Orange County/Inland Empire -- October 09 - 15, 2015

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Binay presidency to push tax reform bill If elected President, Vice President Jejomar Binay will push for income tax reform and certify as urgent bills shelved by the current administration. moreover, Binay will call for bipartisan support in the next Congress to refile the bills, the Vice President’s spokesman on political affairs and lawyer, rico Quicho, said The opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) is set to launch in Cebu City the tandem of Vice President in a statement on thursday.

“We must adjust the existJejomar Binay and Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan for the 2016 elections.

Philstar.com photo

ing tax brackets to current inflation rates. our tax system must be seen as fair, meaning those with fat pay checks should pay higher taxes than those whose pay checks are less. Inflation-adjusted tax brackets, albeit reduction of tax revenues, are simply just,” he added.

Quicho said supposedly surging clamor to reform the income tax system—including calls from 18 groups

ranging from business, trade, professional and labor sectors–has fallen on deaf ears. “the house of representatives has shelved the bill slashing income tax just days after the President met the tax cut proponents from both house of representatives and the senate,” he added.

Quicho said filing of the tax reform bills in the house and senate by marikina City (metro manila) rep. romero

federico Quimbo and sen.

Juan edgardo Angara, respectively, was a wasted opportunity to show that the Aquino administration was not insensitive to its “bosses.” he noted that an ordinary worker pays three months’ worth of the wages he earns a year in taxes, only to get inept service from the government in return. (ManilaTimes.net)

US Navy ship plans to sail near China’s newly-buit artificial islands BeIJING—Beijing expressed “serious concern” on thursday about a reported Us plan to challenge China’s south China sea territorial claims by sailing a Navy ship near one of its newly built artificial islands. the Us newspaper Navy Times reported on Wednesday, oct. 9 that the Navy may soon receive approval for the mission to sail inside the 22-kilometer (12-nautical mile) terPH-US JOINT MILITARY EXERCISES. Philippine and US Marine troops simulate a ritorial limit surrounding one boat raid by using a Riverine Utility Craft during joint military exercises at the of the man-made structures.

Marine Base Gregorio Lim in Ternate, Cavite on Thursday, Oct. 8. that would drive home Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande PAGE A2

DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Homeland Security to create parole program for Filipino WWII vets the Department of homeland security (Dhs) is gearing up to implement a program that allows certain family members of filipino and filipino-American World War II veterans to receive parole to come to the United states. following President Barack obama’s executive actions on immigration announced last November, a White house report recommended a few ways that federal agencies can “modernize and streamline” the immigration system.

PAGE A3

Gov. Brown signs historic right-to-die bill for California CALIforNIA Gov. Jerry Brown on monday, oct. 5, signed landmark legislation that allows physicians to prescribe lethal doses of drugs to terminally ill patients wishing to end their lives. his signature comes about three weeks after the measure cleared the state Legislature and will make California the fifth state where aid in dying is legal.

In a signing statement, Brown, a lifelong Catholic and former Jesuit seminarian, said he carefully weighed the viewpoints of those opposed to PAGE A3

Customs vows to speed up cargo inspection as holiday season nears

by Prinz

Magtulis Philstar.com

mANILA—In preparation for the Christmas season, the Bureau of Customs has tightened its rules on holding up suspected cargoes for inspection to fast track their release and avoid a repeat of a port congestion last year. “effective immediately, shipments can only be held through a validly issued alert order. Any official, employee or person who aids in detaining a shipment in a manner not compliant with this shall be subject to administrative and criminal actions,” Customs said in a statement on thursday, oct. 8.

Alert orders are issued to shipments which are found to have contain potential illegal imports or in violation of existing trade laws. the order allows Customs to conduct personal inspection aside from the common X-ray evaluation.

PAGE A2

VICE PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANTS. Sen. Bongbong Marcos (inset) announced on Monday, Oct. 5 that he has decided to run for vice president in the 2016 elections. Also on Monday, Camarines Sur Rep. Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo accepted the Liberal Party’s offer to run with administration standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II. Inquirer. net, Malacañang photos

Bongbong Marcos, Leni Robredo announce bid for PH vice president by agnes

constante AJPress

ferDINAND “Bongbong” marcos, Jr., the son of late former president ferdinand marcos, and Camarines sur rep. Leni robredo, have joined the pool of Philippine vice presidential contenders for the 2016 presidential election. marcos, Jr., on monday, oct. 5, declared his bid for the position

without attaching himself to a presidential candidate. robredo, on monday, formally accepted the offer to run alongside Liberal Party presidential contender mar roxas. the announcement of the two new bids brings the total of vice presidential candidates to six. other candidates for the post include sens. francis escudero, Antonio tillanes IV, Alan Peter Cayetano and Gregorio “Gringo” honasan.

Does DACA make you more dateable?

by Michael lozano

New America Media / Long Beach VoiceWaves

LoNG BeACh—two years ago, everything seemed to fall into place for Chando Kem, from his mental state to his work and love life. that was when the Long Beach resident applied for and received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a program that grants certain undocumented youth temporary relief from deportation, a social security number, and a permit to work.

“Now I’m not afraid to walk anywhere,” said the native of Cambodia who has lived most of his life undocumented.

Kem may only be 21, but he has been through a lot. he’s worked under the ta-

Photo courtesy of New America Media

ble and been robbed of overtime pay due to him. Without an I.D., he’s missed out on memories with friends at clubs. Without a license, he has had to pick up his dates on the bus, sometimes being late. Deportation was always

at the back of his mind. “my whole life got better,” said Kem, laughing, after he qualified for the program in february 2013. “mentally, I feel more relief and more legitimate. I’m not going to be PAGE A3

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robredo is the only female candidate and contender from the house of representatives.

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos marcos, in a statement announcing his bid, said he believes elected officials have an obligation to their people to help change the country’s history by eliminating “the politics of personality,” which he credits as a large reason the Philippines has bePAGE A2

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From the Front Page

Bongbong Marcos, Leni Robredo announce... US Navy ship plans to sail near...

PAGE A1 come a corrupt state where the wealth divide continually widens.

“I have decided to put my political fortune in the hands of the Filipino people. I humbly ask them to judge whether or not I am worthy of their trust to be vicepresident on the strength of my performance as a public servant in the last 26 years,” he said.

While there have been talks of Marcos pairing up with Vice President Jejomar Binay, he said they were “mere speculations.”

Binay was a human rights attorney who battled the dictatorship of Marcos’ late father, former President Ferdinand Marcos. The vice president was also an ally of former President Corazon Aquino, Marcos’ rival.

“Any team-up with the Vice President must be rooted on a shared vision for our country, a common platform of government as well as political perspectives,” Marcos said.

The vice presidential candidate did not address allegations of mass corruption and rights violations against his late father, The Associated Press reported. Every year, the Philippines still marks the anniversary of when the Marcos regime was overthrown in 1986 as a victory of democracy.

Leni Robredo Robredo, the widow of former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, was initially hesitant about accepting Roxas’ offer, particularly given her three daughters’ opposition to her running for the

position. However, she said she decided to move forward with it because she was certain it is what her husband would have wanted, Inquirer reported.

“I am not Jesse. But when he died, it was clear to us, his family, that he was hoping that we too will have to sacrifice to the best of our abilities, similar to his sacrifices, to contribute to our nation,” she told Inquirer.

As the sole female running for vice president, the Carminas Sur representative is likely to receive little criticism from her male rivals, Majority floor leader Neptali Gonzales II said in a press conference.

“It’s going to be a problem for the men in next year’s elections.

In our culture, women are usually spared from criticism by men,” Gonzales said in Filipino, according to Inquirer.

Gonzales also called Robredo “a breath of fresh air” for the Liberal Party.

“Nakikita ko sa kaniya yung manner that she speaks, sincere at makikita mo ang kaniyang intelligence (I can see in the manner that she speaks that she is sincere, and you can see her intelligence),” Gonzales said, according to Inquirer.

Binay without a running mate With the new announcements and as the 2016 election edges closer, Binay remains the only presidential candidate without a running mate.

The selection committee of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA)

announced Tuesday, Oct. 6, that it is formally requesting for Sen. Gringo Honasan to become Binay’s running mate in 2016, Philstar reported.

Honasan rejected a potential partnership with Binay in late September, but his party mates said he would probably change his mind for the UNA, where he serves as vice president, Rappler reported.

“Senator Honasan is very easy to talk to because he is a party member,” UNA Secretary-General JV Bautista previously told Rappler. “It just takes some negotiation. In the case of Senator Bongbong, it’s more complicated because he is a member of the Nacionalista Party.”

Binay had previously considered Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, Sen. Grace Poe and Roxas as possible running mates, but each of them rejected offers to join him.

In August, Binay indicated Marcos was his preferred partner, despite contradictions that would exist given their political histories.

Should a Binay-Honasan partnership emerge, it would also contain its own set of discrepancies. Both politicians participated in support of the EDSA People Power Revolution that ousted former president Ferdinand Marcos in 1986, but Honasan led two unsuccessful coups against Aquino; Binay defended Aquino from those attempts.

PAGE A1 Washington’s stance that the artificial islands do not constitute sovereign territory and build a legal case under international law for the US position, the newspaper said.

Five other governments also claim the region in part or in total. The United States doesn’t take a formal position on sovereignty but insists on freedom of navigation in the vital sea lanes and airspace above.

Asked about the report at a daily briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said China had long made clear its position on the South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety, along with its islands, reefs and atolls.

“I have not noticed the latest report you have mentioned.

However, having heard what you said, we express serious concern about it,” Hua said.

China and the United States have discussed the issue on numerous occasions, including during President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Washington last month,

Hua said.

“We hope the US can look upon the current situation of the South China Sea from an objective and fair perspective and play a constructive role together with China in keeping the peace and stability in the South China Sea,” Hua said.

The Navy Times report said rumors had been circulating since May about plans to send a ship through China’s claimed territorial waters. It cited three Pentagon officials speaking on background as saying that Navy officials now believe “approval of the mission is imminent.”

It’s not clear how China might respond to such an action, although Beijing issued a formal protest over an incident in May in which a Chinese Navy dispatcher demanded eight times that a US Navy P8-A Poseidon surveillance aircraft leave the area as it flew over Fiery Cross Reef, where China has conducted extensive reclamation work.

The US crew responded that they were flying through international airspace.

The United States and its allies, including the Philippines, have repeatedly called on China to stop the massive island construction, saying it has increased tensions in an increasingly militarized area and threatened regional stability.

They say the project, which includes the construction of buildings, ports and airstrips, violates a 2002 regional pact signed by Beijing which urges rival claimants not to undertake new construction or take any step that would worsen tensions.

