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Volume 8 – Issue 51 • 16 Pages
s e P t e mbe r 1 8 - 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
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First PaPal visit to Congress
Pope Francis urges action on immigration, environment, defense of the poor and of families by Allyson
EscobAr
AJPress
IN the first-ever papal address to both houses of Congress on thursday, sept. 24, Pope francis brought to light important issues ranging from immigration to gun control to climate change, addressing the diverse crowd of political leaders and top lawmakers. Appearing at the balcony of the Capitol, the pope was sur-
DATELINE
rounded to his right and left by house speaker John Boehner and Vice President Joe Biden, both of whom are devout Catholics, NPr reported. “I am most grateful for your invitation to address this Joint session of Congress in ‘the land of the free and the home of the brave,’” the Pope began, to the applause of thousands, who were granted a limited amount of tickets for the joint meeting. “I am so
grateful for your presence here.” to begin, the head of the Catholic Church reminded legislators of the function and purpose of government: “A political society endures when it seeks, as a vocation, to satisfy common needs by stimulating the growth of its members, especially those in situations of greater vulnerability or risk. Legislative activity is always based on the care of the PAGE A2
PAPAL VISIT. Pope Francis addresses a Joint Session of Congress on Thursday, Sept. 24. The Pope, who became the first pontiff to address Congress, thanked the lawmakers for their warm welcome. Photo by House Office of Photography
Sotto, Lacson are top Senate picks; Pacquiao, De Lima also in
USA
from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
Fil-Am nominated to head Defense Health Agency PresIDeNt Barack obama has nominated a filipina for a high-ranking promotion in the United states Navy. rear Admiral raquel C. Bono, who was promoted in september 2014, was nominated by the president to the rank of Vice Admiral and for the position of Defense health Agency (DhA) director. she currently serves as director of the DhA’s National Capital region medical Directorate and the 11th chief of the Navy medical Corps. PAGE A3
Fil-Am teen pleads not guilty in killing of 8-year-old girl
A fILIPINo-American teenager who was charged as an adult in the murder of an 8-yearold girl earlier this year in santa Cruz, California, pleaded not guilty monday, sept. 21. Adrian Jerry Gonzalez, 15, faces one count of murder with the special circumstance that PAGE A3
Sen. Grace Poe (left) still leads in the latest Pulse Asia survey for ABS-CBN released Thursday night. Vice President Jejomar Binay is No. 2 choice, while former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas (right) is No. 3.
Poe still leads in Pulse asia poll; Binay 2nd, roxas 3rd DesPIte dropping 3 percentage points from the previous survey round, sen. Grace Poe still leads in the latest Pulse Asia survey for ABs-CBN released on thursday, sept. 24. the survey, conducted from Aug. 27 to sept. 3 amid the Iglesia ni Cristo protest, asked respondents: “of the people on this list, whom would you vote for President of the Philippines if the 2016 elections were held today and they were candidates?” Pulse Asia provided a list, but allowed respondents to name others not on the list. Poe’s rating dropped from 30 percent in June to 27 percent in August. Vice President Jejomar Binay followed, down to 21 percent from 22 percent.
former Interior secretary mar roxas, meanwhile, climbed 8 points from 10 percent in June to 18 percent in August. Davao City mayor rodrigo Duterte’s rating was unchanged at 15 percent between June and August. Also on the list were sen. Bongbong marcos (5 percent), manila mayor Joseph estrada (5 percent), sen. miriam Defensor-santiago (4 percent), sen. Alan Peter Cayetano (1 percent) and former sen. Panfilo Lacson (1 percent). the survey used face-to-face interviews with 1,200 respondents. It had a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3 percentage points. Across areas and classes, Poe was the PAGE A2
mANILA—sen. Vicente sotto III and former senator Panfilo Lacson topped the recent senatorial survey conducted by the social Weather stations (sWs). sotto garnered 54 percent and Lacson 47 percent, while sen. ralph recto placed third with 43 percent. senate President franklin Drilon followed with 42 percent, then sen. ferdinand marcos Jr. and former senator francis Pangilinan with 40 percent each. the results of the BusinessWorld-sWs pre-election survey showed Justice secretary Leila de Lima, boxing champ and sarangani rep. manny Pacquiao
and Las Piñas City rep. mark Villar would also win in the senatorial race if the elections were held from sept. 2 to 5. De Lima received 33 percent, followed by former senator Juan miguel Zubiri (32 percent), Pacquiao (30 percent), former senator richard Gordon (29 percent), sen. sergio osmeña III (28 percent) and Villar (24 percent). sen. teofisto Guingona III and Camarines sur rep. maria Leonor robredo obtained 23 percent each, while former Akbayan representative Ana theresia hontiveros-Baraquel and taguig rep. Lino edgardo Cayetano got 21 PAGE A2
Sen. Vicente Sotto III and former senator Panfilo Lacson.
PH takes on reforms to address illicit financial flows Filipino fishermen sue China before UN
WAshINGtoN, DC—the Philippines is clamping down on illicit financial flows (Iff), with the government undertaking reforms to strengthen legal and regulato-
ry frameworks to prevent illegal movements of money or capital to and from the Philippines. Global financial Integrity (GfI), a non-profit research and
Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. speaks at the “A Conversation on Illicit Financial Flows from the Philippines” panel discussion at the National Press Club in Washington, DC on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
advocacy organization, defines illicit financial flows as illegal movements of money or capital from one country to another. GfI classifies this movement as illicit flow when the funds are illegally earned, transferred, and/or utilized, making them a threat to a country’s fiscal capacity. In a recent report entitled “Illicit financial flows to and from the Philippines: A study in Dynamic stimulation,” GfI concluded that illicit financial inflows and outflows may have a harmful effect on economic growth. however, the Philippine economy continues to experience an upward trajectory largely due to good governance initiatives of the Aquino administration and favorable policies brought about by the country’s PAGE A3
by rosEttE
AdEl
Philstar.com
mANILA—filipino fisherfolk who rely on waters near the disputed Panatag (scarborough) shoal submitted an appeal to United Nations against
state agents of the People’s republic of China. In the urgent appeal penned by Center for Law Philippines counsels harry roque Jr. and Gilbert Andres, 16 fishermen residing in the coastal town of Infanta, Pangasinan and sta.
Cruz, Zambales accused the Chinese of violating their human rights. the fishermen said they are physically prevented from conducting their means of livelihood by Chinese Coast Guard PAGE A3
Coloma denies NY Times report stating PH requested $300 million in military aid by AgnEs
constAntE AJPress
AmID ongoing territorial quarrels about the south China sea, the Aquino administration requested $300 million in military aid from the United states, according to a report by the New York Times. however, Philippine Presiden-
tial Communications secretary herminio Coloma, Jr. repudiated the report, citing a lack of explicit information on the claim. “Wala tayong tuwirang information tungkol diyan at kailangan muna nating alamin kung ano ang isinasaad ng ulat na ‘yan at berepikahin kung merong batayan (We
don’t have any direct information about that matter and we first need to know what the report said and verify if there is proof),” Coloma said in a press briefing, according to Philstar. the sept. 19 report by the Times stated that the PhilipPAGE A4
A september 25-october 1, 2015 • NeW YorK AND NeW JerseY AsIAN JoUrNAL
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From the Front Page
Pope Francis urges action... PAGE A1 people. To this, you have been invited, called and convened by those who elected you.” He called on Congress to seek “effective solutions, rather than getting bogged down in discussions.” Francis urged political leaders to take vigorous action on issues
largely favored by liberals, and concerns widely dividing both houses of Congress: including his powerful defense of immigration, a critique of modernday US capitalism, a call for the endorsement of environmental legislation, an end to war and a cry to help the poor, refugees, and those incarcerated.
“Politics is, instead, an expression of our compelling need to live as one, in order to build as one, the greatest common good,” the Pope said, also citing the examples of historical leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton, and Martin Luther King, Jr. As the 266th Pope, Francis (whose birth name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio) also recognized his own role as a promoter of peace, and religious leader of the Catholic Church: “It is my duty to build bridges and to help all men and women, in any way possible, to do the same.” In his speech, he defended religious freedom and the structure of the traditional family, dividing his views of marriage with that of President Barack Obama, according to the New York Times. He was also less explicit in condemning abortion, but called for a defense of life “at every stage of development.” “I cannot hide my concern for the family, which is threatened, perhaps as never before, from within and without,” he said.
“Fundamental relationships are being called into question, as is the very basis of marriage and the family. I can only reiterate the importance and, above all, the richness and the beauty of family life.” Touching upon other points he made the day before, in front of the White House lawn, the Pope noted himself as “the son of immigrants, knowing that so many of you are also descended from immigrants.” He called for the further respect of immigrants and refugees, and for a major haul to the immigration system. “We must not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories, trying to respond as best as we can to their situation,” he commenting, referencing the biblical Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” He also advocated for the worldwide abolition of the death penalty, calling every life “sacred, every human person is endowed with an inalienable dignity…a just and necessary punishment must never exclude the dimension of hope and the goal of rehabilitation.”
Poe still leads in new poll... PAGE A1 choice of 34 percent in Luzon outside Metro Manila, 28 percent in Metro Manila, 22 percent in the Visayas and 18 percent in Mindanao. By socioeconomic classes, Poe
got 27 percent each in Class D and Class E, and 25 percent in Class ABC. Binay was the choice of 23 percent in Metro Manila, 23 percent in the Visayas, 20 percent in Mindanao, 20 percent in Balance
Encouraging those living in a poverty to have hope, Francis said, “[…] in times of crisis and economic hardship a spirit of global solidarity must not be lost…The fight against poverty and hunger must be fought constantly and on many fronts.” As the session came to a close, he talked about caring “for the common good,” emphasizing the importance of creation and taking care of the earth, calling for “an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature.” Quoting from his second encyclical Laudato Si’, he said: “We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all.” Finally, the Pontiff ended with a brief comment on gun control, and a collective cry for ongoing social justice and world peace. “Being at the service of dialogue and peace also means being truly determined to minimize and, in the long term, to end the many armed conflicts throughout our world,” he said. “Here we have to ask ourselves: Why
are deadly weapons being sold to those who plan to inflict untold suffering on individuals and society? […] In the face of this shameful and culpable silence, it is our duty to confront the problem and to stop the arms trade.” The Pope’s speech in English was the longest, perhaps most challenging appearance of his papacy, the NY Times said. Francis, who speaks native Spanish and fluent Italian, has admitted his discomfort in speaking English. But on Thursday, he clearly addressed 138 Catholic House members and 26 senators--nearly 31 percent, compared with 22 percent of the overall Catholic adult population. Urging and encouraging these national leaders from all walks of life, Pope Francis said, “The challenges facing us today call for a renewal of that spirit of cooperation, which has accomplished so much good throughout the history of the United States. The complexity, the gravity and the urgency of these challenges demand that we pool our resources and talents, and resolve to support one another, with respect for our differences and our convictions of conscience.”
Luzon. He got 27 percent among Class E, 20 percent among Class D and 14 percent among Class ABC. Roxas was the choice of 29 percent in the Visayas, 19 percent in Luzon outside Metro Manila, 14 percent in Mindanao, 10 percent in Metro Manila. He received 19 percent among Class D, 18 percent
among Class ABC and 17 percent among Class E. Duterte was the choice of 35 percent in Mindanao, 18 percent in Metro Manila, 10 percent in the Visayas and 7 percent in Luzon outside Metro Manila. He garnered 17 percent among Class ABC, 15 percent among Class D and 14 percent in Class E. (Inquirer.net)
Sotto, Lacson are top Senate picks...
PAGE A1 percent each. Results of the survey were published in the newspaper BusinessWorld. The survey was conducted from Sept. 2 to 5 with 1,200 respondents nationwide. It has sampling error margins of plus or minus three percentage points for national percentages and plus or minus six percentage points each for Metro Manila, balance Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. Respondents were given a list of 44 names to choose from but were only allowed to pick 12 names. The respondents were asked whom they would most probably
vote for as senators if elections were held on the day they were polled. Meanwhile, De Lima still would not confirm if she is included in the Liberal Party senatorial ticket. “If I am really included in the senatorial ticket, then that’s the only time I can say I’m 100 percent sure of running for senator. Once the announcement is made, then that’s the time I will categorically accept it,” she explained. De Lima also welcomed the latest results of the SWS survey where she placed seventh in the top 12 preferred senatorial candidates. “It’s very heartening piece of good news,” she said.
De Lima reiterated that she is not considering running for vice president despite earlier reports she was among those being eyed as running mate of LP presidential bet Mar Roxas. The ruling Liberal Party will field a full slate in the May 9, 2016 combined presidential-congressionallocal elections, Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice said. “I think we will be the only political party that can and will field a complete slate, from the presidential down to the local level,” he told a news conference. He said the full ticket would further widen the growing support for former interior secretary Roxas. He said the ruling party hopes
to announce its senatorial candidates and Roxas’ vice presidential running mate on Monday. He said he doubted whether the two other declared presidential aspirants – Sen. Grace Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay – could come up with a complete ticket down to the town level. Senators seeking re-election like Drilon, Recto and Guingona would lead the LP senatorial slate. Also being eyed as part of the ticket are Osmeña, Pacquiao, Villar, Panglinan and Lacson, De Lima, former energy secretary Jericho Petilla and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority chief Joel Villanueva. Roxas confirmed that Petilla is among those expected to be inPAGE A4
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Fil-Am nominated...
