New York/New Jersey -- August 21 -- 27, 2015 by Asian Journal Community Newspapers

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Volume 8 – Issue 47 • 16 Pages

AUGUST 21-27, 2015 Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

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4 SC justices hit Enrile bail Majority decision smacks of ‘selective justice’ by tarra

QuisMundo Inquirer.net

ASSoCIATE Justice Marvic Leonen slammed the Supreme Court’s majority decision allowing Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile to post bail and secure temporary release from a year’s detention while the plunder charges against him are being tried, saying it cast doubt on its impartiality and set a dangerous precedent. In a dissenting opinion, Leonen said the bail grant “by the majority is a special accommodation” for Enrile. “It is based on a ground—humanitarian— never before raised before the Sandiganbayan or in the pleadings filed before this court.” Leonen said the decision was “especially tailored” for the 91-year-old Senate minority leader, who surrendered in July last year after he was indicted for allegedly pocketing P173 million in kickbacks for allowing the diversion of his pork barrel allocation to ghost projects and fake foundations.

“Not only is this contrary to the rule of law, it also undermines the legitimacy and the stability of our entire judicial system,” Leonen wrote. “With his solid reputation in both his public and his private lives, his long years of public service, and history’s judgment of him being at stake, he should be granted bail,” said Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin’s ponencia. “The currently fragile state of Enrile’s health presents another compelling justification for his admission to bail, but which the Sandiganabayan did not recognize,” said the high court in a 17page ruling. “In our view, his social and political standing and his having immediately surrendered … indicated that the risk of his flight or escape from this jurisdiction is highly unlikely,” they said. The court’s decision, along with the dissenting opinion, was released on Thursday—two days after the court spokesperson read a one-paragraph news brief stating simply that the magistrates had allowed Enrile to post bail.

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FREE MAN. Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile left his detention place in the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital on Thursday, Aug. 20. the 91-year-old senator went to the Sandiganbayan to appear for the application of his P1.45 million bail as he faces trial for plunder over the pork barrel scam. Inquirer.net photo

Enrile out on bail, says his faith in justness of Judiciary vindicated PH Consul General confers with Fil-Am NYC by Marc Jayson

cayabyab

Inquirer.net

AFTEr one year in hospital detention, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile is now a free man—for now. Leaving his detention place in the Philippine National Police (PNP) General hospital at 5:55pm on Thursday, Aug. 20, the 91-year-old senator arrived at the Sandiganbayan at 6:30pm to appear for the application of his P1.45 million bail as he faces trial

DATELINE

for plunder over the pork barrel scam. “Today I’ve been released out of custody. I would like to state for the record that my faith in the probity and justness of our Judiciary has been vindicated,” Enrile said in a brief interview. “I would go back to my work and have no interest except the interest of our country,” he added. Clerk of Court Third Division

USA

FroM ThE AJPrESS NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

New app aims to push Asian American voter participation in 2016

Atty. Dennis Pulma signed the release order served on the accused party. Meanwhile, Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang approved the bail application. Pulma said Enrile’s bail is only for his provisional release as he still faces trial for plunder for his alleged involvement in the scheme of spending his Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) to ghost projects for kick-

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Customs to impose tighter rules for balikbayan boxes by Kathleen

Martin

Philstar.com

For the 50th anniversary of the Voting rights Act, 18 Million rising, an Asian American digital activist group, launched a new Indiegogo campaign to create a translation matching app designed to increase voter participation in next year’s presidential elections. The mobile app, called VoterVoX, is described as “one part civic tech, one part grassroots organizing, and three parts cultural con-

MANILA - The Bureau of Customs said it may impose tougher measures on balikbayan boxes for fear that these tax-free packages are being used by traders to smuggle goods into the country. “The existing rules are obsolete and we may have to reassess our coordination and processes with consolidators for stricter and improved compliance,” Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina said in a statement. “our spot checks from several warehouses show how misconstrued the rules may have become. People are sending in used clothing, home appliances

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Overseas voters registration

breaches .6M mark

TWo months before the deadline, the overseas voters (oV) registration has surpassed the 600,000 mark. The Department of Foreign Affairs yesterday said the oV secretariat reported that foreign service posts processed 249,512 new oV registrants from the Middle East and Africa; 123,993 from the Americas; 68,124 from Europe and 91,088 from Asia and the Pacific, while overseas voter registration centers in the Philippines processed 68,106 applications. Six registration centers were opened at the

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Chief Technology Officer Minerva L. Tantoco

NEW YorK—Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr. met with New York City’s Chief Technology officer, Ms. Minerva L. Tantoco on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at the New York City hall. The position of Chief Technology offer was created under the administration of Mayor Bill De Blasio, and is the city’s way of acknowledging the importance technology plays both in the city’s needs and the lives of New York residents. Ms. Tantoco is the city’s firstever Chief Technology officer, and it is a testament to her abilities that Mayor De Blasio appointed her to that position. Ms. Tantoco comes to the office with sterling credentials, having served in a variety of positions in the private sector, most recently as the Chief Technology officer of the Union Bank of Switzerland. She holds four patents for technology-related inventions. Consul General De Leon initially congratulated Ms. Tantoco on her appointment to the position. Ms. Tantoco replied that she wanted to help the city in developing its technology policies. She mentioned that the Mayor’s office of Technology and Innovation was established because of the recognition that

Consul General Mario De Leon, Jr. congratulates Ms. Minerva Tantoco on her appointment as Chief Technology Officer.

technology is a valuable tool for economic and human development. Ms. Tantoco then said that New York City is bent on developing its own technology sector and to keep New York on the cutting edge of technology innovation. on top of that, the city government is also trying to increase the delivery of internet services to its residents, 20% of whom have no access to technology. onsul General De Leon and Ms. Tantoco then discussed the possibility of partnerships be-

tween Philippine and New York universities and colleges, noting that several schools in other states have already done so. Another topic of mutual interest was intergovernmental partnership with regard to emergency management. Ms. Tantoco and the Consul General both agreed on the importance of technology in matters relating to disaster preparedness and response, especially since the Philippines has seen more than its fair share of violent typhoons, and New York has experienced

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VP Binay laments demolition job in Senate Fil-Ams on US mercy ship relish homecoming by bernice

caMille V. ManilaTimes.net

Senators Antonio Trillanes and Koko Pimentel continue their investigation on the alleged anomalies against Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday, Aug. 21. It marks the first year anniversary of the Senate inquiry on Binay’s alleged anomalies. Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

bauzon

ThE camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday, Aug. 20 lamented the “demolition job” during the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee hearing on the alleged ghost beneficiaries of the senior citizen program in Makati City. “Demolition through Powerpoint, as always. We heard nothing but half-truths that will not stand in court but are intended for media consumption,” Joey Salgado, head of Binay’s media affairs, said in a statement. he denied Arthur Cruto’s al-

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ABoArD USNS MErCY—Some USNS Mercy crew members with Philippine roots were reunited with their relatives in the country during their stay in Subic Bay Freeport last week. hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Stephanie Madridejo, 21, had a rare opportunity to spend time with some of her relatives from Quezon City. “I am excited to see my relatives in the Philippines. It’s been years since I last visited them and I have cousins whom I will meet for the first time,” Madridejo told the Inquirer before the reunion. Madridejo, whose parents are Filipinos, is a medical student and lives in San Diego, California. She is assigned to the intensive care unit on the Mercy during the hospital

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A AUGUST 21-27, 2015 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

4 SC justices hit... PAGE A1 The majority decision said that the Sandiganbayan committed grave abuse of discretion in denying Enrile’s motion for bail. It said that the principal purpose of bail is to guarantee the appearance of the accused in the trial.

Does not exist in law In his 29-page dissent, Leonen warned that the decision “will usher in an era of truly selective justice not based on clear legal provisions, but one that is unpredictable, partial and solely grounded on the presence or absence of human compassion.”

Leonen, along with Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and Associate Justices Antonio Carpio and Estela Perlas Bernabe, lost out to the majority vote by eight of their peers on Enrile’s bail plea in an en banc session on Tuesday. Insisting that Enrile should remain detained, Leonen cited how other detainees old and ill but with less in life languished in the country’s cramped jails. “For them, there are no special privileges. The application of the law to them is often brute, banal and canonical,” Leonen said. Leonen pointed out that humanitarian consideration was not even among Enrile’s arguments in seeking his release. It does not even exist in law, he said. “Bail for humanitarian considerations is neither presently provided in our Rules of Court PAGE A7

Enrile out on bail...

PAGE A1 backs. Enrile’s lawyers paid the P1.45 million bail in 14 bundles of P100,000 cash, each counted with the aid of a machine at the Sandiganbayan cashier. The bail was paid after the Sandiganbayan issued the produce order instructing the police to bring Enrile to court for the processing of his bail application for plunder case filed against him, ordinarily a non-bailable offense. Enrile posted bail after the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday in a vote of 8-4 granted his motion to reverse the Sandiganbayan Third Division’s ruling, which denied his bail plea. The decision came exactly a week after the SC sided with Enrile’s request for bill of particulars in the plunder case stemming from his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam. The Supreme Court set the bail amount at P1 million. On top of the P30,000 bail for each of his 15 graft charges, Enrile paid a toPAGE A7

Filipino extreme runner conquers Death Valley

SAN FRANCISCO – Longdistance running phenomenon Gerald Tabios, one of the very few Filipino ultra-marathoners, finished what is billed as the toughest foot race in the world July 28 to 30, in the hottest place in America—the appropriately

Gerald Tabios, ultra-marathoner.

named Death Valley. The Badwater Ultramarathon, which describes itself as “the world’s toughest foot race,” is a 135-mile (217 km) course starting at 282 feet (86 m) below sea level in the Badwater Basin, in California‘s Death Valley, and ending at an elevation of 8,360 feet (2,548 m) at Whitney Portal, the trailhead to Mount Whitney. It takes place annually in midJuly in Death Valley, when the weather conditions are most extreme and temperatures over 120 °F (49 °C), even in the shade are not uncommon. Consequently, very few people—even among ultra-marathoners—are capable of finishing this grueling race. Tabios is a resident of Queens,

New York and works as a chauffeur. He hails from Malaybalay, Bukidnon and is a graduate of civil engineering from Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro. He and his wife, Donna, immigrated to New York in 2001. “Then I ran my first (long-distance race) at the New York City Marathon in 2004 and since then, I have been a ‘streaker’ for the New York City Marathon up to the present,” Tabios states on his website. “Finally in 2011, I decided to try my first 50k ultra-marathon, which a few years earlier I swore I would never do. From then on I was “bitten by the bug.” To date, Tabios has completed 32 marathons and 40 ultra-marathons and countless shorter races. (Inquirer.net)

VP Binay laments demolition job...

PAGE A1 legations that there were ghost beneficiaries of the senior citizen’s program in Makati City. “The supposed ‘findings’ presented by Mr. Arthur Cruto are misleading and the conclusions pure conjecture. Dahil unverified ang beneficiary, ghost na kaagad [Because it is unverified, it doesn’t mean it is a ghost beneficiary already],” Salgado said. There were senior citizens registered in Makati City who remain to be beneficiaries of said city even after moving to other localities. Cruto allegedly has no objection to this policy, Salgado said, when his own mother remained to be a senior citizen beneficiary in Makati City, even though she moved to Cavite already. Salgado assured that the senior citizens of Makati really apply and submit documents, and they go through a process of verification. Benefits are also received personally because Makati City’s Social Welfare Department has a system that delists deceased beneficiaries.