Speaking in July, the commander of the US Pacific Fleet, Adm. Scott Swift, said Washington did not recognize any of the territorial claims and its position won’t change even if disputed areas are reinforced by construction work.

“We recognize those claims as being contested and the contested nature of those claims is unchanged despite the reclamation efforts of any country, any country, not just China,” Swift said. (Inquirer.net with reports from AP)

Customs vows to speed up cargo inspection...

PAGE A1 Seeing potential abuse in holding up cargoes, the lifting of an alert order by Office of the Commissioner should act as a free-pass to the shipment which should not be held by any other Customs official.

Cargo forwarders are on overdrive 24 hours a day for the holidays.

Previously, alert orders can be issued and lifted by the commissioner, deputy commissioners for intelligence and enforcement groups as well as all district collectors. The new regulations limit the lifting of the alert order to the Customs chief and the district collector in charge of the shipment.

“A shipment already alerted and examined shall not be subject to another alert or examination to minimize unnecessary costs for importers,” the bureau said.

“Once the alert order has been lifted and the shipment has been tagged in the On-Line Release System, no alerting office can hold it any further for whatever reason, unless a recommendation is submitted to the commissioner for an issuance of a special stop order,” it explained.

Agaton Uvero, deputy commissioner for assessment and operations coordinating group, said the new rules will help prevent congestion at the country’s ports during the holiday season when shipments dramatically increase.

Inquirer.net photo

“(This) will address the apprehensions of… traders, importers, shipping lines and forwarders with regard to the possible repeat of the port congestion problems last year which resulted (in) billions of losses to the business community,” Uvero was quoted in the statement as saying.

Manila ports got congested last year after an expanded a truck ban in the Metro extended hours trucks were not allowed to ply the area. The move was intended to ease heavy traffic, but businesses said this also delayed deliveries to outlets.

After seven months, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada lifted his order.

Customs manages the country’s ports and collects state revenues through its trade facilitation mandate.

As of August, the bureau, which traditionally accounts for a fifth of state revenues, has collected P235.6 billion, inching up by 1 percent from last year, Treasury data showed.

It is tasked to collect P436.59 billion this year.

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Dateline USa

Does DACA make you more dateable?

PAGE A1 deported.”

Since it was launched by President Obama in 2012, DACA has benefitted the lives of over680,000 people like Kem so far, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data.

Besides a healthier state of mind, Kem now has a betterpaying job as an outreach ambassador for Long Beach City College.

“Prior to that, I felt like I was stuck in limbo, not being able to grow,” said Kem, who worked only under the table jobs before.

Kem used to work as a wedding server at a Long Beach restaurant, juggling school part-time. He often served during breaks and was not paid the overtime hours he performed.

“It was rough because I worked from 6 PM to 3 AM. We were always understaffed. Yeah, it was tiring,” Kem recalled.

He estimates the employer robbed him of “a few thousand” dollars in overtime.

Now that he has a work permit through DACA, Kem was able to find a job that he loves.

“This job is awesome. They work with my schedule. They respect my time,” said Kem, who provides college resources to high school students. “I want to reach the undocumented kids that feel shy,” he said.

Free from deportation, and with a better job, dates on the bus are also no more: Kem has a driver’s license, and it does not have the distinguishing mark that AB 60 licenses have.

Some immigrants feared that the mark, which states “Federal Limits Apply,” may lead to profiling.

“I can commute wherever I want, whenever I want,” said Kem, who doesn’t bug his friends for rides anymore.

He was often late to dates, especially when he missed the

bus. His dates would ask him why he couldn’t drive. “Prior to DACA, I felt a stigma,” said Kem. “Especially when you’re in the dating stage, I don’t really tell people, ‘Hey, I’m undocumented.’”

It’s the same stigma that keeps many Asian-Pacific Islander (API) youth from applying to DACA, Kem says.

Only 21 percent of eligible Asians have applied for DACA, compared to 77 percent of Latinos, according to a report by the Migration Policy Institute that looks at immigrants from the top four counties in Asia and the top 12 countries in Latin America.

“We’re culturally more reserved and more timid to talk about undocumented status,” Kem explained. “Culturally, it’s [seen as] a shameful thing to come here illegally.”

The Migration Policy Institute estimates there are 152,000 PAGE A7

Gov. Brown signs historic right-to-die bill...

PAGE A1 and in favor of the right-to-die bill. Among positions he considered were those of two of his former doctors, former classmates, friends, a Catholic bishop and Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Brown also read letters from the family of Brittany Maynard, a 29-year-old Californian who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and moved to Oregon last year to legally end her life.

“In the end, I was left to reflect on what I would want in the face of my own death,” Brown wrote.

“I do not know what I would do if I were dying in prolonged and excruciating pain. I am certain, however, that it would be a comfort to be able to consider the options afforded by this bill. And I wouldn’t deny that right to others.”

California’s End of Life Option Act is modeled after Oregon’s Death With Dignity Act, which was enacted in 1997. It requires that two doctors approve patients’ requests to die, that patients submit several written requests, that patients are physically capable of taking the medication, and that there are two witnesses present, one of whom is not a family member.

The act is scheduled to go into effect next year.

The act ends 23 years of efforts aimed at legalizing aid in dying in California. Similar measures introduced in 2005, 2006 and 2007 failed in the Legislature. It also follows attempts from at least 24 states that introduced such legislation this year, though the measures stalled elsewhere, according to The Associated Press.

Other states that allow doctors to prescribe patients life-ending drugs are Oregon, Montana, Vermont and Washington.

Advocates react Proponents of the legislation rejoiced upon learning of the news.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the action brought tears of joy to former LAPD Detective Christy O’Donnell, who testified in favor of the new law and was diagnosed with a few months left to live due to lung cancer.

“I’m overjoyed for all the terminally ill people in California, who can now relax knowing they finally have the choice of aid in dying as one of their end-of-life options,” said O’Donnell, mentioning she does not think she will live to see the day the law is implemented. “No more worrying that they will suffer great physical and emotional pain at the end of their life when they have already suffered painfully for so long as a result of their terminal illnesses.”

For other advocates of ABX215,

the governor’s signature was a victory that came too late.

“I’m sorry it’s taken so long,” Deb Reuter-Zsarko, whose wife Michelle died earlier this year after a six-year battle with vulvar cancer, told the Asian Journal.

She also recounted waking up one morning to a pool of blood, and how having the choice the new law provides would have been helpful earlier on. ““People need a choice. She never had a choice in any of this....

[This law] is the right thing to do.

And ultimately it comes down to the fact that it’s an option...

There’s no one forcing you to do anything,” Reuter-Zsarko said.

Compassion & Choices, a group that advocated for the new law, told the Times it hopes other states will follow in California’s footsteps.

“This is the biggest victory for the death-with-dignity movement since Oregon passed the nation’s first law two decades ago,” Barbara Coombs Lee, the group’s president, told the publication.

“This victory is hugely significant in both substance and scope. Enactment of this law in California means we are providing this option to more than one in 10 Americans.

Opponents cite moral and religious reasons Lawmakers who opposed the

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObER 9-15, 2015

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Homeland Security to create parole program...

PAGE A1 A July 2015 report entitled “Modernizing and Streamlining Our Legal Immigration System for the 21st century” stated that certain family members can be eligible to come to the United States to provide support and care for aging Filipino veterans who are US citizens or lawful permanent residents.

“Parole, as provided for under the Immigration and Nationality Act, gives DHS discretion, on a case-by-case basis, to permit individuals to come to the United States for a temporary period of time based upon urgent humanitarian reasons or for significant public benefit,” the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said in a statement on Friday, Oct. 2.

However, the parole does not grant the family member any permanent right to remain in the United States.

Estimates indicate that as many as 26,000 Filipino veterans (of the over 260,000 Filipino sol-

diers who fought) are US citizens, after long being excluded from a law that granted citizenship to foreign soldiers serving in the US forces. Some of the veterans have petitioned family members from the Philippines to join them in the United States; however, wait times can last years, often times exceeding 20 years, due to statutory visa caps.

With the population of veterans rapidly aging—the White House estimates around 6,000 veterans are still alive in the US today—having family members by their sides would provide them with the necessary support and care.

The United States has set up similar parole programs, such as the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program and the Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program. Under those parole programs, the beneficiaries are allowed to come to the US and be eligible to apply for work authorization while waiting to apply for lawful permanent resident

status.

Though the roll out date of the policy affecting Filipino veterans and their families is yet to be announced, the USCIS and State Department will provide the application process, and will be separate from the general familybased immigration system.

In the meantime, the USCIS is developing criteria and an application process for this parole program, and will announce them in the coming months.

The agency warns, however, that individuals cannot currently apply and any application received before the program is implemented risks being denied. “[The] USCIS is not yet accepting applications for parole under this program and individuals should not submit parole requests under this program at this time. People should avoid scams-anyone claiming that applications can be filed now should not be trusted,” Shin Inoyue, a USCIS spokesperson said in a statement.

(Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)

act included Republicans for moral reasons and Democrats who cited religious views and experiences where family members were given months to live but survived for years, the Times reported.

Tim Rosales, a spokesman for a group called Californians Against Assisted Suicide, spoke against the governor’s decision.

“This is a dark day for California and the Brown legacy,” Rosales said in a statement. “As someone of wealth and access to the world’s best medical care and doctors, the Governor’s background is very different than that of millions of Californians living in healthcare poverty without that same access – these are the people and families potentially hurt by giving doctors the power to prescribe lethal overdoses of patients.”

Religious groups, including the Catholic Church and disability rights advocates, also opposed the bill, contending it legalizes premature suicide and puts terminally ill patients at risk for coerced death, the Christian Science Monitor reported.

“Today the State of California is making it legal for a doctor to write prescriptions for the express purpose of killing another human being,” Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez said in a statement issued Monday. “This is a new path for the State and we have no idea where it will lead.”

“How does the State plan to prevent lethal prescriptions to commit suicide from becoming the only ‘option’ available for the poor?

“We should not say to future generations that we responded to human pain and suffering by making it easier for those who suffer to kill themselves. We are a better people than that,” he said.

Before the measure passed, the Church addressed Catholic law-

makers and urged Brown to veto it, according to the AP. “Pope Francis invites all of us to create our good society by seeing through the eyes of those who are on the margins, those in need economically, physically, psychologically and socially,” the California Catholic Conference said in a statement after it cleared the state Legislature. “We ask the governor to veto this bill.” (Agnes Constante / AJPress)

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D ateline PhiliPPines Enrile wants debates on Mamasapano report Manny Pacquiao to run for Philippine Senate

by Allyson

by Jefferson

AntipordA ManilaTimes.net

SENATE Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile on Wednesday , Oct. 7 moved to open plenary debates on the committee report on the Mamasapano massacre to prevent the injustice done to the 44 police commandos from being drowned by the noise and frenzy of the 2016 election fever.