PAGE A1 If Bono’s nomination is approved, she will become the highest-ranking Filipino-American naval officer in the US. The news was announced by Defense Secretary Ash Carter on Thursday, Sept. 17. As DHA director, she will oversee an organization responsible for executing the military health program, including providing common health services for military hospitals and clinics, overseeing Tricare, and managing the system’s information technology, education, training, research and facilities programs. Vice Admiral Matthew L. Nathan, the Navy surgeon general, has described Bono as a “role model for others to emulate,” acknowledging the contributions of her veteran family. Bono’s grandfather served as a Filipino obstetrician in the US Army as a colonel during World War II, according to Inquirer. Twenty years later, Bono’s parents migrated to the US and settled in Minnesota, where her father finished his surgical residency and joined the Navy Reserve, retiring as a captain. Bono and her younger brother, retired Rear Admiral Anatolio B. “AB” Cruz III, made US Navy history in 2012 when they became the first and only Filipino siblings to hold flag-officer ranks simultaneously, the DHA reported. Cruz served as deputy commander of the US Naval Forces Southern Command and deputy commander, US Fourth Fleet. “These two Navy officers are serving as prime examples of the diversity found within the Navy’s
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From the Front Page
ranks,” said a press release from the US Department of Defense in 2012. Service to others, service to country Commissioned in June 1979, Rear Admiral Raquel Bono received her baccalaureate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and attended medical school at Texas Tech University, according to her official biography. As the eldest child, she initially wanted to go into nursing, but her father challenged her to go even further to become a doctor. “[Raquel] was the smart one and very disciplined at everything she did,” brother AB Cruz commented. “Dad set the bar and she raised that bar. Quite frankly, she deserved to make flag before I did.” Bono was well trained in the health professions; after completing a surgical internship, Trauma and Critical Care fellowship, and her general surgery residency at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. She was the first woman to graduate from the program. “What I enjoyed about being in the Navy was that I always felt confident in my ability to be advanced was going to be based on my capabilities and my performance. I felt that I had an equitable opportunity to succeed,” Bono said in a 2012 interview with the Asian Journal. Shortly after training, Bono saw duty in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm as head, Casualty Receiving, Fleet Hospital Five in Saudi Arabia from August 1990 to March 1991. PAGE A4
Fil-Am teen pleads...
he allegedly kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and tied up Madyson “Maddy” Middleton before killing her, according to Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeffrey Rosell. Gonzalez is also accused of lying in wait. The teen has also been charged with one count of kidnapping and four other sexual assault-related offenses, according to Rosell. “We have charged this individual as an adult with the crimes for which he is responsible,” he said. “We are going to bring him to justice.” At Gonzalez’s first court appearance on Thursday, July 30, the 15-year-old did not enter a plea. Later at his arraignment on Monday, Sept. 21, he pleaded not guilty, Inquirer.net reported. Gonzalez’s lawyer Larry Biggam told reporters, “Our job is to review the evidence, conduct our own investigation, and make sure that the minor—like every citizen accused—receives a fair trial.” Maddy was last seen around 5:05pm on Sunday, July 26 riding her white Razor scooter in the Tannery Arts Center on River Street, a public-private nonprofit artists colony in Santa Cruz where both she and Gonzalez lived. Her disappearance prompted a frantic overnight search, and FBI investigators went door-to-door
looking for clues. The massive search involved volunteers from neighbors, to officials, to relatives and friends. Around 250 people live in the Tannery Arts Center complex, including about 50 children. At 7:55pm on Monday, July 27, a little more than 24 hours after she disappeared, a police detective discovered Maddy’s body—4 feet tall, 46 pounds—lying at the bottom of the recycling bin, which had already been searched once by volunteers. Investigators reportedly saw Gonzalez standing near the bin, causing automatic suspicion. Police believe he was watching them as they searched, and said they have evidence tying him directly to Maddy. The boy was detained and later arrested on suspicion of homicide, and is being held in a juvenile detention facility. Gonzalez was described as a well-liked, quiet and polite young man and a “yo-yo expert.” According to a former classmate, Gonzalez’s father was absent and his mother is from Romblon, an island in the Luzon region of the Philippines. Residents at the eight-acre complex were “stunned” to learn their neighbor was suspected in the killing. “We’re just devastated. These PAGE A4
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 25-OctObER 1, 2015
PH takes on reforms to address... PAGE A1 prudent economic management. During a panel discussion entitled “A Conversation on Illicit Financial Flows from the Philippines” at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. discussed two thrusts of the Philippine government in addressing illicit financial flows. These are (1) to ensure that the Philippines has a strong legal and regulatory framework to fight against IFF that is in line with international standards, and (2) developing collaborative partnerships among all stakeholders. The Ambassador also outlined initiatives undertaken by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the Bureau of Customs (BoC) to address the issue of illicit financial flows. “The BSP continues to strengthen the anti-money laundering and counter-financing of
terrorism regime for financial institutions to maintain relevance and effectiveness through increased documentary requirements for activities registered outside of the Philippines. It also oversees the implementation of risk-based customer acceptance policy processes for banks and financial institutions, among others,” said Ambassador Cuisia. According to GFI, “illicit inflows significantly reduce the collection of total taxes.” To address this issue, the government has been implementing reforms to improve the performance of the BIR and the BoC, the Philippines’ two main revenue collecting agencies. “Due to a more effective tax administration, collection of taxes under the Aquino administration has increased to 15.1 percent of GDP in 2014 versus 13.4 in 2010. This is expected to improve further to 17.5 percent of GDP in 2016 or 26.2 billion US dollars,”
Filipino fishermen sue China... PAGE A1 and other maritime agencies of China that patrol the fishing areas around the shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc. The Chinese officers are distinguished by their orange uniforms and markings on the maritime vessels they use. The Chinese authorities threaten their livelihood with water cannons and “no fishing” warnings and deprive them of shelter during inclement weather, the fishermen added.
The petitioners said the Chinese violated their rights to an adequate standard of living, food and life. “We request that you urgently intervene, remind, and direct China and its state agents to respect the human rights—including the right to livelihood, the right to adequate food, and the right to life—of the Filipino fisherfolks over their traditional fishing grounds and safe refuge in the Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc),” the lawyers said
A
said Ambassador Cuisia. A proposal to amend the 1987 Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines is also being reviewed by Philippine Congress. If passed, the bill will establish tax exemptions, strengthen the BIR’s risk management system, and promote appropriate behavior by establishing incentives such as deferments of duties and taxes to highly compliant exporters and importers, among others. “As for the Bureau of Customs, the agency has instituted reforms to improve its processing and valuations processes to ensure proper invoicing, valuation, and reporting. This is important in a culture that consistently and deliberately miscalculates or undervalues cargo. For example, a 2014 study reveals that only 18 percent of all Customs declarations are truthful,” Ambassador Cuisia said. BoC is likewise clamping down on smuggling, particularly oil smuggling, which accounts for losses for oil companies approxi-
mating $430 to $644 million. The government is estimated to lose approximately $2 million in foregone revenue. The Customs agency has also entered into an information sharing partnership with the US Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigation (DHS-HSI) through the development of corresponding Trade Transparency Units (TTU). Another conference panelist, DHSHSI Trade Transparency Unit Chief Hector X. Colón expounded that TTUs are important mechanisms that aid in the prevention of trade-based money laundering and commercial fraud mainly through the comparison and analysis of trade data to identify anomalies in trade transactions. GFI is a non-profit, Washington, DC-based research and advisory organization that researches illicit financial flows and aims to promote pragmatic transparency measures. Its most recent study on IFF can be accessed through its website on http://www.gfintegrity.org.
in the appeal addressed to the UN body. The fisherfolk’s lawyers noted China’s international obligation under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and customary international law in stating their request. In June, the Center for Law legal counsels also filed urgent appeal against Chinese coast guards for the fisherfolk of Subic and Masinloc Zambales. On Thursday, Sept. 24, Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Mar-
cos Jr. also called on the government to ask China to stop harassing Filipino fishermen. “The first item in the agenda is to ask China to stop harassing our fishermen because they are just fishing and have no other motive in going there; it’s international waters anyway,” Marcos said. “Let’s make an arrangement with China that we will talk about fishermen only and not the contentious issue of who owns the territories. I think China will agree to that arrangement. That’s one big step,” he added.
A september 25-october 1, 2015 • NeW YorK AND NeW JerseY AsIAN JoUrNAL
Ecotourism initiative of Pag Asa Island Mayor Jun Bito-Onon draws support from Filipino community in New York New York—Mayor eugenio “Jun” Bito-onon of Pag Asa Island, Palawan was a special guest in a breakfast forum held at kalayaan Hall, attended by Filipino community leaders and members. Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr., accompanied by Atty. Loida Nicolas Lewis and Mr. eric Lachica of US Pinoys for Good Governance, and Atty. JT Mallonga, National Chair of National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFAA) welcomed the community and Mayor Jun Bito-onon who provided a presentation about his local community in Pag- Asa Island located at the western part of kalayaan Island Group. Consul General De Leon said that the holding the forum is in recognition of the lasting, far reaching effects to our country of issues attached to the west Philippine Sea which is a hotbed
of economic activity where about US$6 Trillion of commercial cargo passes yearly. However, the region presents unique and sensitive geo-political challenges for the Philippines. And while the country’s attention is drawn to the issue on sovereignty, humanitarian and economic issues, particularly in Pag-Asa Island, which is populated by about 300 Filipinos, need to be addressed, he added. Consul General De Leon acknowledged the pioneering initiative of Mayor Bito-onon and US Pinoys for Good Governance, and was pleased to host a forum on eco-tourism to create awareness in the diaspora aimed at uplifting the lives of Pag-Asa settlers by providing sustainable livelihood while maintaining a “green” environment, and believes that the diaspora’s “cando” spirit has a role in this proj-
ect, he continued. Mayor Bito-onon acknowledged the support by the Consulate General and Filipino community members in promoting eco-tourism in his island and for opening possible partnerships with foreign and Filipino investors who share in their vision. He pointed out Malaysia as a success story when it invested in a tourist resort complex in one of the island it is currently occupying in the Spratlys. In his presentation, he pointed out that various claimants are occupying different islands near Palawan and that Pag- Asa Island has the greatest potential for development due to its size and natural harbor, he said. Mayor Bito-onon said that a project on eco-tourism entails significant capital outlay for basic infrastructure such as a sea port and airfield to make Pag Asa
Dateline USa
Consul General Mario De Leon, Jr. (center) and Mayor Jun Bito-Onon (seated, 3rd from left )welcomed participants to the forum where the objective was to raise awareness about Pag-Asa Island to the diaspora as well as exploring livelihood for local community settlers.
accessible. Atty. Loida Nicolas Lewis provided the geopolitical underpinnings of the west Philippine Sea issue, the nature of dispute between claimants, particularly China’s recent reclamation activities, and the significance of US involvement and support for the Philippines, while emphasizing the importance of the diaspora in realizing our country’s future. She also encouraged FilipinoAmericans to make their votes count by registering as voters in
Filipino youth sworn in as US citizens on Citizenship Day Garcetti joins in celebrating the US Constitution and young new citizens
Julia Aguirre
SePTeMBer 17 marks an important day in American history-the Constitution of the United States was officially signed by delegates of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, including Founding Fathers George washington, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton. Constitution and Citizenship Day was established later by President Harry Truman to observe the landmark event and celebrate the achievements and naturalization of new Americans. 228 years later, on Thursday, Sept. 17, 79 young people were
sworn in and given their official certificates of citizenship at the Central Library in downtown Los Angeles. The ceremony, presented by the library and by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), was held in recognition of children and youth who obtained citizenship through their parents. “This nation is a proud nation of immigrants,” said keynote speaker LA Mayor eric Garcetti, speaking directly to the dozens of immigrant families, leaders, and advocates at the event. “This is a chance for us to celebrate; for those of us who were born citizens, a chance for us to reflect on what that means; and for those of us who have earned citizenship, a chance to cherish how special that is.” Immigrant families from the Philippines, Iran, Armenia, egypt, el Salvador, Japan, Nepal, China, ethiopia, Bangladesh, and a multitude of nations were represented at the ceremony. The Consulate General of Mexico, Carlos M. Sada, also graciously attended. Some of the children present were adopted by US citizen parents, while others derived citi-
zenship when their immigrant parents became naturalized citizens. “Sometimes, we come to the US in times of duress, times of tragedy; sometimes for opportunities, for studies, for many different reasons. Some of you have crossed many borders, rivers, and oceans to be here,” Garcetti said. “I always say Los Angeles is a city that reflects the world as it is today, and what the United States will be like tomorrow.” Susan Curda, Los Angeles District Director for USCIS, also spoke to the kids about the historical importance of the Constitution and of the sacrifices their parents made for them to be here, as legal citizens. She also led the crowd in the official swearing-in oath of Allegiance “Your parents signed many papers and took a big naturalization test for YoU,” she exclaimed. “This morning, when you came into this room, you were citizens of China, Mexico, Iraq, and ethiopia…but now you are all citizens of a new country, the USA. welcome to our family.” PAGE A5
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PAGE A1
Philippines, and raising funds for the installation of a seaport and airstrip. In attendance during the event were Filcom leaders from Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania who are members of NaFAA and USPGG. The Consulate General is supportive of Filipino community members and of projects promoting Philippine tourism and interests in cooperation with major Filcom organizations and local US agencies.
