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Volume 22 - No. 41 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

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‘WE CHOSE EACH OTHER’

Santiago confirms tandem with Marcos sen. miriam Defensor-santiago on thursday, oct. 15 confirmed that sen. ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. will be her running mate in 2016.

“I think we mutually chose each other,” santiago said, referring to marcos, who had filed his certificate of candidacy as an independent vice presidential candidate. marcos said he met on Wednesday, oct. 14 with santiago’s husband, former DILG undersecretary narciso “Jun” santiago Jr., to discuss a possible alliance, but stopped short of confirming he had agreed to be santiago’s running mate.

“I can confirm that I had a lunch meeting with secretary Jun santiago,” the senator said. “We agreed to meet again soon.”

santiago refused to divulge further details on the santiago-marcos tandem but told reporters that she will file her CoC at the Commission on elections (Comelec) on friday, the last day of the registration of candidates. she said she is not sure if marcos will accompany her.

“I don’t know if he’ll be there but he probably will be,” santiago told reporters after her induction to the hall of fame of the Philippine Judges Association (PJA).

In announcing her candidacy during the launch of her book on tuesday, oct.

13 she said, “I think it would be prudent [to run for President] because I would disappoint a lot of people if I don’t do that.”

PAGE A2

UNLIKELY CLIQUE. Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is flanked by former first lady Imelda Marcos, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile after Marcos formally declared his intention to run for vice president in next year’s elections. On Thursday, Oct. 14, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago confirmed that she is running as President alongside Sen. Marcos.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

Sanders, Clinton take the lead in first Democratic presidential debate

USA

DATELINE Automatic voter registration in California approved

by Christina

Set of bills to change voting processes, improve turnout WIth record-low turnouts in one of the most populous states in the nation, California is making it even easier for people to become active registered voters.

Governor Jerry Brown signed a measure on saturday, oct. 10 that would eventually allow Californians to be automatically registered to vote when they go to the DmV to obtain or renew their driver’s license.

Assembly Bill 1461, which also includes an option to opt out of registering, was introduced in response to the dismal 42 percent voter turnout in last year’s statewide election in november, according to the Los Angeles PAGE A7

Asian Americans worried about retirement, stressed out by unaffordability and lack of savings neW YorK—nearly two-thirds of new York City’s Asian American Gen-Xers and Baby Boomers say they are worried about having enough money to live comfortably when they retire, saying the high cost of living, paying for children’s education, and healthcare are hampering their ability to save, according to a new survey of Asian American city voters commissioned

by AArP. the survey also found that Asian Americans will be a large part of a looming “Gen-Xodus,” with 58 percent of Asian American Gen-X voters saying they’re at least somewhat likely to move out of new York in retirement along with 43 percent of Asian American Baby Boomers – that is, if they even have enough money to retire.

As Gen-Xers started turning 50 this year, AArP conducted its first city survey PAGE A7

m. OrieL

AJPress

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Democratic presidential hopefuls Jim Webb, former US senator from Virgina; Bernie Sanders, US senator from Vermont; Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state, senator and first lady; former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley; and Lincoln Chafee, a former governor and former US senator from Rhode Island took the stage for the CNN/Facebook debate on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas.

AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

LAs VeGAs—Democratic presidential hopefuls took to the stage for the first debate on tuesday, oct. 15 at the Wynn hotel. the two-hour debate, which was aired and moderated by Cnn and sponsored by facebook, featured five candidates: hillary Clinton, former secretary of state, senator and first lady; Bernie sanders, Us senator from Vermont; former maryland Gov. martin o’malley; Jim Webb, former Us senator from Virginia; and Lincoln Chafee, former governor and former Us

senator from rhode Island.

Cnn host Anderson Cooper served as the moderator, while Dana Bash, chief political correspondent for the network, and Cnn en español reporter Juan Carlos Lopez asked additional questions.

15.3 million people tuned in on tuesday night, making it the highest-rated Democratic debate in history, the network said.

Clinton and sanders, who have been leading in the polls, got the most speaking time. the three other candidates remained on the sidelines with minimal opportunities to make themselves stand out, PAGE A2

Former Filipino car dealer pleads SWS: More Pinoys see guilty to fraud in decades-old case better lives, economy ahead by agnes

COnstante

AJPress

A PhILIPPIne native who operated a large car dealership in Glendora, California before fleeing the United states nearly 30 years ago pleaded guilty monday, oct.

5, to federal charges for bank fraud and lying to banks, according to the Us Attorney’s office. eminiano “Jun” reodica Jr., 71, entered his plea a day

by Catherine

s. VaLiente ManilaTimes.net

before he was scheduled to go to trial in Los Angeles, City news service reported, admitting to defrauding banks out of nearly $50 million in the 1980s. At the time, reodica was president of Grand Wilshire Group of Companies, which included Grand Chevrolet, then the country’s third-largest car dealership. he further admitted to engaging in schemes to defraud

more filipinos are expecting the economy and their quality of life to improve in the coming months, according to a survey by the social Weather stations (sWs).

In its third quarter nationwide survey, the sWs said 30 percent of the respondents were “opti-

PAGE A2 Eminiano ‘Jun’ Reodica Jr.

Ramos hits government for failure to bring justice to SAF 44

by Jaime Laude Philstar.com

Former President Fidel Ramos

mAnILA—former President fidel ramos lashed out at the government for its failure to bring justice to 44 fallen members of the police special Action force. he lamented the failure of the Department of Justice (DoJ) to identify and account for all the muslim rebels and private armed groups behind the brutal deaths of the members of the anti-terror sAf. ramos issued the state-

ment on thursday, oct.

15 at the launching of the “first fVr Golf Classic,” a fund-raising campaign at Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club. he and a group of retired generals organized the event to help fund the schooling of orphaned children of the fallen sAf 44. “maybe we are just being fooled. more so, they are fooling victims and their families. Where is

SFC Footer ad 3 x 1/16

PAGE A3

mistic” that the economy will get better in the next 12 months while 12 percent were “pessimistic.” this brings the net optimism to “very high” plus 18 (percentage of optimistic minus percentage of pessimistic) about the economy.

It was three points more than the similarly “very high” plus 15 logged in June (31 percent optiPAGE A3

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october 16-22, 2015 • oc/Ie ASIAN JoUrNAL

From the Front Page

Santiago confirms tandem with...

PAGE A1 Santiago, who was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2014, said she is 100 percent sure of running for President and she can only be stopped if she is struck again by cancer.

The senator has been on sick leave since she publicly announced she has Stage 4 lung cancer.

Despite her medical condition,

she remains to be the most prolific legislator for having the most number of bills and resolutions filed.

Santiago said she will be running under her own party, the People’s Reform Party (PRP), which was established in 1992 when she first ran for President.

It will be the third time for Santiago to seek the presidency.

Her first attempt was in 1992

when she lost to Fidel Ramos, the candidate endorsed by former President Corazon Aquino.

Santiago placed 2nd to Ramos, getting 4.4 million votes or 19.72 percent of the 24.2 million votes cast. Ramos got 5.3 million votes.

Santiago placed the outcome of the elections under protest, but it was eventually dismissed on a technicality by the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.

Media reports at the time said Santiago was leading the canvassing of votes for the first five days.

Following a string of power outages, the tabulation concluded, and Ramos was declared President-elect.

Santiago again ran in 1998 but only placed 4th in a field of 10 candidates.

She received 797,206 votes or just 2.96 percent of the total votes cast, while the winner, Vice President Joseph Estrada got 10.7 million votes or 39.86 percent of the total votes cast.

No effect on Moro law Marcos gave his assurance that his vice presidential bid will not get in the way of the Senate deliberation on his version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which is being referred to as the Basic Law of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBAR).

Marcos, who heads the Senate local government committee, vowed to do everything humanly possible to finish it.

He said the committee will immediately resume deliberations once the chamber passes the 2016 General Appropriations Act (GAA) on third and final reading.

It has been a practice of the chamber to put all pending legislation on the back seat to give way to the passage of the national budget, Marcos added.

The Senate, before going on a three-week break, was already on the interpellation period on the BLBAR and is expected to begin with the period of amendments once Congress resumes its session on November 3.

Senate plenary debates on the BLBAR are going smoothly, unlike in the House of Representatives where quorum remains to be a major stumbling block.

“We will go back to it [BLBAR] immediately, maybe November or before Christmas, as soon as the budget is finished,” Marcos said.

Sanders, Clinton take the lead in first...

PAGE A1 which was crucial as this platform was their introduction to American voters.

The progression of the night shifted in favor of Clinton — whose email controversy has overshadowed her campaign and has been a point of attack for Republicans — as she worked to regain trust from Democrats by highlighting her competency after nearly a quarter century in politics and defending her history of flip-flopping on issues like immigration, samesex marriage and trade deals.

The first question addressed that Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton inconsistency, to which Clinton said, “Well, actually, I have been ed about being semi-slavery. Guest very consistent. Over the course of workers are coming in, they’re my entire life, I have always fought working under terrible conditions, for the same values and principles, but if they stand up for their rights, but, like most human beings — in- they’re thrown out of the country,” cluding those of us who run for Sanders said. “My view right now office — I do absorb new informa- -- and always has been -- is that tion. I do look at what’s happening when you have 11 million undocuin the world.” mented people in this country, we Her political leaning, whether need comprehensive immigration she is a progressive or moderate, reform, we need a path toward citwas also under question. izenship, we need to take people “I’m a progressive. But I’m a out of the shadows.” progressive who likes to get things In response to rising college done,” she responded. “And I know costs and student loans, Sanders how to find common ground, and proposed “free” public college tuI know how to stand my ground, ition, while Clinton said students and I have proved that in every should work 10 hours a week to position that I’ve had, even deal- earn their tuition at public instituing with Republicans who never tions. had a good word to say about me, With the number of shootings in honestly.” the United States, the candidates When asked whether she took on the issue of gun control, wanted to respond to her use of a largely clashing over how to go private email account while secre- about it. tary of state, she firmly said “no.”

Clinton criticized Sanders for Even Sanders, Clinton’s closest not being tough enough on guns opponent, came to her defense by and even voting against legislasaying Americans “are sick and tion that mandated background tired of hearing about your damn checks. She, O’Malley and Chafee emails,” which led to agreement directly went after the National from Clinton and a handshake, as Rifle Association (NRA) in their rethe crowd cheered. sponses and pressed massive gun In the two hours, a range of is- controls, while Webb defended sues was discussed, from immi- the 2nd Amendment. gration, free education, gun conAnother moment of disagreetrol and national security. ment between Clinton and SandOn immigration, Sanders was ers came when Sanders lashed out asked to explain why he rejected against the “casino capitalist proPres. Bush’s immigration overhaul cess” and “Wall Street’s greed,” to in 2007 to which he responded which Clinton said being anti-capithat he has voiced concerns over talist would go against the system guest-worker programs because that built America’s middle class. of the working conditions and be“…When I think about capitalcause temporary foreign workers ism, I think about all the small busido not help reduce US unemploy- nesses that were started because ment. we have the opportunity and the “I voted against that piece of freedom in our country for people legislation because it had guest- to do that and to make a good worker provisions in it which the living for themselves and their Southern Poverty Law Center talk- families…[W]e would be making

AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

a grave mistake to turn our backs on what built the greatest middle class in the history,” she said.

The candidates were also asked to name the “greatest national security threat to the United States”; responses included the situation in the Middle East, nuclear weapons, climate change and the US’ relationship with China.

Though there were not as many dynamic moments or bickering between candidates as seen during the past two Republican debates, the discussion provided more substance on top issues.

“On this stage you didn’t hear anyone denigrate women,” O’Malley said in his closing statement. “You didn’t hear anyone make racist comments about new American immigrants. You didn’t hear anyone speak ill of another American because of their religious belief. What you heard instead on this stage tonight was an honest search for the answers that will move our country forward…”

The next Democratic debate is scheduled for Nov. 14 at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Though the list of participants is yet to be disclosed, the five candidates who appeared in Las Vegas will likely be included.