In a privileged speech, Enrile said that he believes that it is the Senate’s duty, to the policemen who perished to put this crucial matter into the records of the Senate plenary session.

“It is not only for the courage, the valor, and the sacrifices of the fallen and surviving Special Action Force members in that ghastly and brutal carnage to be placed in the annals of this august Chamber, but also to demonstrate to the general public and to let the people know how their Senate dealt with the complex issues that were discovered and brought to light during the Senate investigation,” Enrile said.

He explained that the public

MAMASAPANO INCIDENT COMMITTEE REPORT. Minority Floor Leader Juan Ponce Enrile inquires about the status of the committee report on the Mamasapano incident during the plenary proceedings. “It is not only for the courage, the valor, and the sacrifices of the fallen and surviving SAF members in that ghastly and brutal carnage to be placed in the annals of this august Chamber, but also to demonstrate to the general public and to let the people know how their Senate dealt with the complex issues that were discovered and brought to light during the Senate investigation,” Enrile said in his privilege speech.

Senate photo by Joe Arazas

should know the stand of each senator on the recommendations contained in the report submitted by the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs chaired by Senator Grace Poe. “Everything must come out.

I’m demanding that every moment of those hours from dawn of

Sunday (Jan. 25, 2015) when the event started until it ended that same day, the movement, the action, the presence or the absence of every high official of government in this country must be accounted for,” Enrile insisted.

Poe said debates on the committee report will be held “at the soonest possible time.”

OFW party-list rep to run for president by rosette

Adel

Philstar.com

MANILA—An Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Family Club party-list representative and former Kuwait ambassador on Thursday, Oct. 8 announced his presidential bid in 2016.

“I’m running for president.

I’m happy to inform you I have a complete slate. I have a vice presidential candidate, 12 senators.

I’m running under a Comelec-accredited party,” Rep. Roy Señeres said in a press conference.

Señeres said he declared his intention to run for the highest post since he was urged by a manifesto from the OFW FORSE (Friends of Roy Señeres Everywhere), the ATAKK (Alisin ang Tanikala ng Kontraktwalisasyon at Kurapsyon), and the Respect our Security of Employment Movement.

Señeres hopes that he will not be considered as a nuisance candidate since he has proven his electability as congressman.

The party-list lawmaker also

escobAr

AJPress

said he has yet to announce his running mate and 12 senatorial candidates.

Señeres and his entire slate will run under the Partido ng Manggagawa at Magsasaka (PMM) led by lawyer Jose Malvar Villegas. In 1998, then Defense Sec. Renato de Villa in 1998 also ran as president in the same political party.

The OFW advocate said he aims to champion the cause of OFWs and contractuals as well as job order employment and corruption.

“According to latest statistics, there are 15 million contractuals working in giant malls and chain restaurants. This is against the law and the Constitution because the Constitution says every worker must have security of tenure.

They cannot be dismissed from work without just and authorized cause,” Señeres.

The former Kuwait ambassador helped Sarah Balabagan during his tenure.

Señeres was the fourth official to declare presidential bid. He

OFW party-list Rep. Roy Señeres is the fourth aspirant to declare his bid for presidency.

will join Liberal Party’s Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, United Nationalist Alliance Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay and Sen. Grace Poe in the presidential derby.

MANNY Pacquiao is set on proving he’s more than just a king in the boxing ring.

The 36-year-old Philippine boxing hero announced his plans to run for the Philippine Senate on Monday, October 5.

“Yes, I’m going to run for a Senate post this coming 2016 election,” said the fighter, who was elected congressman in 2010, representing the Sarangani province in Mindanao.

“But as to which party, that’s still to be determined.”

The 8-division world boxing pro announced his bid for Senate during his State of the District Address to constituents at the provincial gym in Alabel, capital of Sarangani, the Philippine Star reported.

“In the coming days, I will be embracing new levels of responsibility. I will be confronting tough challenges,” said Pacquiao. “My second term as your congressmen will soon be over, but I will continue to be of service to you and to our fellow Filipinos.”

Pacquiao is in the “Magic 12” of recent senatorial preference surveys, according to Rappler.

The latest Pulse Asia survey on next year’s elections determines who is being re-elected in leadership and returning to office.

Pacquiao is one of four firsttime senatorial contenders.

According to the preference survey, 12 senators will be finishing their terms in 2016, to fill the “Magic 12.”

Pacquiao got 39.6 percent of the vote, and ranked 7th-11th, showing generally positive ratings.

He is reportedly under pressure from political advisors and allies to break free from the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) of Vice President Jejomar Binay, whom he has been publicly loyal to. He was present when the UNA proclaimed Binay as its presidential candidate.

Pacquiao is head of the People’s Champ Movement, a local political party that aligned with Manny Villar’s Nacionalista Party during the elections in 2010.

He is a political rival of the Antoninos, who ruled General Santos City for 26 years, Rappler reported.

Pacquiao ran and lost to Darlene Antonino-Custodio for the 1st District of South Cotabato, covering several towns in South Cotabato and General Santos City.

In 2010, he moved to Sarangani, where he ran and won for the lone congressional seat, and ran again unopposed three years later.

After winning eight world championships in different weight divisions, Pacquiao lost the most expensive fight in boxing history (with a record

Manny Pacquiao announced his plans to run for the Philippine Senate on Monday, October 5.

AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

4.4 million pay-per-view buys) by unanimous decision to his American rival, Floyd Mayweather Jr., in the May 2nd “Fight of the Century.”

Controversy arose when Pacquiao later reported a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder, for which he underwent surgery.

He is not expected to be able to fight until next year.

Pacquiao has been harshly criticized for his performance, or lack thereof, in the House of Representatives, said Agence France-Presse. The congressman has been listed among the legislators with the most absences from meetings and events.

On social media, the reaction PAGE A7

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OpiniOn

Features

Royal rumble

TURNING out to be an even more exciting race than the presidency in next year’s elections is the competition for the second most powerful seat in the country between some of the biggest names in Philippine politics.

The vice president’s responsibilities are akin to that of the president’s. This highly coveted position, according to the Office of the Vice President, is guided by objectives such as the pursuit of political stability and economic goals of the country. The vice president is also responsible for the promotion of foreign investments, international trade and diplomatic relations, peace and order, safety and welfare in coordination with law enforcement agencies. And much like the president, the vice president is expected to protect the interest of national constituency.

Among those who have already confirmed their bid to be next vice president are Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and Camarines Sur Representative Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo. Senator Gregorio Honasan II is expected to join the roster to run alongside Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is gunning for presidency, under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

Leading the pack is Sen. Escudero, who could be a runaway vice presidential winner if the election was held today. Based on the latest Pulse Asia survey, he topped the list for the most preferred candidates for vice president and would win 23 percent of the votes. In his announcement last Sept.

17, Escudero said that he and running mate Sen. Grace Poe will establish a “Gobyernong may Puso (Government with a Heart)” that will raise the bar

of public service by removing “slow and inefficient” people in the government. He added that by using the national budget as a framework, their administration would prepare a platform for every department to address problems of all sectors.

Sen. Marcos declared his bid earlier this week and said he leaves it up to the Filipino people to judge whether he deserves another shot at another position. “I believe that elected officials have an obligation to our people to help change the course of our nation’s history by banishing the politics of personality, which to me is one of the primary causes why our country today has become a soft state where the rich become richer, the poor become poorer, graft and corruption is endemic, the drug menace pervades, injustice is the norm and government incompetence is accepted,” Marcos said. He is currently courting Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to be his running mate.

Sen. Cayetano, who is also courting Mayor Duterte to be his running mate, has formally announced his bid for vice presidency.Duterte earlier lauded Cayetano for his “good grasp of practical solutions” for the country’s problems on poverty, poor infrastructure, and lack of inclusive economic growth. While they have yet to formalize a partnership, Cayetano “continues to pray for a president who will take on the challenge of creating genuine change in the lives of Filipino families.”

Editorial

Inquirer.net photo

Running under the Magdalo Group, Sen. Trillanes said his decision to run as vice president is a big challenge to widen the scope of his service to the Filipino people. While he expects his bid to be a long shot, Trillanes believes that his mission to uplift the nation, fix the government and help the Filipino people will help him win the race.

After her earlier reluctance to seek a higher position, Rep. Robredo finally accepted the administration’s offer to be the vice president of Manuel “Mar” Roxas II under the Liberal Party. While she vowed to continue the achievements of President Benigno Aquino III’s “Tuwid na Daan (Straight Path)” policy,

the unassuming congresswoman said her platform will focus on the poor and disenfranchised. “I offer myself fully especially to those who wear slippers, who are downtrodden and those who are neglected by society,” Robredo said.

Based on this preview, it is clear that the campaign season leading to next year’s elections will be a grueling journey for both candidates and voters. Although by adopting popular platforms to gain more popularity and votes, seem to be an easy route, even the most accurate polls cannot predict how the race will pan out. For these contenders, the test has just begun. (AJPress)

Who is your VP pick: Robredo, Escudero, Cayetano, Marcos, Trillanes or Honasan?

THERE may only be three candidates who have officially declared that they are seeking the highest office in the Philippines, but as of press time, it may be (at least) a six-way fight for the position of vice president for the May 2016 Philippine Elections.

The Liberal Party has found a co-pilot for Sec. Mar Roxas in his quest to stir the Philippine government toward “Daang Matuwid”: Cong. Leni Robredo. The reluctant widow of the much beloved DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo has finally embraced her new calling, after getting the blessings of her daughters who were opposed to her running for higher office.

The Robredos’ eldest daughter Aika posted a quote on social media that somehow encapsulates why the family decided to heed the calling for Leni to run for VP: “‘It’s impt, Dumbledore said, to fight & fight again, & keep fighting. For only then can evil be kept at bay, though never quite eradicated.’”

Sen. Chiz Escudero, long time friend of presidential polls frontrunner Sen. Grace Poe, has been on board with Poe from the beginning and the two are running as Independents while seeking the

I HAD a chance to watch the movie Heneral Luna with Street my wife and family Talk members and I was truly impressed with the crowd that it pulled. The lines at SM BF on Sukat Road GreG B. MacaBenta were long and we couldn’t get seats for the mid-afternoon screening. We had to buy tickets for the next screening three hours later and had to kill time waiting for it. We also had to make do with seats so close to the screen, it was practically like watching a show on a big screen TV with our faces a few inches from the set.

But I enjoyed every minute of the movie, the discomfort was well worth it.