“Assuming without conceding the existence of fake beneficiaries, where is the evidence to show any link to the Vice President? None, because this is another tall tale,” Salgado said. He added that nothing could be expected from a known protégé of former Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado but ‘lies.’ “The Liberal Party and Mercado cabal in Makati are raising ghost issues to deflect public focus from the deteriorating public service and the return of fixing and other forms of corruption at City Hall,” Salgado said. He then challenged Cruto to execute an affidavit and repeat his statements outside the Senate so that Binay’s camp “can file the appropriate case against him.” Salgado alleged that the only reason why Cruto was confident of his statements is because the Senate gave him immunity to lie about Binay. He then addressed Senator Antonio Trillanes 4th, saying that a “death certificate is not proof of corruption.” If the senior citizen died within

the release period for their benefits, the benefits are released to the beneficiary, he explained. The program is subjected to regular audit by the Commission on Audit (COA), “and there has never been any adverse findings.” “Pero alam namin na selective kayo sa pagtingin sa COA. Kapag walang makitang mali sa Makati, tinatakot n’yo at tinatawag na sangkot sa cover-up [We know that they are selective in checking with the COA. When they do not find any fault, they try to resort to scaring and alleging that we are included in the cover-up],” Salgado said. “Kapag pabor sa inyo gaya ng sinabi ng dating COA chair, palakpak kayo. Pero kapag kayo mismo ang sinabihan ng COA na ipaliwanag ang overpriced consultants, sinasabi n’yo na pakana ng oposisyon. Ayos ba sir? [When it’s in your favor, like what former COA chairman mentioned, you applaud it. But when the COA asks you about your overpriced consultants, you say the opposition is behind it.],” Salgado added.

PH Consul General confers with Fil-Am NYC... PAGE A1 getting hit by hurricanes as well. Ms. Minerva Tantoco mentioned that the De Blasio administration has tapped many Filipinos for key positions. Aside from her, she said, there is Maria Torres Springer, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the New York Eco-

nomic Development Corporation, and Carmelyn Malalis, the city’s Commissioner on Human Rights. Ms. Tantoco was born in Manila, but migrated with her family to the United States when she was four years old. She grew up in New York’s Flushing neighborhood, and honed her skills in Cal-

ifornia’s Silicon Valley at the beginning of the technology boom, where her talent was quickly recognized. Consul General De Leon was accompanied by Consul Kerwin Tate. Joining Ms. Tantoco during the meeting was her Chief of Staff, Sarah Knapp.

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New app aims to push... PAGE A1 nection.” VoterVOX seeks to connect multilingual Asian Americans with voters in their communities needing language assistance in order to address continuing language barriers facing Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) at the polls and resultant voter disenfranchisement. According to recent studies, AAPIs are three times more likely than Latinos to cite language barrier as a reason for not voting. “Nearly half of all adult AAPIs are not comfortable in English (the technical term is limited English proficient), and I want the other 50 percent of us to take initiative in helping them participate fully in civic life,” C.M. Samala, executive director of 18 Million Rising told NBC News. A new report by Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, entitled “50 Years of the Voting Rights Act: An Asian American Perspective,” found that language assistance is vital to the growing AAPI community, many of whom are immigrants. Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act requires bilingual ballots and assistance at the polls for limited English proficient voters, but only when the population that speaks a minority language reaches a certain threshold in

DFA’s consular offices in Davao, Cebu and San Fernando, Pampanga and DFA satellite offices at Robinsons Galleria, SM Manila and Ali Mall last month, in addition to nine centers processing applications of overseas Filipino workers, immigrants, seafarers and students who are leaving for abroad, but have not yet registered as OVs. Last June, the iREHISTRO online system was also launched, which allows registrants to schedule their personal appearance at the embassy, consulate, mission or mobile and field registration site for biometric registration. Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista lauded the efforts of the DFA and Philippine embas-

and items of the same kind that can well be used for commercial purposes,” he said. Lina recounted that some items inside these balikbayan boxes could be considered as smuggled goods due to noncompliance with the Philippine Tariff and Customs Code. Some packages were found to be “spilling with undervalued items and under-declared contents” during the bureau’s spot checks, he said. Balikbayan boxes are duty and tax-free packages designed for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) sending home gifts to their families, the BOC said. However, it should always be noted that these packages have

claims brought in different jurisdictions into a single courtroom ruled Friday, August 14 that lawsuits filed in multiple states will be heard in the Central District of California, where Pacquiao was said to injure his shoulder while training for the fight. Pacquiao, 36, injured his rotator cuff in April during a training exercise. His team did not disclose the injury until hours after the May 2 fight, when Pacquiao said that he re-damaged the shoulder during the fourth round against Mayweather. Nevada Athletic Commission officials have considered fining or suspending for not reporting any injuries on the pre-fight questionnaire. The US Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation said in its final decision Friday that “determining the severity and timing of the boxer’s rotator-cuff injury could require significant factual, and possibly expert, discovery.” “Questions about the facts of the case, including for example who knew about the injury, are

Fil-Ams on US mercy ship...

Customs to impose tighter rules... PAGE A1

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 21-27, 2015

limitations, such as contents not exceeding $500 in value, Lina said. “Canned goods, grocery items and other household effects must not exceed a dozen a kind, while apparel whether used or new must not exceed three yards per cut,” Lina said. He added that one consignment per sender during a onemonth period is allowed. These packages should also not contain any banned or regulated firearms and ammunition, prohibited drugs, pornographic material and gambling material. “Home appliances are not allowed unless these are consigned to returning Filipino PAGE A4

Pacquiao cases head to CA court

the community. As a result, many voters from by Allyson EscobAr smaller, less concentrated lanAJPress guage groups who need assistance are left out. Section 208, PLAINTIFFS who argue the however, allows voters to receive May 2nd boxing match between assistance from a person of their Filipino champ Manny Pacquiao choice, and exit polls show that and undefeated Floyd Mayweaththis is a solution many AAPIs uti- er Jr. was a fraud will get a chance lize. to settle their cases before a fedVoterVOX works by matching eral judge in California. a volunteer translator with a voter The long-awaited match, identified by community groups dubbed the “Fight of the Century” as needing help understanding at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the ballot. The volunteer transla- received 4.4 million viewers who tor meets the voter at a local li- paid up to $100 each to watch on brary or community center, and pay-per-view. Disappointed viewthey go over the voter’s mail-in ers criticized both boxers’ perforballot in the preferred language. mances, including Mayweather, To finish, the voter mails in his or who won the fight by the judges’ her own ballot, and the volunteer unanimous decision. translator uploads his or her balJudge R. Gary Klausner, who lot translation or technical lan- heard arguments in cases filed guage notes to share with other last year against Sony Pictures volunteer translators. related to a major company cySamala sees this as just the ber-hack, will decide if the Pacfirst step to better engagement quiao cases are granted classfor multiple communities. action status before any trial “As we make democracy ac- proceeds. cessible in more languages for A panel of judges that decides AAPI communities, we also hope whether to consolidate similar that VoterVOX grows into a platform that all limited English proficient Americans can use to improve access to voting, health care, housing, and other aspects PAGE A1 of civic life,” she said. (Allyson Escobar/AJPress with reports ship’s Philippine mission. Mateo de Dios, another Filipinofrom NBC News) American crew member, said he visited his relatives in Cabangan, Zambales. De Dios, 48, has been working sies to increase the number of as an electrician on the hospital registered overseas Filipino vot- ship for three months. He said ers. his visit with his Filipino relatives “I hope we can look into the was “special,” as the ship’s stay in possibility of holding these reg- Subic was for only a few days. istrations in public areas like malls, public squares and parks, community centers and other suitable places where the host government allows the conduct of election-related activities,” Bautista said. “At the current pace of registration, the 2016 presidential elections will be the first to have over a million active registered overseas voters. Attaining this goal can definitely be a game changer,” Office of Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Undersecretary Rafael Seguis, concurrent chairman of DFA-OVS, said. (Pia Lee-Brago/ Philstar.com)

Overseas voters registration... PAGE A1

Dateline USa

Lt. (jg) Timothy Pietrack, public affairs officer of the USNS Mercy Pacific Partnership 2015, said the Filipino-American personnel on the ship were allowed to debark and spend time with their relatives outside the free port. The relatives were also allowed to board the ship to meet the Fil-Am crew members, he said. 100 Fil-Ams aboard Capt. Christopher Engdahl,

sufficiently complex to warrant consolidating the large number of related cases,” the panel said. At least 32 lawsuits had been filed as of mid-May in California, Nevada, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Texas. Several more appear to have been filed since. Pacquiao and his promoter Top Rank Inc. are named in all of the lawsuits, and most also include Mayweather, his promoters, as well as cable companies HBO and Showtime. The lawsuits argue the injury was not revealed until after the May 2 fight, too late for the millions of worldwide viewers who paid to watch it. HBO and Showtime have said they earned more than $400 million total from the fight. In court filings, attorneys representing Pacquiao and Top Rank have said the claims are without merit. An attorney for the defendants declined to comment on August 17, as well as representatives for USNS Mercy Pacific Partnership 2015 mission commander, said there were about 100 Fil-Am personnel on the ship and some of them were on their first humanitarian mission. The USNS Mercy arrived in this former American naval base on Aug. 4 for the second phase of Pacific Partnership 2015, which aimed to provide multilateral training, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. Formerly a San Clemente-class supertanker, the hospital ship has

Manny Pacquiao AJPress file photo by Andy Tecson

HBO and Showtime. Each of the boxers earned more than $100 million in a single night. (Allyson Escobar/AJPress with reports from the Associated Press, BoxingScene.com) a 1,000-patient bed capacity. It has four X-ray rooms, a CT scan unit, a physical therapy suite, a pharmacy, a blood bank and an optometry lab. The ship deployed a team of military and civilian medical professionals to provide surgical and other treatments to residents of Olongapo City and surrounding areas. A team from the USNS Mercy went to Pangasinan on Aug. 10 for a three-day humanitarian mission. PAGE A5

A AUGUST 21-27, 2015 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

Estimated $2.74 billion cost of California drought by Allyson

EscobAr

AJPress

THE worsening drought in California will cause the state’s economy to lose as much as $2.74 billion and nearly 21,000 total jobs this year--and ripple effects of the 4-year-old drought will likely continue through at least 2017, according to a study released August 18. The report, authored by the University of California, Davis Center for Watershed Sciences, also revealed that direct costs to the state’s agriculture economy will total $1.84 billion and 10,100 direct seasonal jobs. The $2.74 billion figure reflects the cost to all economic sectors, and when multiple effects are considered. “Increased prices for crops will give a boost to some farmers in areas less affected by the drought and with access to groundwater,” according to the authors of the study. “Central Coast and Southern California regions benefit from slightly higher commodity prices due to decreased production in other parts of the state,” the

report stated. Researchers estimated that the 2015 drought will result in the fallowing of 542,000 irrigated acres, mostly in the state’s Central Valley. An earlier similar UC Davis study estimated around 564,000 acres would be fallowed this year, but the update released Tuesday revised the impact “because water transfers, groundwater pumping and surface water deliveries have changed since our preliminary analysis.” The recent study sees continued economic impacts through 2016 and 2017, which assumes this year’s water conditions for both years and “a slow decline in the water tables.” It also predicts nearly 550,000 fallowed acres by 2017. Total crop revenue losses are projected to reach $902 million this year, and the study estimates that total gross revenue losses from crops under a continued drought will increase to nearly $940 million by 2017, according to CNBC.