Post-debate reactions After the debate, a CNN/Facebook poll showed that 81 percent of online voters thought Sanders was the winner, while 13 percent were in favor of Clinton. Scores for O’Malley, Webb and Chafee were below 3 percent.

Despite claims from Sanders’ camp that he dominated the stage, Clinton supporters praised her performance and asserted that she is the clear frontrunner in this race. “[Clinton] did really well. She PAGE A3

Former Filipino car dealer pleads guilty...

PAGE A1 banks and making false statements to at least five banks from 1984 to 1988, according to a release from the US Attorney’s Office. Among these banks include First Central Bank, First Los Angeles Bank, Imperial Savings, Manilabank and Union Bank. Specifically, Reodica admitted to simultaneously promising the same car contract as collateral to two different banks.

Press reports in the 1980s told the story of how Reodica initially worked as a busboy at restaurants in Los Angeles and then went on to own one of America’s largest dealerships.

However, when investigations into the business began as it was collapsing in 1988, Reodica fled to the Philippines.

A 1994 indictment filed against Reodica stated that lenders who approved substantial lines of credit to his dealership were allegedly impressed with his high-risk customers’ ability to make on-time monthly payments on their auto loans.

Afterward, it was found that Reodica hid from banks that customers were delinquent on their auto loan payments, that his employees allegedly made payments for delinquent customers, that he repossessed and resold cars without informing banks, and that he erased

negative information on customers’ credit reports, according to a 2014 Asian Journal report.

The fraudulent scheme further involved employees who were instructed to forge customer signatures on car contracts. The forged contracts would then be promised to a second bank.

Reodica also admitted he directed his employees to take loans for cars they weren’t actually buying, as a means of bringing more money into the dealership. The 1994 indictment claimed that those cars would be sold to dealership customers; the dealership would then make payments on the employee loans and include the fraudulent sales in their reports to persuade investors to continue financing the operation, according to court documents.

In a September 1988 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Imperial Savings lawyer Victor Vilaplana called Reodica’s scheme “one of the most elaborate and well-conceived scams imaginable.”

A number of investors in Reodica’s scam, including Imperial Savings, suffered financially after Grand Chevrolet filed for bankruptcy in 1988. Filipino professionals, many of whom were doctors, were among those who invested in Reodica’s business. Some families also had to file for bankruptcy,

according to a 2014 Asian Journal report.

In 1992, Reodica became an Australian citizen under the name Roberto Abrian Coscolluela, Jr., according to court documents. He lived in Australia for two decades where he defrauded customers, posing as an accountant, real estate agent and insurance agent in Cairns and Brisbane. Court records and sources from Brisbane allege that Reodica, as Coscolleula, defrauded several members of the Filipino-Australian community.

Authorities arrested Reodica at Los Angeles International Airport in November 2012, during a layover on a flight to Canada. Traveling under his Australian alias, Reodica was requested by airport security to complete a fingerprint scan, which revealed his identity.

“The guilty pleas by this defendant should be a warning to all fugitives facing charges in federal court that the United States Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office have a very long memory,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker of the Central District of California.

Reodica will be sentenced in February 2016. He faces up to 79 years in federal prison and a $6.5 million fine or two times the loss that resulted in his offenses. n

ties, Asian Americans in those age cohorts are more likely to experience obstacles to saving due to family caregiving (46% Asian American vs. 36% of total Gen Xers and Boomers); or due to a lost job or pay cut (53% vs.

46%).

“There’s such a scarcity of Asian Pacific Islander data so any data out there really helps fulfill the picture of who really are APIs. Unfortunately, people see us as the model minority, that we’re all educated and well to do that we don’t need any services,” said Daphne Kwok, Vice President, Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience at AARP. Among other key findings of the report: 65% of Asian American Gen-Xers and Boomers worry about not saving enough; 68% of Asian American GenXers and 43% of Boomers are either current or expected future borrowers of student debt; 67% of these borrowers say these loans make it even harder to save for retirement; 57% of

Asian American Gen-Xers and Boomers worry about being able to afford the rent or mortgage in the coming years and 41% Asian American voters worry about not being able to keep or find a job because of age.

“We encourage people to pay themselves first, put away money for retirement. It’s a hard thing to do, but people have to be aware,” said Beth Finkel, State Director of AARP in New York State.

Gen-Xers are the first generation to approach retirement age with a new playbook, having lived the entirety of their working years during the rise of 401k plans and a shift away from traditional pension plans.

“These survey results should serve as an alarm that we to need find solutions that can help ease the financial pressures that Asian American New Yorkers are facing, while also helping them to access savings vehicles through their employers that can help them build retirement savings,” PAGE A7

Asian Americans worried about retirement, stressed...

PAGE A1 of the generation, High Anxiety: NYC Gen-X and Boomers Struggle with Stress, Savings and Security. AARP then created a supplemental report, High Anxiety: NYC Asian American Gen-X and Boomers Struggle with Stress, Savings and Security, to take a deeper look at what is driving the financial stress of Asian Americans in the city.

“I think the biggest takeaway here is that the younger people should start looking at this issue now, especially those that are just coming out of college. Filipinos can check out AARP online to check the resources provided there. They just need to get more involved,” said Steven Raga, a thirty-something Fil-Am community leader who belongs to the ‘Millennials’ generation (those born between the early 1980s to early 2000s).

The survey of Gen-Xers and Baby Boomers (ages 35 to 69), found that while financial anxiety is high among Gen Xers and Boomers of all races and ethnici-

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Dateline USa

Ramos hits government for failure to...

PAGE A1 the follow up? Suddenly, all announcements (on the progress of the case) have stopped. Is it because there are some new people coming in at the Department of Justice?” said Ramos, founder of the SAF. He was referring to the DOJ’s filing of criminal cases against 90 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)

as well as members of private armed groups, most of them still unidentified.

The former Philippine Constabulary chief also twitted President Aquino, being the commander-inchief, for his failure to maximize government human resources— from Malacañang down to the lowest level of governance through the Peace and Order Council—and identify all those behind the Mamasapano carnage.

Saying that most of the MILF rebels also doubled as BIFF members, Ramos stressed that the DOJ probers could have easily secured all the identities of the suspects had they asked the help and assistance of local officials.

He said most of these rebels and vigilantes in Maguindanao are known to local executives—from barangay councilors, barangay captains, municipal councilors and municipal mayors.

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObER 16-22, 2015

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SWS: More Pinoys see better lives...

PAGE A1 mistic versus 15 percent pessimistic, rounded off).

The SWS survey was conducted from September 2 to 5, among 1,200 respondents, which was first published in a business newspaper on Thursday, Oct. 15.

Net optimism about the economy refers to expectations about the Philippine economy in general, and is different from net personal optimism, which refers to expectations in personal quality of life.

The SWS explained that the three-point improvement in net economic optimism was a result of increases of 12, six and two points in Metro Manila (to a “very high” +19 from a “high” +7 in June), Mindanao (where it stayed “very high” at +25 from +19) and in Balance Luzon (where it also stayed “high” at +19 from +17), respectively, that offset a seven-point drop in the Visayas (to a “high” +7 from a “very high” +14).

It noted the improvements of seven, four and two points for classes ABC (to a “very high” +16 from a “high” +7), E (where it stayed “very high” at +25 from +21) and D (where it also stayed “very high” at +17 from +15), respectively.

The same survey also found that 38 percent of respondents believed that their quality of life would improve in the next 12 months, against 5 percent who thought otherwise.

This resulted in a net optimism

rating of plus 33, that was three points less than June’s plus 36 (42 percent optimists versus 6 percent pessimists).

The SWS attributed the threepoint decrease in the national net personal optimism to the negligible four-point increase in Metro Manila (to +40 from +36 in June) that was otherwise tempered by declines in Balance Luzon (by four points to +33 from +37), the Visayas (also four points to +25 from +29) and Mindanao (by six points to +34 from +40).

The net personal optimism, however, improved among those belonging to ABC class (to +41 from +37 in June) that was similarly offset by four-point drops each in class D (to +31 from +35) and in E (to +35 from +39).

When asked if they experienced a change in their quality of life over the past 12 months, 29 percent of respondents said they experienced an improvement, while 25 percent said the opposite.

This translates into a “high” net gainers score of plus 4, a mere point above the similarly “high” plus 3 recorded in June (28 percent gainers versus 26 percent losers, rounded off).

The SWS attributed the slight improvement among “net gainers” to a turnaround to plus 3 from minus 5 in June in Mindanao that offset flat results in Metro Manila (+2) and the Visayas (-1) as well as a negligible decrease in Balance Luzon (to +7 from +8).

It also noted the six-point increase among ABC respondents (to +18 from June’s +12) and a turnaround among those in E (to +4 from -12) that offset a two-point fall in D (to +3 from +5).

The SWS survey used face-toface interviews of adults nationwide and has sampling error margins of three points for national percentages and six points each for Metro Manila, balance of Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

The SWS classifies net personal optimism scores of 30 and above as “very high”; 20 to 29 as “high”; 10 to 19 – which includes the historical median and mode, “or what is normally expected” – “fair”; 1 to 9, “mediocre”; zero to -9, “low”; and minus 10 and below as “very low.”

For net optimism about the economy, it considers “very high” scores of at least 10; those 1 to 9 as “high”; zero to -9 as “fair” noting that “a slightly negative score is already better than normal”; -10 to -19 as “mediocre”; -20 to -29 as “low”; and scores -30 and below as “very low.”

Malacañang, meanwhile, welcomed the latest SWS survey on the increasing optimism of Filipinos, especially in the last year of the Aquino administration.

In a news conference, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the government is happy to know that despite various challenges, the public remains optimistic about their future.

Sanders, Clinton take the lead in first...

PAGE A2 showed herself to be a leader for this country…[and] laid the groundwork for winning,” Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) said in the post-debate spin room, adding that Clinton demonstrated how she differs from President Barack Obama, yet how she will continue on from what he was accomplished.

“I thought when she said ‘I’m a progressive who could get things done,’ that kind of summed it up and it was the best combination of ‘I’m right there on the issues that people care about but I know how to make it happen,’ added Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.).

She noted that much of the focus on Tuesday was on domestic policy, but has no doubt that foreign policy — an area Clinton has expertise in — will be brought up in later debates.

“I think all of the candidates sounded so much better than the Republicans. There is general consensus that we need to have comprehensive immigration reform.

Senator Clinton laid out a plan for expanding DACA and DAPA and making sure the children here are able to go to school, get a job and obtain their potential. So, I’m very pleased that they are making this a priority,” Titus said.

Titus, who represents Nevada’s 1st District, which has a large concentration of Asian residents, particularly Filipinos and Chinese, said she will continue mobilizing voters leading up to the election.

“Education for children in the Asian community is very important — they want their children to get ahead and I respect that. A number of Asians in my district own small businesses so they

want to be sure that the economy is moving forward and that the tax structure benefits them,” she said.

A rally for Clinton was scheduled on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 14, at Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, before she continues on the campaign trail.

In Southern California, a coalition of Filipinos is gearing up to launch Filipinos for Hillary next week. “…I know [Clinton] will be the best advocate in the Oval Office for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Her campaign is the only campaign that has reached out to the community and is actively engaging with us and for this I will make sure she wins in 2016,” said Melissa Ramoso, immediate past state chair of the Filipino American Democratic Caucus for the California Democratic Party who is spearheading efforts for Filipinos for Hillary.

Ramoso, who watched the debate with her socially conservative parents, said that it’s important for AAPIs to recognize Clinton’s track record of listening to and fighting for the community.

Despite the rally of support for Democratic contenders, Republicans have reacted to what was discussed on Tuesday.

“Tonight’s Democrat debate proves once again that the Democrats are only interested in promoting an out-of-touch liberal agenda and not providing long-term solutions to everyday issues facing Filipino Americans. Republicans will continue working toward earning the trust of voters across the country – something Hillary Clinton and the Democrats have failed to do,” Ninio Fetalvo, APA Press Secre-

tary for the Republican National Committee (RNC), said.

