Orange County/Inland Empire -- February 05 -- 11, 2016

ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE

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Volume 23 - No. 3 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

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by LEILA

B. SALAVERRIA / Inquirer.net

SENATE Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile on Thursday, Feb. 4 said he would campaign for the candidates of his party, the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), led

by Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Enrile said he would also help Binay’s running mate, Sen. Gregorio Honasan II, alJ\eXk\ D`efi`kp C\X[\i AlXe GfeZ\ <ei`c\ Xejn\ij though he could not promise hl\jk`fej ]ifd d\[`X [li`e^ k_\ BXg`_Xe jX J\eX[f# him support from Cagayan K_lij[Xp# =\Y% +% J\eXk\ g_fkf Yp Af\ 8iXqXj because of the tendency of

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DATELINE Ted Cruz, Hillary Clinton victorious in Iowa Caucus FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

THE Iowa Caucus on Monday, Feb. 1 – the first major hurdle on the narrow road to the presidential elections – proved to be a night of political surprises. Thousands of Iowa residents gathered in various caucus sites across the state to hear candidates’ appeals and make their vote, officially starting off the nomination process for both Democrat and Republican parties.

In the crowded GOP race, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz--supported widely by evangelical Christians, and backed by vigorous campaigning in the state -- defeated real estate mogul Donald Trump in the Republican caucuses. Cruz won about a third of the evangelical vote, reported the New York Times.

With 98 percent of precincts reporting, Cruz had nearly 28 percent of the statewide vote, while Trump closely followed with 24 percent.

“Tonight is a victory for courageous G8>< 8+

Undocumented students can receive financial aid under CA DREAM loan program

the people of the province to choose a fellow Ilocano.

Enrile also endorsed the candidacy of Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and showed up at a Marcos rally where he proclaimed his run for the vice presidency.

“I am with UNA and I will campaign for the candidates of UNA,” Enrile said in a Senate forum.

“I am for Binay. I will bet G8>< 8)

PH still free of Zika virus

by NIÑA

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BIR: Miss Universe must pay taxes

P. CALLEJA, TINA G. SANTOS Inquirer.net

THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) on Tuesday, Feb. 4 assured the public that the Philippines was still free of the Zika virus as it announced measures, including increasing the number of testing kits, to address the disease should cases turn up in the country.

Health Secretary Janette Garin said the government remained vigilant against the disease since the mosquito carrying the virus was present in the country.

“Worldwide, the local transmission of the Zika virus within the last nine months had been confirmed in 28 countries, mostly in Latin America. The Philippines is not on this list,” Garin said. “However, the vector Aedes aegypti mosquito— the same type of mosquito that spreads dengue, Chikungunya and yellow fever—is in the Philippines so we are very aggressive in our surveillance and information dissemination,” she added.

There’s a report that a Filipino contracted the mosquitoborne Zika virus in Honduras, which the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is looking into.

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by PRINZ

MAGTULIS

Philstar.com

MANILA—For Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares, the question of whether or not Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach should pay income taxes is a non-issue because without a law exempting her, the beauty queen has no choice but to pay her taxes.

“It should not be an issue because it is in the law,” Henares said on Thursday, Feb. 4. “It was provided in the law that any tax exemption will have to be approved by two-thirds of the houses of Congress. Without it, there’s no exemption.”

Hence, Henares said Wurtzbach, just like any other taxpayer, would have until April 15 to pay and settle her income taxes.

Included among those that will be charged income levies are Wurtzbach’s prize winnings in the Miss Universe pageant.

Nonetheless, Henares added Wurtzbach can claim tax credits from the BIR if she could prove that she paid income taxes in the US. “She only needs to attach the documents from the IRS (US Internal Revenue Service) and that will be credited,” she pointed out.

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Franchising, business opportunities abound in PH

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

AJPress

NEW YORK - There are plenty of franchising and business opportunities in the Philippines where overseas Filipinos can invest their hard-earned money, according to Prof. Enrique Soriano III who teaches business at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business and a business adviser to many corporations all over Southeast Asia.

Soriano was in New York last week, where delivered a seminar for Filipinos who want to know more about investing in the homeland, an Gif]% <ei`hl\ Jfi`Xef @@@ \ogcX`ej _fn `dgfikXek k\eXZ`kp nXj kf k_\ kX`gXej k_Xk _\ nfib\[ n`k_ `e k_\ gXjk% offshoot of some of the talks he delivJfi`Xef nXj `e E\n Pfib ]fi X kXcb fe Ylj`e\jj fggfikle`k`\j ]fi =`c`g`ef$8d\i`ZXej `e k_\ G_`c`gg`e\j% ered before Filipinos based overseas

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OVER 3,000 undocumented undergraduate students will now have access to the California DREAM Loan program, an initiative worth $5 million in financial aid funded by the University of California and the state.

In an announcement made on Thursday, Jan. 28, UC President Janet Napolitano said that financial aid offices at the system’s nine undergraduate campuses will be reaching out to undocumented AB 540 undergraduates with offers of loan assistance through the program for the 20152016 academic year. Under Assembly Bill 540, qualifying undocumented students are charged resident fees and exempted from out-of-state supplemental tuition.

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the Philippines. He also promoted his just launched second book titled “Ensuring the Family Business Legacy.”

“There is an opportunity for every budget,” Soriano said. “There are brands that are compelling and are worth every single penny that you invest.” He explained that his suggestions don’t include million dollar franchises like the top brands in the Philippine fastfood industry like Jollibee and McDonald’s.

He talked about affordable business opportunities with emerging brands starting at 500,000 peso investment (soft serve ice cream) with G8>< 8)

House minority report on Mamasapano finds Aquino liable for SAF men massacre

by MARC JAYSON

CAYABYAB

In a press conference, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez led the disclosure of the report, THE three-member independent bloc in with the House majority yet to release its the House of Representatives found Presi- report on the congressional investigation dent Benigno Aquino III liable for issuing last year.

Romualdez said because Aquino did not a stand down order in the Mamasapano issue any order to help the beleaguered operation.

This was the finding of the indepen- elite police officers when they were bedent minority report on the Jan. 25, 2015 ing pinned down by Moro rebels in the botched anti-terror raid that resulted in cornfields of Mamasapano, Maguindanao, the death of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) Aquino effectively handed a stand-down police officers after a firefight with the order.

The bloc based its report on the findings Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and of the Philippine National Police (PNP) other armed groups.

Inquirer.net

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Board of Inquiry as well as the Senate report that found Aquino ultimately responsible for violating the police chain of command.

According to the report, Aquino’s actions showed that he issued a stand-down order in the deployment of artillery support to the SAF commandos.

“Although unspoken, it is clear from the actuations of the President, the members of the Cabinet security cluster, the senior AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP officials including officers on G8>< 8+

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FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Franchising, business opportunities...

G8>< 8( the maximum at five million pesos (convenience store).

Among the brands he mentioned were Mr. Softy, Generika, Julie’s Bakeshop and Mini-Stop.

“If you’re going to invest, invest on a brand, a franchise that has a great story and a powerful value. Check the

company’s track record. As it is in franchising, caveat emptor, or let the buyer beware,” he explained. “A lot of scams happen everywhere. They tell you it’s a good franchise but you end up with just a kiosk.

The key is look at the track record. ” The biggest question raised in every talk he has overseas

is management. Most people who want to start in franchising have no plans of retiring from their day jobs yet.

Realizing this, Soriano created a business model which he thinks would be helpful to this type of investors.

“Engage a management team that is going to be focused and very professional, the (business) model is similar to a hotel management company. It is better than assigning a relative because eight out of 10 times, your relative will be your diabolical enemy after two to three years,” Soriano said. “By outsourcing, you increase the value, there’s financial reporting and disclosure and there’s a more professional, strategic direction.”

Soriano’s talk also focused on his experiences in working with the country’s top taipans, including Andrew Tan, John Gokongwei, Lucio Tan and George Ty. He was a Vice President at Unilab/Greenfield Corporation at the age of 29, became the chairman of Eastwood City in 2000 when he was 32 and became the first president of Travelers International (Resorts World Manila) when he was 35.

“It’s all about creating your own success stories, similar to what some of the richest men in the country have done,” Soriano said, citing the common traits that were similar to the tycoons he worked with in the past.

He said that most of the businessmen he worked with had almost rags to riches stories.

“They were visionary, passionate and purposeful, with a tremendous amount of tenacity,” he said.

It was the same tenacity that drove Julie Gadionco to open her eponymous bakeshop when she was already 50 years old and the persistence and obsession of Andrew Tan to own the Fundador brand, a feat he achieved last November.

Soriano also summarized the lessons he learned from them, something that he shares with his graduate school students and people who attend his seminars.

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G8>< 8( on Binay. Why would I bet on someone who will lose?” he said later.

He also said he told Honasan that he would try his best to help

him in his region, but could not guarantee the support of residents there.

“But I have to tell you, realistically, Ilocanos have that culture that if an Ilocano is running for

higher office, they gravitate to him regardless,” he said.

Enrile also belittled corruption allegations against Binay, which were investigated by a Senate blue ribbon subcommittee.

BIR: Miss Universe must pay...

G8>< 8( last Wednesday, Feb. 3 without any developments in a bill exempting Wurtzbach from paying taxes to be charged on her prize winnings as Miss Universe.

House Bill 6367, authored by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and Abante Mindanao Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr., was passed by the ways and means committee last Jan. 26.

That was the day the beauty

queen visited the House of Representatives, which was able to garner a quorum to tackle pending measures.