In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I wouldn’t mind watching it again, although I would prefer better seating.

I found the film very entertaining.

It reminded me of the dozens of films I wrote for Jun Aristorenas, Tony Ferrer and Ramon Revilla decades ago. I realize, that sounds almost blasphemous, talking about Heneral Luna in the same breath as Harabas, Agent X-44 and Nardong Putik. I don’t mean any disrespect. It’s just that, as an old hand in movie making, I couldn’t help noting how the makers of Luna applied familiar cinematic touches that my late director friend, Tony Santos, referred to as “Approved kwela.”

Considering how the audience loved the irreverent depiction of familiar historical figures and the overdose of invectives spit out by the Luna character I’m not surprised that Donald Trump is leading in the GOP presidential derby and Davao’s Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has endeared himself to many Filipino

support of other parties.

As of press time, VP Jejomar The Fil-Am Binay – who is running under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) Perspective – is still in a quandary over who will be his running mate, after failing to get the “matamis na OO” from Sen. Grace Poe and Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Gel SantoS-ReloS Marcos Jr. Though it has been much publicized that the Binay-Marcos tandem has been shaping up, the Marcos camp reportedly decided that it would be to their candidate’s best political interest to abandon such option because of Binay’s diminishing approval and trust rating in recent polls, following corruption allegations against him and his family.

As of press time, the UNA camp has reportedly been wooing Sen. Gringo Honasan to be his running mate.

Sen. Bongbong Marcos has decided to run on his own without a president, although he has reportedly been seeking to be in tandem with Rodrigo Duterte, if the popular Davao City Mayor decides

to join the race to Malacanang.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano is another VP candidate who has been waiting to run with Duterte, having announced his own VP bid in Davao City, with Duterte “almost” endorsing Cayetano when in effect he said Cayetano could beat all other VP bets.

Finally, there is Sen. Antonio Trillanes, another VP-wannabe running without a president.

This VP race that is getting to be more crowded than the presidential race is something absurd for us Fil-Ams who vote here in the United States.

Here in America, the presidential and the vice presidential candidates of each party run and campaign together as a “team”. A vote for one is the vote for the other.

When a tandem wins, the president and the VP work together to fulfill their campaign promises to the people, guided by their collective ideological and philosophical rationale in their quest for public office.

In contrast, candidates for president and vice

Heneral Luna, the movie

voters looking for someone to elevate to the presidency. The present generation has become so jaded that one needs to use the shock tactics of Trump and Duterte or Tony Santos’ approved kwela techniques to gain attention Heneral Luna does that with dialogues and scenes intended to elicit spontaneous laughter or jolt the moviegoers in their seats (“Puñeta” has the same recall potential as Ramon Revilla’s “Bwakang ina” in Nardong Putik). And then, there’s the sequence where Luna dragged a Kawit Katipunero captain before his troops by the poor fellow’s balls.

The audience loved that. I did too. Who cares about authenticity? And to rub it in, the officer was earlier shown in bed with a woman – as in, “How could he do that while fellow Katipuneros were being slaughtered?Ummmm. Buti nga!

Having said that, I would like to caution the serious students of motion picture art or of history to lower their expectations of the film because they could be in for some disappointment.

I would suggest that, whatever their filmic or academic background, they should just go watchHeneral Luna for its entertainment value. I guarantee that they will enjoy it as I did.

I also hope that the producers don’t feel too discouraged if they don’t win any awards at the Oscars where, I understand, they plan to enter the film.

But, I’m hoping I’m wrong. Maybe it will gain some critical acclaim for the novelty of a movie where Americans are presented as the bad guys.

I feel like an odd man out writing like this about a piece of creative work that

a lot of people I know have been heaping with glowing praise. And let me tell you, these are folks who don’t normally watch Filipino movies and who have genuinely good tastes.

Like me, I’m sure they were prepared to take a positive attitude towards a film that had enjoyed a lot of good reviews in social media (pretty much like perceiving Grace Poe as the great possibility for the Philippine presidency and Leni Robredo for the vice-presidency because of all the positive press).

Unlike them, however, I can’t watch a movie without subsequently asking myself if it was really well-made or if I enjoyed it because I wanted a no-brainer to relax with. To be frank, I regard Heneral Luna as a no-brainer – but, in that context, it is a thoroughly enjoyable and well-made one, especially with the costumes and production design. .

From a more serious perspective, the character of Antonio Luna could have used more in-depth development. There was an attempt to do that by means of soliloquys (a-la Hamlet’s “To be or not to be”) as well as in the sequence where Luna’s mother asked him to close his eyes and recall his blissful childhood with his brother Juan. I can almost see the director and the screenplay writers discussing the need for such a scene “in order to depict the complex character of the hero and soften his harsh, explosive persona.”

But that technique reminded me more of the dream sequences that oldtime Tagalog movie makers employed to provide relief from too muchbakbakan and patayan.

There was an opportunity for the writers to have portrayed with more depth Los Indios Bravos in Europe - Jose Rizal and the Luna brothers

president in the Philippines may run together or as independents. The emerging winners for the two top posts of the executive branch of government may come from two opposing parties. Ergo, history has proven time and time again how this set up has caused the president and the VP to work against each other and not together in performing their duties for the country.

I wonder when this will ever change. I hope the Philippine Constitution will be amended so that the president and VP may really work together for the Filipino people; to make this happen, the election laws should mandate that a vote for the president means a vote for the vice president counterpart.

In the meantime, who are you inclined to vote for the position of vice president: Leni Robredo, Chiz Escudero, Alan Peter Cayetano, Bongbong Marcos, Antonio Trillanes or Gringo Honasan? *** 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

among them - as a background for the Filipino intelligentsia’s incipient struggle for freedom. This could have been a better setting to explain the motivations behind Antonio Luna’s characterization. But then, even Vivencio Jose, the author of the book, The Rise and Fall of Antonio Luna, on which the movie was based, apparently failed to do that, too.

According to a scholarly review of the book, “its failure to situate Luna within the organized nationalist activity of Filipino activists in Europe makes Luna’s activities during this period seem rather unconnected and gives little idea of the progressive evolution of his thought.”

This probably left the screenplay writers with no other option but to depict Luna’s mercurial character and military genius in the most obvious manner - like commandeering a train and riding straight into the enemy lines on horseback.

Having said that, it makes me wonder why Emilio Aguinaldo was shown as such an impotent figurehead caught in the midst of the wrangling and the screaming of Philippine history’s most prominent personalities. Was this also the way Aguinaldo was depicted in Jose’s book? I wonder.

One can hardly believe that this was the same revolutionary leader who declared Philippine independence in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898. I’m no big fan of DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, but I can appreciate his discomfort with the cinematic treatment of his great grandfather’s role in Philippine history.

Come to think of it, I’m wondering what prompted the producers to make Heneral Luna. Was it intended as an art film (what movie scribes refer to as “pang-award)? Or did they produce

it for its box-office potential because of the way the source material overturned the cookie-cutter versions of Philippine history and exposed our heroes as having feet of clay? If it was for the last reason, they have apparently succeeded.

The movie is a bona fide box-office hit.

The opening titles did acknowledge that the producers had blended historical facts with cinematic fiction. About that aspect, historian Ambeth Ocampo had this to say in his newspaper column: “Everyone who comes out of Heneral Luna blames Aguinaldo—an oversimplification because history is more complex than our textbooks make it out to be. History is not about memorizing ‘facts’ or reacting emotionally, but being critical of facts and narratives. Aguinaldo is a soft target in a complex story where there are other villains. Some of the villains are not people but flaws in human nature and Philippine society.”

Oversimplification may be the best way to describe Heneral Luna as a portrayal of history and of historical figures. Even the way the dialogue was delivered by such characters as Gen. Arthur MacArthur and by John Arcilla’s Luna was much like a zarzuela - like hitting you on the head with a hammer, in a case you didn’t get the point.

And in the scene where Luna was killed, the director really went all out to squeeze it for all its gory potentials.

Steve Reeves as Superman couldn’t have remained standing that long from all the bullets pumped into Luna at close range, not to mention being hacked with bolos.

Eventually Luna died, of course. And this was where you could almost hear someone in the audience moan, “Sayang, namatay ang bida.” (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

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Cayetano not giving up on Duterte BBL not dead as Senate resumes debates on November 3

by Marvin

Sy

run for vice president at the bailiwick of Duterte in Davao City.

“I’m already committed to supMANILA—Hope springs eternal and Senate Majority Leader port him whatever happens. If he Alan Peter Cayetano is still look- runs for president I will campaign ing forward to having Davao for him. I’ll sacrifice some of my Mayor Rodrigo Duterte by his resources and time to campaign side when he files his certificate for him,” Cayetano said.

“If he chooses me as his vice of candidacy (COC) next week.

Cayetano, who has been in president that’s a bonus, if not, talks with the camp of Duterte then I am still committed to for a possible tandem in the 2016 him. I’m hoping that we will file elections, said that the mayor has (COCs) together,” he added.

Some campaign materials have asked for some space to make his decision about a possible bid come out showing Duterte with Cayetano, which the latter said for higher office.

He said that Duterte has been were prepared by supporters of busy with local matters in Davao both sides.

“These are expressions of and so his plans for the 2016 support. More of encouraging elections are not a priority.

Cayetano has voiced desire to us to run and to run together. pair up with Duterte, most signif- They were just airing their sentiicantly with his announcement to ments,” Cayetano said.

Philstar.com

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who announced on Monday his intention to run for vice president in 2016, meets with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, another possible presidential bet.

It is this grassroots support that Cayetano said he is counting on to propel his bid for the vice presidency since a backing from his political party, the Nacionalista Party (NP), appears to be out of the question.

With three NP members all running for vice president, the party would most likely declare a free zone, which means it would allow their members to choose who they want to support.

Apart from Cayetano, the other NP members running for vice president are Sens. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Antonio Trillanes IV. Cayetano said that he has not talked to Marcos yet about the situation but as far as Trillanes is concerned, they have agreed to engage in a fair fight.

“The relationship is more important than politics. We’ll keep the fight fair,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ruling Liberal Party has included former senator Panfilo Lacson in its senatorial slate as a guest candidate even as the LP considers the possibility of dropping Sen. Teofisto Guingona III from the lineup due to his supposed “questionable loyalty.”

A stalwart of the LP from the House of Representatives also disclosed Las Piñas Rep. Mark Villar intends to drop his senatorial bid after his mother, Sen. Cynthia Villar, opposed his plan.