RNC chairman Reince Priebus said in a statement that the debate was predictable and showed the “weak caliber of Clinton’s competition.”

“Clinton’s record of hypocrisy and flip-flops on everything from Wall Street, trade, immigration, and foreign policy was on full display. Her unwillingness to fully explain the circumstances surrounding her secret email server, and the ongoing FBI investigation into it, further damages her credibility,” he said. “Judging from tonight, it’s clear why the Democrat National Committee limited the number of debates – their bench of candidates for the most powerful office in the world is laughable at best. Clinton needed to shine and she came up short.”

Real estate mogul and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who live tweeted the “boring” debate, wrote that, “there is no STAR on the stage tonight!” “[Clinton] got through it fine.

It was a very kind debate, very gentle. She came out the winner,” Trump later told ABC, adding that Sanders missed his chance to attack Clinton.

There is no word yet on whether Vice President Joe Biden will enter the Democratic race, though he is expected to announce his decision sometime this week. Even with Clinton’s strong performance on Tuesday, supporters are still pushing for the vice president to run.

When asked to comment to about the debate, Biden briefly told reporters in Washington, “I thought every one of those folks last night…I thought they all did well.”

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObER 16-22, 2015

D ateline PhiliPPines Mar Roxas, Leni Robredo formalize 2016 tandem their certificates of candidacy for the 2016 national elections.

President Benigno Aquino III earlier endorsed Roxas as the standard-bearer of the ruling Liberal Party and will seek presidency.

Roxas, meanwhile, chose Camarines Sur Rep. Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo as his running

mate in 2016 after failed talks with Sen. Grace Poe. and rosette adeL The two, accompanied by Philstar.com Aquino, earlier attended Holy MANILA—Former Interior Mass at the Manila Cathedral and Local Government Secrenear the Commission on Electary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and tions main office where they subhis running mate Camarines Sur mitted their documents.

Rep. Maria Leonor “Leni” RoOutside the church, supportbredo on Thursday, Oct. 15 filed ers gathered with streamers and celebrated with a Chinese traditional dragon dance.

“Naniniwala po kami na pipili ang taong bayan ng tama... Ibibigay namin ni Leni ang lahat sa laban na ito,” Roxas said after filing his certificate.

The LP standard-bearer ranks second or third in the latest presidential preference polls.

Robredo, meanwhile, will be the running mate of Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II in the 2016 national elections.

The Camarines Sur lawmaker registered single digits in the latest vice presidential preferRuling Liberal Party presidential candidate Mar Roxas, right, and his running mate Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo show the crowd at the Commission on Elections main office on Thursday, Oct. ence polls conducted by the Social Weather Stations and Pulse 15, 2015 their certificates of candidacy for the 2016 national elections.

Philstar.com photo by Jonathan Asuncion Asia.

by Patricia Lourdes

Viray

Group allegedly gets cash, food packs for cheering Poe, Escudero at Comelec

by MarLon

raMos Inquirer.net

SOME “supporters” of Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero allegedly received P50, food packs and bottled water after attending the rally in support of their filing of their certificates of candidacy for President and Vice President, respectively, at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Intramuros, Manila, on Thursday, Oct. 15.

Accompanied by their family, Poe and Escudero arrived at around 3pm to the loud cheers of thousands of their supporters who massed up outside the Comelec headquarters and in front of the nearby Manila Cathedral.

The tandem of Poe and Escudero is seen as a formidable third force to rival the seasoned and well-oiled political machineries of ruling Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas and Vice President Jejomar Binay of

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the United Nationalist Alliance.

Policemen deployed to maintain order in the area said the crowd which greeted the two senators was bigger than the number of people at the sendoff for Roxas and his running mate, Camarines Rep. Leni Robredo.

But a video taken by the Inquirer.net showed that some of those who attended the gathering for Poe and Escudero were given P50 cash, pansit, fried chicken and water.

The video showed a group of men and women huddled in front of a makeshift house along Cabildo Street, Intramuros, while a man was reading names from a yellow paper.

A pedicab driver, who only identified himself as Rudy, said each of them received P50 and food packs as promised by their local leaders.

“P50 is better than getting nothing,” the man said as he carefully wrapped five food

packs with a tarpaulin printed with the word “#POE2016.”

He said about 100 of his neighbors in Barangay 658 in Manila were “invited” by local leaders who he refused to identify.

Rudy’s companion, a middleaged man who declined to give his name, said it was a common practice for politicians to hire residents near the Comelec headquarters.

“We were also there last Monday when Binay (filed his candidacy),” he claimed. “This is nothing. It’s just a token (pakimkim lang).”

Rudy said Roxas’ camp also brought in their own group of supporters when he and Robredo filed their COCs on Thursday.

“But they came from another barangay,” he said.

In the video, a man wearing a white shirt emblazoned with Poe’s face was seen reading PAGE A7

President Aquino engages Steve Forbes, chair and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, in a one-on-one dialogue during the 15th annual Forbes Global CEO Conference in Parañaque City.

RTVM Screengrab

Forbes tells Aquino: We need you in Washington

by Louis

Bacani Philstar.com

MANILA—President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday, Oct. 14 joined prominent world business leaders and entrepreneurs at the 15th annual Forbes Global CEO Conference where he trumpeted the country’s economic achievements under his watch.

In a dialogue with Steve Forbes, chair and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, Aquino touted the administration’s sound fiscal management that helped the country attain its strong economic performance.

Forbes praised Aquino for the “dynamism” of the Philippine economy.

“When we get back to the United States, some of us should try to get a Constitutional amendment so that President Aquino, when he leaves office next year, could come to the US and give us a 6-percent growth rate,” Forbes said.

Aquino boasted of various accomplishments such as the 600percent increase in foreign domestic investment, the gains of his anti-corruption drive, the increasing tourist arrivals and the improved tax collection that fueled government spending in infrastructure and social services.

The president also said that the country has been “very prudent”

in borrowing.

“I am very conservative in terms of handling the people’s funds,” Aquino said.

“That’s why we need you in Washington,” answered Forbes, who said that the Philippines’s debt-to-GDP ratio has come down “dramatically in recent years.”

Aquino said the country’s economic achievements renewed Filipinos’ optimism and outlook.

“Believing in the future, that’s something the rest of the world needs which is why we hope after you leave office, you will come to the US and give us some of that belief in the future,” Forbes told Aquino.

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OpiniOn

Features

Defensive

MILITARY superpower China is not afraid to flex its muscles as it once again asserted sovereignty over its reclaimed islands in the South China Sea. It warned any country against taking “risky and provocative action” by attempting to come within 12 nautical miles of the islands.

“We ask relevant parties to speak and act discreetly, respect China’s sovereignty and security interests, and do not make any provocative moves,” Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Hua Chunying said.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent this stern warning following a planned deployment of US Navy ships in territorial waters claimed by China.

Earlier, the US Pacific Command (USPACOM) presented the White House and Pentagon leaders the option to conduct a freedom of navigation exercises off of the disputed territory. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said that the US would, “fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows, as US forces do all over the world.”

The Philippines welcomed this development and echoed the clamor for freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Charles Jose said that if the US “decides to send naval vessels within 12 nautical miles of the reclaimed low-tide elevation features in affirmation of this objective, this would be consistent with

international law and a rules-based order for the region.”

China and the Philippines have competing claims to some parts of the South China Sea. China claims the largest swathe of the strategic water, which is believed to have significant oil and gas deposits. It has continuously rejected other nations’ claim (including Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei) on the strategic waters.

Citing peaceful resolution on the jurisdiction over the disputed waters, the Philippines has pleaded its case to the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). It is now awaiting results of the preliminary hearings over the Philippine claim.

The ITLOS is an intergovernmental organization created through the directive of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea and established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), signed at Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Dec. 10, 1982.

Ironically, China is a signatory of the UN charter, which is governed by the rules and principles of general international law. Under the UNCLOS, all parties have agreed to “due regard for the sovereignty of all States, a legal order for the seas and

Editorial

Inquirer.net photo

oceans which will facilitate international communication, and will promote the peaceful uses of the seas and oceans, the equitable and efficient utilization of their resources, the conservation of their living resources, and the study, protection and preservation of the marine environment.”

To ensure the general peace and to obviate the recourse to force, all parties involved should be

reminded of their adherence to international law.

In international conflicts such as the South China Sea dispute, multilateralism should be the detente before affected parties turn to belligerent forces.

The principles representing international law are simple, they are based upon universally accepted values and moral standards to achieve global peace and order. (AJPress)

Kababayans react to law allowing physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients

CALIFORNIA has joined Oregon, Washington, Montana and Vermont when Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill into law that legalizes assisted suicide for terminally ill patients. Beginning January 1, doctors can prescribe medication to end a patient’s life if two doctors agree the person has only six months to live and is mentally competent to make such decision.

Supporters of the bill said the measure would help end-stage cancer and other patients to die with less pain and suffering, allowing people who are terminally ill to die with dignity and greater comfort. Those who oppose the law contend that unscrupulous caregivers or relatives could pressure vulnerable patients to take their own lives.

As a compromise with lawmakers who were worried about unintended consequences, such as the targeting of the poor, elderly and disabled, the law will expire after 10 years unless extended.

Our kababayans around the world have mixed reactions about this law and here are some of their comments: Ramon Yadao from Manila stated: “Yes. My life.

My terms.”

Rowena Orejana from New Zealand said NO, sharing the following reasons from the website NZCatholic.com, articulated by Dr. Peter Saunders, the campaign director of the United Kingdom-based Care Not Killing Alliance.

“In the UK, there are four reasons why politicians are against the bill.

The first is public safety. ‘If you change the law, you inevitably end up putting pressure on vulnerable people to end their lives out of fear of being either a financial or emotional burden upon others.

And so it’s been all about protecting the vulnerable

people, particularly those who are elderly depressed, or who are The Fil-Am disabled or sick,’ he said.

The second is that the status Perspective quo is okay. He said the law is clearly defined and in cases where there are justifiable causes, few end up in jail. ‘The best laws are those that give clear-cut bound- Gel SantoS-ReloS aries. We say, you must not travel above 100km/h on the highway. We don’t say it’s 100km/h unless you’ve got a sick child or you’re late for a really important appointment,’ he said.

‘It’s clear. Then, we deal with cases of those, after proper investigation, that have [a] legitimate excuse.’

He said there are limits to personal freedom.

‘We are not entitled to the freedoms which undermine the reasonable freedoms of others. Changing the law for a small group of determined people actually removes legal protection from a much wider group of vulnerable people who then become prey to those with an interest in their deaths,’ he stressed.

The third reason, he said, is when there is good palliative care, requests for assisted deaths are rare. The fourth is the fact that opposition comes from a lot of different groups. Dr. Saunders said legalising physician-assisted suicide is not a slippery slope but more of a ‘mission creep’ or an ‘incremental extension’. ‘Sympathetic doctors will try to widen it. If you think about their main arguments, choice and compassion, those could apply to a wide range of people.’

He said people will put a value on human life, whether or not it is still financially or emotionally

viable. ‘It’s the relative costs of chemotherapy, palliative care and lethal drugs. Is that a temptation that we want to put in front of our legislators?” he asked.”

Leandro Quinatana from Hawthorne, California intimated: “If living with extreme, unendurable pain, an individual should have the legal option to end his life in a civilized and dignified manner.”

Teta Limcangco from Manila tweeted: “This is a tough question but at the end of the day ..it still boils down to one’s conscience. IMHO… I doubt if that bill will pass here coy. RH bill nga, pahirapan pa.”

Alvinture8 from Manila also tweeted: “I prefer natural death, I still believe in miracles.”