Sought for comment, Benedict Tugonon, newly installed president of the Tax Management Association of the Philippines, agreed with Henares.

“We have a double taxation treaty with the US so she (Wurtzbach) can claim credit here for anything she paid there,” he said

in a phone interview.

Tugonon, a tax lawyer, also said there could be legal problems if the bill on tax exemption is passed into law, especially with regard to equal treatment to people in similar situations as Wurtzbach.

“I have not read the bill yet, but it looks like there could be (violations of equal protection clause of the Constitution),” he clarified.

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PH still free of Zika...

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“We have not received a report from the post that confirms this report,” Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, spokesperson for the DFA, said in a text message.

Philippine health authorities are likewise validating the report that one of those infected by the virus in the country in the Caribbean is a Filipino woman.

The World Health Organization (WHO) earlier declared a global emergency over the spread of the Zika virus in Latin America and its suspected link to the surge of babies born with microcephaly, a congenital condition associated with incomplete brain development and abnormally small heads.

Zika case in 2012 In the Philippines, a documented case of Zika virus infection was traced in Cebu in 2012.

A 15-year-old boy was reported with symptoms of fever, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, muscle pain, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.

After yielding negative results from tests on dengue and Chikungunya, the patient’s serum was tested positive for Zika virus.

The patient recovered fully after three weeks of continuous bed rest and medication.

Garin said at least six hospitals in the country would be catering suspected cases of the Zika virus by next week.

The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Muntinlupa City can accommodate patients who show symptoms of Zika infection, which usually begins three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Symptoms The common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. Other symptoms

are muscle pain, headache and vomiting.

Garin said RITM was set to train five other public hospitals in using detection kits for the Zika virus. These include Lung Center of the Philippines, Baguio General Hospital, San Lazaro Hospital, Southern Philippine Medical Center and the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

Potential link Garin said health experts were investigating a potential link between the Zika virus in pregnant women and microcephaly.

“Until concrete evidence are verified, women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take extra care to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Pregnant women who are experiencing symptoms of the virus should seek early consultation,” she said.

The health secretary also advised pregnant women to avoid visiting places or countries where there had been reported cases of the disease.

“The Zika virus per se is not alarming to the patient. What is alarming is the possible causes to the fetus for the first three months of pregnancy,” Garin noted.

Sexually transmitted “There is one case of a woman who tested positive for the Zika virus but she had no travel history. Turns out, her husband, who also tested positive, had travel history. There is a possibility it was sexually transmitted because the virus was found in the semen,” she said.

But the Zika virus, unlike HIV and hepatitis, does not stay in the human body for life, the health secretary said.

She also said that the WHO still was not recommending any travel and trade or screening restrictions related to the disease.

“But it is advised that travelers going to and coming from countries with known Zika virus cases maintain a high level of vigilance and self-care,” Garin added.

No vaccine yet There is no available vaccine to prevent the Zika virus, and there is no available medicine to treat the infection.

“The symptoms of the Zika virus disease can be treated with common pain and fever medicines, rest and plenty of water. If symptoms continue to occur after two days, consultation in the nearest health facility is recommended,” Garin said.

The DOH, through the Bureau of Quarantine, is monitoring incoming Filipinos or tourists who may have symptoms of the virus.

Garin also sought the cooperation of households to protect their environment from the infection by observing cleanliness.

“The first step to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is within our homes. Let us make it a practice and instill cleanliness in our surroundings,” she said.

Defer blood donations The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) advised individuals who recently visited countries affected by the virus and were intending to donate blood to defer their plans for now.

PRC chair Richard Gordon said nonacceptance of blood donation from those who arrived from countries affected by the virus, such as Brazil and Colombia, was one of the precautions the humanitarian organization was taking “to ensure the public’s safety.”

To ensure that the virus would not spread in the country, Gordon said the PRC would be mounting weekly information campaigns and cleanup drives in various communities nationwide. (With a report from Jovic Yee)

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Open enrollment for Covered California ends Sunday, Feb. 6 SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Due to a last-minute rush for health coverage, Covered California announced that it would keep the doors open for consumers who start the application process but are unable to complete their enrollment by this Sunday, Feb. 6.

The announcement follows a surge of enrollment that saw tens of thousands of consumers enroll in health insurance plans this week and that left certified enrollers with even more applications to file before the Jan. 31 deadline.

“Our top priority is making sure consumers who are trying to get health insurance get the time and assistance they need,” said Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee. “Covered California knows that health care coverage is too important, and people should not be turned away just because they get caught up in a wave of last-minute shoppers.”

Lee said consumers who start their enrollment process, or make an appointment, by midnight Jan. 31 will have until midnight Feb. 6 to complete the application as long as they are working with a Certified Insurance Agent, Cer-

tified Enrollment Counselor, Certified Plan-Based Enroller or Service Center representative at Covered California.

“Anyone who does not have health insurance should visit CoveredCA.com and find out where they can get help enrolling before Jan. 31,” Lee said. “If you get started before Sunday, our certified enrollers and Service Center representatives will help you get across the finish line by Feb. 6.”

Consumers can sign up, or begin an application, in a variety of ways, including enrolling online atwww.CoveredCA.com, calling (800) 300-1506 to enroll over the phone or finding in-person help in their communities. Inperson enrollment assistance can be found by visiting www.CoveredCA.com/get-help/local and searching for enrollment help by ZIP code.

Because the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires most Americans to have health insurance or pay a penalty known as the “shared responsibility payment,” Lee said the time is now for consumers to get coverage for their families instead of paying a penalty to the Internal Revenue Service when

they file their 2016 taxes. The fine is calculated two different ways, and uninsured consumers will pay whichever amount is higher.

The first calculation is 2.5 percent of household income, with a maximum of the total yearly premium for the national average Bronze health insurance plan premium. The second calculation is $695 per adult plus $347.50 per child under the age of 18, with a maximum of $2,085.

“You no longer have to gamble on something as important as your health, because there is financial assistance available to help bring you and your family quality health care coverage,” Lee said.

Nearly nine out of every 10 Covered California enrollees receive some level of financial assistance. Covered California says that 670,000 enrollees paid $100 a month or less for their coverage in 2015 and that 350,000 enrollees paid $50 or less per month.

After open enrollment ends, consumers may sign up only if they have a life-changing event such as getting married, having a child or moving. Medi-Cal enrollment is year-round. (AJPress)

House minority report on...

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the ground and the OPAPP (Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process) and the government peace panel, among others, that there was a ‘stand-down’ order at the height of the firefight and eventually an elaborate effort to cover up the monumental blunders committed,” the report said.

The report cited the testimony of Major Gen. Edmund Pangilinan, who supposedly ordered to withhold the artillery fire because of the peace process with the MILF, even though 1st Mechanized Brigade Commanding Officer Colonel Gener Del Rosario had earlier sought for artillery support. “(The) move… was totally out of line and inexplicable at that juncture. That was indeed unforgivable and even more so given the belated finding that a ‘stand-down’ order was actually handed down presumably through the OPAPP…” the report said.

The report said Aquino was in Zamboanga city at the time of the Mamasapano incident, but he did

not call a meeting with his top commanders and security officials to help the elite cops.

Aquino also texted then Western Mindanao Command General Rustico Guerrero to send help to the elite cops only at 4 p.m. or 12 hours after.

The bloc in the report also accused then Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles and peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer of a “cover-up” on the Mamasapano to shield Aquino from any liability.

The report said Roxas and Deles echoed the claim of the MILF that the incident was merely a “misencounter” between government and MILF troops due to lack of coordination.

“Instead of exerting extra efforts to clear the air and pinpoint the flaws in the manner by which Oplan Exodus was conducted, Secretaries Roxas and Deles and peace panel chair Ferrer engaged in an elaborate cover-up meant to shield the President and the administration and, sadly, even the

MILF from assuming responsibility for the Mamasapano tragedy,” the report said.

The bloc also said the MILF should share the responsibility over the botched operation.

“Taken in totality, the onus of responsibility for the Mamasapano massacre falls squarely in the hands of President Aquino. We concur with the findings of both the Senate … and the PNP Board of Inquiry… that the President was and is ‘ultimately responsible for the outcome of the mission,” the report said.

Aquino was accused of “compartmentalizing” the operations when he coordinated with sacked SAF Director General Getulio Napeñas and authorized a personal friend, then suspended police chief Alan Purisima, to oversee the operation.

The bloc also said Purisima and Napeñas committed criminal offenses for their blunders in the execution of the antiterror raid called Oplan Exodus, which took down international terrorist Marwan.

40% of California 5th-graders are overweight or obese

PALO ALTO—Two of every five 5th graders in California’s public schools are overweight or obese, according to 2015 data from the California Department of Education that are now available on Kidsdata.org.

All California public school students in grades five, seven, and nine are required to take the Physical Fitness Test, which includes an assessment of body composition. Students are considered overweight or obese if their body composition scores reach beyond the Healthy Fitness Zone, which represents a level of fitness that offers protection against the diseases that result from sedentary living.

Not only are the percentages of students who are overweight or obese high in California, the data reveal substantial dispari-

ties between ethnicities. Up to 56 percent of Pacific Islander 5th graders for example, were considered overweight or obese— more than double the percentage of Asian American 5th graders.

The data also vary widely by county. In some counties, less than 20 percent of 5th graders were considered overweight or obese, but in one, the percentage reached above 50 percent.

Nationwide, the childhood obesity rate has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents over the past 30 years. Today, about one third of children ages 2-19 are overweight or obese in the U.S. Overweight children are at higher risk for a range of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, asthma, and some types of cancer; they also are more likely

to stay overweight or obese as adults.