Coloma denies NY Times report...
pines’ request was rejected on the grounds of potential corruption and worries about the country’s ability to handle such an incoming of resources. A Philippine official who spoke to the Times on the condition of anonymity said the Aquino administration requested for the aid this year because “it needs a substantial buildup of planes and ships to deter Chinese expansionism.” Philippine lawmakers in 1991 voted to expel American troops from the country to break free from the “shackles of dictatorship.” But with continuing disputes in the South China Sea, the Philippines is considering whether or not to invite the US Navy back to Subic Bay, according to the Times, a naval base that was involved in nearly each American conflict in the 20th century. Last year, the Philippine government signed a 10-year agreement that would allow America to station weapons, troops and military equipment at bases throughout the country, which would prepare for the return of America to some facilities, such as Subic Bay and Clark Air Base, the Times reported. However, the arrangement faces legal challenges and mixed feelings from Filipinos, who largely perceive the United States in a positive light but are unsure about American troops being stationed in the Philippines. Furthermore, there are worries
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the US and Philippine Presidential elections, which will coincide in 2016. A brief Q&A followed where community members expressed their support for Mayor Bito-onon and Pag Asa Island, noted the need for additional government support for people’s livelihood and additional outlay for construction of infrastructure, emphasized drawing up a well-studied master plan on eco-tourism that would include other islands in the kalayaan Island Group occupied by the
about how China could respond to American aid. “when the elephants brawl, ants should be spared,” said rene Augusto Saguisag, among a group of former senators who voted to dismiss American troops in 1991, according to the Times. Saguisag has also petitioned the Philippines Supreme Court to block the military agreement. “The US and China should leave us alone and not involve us in the quarrels of the strong.” Secretary Coloma dismissed the claim in the Times’ report, based on the fact that US military bases are not permitted to operate in the Philippines. “Labag sa Konstitusyon ‘yung pagkakaroon ng mga foreign military troops. At kahit kailanman ay hindi gumagawa ng labag sa Konstitusyon o batas ang ating pamahalaan. Kaya walang batayan at walang katotohanan ang paratang na iyan (It’s against the [Philippine] Constitution to have foreign military troops. And our government has never committed any violations against the Constitution or the laws of our government. There is no proof and there is no truth to that accusation),” Coloma said, according to Philstar. In the disputed territory that China has pushed to established as its own, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam are among other countries claiming certain parts of it. However, China’s efforts have affected the Philippines the
Communications Sec. Herminio Coloma, Jr.
most. “The fight hasn’t even started yet, and it looks like the Philippines government has already surrendered,” renato etac, 35, a fishing boat captain who says Chinese vessels in the area routinely chase and attempt to ram his ship, told the Times. “I can’t even count the Chinese ships I see, there are so many.” If the pact between the US and Philippines pulls through, America would be able to position itself less than 500 miles away from the new islands built by China. “The issue of the west Philippines Sea is a shared responsibility of the Philippines and the United States,” said Fernando Manalo, a Philippine defense official, according to the Times. However, US Sen. Dan Sullivan (r-Alaska), told the publication it would take time for the two countries to re-establish a trust. “If you look what happened in Subic Bay, that was a pretty abrupt turnaround by the Philippines. I think memory probably lingers both in the Philippines and the United States,” Sullivan said. n
Sotto, Lacson are top Senate picks...
cluded in the LP senatorial slate. Petilla said that he would most likely be included in the LP ticket, but President Aquino still has to confirm it. He said that the President has been urging him to run for senator. Pangilinan is preparing for his senatorial bid and has left the office of the Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (oPAFSAM), which retains supervision over four agriculture agencies. He said President Aquino wants to have continuity in the functions of the four agencies for the remaining months of his term. Being considered as roxas’ vice presidential candidate is Camarines Sur’s robredo.
However, robredo has said she is not open to aspiring for the second highest office because of her low national awareness level, lack of resources and the fact that her three children are against it. As a single mother, she said taking care of her daughters is more important than politics. robredo is reportedly Aquino’s choice for the LP vice presidential slot. If she declines, roxas would most likely choose Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano as his running mate. Cayetano’s LP backers claim that he would give Poe’s vice presidential partner, Sen. Francis escudero, a run for his money. Though Poe and escudero are independent, the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) is emerging as the vehicle for their aspiration
for higher office. However, House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said local politics would prevent many NPC congressmen and local officials from supporting the Poe-escudero tandem. He cited the case of NPC reps. Mark enverga of Quezon and George Arnaiz of Negros oriental, who are both planning to run for governor of their respective provinces. enverga will run against incumbent David Suarez of Lakas, son of former congressman Danilo Suarez and his wife, incumbent rep. Aleta Suarez. Gonzales said another NPC congressman similarly situated as enverga and Arnaiz is Pedro Acharon Jr. of General Santos City. (Philstar.com)
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. She also held many top positions, such as commanding officer, chief of staff, deputy director of the office of the assistant secretary of Defense, Health Affairs (oASD/HA), director of Medical resources, Plans and Policy (N093), Chief of Naval operations, and in 2011, the command surgeon of U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, as well as acting commander Joint Task Force National Capital region Medical (2013). As of 2014, Bono currently serves as director, National Capital region Medical Directorate of
the Defense Health Agency, and as the 11th Chief, Navy Medical Corps. Bono’s personal decorations and recognitions include Defense Superior Service Medal (2), Legion of Merit Medal (4), Meritorious Service Medal (2), and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal (2). She was also awarded in 2009 as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina American women in the US. “Service to others; service to country,” Bono said of her words to live by. “It was ingrained in us by our father and mother in gratitude to their adopted country, the United States.” (Allyson Escobar/ AJPress)
Fil-Am nominated...
PAGE A3 Later, she was stationed at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth as a surgeon in the General Surgery department; surgical intensivist in the Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Unit, and attending surgeon at the Burn Trauma Unit at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. other prestigious duties/positions she held were director of restorative Care, medical corps career planning officer, director for Medical-Surgical Services at the National Naval Medical Center, and executive assistant to the 35th Navy Surgeon General and
Fil-Am teen pleads...
PAGE A3 are two of our kids, and one is dead and one has been taken away. And it’s horrible. It’s just horrible,” said resident Yasmina Porter, whose two children, ages 11 and 13, had regularly played with both the young victim and the suspect. “From the community’s standpoint, we mostly feel like these are our babies,” Porter said. “This is the most horrible thing you can imagine.” Santa Cruz police Chief kevin Vogel said Gonzalez lured Maddy to his family’s upstairs apartment, where they were alone,
and killed her. He then reportedly carried her body downstairs to a garage and hid it in the recycling bin. Police officials believe Maddy willingly went to Gonzalez’s apartment because she knew and trusted him. “She was 8 years old. She had a reasonable amount of trust in him,” Vogel said. “They were “It is my belief that [Maddy] was killed even before we got the phone call Sunday at about 6pm, when she was first reported missing,” he added. Gonzalez is being tried as an adult on the counts of murder, kidnapping, and rape. In their
decision to determine charges, prosecutors looked at the Filipino teen’s age, his criminal record, the nature of the crime and how the offense was committed, rosell said. If convicted of the charges, Gonzalez may face life in prison. Because of his age, he is not eligible for the death penalty. He was ordered to re-appear in court on oct. 29. An autopsy of Maddy shows that she died of asphyxiation and stab wounds to the neck. “People do things for lots of different reasons,” rosell said. “Sometimes we understand them, sometimes we don’t.” (Allyson Escobar/AJPress)
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House, Senate set Dec. 16 BBL deadline PH, US anti-drug cooperation successful – envoy by paolo
romero Philstar.com
MANILA—The Senate and the House of Representatives have set Dec. 16 as the new deadline for the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which continues to face opposition in and out of Congress due to its numerous questionable provisions. Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chairman of the 75-member ad hoc committee on the BBL, issued the statement after the House closed plenary debates on the measure to give way to deliberations on the proposed P3.002trillion national budget for 2016. “On Nov. 3, we’ll hit the ground running because the budget will be on its way to the Senate, and we can resume deliberations on the BBL and finish it, including the period of amendments until Nov. 30,” he said. Once plenary deliberations on the proposed budget start, no other measure will be entertained on the floor until it is passed in the chamber, he added. The House, led by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., set the new calendar of approval for the BBL a few days ago after a meeting in Malacañang last week with President Aquino, who pleaded to have the BBL passed before he steps down from office. Rodriguez said the House still has 13 interpellators listed while the Senate has four. “It may even happen that the Senate will pass it ahead of us,” he said. BBL deliberations in the House have been sluggish due to a lack of quorum and support for the bill, although its proponents remain confident that it can be revived once the controversial provisions are clarified. Following the new timeline, Rodriguez said the BBL might be passed and ratified by Congress on or about Dec. 16 and signed into law by Aquino before the end of the year.
He added that the administration is eyeing the holding of the plebiscite by March after Aquino would have appointed the first members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA). The BTA members will hold office until 2019 when the election of members of the Bangsamoro parliament will be held. It was not clear, however, whether the new calendar took into account the expected case that will be filed before the Supreme Court questioning the BBL. The BBL was supposed to be submitted by Malacañang to Congress in May last year with the expectation that it would be approved by the end of 2014. However, Aquino submitted the draft only in September and the discussions on the bill were overtaken by the Mamasapano incident, where 44 members of the police Special Action Force were killed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. Meanwhile, Zamboanga City 1st District Rep. Celso Lobregat said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will not suspend the filing of the certificates of candidacy for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) pending the passage of the BBL. Citing a statement by Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista, Lobregat said that since there is no statutory directive to suspend the filing of certificates, the Comelec has no choice but continue with the process as provided by law. “So, the ARMM election will push through (in May 2016) and that is another complication” to the passage of the BBL, Lobregat said. He added that the budget for the plebiscite in the proposed areas of the Bangsamoro region was scrapped by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in the regular Comelec proposed budget, citing the statement of Comelec Commissioner Robert
Lim that this was incorporated in the proposed BBL. Meanwhile, the group of retired generals in the country maintained its stand against the BBL in its current form despite meeting with President Aquino in Malacañang. Retired Gen. Dionisio Santiago and retired Commodore Carlos Agustin, Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Association (PDAFAA) president, said during the Kapihan sa Luneta forum that the current BBL will only result in a more fragmented Filipino people instead of unifying the country through peace efforts. “We simply voiced our concerns and the President also made known their own positions,” said Santiago in an ambush interview after the forum, when asked what really happened during their meeting with Aquino on Tuesday. The group believes that the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the BBL, in its original form, are seriously flawed, as “these agreements were clear violations of the Constitution.” Santiago added that the BBL seeks to establish a political entity, which has all the makings of a state and, in effect, creating a state within a state. “Our position is we are supporting the peace process but the BBL has to be amended and we totally agree that in its present form, will result to more fragmentation of our people,” Agustin said. Valenzuela City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian also believes that the recent kidnapping of foreigners in Samal Island may be linked to the BBL as he urged Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento to intensify security in southern Philippines. He said the kidnapping might impact adversely on the economy as potential foreign investors may no longer do business in the country because of security concerns.
ConStante AJPress
WITH decreases in exports and agricultural production, the Philippine economy is headed for its slowest economic growth in four years, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Along with lackluster public spending, the Manila-based ADB has trimmed its 2015 growth projection for the Philippines from 6.4 percent to 6 percent, according to CNN. ADB moved to update its 2015 Asian Development Outlook on Tuesday, Sept. 22, after the economy posted slower growth rates in the first two quarters – 5 percent in the first and 5.2 percent in the second – due to a weakened global demand for exports and the contraction in agricultural output caused by El Niño, Rappler reported. Recently, the peso also fell 4.6 percent against the US dollar by mid-September, “as global volatility took hold of global markets causing foreign funds to exit developing markets,” Rappler reported. The bank further forecasts that the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) is set for its slowest growth since 2000 at 4.4 percent this year and
4.9 percent in 2016; growth for greater developing Asia will also slow from 6.3 percent to 5.8 percent for 2015 and 2016, the ADB predicts. “There are considerable headwinds to growth in Asia although it remains the largest source of global growth. Risks to the outlook increased coming from capital flow reversals and currency depreciation although these are manageable,” said Joseph Zveglich Jr., ADB director for macroeconomic research, according to Philstar. However, among Southeast Asian countries, the bank maintains positive prospects for the Philippines, which has an above average growth rate. “All in all, growth will [remain] favorable. We assess that economic expansion will continue and will accelerate on the second half of the year,” ADB Country director Richard Bolt said in a briefing, Philstar reported. Despite low gains in the first semester of the year, the Aquino administration is aiming for a 7- to 8-percent growth rate for 2015. “After a slow start to the year we are now seeing a pickup in fiscal spending which combined with spending linked to the May
Filipino youth sworn in as US citizens...
PAGE A4 The USCIS and Garcetti also thanked the Los Angeles Library, one of over 70 branch libraries across the county that offer free ‘Path to Citizenship’ programs, which assist eligible immigrants with their applications, and help new citizens assimilate into American life. Over 2,000 participants and dozens of trained librarians have taken part of this free public resource. “The library has become a valuable center of citizenship,” Garcetti said. “America offers you and your family many opportunities to succeed. So give something back to your fellow Americans--vote, stay engaged with the community, volunteer, make our streets safer. These things can strengthen the fabric of a city, and of your lives as well.” He encouraged the roughly 800,000 Angelenos who qualify for citizenship to take advantage of these free opportunities, highlighting his Step Forward LA initiative, which will assist immigrants in applying for beneficial programs like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and possibly DAPA (Deferred Action for Parent Arrivals). The initiative--as
well as a map of citywide “citizenship corners” hosting free workshops and events--can be found online at www.stepforward.lacity.org. To conclude, Garcetti spoke about his hopes for America to be a more inclusive nation, with the people holding the power to govern, defining freedom and the American dream. “I will never stand by and let anti-immigrant sentiment speak for the people of America, who understand that in a city like this, it is immigrants who work the hardest and who have made this country the greatest,” he said, before taking a large group photo with the newest young citizens. “We are a place that has always been stronger when our arms are open, not when our borders are closed.” Young, newly naturalized Filipinos express hopes and excitement For Ruby Apolinario, whose 11-year-old daughter Darlene was among a number of Filipinos receiving their citizenship certificates that day, the event was “a blessing.” “We’re very happy and feel very lucky,” Apolinario, from Carson, California, told the Asian Journal. “Because our children are now full-fledged citizens
Suerte Philstar.com
Felipe
MANILA—A United States envoy said the cooperation of the Philippines and the US against illegal drugs is a success as evidenced by a series of accomplishments. In a press conference on Thursday, Sept. 24, State Assistant Secretary William Brownfield, head of the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), cited instances indicating that cooperation between the US and the Philippines has been fruitful. Brownfield said the US is suffering from a major heroin crisis, as the sale and consumption of the drug there since 2007 have more than doubled. Based on assessment, less than four percent of the heroin entering the US is supplied by Asia, despite nearly 90 percent of the drug’s supply in the world coming from Asia, specifically Afghanistan and Myanmar. “This is one example of success. Logic would suggest that if we have not been successful in our drug cooperation with the Philippines, far closer to 90 percent of the heroin consumed in the US, reflecting the world supply, would come in some way from Asia,” Brownfield said.
with benefits and a naturalization certificate, not just a passport. Because now they will have so many opportunities.” The parents of 13-year-old Julia Aguirre also expressed joy and excitement for their daughter. The Aguirres had emigrated from the Philippines to Long Beach, California in 2012, in search of “doing what’s best for our children.” “I’m so happy and relieved that everything, all of the paperwork we did, came out right,” said Mary, Julia’s mom. “[Julia] has a passion to travel, and she wants to go around the world. Being a citizen, she can do all of that with a visa. She can work towards her priorities, like graduating from high school and college. I hope to see her pursue her goals in life.” Julia, an 8th grader at John Muir Academy, talked about her interest in the health sciences. She aspires to be a doctor and is interested in politics, particularly related to immigration. “I am proud of being an American citizen,” Julia said. “I also want to thank my parents for sacrificing many things--money, time, and effort--in order for me to have certain abilities and to be here.” (Allyson Escobar / AJPress)
State Assistant Secretary William Brownfield, head of the US Dept of State International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), faces media after meeting with PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez. Inquirer.net photo by Julianne Love De Jesus
He said it was somewhat illogical that the region producing 90 percent of world heroin supply would have only four percent share in the US market. He also cited the arrest in the Philippines of a drug trafficker who was trafficking Asian products in the US, saying it is another example of the success of the USPhilippines cooperation. “Every time you hear of the national maritime group stopping and seizing a vessel that is moving product, whether heroin or any other illicit drugs, through Philippine national waters, that is another example of success,”
Brownfield said. “We do cooperate, we do training, we do capacity building between the US law enforcement agency, particularly the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. This is an example of success. “If you ask me if we have solved the drug problem in the Philippines and the US? No, of course not. I believe that will take a generation. As I say, it has taken our society 40 years or 50 years to get into this mess and it will take us a generation to get out of this,” he added.