Amber Khan, a doctor from New Jersey, wrote: “I do believe in life and I believe in God. I don’t believe in taking over the role of God. The multibillion dollar Pharmaceutical Pain Industry can make [the] end of life comfortable, till it is the end of life! Every life will come to its natural end.

Would I ever want to suffer? No!!! But will I kill myself or put that burden on another person? ABSOLUTELY NOT! As a doctor, over the years I have learned that people have a very different threshold for pain, suffering, or even patience.

Please be mindful and ask yourselves that once euthanasia is legalized, who will determine that it is ok to end a person’s life, when pain and its perception is so subjective! When every doctor has a different threshold for dealing with patients who are suffering? Do you want me to kill you because

you are taking too much of my time, my emotions, and my endurance? And then, remember, that the Hippocratic Oath, that we as doctors, take to heart, and what drives us to take care of every life, regardless of anything, including our own safety i.e. driving in a blizzard with unpaved roads or regardless of the fact that we will never be paid because you don’t have insurance, will mean nothing!

So Dear advocates of euthanasia, kill yourselves! Deal with the consequences. Or let your loved ones live with that burden! Do not make your doctor your scape goats! Or seek an expert field of amazing Pain Management Doctors. Your Insurance covers it. YES! It is your life. It is on your terms!

Extreme pain? You want to end your life in a dignified manner by asking a doctor to drown you with Morphine? Where is the dignity there?

So please, before you all start with the right to die because you can’t take it, or you can’t let your family suffer, think about the implications, the manipulation by family members when a patient can’t speak for themselves, or even the convenience of a doctor who now will be given the power not to just save lives, but takes lives! Talk about the God Complex!!!!! And keep in mind, once euthanasia is legalized, you won’t ever be able to trust your doctor. One of the last breeds of humans, still living and fighting every day for their patients at the expense of everything and everyone in their lives. “ *** 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

Philippine politics, the movie

Street Talk GreG B. MacaBenta WE probably won’t live long enough to see it, but there could yet be a feature film on Philippine politics, in the tradition that has apparently been established by the film, Heneral Luna, which depicts Philippine history’s most prominent personalities as transactional, self-serving and selfpreserving individuals. Heroes with feet of clay.

But unlike the biopic about Gen. Antonio Luna, I hope that the makers of Politikang Pilipinas will treat it like the Japanese film classic,Rashomon, with satirical touches such as those in Manuel Conde’s Juan Tamad Goes To Congress.

The film directed by Akira Kurosawa told the story of a man’s murder and the rape of his wife from the perspective of four people, each version different from the others. Conde’s satire, on the other hand, was about the den of crooks and charlatans that everyone wants to get elected to, in a pre-Hispanic setting of datus and maharlikas.

It was obvious whom Conde was satirizing. The actor who played

the datu could have passed for a twin brother of then President Carlos P. Garcia. Rashomon, on the other, drove home the point that the truth is in the eye of the beholder-narrator or the writerhistorian.

In today’s media-saturated environment, the truth about Philippine politics and its various characters and personalities is in the version presented by the demolition specialist or the professional apologist – but most of all, the truth is in the eye of the journalist, based on that person’s political, ideological or financial persuasion. Thus, the need for a Rashomon treatment.

Take the Aquinos for instance, with two presidents (Noynoy Aquino and Cory Aquino), several senators (Ninoy, Butch, Tessie Oreta and Bam) and assorted public officials in the clan.

Ninoy, who was assassinated at the Manila international airport after having declared that the Filipino was worth dying for, has virtually been declared a national hero. But in a Rashomon type of retelling of Philippine history, Ninoy’s father, Benigno Aquino, Sr., could be portrayed both as a statesman who served the Philippine commonwealth with distinction and as a Japanese collabora-

tor who was tried for treason by the American liberation forces.

Cory, who has practically been elevated to sainthood by her admirers “for restoring Philippine democracy,” could also be portrayed as a wealthy housewife who was thrust, ill-prepared, into the presidency; who, by her incompetence, allowed members of her family to enrich themselves and who presided over a new Philippine constitution to which many of our country’s economic and political ills may be traced.

Noynoy – Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III - our current president, may be different from the classic Rashomon characters, because in this case, while there are contrasting perceptions of him by supporters and detractors, he has an entirely fanciful perception of himself that is not necessarily grounded in reality.

Thus the Rashomon-style treatment of his presidency will depict him as a knight in shining armor who saved the country from the clutches of the evil couple, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, and set it on the Straight Path (Tuwid na Daan) to economic progress and corruption-free governance. In that version, all the problems of the

country, well into the sixth year of Aquino’s presidency, will be blamed on the Arroyos and her minions.

To add a Conde-style satirical touch to that version, even the defeat of GILAS by the Chinese basketball team will be blamed on Arroyo (i.e., Arroyo played footsies with China over the Spratleys which Noynoy denounced and which caused the rift between China and the Philippines, which in turn motivated the Chinese basketball team to trounce the Philippine contingent).

On the other hand, the notso-flattering portrayal of Aquino will be all about his being a palpak and manhid (incompetent and insensitive) Malacañang occupant whose working hours are limited to the brief period between waking up and going to sleep, and who leaves it to his Rasputin, Budget Secretary Butch Abad, his former bodyguard, Gen. Alan Purisima, and his kabarilan, kaklase and kapartido (shooting buddies, classmates and political partymates) to ransack the country’s coffers and run the government to the ground. Appropriate Conde-like depictions of Metro Manila traffic, NAIA Terminal One and the

MRT, intercutting with scenes of Filipinos in a torture chamber, will be incorporated in this version.

Then, of course, there will be Aquino’s perception of himself: well-loved, incorruptible, unerring, completely innocent of the Mamasapano massacre, the unconstitutional Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) and the stag party at the Liberal Party event in Laguna, featuring halfnaked girls.

He will be shown with both hands in a prayerful pose, lily white from habitual washing, and above his head will be a saintly halo plus a balloon that declares, “It’s their fault!”

Who else will be depicted in Politikang Pilipinas? VicePresident Jejomar Binay will be portrayed by Senator Antonio Trillanes as the King of Kurakot and by Makati residents as their Supreme Benefactor. Mar Roxas will have be depicted as Aquino’s loyal reformist and champion of Tuwid na Daan while his critics will portray him as the Prince of Palpak and poster boy for government incompetence.

Senator Grace Poe will have the most interesting Rashomonstyle portrayal of all. As an American. As a Filipino. As a Filipino

American. As a foundling and adopted daughter of FPJ and Susan Roces. As a biological daughter of FPJ and Susan Roces. As a love child of President Ferdinand Marcos and Rosemarie Sonora.

As the Great White Hope for the Philippine presidency. And as the Great Pretender. The last will have the famous song of the Platters as background music.

Senate President Franklin Drilon will also have a multi-faceted portrayal in the literal rather than the figurative sense. He will be shown with several faces attached to his enormous frame.

As an Arroyo loyalist. As an Aquino loyalist. And as a loyalist of whoever wins the presidency. A fourth face will show him as Mae Paner alias Juana Change.

How will Francis Tolentino and Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya be portrayed in the movie, Politikang Pilipinas? It seems to me that there will be different versions of them, but none will be flattering. Trillanes, on the other hand, will portray himself as a hero while everyone else will depict him as a heel.

And finally, the Filipino people – how will we be portrayed in the movie? In a paper I delivered back in 1984 at the Asian AdverPAGE A7

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Group allegedly gets cash, food packs for...

PAGE A5

names from a list.

“Melvin… Here. Give it to Melvin,” he said in Filipino as a woman seated on his right gave a paper bill to another man.

In another video, two women were heard speaking about the money which was apparently given to another person.

“Mag-aabono ako nyan (I may have to pay for it),” the woman was heard as saying.

Poe’s camp vehemently denied paying for the people who showed their support for the two senators.

“There is absolutely no truth that supporters who came to send off Senator Poe were paid P50. The massive crowd outside (the) Comelec was a spontaneous gathering of supporters eager to send off (Poe and Escudero) as they filed their COCs,” said Poe’s spokesperson, Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian.

Others who showed up at the political rally said they paid for their food and even bought water for their fellow Poe supporters.

Roy Ansing, a businessman from Mandaluyong City, said he, his family and their friends were “all out” for Poe who, he said, was the “only candidate who can bring about genuine change.”

“We’re just tired of seeing ‘trapos’ (traditional politicians).

If we want genuine change, we should vote for the new breed of leaders like Grace Poe,” Ansing

Sens. Grace Poe and Francis Escudero will run as president and vice president in 2016, respectively.

Philstar.com photo by Jonathan Asuncion

said.

Retired Marine Col. Ariel Querubin said Poe’s victory in the 2016 presidential elections would be a “redemption” for him, noting that he helped expose the alleged irregularities during the 2004 general elections.

“I questioned the legitimacy of (then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) and was brave enough to say it was FPJ (Fernando Poe Jr.) who won and would have been the President,” Querubin said, referring to Poe’s late father.

“For that reason, I was jailed

for four and a half years. Now that she’s running, I’m compelled to support her because if she wins, it will be my redemption,” he said. “I sacrificed my career, my family in bringing out that truth that it was really FPJ who won.”

But Querubin, a decorated Marine who was awarded with the prestigious Medal of Valor for bravery in combat, said he would support the vice presidential bid of fellow soldier Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV. “I’m like a father to Trillanes that’s why I asked him to support Grace Poe,” he said.

Asian Americans worried about retirement, stressed...

PAGE A1 added Finkel.

The survey, and independent research, show coming retirement savings troubles among both Gen-Xers and Boomers citywide. The average 401(k) account balance in New York was only $30,811 as of last year, according to the National Institute on Retirement Security – which found that in 2013 the average American household had just $3,000 in total assets in savings, and just $12,000 for those nearing retirement.

Twenty-eight percent of Asian American Gen X and Boomer workers surveyed have no access to any type of workplace retirement savings plan. Among private sector Asian American workers age 18 to 64 in the state of New York, 61% are not cov-

ered by a workplace retirement plan.

“One in four Asians we interviewed told us that they absolutely will never be able to retire.

That can’t be. Twenty five per cent of Asian New Yorkers saying that they’re gonna have to work till they drop? That is not retirement planning,” Finkel exclaimed.

Yet the survey found 56% of city Asian American Gen-Xers and Boomers who are in the labor force and confident they’ll be able to retire say they plan to stop working by age 65, revealing a retirement “reality gap,” since they also said they are not saving or planning enough to retire.

“I think about the future only because my job now makes me think about the future. I know my friends do not. It’s more of

‘where am I going to on vacation this year?’ or ‘Am I gonna go to the Philippines this year’ and the events they’re going to attend.

Savings is a big part of owning up to your responsibility especially for millennials like me but it is totally, unfortunately outside the priority now,” Raga said.

The survey was released at a panel discussion last week in Manhattan, featuring Ms. Kwok; Angela Houghton, AARP senior research advisor; Howard Shih, Director of Research and Policy at the Asian American Federation; and Sandy Poon-Wing, Vice President and Financial Planning Specialist at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.

The panel was moderated by Arthur Chi’en, Newscaster at WNYW-TV Fox 5 NY. (Momar G. Visaya/AJPress)

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObER 16-22, 2015

Automatic voter registration in California...

PAGE A1 Times.

The bill, along with 13 others the governor signed, will “help improve elections and expand voter rights and access in California,” Brown’s office said in a statement.

According to California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, around 6.6 million Californians who are eligible to register to vote are not registered. Padilla supported the legislation as a way to increase voter participation.

“The new Motor Voter Act will make our democracy stronger by removing a key barrier to voting for millions of California citizens,” Padilla said on Saturday. “Citizens should not be required to opt in to their fundamental right to vote.

We do not have to opt in to other rights, such as free speech or due process.”

The new registration process will not be offered until the state completes work on a new voter registration database called VoteCal, which is expected to debut around June 2016, at the start of the presidential primary election.

VoteCal would automatically register applicants when they visit a DMV office to get a new license or renew an expiring one, unless they decide to opt out.