California has been a leader in advancing policies to combat childhood overweight and obesity, from banning soft drinks and unhealthy food in schools to requiring nutrition labeling in chain restaurants. Yet the state continues to battle an obesity epidemic among children.

Experts say reducing childhood obesity requires policies that promote equitable access to safe places to play and exercise, frequent opportunities for physical activity in and out of school and affordable healthy foods and beverages . Public policy can make a difference by changing the environment in which children make food choices, live, go to school, and play. (Inquirer. net)

Undocumented students can receive financial...

G8>< 8( of our state and nation,” said Napolitano in a statement.

The DREAM loan program, proposed by Napolitano in 2014, was authorized that same year when the Legislature passed SB 1210, authored by state Sen. Ricardo Lara. Funding was not made available until this academic year.

The initial $5 million for the California DREAM Program, equally funded by the University of California and state general funds appropriated to UC, will be distributed according to need across campuses.

According to the UC system, students under AB 540 can begin

borrowing up to $4,000 each year in state loans, and each campus can determine how much each student can borrow. Students may borrow every year he or she is enrolled at a UC campus or until he or she receives a maximum of $20,000 in DREAM loans.

“The DREAM loan program will grow our college-educated workforce and make good on the promise that a college degree is possible for all hard-working, qualified California students regardless of their immigration status,” Lara said.

Under the current law, undocumented students who graduate from a California high school and meet the California DREAM Act

requirements are eligible for state and university aid.

Their undocumented status, however, disqualifies them from receiving federal aid, which severely limits their access to student loans. In addition, they have difficulty accessing private loans.

“This new program will reduce that gap,” said Napolitano. “It will help even the playing field for undocumented students struggling to make ends meet.”

Some campuses have eased the financial burden on undocumented students with case-bycase loans from the institution, but the DREAM program provides assistance across the UC system.

(AJPress)

Ted Cruz, Hillary Clinton victorious in...

G8>< 8( conservatives across Iowa and all across this great nation,” Cruz said. “Tonight, the state of Iowa has spoken. Tonight is a victory for the grass roots. Tonight is a victory for courageous conservatives all across Iowa and our great nation.”

Cruz, who has been trailing Donald Trump in recent Iowa polls, also set the record for most Iowa caucus votes received by a single candidate.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio trailed in third place, with 23.1 percent of the vote. “We are not waiting any longer to take our country back,” Rubio told his supporters that night. “I will be your nominee thanks to what you have done in this great state.”

Other Republican contenders, including former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Carly Fiorina, John Kasich, and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul reported low numbers.

For the Democrats, Hillary Clinton won by a very slim margin of victory over her opponent, Bernie Sanders. With a roughly 49.9 to 49.6 percent split, the Iowa Democratic Party described the race as a “historically close caucus.”

Clinton proved victorious after the results showed the delegate gap larger than the 2.28 delegates available from the final, unreported Des Moines precinct, said New York Daily News. The former secretary of state has been leading every major national poll.

“I am a progressive who gets things done for people,” Clinton, the top pick for 45 percent of likely Democratic caucus-goers, said Monday. “We have to be united when it is all said and done…against a Republican vision and candidates who would drive us apart and divide us.”

Among young voters (between ages 17 and 29), Bernie Sanders reportedly won 84 percent of the vote (18 percent if the whole Democratic caucus electorate), to Clinton’s 14 percent. Sanders, a 74-year-old self-proclaimed “Democratic socialist,” has proven himself the clear choice of young people. However, among 45 to 64year-olds and those 65 and older, Clinton is leading Sanders in the polls.

“When I think about what happened tonight, I think the people of Iowa have sent a very profound message to the political establishment, to the economic establishment and — by the way — to the media establishment,” Sanders told supporters just before midnight, calling the Iowa race a “virtual tie.” “And that is that given the enormous crises facing our country, it is just too late for establishment politics and establishment economics.”

After a dim showing in the Hawkeye State to keep their candidacies afloat, former governors Martin O’Malley and Mike Huckabee both suspended their campaigns.

“We fought very, very hard in order to give the people a choice, and the people made their choice tonight,” said O’Malley at his rally in Des Moines, expressing gratitude to his supporters and Iowa citizens. “We have to hold strong to the values that make us Americans.”

O’Malley, who entered the race last May but never polled high and struggled to gain traction with liberal voters, did not endorse a candidate.

Huckabee’s suspension was not planned, but the extremely low turnout prompted him to step out of the race.

“He is going to continue to push

for the issues he believes, but right now this is about thanking his staff and supporters and being with his friends and families and see what doors will open next,” said Hogan Gidley, a spokesman for Huckabee, according to CNN. The turnout of the Iowa caucuses was about 158,000, according to Edison Research, which conducted entrance polls at precincts across the state.

The caucuses determine which candidates send delegates to this year’s Republican convention in Cleveland. Nine other states will also assign delegates this way, in both party contests. While Republicans cast secret ballots, Democrats gather in candidate affinity groups, and reshuffle if some voters stood for a candidate without enough viable support in the state caucuses (for example, Martin O’Malley, who has recently trailed badly in all polls). Delegates are distributed based on the percentage of support each candidate received, according to USA Today.

The final voting results are reported to the state party headquarters, which then report it to media.

“Turnout is everything,” national political strategist David Axelrod told USA Today. “The race is a tight as can be.”

A win for a candidate does not by any means spell a nomination at his or her party’s convention, but victory (or even a competitive placing) in Iowa can help build momentum for the rest of the year, said CNBC. Still, a weak result in the state could mean the beginning of the end for some campaigns, especially in the crowded GOP ticket.

New Hampshire is the next state to vote, with its primary on Tuesday, Feb. 9. (Allyson Escobar / AJPress)

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DATELINE PComelec HILIPPINES junks all DQ cases vs Duterte

by ROSETTE

ADEL

Philstar.com

MANILA—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) First Division on Wednesday, Feb. 3 denied all the disqualification cases against presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

In a press conference, Comelec First Division Chair Christian Robert Lim said the body voted unanimously to dismiss all of the four petitions filed against Duterte due to lack of merit.

The ruling was signed by Comelec body’s members Lim, Luie Tito Guia and Ma. Rowena Guanzon.

Among the petitions junked by the Comelec are those filed

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MANILA—Sending a message Zhao noted that the coming ship and amicable exchanges. that Philippines-China relations year is the Year of Monkey. In We do have some differences and do not revolve merely around the Chinese zodiac, the monkey disputes, but China is committed maritime disputes, Foreign Af- symbolizes vitality, flexibility and to peaceful settlement through fairs Secretary Albert del Rosa- intelligence. dialogue and negotiation with the rio attended the Spring Festival “The same goes for the bi- Philippines,” he added. reception on Tuesday, Feb. 2 lateral relations between China He congratulated the Philipby AUREA CALICA and conveyed his greetings for a and the Philippines. Despite the pines for the successful hosting Philstar.com happy Chinese New Year. challenges and difficulties, our of the APEC Economic Leaders’ MANILA—Malacañang welDel Rosario had not attended overall relations remained stable Meeting last November. Chinese receptions hosted by the Chinese and developing in 2015,” Zhao President Xi Jinping participated comed statements from US Ambassador Philip Goldberg and embassy in Manila since the fil- added. in the meeting. ing of the case against China He also welcomed the Philip- Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio He said that China remains before the United Nations arbi- one of the top trading partners of pines as a founding member of Cardinal Tagle that corruption is tral tribunal challenging China’s the Philippines, noting that trade the Asian Infrastructure Invest- still an election issue and that the people must elect only leaders expansive claims in the South volume in the first 11 months of ment Bank (AIIB).

China Sea. He noted that the AIIB offers with integrity.

2015 reached $41.46 billion, an Presidential spokesman Edwin When Del Rosario and his wife increase of 2.3 percent. More great opportunities for cooperaattended the Spring Festival re- than 400,000 Chinese tourists tion in the sector of infrastructure Lacierda said Goldberg was in a ception at the Makati Shangri-La also traveled to the Philippines and it would inject a greater vi- position to voice such observaHotel, they were welcomed by last year. tality in current and future Philip- tion as he has seen the benefits of choosing a leader like President Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jian“China and the Philippines pines-China bilateral relations. hua, who told The STAR he was should not be confused by the “The new year marks a new Aquino “who leads by example.”

“He has seen that good gover“pleasantly surprised” by the at- current and temporary difficul- beginning. I sincerely hope and tendance of Del Rosario. believe that through our joint ef- nance translates to good economties,” Zhao said.

“I hope it will be the start of “We are close neighbors, we forts, we will continue to make ics,” Lacierda said.

On Tagle’s statement, the good things to come,” Zhao add- can not move away from each progress and open a new chapter ed. other. We are partners, we can of win-win cooperation,” Zhao presidential spokesman said the prelate “regards corruption as a Del Rosario and Zhao had a benefit more if we can use the said. moral issue and urges voters to

China envoy hopes for better Philippine ties

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validity of Duterte’s substitution for former Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan standard-bearer Martin Diño.

The Comelec said, however, that the petitions which challenged Diño’s certificate of candidacy was filed out of time since he was already declared a nui-

sance candidate and withdrew his candidacy.

The Comelec added that Diño’s intent to run for president was clear despite his error.

Lim said the petitioners may still file a motion for reconsideration to counter the division’s ruling.