Additionally, drought-related losses for the state’s dairy industry are expected to reach $250 million this year, and another $100 million for the livestock division. Increased pumping costs of about $587 million also will cut into farm incomes this year, the report stated. It estimated that groundwater pumping has been able to offset roughly 70 percent of the drought water shortage. However, new water regulations led by California Governor Jerry Brown are going into effect that could curb the ability of farmers to rely on groundwater reserves. Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings released a report examining the impact of the state’s current 25 percent mandatory water cuts on water utilities and found 78 percent of utilities polled indicated that rate adjustments for Californians will be on tap in the next year or have already begun. Fitch said the water reductions ordered by the state in May and the “short compliance time frame” that utilities

had to adjust led to “revenue challenges and heighten credit risk for California’s retail water utilities. As a result of reduced water sales, many utilities will experience reduced financial margins in fiscals years 2015 and 2016.” The rating agency forecasts recovery of financial margins in fiscal 2017, even if the severe statewide drought continues. The median water rate increase next year will be around 5 percent, the Fitch report said, also adding that water rate hikes in some areas could go as high as 31 percent. Besides rate increases, the report said more than half of the utilities surveyed expect to offset lower revenues by cutting operating expenditures, and 46 percent said they would use financial reserves. 37 percent of the companies also said they would divert from their planned capital spending to help offset the lost revenue, and 2 percent said they would consider debt service restructuring. (With reports from CNBC)

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Customs to impose tighter rules... PAGE A3 residents and overseas contract workers. We will seize these prohibited shipments and revoke registrations of forwarders or consolidators if we find any violations,” Lina said. He further said examination of the shipments is allowed and if a receiver finds any items missing from the packages, he may report this to the proper authorities. Congressional probe sought Meanwhile, a group of OFWs immediately sought an investigation into the reported plan of the BOC to impose additional taxes on balikbayan boxes and other consolidated shipments. Connie Bragas-Regalado, Migrante party-list chair, said Congress must look into this. According to Regalado, Migrante has received information that the BOC plans to increase clearing fees for all containers entering Philippine ports to as much as P100,000 to P120,000. She reported that the first increase was actually imposed last July and another will reportedly be implemented this

October. “What is the reason and rationale for this increase? Why was it imposed despite strong opposition from forwarders and OFWs alike? Where will the added cost go?” Regalado asked. She said the least the government could do to help the millions of Filipino workers abroad is to stop any moneymaking schemes that will affect them and their families. Freight forwarders earlier complained that the BOC has approved an increase of taxes covering all shipments in a consolidated container from P80,000 to P180,000. The imposition of additional taxes on consolidated shipments should be thoroughly investigated by Congress when legislators hear the agency’s proposed 2016 budget, Regalado said. She said the additional taxes, which could translate to P325 per balikbayan box, would surely be passed on by the freight forwarders to OFWs. (With Mayen Jaymalin, Evelyn Macairan)

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 21-27, 2015

Dateline PhiliPPines

Binay camp downplays ‘worst agency’ Fil-Ams on US mercy ship... tag from ‘biased’ Makati businessmen THE camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay was no longer surprised that the Makati Business Club rated his office as the worstperforming government agency, noting how some of its members are favoring Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas. Both Binay and Roxas have publicly declared their presidential bids in 2016. “With all due respect, 67 wealthy businessmen in Makati cannot represent the sentiment of our people nationwide. They cannot be expected to give a true and objective assessment of the performance of all government agencies, most especially the OVP (Office of the Vice President),” Joey Salgado, head of the OVP’s media affairs, said in a statement on Friday, Aug. 14. “We know for a fact that there are MBC members with long-held biases against the Vice President

and his family. Then there are MBC officials like its executive director who were present at the anointment of Secretary Mar Roxas as PNoy’s (President Benigno Aquino III’s) chosen one,” he said. Salgado said the MBC members have also “profited from this administration’s economic policy that embraces the rich and excludes the poor” and that they want to continue “the inequality under an administration that is pro-business.” Binay’s office ranked last among the 64 government agencies surveyed by the MBC with -76.3. The other worst-performing agencies were the Department of Transportation and Communications, which ranked 63rd with a net satisfaction rating of -61.9; Bureau of Customs, 62nd (-55.6); Department of Agriculture, 63rd

(-46.7), and the Energy Regulatory Commission, 60th (-42.4). But Salgado questioned the basis used by the MBC when it assessed the performance of the government agencies. “The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) fared better than the OVP when businessmen and economists have openly complained about the anemic spending that has put a drag on the economy,” he said. “They even placed the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) a notch higher than the OVP, when the universal verdict is that the DOTC, first held by Roxas and now under his partymate Emilio Abaya, is the showcase of ineptitude, incompetence and a threat to public safety, not to mention a cash cow for LP (Liberal Party) allies,” he said. PAGE A7

PAGE A3 ‘It’s great to be home’ Lt. Cmdr. Elmer Jimenez, who grew up in Barangay Bued in Calasiao town, said he visited Pangasinan on a sentimental homecoming. “It feels great to be home. It’s been 25 years since I left my pinablin (beloved) Pangasinan,” said Jimenez, the Mercy’s medical planner for the Philippines and Fiji missions. The USNS Mercy team conducted a basic life support training on Aug. 5 and 6 at Subic Bay. Medical personnel from the Pangasinan Provincial Health Office joined the training. Jimenez and 69 other personnel of the hospital ship, led by its deputy mission commander, Capt. Brian Delamont of the Royal Australian Navy, were received in Pangasinan by Gov. Amado Espino Jr. during the flag-raising ceremony at the capitol in Linagayen town. The team was composed of eight Filipino-Americans, four of them, including Jimenez, hailing from

Pangasinan. “This is my first time to come home in my uniform. So it also feels great that I’m in this capacity to deliver some services here in Pangasinan,” Jimenez said. On Aug. 10, the team conducted veterinary medical missions in 10 villages of Lingayen and met with disaster response officials. TB, leprosy, etc. The team also held a symposium on tuberculosis, leprosy, leptospirosis and dengue, and conducted a mobile blood donation, presurgical screening for patients with cleft palates and demonstration and rapid rabies detection tests in several Pangasinan towns. Jimenez, 43, said he left Pangasinan when he was 18 and joined the US Navy a few months after arriving in the United States. “There have been a lot of improvements here. I am impressed that the governor has prioritized health services as one of his programs and it’s very apparent in the capabilities of the health workers,” Jimenez said.

He said hours after his team’s arrival here on Aug. 9, he treated his colleagues to a dinner of Filipino food that included Dagupan bangus (milkfish). “A lot of them loved the bangus and they enjoyed the puto (glutinous rice cake) and some of them even tried balut (boiled duck embryo),” Jimenez said. During the flag-raising ceremony, the Pacific Fleet Band surprised the provincial employees when it played “Luyag ko tan Yaman” (My Province and Treasure), the official hymn of the province. They also entertained the employees with jazz numbers. Lt. Patrick Sweeten, bandmaster, said it took his band three rehearsals to perfect the Pangasinan hymn. “It was a special arrangement by one of our members. They are very talented people,” Sweeten said. The band held a concert featuring American pop music at the Robinsons mall in Calasiao on Aug. 11. The USNS Mercy left the Philippines on Friday for its next destination, Vietnam. (Inquirer.net)

A AUGUST 21-27, 2015 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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Tourist-friendly NEXT month, the world is celebrating World Tourism Day. This year’s World Tourism Day highlights the global potential of tourism for socioeconomic development. As part of this celebration, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) commends the 1.1 billion tourists who take international trips every year, and their value as a reliable driving force behind the world’s economy. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon encourages the world’s citizens not just to travel but to work together to maximize the immense potential of tourism to drive inclusive economic growth, protect the environment and promote sustainable development and a life of dignity for all. “Today, more than one billion tourists travel to an international destination every year. These billion tourists have made tourism a leading economic sector, contributing 10 percent of global GDP and 6 percent of the world´s total exports,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai, who echoed Ki-moon’s sentiments. Rifai noted that tourism is behind one in 11 jobs worldwide and that it is a valuable source for million of people. He also described the tourism sector as a gateway to greater understanding of the world beyond our borders, the first step in building peace and between communities and nations. According to UNWTO, in 2014, the number of tourists traveling internationally grew by 4.4 percent, reaching a new milestone of 1,135 million, and capping a five-year consecutive increase since the global economic crisis of 2009. There results have surpassed UNWTO´s long-term projection of

3.8 percent growth for the period 2010 to 2020, well on track to reach the projected 1.8 billion international tourists by the year 2030. “Yet these big numbers represent more than just economic strength – they reflect tourism´s vast potential and increasing capacity to address some of the world´s most pressing challenges, including socio-economic growth, inclusive development and environmental preservation,” Rifai added. Rifai said that tourism is more than just about reaching a destination—it has a global reach. “Every time we travel, we become part of a global movement that has the power to drive positive change for our planet and all people.” In the Philippines, tourism remains a thriving industry but requires more improvements to fully maximize its potential. Foreign arrivals for 2014 was recorded at 4,833,368 or 3.25 percent higher than the volume of 4,681,307 arrivals in 2013. Total earnings from inbound tourism in 2014 amounted to P214.88 billion, higher by 15 percent compared to the P186.15 billion registered in 2013. In the first six months of this year, tourist arrivals hit a record 2.6 million, 7.6 percent higher than the same period last year, generating P111 billion in tourist receipt. The Dept. of Tourism (DOT) also reported that domestic tourism is the genuine backbone of the country’s tourism. It noted there are 56 million domestic tourists this year from only 44 million last year.

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Despite these promising numbers, the country is lowering its target of tourist arrivals from 10 million to six million for this year, saying it was a more realistic figure. DOT revealed that security and negative travel advisories by a number of countries are challenges that affected the full-year target. To address this issue, the government has been implementing proposed changes in crisis management and police procedures, coordination, and emergency protocols applicable to acts

of violence. With abundance in natural wonders and the warmth of its people, the Philippines remains confident that it has an edge over other travel destinations neighbors and still anticipates a major flow of tourists. It also remains focused on enforcing necessary reforms to improve its travel industry. Regardless of the feeble global market, political instability and some weak areas in its domestic economy, the Philippine tourism industry remains attractive, unscathed and a bargain. (AJPress)

What undocumented Pinoys can expect from a Donald Trump presidency

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS FILIPINOS in America are divided between two ends of the spectrum: those who believe Donald Trump is their “Messiah” who will help “reclaim” America (but from whom?) and all her glory; and those who abhor Trump and see him as a caricature, no more than a rich real estate mogul and reality star on TV who craves for attention. The way kababayans responded to Trump’s recent announcement about his plan to combat illegal immigration depended on how they view him. Those who look at Trump as their next President and Commander-in-Chief hailed his plan, saying this is fair and just, especially for those who waited in line, came to America through legal means, and paid fees. As the New York Times (NYT) reported, Trump’s plan is centered on three principles. The first principle states “a nation

without borders is not a nation”. This calls for the United States to build a wall along the southern border, and he repeated his promise to make Mexico pay for the wall and laid out how he would do it: largely through increasing fees on border movement between the United States and Mexico. The second principle of Mr. Trump’s proposal, according to the NYT, calls for strengthening the “enforcement arm” of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office, to be paid for by “eliminating tax credit payments to illegal immigrants.” The third principle says that “any immigration plan must improve jobs, wages and security for all Americans.” The report further stated that the release of Trump’s plan followed his appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” where he elaborated on his position to deport undocumented immigrants. “We have to keep the families together, but they have to go,” Mr. Trump said. When asked how he might ac-

complish this, especially given the cost, Mr. Trump responded with a question which resonated with many of his Fil-Am supporters as evidenced by their social media posts. “Do you think there’s tremendous cost for the illegals that are in here right now?” Mr. Trump asked. “Do you think there’s tremendous crime being committed by illegals?” The NYT said Trump promised to “expedite it so people can come back in” after the deportation. “The good people can come back,” he said. According to the NYT, Trump’s formal policy maintains what he has contended many times before that “Mexico’s leaders have been taking advantage of the United States by using illegal immigration to export the crime and poverty in their own country.” Other parts of Trump’s plan, the NYT opined, are similar to the proposals of his rivals in the Republican race. He proposed enforcing the nationwide e-veri-