The data collected by the DMV will be provided to the Secretary of State’s office, which would verify a CA resident’s legal eligibility to vote before registering them.

Drivers also have the option to cancel their voter registration any time.

Currently, driver’s license applications ask people if they want to register to vote. If interested, people are supposed to be given a paper registration form to fill out. Voting rights activists, however, say that does not always happen.

“It’s removing the first barrier to voting, which is registration,” said Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), who authored

the bill. “It’s going to lead to millions more Californians being registered to vote, which means more people we can talk to.”

CalPRIG Executive Director Emily Rusch agreed that the voter registration bill was much-needed medicine for an ailing, sometimes ineffective system.

“A well-functioning democracy depends on the participation of its citizens,” said Rusch, noting that the registration gap is most severe among younger people. According to data, only 52 percent of eligible youth voters (between ages 18-24) were registered to vote before the last election.

AB 1461 also follows a move made by Oregon earlier this year to adopt the nation’s first automatic voter registration law, said The Associated Press.

Over the weekend, Brown also signed a bill (SB 439) that permits county elections officials to offer conditional voter registration and provisional voting at satellite offices during the 14 days right before Election Day in November. The measure would make voting more convenient, according to Sen. Benjamin Allen (D-Santa Monica), who authored the bill.

The measure cannot be implemented until VoteCal database is operational, but is expected to make voting more convenient.

Another new law Brown signed will allow voters who use vote-bymail ballots to drop them off before Election Day in secure boxes located throughout the community, such as in shopping malls, libraries, and other public locations. These secure drop-off locations would make it easier to cast ballots, officials say.

The measure by Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) will require the Secretary of State to develop guidelines for the use of drop-off boxes, including security measures, by Jan. 1, 2017. Pavley noted a big problem with voting in Los Angeles County, which has 10 million active voting residents and

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only one drop-off location.

“This may have contributed to the fact that only 38 percent of voters in LA County used [voteby-mail]…nearly 20 percent lower than any other county in the state,” Pavley said.

AB 363, another bill that was signed, will speed up election returns by allowing county elections officials to begin counting votes before the close of the polls on Election Day. Other new rules require the state to pick up the tab for election recounts, rather than requiring candidates to pay for them.

The new Motor Voter Act for automatic registrations will take effect on Jan. 1.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice in Los Angeles applauded the new program meant to bolster voter turnout for the upcoming primary.

“We are grateful the leaders in the state are taking an active role in improving our democracy, particularly at a time when some states are making it more difficult to register to vote,” said Stewart Kwoh, executive director of Advancing Justice - LA, in a statement. “Despite an increase of Asian American registered voters statewide, only 59 percent of those eligible are registered to vote. We hope the new Motor Voter Program increases this number.”

Advancing Justice - LA also expressed its disappointment in Brown’s vetoing of AB 182, a bill co-sponsored by the legal and civil rights organization. This measure would have made it unlawful for local jurisdictions to draw districts in a way that dilutes votes from California’s vibrant communities of color.

“Just as it is important to get people involved in the democratic process, it is equally important that the votes they cast are meaningful,” said Deanna Kitamura, supervising attorney for Advancing Justice - LA’s Democracy Project.

(Allyson Escobar/AJPress)

Philippine politics, the movie PAGE A6 tising Congress in Seoul, Korea, I described the Filipino as praying in the Spanish manner, savoring Chinese food, watching American shows on Japanese-made TV sets, but deep down, possessing a uniquely Filipino soul.

The Pinoy is the perfect subject for a Rashomon-style motion picture. We are a study in con-

trasts. At once beautiful, bright, cheerful and optimistic and constantly griping, disheartened and looking persecuted. The epitome of hospitality and of criminality. God-fearing and completely undisciplined. The majority wallowing in poverty but packing the malls and eating out even on weekdays. Demanding a corruption-free government but expect-

ing to be paid or bribed for our votes.

Indeed, only a multi-faceted (figuratively) people like us could enjoy and survive Philippine politics in which, like the Romans in Nero’s colosseum, we comprise both the crowd yelling for blood and the hapless Christians being fed to the lions. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

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october 16-22, 2015 • oc/Ie ASIAN JoUrNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

CARPET ,

the asian journal

sfc 11.5 x 20 roger

entertainment magazine october 16-22, 2015

may 30-june 5, 2014 www.asianjournal.com

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october 16-22, 2015

Vincent RodRiguez iii

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On facing challenges as an Asian American actor and scoring a lead role in CW’s ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’

By Allyson

EscobAr AJPress

“YOU do crazy things when you’re in love.”

At least that’s what FilipinoAmerican actor Vincent Rodriguez III believes: that love is an allconsuming and powerful thing-especially when you absolutely love what you do, it can make you crazy.

“I walked into my first day of acting school and the teacher asked us, ‘Is this what will give you life? Is this the part you want to play in society?’ And then I asked myself, ‘What else could I possibly be doing?’ From then on, I knew exactly what I always wanted,” he said.

“If you want something badly enough in life, you work hard to go get it. It’s not an easy path--it is arguably the hardest journey you will ever have. But in the end, it’s worth it.”

Finding home in the theater Rodriguez was born in San Francisco, California, and grew up in what he calls the “Second Philippines of the World:” south suburban Daly City. He is the youngest and only boy of four, with three older sisters all born in Manila.

“I was the bunso,” Rodriguez told the Asian Journal. “My sisters are all smart, musically talented, and into theater. I [had] really powerful role models growing up.”

Motivated by a desire to try and learn new things, at a young age Rodriguez was involved in track and field, taekwondo, and martial arts. Later he became very active in his high school’s drama department, where he quickly found his love for musical theater.

After graduating from high school and a year in junior college, Rodriguez enrolled at the Pacific

Vincent Rodriguez III in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Photo courtesy of Lee Wallman

Conservatory of Performing Arts (PCPA) in Santa Maria, California, and began to pursue acting as more than a hobby, but a fulltime career.

“My family was always supportive of me, but it was not an easy journey,” he said. “My dad didn’t always think I could make this [acting] into a viable career.

When it came to showbiz-ness, he wanted me to be a businessman.”

“But that initial resilience pushed me to be a harder worker, and has made me even more passionate about what I do.”

After finishing musical training in acting, voice, and dance, Rodriguez ventured to Los Angeles for his first successful audition, becoming a member of the ensemble (and later principal understudy) in the first national tour of 42nd Street.

“It was my first professional role,” he recalled. “I really put my whole self into it, and I began to relish in the joy of being an entertainer.”

Pursuing his dreams in the theater, Rodriguez moved to New York City to audition for numerous acting, singing, and dancing roles. He eventually joined the companies of Thoroughly Modern Millie, Xanadu, Honor, Pipe Dream, as well as the original cast of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas in Toronto and Boston.

“Half of my career was in the ensemble, and then the other half I played feature parts, joined national tours and other New York productions, and was asked to sing on cast recordings,” Rodriguez said.

Most recently, he joined the 1st national tour of Anything Goes, appeared on CBS’ Hostages, and workshopped for Richard

Photo courtesy of Billy Bustamante

Maltby Jr. and David Shire’s new musical, Waterfall. He also sang ensemble in a cast recording of the stage production of Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Wanting to share his life lessons with other aspiring actors, Rodriguez became a teacher back at his alma mater, PCPA. He taught professional technique, song interpretation, dance workshops, and other aspects of the musical audition process.

“It’s not about making people into professional actors, or to be like me. For me as a mentor, it’s about helping the person to see what their potential is, and to learn how to use the theater as a form of expression, or as a gateway to who they really are,” Rodriguez noted.

The young actor’s extensive background and resume boasts a double black belt in martial arts, CrossFit, stage combat, roller-skating, billiards, and even magic tricks. “A good amount of my previous jobs required special skills [like dancer, comedian, magician], and on TV, they can write these skills into the show,” he said. “The cool thing is that the writers know my special skills are things I’ve learned to do growing up. I knew that my interests would help color my career as an actor.”

One of Vincent’s most recent, favored theatrical roles was in the 2014 off-Broadway revival of David Byrne and Fatboy Slim’s Here Lies Love, a disco-rock musical about the life of Filipino former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

“I met Ruthie Ann Miles, who was playing the lead, and she encouraged me to audition,” he recalled. Along with Miles, Rodriguez understudied other

distinguished Fil-Am actors, Jose Llana (Ferdinand Marcos) and Conrad Ricamora (Ninoy Aquino), and played the DJ for a month.

Here Lies Love eventually led Rodriguez to the right people-including film director Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man)--and to his first audition as a TV series regular: playing ex-boyfriend Josh Chan in The CW’s new musicalcomedy, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.

Many of the actors involved with the show—including Santino Fontana, best known as the voice of Hans in Disney’s Frozen—have a theater background. In true musical-fashion, the writers have prepared a killer comedic soundtrack with different musical styles and genres, from 1940s Hollywood to 90s R&B. Rodriguez is excited to use his Broadway theater experience on the TV screen. “Yes, I will be singing,” he said excitedly.

Crazy parallels, crazy in love Being Filipino-American and making waves both onstage and onscreen, Rodriguez faced many challenges as an actor.

“The Filipino community is big into entertainment, karaoke, performance culture. At first, pursuing theater and other talents were more like hobbies for me, until I began taking them seriously,” he said. “And my family noticed too; it wasn’t just a hobby anymore.”

When Rodriguez first auditioned for the title role in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, directed

by Marc Webb (who initially discovered the actor through his character in Here Lies Love), he knew the part was special.

Esteemed writers Aline Brosh McKenna (The Devil Wears Prada) and Rachel Bloom (from Robot Chicken and YouTube’s Rachel Does Stuff ) are a part of the project, and it has a primetime spot (Monday nights at 8pm) on the CW network.

The show follows Rachel Bloom as Rebecca Bunch, a successful, miserable young woman who impulsively leaves her job as a real estate lawyer in New York in search of love and happiness in West Covina, California--also the suburban hometown of her Filipino exboyfriend.

“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend explores this idea of feeling crazy over someone,” said Rodriguez, adding that the show includes themes of family, friendship, and finding home away from home. “When you’re in love, it’s fun, ridiculous, and exciting.”

“As the show progresses, you Photo by Leon Le Photography

player have their solo careers, as well our bass and drum players. But each of us is not allowed to perform a Journey song. Our agreement is a gentleman’s agreement. I’ve been with the band for eight years and we’re going strong. There are plans to do an album.”

Another update is Arnel’s Asianwide talent search is now on its final touches as a World Music Camp.

Asked about his rituals in taking care of his voice, Arnel replies, “I rest and no talking is allowed. When I’m there, I don’t talk. It requires me 100-percent vocal rest. I’m 95 percent tahimik. The five percent is devoted to my performance.”

Behind Arnel’s performer image with strong vocals is the story of an asthmatic. This makes him the perfect advocate to fight asthma and overcome it.

“It was induced through allergies,” he recalls. “I’m allergic to molds, cigarette smoke, smog and dust and animals’ hair. Like in the last three shows of our five shows, I had asthma attack because the arenas were moldy and dusty.”

This is Arnel’s second year as Win Against Asthma ambassador.

Doing an advocacy is never an unfamiliar territory to him.

“I have a foundation where it caters to street children and entices them to go back to school,” Arnel says. “The street is not a good school for them. They need to go to a proper school. Whenever we have a good budget and we get help

from generous donors to secure enough funds, we do medical missions and feeding programs. We also distribute clothes and toys.”

Also part of the advocacy is Teesha Banta, winner of GlaxoSmithKline’s Search for the Winners Against Asthma (SWAA) for the adult category. Christian Lacza, an outstanding public school student, was declared the winner for the youth category. Of the 2,000 applicants, the two were chosen for having shown excellence in their field and resilience in winning over asthma.

“I had my first attack when I was in school. It was Valentine’s Day and my roommate got a bouquet of flowers… The cause was pollen,” recalls Teesha, a student at St. Luke’s College of Medicine and BS Biology graduate at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. “The worst (thing) that happened to me was having asthma attack during examination week. I couldn’t concentrate for I had difficulty breathing.”