Cardinal Tagle, Amb. Goldberg: Corruption still an election issue

Congress buries Bangsamoro bill

by JOSE

RODEL CLAPANO Philstar.com

MANILA—The nation was urged to keep calm on Wednesday, Feb. 3 as Congress went on recess without passing the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to create a Muslim homeland in Mindanao, raising the possibility of hostilities again breaking out.

“Let me state the fact: the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, in whatever shape or form, did not make it out of the 16th Congress,” chief peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said, blaming what she called “sheer indifference and chronic absenteeism” of legislators in the House of Representatives.

She said Filipinos, particularly Muslims, who had expected its movement forward were “grieving, hurting and once again dreading what tomorrow may bring.”

“However, the collective inaction of our legislators to complete the deliberation on the BBL did not, and will not, stop the momentum of the Bangsamoro peace process. At this low point, we call for sobriety and perseverance,” she said.

Earlier, Lanao del Sur Rep. Pangalian Balindong, Deputy Speaker for Mindanao in the House of Representatives, effectively threw in the towel on the BBL, saying the inaction of legislators had killed the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and potentially usher in a new round of fighting in the south.

He blamed the “sheer tyranny of the majority” for shutting the door on the BBL, the final piece of the puzzle which would give a legal framework to the MILF’s quest for self-rule, encapsulate a wealth-sharing scheme and spell out how to “decommission” rebel firearms and reintegrate the combatants to mainstream society.

Ferrer said all the efforts they had put to make sure the BBL was passed “amounted to nothing, along with millions of pesos of taxpayers’ money used to finance these drawn out proceedings.”

However, Ferrer stressed that the peace pact was a binding document for both the government and the MILF that remains valid.

“We need to take away the fear and distrust of the Bangsamoro for our country to become whole.

We therefore urge our politicians and fellow citizens to take the time to study the history of the conflict and the peace process so as to get a better understanding of the road map and our unflinch-

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ing efforts to see it through,” she tion would not start from scratch if it decides to continue the peace said.

DXe`cX 8iZ_Y`j_fg Cl`j 8ekfe`f :Xi[`eXc KX^c\ The MILF has blamed hardline process with the MILF. lawmakers for the failure to pass the BBL, and acknowledged that the Mamasapano incident was the main reason for the inaction.

“There are countless exceptions, but generally Filipinos are not ready for reconciliation. Congress had just shown it. They are making it very hard. They are still in the state of denial,” an editorial of the MILF on its website Luwaran.com said.

“Their thinking and what they say are still reminiscent of the bloody days of Spain in this country. They still see the Moro as sub-human, not deserving of equal treatment,” it said.

“The BBL is not the first agreement set aside by government. It seems it is already systemic,” it stressed.

It said the police commandos were the ones to blame for last year’s tragic incident at Mamasapano by deliberately ignoring the chain of command and a ceasefire agreement requiring “prior coordination in case of movement of troops or police actions.”

“They also tagged a partner in peace, the MILF, as ‘enemy,’ and the 6th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), a sister military organization, as ‘unreliable,’” it said.

The MILF editorial, however, acknowledged President Aquino did all he could, and put the blame squarely on congressional leaders.

It did not give any hint of how it would move forward, but rebel spokesmen have consistently raised fears of a possible disillusionment of young fighters who may join other armed, terrorist groups such as Islamic State.

Roadmap to peace Despite the failure of Congress to pass the BBL, Ferrer said the road map for peace is still available for the next administration to continue the peace process that President Aquino has started with the MILF. She said the next administra-

use their stand against corruption as a yardstick for voting.”

“We fully agree with the constructs of the two gentlemen as this government has subscribed to anti-corruption since the start.

Hence, like the two, we urge our voters to choose the next leaders on the basis of proven integrity, among others,” Lacierda added.

Goldberg cited in a press conference the importance of continuing the reforms started by Aquino, noting that one of the “very important” improvements in the country was the fight against corruption.

“Clearly I agree with my friend Cardinal Tagle who has said that corruption is a very important issue. We’ve seen progress over the last few years on that, too,” Goldberg said.

In his message during the 51st

International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu last week, Tagle criticized corrupt politicians and said they were part of the “throwaway culture” condemned by Pope Francis.

For his part, Presidential Communications Operations Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the government was vigorously pursuing the fight against corruption to strengthen good governance as well as its straight path advocacy.

Last week, Coloma said the administration’s battlecry that there are no poor where there are no corrupt is being taken seriously despite challenges.

He said reforms have taken root, contrary to an international survey showing perception on the Philippines has worsened due to persistent corruption.

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OPINION

FEATURES

Broken vow

WITH only five months left before he steps down from office, President Benigno Aquino III has yet to fulfill one of his campaign promises in the 2010 presidential election: to bring resolve to the Maguindanao massacre.

Who could ever forget that fateful day on November 23, 2009, when a private army (allegedly led by the Ampatuan clan) killed a 58-person convoy, on their way to file the certificate of candidacy of then Buluan vice mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu. The news made international headlines and was tagged as one of the most heinous election-related crimes in history.

With 32 of the victims killed during the carnage identified as media practitioners, the incident is easily recognizable as the single worst act of extrajudicial killing and reiterating that the Philippines is indeed a dangerous country for journalists.

These 32 victims are among 2,297 journalists and media staff who have been killed in the last 25 years. In its recent report, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said that these journalists were killed for doing nothing more than trying to inform the world about war, revolution, crime and corruption.

The report added that Iraq topped the list of the most dangerous countries for journalists with 309 killings. The Philippines ranked second with 146 killings, but IFJ underscored the “recurring finding of our reports that there are many more killed in peacetime situations than in war-stricken countries.”

“The Ampatuan Massacre remains the key focal point of the Philippines media’s battle with impu-

nity, but it must be stressed that the killing of journalists didn’t start on November 23, 2009, nor did it end there. At least 40 journalists have been killed since. Since 1986, when the People Power uprising against the Marcos dictatorship brought democratic institutions back to the Philippines, 180 media workers have been killed. And as the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) continues to point out, it is inevitably only the gunmen who are pursued,” IFJ noted.

On its sixth anniversary in November last year, Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, who lost his wife, some relatives and supporters, expressed his disappointment that six years after the killings, the court had yet to decide on the case.

“It’s been six long, agonizing years. Where is justice?” Mangudadatu said.

The Aquino administration asserted that it remains committed to bringing justice to the victims of the Maguindanao massacre and their families but speeding up the trial solely rests on the judiciary.

The Dept. of Justice gave a marching order for the swift resolution of the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre. It directed state prosecutors to oppose any dilatory tactics and vowed to have convictions, particularly on the principal accused, by 2016 before President Aquino steps down.

Editorial

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“Make no mistake, we are very concerned also.

We would certainly like to have the trial of the Ampatuan case hastened as well and, in fact, we do want to see a decision before the President leaves office. But is it something within our control? That is not within our control,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said responding to criticism about the slow-paced trial of the case.

The outcome of the Maguindanao massacre trials will dictate whether the Philippines is a country has learned its lesson to put an end to violence and

impunity—or one that is condemned to repeat the same mistakes.

When justice is delayed, is justice denied? This pithy aphorism seems to be fitting for the relatives of the victims of the 2009 Maguindanao killings.

Six years later, the faltering steps for truth and justice have brought more than 200 people implicated in the massacre, topped by members of the Ampatuan clan. Some have been arrested, others were arraigned. But for the victim’s family, justice remains elusive until a conviction is passed. (AJPress)

Iowa Surprises: Cruz beats Trump, Clinton and Sanders in a virtual tie THE long race to the White House has started with the caucuses in Iowa on Monday, Feb. 1. The election in this state has defied all conventional wisdom, polls and political pundits’ analyses and fearless forecasts. Voter turnout was reported to have broken records, revealing voter enthusiasm in both parties.

Republican caucuses Frontrunner Donald Trump was crushed by Texas Senator Ted Cruz — the ultra-conservative candidate who pundits, the polls, and Trump himself prophesied to have a dying campaign after he was pummeled in the FOX News-sponsored Iowa debate that Trump decided not to participate in because of his feud with the network.

The missed appearance might have hurt Trump, who decided instead to stage an event -- at the same time of the debate -- that he said would raise money for veterans Many believe, including Trump himself in hindsight, that this was a misstep on his part because he ended up losing the chance to convince the people of Iowa that he has better vision and platform than his competitors.

Trump might have ducked having to respond to questions exam- The Fil-Am ining his positions, statements and actions in the past, but with the Perspective unique political process of caucuses in Iowa, he might have lost voters to Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who was just a percentage point lower than Trump, despite GEL SANTOS-RELOS his not so impressive rating in the polls before the Iowa caucuses.

Cruz finished with 28 percent of the votes, Trump with 24 percent and Rubio 23 percent. All the other GOP candidates got single digit votes.

This result proves that the caucuses might have just reinforced the fact that Republicans in Iowa were looking for candidates who share their conservative principles and values. This triumphed over the birther issue raised by Trump against Cruz, not the Trump’s star power.

During the caucuses, voters actually openly discuss with other voters why they are voting for their selected candidate, and may even sway supporters

of the other candidates to change their votes in favor of their candidate, or convince the undecided to join them in caucusing for their candidate.

Democratic caucuses Who would have thought that 74-year-old Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders would be in a virtual tie with frontrunner former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton? Just a year ago, he was polling only 7 percent versus Clinton’s 68 percent.

On caucus night in Iowa, Sanders and Clinton were in a virtual tie, with less than one percent difference between them: Clinton got 49.9, while Sanders got 49.6.