fy system, ending birthright citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants and increasing the prevailing wage for the temporary H-1B visas. Unlike many of our conservative/Republican-leaning Filipinos in America, those who are leaning Democrat contend that Trump’s plan is not humane, and discriminates against immigrants. They also echo Trump’s Republican opponents who are already criticizing his plans, by saying they just won’t work. On the plan to build the wall in the southern border, CNN’s Tom Foreman stated in his report: “ If Mexico won’t play along, Trump proposes a torrent of fees on Mexican citizens, corporate CEO’s, and Diplomats who visit the US, possible tariffs and cuts to foreign aid, too. But Foreman also pointed out that Mexico is the United States’ third-largest trading partner, and that all of Trump’s plans” could cost the US as well, that was why his political opponents are not impressed”. “This is not a negotiation of a real estate deal, OK? This is

international diplomacy and it’s different,” New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said, according to CNN. On Trump’s plan to deport the 11 million undocumented immigrants, the CNN report likewise explained that Trump was not clear on how to find them and how to fund deporting all of them, even if he would limit the deportation to those with criminal records. On the issue of Trump’s policy that kids of two illegal immigrants should not automatically be US citizens even if they are born in the United States, Tom Foreman also stated in his report that there is the 14th Amendment in the US Constitution that was ratified in 1868, which stipulated that “All persons born… in the United States…are citizens of the United States”. According to Foreman, legal scholars say Trump’s plan to end birthright citizenship would require changing the Constitution. This is not within the power of the Executive but the Legislature. Pulitzer prize winning journal-

ist Jose Antonio Vargas, perhaps the most popular and outspoken undocumented immigrant in America, shared his frustration about Trump’s plan in an interview with Yahoo News Live. As The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast Balitang America reported, Vargas was among the beneficiary of President Barack Obama’s Expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program, sparing him from deportation for two years, and according him work and travel permit. Trump said he would reverse this. Vargas said if he would have the chance to talk to Trump, he would ask him, “‘How do you define American, sir?’” Vargas added: “This is not a reality television show anymore. This is running for president.” *** 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

What about FVR for President... again! A response from former

Shooting Straight BoBit S. AvilA OUR column last Tuesday triggered a deluge of comments, some of them nasty, even one reader accused me of being “Binayaran.” These readers obviously do not read our columns, word for word. First of all, I clearly pointed out that in the present crop of Presidentiables I have chosen “none-of-the-above,” none of them should be President of this country! What a dilemma for our people! We cannot find a suitable candidate! Secondly, I was merely citing which is better… voting for an incompetent person or a corrupt one? We in Cebu have lived for nearly five years under the incompetent Aquino regime where we were never given any major infrastructure projects according to a National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) report. This is why we hate Imperial Manila for these bureaucrats prevent cities from moving forward. All infrastructures have been poured into Metro Manila! Yet a lot of the

people in Metro Manila stare at incompetence every single day if you take the Metro Rail Transit (MRT). Worse for Cebu, the Aquino regime leased the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) for 25 years to the GMR/Megawide consortium and during the ground breaking ceremonies for the new Terminal 2, no less than Pres. Aquino revealed to the Cebu media that the P14.4 billion will be deposited in the National Treasury to be used for other projects. Wow! What about our second runway? As I said before, this is the legacy of Pres. Aquino for Cebuanos and we will never forget this big insult. We already tasted 70 years of having a centralized system of governance and just take a good look at what this has done for the Philippines. From second to Japan we’ve dragged ourselves to be the laughing stock of ASEAN. We may brag about our robust economy today, thanks to our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, which can only be found in two places, India and the Philippines. But check out the Wallace Forum statistics on Foreign Direct

Investments (FDIs) and you’ll be dismayed that the Philippines still ranks at the bottom of ASEAN. So now, did you ever hear of any of our Presidentiables say how they would solve or fix this problem on FDIs? No sir, not one of them! What our nation needs today is a President who should be a reformer, one with the guts to change our highly centralized system of government into a parliamentary-federal form of government. One who has a good track record, experience, the gung-ho attitude and above all the wisdom to lead this nation into a better future. After a lot of thought, I finally found that person. So I asked my good friend, Mr. Rick Ramos who writes for Manila Times to meet up with former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos (FVR) and he did. Here’s an excerpt of his meeting with FVR a few days ago. “I had a meeting with former President Fidel V. Ramos (FVR). He is the best person to champion the parliamentary system and federal form of government. FVR and I talked about the parliamentary system and the federal form of government. He is all for it. He told me that when

he ran for President in 1992, he already wanted a parliamentary system. He also wanted to do it in 1997, but Cory Aquino and Jaime Cardinal Sin opposed it. Cory thought FVR wanted to become a Dictator like Marcos. T___a talaga. His strategy is shift first to the parliamentary system and the federal form to follow. He said that the federal form has to evolve after the parliamentary system. It cannot be legislated and cited what happened in England and then the UK. I told FVR that the BBL issue can be resolved if we have a federal form of government. The Bangsamoro region can be one for the states. FVR said that he recommended the same 10 years in 2005.” So will FVR accept our challenge to run for President? He must do it as a matter of duty and for a long lasting legacy…shifting our nation from ugly politics to one where politicians are true public servants. FVR’s only negative is his age. But I dare all the Presidentiables to do pushups with him and let’s see who is stronger physically? Let’s go FVR! For God and country! (Philstar.com)

President Fidel V. Ramos by BoBit

S. AvilA

LAST Thursday we wrote in this corner a column entitled, “What about FVR for President… again!” And it got me another deluge of emails from people from all walks of life and a lot of them congratulating me for urging former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos to run again for President especially in this Presidential elections where most people just cannot picture the front runners to become President of this nation. But what I got was a classic response from no less than FVR himself, who sent me a book entitled Giving Back: Service and Legacy which is a collection of his Sunday columns in the Manila Bulletin. With it is a photocopy of my column last Thursday and the FVR note that he always writes on the side and sends me when he was still the President. Here’s his note in full: “Thank you for this great accolade which I do not deserve…because although “The spirit is willing, the flesh is weak.” I can still do 40 push-ups and shoot my age in golf (18-holes), but the Presi-

dency of our beloved Philippines of 7,107 island (during high tide, and more during low tide) and 100 million people demands more than muscle. You and Rick and so many others are correct… our younger Filipinos deserve a better future which we, their elders, must continue to work for. Mabuhay! Signed Fidel Ramos.” Thank you FVR for your quick response to our article. While his answer to me was not a categorical “No”, FVR and I agree that our young Filipinos deserve a better future. Hence, let me clarify what I think FVR ought to do first is for him to run for President and I’m sure that in no time, he will overtake everyone in the current surveys of Presidentiables. When he wins the Presidency, his first order of business is to call for a constitutional convention (concon) and elect con-con delegates to change our Charter. When that is done within a year or two, the new constitution where we will finally have a Parliamentary/Federal system would be ratified and then a few months later, new elections will be called, PAGE A7

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Dateline PhiliPPines

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 21-27, 2015

Filipina injured in Bangkok explosion Iglesia ni Cristo poll: Roxas has no chance of winning by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA—The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok on Tuesday, Aug. 18 confirmed that a Filipina was injured during a bomb explosion in at a popular shrine in Bangkok, Thailand, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. The DFA said the Filipina sustained a hearing injury from the explosion. According to a report from ANC, the injured Filipina is in Bangkok with her foreign employers who are set to return to return to their country soon. She requested not to reveal her other personal details.

Meanwhile, Thai authorities contradicted earlier police reports that a Filipino was among those who were killed during the explosion, a report from the Associated Press said. At least 20 people were killed and around 140 were injured in the bombing incident. Bangkok deputy government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd released the following list of nationalities of the 20 people killed in the explosion: Thai - 5 Malaysian - 2 Chinese - 2 Hong Konger - 2 Singaporean - 1 Unknown - 8. (With reports from Associated Press)

4 SC justices hit... PAGE A2 nor found in any statute or provision of the Constitution,” he said, adding that the conditions for bail under court rules were “so canonical,” hence clear-cut. He said it was only right for the antigraft court to deny Enrile bail, which the senator assailed in the Supreme Court. “The Sandiganbayan should not be faulted for not shedding their neutrality and impartiality. It is not the duty of an impartial court to find what it deems a better argument for the accused at the expense of the prosecution and the people they represent,” Leonen said. Suspending rules on evidence “Nowhere in the rules of procedure do we allow the grant of bail based on judicial notice of a doctor’s certification. In doing so, we effectively suspend our rules on evidence by doing away with cross-examination and authentication of Dr. Jose Gonzales’ findings on petitioner’s health,” said Leonen. Gonzales, director of the Philippine General Hospital, had testified about Enrile’s condition at the Sandiganbayan. Leonen noted how Enrile’s friends, family and colleagues in the Senate had readily spoken

about the senator’s possible immediate return to the legislature upon release, contrary to claims of his frail health. “The special grant of bail due to medical conditions is unique, extraordinary and exceptional. To allow petitioner to go about his other duties would be to blatantly flaunt a violation of other provisions of the Constitution and our rules,” Leonen said. “There is no guidance as to whether this is applicable only to cases involving plunder. There is no guidance in the majority’s opinion as to whether this is only applicable to the medical conditions or stature or titles of petitioner,” he said. The majority ruling overturned resolutions the Sandiganbayan Third Division issued in July and August last year denying Enrile’s bail plea. Enrile and his former chief of staff, Gigi Reyes, are accused of pocketing P173 million in exchange for diverting the Senator’s Priority Development Assistance Fund to bogus nongovernment organizations (NGOs), a scheme allegedly the brainchild of detained businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles. Precarious health In his Sandiganbayan testimony, Dr. Gonzales said Enrile suffered from chronic hyperten-

Enrile out on bail... PAGE A2

tal amount of P1.45 million. Enrile went to the Supreme Court after the Sandiganbayan Third Division last year denied his motion that he be allowed to post bail. In his 70-page petition for certiorari filed Sept. 4, 2014, Enrile said he should be allowed to post bail since the prosecution failed to present strong evidence against him and that the charges “cannot be considered a capital offense.” At the same time, Enrile said he is not a “flight risk considering that he even voluntarily surrendered to the authorities when the warrant for his arrest was issued by the anti-graft court.

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA—Majority of the members of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) believe that Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II does not have a chance of winning the presidency in the 2016 national election. A survey conducted last week, by INC-owned television station Net 25 showed that 93.3 percent of the respondents believe Roxas will not become the next president. Meanwhile, only 6.9 percent of the respondents said that the Liberal Party presumptive presision, cardiovascular disease, irregular heartbeat, asthma-COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) overlap syndrome, eyesight problems, and historical diagnoses of high blood sugar, high cholesterol, gait or balance disorder, upper gastrointestinal bleeding and an enlarged prostate. “Indeed, denying him bail despite imperiling his health and life would not serve the true objective of preventive incarceration during the trial,” it said. The court likewise cited the Philippines’ commitment under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “This national commitment to uphold the fundamental human rights as well as value the worth and dignity of every person has authorized the grant of bail not only to those charged in criminal proceedings, but also to extraditees upon a clear and convincing showing: (1) that the detainee will not be a flight risk or a danger to the community; and (2) that there exist special, humanitarian and compelling circumstances. The court said Enrile “has demonstrated his utter respect for the legal processes of this country.” It cited how the court granted Enrile’s petition for bail while on trial for rebellion, murder and multiple frustrated murder after the December 1989 coup, “because he was not seen as a flight risk.”