Filipino nurse sentenced 4 months in Singapore jail for sedition on social media by agneS
ConStante AJPress
A FILIPINO nurse working in Singapore was sentenced on Monday, Sept. 21, to four months in jail for insulting Singaporeans on Facebook and lying to police investigators afterward. Ello Ed Mundsel Bello, 28, a former employee of government-run Tan Tock Seng Hospital, pleaded guilty to a three charges: one count of violating Singapore’s sedition act by promoting feelings of ill-will and hostility using social media and two charges of lying to police, according to the Associated Press (AP). He was sentenced to three 2016 elections will help lift the months in prison for the charge redomestic economy,” Bolt said. lated to Facebook and one month He added that increased investments in public goods and infrastructure, coupled with higher private consumption and more jobs, could prompt more growth, according to CNN. “Recently enacted reforms to improve competitiveness and to attract investment will play a key role in the future growth as will continued reforms and investments in infrastructure and other public goods,” Bolt said. Along with lower growth rates predicted, the ADB also forecasts lower inflation because of lower oil prices that are likely to carry on until 2016, according to Philstar. In spite of slowed growth, Rappler reported that the ADP still anticipates that Asia will maintain its role as the largest contributor to global GDP, although it may require reforms to pull through. “Emerging markets are facing receding capital flows and depreciating currencies – a trend that may be exacerbated by the upcoming rise in US interest rates. Implementing macroprudential policies and developing local currency bond markets can bolster financial resilience and mitigate risks to borrowers,” the ADB report stated.
Asian Development Bank: PH at risk for slowest economic growth in 4 years by agneS
by CeCille
for providing police with false information, Agence France-Presse reported. District Judge Siva Shanmugam, who sentenced Bello, said there was no place for xenophobic comments in Singapore, as they present “a threat to our social stability and security,” according to AP. “The local-foreigner divide has remained a challenging fault line in our society in recent times,” Shanmugam said. “Unlike the limited effect and reach of distinct racial or religious issues, this divide affects all and sundry and cannot be regarded as any less delicate or sensitive in the current context,” he added. In a Jan. 2 Facebook post, Bello wrote: “We take their jobs, their
future, their women, and soon, we will evict all SG loosers (sic) out of their own country.” A subsequent comment written by the Filipino read: “we will kick out all the Singaporeans and SG will be the new filipino state.” The early January social media post further read, “The best part, I will be praying that disastors (disasters) strike Singapore and more Singaporeans will die than I will celebrate. Remember Pinoy better and stronger than Stinkaporeans.” Prosecutors originally sought a five-month sentence for Bello to “send a clear message to likeminded individuals that their behaviour will not be tolerated,” Agence France Press reported. PAGE A7
A september 25-october 1, 2015 • NeW YorK AND NeW JerseY AsIAN JoUrNAL
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OpiniOn
Features
Haunted
IT seems like a lifetime ago when on Sept. 21, 1972, former Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos declared martial law in the Philippines. Forty-three years have passed, but the wretched moments of the martial law era have continued to linger on, especially for the people who had to endure it. From this period in Philippine history, Filipinos must appreciate the genuine meaning of democracy. It is empowered by the will of the people. It gives the citizenry the power to overturn the culture of corruption, unethical conduct, and self-serving antics of politics. Around the country, various human rights groups and militant organizations staged protests on Monday, Sept. 21, to call for justice for the victims of human rights abuses during martial law and condemn the “continuing repression and terror” in the country. “It is true that we need to remind the current and future generations of this dark period of history. However, it seems that it is the Aquino government that has not learned any of the lessons of the past, as it continues to repeat the crimes of the dictator,” said Members of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) chairperson Carol Araullo said. For his part, Sen. Bam Aquino urged the nation to continue retelling the stories of martial law, saying “the sacrifices, atrocities and heroism during the darkest years in our country’s history should not be forgotten and must be imparted to today’s generation.” As a stronger reminder of that tumultuous era, the
Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will construct a P500-million memorial museum for artifacts, memorabilia and other items related to the martial law era under the Marcos dictatorship. Around 10,000 materials gathered from 75,000 victims of human rights abuses at the height of military rule in the country will be housed in the memorial museum. In 2013, the Philippine government passed the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Law, to recognize human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrest and detention under the martial law and indemnify them and their families for the suffering they were put through. Those qualified were encouraged to file a claim with the Human Rights Claim Board for reparation and/or recognition, as stated in Section 16 of the Act. Successful claimants will secure compensation from the P10-billion with interest worth of funds transferred to the Philippine government by the Swiss Federal Supreme Court in 1997. According to Sen. Francis Escudero, “this is a first of such human rights legislation in the world where a state recognizes a previous administration’s fault against its own people and not only provides for, but also actually appropriates for reparation.”
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
However, the fight goes on for those who have filed for their claims. Franciscan Sister Crescencia Lucero of the religious superiors’ Justice and Peace Commission alleged that many victims have already applied but have yet to receive their compensation. “They should be given what is due them,” Lucero said as she urged the current administration to speed
up the process. This compensation is not a gift to cheer the victims. It is giving what they deserve to help repair the damages done onto them and make up for what they lost. While the law may have vindicated them, remnants of the martial law era will stay with them until they receive just compensation. (AJPress)
The ‘Pope Francis Effect’ hits Kababayans in America POPE Francis arrived in the United States on Tuesday, Sept. 22 for a six-day visit, exciting kababayans who wished they were in Manila when the Pontiff visited the Philippines last January. It is this excitement that compelled many FilAms to travel to Washington DC, New York, or Philadelphia to see the Pope in person and be blessed by his messages of inclusive love, hope, justice and mercy. The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast Balitang America even reported how some Filipinas even joined the 100-mile walking pilgrimage from Pennsylvania to Washington DC to see the Pope and to share with the Leaders of the Catholic Church a message: dignity for America’s immigrants! Some of these Filipinas are from Southern California, who are among 100 women who walked the 100 miles for the “We Belong Together” campaign in honor of immigration reform and the first US visit of Pope Francis.
“This issue of immigration is a human rights issue,” said Aqui The Fil-Am Soriano Versoza of the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) in a Bali- Perspective tang America report. “It’s also an issue of women in particular because those that are impacted by all these policies this broken immigration system those are Gel SantoS-ReloS impacted the most are women and children”. Balitang America’s News Bureau Chief Paul Henson reported from The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where Pope Francis will celebrate his first mass in the US. He talked to Bishop Richard Garcia of the Diocese of Monterey, who says the faith of Filipino-Americans has been instrumental in sustaining the spiritual life of the Catholic Church in America. “They’re keeping our faith alive. I really love
How would Imelda Marcos have handled Metro Manila’s woes?
Street Talk GreG B. MacaBenta IN the face of the anarchy in the streets of Metro Manila, the paralysis that follows every heavy downpour, and the inability – nay, the unwillingness - of local officials to enforce such obvious rules as clearing major streets (like Taft Avenue) of vendors, desperate citizens have concocted various antidotes. What has often been proposed is a “czar” – some kind of super manager who can untangle the mess. One clueless Quezon City congressman recommended a traffic czar on top of the current MMDA traffic czar on top of the traffic czars of the local governments in the metropolis. Making much better sense, columnist Efren Cruz has suggested a Metro Manila governance czar. Wrote Cruz: “The problems of traffic, floods, illegal vendors, delays in public works construction, jurisdictional disputes, squatting, crime, land use planning, and urban mass transportation system are all intertwined. They cannot be solved separately. The activities needed to ensure the realization of the urban environment we all desire are all linked into one Metro Manila value chain. “Call him the Metro Manila ‘Czar’ or Chair of a Metro Manila Inter Agency Task Force. The title is immaterial. The need is for a working Metro Manila governance structure now and a capable person, with the coercive powers, to be the head. I hope the public will endorse and support this proposal.” In fact, without using the pretentious term “czar,” there is
supposed to be one such public official in the person of the chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority, Francis Tolentino. Unfortunately, he is neither competent nor armed with “coercive powers.” Indeed, we must have realized by now that titles and good intentions alone do not an effective “czar” or “chairman” make. In fact, even competence alone, while essential, does not guarantee results. What is needed is someone gifted with a combination of competence, vision, a tireless work ethic, a capacity for paying attention to details, and a can-do, nothing-isimpossible attitude. On top of all that, such an official must wield power. The power to compel self-important local officials and agency heads to get their act together under pain of dismissal. The power to railroad a project over objections, legal or otherwise. And the power to tell loafers to get off their fat asses or get lost. I can only think of one such individual: Former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos. Whatever detractors might think about her, Mrs. Marcos possessed that rare combination of vision, capacity for hard work, a penchant for detail and an unwillingness to acknowledge the impossible – over other people’s dead bodies. Plus power. To say that she was a handson manager, is an understatement. She was known to make surprise visits in the dead of night to check on the progress of her projects. She personally directed the table settings and décor for official receptions in Malaca ñang. And while she was awake (which
the Filipino people for that because of the devotion they have for the Blessed Mother, for example,” Garcia told Henson in the report. Here are the comments of Filipinos in America as gathered by Balitang America, in joyful anticipation of the Pope’s visit: “Sa akin nag-resonate is his [Pope Francis’] love for the poor, and the underprivileged, and we are the one that are blessed and we should share it with other people.” — Nenita Aure “Yung issue sa global warming…We are stewards of the Earth, so nagresonate talaga sa akin [Pope Francis’s message]. — Rosemarie Zamora “Open siya [Pope Francis] sa lahat ng tao, yung nakikinig siya sa lahat ng opinyon pero sinusunod pa rin niya yung mga utos ng Diyos…Yung being merciful, and yung being welcoming sa lahat ng
Commentary
seemed to be at all hours), no one could afford to be caught sleeping on the job. I believe it was she who persuaded President Marcos to issue Presidential Decree 824, creating the Metro Manila Commission, with her as Governor and Ismael Mathay, Jr. as Vice-Governor. It was the forerunner of the present Metro Manila Development Authority. Whatever her ultimate agenda was (did she want to become President? Well, why not?), she had a vision for Metro Manila as “The City of Man.” Her verbiage may have sounded corny (“The good, the true and the beautiful”), but she translated that into such structures as the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Folk Arts Theater, the Philippine International Convention Center, the Lung Center, Philippine Heart Center, Kidney Center and the Coconut Palace, as well as the Manila Film Center (an example of getting something done, over dead bodies). She introduced a rational, stateowned air-conditioned transport system, the Love Bus, where the drivers felt no pressure to meet “boundary.” And she mounted a successful campaign to keep Metro Manila clean with an army of uniformed street sweepers (I recall a trip to Thailand where I felt good about being from Manila, after noting the liter in Bangkok’s streets at the time). It was also during her watch that the idea of dredging Laguna de Bay and building a waterway up to Manila Bay was seriously considered. That was the forerunner of the Laguna Lake Rehabilitation Project that could have done much PAGE A7
FRanciSco S. tatad MALACAñANG sources have revealed that a nasty shouting match transpired between President B.S. Aquino III and Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad after the Supreme Court ordered the Ombudsman to have them investigated and possibly charged for their role in the manipulation and misuse of the constitutionally outlawed Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) amounting to P150 billion. It is not known who got the upper hand, but PNoy reportedly blamed Abad for the DAP scandal, and Abad reportedly shot back by reminding PNoy that the program had the President’s full approval and that it was used to bribe Congress in order to remove Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona and implement the rest of his “personal program.” This reveals two things. First, PNoy is now under investigation by the Ombudsman for possible impeachment, and he is pissed off by it, despite the fact that he remains in virtual control of the impeachment process and has less than a year to stay in office. By tradition, although not specified in the Constitution, the President is immune from suit; but the Supreme Court effectively divested him of his immunity when it struck down the DAP as unconstitutional and ordered the prosecution of all those involved in it. He is the official author of the DAP. Still, PNoy obviously did not expect to be investigated by the very Ombudsman he
tao.” — Cecile Salonga “I hope he would be.. a help to the community and to the politicians to invite them to help the struggles of the Filipino World War Two veterans. Not only the Filipinos but all of the veterans in America….I [also] hope the Pope would try to convince the leaders that..they could avoid any wars and protect the humanity from harm.” — Bernie Ganon, Filipino American Service Group, Inc. “That is what we like with the Pope… He’s pushing for family reunification. remember the Immigration Bill has been dead in the US Congress because the Republicans won’t even [vote on it]”. — Arturo Garcia, Justice for Filipino American Veterans. *** 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
Shouting match at the Palace, a warning from the generals
had appointed after driving her predecessor out of office, in order to go after his enemies and political targets. He apparently blames Abad for this. Second, the “fear” Aquino has instilled in his Cabinet members appears to have worn off. Abad’s heated exchange with Aquino shows this. It is a dangerous precedent that could be imitated by other members of the original Hyatt-10, said to be the real power running the Aquino government under Abad. This is the same group, with some minor modifications, which President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ousted from her Cabinet while threatening to oust her. Not only is Abad the “brains” of Aquino’s ingenious schemes to take full control of the government’s resources; his entire family is virtually in charge of the entire financial and budgetary operations of the government. While he controls the entire Department of Budget and Management (DBM), his only daughter runs the Presidential Management Staff, his only son holds a pivotal position in the Office of the Secretary of Finance; and his wife is not only Executive Vice President of the Liberal Party but also senior Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. In the relationship between Aquino and Abad, the latter is seen as the puppet master, and the former the puppet. Although it has not happened before that the puppet masters had to answer to the puppet, it is happening now, so the relationship is strained, to say the least. It could strain further as more se-
rious cases are brought before the Supreme Court against the Aquino government’s undiminished effort to put vast sums of money under the sole discretion and control of the President. One probable suit could be against the P424.15 billion in lump-sum appropriations embedded in nine strategic departments and two agencies of the government in the 2015 General Appropriations Act, in contemptuous disregard of the Supreme Court ruling declaring such lump sums unconstitutional and void. The worst is yet to come. The generals speak out But it is not only the Cabinet that’s on fire. The military, police and entire security sector is equally on fire. And Aquino’s recent reckless statement about an “alternative truth” on the Mamasapano massacre, which cost the lives of 44 Special Action Force police commandos on Jan. 25, 2015 in the hands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, has unduly stoked that fire. PNoy’s statement has prompted a closer look at what the various official inquiries had said and did not say about the massacre. It is now clear to all and sundry —-infinitely clearer than before— that the truth about the most important issues on Mamasapano was never aired. Why did Aquino discard the established PNP chain of command, and put an important police operations in the hands of a suspended PNP chief? Why did PNoy give the stand-down order which barred the military reinforcement unit from giving PAGE A7