Because of the tightness of the race, officials resorted to coin toss, a practice allowed by rules for Democratic precincts. Des Moines Register reported on at least two instances of decisions by a coin toss, all breaking for Clinton.

Clinton might have been declared the winner in Iowa, but this could still change, and Sanders might

still turn out to have won in this state. The Clinton victory was announced based on results from 1,682 of 1,683 precincts. One the result of precinct — precinct 42 — was reported missing, and according to the Des Moines Register, “Votes from one precinct in Iowa were still missing Tuesday morning, and Democrats from that neighborhood scrambled to find party officials so that they could report their tally: Bernie Sanders won by 2 delegates over Hillary Clinton.”

Heading to New Hampshire, both candidates have their own respective bragging rights. Clinton touts her experience and pragmatism, which she claims will make her beat whomever will be the Republican Party’s nominee for president.

However, Clinton needs the support of the young and first time voters who overwhelmingly support Sanders for his progressive principles, and his consistent stand in his fight against income inequality, and the power of the richest of the rich Americans and corporations over the people in Washington, to the detriment of the 99 percent of the population:

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The lessons of Pol Pot, Idi Amin and El Salvador

Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA DAVAO mayor and presidential hopeful Rodrigo Duterte has announced that part of his platform of government is the extermination of criminals and corrupt public officials within six months from assuming the presidency.

“Extermination,” as in kill them dead, like Flit Insect Spray.

The enthusiastic approval by Duterte’s supporters are reminiscent of movie audiences lustily cheering on Rambo as he exterminates the bad guys. Some of these Duterte fans are intelligent and knowledgeable. Thus, their endorsement of a policy considered illegal and unacceptable in civilized societies makes you wonder if Duterte may be justified after all.

There is a saying in Tagalog, “Kung hindi mo makuha sa santong dasalan, kunin mo sa santong paspasan.” (Loosely translated: If you can’t do it the nice way, do it the violent way.)

Perhaps the Dutertans (a term akin to Noranians and Vilmanians, to describe fans of Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos) have already given up on santong dasalan as a means to clean up our government and society and have decided that santong paspasan is the only way.

It could also be conceded that Duterte has the best and noblest of intentions—a vision of a Philippines cured of the cancer that

Dr. Jose Rizal exposed in Noli Me Tangere. Without considering the gory means for achieving such an end, who would object to a country where there are no criminals in the streets and no thieves and extortionists in government?

And here is this presidential candidate who vows to deliver Utopia in six months! Hallelujah!

But the problem lies in the murderous means Duterte intends to use to achieve his ends.

In a previous column, I suggested that Duterte’s way is not the best way. I listed several instances of successful reforms and civil discipline being achieved without spilling blood, such as those in Lee Kwan Yew’s Singapore, Dick Gordon’s Olongapo and Jesse Robredo’s Naga City.

Apparently, the Dutertans were not impressed. I would, therefore, like to present the opposite scenario immortalized by such icons of mass extermination as Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Pol Pot, Idi Amin and the death squads of El Salvador.

Some may protest that Duterte isn’t in that class and “will never be.” But where does he differ?

Like them, Duterte sees himself as a Redeemer whose bloody means are justified by his noble ends. Does he differ in magnitude? Well, what do you think will happen if he becomes president and institutes extra-judicial killings as a policy of the state?

Of course, I don’t believe we will ever see that gruesome fate befall our hapless country. In the

first place, I doubt that Duterte actually believes his own bluster. If his supporters are hanging on to his every utterance, they should recall his admonition that the media should not take seriously everything he says. This was after he backtracked on his claim that he had presided over the extermination of 1,700 criminals—not just 700—in Davao. Joke only, he seemed to say, in not so many words.

In the second place, Duterte will not win the presidency, assuming that he is not disqualified by the Comelec.

If there are a few million fanatic Dutertans, there are millions more who know better than to elect a self-appointed judge, jury and executioner to lead the country. To use an American cliché, the Filipino people need a Duterte presidency like a hole in the head—or a bullet in the head.

Nonetheless, I think it serves a good purpose to go over the bloody history of those who pursued the transformation of their respective countries according to Duterte’s gory template.

Like Duterte, they must all have set out—in their own minds—with a vision of a country cleansed of every kind of social, political, economic and religious vermin, leaving only a happy and contented citizenry under a wise and benevolent leader.

Hitler believed in an Aryan super race, rid of the infestation of Jews whom he considered subhuman. His solution was the holocaust. Stalin staged a brutal purge

of those he branded enemies of the working class, among the intelligentsia and within the Communist party, the military and the bureaucracy. Millions were forced to work in the Gulag labor camps, imprisoned, exiled or executed without due process.

As prime minister of Kampuchea and leader of the Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot liquidated intellectuals and relocated urban dwellers to the countryside to work in collective farms and forced labor projects. Those he considered enemies of the state were summarily executed. Millions died in Pol Pot’s killing fields, immortalized in the Hollywood film of the same title.

As president of Uganda and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Idi Amin mounted a campaign of ethnic cleansing which saw thousands killed (the estimates range from 80,000 to 300,000) and Asians expelled from the country.

The El Salvador experience may be easier for Dutertans to relate to their idol’s proclivity for extra-judicial killings.

In a paper in the Foreign Policy Journal, Steve Dobransky wrote: “The civil war that raged in El Salvador from 1980 to 1992 is often described as a successful model for counterinsurgencies, which included the use of death squads. The Salvadoran model involved large numbers of paramilitary units that were privately funded or were officially and unofficially government forces (often just a change of clothes).The

death squads were guided by military, political, and economic elites. They sought to eliminate not only the armed insurgents but anyone who may have been supportive or sympathetic to the insurgent cause. Their goal was to kill many and intimidate the millions of others into submission. The Salvadoran civil war waged viciously, as the rightwing government and economic elite contended with the leftwing forces led by the FMLN. An estimated 75,000 civilians died during the war, many attributed to death squads…The Salvadoran model quickly reached international dimensions when four American missionaries were brutally raped and murdered in December 1980 by Salvadoran military forces.”

The international spotlight suddenly focused on El Salvador and the involvement of the CIA in training and funding the death squads. When six Jesuit priests were murdered by the death squads, the US government was forced to threaten to cut off aid to the Salvadoran government unless the death squads were dismantled.

But the most shocking victim of the death squads was the Archbishop of San Salvador, Monsignor Oscar Romero, who was shot and killed while saying mass.

According to a media report, Monsignor Romero was “felled by a single bullet as he prepared Communion, his blood soaking the holy bread in his hands at the altar.” He was assassinated

shortly after he had made a public appeal to members of the death squads to stop the killings and to defy the unlawful orders of their superiors.

To go back to Duterte, how sure are his adoring supporters that all of the victims of his death squads were drug dealers and criminals?

How about those killed on mere suspicion. And how many street children, disadvantaged by poverty, could have been led away from a life of vagrancy and could have gone on to become responsible members of Philippine society – even become candidates for president like the foundling Grace Poe and the orphan Jejomar Binay?

The horrible part of Duterte’s cure for the cancer afflicting our country is that he himself is morally sick. Anyone with a demented understanding of right and wrong has no right to pass judgement on the life or death of fellow human beings. Whatever his protestations of noble intentions might be, Duterte’s way is no better than that of other mass murderers like Pol Pot, Idi Amin and the killers of Monsignor Oscar Romero.

Just a few words of caution to the Dutertans. If your idol should ever become president, who will protect those of you who may happen to annoy members of the death squads? You may end up pining for the “good old days” when one could freely criticize Noynoy Aquino and his Tuwad na Daan without fear of being exterminated. (gregmacabenta@ hotmail.com)

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SC asked to reconsider ruling on EDCA

by TETCH

TORRES-TUPAS Inquirer.net

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US closely monitoring ISIS threat in PH, Southeast Asia

by PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com

MANILA—The US is working closely with the government to monitor the threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

Speaking at the Pandesal Forum in Quezon City, US Ambassador Philip Goldberg said the rhetorical support of the Abu Sayyaf, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Ansar alKhalifa to ISIS might become a danger to the country or the region.

“We all have to be on guard against groups that pledge allegiance to ISIS, that say they want involvement in the kinds of activities and ideologies presented

by ISIS, and we are watching that ISIS in the Philippines very closely and we need to continue

to do so to make sure that whatever rhetorical support or whatever might be happening behind the scenes is not something that becomes a danger to the Philippines or the region,” he said.

“And I think that’s a joint commitment that we have, the security involving the countries of the world who are trying to defeat this scourge of terrorism, especially the one represented by this brutal group,” he added.

The world is facing terrorists using social media and other means of communication to link groups and ideologies in many places, Goldberg said.

“What I’m saying is that we have to watch very closely to see if at any point something develops more than this rhetorical situation, and we are concerned that something like that could

happen, that’s why we do watch it closely,” he said.

“That’s why we cooperate on counter terrorism; that’s why we share information; that’s why we work for the special forces in the Philippines,” Goldberg added.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the Philippines stands in solidarity with other peace-loving countries in expressing deep concern on the continuing terrorist acts worldwide that indiscriminately target innocent civilians.

“Of late, the world has witnessed terrorist acts in Europe, Africa and Asia,” read the statement.

“Today, more than ever, the world should close ranks to ensure that terrorism is combated in all its forms and wherever they may occur.”

Iowa Surprises: Cruz beats Trump, Clinton...

G8>< 8- hardworking middle class and poor Americans.