Her condition had become disabling to Teesha, but she never gave up. Following the advice of her mom, Cathy, a family medicine doctor and asthmatic herself, Teesha consulted a specialist and finally managed her asthma.

“I want to tell asthmatics that their condition can be controlled and it should not be asthma controlling them,” Teesha says.

“I have overcome it. Compliance

learn what makes Rebecca that way—she’s just a normal girl in love. Each of us have been in a place where we’ve been infatuated with someone or the idea of someone, the idea of love, and we’ve all done pretty crazy things because of it.”

“There’s such a crazy parallel between my character, Josh Chan, and who I am as a person,” he admitted. “From Josh’s personality, his family and friends, and how he grew up--it’s kind of scary.”

Josh Chan is basically “a SoCal Asian bro,” Rodriguez described.

Coming from a family of mixed parents (Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish, just like Rodriguez), Josh--the one that got away--is also finding his place in reality and romance.

“You’re going to meet Josh Chan, find out that he’s Filipino, and see his family values,” Rodriguez shared. “The Chan family dynamic is very true to form--it feels very real to my own family.”

“It’s exciting to see Filipino culture being portrayed in the mainstream,” he added.

“I always wanted to be the ASIAN guy” At the 2014 PaleyFest Fall TV Preview, main actress Rachel Bloom said she wanted the location of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend to be in Southern California, based off her own childhood experience living inland.

“We knew we wanted it to be a fish-out-of-water story, but most of those happen in the Midwest or on the East Coast,” Bloom said this month in an interview with Vulture, adding that she and McKenna were drawn to the number of chain businesses and cultural diversity that San Gabriel Valley is known for. “We also liked how multicultural Southern California

was, which is…what new suburbia is, and will continue to grow and be—people from all different cultures going to the same Applebee’s.”

Since the show is set in a suburb notorious for Asian American (and especially Filipino) families, the writers were careful to make sure actors accurately represented the culture and diversity of West Covina.

“We always wanted the male lead to be Asian,” Bloom shared, “because I grew up with Asian bros, and I hadn’t seen that represented on TV.” Rodriguez is proud to be among a growing number of Asian American series regulars on fall TV. “It’s an honor,” he remarked. “It means that we’ve evolved, that we’re at a new place when it comes to television. It’s breaking ground.”

“You know how there’s always ‘the Black guy,’ or ‘the Mexican guy?’ I always wanted to be the ASIAN guy, the mirror of society,” Rodriguez said.

“As a Filipino actor, I always wanted to be a part of the growth of Asian-American representation on TV and onstage. Now I feel like I’m a part of that journey to exposing modern, cultural America.”

He added, “I’m hoping that my presence in this show will open up the minds of the Filipino community, especially young Filipino men.”

Rodriguez also applauded shows that put Asian-Americans in the forefront, such as ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat, which successfully portrays both the stereotypes and the injustices experienced by the minority community in a fresh, comedic way.

“There are always extremes that exist with all ethnicities, and Continued on Page 4

Jim Paredes tells new voters: Look for a serious candidate

Arnel Pineda enjoys life on the road MANILA—It has been quite a journey for Arnel Pineda being the lead vocalist of the American iconic band Journey. For the past eight years, he has never faltered hitting high notes and never stopped hitting the road. Journey and Arnel show no signs of slowing down, performing before huge crowds in packed arenas.

“My international gigs are doing just fine,” says Arnel. “We just finished around 55 gigs this year. We toured around the US and Canada. We’re on a break now. Next year, we’ll be back on tour doing shows. I’m committed to them for 120 shows in two years. This is (our) journey. It’s a life on the road. We’re talking about state after state. It’s like touring from one country after another. Every night, we are on a private plane. The next day, we’re off for a show.”

When off the road, Arnel is spending quality time with his family in Manila and touching base with Filipino fans. He would appear on ABS-CBN shows like ASAP 20 and It’s Showtime and continue recording songs for an upcoming album, which will be released soon.

“I’ve been doing it for one and a half years,” Arnel gives fans an update on the album. “I couldn’t find time for it. (The only time I have is) in between family and my job with Journey. I have a Christmas song and a slow song. They are all my compositions. (As for a solo career?) Our guitarist and keyboard

Vincent Rodriguez III

Arnel Pineda

with medications is important. My triggers are pollen and change in weather.”

This is the same message that Arnel echoes: “Wag silang masiraan ng loob, there are medicines available (for asthma) and there are doctors asthmatics can trust. The doctors will advise them a proper diet and identify what causes the allergic reaction because there are tests. Marami ng tulong ngayon.

Their doctors can give them a regimen.”

Again, asthma should never control one’s life. Teesha now pursues her dream to become a doctor, specializing in pediatric pulmonology, and will use her story to become a more compassionate physician, creating a partnership with patients. Teesha has done advocacies on female reproductive health before joining SWAA. As for Arnel, he will remain performing with Journey, and the next two years will see him working abroad and back on tour. (Philstar. com)

MANILA—Jim Paredes advises new voters to choose a “serious” political candidate for the 2016 elections.

“The next president will choose ten members of the Supreme Court, who will outlive the president, who will stay there for the longest time.

So if you get a corrupt person or someone na ma-chika-chika lang and everything, we’ll not gonna get good quality of Supreme Court. So I want a serious person to be able to do that,” he replied when asked what advice he has for new voters, in an interview on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

He added: “I firmly believe that Tuwid na Daan had really great gains and I’d really like to support Tuwid na Daan. Grace Poe supports Tuwid na Daan, she said that and so does Mar. Sa akin, I’d rather give it to the people who really did it.”

Paredes is one of the celebrities who is very vocal about his opinions about national issues and the music industry.

“I don’t want somebody who has to learn it again because learning will take another three years,” he said.

The singer-songwriter said he’ll be supporting the Mar Roxas-Leni Robredo tandem in 2016.

“Mar Roxas is humble, doesn’t know how to promote himself, I’m sure he won’t steal from me, that I’m very, very sure,” he replied when asked why he chose Mar-Leni

Jim Paredes is glad that Filipinos are now more vigilant when it comes to national concern and hopes new voters will be careful on who to vote for in 2016.

tandem.

Paredes talked to members of the press to talk about his partnership with Avida for the second edition of the album Tunog Natin: Songs from Home, which is part of the company’s 25th anniversary celebration.

The album contains cover of songs which would make Filipinos remember their roots, Paredes said.

“I’m really happy to be part of this project,” he explained. “My passion is really OPM and I really feel good that Avida doesn’t only bring homes to Filipinos but also supports the culture which is also so important.”

Tunog Natin: Songs from Home is available in iTunes and in Spotify.

(Philstar.com)

Janicel Lubina: I am prepared to compete Beauty titlist ‘pressured but motivated’ to win Miss International crown

AFTER months of extensive training, reigning Binibining Pilipinas-International Janicel Lubina says she is prepared to compete in the 55th Miss International pageant in Japan on Nov. 5.

“I am more motivated now to win the title. I am so thankful for the trainings that Binibining Pilipinas offered to all our queens and I can say that at this point, I am really prepared to compete internationally,” she said in a press conference on Thursday, Oct. 15.

“I am pressured but I have to win,” Lubina said, adding she was “pressured but motivated” after her fellow beauty titlist, Ann Lorraine Colis, was crowned Miss Globe 2015.

“Actually, super pressured ako right now. But I use this as a motivation to push myself,” said

Bb. Pilipinas-International Janicel Lubina

the 20-year-old beauty queen from Palawan.

Despite some negative feedback on social media, Lubina said she remained focused and used the criticisms to improve herself.

“I have to win,” she said, adding that her life story as an ordinary girl from the province served as her motivation.

“I can inspire a lot of girls, especially those from the province,” she said.

Aside from physical and mental training, she also said she had been praying a lot for guidance.

“I know God will guide me,” she said, adding “nothing is impossible.”

Lubina won the Binibining Pilipinas-International title in March.

If she wins the Miss International crown, she will be sixth Filipina to win the title.

Previous Filipina Miss International titlists were Gemma Teresa Cruz (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), Precious Lara Quigaman (2005), and Bea Rose Santiago (2013).

ABundA Philstar.com

SHE’S been through some heartbreak and that’s never easy to survive, especially when it happens in the public eye but Maja Salvador seems to be managing it beautifully.

After the break-up of her relationship with Gerald Anderson, Maja chose wisely to keep quiet and focus on her work instead of talking about her heartbreak to the press. She completed her nationwide dance concert tour, did the primetime series Bridges of Love (which followed the equallysuccessful The Legal Wife) and after another short break, signed on to play the leading lady role opposite Coco Martin in the TV remake of Ang Probinsyano which piloted recently to high nationwide ratings.

Ang Probinsyano is the latest in a series of big steps that Maja is taking, career-wise, this year. Lately that is what she has been about: Breaking new ground and finding new ways of challenging herself artistically.

This is one of the things that she is most grateful for: Through the years, she has been assigned a wide range of roles, and each project she does is different from the last. She thanks her home network and the business units she works with for consistently giving her

projects meant to test new facets of her acting talent each and every time. This has enabled her to grow tremendously as an actor and made her braver about trying new things.

She is grateful for the people she has worked with, that they know what she is all about at this point in her career.

“Alam nila kung paano alagaan ang mga artista nila at alam nilang bigyan ng tamang proyekto kaya ako masaya kasi wala akong nagawang hindi magandang teleserye, na di ko ikaka-proud. I’m super proud of every teleserye I’ve done. Maybe they know the type of roles or characters that I want to play, yung na-cha-challenge talaga ako. Kaya magaganda ang nabibigay sa akin.”

Even online, her presence has been steadily growing. Her viral video in which she dances the popular Twerk it Like Miley craze, has notched more than 10 million views. It seems like right now, there’s no stopping Maja Salvador. “There are lot of big projects happening this year,” she says in grateful acknowledgment to her network, her management and the fans who have been waiting long for this return team-up with Coco Martin. It’s been some four or five years since the two of them worked together in

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AARP launches National Caregiving Awareness Campaign Show kindness to 40 million caregivers during National Family Caregivers month in November

WASHINGTON, DC— November is National Family Caregivers Month and AARP is launching a national campaign to bring awareness to the important role that family caregivers play in the lives of their loved ones.

AARP’s Random Acts of Kindness for Caregivers contest will begin on October 15 with the goal of encouraging people to recognize and reward caregivers – many of whom spend 18 hours per week providing care like bathing, dressing, preparing meals, administering medications, driving to doctor visits or paying bills – in small but meaningful ways.

“Caregiving may be one of the greatest expressions of love and it’s woven into the lives of one in six adults,” says AARP Family and Caregiving Expert Amy Goyer, author of the new book Juggling Life, Work and Caregiving. “A staggering 40 million family caregivers provide support for loved ones and, as a caregiver myself, I know that the smallest acts of kindness – like holding a door for someone pushing a wheelchair, surprising them with flowers, or even taking a caregiver’s dog for a walk – can be memorable moments in the life of a caregiver.”

Maja Salvador Kindness contest to help Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin. family caregivers “To be honest, I’m also excited More than half of caregivers for the fans,” says Maja. “Mga apat say they feel overwhelmed by o limang taon silang naghihintay, the amount of care their family at yung mga taon na ‘yon, sobrang member needs. Through the proud naman ako sa mga fans Random Acts of Kindness for namin ni Coco, kasi todo-suporta Caregivers contest, AARP hopes sila, at talagang hindi sila bumitiw, that by encouraging people to kumapit lang sila at alam nila na show family caregivers small isang araw, magbabalik tambalan signs of support, it might kami at ito na yung pinaka-regalo encourage overwhelmed namin, yung magbalik-tambalan caregivers, free them up to kami ni Coco.” have more time with loved That day has finally come. Even ones they care for, or even give Maja herself is excited to be playing them personal time to relax and the role of Coco’s love interest in Ang rejuvenate. Those sharing simple Probinsyano. It was a long wait, but acts of kindness are encouraged like all good things it will surely prove to submit stories and a photo of their random acts to the contest to be worth it in the end.