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Dateline PhiliPPines
Sheryl Cruz on stand vs Grace Poe candidacy: Nobody is behind me by Yuji
Vincent Gonzales Inquirer.net
ACTRESS Sheryl Cruz on Thursday, Sept. 24 said nobody was behind her when she voiced out her opposition to the 2016 presidential bid of her cousin, Sen. Grace Poe. Saying that she has good intentions both for the country and for her family, Cruz maintained that her comments against Poe’s decision to seek the presidency
in next year’s polls were part of her personal opinion. “Nobody is behind me. After saying my opinion, the reaction I got was so outrageous,” she said. Noting that she supported Poe’s senatorial run in 2013, Cruz said her love and concern for family should not be put to question. Asked about those who imply that she has ulterior motives, Cruz said she has no political
Filipino nurse sentenced 4... PAGE A5 Philippine authorities on Aug. 27 said they respected the Singapore court’s decision to convict Bello of sedition, according to AP. Mark Goh, Bello’s lawyer, told GMA News that his client, long before the trials, said he is “truly remorseful and sorry because of what he has done.” “My client has surrendered. In fact he has already decided on a
personal level that it has caused him already a lot of anxiety and stress. And therefore he did not want to perpetuate the trial and decided to plead guilty,” Goh said. After Bello serves his sentence, he will be deported back to the Philippines and prohibited from returning to Singapore for a period of time, the attorney told GMA News. Courts in Singapore have previously prosecuted individuals,
How would Imelda Marcos... PAGE A5 to mitigate the problem of flooding (unfortunately scuttled by the Aquino government, ostensibly in order to foil graft). Beyond Metro Manila, she had a vision for the entire country. For this reason, she also got herself appointed head of the Ministry of Human Settlements, a super-cabinet that had its tentacles in virtually every aspect of governance (obviously, a template for Mar Roxas’ vastly expanded Department of Interior and Local Governments). But compared to the analysisparalysis and clueless “convergent approach” style of management of Roxas, Dinky Soliman and Voltaire Gazmin (one of the main reasons why many of the victims of Yolanda are still suffering up to now) Mrs. Marcos was decisive and brooked no opposition, once she had made up her mind. She even managed to have her way over the objections of President Marcos himself. I was privy to one such instance. I had never met Mrs. Marcos until Bongbong Marcos became hermano mayor of the Tacloban Santo Ni ño fiesta. In true Imeldific fashion, she envisioned more than a town fiesta. She wanted a national
festival, showcasing a cultural parade, similar to her Kasaysayan ng Lahi spectacular, plus a pageant and a book on the history of Leyte and Samar. For these, she sent for the twin provinces’ noted poets and writers. However, she was informed that they had all passed away but that their children were still around. That was how my elder brother Eduardo, Jr., my cousin Yen, his maternal uncle, Ben Pe ñaranda, Leyte poet Paquing Javines, and I got summoned to Malacañang. Together with a Cultural Center creative and production team familiar with the First Lady’s management style, we started work with a lead time of just over a month. For Mrs. Marcos, that was not a problem. She simply told us to miss our sleep. She did, too. At any rate, a few days before the event, Mrs. Lourdes Villacorta, Mrs. Marcos’ chief of staff, informed her that President Marcos had given instructions to unload from the presidential yatch, Pagasa, all the sets, props and costumes intended for the Tacloban event. His reason: The Santo Ni ño fiesta was not an official government activity. I watched Mrs. Marcos’ calm
plans and reiterated her previous statement that she did not intend to shame or vilify anyone. “I just wanted everybody, especially my family, that I am saying this because I have good intentions. Kapag meron kayong pamilya and you’re proud to be a family member, syempre ang iisipin niyo ‘yung nakakabuti para sa lahat. And my cousin Grace is no exception dahil mahal ko siya,” she added. including both Singaporeans and foreigners, who have made racist comments perceived as seditious toward other ethnic groups. Approximately 40 percent of Singapore’s population of nearly 5.5 million are foreigners, many of whom hail from nearby nations, including the Philippines. Estimates put the Filipino population in Singapore at more than 170,000, a large number of which work in the entertainment, hospitality and medical industries, AP reported. expression as she listened to the report. Without missing a beat, she gave instructions to have the materials loaded instead in the vehicles of the Ministry of Information and transported overland, across Luzon, to Samar and on to Tacloban. They arrived in time for the festival. I’m sure the President learned about the questionable use of government vehicles, but at that point, it was a fait accompli. What about the current Metro Manila mess? With Imelda Marcos in charge, after making heads roll, she would have gotten the MRT and LRT properly equipped, operational and well-maintained; grounded the colorum buses and reactivated the Love Bus; ordered the dredging of esterosand canals over the protests of squatters and land grabbers – and the Supreme Court would not have dared issue a temporary restraining order. And, in the middle of a typhoon, she would have monitored the situation to make sure that Metro Manila mayors, the PNP brass and officials of the MMDA were on the job. But all that is wishful thinking. Even Imelda Marcos would be ineffective under a President who is in the habit of passing the buck. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 25-OctObER 1, 2015
A
Shouting match at the Palace... PAGE A5 support to the beleaguered SAF contingent at the most critical time? What the public heard on these questions was either a Sphinxlike silence or an elephantine lie. Now, if Aquino really wants to set the record straight, he has to tell us the “untold and unvarnished truth,” rather than an “alternative” one; otherwise, what he really needs is an “alternative lie” to replace the existing one. The search for the real truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth has now been complicated by the latest press reports from abroad on certain details of the Mamasapano affair, which the government had until now suppressed. A report in the Sept. 16, 2015 issue of the Los Angeles Times, and reprinted on this paper on Sept. 18, 2015, says that “five or six US counter-terrorism advisors assisted (the SAF commandos) from a police command post nearby, tracking the assault team in live video from a US surveillance aircraft circling overhead. Their main role was to provide tactical, live intelligence.” At no point during the inquiries were we ever told that the US government was involved in Operation Exodus; in fact, the US Embassy repeatedly denied any US involvement, even without anyone suggesting it. In light of the LA Times story, the government has a duty to bare all the facts about the US involvement. Aquino has tried to minimize the public distress over Mamasapano by trying to steamroll the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, arising from the highly questionable Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), which seeks to replace the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) with a new autonomous political entity for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Although fraught with constitutional infirmities, Aquino wanted the proposed BBL rushed to satisfy the desire of Malaysia and other foreign entities. It took Sen. Ferdinand (Bongbong) Marcos Jr. and a wide array of concerned Filipinos to stop the proposed law from being bulldozed through Congress. But PNoy’s zeal is undiminished.
He wants the widely opposed bill passed before he leaves office. Stories have since circulated in the Malaysian political circuit that some $700 million had been coursed through the Malaysian Prime Minister’s office to facilitate the passage of the proposed BBL. It could be pure spin, but it is repeated on both sides of the Sulu Sea with relish, showing what the CAB/FAB/BBL means to interested parties. But if Aquino is determined to press its passage, an important segment of the military has warned him not to force it. In a full-page ad in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Sept. 14, 2015, 31 retired senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, reservists and veterans expressed “great apprehension and alarm” over the FAB and the CAB, and strong opposition to the passage of the proposed BBL, in its original form, “even as it now undergoes congressional scrutiny.” Among the signatories were former Secretary of National Defense and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Renato de Villla, former AFP Chiefs of Staff Gen. Generoso S. Senga, Gen. Alexander Yano, Gen. Efren Abu, Gen. Dionisio Santiago, former Vice of Staff Lt. Gen. Alfredo Filler, Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan, chairman and president of the Association of General and Flag Officers (AGPO), Lt. Gen. Raul S. Urgello, chairman and president, KAMPILAN, Inc., Maj. Gen. Jose Magno, former Commander, CENCOM and SOUTHCOM, Rear Admiral Tagumpay Jardiniano, former Flag Officer in Command, Phillipine Navy, Brig. Gen. Danilo D. Lim, RAM Foundation, Inc. They had never signed any similar declaration on any issue before. Saying that “the implementation of these crafty agreements is an express trip to the dismemberment of the country’s territory and the creation of a Moro state in Mindanao,” and the “renewal of organized violence and horrendous destruction of life and property,” they expressed “unsullied support” for the SC petition filed by PHILCONSA president Congressman Martin Romualdez, Archbishops Ramon Arguelles of Lipa, Romulo de la Cruz of Zamboanga, Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla of
Davao, former national security adviser Norberto Gonzales, and this writer, asking the High Court to declare the FAB and the CAB unconstitutional and void. The manifesto caught PNoy completely by surprise. He reportedly complained that the generals and flag officers could have talked to him first, or to the junior officers who, according to him, were fully supportive of the FAB, the CAB, and the BBL. But the signatories saw no need to talk to Aquino first because, according to them, he “never listens;” as far as the talking to the junior officers is concerned, the retired generals and flag officers are in constant touch with them, and Aquino was being delusional when he said they were in favor of any law that would balkanize Mindanao. PNoy instructed Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin to dialog with the signatories and verify if they had indeed signed the manifesto and why. But only a few managed to show up for the proposed dialogue with Gazmin, whose reputation appears to have suffered within the military and defense establishment because of unconfirmed yet unrefuted allegations about infected defense contracts related to the AFP modernization program. Beyond the FAB/CAB/BBL, it is safe to assume that the security sector has developed a clear position on some election-related issues, such as the ongoing effort of the Commission on Elections to install the Venezuelan firm Smartmatic once again at the heart of the 2016 elections, and the determined effort of the oligarchy—-with tacit support from Malacañang— to impose a non-Filipino presidential candidate on the Filipino voters, in contemptuous disregard of the Constitution. I would not suggest that the security sector is prepared, as it was in 1986, to take direct political action against the administration, but it is as clear as daylight that as the constitutional protector of the people and the State, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will not allow itself to be used by the Aquino administration or the oligarchy for its own ends. It could on the other hand support popular action by the people fighting for their rights and liberties against a malevolent regime. This is what many seem to be praying for. (ManilaTimes.net)
A september 25-october 1, 2015 • NeW YorK AND NeW JerseY AsIAN JoUrNAL
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY SEpTEmbER 25, 2015
Fil-Am community excited to see PoPe Francis by MoMar
G. Visaya/AJPress
It’s all systems go for the first visit of Pope Francis to the United states this week. He arrived tuesday, sept. 22 at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland where he was welcomed by President Barack Obama. Obama welcomed the pope to the White House on Wednesday morning, followed by a prayer where the pope led the U.s. bishops at the st. Matthews Cathedral. In the afternoon, Pope Francis celebrated a canonization Mass in spanish at the Basilica of the National shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the firstever canonization Mass on U.s. soil. Around 25,000 ticket holders witnessed this historic event. On thursday, the senate and House welcomed the pope in a joint session where he made the first-ever address to Congress. At 11:15 am, st. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese hosted Pope Francis. He departed for New York from Washington, DC via Joint Base Andrews at 4:00 pm. “the pope will not be speaking primarily as a politician. He will not be speaking like a technical expert. He will not be speaking like a high UN official,” said Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Vatican’s permanent observer to the United Nations. “But he will be speaking, above all, as a pastor, as a religious leader, as a Father.” Auza spoke with the media earlier this week about the pope’s activities in New York and his visit to the United Nations. Pope Francis is expected to address the general Assembly for half an hour, focusing on the themes he stressed in his papacy. “Poverty, social justice, climate change, and what we call peaceful institutions and societies,” Auza said. “these are also the priorities of the Catholic Church.” “Eradicating extreme poverty means that we are giving a chance to these poor children to be educated, for them to go to school,” he added. the pope arrived in New York thursday afternoon and proceeded to st. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue where he delivered an evening prayer around 6:45 pm. He is scheduled to be at the UN Friday morning where he will be welcomed by secretary Ban Ki Moon, his wife and a group of children who will present him flowers. the Pope and the secretary general will hold a bilateral meeting afterwards. Pope Francis will then address UN staff in a town hall meeting in the lobby of the secretariat Building. At 10:00 am, he is expected to enter the general Assembly where he will speak from 10:20 to 10:50. More than a million people are expected to be in Philadelphia over the weekend to witness Pope Francis celebrate Mass at the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and this is expected to be one of the biggest events in his visit, according to archbishop Auza. “It’s the biggest event of all and there are no more tickets. I invited Filipino groups to come and I told them don’t worry, just go there and treat it like a picnic, like camping,” he said. In New York, around 80,000 people are expected at Central Park Friday for Pope Francis’ procession, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Photos courtesy of L’Osservatore Romano
Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations holds his final press briefing Monday, Sept. 21 prior to the arrival of Pope Francis to the United States this week. AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya
the city distributed free tickets to people who want to see the Pope en route to mass at the Madison square garden. Free tickets through the Archdiocese of New York were also distributed to the various churches for the Msg mass. In Philadelphia, 10,000 free tickets to Pope Francis’ speech at the Independence Mall were also given away. However, some of these tickets were sold online through sites such as Ebay and Craigslist, selling for up to hundreds of dollars per ticket. “that is sad, that’s regrettable,” remarked Archbishop Auza when we spoke with him Monday, sept. 21. the pope will travel all the way downtown for a “multi-religious” service at the 9/11 Memorial at 11:30 am. In the afternoon, he will visit Our Lady Queen of Angels school in East Harlem, followed by the Central Park procession and the Mass at Madison square garden. Asked if the Pope might get off the Pope Mobile and walk among the faithful during the Central Park procession, Auza smiled and explained he cannot confirm it at this time and it would be up to the Pope to decide. “If the Pope walks he will be greeting everybody. there will be many Filipinos probably shouting ‘Viva Il Papa!’. Chances are he would stop and bless them and even talk to them,” he said. Among the lucky FilipinoAmericans who will be able to attend the mass at the Madison square garden are Cheely sy and her son rJ. they received an invitation from Cardinal Dolan for rJ to attend the mass as one of the cardinal’s guests. Now four years old, rJ was diagnosed last year with stage 4
high risk reuroblastoma, a disease in which malignant cancer cells form in nerve tissue of the adrenal gland, neck, chest or spinal cord. “I cried for hours, people thought rJ went on remission,” Cheely shared. Only when they say her jumping up and down at sloan did they realize it was tears of joy. “We had a very close relationship with Father Leonard, our local parish priest, but he passed away. Whenever we were
home, we always go to church and rJ always does the offertory, collection of money and he takes the basket to the altar,” Cheely shared. “rJ knows how to pray. He probably enjoys the offertory and the warm hugs he gets from everyone.”