He also cited his advanced age as another reason for the SC to grant his petition. Enrile is under hospital detention while his chief of staff Atty. Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes is detained at the female dormitory of Camp Bagong Diwa as they face plunder and 15 counts of graft for their alleged involvement in the purported scheme of pilfering the senator’s Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) to ghost projects for kickbacks. According to the financial records of principal whistleblower Benhur Luy, Enrile received P172.8 million in kickbacks from Napoles, who referred to Enrile as “Tanda” in the use of codenames for the alleged scam.

The witnesses had also testified that they personally saw Napoles hand over Enrile’s kickbacks to his alleged agent Ruby Tuason. State witness Tuason, a socialite and social secretary of former President Joseph Estrada, has said she delivered kickbacks for Enrile from Napoles through Enrile’s chief of staff Reyes over lunch meetings in posh restaurants. Tuason said Enrile sometimes fetched Reyes and invited them for coffee after these supposed lunch meetings. Accused mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles is serving life sentence for the serious illegal detention of her former entrusted financial officer Benhur Luy, who turned against her when he was detained by the businesswoman over suspicions he was starting his own scam.

lowest budget allocation among government agencies but despite its limitation, it has provided assistance to thousands of indigents who could not afford the cost of medical care “that is readily accessible to MBC members. “ Salgado said the OVP helped 6,044 indigent clients in paying for their dialysis, hospital bills, chemotherapy sessions, medicines, surgery and other procedures, and hearing aids, provided educational support to 9,700 elementary school pupils nationwide, mostly children from

indigenous communities, and assisted 1,588 OFWs in 2014. “And while we do welcome an honest appraisal of our work, for the OVP, we are satisfied more by the simple gestures of thanks from those whom we have served: a letter of thanks from an OFW awaiting repatriation, a warm embrace and the words “maraming salamat” from a grateful mother. Doon lang, bawi na ang pagpupuyat at pagod (Those gestures are enough to offset our sleepless nights and exhaustion),” he further said. (Inquirer.net)

Binay camp downplays ‘worst agency’... PAGE A5 Salagado said that apparently, the MBC members were “predisposed to believe every lie and gossip against the Vice President.” “Yet they would ignore the fact that the DOTC would award a P535.5-million contract to a twomonth-old company owned by an LP man, despite a measly capital of P625,000,” he pointed out. While they were not expecting a recognition from the MBC, Salagado said these wealthy businessmen also have no right to judge the OVP. He noted that the OVP has the

dential candidate has a chance of winning. Candidates of any national position usually seek the support of the indigenous religious organization during the election season, believing that the church’s block vote would help them win. INC has around two million members. According to a report from Pilipino Star Ngayon, INC does not seem to favor Roxas despite the endorsement of President Benigno Aquino III. Sen. Grace Poe and Vice PresiMalacañang photo dent Jejomar Binay dominate Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas the latest Pulse Asia and Social not yet conducted surveys on othWeather Stations presidential ranks either third or fourth. The INC television network has er possible presidential bets. preference polls while Roxas

MILF apprehensive over proposed new name for BBL by aLexis

romero Philstar.com

MANILA—The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has reservations over the change of the name of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR) in the substitute bills filed in Congress. In an editorial posted on its website luwaran.com, MILF said rebels and soldiers are aware that BAR also stands for Browning Automatic Rifle used by the United States (US) and other countries during the 20th century. “The legislators failed to realize how strong the effects of symbolism (are) in determining the mindsets and attitudes of people,” the editorial read. “By using BAR, it continuously reminds the Moros of their martial history as an unconquered people and the BAR as a very reliable weapon in their wars with government forces in early 70s,” it added. MILF noted that the BAR, which was originally designed by John Browning for the US Expeditionary Corps, was also used during the Vietnam War. “The imposed wars from the Spanish period to the advent of the Americans in the 19th century and onto the declaration of Martial Law in 1972 have compelled the Moros to defend and arm themselves or perish,” the group said. “Consequently, as warriors, their psyche is easier to sway to take the path of war than to embrace the so-called path of peace. It is only now under the Aquino dispensation that they see the peace process as genuine,” it added. The BBL will form a new

Rallyists appealed to Congress to resume deliberations on the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law and not let the January 25 encounter between policemen and Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao stifle the now 18-year government-MILF peace deal. Philstar.com photo by John Unson

Bangsamoro entity with greater economic and political powers. It will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim and Mindanao (ARMM), which President Aquino called “a failed experiment.” The measure creating the BBL is now being deliberated in Congress. Critics of the measure, however, are questioning some of its provisions including the nature and the extent of the powers of the Bangsamoro government. MILF also believes that lawmakers are “overstressing what is obvious” when they renamed the measure BAR to emphasize the autonomous character of the entity as part and parcel of the Philippine state. “They want to erase any hint of so-called sub-state status for the Bangsamoro new entity, and finally, any justification for secession. Fear has now become the prime enemy of peace through the BBL,” MILF said. “Well and good! But they are only overstressing what is obvi-

ous. Redundancy is never the best practice in writing and in law-making,” it added. MILF stressed that its peace negotiators as well as those of the government have seen to it that the BBL does not contain any provision that violate the Constitution. “The BBL has passed through various discussions including long sessions with constitutional experts like Fr. Joaquin Bernas, former Supreme Court Justice Hilario Davide Jr., and many others to ensure that it is compliant to the Constitution,” it said. MILF also reiterated that a diluted BBL would not solve the decades-old problem in Mindanao. “What then is the use of a law passed by Congress only to prolong the miseries and sufferings in Mindanao, because it violated the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro - and the MILF is forced to reject it?” the group said.

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A response from former President... PAGE A6 which would exempt all con-con delegates from running for any elective positions. Then Pres. Ramos can become the First Titular President of this new Philippines whose only powers is to abolish Parliament and call for new elections. No sir, we’re not asking FVR to run for another six boring years….but to reform our nation. I hope he accepts this challenge and the greatest legacy he can give to the Filipino people at the time he is needed the most. *** Last Friday, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) announced the winners in the individual and institution categories for the 6th RAFI Triennial Awards, the premier social development award in the Visayas and Mindanao. In the Exemplary Individual Category, the finalists were good governance advocate Fr. Carmelo Diola (Cebu City), Anita Castillon (Lake Sebu, South Cotabato), and Rep. Lawrence Lemuel Fortun (Butuan City). The finalists in the Outstanding Institution Category are,

Balay Mindanaw from Cagayan de Oro City, Cantaan Centennial Multi-purpose Cooperative from Guinsilaban, Camuiguin, Western Samar Development Foundation, Inc., Sibog Katawhan Alang sa Paglambo from San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, and the Kadtabanga Foundation for Peace Advocates, Inc. from Curbada Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. These finalists have their own stories to tell, they all work hard to help uplift the lives of our Filipino brethren. The winner of the Exemplary Individual Category, the 6THTriennial Award goes to Mrs. Anita Castillon a.k.a. Nanay Anit from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. She is a remarkable teacher who built three schools in Lake Sebu dedicated to educate the T’boli Indigenous children. Nanay Anit was widowed at a very young age of 22 years old and she only had one daughter who now lives in the United States. Jon Ramon Aboitiz told me that the dream of the majority of Filipinos is to get a US visa and live in the US. But despite the approved

petition by her daughter for Nanay Anit to live with her in the US, she refused because someone had to take care of the T’boli children. The Triennial Awards for Outstanding Institution category went to the Kadtabanga Foundation for Peace Advocates, Inc. (KFPDAI) from Curbada Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. The award was accepted by its Executive Director Hadja Giobay Diacolano. This 15-year old foundation literally turned 57 former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels into Peace and Development Advocates. These people did not have to wait for a Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to bring peace in their community. So kudos to Hadja Diacolano for coming up with that foundation that brought real peace to that part of Maguindanao by turning gun toting rebels into Peace Advocates and to Nanay Anit for what she has done for the T’boli people, which is why the RAFI search committee found them to become the 6th Triennial Awardees for this awards cycle. (Philstar.com)

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Th e A s i an J o u rn al N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY Au g u ST 21, 20 15

Alice Blue Candles & Home Fragrances

Ann Ong

Arden

Art n Nature

Beatriz

Crystal Seas

ArtisAn resource At nY now 19 Filipino companies showcase artistry, craFtsmanship by MoMar

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“IT’S about time that we also promote our home and fashion accessories and we found NY Now as the best venue to be able to do that specially since the United States remains to be our biggest export market anyway,” said Rosvi Gaetos, executive director of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) when we met her at the Jacob Javits Convention Center earlier this week. CITEM is the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry. They are behind the participation of Design Philippines in the annual International Contemporary Furniture Fair that is also staged at the Javits Convention Center. “We’re here to do business and we want to say that the Philippines is still one of the best sourcing destinations for anything artisanal, full of craftsmanship, quality and commitment to be able to deliver a good product,” Gaetos emphasized. For the NY Now show, CITEM brought 19 manufacturers from all over the Philippines. “These are some of the most experienced exporters in the Philippines. They were curated by Stanley Ruiz, who worked on the product development side so we can have something new to show in this market. He knows the American market quite well so he can guide these companies accordingly,” Gaetos said. Ruiz also helped in putting together the physical space of the exhibition and the presentation of Lifestyle Philippines. Under the Lifestyle Philippines brand, 19 manufacturers and exporters represented the Philippines at the summer edition of NY Now, which ran from August 16-19 in New York City. Lifestyle Philippines is a curated exhibition of creative enterprises reinterpreting the Philippines’ rich heritage and artisanal soul for modern living, according to a press material that Asian Journal obtained. For its debut at NY Now, the government branding aims to position the Philippines as a sourcing destination for lifestyle products. “To boost the country’s export sales, the country’s first participation in NY Now will not only strengthen the Philippine design identity but shall expand opportunities for our delegation,” Gaetos explained.

“It is a collective image of what we want to project. It’s a lifestyle that is universal, one that is artisanal.” “It has been pretty good for all of them,” she said when asked about the experience so far. Pete Delantar of Nature’s Legacy agreed. “It has been excellent. We did not only get exposed, we also got new information on what the market here is looking for, from the retailers to the wholesalers,” he shared. “The more we stay here, the more we get acquainted with the market’s needs.” Delantar’s company uses recycled materials in its products. Among the materials they use are papers, stones, agro wastes such as twigs and fallen tree branches that are then made into decorative products such as fashion accessories and jewelry. These indigenous materials such as local stone, dead shrubs, and fallen twigs and branches are then processed and combined with other mix media using fully integrated manufacturing methods to produce original innovative designs which are executed with superior quality craftsmanship. Their products have been very well received in the world market. They have been exporting to the American market for two decades now and count West Elm, Pottery Barn and Neiman Marcus as some of their loyal buyers. Nature’s Legacy currently exports home accessories and furnishings to 41 countries. It also exports fashion accessories also made of recycled nontimber agro-forest debris under the brand Floreia to 28 countries. It exports to countries including Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Portugal, United Arab Emirates and Japan. Known for its green innovation, Nature’s Legacy is the brainchild of husband and wife tandem Pete and Catherine Delantar, whose

Rosvie Gaetos of CITEM and Stanley Ruiz

Members of the Philippine delegation representing Lifestyle Philippines pose with Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia and his wife Vicky at the pavilion showcasing the best in Filipino artistry and craftsmanship.

successful collaboration since 1996 catapulted their company’s rise as a world-class Filipino brand specializing in eco-art products. Nature’s Legacy was also one of the 15 companies that joined the ICFF in 2014 under the Design Philippines banner. Delantar told the Asian Journal that they support communities in Cebu who help them find the recyclable materials they use for their products. Also based in Cebu is Art n Nature, owned by businesswoman Venus Henson. No won its 35th year, her company has been producing decorative home furnishings made out of natural and indigenous materials such as coconut shells, husks and carabao bones. “We are still not getting the right buyers to appreciate these materials. It’s our first time and I feel that we need to stay for two more shows,” Henson said. Her company has been supplying to various American wholesalers such as Two’s Company for the past 27 years and mail-order company Oriental Trading for the past 25 years.