Palace: There has to be lump sums in national budget

by Delon

Porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA—Malacañang admitted there were lump sums in the annual budget but that these were intended to ensure ready funding for emergency expenses, such as during calamities.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda made the clarification as he assured the Supreme Court of the executive department’s prompt reply to a directive that it answer a petition filed by the Philippine Constitution Association questioning the billions of pesos in lump sum allocations this year.

“We will not hesitate to respond. We are in good, sound legal footing. What (Budget Secretary Florencio) Butch Abad said publicly in media, we will defend before the courts,” he told reporters in a briefing.

Lacierda underscored the need for the national government to

regularly allocate contingency funds for calamities like Super Typhoon Yolanda that devastated the Visayas and killed at least 6,000 people in November 2013.

“There are lump sums that are necessary, for instance contingency fund,” he said. “How do you predict how many storms are coming? You know I would be glad if Neri Colmenares will be able to divine to us how many storms will come in 2015 or 2016,” he said, referring to the Bayan Muna party-list congressman.

“It’s something that’s very hard to specify. So out of necessity, you need to have such fund as Secretary Butch Abad has always said,” Lacierda said in Filipino.

“We’re not denying it – especially the contingency fund,” he said.

“Until such time that they can define to us how much it will cost per typhoon and how many typhoons will be coming in a

MANILA—The Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will have to wait until after All Soul’s Day when Congress resumes session on Nov. 3, Senate President Franklin Drilon said.

“The BBL is difficult to pass before we adjourn on Oct. 10.

So, it will have to wait when we come back in November. We hope to finish it by December,” Drilon added.

If the measure is not passed by then, Rep. Celso Lobregat (1st District, Zamboanga City) believes that it may not be passed during the Aquino administration.

He said the BBL was simply overtaken by the killing of 44 members of the police Special Action Force in January by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freeedom Fighters.

Lobregat pointed out that Congress is still in the period of interpellation, preceding the period of amendment, “which also takes a long period of time because every amendment will have to be voted on” and needs

a quorum.

At the Senate, Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile and his deputy Vicente Sotto III are still lined up for debates with Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the bill’s sponsor.

Drilon said even the interpellations will not be finished as Congress goes on All Soul’s Day break and Marcos is also busy with other appointments.

“It is hard to finish this since Senator Marcos has other appointments outside. He has not been in the hall. That’s the reality that we face,” he said.

Government peace panel chairman Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said that the election fever should not be used as reason to defer work on BBL. She added that politicians who will run in the 2016 elections need not worry about their popularity rating when championing the measure.

“Recent surveys point to inflation, poverty and corruption as the most critical issues for voters. The BBL, and even the peace process in general, should be seen for what it is: a tool to

bring socio-economic and political justice in the Bangsamoro,” Ferrer said.

She believes that there is still time to pass the measure next month.

“Why pass it in December if we can do it this November? After all, with the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Conference) here, the world will once again be watching the Philippines and it will be good for the whole country to have a BBL before then. Leaders around the Asia Pacific would want assurances that the Philippines is peaceful, progressive and ready for development and integration. Let us not let that international meet be a missed opportunity. It is never too late to achieve something good,” Ferrer said.

Drilon, a re-electionist senator, admitted the difficulty in getting a quorum at the session hall with the upcoming filing of certificates of candidacy before the Commission on Elections next week. (Roel Pareño, Jose Rodel Clapano, Marvin Sy/Philstar.com)

Does DACA make you more...

PAGE A3

Asian immigrants who are eligible for DACA, the largest concentration of them in California.

Kem was a Dream Summer intern this past season, where he worked to educate people in API communities about DACA. He discovered that many did not know what DACA was.

Asian Americans need to join the immigration movement to diversify it, Kem said, perform more outreach, and gain as strong a media presence on the issue of immigration as Latinos have. “That really brings power to the Latino voice,” Kem said.

“Stigma is silencing,” Kem said. “The more you talk about

given year in our country, it will always have to be a fund that will be parked in a place where it will answer all the concerns for disaster,” he maintained.

Philconsa, led by its president Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, along with former budget secretary Benjamin Diokno, former senator Francisco Tatad and Archbishops Fernando Capalla, Romulo de la Cruz and Ramon Arguelles, filed a petition with the SC seeking the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the implementation of PAGE A5 provisions in the Constitution that make the allocation of lump to Pacquiao’s bid was largely negative. sums possible.

“Pacman, you’re my idol. But In a full bench session presided over by Justice Arturo Brion, the in the boxing ring. Not in ConSC ordered Malacañang and Con- gress. Sorry,” one fan posted on gress to respond to Philconsa’s Twitter.

“You can’t even go to sessions claims in its petition. An insider said the SC gave the respondents in Congress. Now you want to 10 days from receipt of notice to go to Senate? What are you going to do there?” said another comply with the order.

it, the more you kill stigma.”

For all its privileges, DACA does have its limits. It costs $465 to apply and also to renew, and beneficiaries can apply to travel outside the country only for humanitarian, educational, or job-related reasons. The last time Kem was in his Cambodian hometown of Phnom Penh was when he was seven.

Since then, his mother, a business owner in Phnom Penh, has visited him in Long Beach sporadically throughout the years.

Yet many areas of Kem’s life have improved thanks to DACA. In particular, Kem’s dating life has gotten better. He recently picked up his girlfriend in his

2002 Toyota Solara for a date to Disneyland. He was on time.

“What are you waiting for?”

Kem asks those who haven’t applied yet. “Opportunity [comes] to you,” he says, when you are able to get a social security number, a work permit, or an unmarked driver’s license. “It’s a tremendous change to your life.” *** This profile was produced for New America Media in collaboration with Ready California (Ready-California. org), a statewide coalition working to ensure that the maximum number of eligible Californians benefit from DACA and DAPA. For more information about how to apply for DACA, go to: www.ilrc. org/daca.

Manny Pacquiao to run for Philippine...

Twitter user.

“PH government is indeed a circus,” one tweet read.

Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee is not seeing re-election as vice governor of Sarangani, but his brother Rogelio (Roel) Pacquiao is slated run for the congressional seat that Manny will vacate next year.

His promoter, Bob Arum, said

in September that he expects the boxer to get back in the ring once more before he retires to focus on his political career.

“I believe he’ll take one more fight, then run for the Senate in the Philippines,” Arum told the Los Angeles Times. “He could fight twice more, I guess, but it sets up better for him to fight, then run.”

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october 9-15, 2015

Jaya on mom Elizabeth’s passing: ‘Bye, Mama… I love you forever’

by AllAn

PolicArPio Inquirer.net

prayers. And I rejoice because she passed in her sleep—in peace, in God’s loving arms,” she said. “Bye, Elizabeth ramsey, the singerMama. Until we meet again. I love actress dubbed as the country’s you forever.”

“Queen of rock and roll” for her The official cause of ramsey’s rip-roaring live performances that married music, dance and comedy, death wasn’t immediately available. “We’re still waiting,” Jaya died on Thursday morning, told the Inquirer in a text message. according to her daughter, last August, the veteran recording artist Jaya. She was 83. performer, who was to turn In her official Facebook 84 on Dec. 3, was confined in account, Jaya paid tribute to the intensive care unit of the her mother for giving “love and philippine Heart center, after laughter,” not only to their family, suffering a seizure induced by “but the whole nation.” hypoglycemia. She was said to “Mama Beth is now with our lord…Thank you for the love and have recuperated after the attack.

Elizabeth Ramsey with daughter Jaya.

ramsey, who was born to a Jamaican father and a FilipinoSpanish mother in San carlos city, negros oriental, burst onto the scene when she won a singing competition in the noontime variety program Student Canteen in 1958. “It was my first big break,” she said in an interview with the radio station dzMM last year.

In the same interview, ramsey related that, after the contest, she booked gigs at the Manila Grand opera House with the help of chiquito’s brother.

She then moved to clover Theater, where she held court for around seven years, and performed with the likes of Eddie Mesa, Aruray and casmot and Balot.

A vivacious personality on and off stage, ramsey also ventured into acting during her career that spanned over five decades. She was nominated best supporting actress in the 1963 Famas Awards for her performance in the drama Ang Bukas ay Akin. other movies of note ramsey appeared in were Prinsesa Naranja (1960), which featured Fernando poe Jr. and Reyna ng Pitong Gatang (1980), which was top-billed by nora Aunor.

She has four children: Isaac, Ana and Susan Johnson, whom ramsey had with a man of Jamaican heritage her father married her off to; and Jaya, whom she had with Filipino rey Photo from Jaya’s Facebook account Kagahastian.

pinay’s blind audition wows ‘The Voice US’ judges

The Filharmonic makes it to Vpac season A Cappella group featured at the Plaza Del Sol Nov 21

FIlIpIno-AMErIcAn artist The Filharmonic will be featured in the 2015-2016 season of the Valley performing Arts center.

The vibrant contemporary a capella group joins the ranks of linda ronstadt, Bobby McFerrin, Megan Hilty and lea Salonga as being part of this season.

With los Angeles as home base, The Filharmonic, is known as a band unique in their musical talent and cultural diversity.

The group of Filipino-American youngsters were featured in nBc’s hit musical competition, The Sing-Off, made the semifinals, finished the first Sing-Off national tour, and shared the

stage with The Black Eyed peas and pentatonix.

The Filharmonic was part of the Universal pictures hit movie, Pitch Perfect 2. The group was prominently featured riffing off with star Anna Kendrick on The late Show with James corden on cBS, the video of which has also become a viral hit on YouTube with over 12 million hits.

The group consists of six members: Vocalists VJ rosales, Joe caigoy, Trace Gaynor, and Barry Fortgang, Vocal Bass Jules cruz, and Beat boxer niko Del rey. Their melodic vocal style exemplifies an urbanesque hip hop sound with 90’s nostalgia.

Their online presence through about 20 videos YouTube and their Facebook page has an established a fan base.

Tickets for The Filharmonic range from $27 $40, with limited student seats at $12, and are available at http:// www.valleyperformingartscenter. org. This event is proudly sponsored by Asian Journal, The law offices of chris navarro, and part of the proceeds benefit the ABS-cBn Foundation International. The show is presented in partnership with philippine patrons of the Arts USA, facilitated by Music Arts Events.

NAPABA announces 2015 Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award recipients

WASHInGTon—The national Asian pacific American Bar Association (nApABA) has selected five exceptional MAnIlA—Another pinay attorneys to receive nApABA’s is making waves in a singing highest honor—the Daniel competition.

K. Inouye Trailblazer Award.

Amy Vachal wowed The This award recognizes the Voice judges Adam levine, Gwen Stefani, pharell Williams, and Blake outstanding achievements, commitment, and leadership of Shelton when she did her blind lawyers who have paved the way audition for the reality singing competition aired Tuesday, oct. 6. for the advancement of other Asian pacific American (ApA) The 26-year-old performed the song “Dream a little Dream of attorneys. These Trailblazers have demonstrated vision, Me” while playing the guitar.