FIL-AM CHILDREN MEET POPE FRANCIS
The group of 13 Filipino-American children with Sr. Glecy Cruz and Vice Consul Darell Artates await Pope Francis outside the Vatican Embassy in Washington, DC
A grOUP of Filipino children greeted Pope Francis during his visit to Washington, DC on september 24. the children were Beatrice Olivares, Zacharie Aguila Famoso, Angelo Magalong, Abram Elijah Moses Caasi, Joelle Marie t. Bustamante, Lorenz Alacbay, Priscilla saldana, Precious Phan, Maurine Ysabel suarez, Anton Jordan, Christian gio Catu, Danica regalario, and Alyssa Laluces. the 13 children were selected out of 137 through a lottery system. the names were drawn by Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. the Embassy of the Philippines expressed its sincere gratitude to the
Filipino-born designer Monique Lhuillier posted on her Instagram Wednesday, Sept. 23 a photo of Pope Francis at the White House where he was welcomed by President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama. Ms. Obama wore a dress designed by Ms. Lhuillier.
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama introduce Pope Francis to their family pets Bo and Sunny in the Blue Room following the State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House on Wednesday, Sept. 23. White House Photo by Pete Souza
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama wave goodbye to Pope Francis as his motorcade departs Joint Base Andrews, Md., on Tuesday, Sept. 22. White House photo by Pete Souza
Pope Francis with Vice Pres. Joe Biden
Archdiocese of Washington for giving the children the opportunity to participate in this special event.
Employment-based green card revoked because of fake job
Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ A COUPLE came to my office for a consultation who was in tears and panic because their “American Dream” was crumbling around them. They are already permanent residents (green card holders), but just received a notice that the USCIS was intending to revoke their green cards! The reason? They had a fraudulent employment petition, based on a fake job. According to this couple, upon arriving in the US, they went to an immigration consultant (rather than an attorney) for advice, assistance, and representation. The consultant told them he had several staffing agencies and promised them that, for a hefty fee, one of his staffing agencies could petition them for an employment-based green card. What’s more, they did not even have to work for the petitioner! Although those promises were too good to be true, the couple quickly took the bait, and put down their hard-earned money.
After all, what a deal! While other people had to “play by the rules” (by having a “real” employer petition them), this couple was elated they had found a shortcut or quick-fix to their immigration situation. And, when their green cards were later granted, they convinced themselves that they had “gotten away with it.” Now, their green cards were being revoked/rescinded, and they will likely be placed in deportation/removal proceedings. According to the USCIS’s notice, the consultant’s offices were raided, and he confessed to his fraudulent employment schemes: that although his corporations had petitioned hundreds of people, there really were never any “real” jobs. His records (including the names and addresses of his “clients”) were also seized and reviewed in detail by the government. The USCIS apparently has been tracking all those “employees” petitioned by this consultant’s shell (or bogus) corporations. And that
was how this couple got caught! Sometimes, people are “caught” with “fake job” green cards when they apply for citizenship, and they are questioned at their naturalization interview on whether they ever worked for that employer, and are told to provide verifiable pay stubs and tax returns to prove it. Fortunately for this couple, there are other forms of relief (or defenses) available to them, if and when removal/deportation defense is required. If you obtained a green card through a fake job, you may already want to consider seeking the advice and guidance of a reputable attorney, to see if there is a way to repair the damage, or to already consider your options and defenses if you should ever receive the same type of notice from the USCIS, that your green card is being revoked. ***
(Conclusion) MORE than a decade later, I went in his stead. It was something I had planned on doing for some time, as a quiet tribute. For my part, I wanted to understand how such a place shaped who he is and what moved him to sail the seven seas for 40 years as a ship captain, hauling logs and cars and tons of containers from port to port— from Siberia to South Africa, from Pusan to Peru— bringing with him my mother’s keepsake, a small image of the Nuestra Senora de Antipolo, before the wanderlust gave out and he finally found home. He would
have been surprised with the changes in his old hometown. Gone are the slow, ponderous boats to Calapan that seemed more like floating coffins decades ago. Gone is the mixture of smells—of sweat, salt spray, gasoline and livestock —which would make me throw up when the swells were big. Of course, it didn’t help that I made it worse. Progress has caught up with the place somewhat. Now, for half the length of a Disney movie which gets shown onboard, you can get there from Batangas pier which has bus routes coming
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regularly plying the length of the Mindoro highway corridor. Many people own cellphones and are nimble with their fingers as they go about texting through their days. There are cellphone towers in the middle of ricefields. My resident cousin, Andy who acted as our tour guide, says that — Lillian Smith most would rather forego food than have to go without a load from Plaza Lawton and Cubao. of prepaid minutes. The Aboitiz-owned Super Cat Periodically as you drive hydrofoil boats with theater style along the highway, and in the seating and airconditioning, that towns, you will see modestply the shark-infested, tricky sized homes with Italianate waters between the two ports of designs sticking out from among Batangas City and Calapan have thatched huts in the middle of made it easy to island hop. rice paddies. Fast, efficient and affordable, Andy says that such progress the sleek boats skim the surface is due to the fact that someone in no time flat, particularly during from that household is working good weather when these can as a domestic help somewhere run with the tide. These have in Europe and the euros are what become a boon to Mindoro keeps the local economy afloat. that now connects Luzon to the We spent a day to visit White Visayas region by sea and land, Beach at Puerto Galera, famous via buses that ran in tandem worldwide for their dive sites
and its calm, protected waters and its coffee colored sand, a distant second to the pristine white sands of Boracay. We stopped by Tamaraw Falls at San Teodoro, an intense gusher that day because of the recent rains. On the approach to Puerto Galera from Calapan, the ride takes you to a scenic, elevated zigzag route carved from the land exposing prized Mindoro white marble on the mountainside and above lush banana plantations, showing the sea in all its glory. At the beach are the usual trappings of Philippine tourism: persistent, persuasive peddlers of pearl and coral rings, earrings and necklace, skilled masseuses offering their services, restaurants, money changers, banana boat rides, souvenir shops, tattoo shops, dive shops and big outrigger boats spewing out tourists directly from Batangas City pier. Particularly
when all the room rates of the smattering of hotels and honky tonk joints spike during Holy Week and the summer months, Puerto Galera is all business, crass and hard-nosed. Take the time to check out this place before it gets much too commercial for one’s tastes, while nature is still at the helm of this vanishing beauty. My sister Mitch and her husband, Bob, who live in Texas went on vacation to Mindoro more recently. They discovered a delightful best kept secret of a resort called Coco Beach. It is a banca ride away from Puerto Galera. It provides above standard amenities and an ambience that is worth the money one normally spends to experience the serenity of nature and island living, at least for a while. They are planning a sequel to their island adventure. December isn’t the best time Continued on Page 7
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
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On the PEP Front
Olivia C. David’s imperturbably affable nature
zealous advocate of the principles of humanism or any deed of voluntarism promoting the interest of mankind. Performing voluntary servitude BoBBy T. yalong without expecting anything in return, Ollie has effortlessly BEing born to both educators, distinguished herself through former college dean Teofilo B. joining medical mission services Caliolio and retired school principal and earnestly participating in Leonila Castro, inevitably molded many multi-cultural activities. Her young Olivia’s mind to embrace the empathetic acts candidly reflect the noblest profession and be different significant trait of a truly concerned from the rest of her six siblings who and dutiful citizen. opted to take up medicine (3 among The exemplary performance and them) and other equally prestigious unparalleled execution of her official courses with high-paying jobs. duties as a member of the PiDCi “Actually, i also wanted to go to Board offered her the opportunity to medical school but it was impossible reach out farther to those who need for my parents to sustain the her services. Consistently charismatic education of five college students while doing her work seamlessly, who were all housed in dorms,” she Ollie is perceptive and committed admitted. to the progress of her organization Ollie finished her BSEEd as well as to the proficient growth of (Bachelor of Science in Elementary her colleagues. Education) course from FEU (Far Back in 1999, Ollie was Eastern University in 1968 and designated over-all coordinator immediately landed a teaching job in of the Medical and Health Mission her hometown, Concepcion, Tarlac, in Tarlac City and Concepcion, where she taught English. Tarlac by PMAA and Tarlaqueño The following year she migrated –USA Foundation, inc. There was a to the US and found Mt. Vernon noticeable lull after but that didn’t School an ideal haven away from mean she has ceased from doing her home and a dependable cradle to noble deed. She actually did related her profession. innately a number activities on her own sans fanfare. cruncher aptly armed with a Master’s Later in 2008, the indefatigable Degree in Elementary Education, humanitarian lady joined FAMMi Ollie enjoyably taught Math and in their annual Philippine Medical Science subjects. Missions in Pasay City and Angeles After being staunchly engaged City and in 2010, she joined PMAA’s in the intellectual combat in the Dental and Humanitarian Missions formation and development of in Catbalogan, Samar. The following the physical, mental, and social years, 2012 and 2013, she actively capacities of children, Ollie reached participated in PMMA’s Medical, the point of her professional Dental, and Humanitarian Mission in elasticity and decided to retire after Cebu City and Vigan, ilocos Sur. 37 years of active practice (1969By nature compassionate 2006). Ollie is also committed to and Her persevering nature, supportive of a great number of dedicated service, and selfless Fil-Am organizations and for her contributions to the education of unwavering deeds, she has been the nation’s youths was justifiably recognized and awarded as follows: rewarded when she was given due 2009 Mrs. Heritage and one of the recognition and manifestly honored Most Outstanding and fascinating in 2004 as a Distinguished Educator Mothers by the Filipino Heritage in Who’s Who Among America’s Foundation, inc.; Most glamorous Teachers and a grandiose ceremony Fil-Am Woman (2008) and Most bestowing her with a Loyalty Medal Fabulous Woman (2012) by the of Excellence for her unparalleled Philippine Hearts and Hopes Society, service. inc; Most Outstanding Fashionable intrinsically born with adherent and Charitable Woman (2012); Mrs. concern for humanity while nAFFAA (2012); and Excellence in simultaneously involved in various Humanitarian Service (2013) by community services and socio-civic PACCAL (Pan American Concerned activities Ollie, undoubtedly, is a Citizens Action League, inc,).
A born leader capable of moving and shaking the community, Ollie has chaired (and co-chaired) several fundraising events like: Co-chair and PiDCi parade host; Pageant and Ball Chair of Miss Philippines-new Jersey, USA organized by Federation of Philippine Societies of nJ (1996); Ball Chair of Friendship night and Coronation Ball of the Philippine American Friendship Committee, inc. (1995); Ball Chair of PiDCi’s grand Marshal gala (2014 & 2015); and Ball Chair Philippine independence Day Ball (2014 & 2015). Her invariable capacity to lead and contribute bright ideas with unprecedented competence to influence people easily facilitated her being elected to office: as PiDCi Board of Director (from 2013-2015); Chair, PiDCi grand Marshall Search (2013-2015); and as member and PRO of the international Lions Club Medical Chapter. An adventurous traveler and golf enthusiast, Ollie also loves dancing, skiing, and shopping and filling her closets with the latest fashion finds. Undoubtedly a fashion plate and trendsetter, this amiable lady is a gracious grandmother to four wonderful kids: Matthew David and Caitlyn Olivia courtesy of her daughter Charmain, a Registered Pharmacist married to John Piotrowsky; Maxwell and Leo, sons of her daughter Catherine, a Registered nurse (MSn/EDU) married to Reynard Manibo. Ollie’s affiliation with PiDCi as a Board Director more than stirred her interest to extend her
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People, Events, Places
Ollie C. David
Olli models a black and white evening gown
Ollie David, tri-state’s fashion icon
Passionately fashionable
Mitigating Ollie’s personal issues Oftentimes misquoted, misinterpreted, misunderstood and misjudged, Miss Ollie would rather play deaf-ears to whatever she hears or ignore whatever picture people try to paint about her than react and defend herself only to create even more detractors. “As long as my point of view is right and absolutely sure of my
stand i don’t care less,” the lady with mistaken superciliousness opined laced with her patented smile. “i don’t expect or intend to please everybody. i am who i am. What you see is what you get. it’s always expected people would say something, whether positive or negative, about you once you turn your back…but as long as it doesn’t malign my reputation or jeopardize Continued on Page 7
Ollie with best pal Dr. Prospero Lim
service after a brief 2-year term by seeking reelection. Her zealous involvement augustly fueled her instinctive compassionate nature to serve the Fil-Am community and her advocacy becomes more of a challenge than just an exigent organizational job. “We make a living by what we get…but we make a life by what we give…!” …such great and powerful words from Winston Churchill that efficiently guide Ollie in whatever undertaking she tries to embrace that keep her aligned and on the right track. She believes that we are not put on this earth for ourselves alone but for each other…to be of value and importance to one another. Service is one compassionate act that could bridge whatever differences there might be between people and it is also this humanitarian effort that could make the ordinary special… simply by way of voluntarism which could make a difference in the life of others while simultaneously adding more zest and vigor to her own. “in my personal capacity as a volunteer in the annual Philippine Medical, Dental, and Humanitarian missions of the PMAA, i’m constantly certain that my selfless dedication to my advocacy have extensively benefited a huge number of our less privileged kababayansespecially in the far-flung and remote areas of the provinces.There’s that strange feeling of compulsive responsibility engulfing my being… there’s that compassionate sensitivity incessantly fueling me to be much more motivated and driven,” she said.