Venus Henson of Art n Nature

Some retailers that have passed by the pavilion told her that they were amazed with the breadth of products that the delegation brought. “They were asking me if all the items in the pavilion are all made in the Philippines and I said ‘yes, of course’. They looked so surprised and astonished. I’m happy that we are very much appreciated,” Henson added. The Philippine pavilion is composed home, lifestyle and fashion sectors. Participating companies in the Home sector are Alice Blue Candles & Home Fragrances, Arden, Art n Nature, CSM Philippines, Finali, Klassy Collections, Lightworks, Markalex Creative Craft Corp., Mil Export Philippines, Nature’s Legacy and Venzon Lighting. Companies participating in the Fashion and Lifestyle sector are Ann Ong, Beatriz, Crystal Seas, Kit Silver Jewellery, Larone, Megabijoux, Risqué Designs and The Tannery Manila. “Some of them were chosen

CSM

Finali

Kit Silver Jewellery

The Tannery Manila

Klassy Collections

Larone

Sparks of Joy

Markalex Creative Craft Corp.

Megabijoux

Mil Export Philippines

Nature’s Legacy

Pete Delantar, CEO-President of Nature’s Legacy

and some applied,” Gaetos said when asked about how CITEM was able to come up with 19 companies to participate. “Those who feel that the U.S. is their target market and that they are ready with their supply when orders come in, and of course, they have to meet CITEM’s standards.” Ruiz talked about the three main themes or stories they are presenting under the Lifestyle Philippines brand. First is Industrial Craft, whichis about the crafts-based production using industrial materials and the industrial making process of molding and casting, welding, CNC machining, laser-cutting and 3-D printing, accenting the marriage of linear and geometrical structures with a more subdued color palette. Terno Patterno on the other hand takes inspiration from the colorful Philippine textiles as it underlines traditional motifs imbued with patterns and bold colors for a modern revamp. The last theme is called PriMo (Primitive Modern) which juxtaposes geometric and organic elements that are raw and primitive with postmodernist designs that are ornate and ablaze with colors. Ruiz admitted that the most challenging part of the job was editing what the group would showcase in the show. “It’s tough, we began in the product development stage

Risqué Designs

where I selected a few items, tweaked some designs and developed new ideas for them to make. Then they have these existing clientele and markets that we need to consider so it’s a balancing act,” Ruiz shared. “I guess it will take a while before we reach a point where everyone can let go of some of their old products and some of their old ways of presenting things.” While he was still based in New York back in 2010, Ruiz has been collaborating and working with CITEM on various small projects such as installations for Manila FAME, a bi-annual design and lifestyle event in the Philippines. You go around the show and in every corner you will hear the stories. Some protect the earth, others have natural products that are organic and fair trade. “I guess what makes us different would be, beyond that, the narrative is something that comes from a deeper source,” Gaetos said. “Every product that they do is not only useful but it also tells a story about how it came into being. Beyond that, the Filipino is inherently an artisan designer. The design aspect of it comes alive. There might be that story to tell but if you’re not able to shape or mold it into something functional, and something that can be sold, then it will fail.”

Venzon Lighting

After the love has gone: Terminating your loveless marriage may have immigration advantages Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ DEAR Atty Gurfinkel: Years ago, my US citizen parent petitioned me as a married child (Category F – 3). However, my husband left me for another woman and started a family with her. I want nothing more to do with my husband, and his bruha mistress can have him. I checked the priority dates for married children, and it is still years before I will be eligible to immigrate to the US under my father’s petition. Is there some way it can be expedited, or are there faster ways to immigrate to the US? Very truly yours, M.W. Dear M.W.: If you are truly “out of love” with your spouse, and there is no chance of reconciliation, you may want to consider terminating your marriage by divorce or annulment.

After you receive a final court decree terminating your marriage, your visa petition will be reclassified from “married” (F-3) to “unmarried” (F-1). The priority date for the F-1 category moves faster than the category for married children of US citizens from the Philippines (F-3), meaning people who are unmarried can immigrate faster than married children. Some people are in a “dead end” marriage, but stay married even though there’s no hope of reconciliation. As you can see, by terminating the loveless marriage legally, it could result in your priority date already being current in the F-1 category, instead of waiting for years for the F-3 category to be current. However, I must caution you that there is an immigration doctrine or concept of “sham divorce.” Just like there are sham marriages (where people get married in order to obtain an immigration benefit), there is also the concept of sham divorce (where people get divorced, or terminate their marriage through annulment, solely to be reclassified from F-3 to F-1, yet they continue to live and have babies with their

Monette AdevA MAglAyA LOU’S story is worth retelling. Lou Xiaoying is one remarkable Chinese woman who is a beacon of light, a ray of hope and a surge of warmth in a world that has grown dark and cold. I wrote about Lou a few years back to shine a light on the life of a woman, who despite humble circumstances, managed to save the lives of babies salvaged from the trash heap, apparently discarded by women in compliance with China’s draconian one-child policy to curb its population growth. Contrast Lou’s life with that of a 25 year-old New Jersey woman who claims she is not ready for her pregnancy, filmed her own abortion, with full make-up, lights and gazing at the camera and

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)

“…The boy looked at him nonplussed, shrugged his shoulders and went back to throwing one more jellyfish back to the water, and told him, “Made a difference to that one …” exclaiming with joy at the end of the procedure purportedly to “inspire” and show women that abortion is a positive experience. She even writes about it in one publication. Notice I refuse to give a shout out to her name or the publication’s name. Some bask in infamy and one can show displeasure by refusing to give a shout out. The woman who is a wannabe actress of low-budget slasher horror movies which slaughter children works as an abortion counselor. She says, “I feel in awe of the fact that I can make a baby. I can make a life…” Sadly, it was a life that she chose to end coldly. The delusional woman, as if reading from a script even says at the end of the murderous procedure, “Yay, Cool! I feel good.”

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“divorced spouse.” A sham divorce is considered fraud.) However, if the relationship has truly deteriorated and is unsalvageable, you may want to seek the advice of an immigration attorney, who can fully evaluate your case and circumstances, and offer appropriate guidance, in connection with your immigration situation. ***

Two women, a boy and the jellyfish Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

An Asian Journal Magazine

ENCORE EPISODE ON CITIZEN PINOY! Leading US immigration lawyer Michael J. Gurfinkel continues to answer questions from Kapamilya in Rosemont, Illinois, such as I petitioned my son without legally adopting him. Can he still qualify for a visa? Once I become a US citizen, can I invite my parents and siblings to come to the US as tourists? Get answers to these and more on an encore episode of the information-packed, award-winning public service program—’Citizen Pinoy,’ this Sunday, August 23 at 6:15pm PST/EST (9:15pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

Iowa teacher who lost 60 lbs. eating McDonald’s shares his experiment in new documentary ‘540 Meals: Choices Make the Difference’ John Cisna shares his story with local educators and community leaders

NEW YORK—Today, John Cisna, the Iowa high-school She decides to keep a sonogram teacher who lost 60 pounds of the baby as a memento. eating only McDonald’s food for Did she even bother to ask six months, met with educators, the father of the child? Even media and community leaders more disturbing is the distinct to share details of his story possibility that she may have and documentary, “540 Meals: become pregnant to create a prop Choices Make the Difference.” so she can pull this contemptible His 20-minute film documents youtube stunt and become an the experiment that Cisna internet sensation. If she did, this conducted, independent makes it all the more egregious and revolting. of McDonald’s, to teach his This stunt she pulled at the sophomore students the expense of an innocent life to grab importance of choices in their her few minutes of dubious fame lives. The documentary about cries out for justice and she will be Cisna, who now serves as an held to account. The laws of karma official McDonald’s brand are irrevocable, sometimes swift, ambassador, is available for high sometimes slow, but without school educators looking for bone marrow-deep repentance, information to demonstrate the comes without fail in due season. importance of balanced food The response so far has Continued on Page 5 choices. For more information,

New York Tri-State area educators can contact their local McDonald’s restaurant owner or visit www.mcdonaldsnytristate. com. The film, “540 Meals: Choices Make the Difference,” documents Cisna’s journey and can be used in the classroom to help students learn that balance and choice can be applied anywhere, whether it be at a fast food restaurant or at the grocery store or in the high school cafeteria. “We understand that there is a lot of information out there that fuels the common misperception that McDonald’s has limited food and beverage choices that can be part of a balanced meal. We are excited that John Cisna is sharing his story that addresses it isn’t

where you eat, but what and how much that matters as well as how much you exercise,” said Paul Hendel, McDonald’s restaurant owner. “We believe it’s important that consumers, including students, have all the information needed in order to make balanced food choices, whether eating in our restaurants, or elsewhere.” When the local McDonald’s restaurant learned of the experiment, the franchisee provided Cisna with meals for free. During the experiment, Cisna’s students thoughtfully planned a daily menu for Cisna using nutrition information available on the McDonald’s web site to ensure he made choices consistent with his diet and Continued on Page 6

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On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places

The 17th Fiesta in America jubilantly soars via its 3-day event

BoBBy T. yalong HAVING had envisioned to bring the customary Filipino fiesta across the globe, particularly in the northeast, complete with buntings, trimmings, entertainment, regional food galore, religious elements, and every single component that makes the traditional May festival celebration truly authentic, the dream finally took off from its planning board 17 years ago through the initiative of the enterprising husband and wife tandem of Fernando “Nanding” Mendez and Mila Beltran Mendez (SLN). Philippine Fiesta, now Fiesta in America, has since consistently enjoyed unprecedented support and unparalleled auspices not only from among home-sick Filipino-Americans but also from various corporate entities that believed in the empowering impact and enormous influence of the most-endeared traditional observance. The earlier venues may not have been permanent but the unflinching dedication of the couple led them to Meadowlands Expo Center where they agreeably nestled Fiesta in America and called it its home. In 2009 the Fiesta adapted a grandiose assemblage of distinct personalities and influential figures in the Fil-Am community who came fully garbed in their well-chosen fineries and personal ornaments to celebrate a once-in-alifetime evening of fun, music, and amusements aptly tagged as the People’s Ball. Now on its 7th year

Vina Morales

FOR SALE

Maxene Magalona

Waltz presentation

the People’s Ball still remains to be one of the most-attended social gatherings this side of the eastern seaboard which boasts of its annual color motif and ever-changing state dance presentation. The 7th People’s Ball, regarded as the curtain raiser to pave way for the two-day indoor event, was held last Friday, August 14, at Double Tree by Hilton (along 128 Frontage Road, Newark, NJ) and had the unbeatable falsetto-pitched male Mariah Carey of the Philippines and Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3 finalist Geo Ed Rebucas and sultry chanteuse Angel Ram for live vocal entertainment. Providing an impressive ballroom exhibition was the lone Filipino Blackpool Dance

Blackpool champion John Derick with partner Mae Lozada

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Edgar Allan Guzman

Champion John Derick Co, with equally professional dance guru Mae Lozada, who held the crowd at the edge of their seats in awe with his winning strenuously acrobatic moves and grooves. Fittingly hosted by Dr. Jon V. Rafael and Jocelyn Bernal Ochoa with music provided by Ernie Bugarin, the jovial occasion boasted of a 16-pair grand Formation Waltz with lady waltz dancers appealingly clad in teal blue and mustard gold while their gentle partners were donned in black tux, turquoise blue dress shirts and gold bowties. The oldest yet still popular social dance in fast triple meter was given a new twist. Instead of merely waltzing Continued on Page 5