She immediately made Gwen, courage, and tenacity, and made substantial and lasting pharell and Blake turn their seats, contributions to the ApA legal while Adam wasn’t able to do so profession, as well as to the since his team is already full. broader ApA community.

After Amy’s performance, The 2015 Daniel K. Inouye Adam expressed his sadness that Trailblazers Awards will be he was not able to turn his chair presented on nov. 6, 2015, at for her.

“You can win this whole thing,” a special ceremony during the 2015 nApABA convention in he added. new orleans, to the following Blake had nothing but good recipients: words for her as well and added, • captain Benes Z. Aldana “You’re on a different path than — United States coast Guard anybody else. I’m so impressed.”

• Assemblymember rob In the end, Amy chose pharell Bonta — california State to be her coach for the show’s 26-year-old Pinay Amy Vachal wowed the four judges of “The Voice” during the blind auditions Assembly ninth season. (Philstar.com) for the show’s ninth season.

• David louie — Kobayashi Sugita & Goda llp • Justice Sabrina Shizue McKenna — Supreme court of the State of Hawai’i • Judge Amul Thapar — United States District court, upped the net’s digital offerings loS AnGElES—For the Eastern District of Kentucky and launched four new original second year in a row, Miguel The 2015 Trailblazers class programs. Santos defines diversity Santos, general manager of Myx is represented by a diverse as ‘something beyond physical TV, the only English-language and impressive group. captain manifestation of race or gender multicultural Asian American Aldana serves as the Staff Judge entertainment network in the US, - it’s about everything that makes Advocate (chief legal officer) of has been named among cableFax us human such as our beliefs, the Eighth coast Guard District, personalities, and experiences. ’ ” The Magazine’s prestigious the largest district in the coast Santos evolved Myx TV, a “The Most Influential Minorities Guard, and is responsible for channel owned and operated in cable”. Santos is the only providing legal advice to the executive from all Asian and Asian by ABS-cBn International - a district commander and oversees subsidiary of the world’s largest American networks operating in the provision of legal support to the United States who is included Filipino multimedia conglomerate, ABS-cBn corporation - from in the list. a linear, music-based channel cableFax: The Magazine Miguel Santos, general manager of Myx TV into the award-winning, multiis published four times a year, programming, including: “Buddha platform entertainment network written with the same zest and that it is today. To complement the Smash,” “Snaxxx” and “The vigor readers have come to Alternative.” cable channel, which is available expect from cableFAX Daily. The In addition to its unique blend through providers such as Magazine serves to honor and comcast, Time Warner, cox, Bright of original content and domestic/ recognize leaders and leading international acquisitions, under House and DIrEcTV, Santos has programs in the cable industry.

Santos’ vision, Myx TV also expanded distribution to include readers can see who the top performers are in the marketplace the AVoD app on roku, Samsung produces concerts and music Smart TV and Blu ray, Sony Bravia videos for independent music and keep up with the latest artists. Santos has helped the strategies and programs that drive and Blu-ray.

With its diverse programming network become one of the first revenue and keep the market American cable networks to air line-up, Myx TV has transitioned moving forward.

Korean pop (K-pop) music videos from its early start within the According to the write-up: Asian-American youth community in the US. “Santos oversees the Asian Santos has also lead Myx into a prolific, mainstream media American network’s (Myx TV in various philanthropic brand. The network successfully TV) strategy, programming, endeavors, helping the network launched several new original production, marketing, ad sales join the ranks of highly prestigious series, including the docu-series, and business development, entertainment companies to “I’m Asian American and...;” the with the goal of elevating the become an official partner of Got cooking competition, “Eat Your narratives of one of the most Your 6, a nonprofit campaign Words” and the costume-design under-represented minority Kris Aquino backs out of the 2015 Metro competition, “call to cosplay.” new working with Hollywood to groups in media. With Santos at Manila Film Festival entry “All You Need in Pag-ibig” after “scheduling conflicts” with for the 2015 slate is the “I’m Asian empower veterans and foster the helm, the net launched on the cinematographer she requested. understanding between military American and…” spinoff, “The Time Warner cable in southern Philstar.com photo by Joyce Jimenez and civilian communities.

Doll life” and original YouTube california last november. He also

Myx TV GM Miguel Santos makes list of cableFax’s ‘Most Influential Minorities in cable’

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over 4,700 active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel at over 80 operational units spanning 26 states. Additionally, he serves as an appellate judge to the US coast Guard court of criminal Appeals.

Assemblymember Bonta is the first and only Filipino American ever elected to the california State legislature in the 165 year history of the state and has led a number of significant legislative efforts to empower the ApIA community, including: Assembly Bill (AB) 7 to establish a state day of recognition to honor Filipino American labor leader and california hero, larry Itliong; AB 123 to require the state public school curriculum to include the contributions of Filipino Americans to the farm labor movement in california; and AB 817 to assist the nearly 2.6 million eligible voters in california who are not yet fully proficient in English by providing them with language assistance at the polls.

Mr. louie most recently served as the attorney general of the State of Hawai‘i from 2011 to 2014 — the first chineseAmerican attorney general in the nation. As attorney general, Mr. louie was the chief law enforcement officer for the state, providing advice, counsel, and representation to all aspects of state government (including the Governor) on all legal matters for the state, both civil and criminal. He was a member of the Governor’s cabinet, and managed and supervised the Department of the Attorney General, made up of approximately 750 employees, 185 deputy attorneys general, 50 investigators, and oversaw 23 supervisors.

Justice McKenna is the Associate Justice for the Supreme court of the State of Hawai’i. She has ruled on hundreds of cases during her 21 years on the bench, most notably: Justice McKenna ruled in 2002 the state child Support Enforcement Agency had to account for more than $3.5 million in uncashed child support checks. The decision cleared the way for thousands of parents to receive payments; and ruled in 2003 that Hawai’i could transfer ceded lands for affordable housing on Maui and Big Island. The Hawai’i Supreme court cited the 1993 federal Apology resolution in reversing McKenna’s decision and ordering a halt to the transfers. In 2009, the US Supreme court overturned the state Supreme court’s ruling.

Judge Thapar was nominated by president George W. Bush to the US District court for the Eastern District of Kentucky and unanimously confirmed by the US Senate in 2007, making him the nation’s first South Asian American Article III judge. prior to his confirmation, Judge Thapar served as the US attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

While US attorney, Judge Thapar was appointed to the Attorney General’s Advisory committee (AGAc) and chaired the AGAc’s controlled Substances and Asset Forfeiture subcommittee. nApABA congratulates the 2015 Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award recipients and thanks them for paving the way for Asian pacific American attorneys.

For more information, the media may contact Brett Schuster, nApABA communications manager, at (202) 775-9555 or bschuster@ napaba.org.

Why Kris aquino backed out of MMFF entry

by Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com

MAnIlA—Kris Aquino is out of the 20115 Metro Manila Film Festival entry All You Need is Pagibig.

The Queen of All Media has announced this through her Instagram account on Wednesday.

Kris said that she has accepted the project and was a “good sport” despite “a storyline that would lay bare all my insecuritiesthe treatment given to me had the harsh but realistic words: ‘Sya si Kris- ang babaeng laging di pinipili...’”

However, Kris added that when the cinematographer she requested couldn’t commit to the film due to “schedule conflicts,” she decided to back out of the film.

“His job was to hold a mirror to my heart & soul for you to see in our movie, and I knew I’d be in good hands... And it just couldn’t fall into place...” she explained.

“After all my track record of professionalism can’t be questioned,” she added.

Kris also said that her decision is a way of putting herself first, saying she has “earned” the right to say no.

“I’m doing what is best for me,” she said. “Simpleng alaga lang sana sa isang project w/ a pressure packed timeline... It just didn’t fall into place. And I know enough to prioritize taking care of me... That’s why I choose to walk away. And put myself first, not because I want to be difficult, but simply because I’ve earned the privilege to say no w/ courage & dignity.”

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Buying a new car stress-free: Kababayans at DCH Toyota of Torrance will show you how

FILIPINO Loyd Aler landed his first job as a produce and vegetable delivery man.

Then he became a fast food restaurant manager, and then a quality insurance inspector.

His father, Edgar, who used to work in wholesale for food and vegetables, and that inspired him to ultimately pursue a career in sales: today, he works as the Filipino Dept.

Manager and Senior Sales Specialist at DCH Toyota of Torrance.

“I really love what I do for living and I enjoy very much not just selling cars, but making new friends, selling great products, and helping people get and drive their dream cars,” he says.

Buying a car is no easy decision.

It requires careful thought and it’s something Aler understands. Since 2002 he has been selling Toyota

vehicles, a brand that has been touted for its safety, retail value and longevity.

In addition to the quality brand he sells, Aler works at an auto dealership owned by a businessman based in Hong Kong. It was established almost a decade ago and is continually growing: since its inception, it has opened more than 20 DCH dealerships across the United States, with locations in Temecula, Oxnard, Simi Valley, and on the east coast in New York and New Jersey. The goal of the company is to exceed customers’ expectations and provide exceptional service to ensure the highest satisfaction.

Among ways the dealership demonstrates how much customers matter is by delivering luxury services including oil

changes, loaner cars, shuttles and much much more.

The dealership also boasts a wide selection of new and preowned vehicles to meet the broad range of tastes and needs customers have.

Among the customers that visit DCH Toyota of Torrance, Aler says he sees many Filipinos who show interest in a variety of cars, including Highlander, Priuses and Camry models.

Joining Aler in the Filipino Dept. of DCH Toyota of Torrance are Phillip Rivera (Sales & Leasing Consultant), Edgar Relova (Sales & Leasing Consultant), JP Panganiban (Sales & Leasing Consultant) and Nile Villanueva (Sales Manager).

Aler as a manager of DCH’s Filipino department, welcomes and looks forward to serving his fellow

Sale Manager Nile Villanueva is the newest addition to the Filipino Dept. of DCH Toyota of Torrance.

kababayans. His overflowing friendly personality, as well as that of Rivera, Relova, Panganiban and Villanueva, make the Filipino sales team approachable and easy to talk to.

Aler says he enjoys his job, although one of the bigger challenges he faces in his job is when interested buyers with poor credit or lower incomes are turned down by the bank. DCH offers special promotions, including low APRs and $0 down payments, but it isn’t always easy to extend these to certain customers.

“But for me, that’s the time I will be more aggressive and shop around for more banks to help them,” he says.

In most cases, Aler is able to pull some strings and find a way to overcome this particular hurdle in the selling process, though interest rates tend to be just a little higher for individuals with credit and income limitations.

