinongRyan Cayabyab and National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera. This piece of work is just so inspiring because it is where music, poetry, and ballet
come together with other elements such as great sets and costumes. I’ll be promoting my album this year. I’ll also be starting a very exciting new show very soon. I am writing again. Watch out for my articles in Shape Philippines magazine and on my blog. I launched a website with some friends where you can help certain charities. Check it out: www. mypledge.site. How do you stay fit? What is your exercise routine? Yoga with my neighbors. I love that we bond this way. I did my firstever headstand in my Bali vacation with the teacher there. Pilates for my scoliosis. Sessions with coach Kit at Gold’s Sheridan. Before I met coach Kit, I scored the lowest in a fitness test. She promised to make me strong. On Christmas, I took the Sheridan Christmas challenge and scored the highest. I’ve never felt so strong in my life. What a great way to end 2015! I super love the spinning class with coach Arnold plus the definitions class after. I like sharing this moment with the other people in the class. I feel like their victory is my victory. I’m inspired by seeing how hard they work, especially if they come to the classes regularly. I also like the tandem sessions with Yael. I also see other people doing couples’ workout and it’s cute! Especially the situps… hahaha. I can’t quite do them alone! I also sometimes do kickboxing class for the Padilla boxer in me. I also like swimming, but it’s more for my singing. It keeps my lungs strong. Any special diet? As for my diet, I eat muesli
with yogurt for breakfast with some fruit. Lunch is pretty regular: rice andulam. I love rice so much that I wrote a song about it and Sponge Cola recorded it. “If I had a choice, I’d eat rice every day. Every day. With every meal. Rice, you’re alright.” I think you get the idea hahaha! Yael tries to get me to eat brown rice and kamote. I also have fresh fruit juice. Dinner is special coz it’s my dinner date with Yael. Sometimes, we cook and sometimes, we eat out. Midnight snack is bad, but I do have cheese sometimes. Chips are always a craving, which is why I try to keep them away from the house. I have a healthy alternative, which is broccoli or asparagus or cauliflower with EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), garlic, italian herbs, basil from our garden in the oven … with a touch of lemon or cheese before serving!
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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 29, 20 1 6
Filipina named Grandma Universal in Bulgaria pageant by Rudy
SantoS Philstar
MANILA—A 48-year-old widow from Alabang, Muntinlupa was crowned as the first Grandma Universal in Sofia, Bulgaria, beating over a dozen grandmothers around the world. Babylyn Decena Newfield also bagged the best national costume award during the pageant held last Jan. 21. Newfield heads Cartridge World Philippines, a global firm that manufactures ink and toners for distribution here and abroad. She has four children and four grandchildren. Dony Vasileva of Bulgaria was crowned overall Mrs. Grandma Universe. Newfield said she was handpicked by pageant guru Ovette Ricalde to compete in the first an-
nual pageant for grandmothers. “Being an ideal grandmother is not all about taking care of your grandchildren but also showing other people and the universe that we, at our age, can still be competitive in every goal and objectives that we will set in life, whether personal or professionally,” Decena said upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Bulgaria via Qatar airways. “I will be the voice of all grandmothers. They said that grandmothers have no equality and opportunity compared to the younger generations. We will work hard… patience and determination are secrets in life that make us successful. “When my husband passed away, I assumed the role of sole parent to my children. I went
Babylyn Decena Newfield
through adjustment because I also have a business to run and that is our daily bread and butter. Being a mother, grandmother and a business woman, it was really hard but with the help of my associates, peers and inspiration from my family, I was able to pull it through,” she added.
Liza, Enrique react to Cathy Garcia-Molina controversy MANILA—Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil expressed their sympathy to director Cathy Garcia-Molina. Molina was their director in the defunct primetime TV series “Forevermore” and now to their upcoming TV series “Dolce Amore.” The director was recently involved in a controversy with two of her “Forevermore” talents Alvin and Rosellyn. Alvin claimed that Molina cursed and humiliated him in front of the show’s staff. “Kasi ang tagal na no’n,” said Enrique in an interview with Philippine Entertainment Portal. “That was like a year ago, tapos ngayon lang lumabas.” The Kapamilya actor was sad that the director was judged by the public without first hearing her side of the story. “Minsan may mga situations na mahirap intindihin ‘pag hindi... wala ka do’n,” he explained. “Hindi mo alam kung ano talaga ang nangyari. So of course people who just hear of
Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil expressed their symphathy to director Cathy Garcia-Molina who was greatly affected by the controversy involving her and two “Forevermore” talents. Philstar.com photo by Jonathan Asuncion
what happened, they judge.” The director broke her silence two weeks ago about the issue, admitting that she cursed but clarified that “I’m not an evil person.” Meanwhile, Liza said the talents who complained might not really know Molina. “Kasi for me, I worked with her multiple times already so I knew
Direk Cathy as a person,” she explained. “After the scene, when the scene is cut, she comes to us and hugs us, ‘very good, anak.’ Gano’n siya.” Now that they’re working again with the director, the onscreen love team said Molina recently had a health issue but is now doing well. (Philstar.com)
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JANuARY 29, 2016