Nanding Mendez and Dr. Alicia Almendral with the Fiesta staff

LAW OFFICE

PSYCHIC

The 17th Fiesta in America... From Page 4 around, couple participants create patterns, formation styles, and shadow-teaming in the course of the dance so as to deviate from the repetitive locomotion rhythmically stimulated by three-quarter beats. Duly integrated with the Formation Waltz was the formal presentation of 3 Reina Elenas (Samantha Damito, Stacey Damito, and Denine Miess), the regal Reina Emperatriz (Marian Reyes), and 3 Hermanas Mayores (Jocelyn Aligarbes, Rose Siamejia Richman, and Elizabeth Divinagracia, PT. DPT). The Empowerment Awards also served as another highlight of the evening with the acknowledgement of distinguished Filipino-Americans who excelled in the various fields of endeavor: Dr. Alicia Sta. MariaAlmendral (Aesthetic Medicine), Councilman Arvin Amatorio, ESQ (Government Service), Gabriel Esteban, PH.D (Academe), Leila Benitez McCollum (Radio & Television), Madelyn D. Yu, MSN, RN (Public Advocacy), Drs. Rod and Elma Castillo (Medicine), Teresa Damito, RN, BSN, RNC (Community Leadership), and Libertito Pelayo (Posthumous Award for Media and Publications). A surprise honorary recognition ensued when the Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC), headed by its Executive Director and President of the University of Santo Tomas Alumni Association in America (USTAAIA) Grace Valera and MHC Executive Director Jesse Gatchalian, awarded Nanding Mendez a Medal of Distinction for his exemplary community service, cultural propagation advocacy, and being an outstanding UST alumnus. And finally came the most exciting burst of summer one wouldn’t want to miss…the biggest two-day weekend indoor event at Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, NJ. Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, witnessed a huge turnout of fiesta attendees that frolicked, enjoyed, or just curiously scrutinized every single booth and stuffs on sale proved that Fiesta in America is still the summer treat to beat. This year’s celebrity guests may not be the biggest stars like the previous years but they more than made up for what they were short of. This batch of celebrity imports courtesy of ABS-CBN / Kapamilya Channel gave a rousing well-conceptualized production that was equivalent to a full-cast presentation. Indefatigable, hyper-active, and

An Asian Journal Magazine

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Two women, a boy... trash heap. Of the 30 foundlings they saved, the couple kept 4 babies to raise themselves and the been worldwide revulsion and rest, they gave away to friends and condemnation at the celebratory relatives. They have one biological tone of her scripted abortion. At child, a woman, who is now past the very least, women who see abortion as a solution to a complex 50 years old. When Lou was 82 and already a widow, she saved one problem do so in a somber, quiet more baby from the trash. way, head bowed down, away She said, “Even though I was from the limelight. already getting old I could not What has women’s liberation simply ignore the baby and leave come to these days? Shallow, him to die in the trash. He looked soulless creatures who call so sweet and so needy. I had to themselves women walk the take him home with me … My earth. Fortunately, for every older children all help look after one of this kind of vile woman, Zhang Qilin … I named him after there are thousands who shun the Chinese word for rare and the limelight and work quietly in precious.” the trenches fighting the evil of Lou’s story is riveting for its abortion, women I know like Gerri simple, unquestioning reverence and Anna Maria and members of the Shield of Roses who have been for life despite living in stark poverty. She didn’t start out quietly pounding the pavement, wanting to rescue foundlings but persuading women to consider in 1982, her heart was touched adoption instead and knocking when she found the first child, a unceasingly on heaven’s doors baby girl, who was lying helpless with prayer and fasting to help in the struggle against the seemingly and abandoned amongst the trash. prevailing culture of death and “Watching her grow and darkness. become stronger gave us such But let’s get back to Lou. Her happiness and I realized I had a story is like a laser light and her story is worth repeating. She lived real love of caring for children … These children need love and in the rural countryside in Eastern care. They are all precious human Zhejiang province. Picture her lives. I do not understand how home. It is a humble hovel, its small yard littered with debris and people can leave such a vulnerable baby on the streets. I realized if we recyclables. A little boy of 7 plays in the yard. Lou lived in that home had strength enough to collect garbage how could we not recycle with her husband Lin until he something as important as human passed away 20 years ago. lives?” When I first wrote about Lou Since 1978, the Chinese in 2012, she was 88 years old communist government has and lay languishing of kidney enforced, with few exceptions, failure in a hospital. Despite its one-child policy. Families are pain and impending death, Lou prevented from having more than looks beautiful in repose. Her one child under pain of penalty. eyes sparkle with joy. A calm peacefulness is etched in her face. Those who abide by the rule are given bonuses and incentives. If she is still alive, she would be 91 years old. An internet search show Boys are preferred in Chinese culture so that couples who want a no updates about Lou. At her age son feel compelled to throw away and condition, no news is good infant girls. It is claimed that the news. policy prevented the birth of 400 Lou and her husband made a living scavenging the village trash million babies. Lou’s life story bears for recyclables. It was a tough, resemblance to the story of the backbreaking way of life trudging little boy and the jellyfish. through the streets and sifting There was once a little boy through other people’s often filthy walking on the beach. He noticed and smelly discards. that as the tide receded, there Over the years, they picked up 30 abandoned babies from the Continued on Page 6 From Page 3

Reina Elenas Samantha Damito, Stacey Damito and Denine Miess took timeout for a selfie.

Marian Reyes as Reina Emperatriz

a consistent total performer, enticing Vina Morales once again showed what she’s effectively capable of doing… hitting high notes while strenuously dancing and leaping sans signs of breathlessness or vocal transformation. Her unmatched endurance when she did a medley of oldies-but-goodies disco music was undoubtedly one for the books. Even her fast-beat OPM production number was amazingly magnificent! Her husky vocal power could effortlessly surge ceiling high and deliver a smooth flow in melodiously low range without losing the song’s integral cadence and beat. Vina Morales is a supreme talent like no other. Statuesque Maxene Magalona isn’t a newcomer. Her last name alone could strongly attest to the firm showbiz alliance her family has established through the years. Her veritable lineage easily emanates the moment she stands before her audience even without speaking a word. Gifted with a prevailing fusion of stunning beauty and unadulterated talent it wasn’t surprising when she reached that far in “Your Face Sounds Familiar”. Maxene’s performance wasn’t actually overshadowed by her father’s image for she could create an image all her own… although she opened and closed her slot with “Mga Kababayan” and “Kaleidoscope,” respectively…two of Francis Magalona’s well-loved patriotic ditties. Another well-applauded spot was delivered by debonair Edgar Allan “EA” Guzman, a fast-rising dramatic actor with a dashing boynext-door image and potential topchart recording artist. EA may not be in the league of the archetype

Laura Garcia and Nanding Mendez

Reina Emperatriz Marian Reyes

movie idols that showbusiness has cinematically molded and built but he could easily give any of them a run for their talent and money with his candidly wholesome stature and arresting charisma. The former “Mr. Pogi” titlist and “Your Face Sounds Familiar” finalist innately possesses a well-rounded talent: singing, dancing, hosting, and even do funny antics with ease. His singing and speaking voice is full and crisp…something worth listening to. The celebrities’ well-received performances came out even more effective with the support of professionally trained back-up dancers under the supervision, choreography, and training of Jake Pesquira of Rhythm City Entertainment. Not to be left unnoticed are equally brilliant local personalities who shared their best talents with the crowd. The Fiesta stage was voluminously loaded with overwhelming Pinoy pride with the likes of The RELM Band, Geo Ed Rebucas, Angel Ram, Alan Palacios Chan, Criselda Tamayo, Expo 6 Band, The DMG Collective, Sinulog Dance Group, and Pearls of the Pacific. Touted as the biggest indoor gathering of fiesta goers with the widest diversity of trade and

cultural show, Fiesta in America has consistently delivered an effectual assemblage of trade exhibitors and international and local performers plus a huge array of regional food and native delicacies. Incidentally, on behalf of Fiesta in America, its working committees and staffs, Nanding Mendez , Fiesta in America CEO, wishes to thank the following generous sponsors and advertisers for making the recently concluded event a success: Philippine Airlines, AARP, Western Union, Hudson Toyota, Metro Bank, Hackensack University Health Network, DIRECTV, Money Gram, Migrant Heritage Chronicle, Filipino Express, Fil-Am Who’s Who Magazine, Joey Cruise Salon & Spa, Inquirer.net, Diamond Hut, Tancinco Law Offices, AXA Advisors, The Filipino Reporter, The Filipino Catholic, One Philippines, Hudson RehabSpa, and Asian Journal…and to all who in a way or the other contributed to Fiesta’s wellachieved celebration. And to all readers who haven’t experienced celebrating the fiesta away from home, see you at the Fiesta in America in August next year! For comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@yahoo.com.

An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY Au g u ST 2 1 , 20 1 5

In focus: Anton Juan, ‘Spoliarium, The Opera’ director

SpoliARiuM, The opera, a three-act neo-romantic opera which promises to regale the audience with different musical glimpse will make its way to New York this october. The opera’s producers promise to delight the audiences with high caliber performances of the actors, chorus and the orchestra because they take pride to the true artistry of the Filipino which serves as a national pride and an inspiration to the world. Conceived by Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, one the philippines foremost opera singers and set to music by Ryan Cayabyab, the Spoliarium brings the audience back to paris on the eve of the philippine Revolution: an era when the names like the Jose Rizal, the pardo de Tavera, Hidalgo and the luna brothers, and others of the propaganda movement did their best for nationhood and independence. internationally recognized for his work that often

challenges convention, stunning visual poetry and language in space, playwright and director Anton Juan is directing the opera, which will be shown at the Tribeca performing Arts Center on october 1 to 3. A tenured Full professor and Theatre director at the university of Notre Dame du lac, Juan completed his ph.D. in Semiotics at the Kapodistrian and panhellenic university of Athens. To honor his contributions to the arts, Juan has been knighted twice by the French government, receiving the Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et lettres in 1992 and the Chevalier de l’ordre National de Merit in 2002. He received the Alexander onassis international Award for Theatre (playwriting), and the Special Jury prize for Screenplay from the CineManila international Film Festival. As film maker, he won the Eagle prize for his film Taong Grasa, and the 2nd prize Experimental Cinema of the

philippines prize for his film pantomima de Mascaras, la loba Negra. Beyond his work at Notre Dame, Juan is also the founding Artistic Director of the Step of Angels Theatre in Athens, Greece, the Moon Crane Theatre in Chicago, and was the Director-General of Dulaang up, university of the philippines where he has taught at the Departments of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts, English and Comparative literature, and European languages. He was also the Fellow for Drama at the Creative Writing Center of up. Earlier known as the “enfantterrible” of philippine Theatre, to Juan’s disciplined mentorship, is credited the success of many emergent directors, actors, and playwrights. His visually poetic and expressive physical style of theatre has certainly created an impact on his audiences and recent generations of artists of the philippines as well as on artists and students in

PACCAL holds Capacity Building & Development Seminar

Mayo, pACCAl Founder & program Director. lumen Castaneda, pACCAl president were all praises for the facilitator and the interactive program, while Ramona Gapasin, pACCAl Assistant Treasurer stated that she learned a lot from the lively presentations. The young professionals who are new members of pACCAl participated with enthusiasm in the workshops and even came up with Taken during PACCAL Officers and members capacity and team building seminar facilitated encouraging suggestions on how by David Aguilar pACCAl can capitalize and grow on both its strength and weaknesses. the Coalition for Asian American AiMED at widening the Children and Families (CACF). David pACCAl 1st & 2nd Vice presidents, knowledge of Board members, staff Joey Mayo & Rollie Javier both has also served briefly as Assistant and volunteers of pACCAl about the agreed that there’s always room to Administrator at Charles B. Wang responsibilities and duties of serving Community Center and has worked grow and planning for the future in a non-profit organization, a should be the focus of the group. as program Manager at New York Capacity Building and Development The facilitator commented university Center for the Study of Seminar was held on Sunday, that the group exudes harmony, Asian American Health. August 2, 2015 at Ramada plaza teamwork, loyalty and cooperation, The agenda for the day was Hotel, Newark, N.J. good qualities for the stability developed by David Aguilar in The day long seminar was ably and endurance of a non-profit coordination with Bobby T. Yalong, facilitated by David Aguilar, M.p.H. organization. pACCAl Executive Director & linda , currently Director of programs at

Calendar of Events across

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ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS AU G U ST 2 0

Rotary Club of Historic FIlipinotown Join the Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown as they have a special guest speaker Captain Donald R. Graham Jr., Commanding Officer in the Central Patrol Division, on August 20th at the Los Angeles Police Department.