Clinton also needs to work on her other deficit — and that is the trust factor. Those who are not in her camp believes she has been in bed with Wall Street, corporations and big businesses who have contributed heavily to her campaign and paid her a lot of money for speeches. The Benghazi contro-

versy and her email issues also add to this trust problem of Clinton.

On the other hand, Sanders has proven that even without help from Wall Street and big businesses, he can win because of the help and support from the grassroots who believe in his cause. The Sanders campaign has exceeded all expectations and raised more money, all com-

ing from ordinary voters with an average of $27 contribution each to help catapult him to be the next president of the United States. *** >\c JXekfj I\cfj `j k_\ XeZ_fi f] K=:Ëj È9Xc`kXe^ 8d\i`ZX%É M`\nj Xe[ fg`e`fej \ogi\jj\[ Yp k_\ Xlk_fi `e k_`j Zfclde Xi\ Xi\ jfc\cp k_fj\ f] k_\ Xlk_fi Xe[ efk f] 8j`Xe AflieXc Xe[ 89J$:9E$K=:% =fi Zfdd\ekj# ^f kf nnn%K_\=`c$ 8dG\ijg\Zk`m\%Zfd# _kkgj1&&nnn%]XZ\Yffb% Zfd&>\c%JXekfj%I\cfj

THE Supreme Court has been asked to reconsider its decision upholding the constitutionality of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

Filing separate motions for reconsideration are former Senators Rene Saguisag and Wigberto Tañada, among the 12 senators who, in 1991 voted to eject US bases in the Philippines, and the militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) joined by other partylist groups.

The high court, last Jan. 12, voting 10-4-1, ruled that EDCA is an executive agreement which the President is allowed to enter into under Article XVIII Section 25 of the 1987 Constitution.

“We have difficulty accepting that despite the plain meaning of the Constitution, this Honorable Court ruled the way it did,” Saguisag said.

Like Saguisag and Tañada, BAYAN, in their 82-page motion said the people, through the Senate should be represented in the discussion of foreign military presence in the country.

“Neither the Court nor the Executive has the monopoly of discussion on the presence of foreign military personnel and their war weapons and bases.

The Constitution clearly accorded unto the Senate, by representation the Filipino people, the power to decide on the return of foreign military bases,” Atty. Rachel Pastores, counsel for BAYAN said.

“The majority’s strict textual approach lulls one to believe that its intersectional interpretation is neutral, objective, apolitical, scientific and precise and to accept the majority’s underlying conclusion that US-Philippine security relations is equal,” the MR read.

Petitioners added that contrary to the high court’s position that what was prohibited under the law was the initial entry of foreign troops, the Constitution is clear when it stated that “foreign military bases shall not be allowed in the Philippines.”

“Thus, the General rule and clear intent of Article XVIII section 25 is to prohibit the return of foreign military bases, troops, facilities except under a treaty

duly concurred in by the Senate,” BAYAN said.

Bayan said that the assertion that EDCA will help the Philippines’ position in the West Philippine Sea disputes has left out the fact that the US is “another bully” the country has to deal with.

“Another underlying assumption and judicial notice made by the Majority to uphold the Edca is that China is a bully. True.

But we cannot rest our backs on the pretext that another bully—greedy and giddy one at that—the US will fly to our side the moment confrontations escalate to defend our backyards and home front. Do we expect the US to prod their Federal Government to go to war for us?”

“Even if we say for the sake of argument that indeed the Philippines and the US stand on equal sovereign status and that China would eventually run scared because of America’s presence, we are at least deserving of hearing to contest these assumptions.

The views espoused by the Majority are not the only world view about these matters,” the motion further stated.

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THE ASIAN JOURNAL ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 5-11, 2016

MAY 30-JUNE 5, 2014 www.asianjournal.com

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FEBRUARY 5-11, 2016

2

The Big Game: What to expect at Super Bowl 50

by AJPRESS

ON Sunday, Feb. 7, football teams Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos will come face-to-face at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California for Super Bowl 50.

This marks the third straight season that the number one seeds from both conferences will meet in the Super Bowl.

The Carolina Panthers finished the regular season with a 15-1 record, defeating the Arizona Cardinals in the National Football Conference Championship game. This is the team’s second Super Bowl appearance since the founding of the franchise in 1995.

The Denver Broncos, with a 12-4 season record, defeated the New England Patriots in the American Football Conference Championship Game, marking the team’s eighth appearance in the

Super Bowl.

This year marks the 50th edition of the Super Bowl, and is the first time the big game will be played in California since 2003, and first in the San Francisco Bay Area since Super Bowl XIX in 1985. Levi’s Stadium is home of the San Francisco 49ers.

The game, which starts at 3:30 pm PST/6:30 EST on Sunday, will be broadcast on CBS with Jim Nantz and Phil Simms in the booth and Tracy Wolfson on the sidelines.

The game will also be live streamed on CBSSports.com.

Whether you’re a football fanatic or just want to tune in to see the Halftime show and commercials, the Asian Journal explores the different facets that make Super Bowl Sunday an unofficial American holiday and one of the most popular television events.

Football 101 Before you head to a Super Bowl party on Sunday, learn/brush up on football lingo OBJECT of the game: To outscore the opposing team.

TERMS Down: A period of action that begins as soon as the ball is put into play and ends when the ball is ruled dead, when a player is tackled or if the ball goes out of bounds. The offensive team is given four downs to advance the ball 10 yards. Should it fail to do this, the offense must surrender the ball to the defensive team, which it typically does by punting on the final down.

Fumble: The act of losing possession of the ball while running before a tackle or score occurs. Members of both teams can recover a tackle. Should the defense obtain the ball, it is called a turnover. A fumble can also occur if a reciever losses the ball after a catch.

Interception: A pass made by the offensive team that is caught by the defensive player. This ends the offense’s possession of the ball.

Kick off: An action that occurs at the beginning of the first and third periods, and after each successful field goal and touchdown. It involves the “kicking team” kicking the ball to the “receiving team.”

Punt: A kick in which a player drops the ball from their hands and kicks it before it hits the ground. This kick typically occurs on the fourth down when the offense has failed to advance the ball 10 yards. Although the offense can choose to attempt to advance the ball again, by punting, the opponent is likely to start farther up the field than they otherwise would.

Snap: The action when the center tosses the ball backward between the legs to the quarterback, marking the start of a play.

Tackle: The act of stopping a

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player in possession of the ball by seizing and throwing them to the ground.

How the game works A football game consists of four 15-minute quarters with a 12-minute halftime break between the second and third periods.

Before a game begins, the captains from both teams meet with the referee at the center of the field for a coin toss. The winner of the coin toss gets to decide to start the game by either kicking the ball to the other team or receiving the kick off from their opponent.

Once the kick off happens, the game begins.

The team receiving the ball must try to bring it as far back toward the kicking team as possible and get it into their end zone. This is done most commonly by running with the ball either by carrying it and running. Although this yields less yardage, advancing the ball this way reduces the risk of

accidentally turning over the ball to the other team.

The team in possession of the ball has four opportunities called “downs” to advance the ball 10 yards. If it succeeds, it gets another four downs to advance it another 10 yards. If it fails, it must surrender possession of the ball to the other team.

Once the team in possession of the ball manages to bring the ball to the end zone of the opposing team, it has the opportunity to score an additional point or two by opting for an extra-point or two-point conversion.

At the end of the game, the team with the most points wins.

How to score Touchdown (6 points): Scoring a touchdown is achieved when a player in possession of the ball crosses the opposing team’s goal line into the end zone.

Field goal (3 points): A field goal is scored when the ball is kicked anywhere on the field, though it is typically attempted

within 40 yards of the goalpost.

For the field goal to be deemed good, the kicked ball must go above the crossbar and between the uprights of the goalpost.

Two-point conversion (2 points): At the end of a touchdown, the offensive team can attempt a two-point conversion by lining up on the defense’s two-yard line and advance the ball the same way it would to score a touchdown. If the team succeeds, it receives two points in addition to the six points for the touchdown.

Safety (2 points): This occurs when the defense tackles an offensive player in possession of the ball in the offense’s end zone.

Extra point conversion (1 point): At the end of a touchdown, the offensive team can attempt a one-point conversion by kicking the ball through the uprights of the goalpost, the same way done in a field goal. In the NFL, the ball is snapped from the 15-yard line.

(Agnes Constante/AJPress)

More than football: Super Bowl’s halftime shows APART from guessing which teams made it to the Super Bowl, the most anticipated news about the event is who’s going to perform during the halftime show. The last two decades has given football fans a concert-like feel with crazy production designs, costumes, fireworks and outstanding performances of various popular

artists. This year for NFL’s golden anniversary, Super Bowl will feature past performers Beyonce and Fil-Am Bruno Mars. They will join Coldplay for the halftime show at Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

However, the SB halftime shows weren’t that entertaining before. Initially, the goal of the SB

halftime show was to fill the void and keep the fans entertained— those who weren’t stuck in lines at concession stands or the bathrooms.

Band camp, star power and Disney Early shows drew less attention and press, as they featured patriotic halftimes performance by school

into frenzy with a medley of hits like “Billie Jean” and “Black and White.” It was also a good way to clean up his image, as reports of child sexual abuse against the pop star was starting to come out. To present his message of peace and harmony, he concluded his performance with “Heal the World,” backed up by 3,500 youngsters.

Nipplegate: Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, 2004 The duo’s performance was not as memorable as the “wardrobe malfunction” that happened. Towards the end of their number, JT “accidentally” exposed JJ’s “bedazzled” breast for millions of viewers to see. After Continued on Page 5

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Always on a Sunday: The history of the Super Bowl ONE of America’s biggest sport events started with two things: the merging of the American Football League (AFL) with the National Football League (NFL), and a rubber ball.