Maja Salvador: Braver to try new things

by Boy

october 16-22, 2015 www.asianjournal.com

website found at www.aarp. org/caregiverkindness. In March, AARP will select 12 winners who have made a meaningful difference in the lives of family caregivers. The winners will share a $10,000 prize.

24 Hours inside a caregiver’s world The October issue of AARP The Magazine is taking readers inside the hearts and homes of caregivers across the country.

Through pictures, videos and compelling stories, readers will learn about ordinary people caring for spouses, friends, children, and parents. Some of the families featured live with the people they care for and one caregiver has to board a plane frequently to care for her mom.

Overall, the face of caregiving is changing. While most caregivers are women, 40 percent of caregivers are men.

Surprisingly, 1 in 4 caregivers is a Millennial (between the ages of 18 and 34) and 60 percent of caregivers provide care for an adult while working outside of the home, requiring them to balance caregiving and work responsibilities.

Virtual Family Caregiving Fair To help caregivers like the ones featured in AARP The Magazine, AARP is hosting a Virtual Family Caregiving Fair that will take place on Thursday, November 19, 2015 from 12pm – 4pm EST. From the comfort of a home or office, a caregiver can register and join the free fair online at aarp.org/familycarefair.

During the virtual fair, a caregiver can tour the exhibit hall with over 15 booths showcasing various caregiving resources and programs, enter a “mix and mingle” lounge to connect with experts and other caregivers through online chats, visit a virtual auditorium to view scheduled and on-demand

presentations and videos, and explore a library with additional resources for caregivers.

For more information about how AARP is supporting National Family Caregivers Month and for more caregiving resources, visit the AARP Caregiving Resource Center at http://www.aarp.org/ caregiving.

AARP AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse.

We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world’s largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www. aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

(Advertising Supplement)

october 16-22, 2015 www.asianjournal.com

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Diverse consumers overwhelmingly optimistic about financial future Wells Fargo survey affirms African American, Asian and Hispanic communities more hopeful about finances, managing credit than general population

SAN FRANCISCO—Diverse consumers feel optimistic about the current US economic outlook, according to the third “How American Buys and Borrows” survey by Wells Fargo & Company and Ipsos. Eighty-eight percent of diverse consumers surveyed report having a positive outlook compared to 79 percent of the general population - a seven percent increase from last year for diverse consumers. This is the second wave of data Wells Fargo has released as part of its annual support of the American Bankers Association’s Get Smart About Credit campaign.

When asked about personal finances, on average 60 percent of African American, Asian and Hispanic consumers said they expect their financial situation to be “somewhat” or “much” better a year from now, compared to 48 percent of the general population.

The survey, fielded in June 2015, measured attitudes and behaviors about finances and managing credit of more than 1,000 African American, Asian and Hispanic consumers.

“Our vision of helping customers succeed financially means making sure our customers know where to go for the information and resources they need to take charge of their credit.

That’s why we support Get Smart About Credit month to ensure we’re highlighting the tools and resources they need to make informed credit choices,” said Shelley Freeman, head of Wells Fargo’s Consumer Credit Solutions group. “With optimism high, it’s especially important that we continue to offer our diverse customers access to the information and resources they need.”

Survey results – diverse communities more hopeful than general population When looking at diverse communities, the findings unveiled that, similar to the general population, diverse consumers believe that when used wisely, loans and credit can help individuals reach their financial goals. However, diverse communities vary in how proud they are about their own credit scores. Among the general population, 51 percent of consumers report feeling proud of their credit score, compared to 59 percent of Asians, 34 percent of African Americans and 48 percent of Hispanics who report the same.

Though diverse consumers are optimistic, their confidence levels are lower. Fifty-one percent of Asians, 46 percent of African Americans and 53 percent of Hispanics compared report feeling

they may not know enough about making good borrowing decisions compared to 58 percent of the general population.

10 Tips to get smarter about credit Good credit helps with more than borrowing. It can factor into everything from renting an apartment and getting a cell phone, to landing a job. Lenders, landlords, utility providers, and employers can all review credit reports when making decisions. Here are 10 tips to help manage credit: • Monitor your credit regularly • Know your credit limits • Know that good scores = good rates • Don’t make late payments • Know your debt-to-income ratio • Start with a college or secured credit card • Pay down highest interest rates first • Live within your means • Pay more than the minimum • Set up account and autopay alerts For more information about ways to establish or improve credit – or better manage debt – consumers can visit Wells Fargo’s Smarter Credit Center online at and our free financial education program, Hands on Banking.

(Advertising Supplement)

Vincent RoDRiguez iii

On facing challenges as an Asian American...

From Page 2 it’s nice to be a part of a show that explores these identities, and portrays who we really are: people with a specific background and a place,” he said, regarding comedies [like Fresh Off the Boat and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend] that put Asian-Americans in starring roles.

“We’re showing the world our reality--sometimes, that can be

EMPLOYMENT

painful and uncomfortable. But it can also be funny.”

Be who you are To aspiring actors, musicians, dancers, and entertainers of every color, Rodriguez offers a simple piece of advice that is reflected throughout his new show: be who you are.

“Be open to yourself, to new experiences, to your interests,

and never let anyone tell you you can’t do something. As an actor, you get to create who you want to be, and become who you really are. Be kind to yourself, strive to be the best in whatever you choose to do. Love your life, and live it joyfully, fully, and authentically.”

It just might make you a little crazy.

EMPLOYMENT

Award-winning landscape architect Firm Summers/Murphy & Partners wins five prestigious awards DANA POINT—Summers/ Murphy & Partners, Inc., a prominent, award-winning landscape architectural design firm led by President/CEO Patrick Murphy, recently won top honors at two of the building industry’s most distinguished awards galas — the 2015 SoCal Awards held at the Grove of Anaheim and the 2015 BIA Icon Awards at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla. The highly regarded firm proudly accepted five prestigious awards, each underscoring their longstanding reputation for excellence and reaffirming their reputation as one of Southern California’s most respected and accomplished landscape architectural firms.

Their 2015 SoCal Award wins include Master Planned Community of the Year for Beacon Park at Great Park Neighborhoods

by FivePoint™ Communities, Best Model Complex Landscape Design for The Estates at Del Sur

by Standard Pacific Homes; Best Outdoor Living Space for Capri Collection at Hidden Canyon – Capri Plan by Toll Brothers; and Home of the Year for Toll Brothers’ Capri Collection – Capri Plan.

They were also honored with Best Landscape Design-Single Family for The Estates at Del Sur

by Standard Pacific Homes at the Icon Awards.

Presented by the Greater Sales & Marketing Council and BIA of Southern California, the

SoCal Awards pays tribute to the southern California’s best and brightest in all facets of professional achievement ranging from sales and marketing to merchandising and design, while The Icon Awards, presented by the Building Industry Association of San Diego County, recognizes the region’s most outstanding contributors (Builder, Trade and Design Professionals) who have distinguished themselves by working hard to deliver their best each day for the betterment of the industry.

“We are thrilled that our peers at the SoCal and Icon Awards have distinguished our hard work with such prestigious recognition.

With so many gifted landscape architects in our region, we consider this a terrific honor that our entire team cherishes,” said Pat Murphy, president and CEO of Summers/Murphy & Partners, Inc. “Part of what makes landscape architecture so rewarding is the challenges we face that inspire our creativity and ultimately lead us to a solution that complements a home’s architecture and enriches the entire residential environment.

We couldn’t accomplish any of these goals without the vision and passion of our team at Summers/Murphy & Partners and I would like to congratulate every one who took part in making these communities worthy of

FOR SALE

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such amazing accolades.”

Summers/Murphy & Partners, Inc. has provided landscape architectural services to builders, developers and master-planned communities in California, Hawaii, Nevada, Arizona and other Western states since 1960, and for elaborate master-planned communities in the Middle East, China and Russia. The company prides itself on its team approach to design development. They also pride themselves on their diverse client list, and the loyalty they have inspired among their professional affiliations throughout the years.

The company has designed and planned memorable environments for all types of projects including affordable attached developments, singlefamily detached homes, custom residences, master-planned communities, senior housing, hospitality, national and international resorts, industrial parks, commercial centers, golf courses and playgrounds.

Summers/Murphy & Partners, Inc. corporate offices are located at 34197 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 200, Dana Point CA 92629; 979 Osos Street, Suite B6, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401; and 7114 Stetson Drive, Suite 350, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. For more information, visit www.smpinc. net, or call (949) 443-1446.

(Advertising Supplement)

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Conclusion of 3 parts)

VIGAN has plenty of other points of interest to offer. Go see Chavit Singson’s “Baluarte” or “fortress” —it’s name emblazoned on a rise for all to see. As of this writing, Chavit has a collection of exotic animals which include about nine tigers and a lion, ostriches, deer, a yellow snake, ducks, a stable full of miniature horses and on the softer, gentler side, a butterly garden of over 500 varieties. It’s open to the public and there are still no entrance fees at this time.

All you need do is to tip the guides generously for the time and trouble it takes to bring you around. Be warned that not everyone is given the privilege of touring the innards of his private house. It’s a selective process and largely the luck of the draw. The grapevine tells me that occasionally, the man who is seen frequently with Manny Pacquio, if he is in the mood, conducts the tour himself. I suppose that depending on the timing, the volume of the crowds and how you come across to the guide on the day you visit, you may be given the chance to explore Chavit’s Baluarte, which is appropriately named. It sits atop a strategic high point of Vigan real estate, that can give advance warning of the approach of enemies from the ground and air, in times of war while affording a magnificent nearly 180 degree view of the horizon where the sky and the South China Sea merge and meet seamlessly in deep shades of shimmering blue during quiet times.

Chavit’s older house sits on a bluff and can be accessed by stairs carved in stone from the reception area where Aries, our guide, gave us a comprehensive tour of Baluarte and its features.

There’s a lot of thought that went into this house and it shows.

Chavit Singson is the colorful, controversial self-proclaimed “Tiger of Ilocos” and two color photo cut-outs of Chavit cuddling with two of his pet tigers meant to greet visitors to his enclave make sure you remember that image of power, strength and wile clearly. You somehow wait and

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Begone to Vigan!

Chavit’s ‘Baluarte’

‘Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.

So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor.

Catch the tradewinds in your sails.

Explore. Dream. Discover.’

— Mark Twain

century careers and professional opportunities will be enhanced by young people with STEM expertise, so we strongly encourage high school seniors from SCE’s service area who qualify to apply for the Edison Scholarship.”

Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or above and either live in or attend public or private high schools in SCE’s service area. High school seniors must demonstrate financial need and plan to be a full-time undergraduate student majoring in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, industrial engineering, computer sciences/ info system, environmental engineering or environmental sciences at a four-year college or university.

Students from underserved communities and ethnic minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

To apply and get additional eligibility information, students

are encouraged to go to: scholarsapply.org/edisonscholars.

Scholarship recipients will be announced next April.

Recipients may also be eligible for summer internships at SCE after completing their second year of college.

Edison International’s support of charitable causes such as the Edison Scholars Program is funded entirely by Edison International shareholders. SCE customers’ utility bill payments do not fund company donations.

In addition, dependents of Edison International employees are not eligible for the Edison Scholars Program.

Edison International Edison International (NYSE: EIX), through its subsidiaries, is a generator and distributor of electric power and an investor in infrastructure and energy assets, including renewable energy.

Headquartered in Rosemead, Calif., Edison International is the parent company of Southern California Edison.

BINANGONAN TOWN FIESTA 2015. In celebration of the Feast of Sta. Ursula, the Binangonan Association of Southern California is inviting all their kababayan for its Annual Fiesta Celebration on Saturday, 24 October 2015 at The Holiday Inn, Buena Park, CA. For further inquiries, please contact Aleht Membrebe at (562) 659-1506 or Olan Celestial at (323) 356-3090.