PSYCHIC
LAW OFFICE
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Mendez eyes 2015 PiDCi board Seat Ayala Land brings the high life
FErNANDO “Nanding” Mendez is standing for a seat on the 2015 board of Directors of the Philippine independence Day Committee, inc. (PiDCi) which organizes the annual Philippine independence Day Parade at Madison Park in New York City. Mendez is the founder, president and CEO of Fiesta in America Trade and Cultural show, which is held every August at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, Secaucus, New Jersey, its home since 2001. Now on its 18th year, Fiesta in America is considered the largest Filipino American indoor expo of its kind on the east coast, a springboard for homegrown talent to shine in a live concert setting, and a proud showcase for Philippine exports and tourism. An award-winning art director in the U.S. and in his native Philippines, Mendez branched out into publishing in 1992 by founding Special Edition Press, inc. in New York City. The company’s flagship property, Special Edition Magazine (“Every issue is a special edition”), debuted that year. Nationally circulated, the magazine chronicled political, social and economic issues vital to Filipino Americans. its sevenyear run “built our network of mainstream and ethnic business contacts,” says Mendez. “More crucially, it affirmed our belief
logo for insular bank of Asia and America, and won a statewide logo competition of City of billings, Montana in1984; in New York, he also won the logo design competition for Philippine independence Day Committee, inc. (PiDCi). Mendez has two sons– Nathan, 38 and Mervin, 35. His wife Mila Mendez, co-founder of Fiesta in America, passed away in 2012. running as independent candidate, Mendez urges PiDCi voters to elect candidates individually according to their own merits, and not by block voting. “Focusing on individuals instead of their affiliations,” Mendez asserts, “will ensure that only the most qualified candidates will serve on the PiDCi board. i take the role of board Director seriously, as i know the voters do as well. it is a position of grave responsibility, a role that demands the highest personal standards and exacts the deepest commitment from anyone. Just as crucial, voting for an individual and not a group embodies the true democratic process, which i paraphrase as one person, one candidate, one vote.” For inquiries, Mendez can be reached at 917-612-8861; office: 212-682-6610; or via email at sepmgzn@yahoo.com.
Fernando “Nanding” Mendez
and taught our advertisers that Fil-Ams’ marketing needs are culture-sensitive.” After the magazine ended its storied run, Mendez embarked on commercial printing, advertising and Pr, and large-scale staged events in New York, New Jersey, and Atlantic City (NJ), including live musical concerts. An artist at heart despite his business achievements, Mendez has won numerous art competitions in illustration, painting, graphics design and print advertising. His clients as an advertising art director included blue chip accounts such as San Miguel beer, Marlboro, Singer and Scott Paper. He designed the
Olivia C. David’s imperturbably... From Page 4 my credibility, that doesn’t bother me at all!” “Whatever they say is fine with me…they’re entitled to their own opinion. but once i hit the sheets and enjoy a restful sleep, my conscience is clear without any feeling of guilt at all,” Ollie expounded such issue with justifiable rationalization. “i was innately born with genuine fondness for people. i just happened to love and embrace the virtues of ritual propriety that others find it hard to learn or earn. i’m by nature sociable and loved to be surrounded by friends…real friends.
i don’t have to subscribe to any adjustment. i’m all free myself from domestic scrimmage and i don’t have to give up some things i love doing just to gratify somebody i’ve never known from Adam.” Ollie is one honest-togoodness soul that hates to butterup or sugar-coat anything just to make it appealing and acceptable. “i am intrinsically guileless and frank …and i like people to be the same to me. During occasions when they feel offended, they can always approach me openly,” she quipped. “i err and sometimes made false accusations but i could
Now, it is in my own discretion whether to consider one as true or merely a casual acquaintance,” the well-heeled lady expressed. Another issue that fails to fade is Ollie’s private status. “Well, at my age i don’t have to take a guy to any social function just to please them seeing me with a man by my side. After i divorced the only man in my life who happens to be the father of my two daughters, i started to love living alone… yes, all by myself with neither any intention of remarrying nor entering into another serious commitment. This kind of set-up featly works best for me. At least
ON VIEW FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE UNITED STATES
Asia Society Museum, New York THROUGH JANUARY 3, 2016
(Detail) Kinnari. Surigao. Ca. 10th–13th century. Gold. Ayala Museum, 81.5189. Photography by Leandro Y. Locsin, Jr.; Image courtesy of Ayala Museum
us during Filipino American History J oin Month for an exhibition of over 100 spectacular works of gold, highlighting the prosperity and achievements of 10th–13th century Philippine kingdoms. A point of great pride for the Filipino community, this exhibition is a rare opportunity to experience the rich culture and heritage of the Philippines. A season of related programs celebrates Philippine culture, performing arts, film, design, cuisine, and more. Exhibition organized by Asia Society, New York, and Ayala Museum, Philippines.
Special Group Tour Packages available for $20.00 per person; includes: A docent-led tour of the exhibition, a snack and drink from the Garden Court Café, and 10% off purchases at AsiaStore. Reservations required. Please email PhilippineGold@AsiaSociety.org or call 212.327.9237. Philippine Gold: Treasures of Forgotten Kingdoms is made possible by Ayala Corporation with additional support provided by Bank of the Philippine Islands, Del Monte Foods, Inc., Philippine Airlines, ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel, Tourism Promotions Board, Philippines, FedEx Express and other generous benefactors.
725 Park Ave. (at 70th St.) New York • 212.288.6400 AsiaSociety.org/NYC
EXHIBITION
Video Spotlight: Philippines Through January 3, 2016 LOBBY SHOWCASE
Filipino Design Now Through January 3, 2016 FOOD
Pop-up Filipino Food Bar Fridays, October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 • 6–9 PM SYMPOSIUM
Encounters with Early Asian Gold Saturday, October 3 • 11:00
AM
PERFORMANCE
Alamat: Stories of Philippine Gold with Ma-Yi Theater Company Monday, October 26 • 8:00
PM
PERFORMANCE
Voicing the Ancestral Sacred: Grace Nono and Ensemble Friday, October 30 • 8:00
PM
For details and tickets, visit AsiaSociety.org/Philippines2015 or call the box office at 212.517.ASIA (2742) Monday through Friday, 1–5 PM.
to Filipinos in the US East Coast
VibrANT, cosmopolitan, urbane—these are just some of the words that define the uniqueness of living in the East Coast of the United States. Compared to the laidback, suburban atmosphere of the West Coast, cities such as New York epitomize this opposite end of the spectrum of American life. it comes as no surprise that there are just as many overseas Filipino also making their own mark in cities across the East Coast, enjoying the fast-paced lifestyle and achieving well-deserved success in their chosen fields. Ayala Land, the largest and most respected real estate developer in the Philippines, aims to bring its distinctive brand of luxurious living to these Filipinos abroad by showcasing the latest and most sought-after projects of Ayala Land Premier back home. Ayala Land Premier is the brand that carries the prestigious heritage of Ayala in crafting the most respected and admired addresses in Metro Manila—welldesigned living spaces in the most premium locations, valued for their privacy and exclusivity. West Gallery Place is Ayala
Land Premier’s current banner project in the burgeoning business district of bonifacio Global City in Taguig. it is also the highlight of a series of events to be rolled out across the East Coast by Ayala Land international Sales inc. (ALiSi), the global sales and marketing arm of Ayala Land. Filipino professionals, executives and entrepreneurs are invited to learn more about West Gallery Place as one of the most exciting opportunities to invest in the rosy Philippine real estate market, as well as to come home to an Ayala Land Premier property in the Philippines befitting their discriminating needs and tastes. The series of engagements in New York begins on October 2 at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in South broadway, Tarrytown; and at the Long island Marriott & Conference Center in Uniondale on October 3. The event will then move to Massachusetts at the boston Marriot burlington on October 4. ALiSi general manager Anna Tatlonghari will be the keynote speaker and will lead her team in helping fellow Filipinos abroad secure the property of their
dreams from Ayala Land Premier. For more information on the event and other activities of Ayala Land abroad, visit www.atayala. com or call US TFN 1-855-5726632. (Advertising Supplement)
swallow my pride and accept my faults,” she said straightforwardly replied to my query on how she copes with humility. “i don’t intend to bite off more than what i can swallow. i could be ambitious but to some extent… only up to what i know i’m capable of accomplishing. i know my limitations.” On the premise that she’s a big spender and a compulsive shopper: “i’m not minting money…i just know how to budget what’s in my purse and control my assets to such extent. Unknown to many i also practice frugality when necessity arises.” Observers thought Ollie doesn’t recycle clothes for she’s never been accused of being a mutton dressed
as a sheep. Ollie knows the rules of fashion and how a fashion plate should dress to the nines. “i just love dressing up to please myself and nobody else. They just don’t notice that i also wear gowns worn years ago. i’m a wise investor when it comes to my wardrobes. They’re not only fashionably conventional but timeless, as well.” On counting her blessings: “There are a lot of things i have been plenteously blessed with and my being hale and hearty is one that i have been most thankful for. i feel i have been bountifully blessed and enjoy more than what i could ever ask for… and i feel great about having to share it with others.“ “At my age i try to lighten the burden of my conscience so
come October another significant milestone will be etched in my lifetime and i want to be surrounded by, aside from my family, nothing but all my best friends, people who have directly or indirectly touched my life, people that i’ve worked with, and those that i have made amends with after weathering the storm.” For true friends are hard to find…just like money that’s hard to earn and keep, Ollie expects for her friends’ presence at Double Tree by Hilton (128 Frontage road, Newark, NJ 07114) on Thursday, October 24 at 7 PM to join her in the celebration of her _th birthday bash. For comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@ yahoo.com
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Calendar of Events across
America
‘Spoliarium’ makes its way to New York City
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 S E P T E M B E R 25 -26
2nd Grand Reunion GOT (RETIRED) from Cerveza San Miguel US CHAPTER Where: Gold Coast Casino & Hotel (4000 Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89103) When: Sept. 25 and 26; Grand Reunion Sept. 26 at 7:00 pm For details and information, please contact Renato Umayam at 323-841-3516, Nida Matias at 818-394-9178, Greg Lacondola at 702-334-8068, or Arnold Navarro at 318-779-6254.
Spoliarium Chorus
S E P T E M B E R 26
Philippine Medical Association Event The Officers and Members of the Philippine Medical Association headed by President Dr. Arnel Joaquin, and Auxiliary President Divinia Encina will be holding a whole day event to be held at the Reef on the Water in Long Beach, CA on September 26. Assemblyman Rob Bonta and the Philippine Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim will participate in the discussion of the law that was passed by the State Legislature regarding full immunization of children before going to school with no exemption. There will be a Dinner Show with performances by the Tausala Polynesian Dancers. It will be a Luau event wherein all the past Presidents of the Auxiliary will be presented after their 35 years of service to the PMASC. The dinner ticket is $70.00 (if paid before August 31) and $80.00 after the due date. For dinner show reservations: please contact Noli R. Zosa, M.D. or Mrs. Nena Zosa at (562) 572- 2481.
PASCPA-LA Installation & Induction The Philippine American Society of Certified Public Accountants (PASCPA-LA) will hold its 29th Installation of Officers and Induction of New Members for 2015-2016 on Saturday, September 26 at the Embassy Suites (800 N. Central Ave., Glendale, CA 91203). Networking starts at 4:30 pm and the Program starts at 7:00 pm. The theme for this event is “Leading the Path to our Future Leaders.” Our Incoming Officers include President, Marie Domingo; EVP, Vee Cristobal; VP-Membership, Fernando Austria; VP-Membership Youth, Kathleen Reyes; VP-CPE Val Creus; VP-Community Service, Monette Santillan-Rivera; Secretary, Sheila Falcon; Treasurer, John Domingo; Auditor, Sonia Laureano; PRO, Jason Malabute; Board of Directors, Glo Cajanap, Pete Sinambal, Tess Miguel, Enrico Pena and Erika Dumandan. For more information and sponsorships, please call the Incoming President, Marie Domingo at (323) 256-7770, the Event Coordinator, Glo Cajanap at (818)913-1991 and VP-Membership, Fernando Austria at (213) 400-2744. Please RSVP at events@pascpa.org.
Association of Oriental Mindoro 22nd Anniversary Celebration & Induction Ball What: Association of Oriental Mindoro 22nd Anniversary Celebration and Induction Ball When: Saturday, September 26 Where: The Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel (5855 West Century Blvd. Los Angeles, CA) Time: 6:00pm, No Host Cocktail; 7:00pm Dinner Attire: Strictly Formal Donation: $65 (prepaid admission only) Please contact: Elsie Amansec - (310) 376-5260, Fred Villao - (714) 932-1932, Erli Conti - (818) 425-5926. For additional information, please email me Nilda at frednil620@sbcglobal.net or nildavillao@ yahoo.com, or visit http://www.omasc.org/.