In 1966, the NFL-AFL World Championship Game began as part of the merger between the two organizations. The name “Super Bowl” came from Lamar Hunt, owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, after watching his daughter play with a “Super Ball” — a small, high-bouncing ball that was very popular at that time. The name was supposed to be only temporary, until the powers that be could think of something better.

The first championship took place in 1967 and was named “The NFL-AFL World Championship Game.” The official title was quite long, so the fans as well as the media took to the short, unofficial name, Super Bowl—which in 1969 became official.

The sports event determines who wears the crown after a long series of elimination games. The first Super Bowl was on January

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marching bands. The first SB in 1967 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum had the University of Arizona Band, Grambling College Band and trumpeter Al Hirt entertained the audiences, minus, of course any kind of commercialization.

The band phase went on until SB XI, but through the years NFL would insert a few star power like Broadway and movie star Carol Continued on Page 5

15, 1967 at the Los Angeles Coliseum with the Green Bay Packers beating the Kansas City Chiefs, 35-10.

The Super Bowl has always been on a Sunday, usually the last Sunday in January. However, for the first time in its history, it was held in February 3, 2002.

This was due to the September 11, 2001 attacks, which made all TV schedules delayed by one week. Today, Super Bowl has also been scheduled in February since 2014.

The games are identified

by Roman numerals rather that numbers since 1971. However, in 2014, it was announced that for its fiftieth year, the game will not be using Roman numerals as they did not like “L” as “50.” As a result, they are breaking tradition for one year and will resume to “LI” to represent 51 for 2017.

The winner of each Super Bowl receives the Vince Lombardi Trophy, named after Vince Lombardi, coach for the Green Bay Packers. He led his team to victory in each of the first two Super Bowls. (Malou LiwanagBledsoe/AJPress)

Interesting facts about the Super Bowl: • Crime takes a day off: In 1985, when the San Francisco 49ers played the Super Bowl in Palo Alto, California, the crime rate in San Francisco dropped 75 percent!

• It is estimated that 45 percent of all US homes tune in to watch the Super Bowl.

• From cheap to $$$.

Tickets weren’t always pricey.

The cost of tickets to the very first game was around $6. Today, you’d be lucky if you find a ticket for less than $3,000, depending on the game,

teams, location, seating and also the economy.

• Face value vs demand value. Ticket prices also change because of their “face value” against “demand value.” For example, a ticket may have a face value of $900, but the actual demand value may range from $5,500 to $11,000.

• Get lucky. Every year the NFL has a lottery in which 500 names are drawn out of a hat for a chance to buy a pair of tickets at their face value.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT SUPER BOWL 2016 ADVERTISING Number of ads: 40+ Average cost of commercials in 2016: 30 seconds: $4.8 million Per second: $160,000 Total ad spending in 2016 (adjusted for inflation): $376.8 million COMMERCIALS TO LOOK OUT FOR • Bud Light, featuring Amy Schumer and Seth Rogen • Wix.com, which has partnered with DreamWorks Animation to also promote the upcoming release of “Kung Fu Panda 3” • “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” a Disney film set for release in May. The commercial the voice of the Alan Rickman, who is famously known for portraying Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series and passed away on Jan. 14.

Making their debut: •Paypal • Colgate • Pokemon • LG • Amazon, featuring Alec Baldwin and Dan Marino • Hyundai, featuring Kevin Hart and Ryan Reynolds in separate 60-second ads

Halftime Hots: Some of the most memorable performances in Super Bowl history AS eager football fans prepare to watch their respective teams to battle it out on the field, millions of viewers too are anticipating Coldplay, Beyonce and Bruno Mars in the halftime show for Super Bowl 50. Will they fare better than past high-rating performances, or will they belong to some of the most boring shows in SB history? For now, we can only guess and give you some of the best and worst halftime shows: King of Pop, Michael Jackson, 1993 With the goal of keeping the viewers glued, the National Football League (NFL) brought in no less than the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Although MJ lip-synched his way to halftime, viewers went

Automakers: • Acura • Audi • Buick • Honda • Mini (BMW) • Toyota

SUPER BOWL ADVERTISING OVER THE YEARS • Adjusted for inflation, total ad spending on commercials during the Super Bowl from 1967 to 2016 is $5.9 billion • Super Bowl commercial prices fell in five years: 1971, 1996, 2003, 2007 and 2010 • In 1973, the cost of a 30-second Super Bowl commercial cost $100,000 • In 1967, the first Super Bowl, ads cost $1,333 per second •Total ad spending in the first Super Bowl in 1967 was $12.4 million (adjusted for inflation) *Data from Ad Age and superbowlcommercial2016.org.

Fil-Am to know: Jordan Norwood Denver Broncos wide receiver

DURING 2014’s Super Bowl XLVIII, the Filipino-American community rallied behind the Seattle Seahawks to support FilAm football star Doug Baldwin.

That excitement is seen once again for this year’s Super Bowl 50 as Fil-Am wide receiver Jordan Norwood heads onto the field with

the Denver Broncos.

Jordan signed on to play with the Broncos during the 2014 offseason.

After graduating from Penn State in 2008, where he played college football, Jordan signed onto the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2009. Prior to joining the Broncos family, he did stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

During these collective seasons with the Eagles (2009), Browns (2010-12) and Broncos (2014present), his record includes 48 receptions, 493 yards and one touchdown.

Born in Honolulu to Brian and Tiffiney Norwood, Jordan has been surrounded by football since birth.

His father Brian played college football for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and played one year in the NFL as a defensive back for the Calgary Stampeders. From 2001 to

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2007, Brian served as secondary coach at Penn State and currently works as the assistant head coach at Baylor University.

From their half-Filipino mother Tiffiney, Jordan and his siblings get their Filipino blood and identify as quarter-Filipino.

Jordan’s older brother Gabe currently plays for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Tune in to this Sunday’s Super Bowl 50 to catch the Fil-Am in action. (AJPress)

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SUPER BOWL INSPIRED RECIPES

Maharlika’s Chicken Inasal drumsticks

Miss U Pia Wurtzbach stirs up Super Bowl OF course she was mobbed.

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach created a stir when she started her duties as a Super Bowl 50 correspondent for US television’s Inside Edition.

On Super Bowl Opening Night, fans, NFL players and members of the media lined up to have a selfie with the Filipina beauty.

Wurtzbach flew to San Francisco after a week’s visit to the Philippines.

The cameras caught Wurtzbach interviewing Denver Broncos’ Kenny Anunike and receiving lessons on how to do “The Dab” (dabbin’), a new hip hop dance craze.

The 26-year-old beauty also joined the Carolina Panthers for a dance fest that became an instant online hit.

Moreover, the team shared their secret Panther handshake, a.k.a the “slip and slide” with the pride of the Philippines.

“It was a lot of fun; I was able to talk to a lot of the players,” Wurtzbach told her fellow correspondent Megan Alexander after their first day on the job.

FEBRUARY 5-11, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

Moby dick (Broncos) 1/2 oz ginger syrup 1/2 oz lime juice 3/4 oz passionfruit 2oz sailor jerry spiced rum

Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken drumsticks 1/2 cup Suka 4 stalks of lemongrass chopped 1 head garlic smashed 2 tbsps. chopped ginger 1 tbsp. brown sugar 1/2 cup calamansi juice

Basting Sauce 1/4 cup Achiote butter Procedure: 1. Marinate the chicken for one hour.

2. Grill chicken for eight minutes on each side or until done, basting every 30 seconds.

Rumaway baby (Panthers) 1/2 oz mango syrup 1 1/2 oz pineapple juice 1/2 oz lemon juice 2 oz Selvarey white rum !!!

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Hifi Punch

by Darwin Manahan Yield: 1 liter Ingredients: 2.5oz - Lemon Juice 2.5oz - Caster Sugar 5oz - Lambanog 5oz - Gin 1oz - Jasmine Cordial 2oz - Jamaica Tea 3oz - Calamansi Juice Garnish Calamansi Leaf

Nutmeg Half Lemon Wheel !!!

Raise a glass in honor of Miss Universe

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In a video posted on its Facebook page, “Inside Edition” said, “Inside Edition’s special correspondent Miss Universe is causing a big stir at the Super Bowl. Pia Wurtzbach was mobbed by reporters during the Super Bowl

kick off festivities in California. Fans and players all wanted selfies.”

Wurtzbach will report on behind-the-scenes events leading up to the big game on Sunday, and will also take viewers on game day coverage.

AFTER Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach was crowned Miss Universe last year, Fil-Am mixologist Gelo Honrade concocted a cocktail in her honor: Pia The Drink.

Wurtzbach, who tasted the drink during her visit to Jeepney (a Filipino gastropub in New York), said it was “sweet but with a kick,” according to Honrade.

Honrade shared the recipe with the Asian Journal as a perfect Super Bowl party cocktail since Wurtzbach will be reporting at the big game on Sunday, Feb. 7 as a correspondent for “Inside Edition.” #PiaTheDrink SIGNATURE DRINK. In honor of the third Filipina 1oz Coco Lopez Miss Universe, The Maharlika in New York City 3/4oz orange juice made a cocktail just for Pia Alonzo Wurzbach.