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MSEUF Alumni Homecoming Reunion Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation of Lucena City, Philippines to be hosted by MSEUF Alumni Association of California. Announcement to all MSEUF (formerly known as Luzonian University Foundation) Alumni of our Grand Reunion to be held on August 20-22, 2015 at the Gold Coast Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada (4000 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas). Tickets are $80.00/person, including Bowling and the reunion Dinner/ Dance. For additional information and inquiries, please contact the following: Nonato Palomar (818) 209-6881 nonatop@sbcglobal.net; Mercy G. Bruno (310) 686-1421 mercygbruno@ gmail.com; Malou Almadrones (213) 531-7824 marylou616@yahoo.com; and Butch Villarama (916) 600-8472 r.villaram@comcast.net.

AU G U ST 2 1 -23

30th Northridge Invitational Tournament (NIT) California State University Northridge (CSUN)’s Filipino American Student Association is set to host their annual 30th Northridge Invitational Tournament (NIT), one of the most competitive Filipino American sports tournaments in Southern California from August 21-23 at CSUN campus, with over sixty teams and 700 athletes in attendance. The 3-day summer sports tournament will include basketball, volleyball, softball, football, and bowling. Players include high school varsity, junior college, NCAA & NAIA Division 1-3, and some professional players. For more information on participating in or sponsoring NIT, please visit www.csunfasanit.com. Registration payments are due by Friday, August 14. For any questions, please email us at fasa.nit@gmail.com or call the Tournament Director CJ Berina at (818) 458-7446. You can also follow FASA NIT on Twitter @FASANIT2015.

AU G U ST 23

PWUAASC Casino Turn-Around Fundraiser The Philippine Women’s University Alumni Association of Southern California appeals to alumni, family and friends to help in its humanitarian mission with a casino turn-around fundraiser at Harrah’s on Sunday, August 23. First pick up is at 8 am at 1512 E. Amar Rd., West Covina, CA 91792. Bus departs at 8:15 am; please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Second pick-up is at 8:45 am at 7511 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, CA 99621. Bus leaves at 9 am with a return from the casino at 3 pm. Donation is $20, which includes bus ride and continental breakfast, and a chance to help PWUAASC’s projects like the annual distribution of hygienic packages for homeless men at Skid Row; backpacks for children at Harbor UCLA Medical Center; and donation to American Red Cross for survivors and victims of natural disasters. To sign up, please contact Virginia B. Vivas (714) 397-2976; Puring Worrell (310) 999-9574; Vicky Soong (626) 272-0465, Tessie N. Lightholder (909) 465-5919, or email Marigene Strouse GENIE1705@aol.com.

AU G U ST 29

UPAAGLA Induction Dinner-Dance All U.P. Graduates, family and friends are invited to attend The Induction Dinner Dance of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) on August 29, 2015 at 6pm at the Glendale Embassy Suites (800 Central Ave, Glendale, CA 91203). This event shall benefit the Scholarship Fund of UPAAGLA. Tickets are $75 inclusive of dinner. For ticket and sponsorship inquiries, please contact Arnel Joaquin (213) 880-3305 / arnelj@gmail.com, or Dick Cu (562) 547-0560, or visit www.upaagla.org.

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

other countries he has taught. His students have won awards for playwriting, acting, and directing both nationally and internationally. Anton Juan was selected as one of the 100 philippine Artists awarded the CCp philippine Centennial Honors for the Arts, honouring 100 Filipino Artists who have contributed significantly to and made an impact on the evolution of philippine culture. He has also received the Balagtas Award from the National Writers’ union of the philippines for his body of works, and has won several playwriting awards from the Carlos palanca literary Awards. Anton Juan has received Fellowships and Awards from prestigious institutions, among them the Rockefeller-Bellagio Foundation Fellowship for senior artists, the Fulbright Foundation, Hitachi Foundation of Japan, Jack lang Scholarship in France, Asian Cultural Council in New York, the Association of French Artists and the Ministry of Culture of France, the Ministry of Education of Greece, the italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the British Council, and the instituto

Cervantes. He was also a scholar of Jack lang. Recently Juan received the Center for Social Concerns John Ganey Award for social engagement with his Theatre and Social Concerns project with Juvenile prison Residents and migrant workers. Juan is a board member of the international playwrights’ Forum. His works, Shadows of the Reef, (ui international Collaboration for the Arts, David Thayer Theatre and DFTT Notre Dame Regis philbin Theatre), Hinabing pakpak ng Ating mga Anak (The Winged Fragments of our Children) for Dulaang up, and choreography, Bread of Angels for Ballet philippines resurrects the voices of abused children. His work Tuko! Tuko! The princess of the lizard Moon (Alexander onassis international Award) raises the memories of comfort women and murdered sex slaves meeting in the body of a Butoh actor. His famed

directions of Salome in Kabuki form, treatment of Marlowe’s Dr. Faustus as the diachronic virtual man received rave reviews in the uSA. His recent work, devised after Gambaro’s information for Foreigners, about the missing elicited raves for its powerful portrayal of the missing and tortured in global perpective, merging the carnivalesque and the macabre, and the documentary, with the actual families of the missing and the actors creating a theatre manifesto. This raging work triggered a theatre manifesto against the torturer parparan and caused the government to hunt down; after nearly a year, the torturer has been arrested. He was invited as Visiting professor by the university of Sorbonne where his work and theatre production with the students, parmi des Surfaces wowed the faculty and the students as “nouvelle, forte, Continued on Page 7

Iowa Teacher who lost 60 lbs. eating McDonald’s... From Page 3 lifestyle needs, specifically: • Students ensured that each day, Cisna stayed within a 2,000 calorie limit • Students tracked Cisna’s daily intake of 15 key nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins and fat • Cisna incorporated regular

exercise, and began walking at least 45 minutes 4-5 days a week After eating 540 carefully planned meals from McDonald’s, Cisna lost 60 pounds, improved his blood pressure and decreased his cholesterol, demonstrating how making balanced meal choices and incorporating regular exercise can help achieve your goals.

Two women, a boy... From Page 5

were thousands of jellyfish being washed up and lay stranded helpless on the shore. He picked them up one by one and began tossing each jellyfish back into the water, into the sea where they can survive and live. A man also walking along the shore watched the boy in

“We do not recommend that anyone eat every meal at one restaurant every day for an extended period. No one is suggesting that eating at McDonald’s will result in any health benefit. Rather, John’s story is about making informed and balanced choices no matter where you chose to eat,” added Hendel. (Advertising Supplement)

nonplussed, shrugged his shoulders and went back to throwing one more jellyfish back utter disbelief. To him, the boy to the water, and told him, “Made was trying to do the impossible. a difference to that one …” Shaking his head, the man Each precious human life approached the boy and asked, saved certainly made a difference “Hey, kid, what do you think to that one life. you’re doing? You can never make *** a difference. There are thousands Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is of jellyfish. You’ll only save a few SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To of them.” send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ The boy looked at him asianjournalinc.com

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY Au g u ST 2 1 , 20 1 5

Renowned Filipino artist Manuel D. Baldemor initiates first-ever art workshop for Philippine Center New York personnel and families

Personnel of the Philippine Center New York and their families display their work using original sketches by renowned Filipino painter Manuel D. Baldemor at the conclusion of a workshop conducted by the artist at the Center’s Kalayaan Hall on August 12.

NeW YORK—Over 50 personnel of the Philippine Center tenant offices and their families were treated to the singular opportunity to attend an art workshop conducted by renowned Filipino artist Manuel D. Baldemor. In a two-hour session held at the Philippine Center, the personnel and their family members, many of them young children aged 6 to 12 years old, learned from Mr. Baldemor’s techniques on coloring while working on sketches created by the artist himself. At the end of the workshop, the participants took

home with them a piece of history in the form of an art work bearing the original work of the world renowned artist. The workshop was an initiative of Mr. Baldemor, who expressed keen interest in spending time with the personnel and their families of Philippine foreign service posts and sharing with them his talent and craftsmanship. It was organized by the Philippine Center New York as a way of promoting Philippine art. Mr. Baldemor had earlier opened an exhibit of his latest works, also sponsored by the Philippine Center, on August 5 at

In focus: Anton Juan, ‘Spoliarium... From Page 6 et profonde (fresh, strong, and profound. - Dayan).” He has been named Artist in Residence at the Kellogg Institute of International Studies. Juan’s conceptualization and direction of Screen Macbeth which received standing ovations at the International Shakespeare Festival in Taiwan 2012, had his audience cocooned in a screen that became the world of Macbeth’s liminal space. The shadows, the supernatural leaped out of the “unreal” into the “real” and the socially abject interweaving with the action onstage. This work was recently invited to be performed at the International Shakespeare Festival on Shakespeare and the other

Media at the NTU, Taiwan. Juan recently directed the muchacclaimed “out of the box” Madama Butterfly set against the bombing of Hiroshima, in international collaboration of Philippines, Singapore, Japan, and Mexico, to rousing standing ovations from a full house at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He also won the Philstage National Critics Awards as Outstanding Director for his innovative direction of Joy Luck Club. He also won the Broadway World Award 2014 for best actor as Solange in Jean Genet’s The Maids, which will repeat at the Moon Crane Theatre, Greenhouse Theatre, Chicago in March-April 2015. In 2015, the prolific director/director/ playwright directed La Boheme for MusicArtes, reprised The

Each participant received a Certificate of Participation at the end of the workshop, signed by the artist.

Mr. Baldemor gives some tips to the young participants of his workshop held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center New York on August 12 that featured his original black-and-white sketches.

the Center’s Gallery titled “The Art of Manuel D.Baldemor”. The exhibit runs until September 4.

Maids and his Palanca Award winning play about a scavenger who talks to his intestines, Taong Grasa (L’homme de Graisse) at the Imaginarium International Theatre Festival, and the operatic Monologue, Francois Poulenc/Jean Cocteau’s La Voix Humaine. Peter Holland, writes: “Anton Juan is one of the most exhilirating directors in the world.” Juan’s moving poetic style has been seen and widely admired in the Philippines, in Asia, the USA, and europe, not only as innovative, visually exciting, but also as merging inner space, movement, sound-sense, with the urgent cry for insularized, marginalized, and emergent cultures. For tickets to the Spoliarium, The Opera, please call Pierre (646) 201-6771; Troi (347) 514-1763 or Aida (646) 415-1853.

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY AUgUST 21, 2015