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Philippine Heritage Institute International Presents Tribute 2015 The legacy of Naomi Palma-Armada, who died of a heart attack June 10, lives on. On October 3, from 6pm to midnight, the Philippine Heritage Institute International (PHII), a private non-profit foundation founded by Naomi in 1989, will present Tribute 2015: White House Millennium Council Award to Outstanding Filipino American Nurses (on its 17th year) and President’s Award: Profiles of Service, Pillars of Community (on its 8th year) at the Sheraton Cerritos Hotel (12725 Center Court Drive, Cerritos, CA 90703). Parking for the event is free. Attire: Formal or Filipiniana. Music provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For more information, contact president Josie E. de Jesus (714) 272-0300; joestarisdejesus@gmail. com, or event chair Norma Merza (562) 947-0248; norma.merza@yahoo.com.
Fil-Am History Month Films & “Talk Story” Time Please join us at the Carson Library (151 E. Carson St. Carson, CA 90745) on Oct 3rd, from 1-4pm, at the Carson Library to hear stories of individuals from the books, “Filipinos in Carson and the South Bay” and “Hawaiians in Los Angeles.” Join with FANHS-LA Chapter, the Filipino American Library, Friends of the Carson Library, APALA, and other community leaders as we celebrate October as Filipino American History Month and the birthday of Larry Itliong, one of the main organizers of the 1965 UFW Delano Grape Strike. There will also be a screenings of Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the UFW, and America Aloha: Hula Beyond Hawaii; both are educational documentary films about the Filipino and Hawaiian experience in America. This is a FREE event with a talk, book signings by the authors, and light refreshments afterwards. For more information and to RSVP, please contact roseeibanez@ gmail.com.
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Kultura: A Filipino American Food & Arts Festival
Bianca Camille Lopez
Andrew Fernando
Aida Gamboa
SPOLIARIUM: Juan Luna is three-act neo-romantic opera which promises to regale the audience with different musical glimpse. We promise to delight the audiences with high caliber performances of the actors, chorus and the orchestra. We take pride to the true artistry of the Filipino which serves as a national pride and an inspiration to the world. Conceived by Fides CuyuganAsensio, one the Philippines foremost opera singers and set to music by Ryan Cayabyab, the Spoliarium brings us 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. Juan Luna, a renowned Filipino world class painter brought honors for the country for his acclaimed international masterpieces, won the gold medal in the 1884 Madrid Exposition for his painting, the Spoliarium. Against this backdrop, life became art with the tragic drama of Luna’s private life. Immensely in love with his wife, his rampaging emotions and jealousy turned to rage, and lead him to kill his mother in law, and mortally wounded his wife, who eventually succumbed to death. This show would lead us
Ivan Nery
Michael Kuhn
to the disturbed mind of a genius reminding us all of the thin line that separates sanity from madness. The theatrical production illustrates the complexities of a brilliant minds and its effect to the artist’s state of being and how his thoughts on his wife led to a tragic ending. Libretto by Fides-Cuyugan Asensio Music by Ryan Cayabyab Direction by Anton Juan Music Director: Dr. Rene Dalandan Choir Master: Dr. Dennis Bernardo Michael Kuhn as Juan Luna Bianca Camille Lopez as Paz Ivan nery as Juan Luna/Rizal Aida Gamboa as Dona Juliana Andrew Fernandez as Trini Dance Choreography: Pierre Santos SPOLIARIUM STAGE CHORUS
Soprano: Angelica “Gelic”, Gomez-Garcia, Marini Lengson,Ivy Mariano, Jennifer Reyes, Maria Williams Alto:Janet Castillo, Darlene Castillo, Marc Marissa Comia, Doris Ellen Estallo-Ventura, Pierre Marie Santos, Ruby Tiqui, Lilly Sypher Tenor: Vince Banez, Elmer David, Jim Oyos, Mark Roska Bass: Jaime Amican, Matthew Aninzo, Eric Bautista, Garner Galamay, Ronald Seludo Preview: Thursday, October 1 @ 7:30PM; senior/student day $20 Premiere Performance: Friday, October 2 at 8PM; $48, $58, $75, $100 Gala Performance: Saturday, October 3 at 5PM: $48, $58, $75, $100 & Gala Reception 7PM; $150 For more information, please call Aida (646) 415-1853 or Pierre (646) 201-6771 or Pura (718) 795-5017.
Kalusugan Coalition spreads info about heart health at the Elmhurst Baptist Church Health Fair
Kultura Festival, an all-ages, contemporary Filipino-American food and arts festival, will take place in Logan Square’s Emporium Arcade Bar in Chicago on Sunday, October 4, from 11 AM to 6 PM. Presented by Filipino Kitchen, this festival is carefully curated to appeal to those who personally identify with Filipino culture, food, and those who are curious or uninitiated. With a craft beer bar, food trucks, special guest chefs, and an expected 2,000 festival guests and staff, Kultura Festival aims to highlight the best of Filipino cuisine to Chicago and the Midwest. Tickets can be purchased for $10 general admission at https://ti.to/filipino-kitchen/kultura-festival, $5 for students and seniors. More information can be found at http://filipino.kitchen/kulturafestival.
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LA Builder Lions Club 25th Anniversary The Los Angeles Builder Lions Club will celebrate their 25th Anniversary and Annual Outstanding Parents Night on October 10, 2015 at the Almansor Court banquet hall (700 S Almansor St, Alhambra, CA 91801). Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For further questions, please call Lion Bill Menor (323) 465-0613, Lion Yoli Ramo (213) 3051332, chairpersons or Lion Tita James, co-chair at (818) 203-2325.
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UERMMMC - Medical Alumni Association Inaugural Ball The University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center - Medical Alumni Association of Southern California (UERMMMC - MAASC ), a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation which participates in many humanitarian projects and medical missions to barangays in the Philippines, will hold its Inaugural Ball and Dinner=Dance on October 17, 2015 at the Manhattan Beach Marriott (1400 Parkview Avenue; Manhattan Beach, CA 90266). Proceeds from the event will benefit underserved areas and families in Lucena, Quezon and District 2 of Pampanga (Lubao, Sasmuan, Guagua, Floridablanca) who are in need of medical and surgical care. The theme of the Inaugural Ball will be “A Black and White Event.” The evening starts at 6:00pm. Tickets are $90 per person and are tax deductible; VIP packages ranging from $500 and up are also available. For more information, please call Dr. Teri Pastor at 310707-8480, Gloria Legaspi at 951-496-0536 and Lucy Babaran at 818-395-9348. We thank our guests and sponsors for their generous support!
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
On September 20, 2015 Kalusugan Coalition, Inc participated at the Elmhurst Baptist Church’s (87-37 Whitney Ave Elmhurst nY 11373) Annual Community Health Fair. Tristan Vizconde spoke about hypertension and heart health with community members. Many welcomed the information, especially those that focused on sodium nutritional label handout of favorite Filipino ingredients. Many understood that we need sodium in our diet, but how much is important to consider. Coupons were also handed out since Kalusugan Coalition is promoting that people eat more fruits and vegetables and has partnered with both Payag (51-34 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside nY 11377) and Tito Rad’s Grill
(49-10 Queens Blvd Woodside nY 11377). Both restaurants are offering discounts to customers who order a vegetable dish. Through the REACH FAR Grant Project, Kalusugan Coalition with its sub-partners will implement key strategies to fight high blood pressure / cardiovascular disease in FilipinoAmerican communities in the Borough of Queens in new York City. The strategies are: Faith-based organizations to improve nutrition of members by serving healthier foods during communal meals; Filipino American restaurants to offer healthy menu options to customers; the nYC Department of Health to offer health coaching efforts in faith-based organizations
to improve high blood pressure management among its Filipino-American congregants. The Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health for Asian Americans (REACH FAR) is a program of the nYU CSAAH The Center for the Study of Asian American Health (CSAAH), located at nYU Langone Medical Center and funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent cardiovascular disease in Asian Americans living in the new York/ new Jersey metropolitan area by increasing access to healthy foods and culturally tailored health coaching efforts to improve high blood pressure management. For more information about the project, visit www.facebook. com/kalusugancoalition
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‘Heneral Luna’ picked as PH’s 2016 Oscars bet
John Arcilla as Heneral Luna. by Marinel
Cruz
Inquirer.net
Jerrold Tarog’s “Heneral luna” is the country’s bet to the 2016 Academy Awards for Best Foreign language Film category, Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) director general leo Martinez announced on Monday afternoon. The committee tasked to pick the Philippine representative to the oscars is headed by filmmaker Mel Chionglo. Its members are actors lorna Tolentino and Michael de Mesa, cinematographer lee Meiley, directors Joe Carreon and Boy Vinarao, and academician rolando Tolentino.
The award is handed out annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to full-length feature films produced outside the United States that contains primarily non-english dialogue. Chionglo said six films were shortlisted and among the top contenders were Brillante Ma. Mendoza’s “Taklub” and Carlitos Siguinon-reyna’s “Hari ng Tondo.” Chionglo said that while there were others considered “equally worthy of being our oscar representative,” he pointed out that the committee members were “almost unanimous” in choosing “Heneral luna” because “it is very good—very well directed and acted,” Chionglo stressed.
Mining memories.. From Page 3 to go to Mindoro. Nature, in a grouchy mood, throws a hissy fit around this time. The seas are choppy. rain clouds hover about, casting a pall of unwelcoming soupy grey but I was determined to go, in fair or foul weather. The rivers are swollen overrunning their banks and Naujan, which never had floods before, is now consistently subject to flooding due to some public works project. during the first night, the wind howled, the waves crested and the sea, all but roared in our ears. The fish weren’t biting and the fishermen, pulling in their
nets, have practically nothing, save some flotsam and jetsam and detritus from an ill-tempered sea, to show for all their efforts – just slim pickings of espada fish to tide themselves over for the day. Still, they look to the sea for sustenance and they know, it will be good again. Thankfully, the rains held off and a bit of sun sneaked out as a grudging welcome the following day and the day after that and all was well. Two dolphins swimming and jumping alongside the Super Cat on the day we sailed must have been good signs.
John Arcilla plays General Antonio luna who led the fight against Spanish colonizers under the revolutionary government of emilio Aguinaldo. “We looked beyond the infighting of a people while under foreign rule. We commended the Filipinos’ struggle to be brave,” Chionglo told the Inquirer. “Never mind the alleged aggressive personality of luna, this film shows the courage of Filipinos to fight for their freedom. This shows a positive picture of the Filipino. It depicts values that we think should appeal internationally.” Chionglo added: “luna was supposed to have been a great general. What the film is telling its viewers is that it is also important to look at our past, especially those of our real-life heroes and of what they have done for the country.” “Heneral luna,” produced by Artikulo Uno Productions, reportedly cost a whopping P80 million. It premiered in local theaters on Sept. 9. “If the producers were able to come up with a film that costs this much to make, then they should be able to have at least a good fighting chance at being nominated. This could be our shot at winning an Academy award.”
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY S E p T E m b E R 25, 20 1 5
Vice Ganda: Sino bang nanggaya, sino bang ginaya? MANIlA—Vice Ganda comments on allegations that his ABS-CBN noontime show “It’s Showtime” is copying competitor “eat Bulaga.” “It’s Showtime” recently segment called “Nasaan Ka Mr. Pastillas?” which aims to find a suitor for online personality Pastillas Gir (Angelica Yap in real life). A number of netizens say the said segment is merely a copy of “eat Bulaga’s” segment “Kalyeserye,” which features Alden richards and Maine Mendoza as Yaya dub. “Sino bang nanggaya, Vice Ganda: “Anuman ang sabihin nila, whether good sino bang ginaya? Paulitor bad, for as long as everyone is talking about it, it ulit na lang ‘yan. Sino bang makes it relevant.”
original sa mundo?” Vice said in an interview with PangMasa. He added: “At basta, kahit anon’g sabihin sa ‘yo, for as long as everybody’s talking about you, you remain to be relevant. And in showbusiness, it’s all about being relevant.” The comedian is thankful to fans who continuously support the show. “Nagpapasalamat pa rin ako sa mga tao because they keep on talking about Pastillas. Anuman ang sabihin nila, whether good or bad, for as long as everyone is talking about it, it makes it relevant,” he said. (Philstar.com)
Jon Santos gathers past, present and future ‘presidentiables’
WITH election fever rising across the nation, so will the laughter that comes from political satirists like Jon Santos. Beating his fellow impersonators to the live circuit scene, he is all set to mount WTF: Wala Talagang Forever…. sa Malacañang! Jon is raring to strike again as the whole country reels under on our last night, I stood the pressure of the question: Who outside on the shore beneath a should be the next president of the velvet sky, clear of clouds and republic of the Philippines come peppered with the brightest election 2016? stars and watched the long, In WTF: Wala Talagang slow, rhythmic procession of Forever….sa Malacanang!—a new tiny pinprick points of light political comedy slated for two from distant ships passing by weekends at Teatrino in Greenhills, the island headed for unknown San Juan—the stand up comic destinations, like luminous rosary will share his laugh out loud yet beads glowing in the darkness. intelligent insights about the next The call of the sea is strong in big political event the country will this place. With a knowing nod, face next year. I headed back to the cottage Who’s the funniest? Who’s the finally understanding why my fairest? Jon will ask his audience, father chose the life he lived. “HuGot your vote?” He will also *** remind voters to recall what past Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP presidents and hopefuls have said of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send and done to help them make their comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ decision for the future, as well asianjournalinc.com as other celebrities active in the
Jon Santos as Sen. Grey’s Poh, President PinYoy, Mayor Syerrap Espada, and Meldy
political scene. Jon will bring out President PinYoy, Sen. Meeryam da defensive defender, Gov. Vee, Mayor Syerrap espada, Ms. Korona Sanches, and Sen. Grey’s Poh. “I’m also very excited to sing
my very first single, which is a Christmas song from the Philpop album ‘Apat Na Buwang Pasko’,” added the comedian who prefers to keep his political leanings a secret when asked about them. (ManilaTimes.net)
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY SEpTEmbER 25, 2015