“But the important thing is they [have] another chance to get a car loan and that helps build their credit Letty of Rowland Heights (right) is among DCH Toyota of Torrance’s satisfied and happy clients as she comes home with her very own New again,” he says.

Toyota Venza.

We welcome all of our kababayans to the DCH Toyota Filipino Sales Dept. Simply call us at toll-free (888) 443-7619. We can always help you get an affordable car you want to drive that will fit your budget through a very smooth, professional, friendly, and straightforward transaction. Just ask for Loyd, Phillip, Ed or JP. Tawag na kaibigan!

Romulus Sacdalan (right) chose DCH Toyota of Torrance Filipino Dept. Sales Team for his first vehicle in the US.

DCH Toyota of Torrance is conveniently located just off the 110 at: 2909 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505.

DISCOUNT CONNECTION HOTLINE for Kababayans Phone:

(888) 443-7619.

DCH Toyota of Torrance is open Mondays through Saturdays from 8:30am to 9pm, and on Sundays, from 10am to 8pm.

(Advertising Supplement)

99 Ranch Market collaborates with Amazon Prime Now, free two-hours delivery goes live With customer convenience in mind, 99 Ranch Market is proud yo introduce grocery shopping at your finger tips. 99 Ranch Market collaborates with online retail giant, Amazon Prime Now, for the ultimate online grocery shopping experience.

The dream of picking groceries from you beloved Asian grocery is now fulfilled.

In society of mobile technology

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and convenience, 99 Ranch Market understands the value of efficiency for people who are too busy with life.

Starting today, simply click on the items you need on Amazon Prime Now, sit back or head back to work and groceries are delivered directly to your door. On Amazon Prime Now, products range from ethnic groceries reminding you the taste of your hometown, to freshly picked fruits and

crisp vegetables. Get Matcha flavored Pocky or a pice of exotic dragon fruit, all available with a simple click. Enjoy convenience and an effortless grocery shopping experience!

Amazon Prime Now is serving on selected zip codes only in Los Angeles metropolitan area and Orange County area. As a member of Amazon Prime Now, customers are qualified to receive free two hour delivery

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service. Customers can also place orders or track their purchases via Amazon Prime now app on their smart phones. In just two hours, customers can treat themselves with the freshest ingredients and without the hassle of driving in traffic.

99 Ranch Market strives to provide high-quality, great prices and a comfortable shopping environment for our customers. The collaboration

SERVICES

with Amazon Prime Now means that 99 Ranch Market will be able to offer the freshest Asian products and the fastest delivery service to its participating communities. Now that 99 Ranch Market offers online shopping and home delivery, the establishment continues to satisfy customer needs and food craving at any time within a click.

(Advertising Supplement)

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The immigration consequences of marriage fraud

worn.

When USCIS believes that the Immigrant marriage is not a legitimate one, officers will deny the marriageLiving: 101 based petition and application and Beyond for adjustment of status. A much worse consequence is a finding Monette of fraud. If a person is charged Atty. JEff KhurgEl AdevA MAglAyA with entering into a marriage solely for the purpose of evading AS required by law, US (Part 2 of 3) immigration laws he will be barred Citizenship and Immigration VIGAN has pedigree. And tons under Section 204(c) Immigration Services will deny immigration of character. It was founded 438 and Nationality Act as amended. petitions and applications for years ago in 1572, a half century A 204(c) finding has severe adjustment of status where they jasmine or green tea as the Chinese fashioned way is breathable fabric after Magellan first stumbled immigration consequences. The believe that fraud is involved. do after a 10-course lauriat banquet. that loses its form and sheen when onto our shores and made the recipient has almost no hope of Marriage-Based Green Card For added measure, be sure to washed but sure feels wonderful fatal mistake of messing with the obtaining permanent resident interviews may also result in sweat out all those nasty cloggers on the skin after repeated uses. feisty Lapulapu. But I digress and status in the United States, ever. findings of fraud by immigration with aerobics exercise. If not, eat in Perhaps only India and other apologize for sounding flippant Once a denial order is issued every officers. In Marriage-Based moderation following the RULE OF cotton-growing countries have about history. subsequent petition filed on the Green Card interviews, which are something similar. Burnay pottery in PALM, which the dietary experts say, conducted in USCIS District and Vigan’s name is derived from applicant’s behalf will be denied. is to eat only what you can fit in the natural or stained earth tone colors “bigaa”, a tuberous root plant Field Offices, Adjudications Officers This rule applies whether the latter palm of one hand. Sigh … related to the edible “gabi” with big, has primitive appeal and is perfect petition is a family or employmentset out to determine whether the You can dine alfresco on a for homes and gardens but quite bright green fronds common to applicant’s marriage to a US Citizen based petition. The only exception the place. Vigan is the third Spanish cumbersome to lug around if you’re moonlit night at Café Leona. to this strict rule, as set forth in is a legitimate one. A legitimate The café is named after Leona traveling light. Leave them for the city to be built in the Philippines, a 1993 Board of Immigration marriage is a marriage that was Florentino, the creative dame who locals instead. after the first one in Cebu and the not entered into for the purpose of Appeals decision, is that a fraud lived centuries ahead of her time.

Find delight in Ilocano cuisine. second, in what is now Manila. Once determination does not bar the evading immigration law. USCIS is She has the distinction of being a Like the people in the region, there in Vigan, you can take a calesa just required to focus on whether, at the approval of a second petition noted poetess, the product of an time the marriage was entered into, based on the same marriage. is nothing bland or tentative about for the experience but a hale and Prior to a 204(c) finding, USCIS educated, illustrious family headed the bride and groom intended to it. It either grabs that part of the hearty visitor equal to the task, can will often summon the applicant establish a life together.

by Isabelo delos Reyes, with a brain that controls your taste buds do a walkabout in comfy sandals, and spouse for a second interview.

In order to make a verifiable claim to being a distant or not at all. A trip to Vigan is not shorts and T-shirt, an anahaw This interview is also referred to complete without tasting its famous relative of Jose Rizal. Her statue with determination that a marriage fan, a bottle of water, a camera, a as a “fraud interview” or “Stokes is legitimate for immigration langgonisa, tiny bite-sized pork links a sprig of laurel on her head and cellphone and a wide-brimmed interview, named for the New hat. Nearly all the points of interest, with distinctive vinegar, garlicky taste garbed in native “saya” sits pensively purposes, the examining officer looks into the conduct of the parties York District Court case which in front of Max’s Restaurant. are within walking distance of each that puts the kielbasa in the dust. established guidelines within after the marriage to prove their The famous fried chicken Then there is delicious bagnet, other: the St. Paul’s Metropolitan that district for a subsequent intent at the time of its inception. restaurant which has gone global Cathedral; Plaza Salcedo; the Burgos Ilocano chicharon, deep fried pork interview in which legitimacy of Relevant factors, which may be following the hordes of Filipinos who meat, best eaten with garlic rice, House—the best by far in the the marriage is at issue. During addressed at the interview include big red tomatoes with pure Sukang have left the country for greener region—which was also called the the second interview, the couple whether the couple is living pastures, is housed in a modern, Iloko as dipping sauce while other Ayala Museum at one point for the together, whether they jointly own will be separated then questioned stylized version of a Vigan House food fanciers use freshly cooked family’s role in its preservation; the individually as to the specifics of property, and whether they are right down to the capiz windows—a bagnet crushed and sprinkled Archbishop’s Palace; the Crisologo conducting themselves as husband their marriage. A wide variety of deliberate effort to blend in with generously on top of any pancit Museum; Plaza Burgos, Syquia and wife. Officers may also consider questions should be anticipated, the Vigan character— but more recipe “to kick it up a notch”, as Mansion among others. visual clues such as body language such as the details of the couple’s than likely, in compliance with a Emeril would say; chichacorn But the core of a visit to first date, questions about furniture and whether a wedding ring is mandated city ordinance. For those for snacking, tastes very much Vigan must be focused on the leery of leaving the tech world for like the commercial Boy Bawang Kamestizoan district, also known protracted periods of time, it is brand; crunchy empanada—Vigan The as Heritage Village, along Calle style—is not the regular empanada comforting to know that Max’s Vigan Metamorphosis Crisologo where one will find the is a wi-fi zone, combining the best of few remaining ancestral houses on you know and scrumptious okoy the old and new worlds. prepared fresh and deep fried in a street showing the classic lines of Of course, you can find black woks in the many tiny food Spanish architecture. On the street the omnipresent MacDonald’s, stalls in Plaza Burgos is something level are shops and persuasive ErniE D. DElfin Jollibee’s, Greenwich Pizza and a you have to check out while sitting sellers peddling souvenirs, local few well-known restaurant chain on the park benches as you chow crafts and antiques.

Catholic nation, it is obvious ONE of the most interesting branches that jockey for position down on your order. You pretend Of the goods available, the that the leaders are not effective studies in human history is about and market share in Vigan. Many to be oblivious of the townspeople cotton Ilocano blankets locally enough to institute real reforms leaders and leadership. There are visitors with less than adventurous woven in simple plaid patterns and openly gazing at you with widein the area of social justice to many kinds of leaders, as there are taste buds and a hankering for in varying thread counts and quality eyed curiosity while you fumble in transform the lives of poor people. groups that are being led. We had your purse for some chump change, what’s safe and familiar, can deserve some attention. They are (Is that a curse of being a Catholic leaders like Hitler or Bonaparte, but simply go to these restaurants for feeling guilty about panhandlers not as collectible as the handcountry, like Mexico and others in we also have leaders like Mahatma predictable, affordable fastfood with babies in their arms asking for made, colorful Amish quilts that South America?).