Extreme hardship waiver guidance to be revised by USCIS

What’s new and what’s next

Atty. JEff KhurgEl

ON October 7, 2015 USCIS released draft policy guidance regarding the “extreme hardship” threshold that Waiver of Inadmissibility applicants must reach. The draft guidance is now in its comments period, which closes on November 23, after which time USCIS will formalize its new policy.

The new policy will clarify and consolidate the extreme hardship listen for the movie soundtrack of after all that can size up its quarry standard which adjudicators use in deciding whether to grant US Rocky’s “Eye of the Tiger” to play with quick accuracy. immigration benefits. off the sound system dramatically There is a sparkling pool, By way of background, to complete the presentation. waterfall and a gazebo. The water There’s nothing of the sort though. supply and plumbing system must admissibility is a requirement for US entry and immigration For the moment, you forget the be top grade or all that green benefits. A person is controversy he was embroiled in, sweep of the land would turn “inadmissible” if something in the “Jueteng gate” that helped to brown crud in the oppressive their past renders them ineligible topple one Philippine presidency tropical heat, not to mention for US entry or immigration years ago as you explore his lair, or the stink that would reek from benefits. In such scenarios, come to think of it, perhaps this is the animal droppings, if water the individual can overcome just one among others. After all, a were scarce. Everything is neat their inadmissibility if the US really smart tiger in a jungle full of and clean and odor-free. Credit Citizenship and Immigration foes, must have two strongholds the man for his intelligence and Services (“USCIS”) approves at least, one public and another thorough planning. Manicured, a waiver of the ground of one, far beyond probing eyes. velvet green lawns and trim inadmissibility. A waiver can be Baluarte was still a work in grounds on the basin below granted if the USCIS adjudicator progress about 5 years ago. The where well-fed animals are kept believes that “extreme hardship” concrete, multi-storied turret-like, by a bevy of trained keepers, would result to a qualifying round, glass-walled structure — a attendants and groundskeepers relative if the waiver is not Viganesque version of the Tower attest to that. granted. of Babel under construction at the A chapel stands just before For years, immigration time, standing on its toes to kiss the approach to the house and attorneys and officers have the skies, is now complete and is grounds itself. You can’t help struggled to find a truly clear and part of the attraction for curious noting a rich man’s toy— a consistent understanding of what tourists. bright yellow 2-man submarine constitutes extreme hardship.

But the older house itself is gathering dust like a fish out of Naturally, any time an individual interesting, holding insights to the water— splayed hopelessly just is to be separated from family, owner’s personality, eccentricities, beside the cooped up South “extreme hardship” – as the taste and preferences. Its size is American alpaca probably term is commonly used – can be unimposing and its proportions wondering what the heck he presumed. However, in practice, just right using the principles of is doing in Vigan instead of classic bilateral symmetry and grazing an Andean mountainside. the “extreme hardship” that must be shown in order to receive a wide open spaces. It’s glass walls Ostriches strut about chasing a waiver for US immigration is a allow as much light as it can flock of ducks on the grounds. take. The principles of feng shui A “tiger” such as this one with much higher standard. Indeed, mere familial separation is not is practiced here, or so it seems. the financial clout and strong enough.

It uses huge mahjong tiles as and loyal political base can The recent draft guidance décor on its wrap-around glass always hold his own jostling and is important as it seeks to clarify walls while climate controlled moving with the powers-that-be and consolidate guidance as to air conditioning keeps the while surrounding himself with a how USCIS will make extreme temperature just comfortable. coterie of armed bodyguards for hardship determinations.

A life size stuffed toy tiger sits self-preservation. It takes serious Federal Courts, the Board of draped atop the grand piano. money to build, maintain and A multi-gallon aquarium of preserve a place such as Baluarte. Immigration Appeals and earlier USCIS guidance have created exotic fish blends unobtrusively, To his credit, he shares the place the standards that have been quietly with the surroundings for the public to enjoy as well. established over time, however it while a stand of black-faced Altruism? Perhaps. Ego massage? is thought that the final version computers line one side. A stack You decide. of books on a side table by the Begone to Vigan. With its old sofa on a surprisingly wide range and new facets, it is well worth of classical subjects give an the trip.

The insight to the man’s intellectual * ** Metamorphosis pursuits. Or it can all be for show, Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send depending on your persuasion comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ and perception of the man himself. The tiger is a wily creature asianjournalinc.com ErniE D. DElfin

Application period runs through Feb. 1 for $1.2 million Edison Scholars Program ROSEMEAD—Edison International’s $1.2 million Edison Scholars Program, which helps high school seniors realize their dreams of attending college and pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM), announces the start of its 2015-16 application period running today through Feb. 1.

Thirty high school students in Southern California Edison’s (SCE) service territory are each awarded a $40,000 scholarship paid over four years. Since 2006, Edison International, SCE’s parent company, has awarded nearly $4 million in scholarships to more than 490 Edison Scholars.

“Our Edison Scholars Program helps low-income and underrepresented students pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Tammy Tumbling, SCE’s director of Philanthropy and Community Investment. “Twenty-first

Immigration Essentials

(Part 1 of 2)

“BE the change you want to see in this world!” - Mahatma Gandhi This is the last of my Homecoming Series, expatiating my random thoughts how we Filipinos can assist our country to progress economically, morally and politically without the need of a bloody revolution. Since the Philippines is considered a Christian nation, (approximately 85 percent consider themselves Catholics), I dare say, however, that what many Filipinos do to each other and his country -- from graft and corruption to human exploitation to lack of social justice -- is unChristian living. It is contrary to the teachings of the Gospel.

Otherwise there would be no illgotten wealth, unsolved murders, robberies, killings and abductions in Mindanao. Those were the daily staple in the news when I was in the homeland.

As I was mentally preparing this column, serendipitously I went to watch the movie War Room, thinking that it is full of action with a winning war strategy. Lo and behold it was not -- yet I enjoyed it as the underlying message was to “surrender” -- that we alone cannot change a person, because Somebody Bigger than you and me is always in charge. The movie is about living out your faith and that you need Jesus to fight the good fight for you and your family. The Good Book (2 Chronicles 2:14) says, “Then if my people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sins and will heal their land.”

It is really not just a mortal sin or criminal offense but obscenely immoral to have so much poverty, due to massive corruption in government, that contributed greatly to the unconscionable disparity of wealth, resources or income

of the draft memorandum will consolidate the past policy. The nascent memo already reminds us of the 2009 Neufeld/Scialabba/ Chang USCIS Memorandum on Unlawful Presence, which consolidated decades of disparate inadmissibility guidance into a helpful and concise guide.

Here are six key takeaways from the October 7, 2015 Extreme Hardship Draft Guidance: • Aggregation The guidance clarifies that establishing extreme hardship does not require showing that one single hardship, taken alone, rises to the level of “extreme.”

Instead, all relevant hardship factors “must be considered in the aggregate, not in isolation.” Non-Qualifying Relative Hardship • Non-Qualifying Relative Hardship While the definition of a “qualifying relative” is fixed and defined by status, the guidance proposes that hardship to nonqualifying relatives can also be considered. The extreme hardship to the non-qualifying relative would be considered with respect to the hardship caused to the qualifying relative.

• Separation vs. Relocation Under the current standard, the waiver applicant is required to show Extreme Hardship to the qualifying relative in two scenarios: 1) due to separation if the Waiver Applicant is removed from the US; and 2) due to relocation if the qualifying relative is forced to reside in the Waiver Applicant’s country.Under the Draft Guidance Memo, the Waiver Applicant can show that the extreme hardship standard has been met by showing that either separation or relocation would cause extreme hardship.

However, a threshold must first be met: the applicant would need to first prove that it is reasonably foreseeable that the qualifying relative would relocate abroad if relocation hardship is being argued.

• Presumption It is hoped that the final version of the Policy Memorandum will contain reference to instances under which adjudicators can presume that the hardship standard has been met, thus alleviating inconsistent adjudications and providing clarity to applicants and their families.

In the guidance’s current draft form, reference as to such a presumption is not present.

• Special Circumstances According to the Draft Guidance Memo, the following circumstances would act as strong factors favoring an Extreme Hardship finding, including if the qualifying relative: 1. Is an asylee or refugee; 2. Has a US governmentrecognized disability; 3. Would face substantial disruption to childcare caused by the separation; 4. Is on active military duty; or 5. If the Department of State has issued travel warnings for the Waiver Applicant’s home country • What’s next?

USCIS will review the public comments until November 23, and then formalize its final policy memorandum with respect to the extreme hardship standard.

As we previously wrote, USCIS has also released a proposed rule to expand the Provisional Waiver. The comments period for that proposed rule ended on September 21st. It is possible that the extreme hardship memorandum will be released to coincide with the final expanded provisional waiver rule. Final guidance as to the extreme hardship standard, the Provisional Waiver expansion, or both, will be most likely be released late this year or early next year. *** Atty. Khurgel is a former USCIS and Department of State Embassy Officer with over ten years of government service and private immigration practice experience. His offices are located in Irvine, California.

12 Simple things Filipinos can do to help PH progress morally, economically and politically between the upper ONE percent vs. the 99 percent of our population. Stories abound of too much money of many politicians who made fortunes while they are in government, enriching their families and cronies at the expense of the poor. It is a common knowledge that even poor politicians a decade or two ago are now wallowing in wealth, and want to perpetuate the status quo forever! This socio-political cancer is a microcosm of Philippine society today that hinders real progress, ethical and transparent governance.

This coming May 2016 elections, Filipinos are given another chance to elect better and moral leaders to lead them to the “Promised Land.”

Patterned after my friend, Alex Lacson’s book, Faith in the Filipino: 12 Wonderful Things about the Filipino & Our Motherland, as a Filipino who still loves his country despite living in the US for four decades, please allow this writer to recommend some 12 “simple things” to do in addition to seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness (sa Diyos ang awa, sa tao ang gawa) and doing our best to follow the Ten Commandments. (Thank you my dearest friend, Alex, for your books that you have given me as your gifts to our kababayans.

And also for the stimulating conversations we had over dinner with your political-reformist friends, last month!)

1. If you are an ordinary citizen, please do not depend on any politicians or so-called leaders (in government, church or business) to change your life, economically or educationally.

God has given all of us the talent, common sense, limbs and hands to work for our own basic needs of food, shelter and clothing, and to educate our children. Working hard and diligently does not kill anyone. Don’t sell your vote and your dignity as a human being.

2. If you are a politician, from the local government, live within

your legal salary and do not steal from the government coffers. Be ashamed (delicadeza) and never live extravagantly using money stolen from the government. Do not buy votes and do not exploit the people who already have the least in our society. During the Commonwealth and a decade or so after that, public position used to be a position of public trust.

And government officials then were called public servants. Can you be a public servant again, or better still, a servant leader?

3. If you are a teacher, please teach your students that good manners and right conduct, eventually win in the game of life. The formative years are most important when ethics and morality are necessary ingredients in a civil and just society.

4. If you are a student, your primary duty is to learn as much and acquire the knowledge that you need to have to become a useful member of society. Being self-sufficient, and not a burden to society is your foremost obligation. Your education is your best insurance to be economically and socially stable when you grow up and have your own family. Learn to avoid the prevalent “instant gratification mentality.” Instead be disciplined to work harder and then enjoy the “delayed gratification” that comes afterwards.

5. If you are an employer, pay your employees justly and if at all possible a living wage. Don’t exploit them by laying them off after a few months of working in your one of your companies, and then rehiring them in another company, just to avoid paying them their legal employee’s fringe benefits, like health care insurance, vacation or sick leaves. *** Food for thought: “We who are free must use our freedom to help those who are not, gain their own freedom” - Abraham Lincoln *** Email: ernie.delfin@gmail.com Website: www.gkerc.org

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