Gandhi or Nelson Mandela. We fare and come out happy. (To be *** had leaders like Jim Jones (of the money or food. command top dollar but these are continued) Against that aforementioned Peoples’ Temple) who poisoned his Counterbalance all that blankets that are meant to be used backdrop about leaders and followers in Guyana, but we also *** cholesterol by dipping everything to give one a warm, fuzzy feeling, Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP had leaders like Mother Teresa who leadership, I can’t help but pray dripping in fat that you put in your not unlike Linus’ security blanket, of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send fed the hungry and took care of the while I was in the Philippines. mouth in genuine Sukang Iloko on a hot summer’s day or blustery comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ dying. We had Abe Lincoln who Where are the leaders of my much like Drano’s action to clogged winter’s night. These pure organic asianjournalinc.com country that can effectively abolished slavery in the USA, but plumbing. Or chase it down with cotton blankets woven the old transform a poor and corrupt also had many leaders who owned country to become a better and and traded slaves. In the current more progressive moral country? political scene, an ultra-liberal What is happening in my homeland President Obama came to power now with over 100 million from the left to counterbalance people, there is still so much to the excesses of a previous right desire to make it greater country wing conservative President Bush. are encouraged to go to: opportunities will be enhanced ROSEMEAD—Edison that she deserves. The current Next year’s US election is another scholarsapply.org/edisonscholars. turning point where the country by young people with STEM International’s $1.2 million Edison administration of “Daang Matuwid” Scholarship recipients expertise, so we strongly Scholars Program, which helps (Straight Path) or “Kung walang will most likely strike a middle will be announced next April. encourage high school seniors high school seniors realize their Corrupt, Walang Mahirap” (When ground like what a moderate Recipients may also be eligible for Republican President Reagan did from SCE’s service area who dreams of attending college there is no corruption, there will summer internships at SCE after qualify to apply for the Edison and pursuing studies in science, be no poverty) sounds good in the during his presidency. It will be completing their second year of Scholarship.” technology, engineering or math media but there are still obvious unpredictable but interesting to college.

Applicants must have a 3.0 (STEM), announces the start of graft and corruption almost see if the Republicans will have Edison International’s support their candidate in the person of a GPA or above and either live in its 2015-16 application period everywhere to this day. Looking up of charitable causes such as or attend public or private high running today through Feb. 1. to the heavens, I’ve asked a dozen noisy billionaire, Donald Trump, the Edison Scholars Program schools in SCE’s service area. High Thirty high school students times: “Quo vadis, Pilipinas?” versus the Democrats’ first woman is funded entirely by Edison school seniors must demonstrate in Southern California Edison’s Every day, a normal intelligent candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton.

International shareholders. SCE financial need and plan to (SCE) service territory are each person can smell the politically Stay tuned. customers’ utility bill payments do be a full-time undergraduate awarded a $40,000 scholarship charged atmosphere as the From time to time, a different not fund company donations. In student majoring in electrical paid over four years. Since 2006, “unofficial” campaign for national kind of a leader appears, someone addition, dependents of Edison engineering, mechanical Edison International, SCE’s parent who radically turns the world upside official from the President, VP, 12 International employees are not engineering, civil engineering, company, has awarded nearly $4 senators, congressmen, governors, down; like the current Vatican eligible for the Edison Scholars computer engineering, industrial million in scholarships to more mayors and council people Pontiff, Pope Francis, fittingly Program. engineering, computer sciences/ than 490 Edison Scholars. throughout the country. Almost honored as the “People’s Pope” by Edison International (NYSE: info system, environmental “Our Edison Scholars everyone has an opinion, from Time Magazine. In just over two EIX), through its subsidiaries, is engineering or environmental Program helps low-income and the taxi driver to the local market years, he is radically changing many a generator and distributor of sciences at a four-year college or underrepresented students vendor, from students to business traditional practices and policies electric power and an investor in university. pursue studies in science, people. Government employees, of the Catholic Church. The first infrastructure and energy assets, Students from underserved technology, engineering and business people and candidates for Pope born and raised in South including renewable energy. communities and ethnic mathematics,” said Tammy political office, and their campaign America, he has already modified Headquartered in Rosemead, minorities are especially Tumbling, SCE’s director of leaders are busy strategizing and or changed some policies and Calif., Edison International is the encouraged to apply.

Philanthropy and Community realigning their forces that will practices such as dealing with gays parent company of Southern To apply and get additional Investment. “Twenty-first make them victors and beneficiaries and lesbians, divorce and marriage, California Edison. eligibility information, students century careers and professional during the May 2016 elections. or abortion. Giving some delayed Accepted as the national pastime justice to many cover-ups in the like baseball, football or basketball investigations of sexual abuse in the US, politics in the Philippines of young men and women by is the greatest pastime, hobby and pedophile priests and clergy is also big business all rolled into one. a welcome revolution within the Money will be flowing from the Church. candidates’ campaign funds to woo Trained and ordained as a DUARTE— Magic is on the organizations around the Duarte Education Foundation, the people and literally buy their Jesuit, Pope Francis opted to menu when the Duarte Kiwanis country. Carson began his and Friends of the Duarte Library. votes. Millions of pesos will pass follow the stellar example of Club and the City of Duarte professional career at the age of For further information and hands from the candidates, the St. Francis, a saint honored for present the annual Magical 14. From the premiere opening tickets, contact: haves to the have-nots, thru their exchanging his privileged status Mystery Show starring Las Vegas of the MGM Grand Hotel and Filippo Fanara at 626-255campaign leaders down the line. as a son of a wealthy merchant in magician, Garry Carson at the over 8,000 shows over a 2 ½ 1124 (filippo@cibare.com).

In the political front, there are favor of working and living with Duarte Performing Arts Center, year period, to appearances www.DuarteChamber.com now three declared candidates for the poor, the lepers and those Saturday, November 7. Doors on national and international www.Eventbrite.com President, Mar Roxas, (Liberal Party) socially segregated people in Assisi open at 2:30p.m. Showtime is television shows including Good www.DuarteKiwanis.org who was “anointed” by Pres. Aquino 3:00 p.m. The Duarte Performing Morning America, Inside Edition More information is available during his time. His presence to succeed him and VP JeJomar and pronouncements are being Arts Center is located at 1401 and the Fox special Masters Of on the Club’s Facebook page, Binay (UNA) and Sen. Grace Poe. watched, especially during his Highland Ave. Tickets are $10.00 Illusion, Carson presents a family Duarte Kiwanis Club.

(We are still waiting if Davao Mayor visits to several countries such as and can be purchased at the friendly show The City of Duarte was Rudy Duterte will run). It will be a door. Packet of 5 tickets can be Proceeds from the Magical incorporated on August 22, 1957. the Philippines and just recently very interesting and costly election the United States. This came as a purchased for $40.00.

Mystery Show will benefit the With integrity and transparency, to find out what kind of a leader the powerful reminder and challenge Lemonade prepared Duarte Kiwanis Club which the City provides exemplary Philippines deserves. Roxas may be to the secular leaders of the world and served by Duarte Youth supports many philanthropic public services in a caring and competent and experienced, but Entrepreneur Group, the City activities; scholarships for fiscally responsible manner with a to become catalysts for change has never had a stellar performance Lemonade Brigade from Mt. Duarte graduates, the Duarte commitment to our community’s in the upliftment of the poor and as a government official and has the marginalized members of Olive Alternative High School.

Senior Center activities, DART and future. For more information almost no charisma to connect their society. In a predominantly Snacks and refreshments will Duarte’s Promise, The Alliance for visit www.accessduarte.com or genuinely with the people, that is Catholic country like the also be available for purchase at Youth, and various local youth call (626) 357-7931. Follow the aggravated by another reputedly Philippines, it seems criminal when intermission. sports organizations. Duarte City of Duarte on Facebook at “suplada” wife.

Master illusionist Garry Kiwanis also provides support to facebook.com/duartecommunity; there is a large gap between the VP Binay, on the other hand, Carson and his family the Foothill Unity Center, Duarte Twitter @CityofDuarte; Instagram haves and the have-nots. Although possesses that very “bakya” or provide shows for non-profit the Philippines is a predominantly Community Service Council, @city_of_duarte and LinkedIn.

Bagnet and Vigan empanada, anyone?

“Lay out all your clothes and all your money.

Then take half the clothes and twice the money.”

— Susan Butler Anderson

Immigration Essentials

in the home or how holidays have been celebrated by the couple in the past. The couple’s attorney will be present during each separate interview to ensure compliance with Federal Regulations and USCIS policy on the part of the officer and to assist the couple, where appropriate.

In recent months, Adjudications Officers are questioning not only the veracity of the current marriage, but also inquiring further into past marriages of the couple. Such questions should particularly be anticipated where the petitioning spouse previously received their Lawful Permanent Resident status on the basis of a petition from a prior spouse. Contrary to what many spouses believe, their past marriages and immigration histories are “fair game” at the interview regarding their new marital petition.

Prior to the preparation and submission of documents to the USCIS a thorough examination of all relevant information must be undertaken. Prior to attending any immigration interview, a preparatory session and review of relevant information must also undergo strict professional scrutiny.

Due to heightened review by USCIS and the severe consequences which will befall those charged with entering into marriage to evade immigration law, the assistance of experienced legal counsel is advisable. *** 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.

Leaders come and go, but servant leaders are what our world needs today

Application period runs through Feb. 1 for $1.2 million Edison Scholars Program

Magical Mystery Show starring master illusionist Garry Carson at Duarte Performing Arts Center

common tao appeal as he can connect with the masa or ordinary people easily, eating with them with bare hands. On the negative side, he and his Binay dynasty have tons of alleged graft and corruption anomalies that have significantly decreased his popularity especially on the more educated and affluent voters. But his poor and non-critical thinking bobobotantes seems intact, so he still has a good chance to win despite the corrupt image.

Poe is a neophyte in the political arena, but due to the masa or star mentality of Filipinos, as an adopted daughter of the popular Fernando Poe and Susan Roces, she has soared into the popularity survey, beating everybody, according to recent polls. The Filipinos’ adulation of the underdog (being an foundling, she was left as a baby in front of a church, not knowing her biological parents coupled with the perception that she is being legally attacked in her residency and citizenship status) is apparently helping her popularity in the surveys. The downside, however, is that she has never ran a company or business, nor held an executive position in the government that many fear she will be only manipulated by many wannabees around her -- like her friend Sen. Chiz Escudero, who like Roxas never had an exemplary public service either.

The popular Mayor Duterte is a potential candidate because of what he has done to his Davao City that has become progressive and peaceful. Unfortunately, his image as a vigilante and taking rule of law into his hands might prove as a liability if he indeed files his candidacy.

With the above choices, there is no exemplary choice, especially if the Filipino people are dreaming of another Ramon Magsaysay, the man of the masses, as the next president. It’s sad that the good die young as RM, the most loved and admired Philippine president, delivered his promise to give more to those who have less in life. Mysteriously tragic, he met his untimely death on March 17, 1957 in a plane crash without finishing his term.

Like the Vatican, what the Philippines needs for 2016 is a true servant leader who will truly serve his people, and not just be in Malacanang Palace to enrich him or herself along with his relatives and cronies. A servant leader is one that always has the welfare of the people in his heart and mind; that old fashioned principle of the common good becoming the corner stone of the new administration next year. I am just praying and hoping that a part of the character and traits Pope Francis has be mysteriously transferred onto the next president of my country! *** Email: ernie.delfin@gmail.com Website: www.gkerc.org

october 9-15, 2015 www.asianjournal.com

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october 9-15, 2015 www.asianjournal.com

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