Bartender Gelo Honrade mixed the blue concoction 3/4oz lemon juice and called it ʻPiaThe Drink.ʼ ““Yum! Itʼs strong, just 1 1/2oz pineapple purée like me!” said Wurtzbach. Photo from Maharlikaʼs 3/4oz blue Curaçao Instagram page (maharlikanyc) 2oz Selvarey white rum

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FEBRUARY 5-11, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

4

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI

Chinese Zodiac: What this New Year means for your animal sign THE Chinese Zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle, and each year in that cycle is related to an animal sign: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. doors at home to allow negative Those born in 1920, 1932, energy from 2015 to leave.

1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, • DON’T SWEEP. It is largely 2004 and 2016 are considered discouraged to avoid using scissors Monkeys. Since this year is about or a broom on the first day of the the fire monkey, it will be overall new year because it means you be an interesting and creative year cut/sweep away possibilities. for the sign, despite some bumps • GREET OTHERS WITH HAPPY and the need to carefully consider THOUGHTS. According to tradition, decisions. ringing in the new year means 2016 is shaping up to be a spreading happy thoughts when good year for monkeys (highly speaking to others. creative energy, skillful with What to eat on Chinese New hands), snakes (will see financial Year success), dragons (benefit those SWEETS — The very first bite around them) and rats because of New Year’s day is supposed to be of the strong energies. The rabbit something sweet because in Ancient is also well-favored because they China, when someone would deliver have excellent business skills. good news, it would be delivered “It will be good to hang out with something sweet (i.e. glutinous with those born in those years, rice, candy, fruit). listen to their advice and partner FISH — An entire fish, complete with them in business,” Yamaguchi with tail and head, should be served said. during the New Year celebration For other signs: the ox will because it symbolizes prosperity and have a neutral year of nothing full abundance coming your way.

LONG NOODLES — Noodles are a sign of long life and good health. No matter how long they are, they are not supposed to be cut in the middle. Typically noodle dishes have up to seven vegetables THE most important holiday in them, which represent different for the Chinese people started arms of Chinese medicine in out of fear. Legends tell of the encouraging good health. battle against Nian, a beast that DUMPLINGS — According ate livestock and children. Nian, in to Chinese Highlights, traditional fact, is the Chinese word for year. dumplings are eaten to represent To keep Nian out of chicken the money you will make in the New coops and cradles, villagers were Year. told by a wise old man to wear red FRUITS — Certain round clothes, hang red signs and make and golden fruits are eaten and lots of noise — three traditions of displayed during the Chinese Chinese New Year. Fireworks and New Year period, such as: firecrackers are also traditional pineapple (good luck), apples weapons against the beast and are (wisdom), mangos, watermelon widely used over the holiday. (abundance), tangerines/oranges With the old man’s advice, Nian (fortune), pomelos (prosperity), was conquered, which the people kiwi, papayas (good health), grapes (wealth and luxury), lemons and limes (remove negative energy), and starfruit (securing reputation). (Feng Shui tips and Chinese New Year traditions as told to Christina M. Oriel / AJPress by Melissa Yamaguchi.

You may contact Melissa at myenergymylife@gmail.com)

Celebrating the Year of the Fire Monkey THE Year of the Fire Monkey officially begins on Monday, Feb. 8. Around the world, those who observe the Chinese New Year holiday will celebrate with various rituals to ensure that the coming year is full of luck, fortune and good energy.

From what this year means for your animal sign to what to eat on the first day of the new year, the Asian Journal takes a look at the symbolism behind every ritual and tradition that goes into ringing in the Chinese New Year.

While 2015 — the Year of the Sheep — was characterized as the meeting of the minds and collaboration, “the energy of the monkey is very different…It’s not a year for the weak and timid,” said Melissa Yamaguchi, an energy therapist and Feng Shui educator based in Westlake Village, California, adding that 2016 will bring tricks and twists.

Tips to prepare for Chinese New Year • DECLUTTER. Up until Feb. 6, it is the best time to declutter and get rid of old files by legally storing or shredding them. For example, untouched business cards and old papers should be disposed of because they represent lost contacts and unfinished business. It’s not just about stacking and organizing these items, Yamaguchi said, but rather removing them from your workplace. “It’s old information and old money spent,” she said.

Additionally, wastebaskets at home and at work should be emptied daily. On the 14th day of the new year, it is encouraged to clean the house again to remove traces of celebration.

• DONATE. Gather items at home that are no longer useful — whether clothing, furniture or dinnerware — and donate them if they are still in good condition.

“Donating not only provides for those who don’t have…but it clears the way for new possibilities in your own life..in terms of movement and creativity,”Yamaguchi said. “When we are stagnated by things that are

EMPLOYMENT

old, it really blocks new energy from coming in.”

Repairing and gluing broken items is seen as bad luck because when an item breaks, it absorbs negative energy.

• NO BEGGING. On the eve of Chinese New Year, it is considered bad luck to beg and ask for a loan.

It is strongly encouraged to not ask parents/other relatives for money, but exchanging red envelopes is okay. However, the red envelopes are not supposed to be opened until the day after. When you lend someone money on Chinese New Year, Yamaguchi said, it sets the tone that s/he will be begging for money for the entire year.

• ALL THINGS RED. Red is a special color in Chinese culture because it signifies energy, happiness and good luck.

RED ENVELOPES. One of the defining symbols of Chinese New Year is a red envelope (hongbao in Mandarin), which contains money to be given as gifts, usually to kids from their parents, grandparents and other adults. Though you may give any amount you’re comfortable with, Yamaguchi said you should offer the most to your parents. According to China Highlights, giving a red envelope is a way to share your blessings if you have started earning money, and suggests that parents should be given $100-$300; $10-$30

for close friends and relatives’ children; $20$200 for employees; $20 for your own children; and $5-$10 for acquaintances’ children.

RED CLOTHING. Yamaguchi suggests purchasing at least one new item of red clothing, as the color attracts the strongest energetic response. On New Year’s day, red clothing must be worn to represent vitality and strength.

RED DECORATIONS. Anything red, such as tablecloth, flowers or lanterns, should be brought into the home because they offer prosperity and goodwill.

• TIME FOR FAMILY. On Feb. 8, it is important to spend time with family and friends. New Year’s Eve (Feb. 7) should be a family reunion, which can be marked by a dinner of close family members. The meal should be spent talking about future plans and dreams, never anything negative. On the second day of the new year, it is custom to visit in-laws, and it is also recognized as the day to be kind to dogs and animals. It is discouraged to eat any kind of meat.

On the third day, it is encouraged to go to bed early and not to eat pork — both of which show that you are putting your health first. On the sixth to the tenth day, it is expected to visit and celebrate with others.

• REMOVE NEGATIVE ENERGY. At midnight, open windows and

EMPLOYMENT

too crazy, as it is an animal that is slow and steady; the tiger’s biggest challenge will to not be argumentative because they won’t win; the horse will not see any dramatic highs or sinking lows, but will see opportunities for change to embrace; the sheep is positioned well for business, but may be inclined to complain and could block any good energy; the rooster is strong financially from Feb - July, but should slow down in the autumn; the dog was very well protected in 2015, but there is no unseen protector this year so must find protection and speak up for themselves; and the pig may see a bumpy year because of some false worries, but should ignore them because stomach and back issues could arise.

“The most important thing of this year is to bring out the best of the monkey because the monkey is full of energy, likes to talk a lot and be the center of attention,” Yamaguchi said. “Bring in the monkey with laughter, love, smiles, good music and fun cheer.”

The origin of Chinese Lunar New Year

EMPLOYMENT

PSYCHIC

recognize as the “passing of the Nian,” known in Chinese as guo nian, which is also synonymous with celebrating the new year.

Also known as the Spring Festival, the Chinese Lunar New Year begins at the new moon—typically between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20. Originally tied to the lunar-solar Chinese calendar, the popular adoption of China of the western calendar in 1912 made their people join in celebrating New Year’s Day on Jan. 1st. China, however, continues to still celebrate the traditional Chinese New Year.

(Malou Liwanag-Bledsoe/AJPress)

5 Celebrate the Year of the Fire Monkey by making the decision to quit smoking Celebrate the auspicious Lunar New Year of FEBRUARY 5-11, 2016

www.asianjournal.com

SAN DIEGO— The start of a New Year offers a new opportunity to set new goals, or to try again to reach your goal. To celebrate the Year of the Fire Monkey, which is known in Asian culture for its cleverness and openness to new challenges, you also can also find the motivation and confidence to overcome an addiction to nicotine and smoking.

“You can decide to quit smoking and change your life any time,” said Dr. Caroline Chen, project manager of the Asian Smokers’ Quitline. “But quitting smoking this year can be especially inspiring as the Fire Monkey symbolizes the most active and confident of all monkey years, according to the Lunar Zodiac.”

The Asian Smokers’ Quitline (ASQ) is a free nationwide telephone program for Chinese-, Korean-, and Vietnamese-speakers who want to quit. ASQ offers various services, including self-help materials, one-onone counseling over the phone, and a free two-week starter kit of nicotine patches.

Here are the cessation coaches’ top ten tips for quitting successfully:

1

FIGURE OUT WHY YOU WANT TO QUIT.

Do you want to improve your stamina? Save money? Whatever gets you fired up, write it down. A strong reason can get you started, and it will help you stay quit when you’re tempted to smoke.

2

CALL THE ASIAN SMOKERS’ QUITLINE!

Don’t hesitate to contact ASQ, which is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Pacific Time: • 1-800-838-8917 Mandarin and Cantonese • 1-800-556-5564 Korean • 1-800-778-8440 Vietnamese People who call the Asian Smokers’ Quitline are twice as likely to quit for good. A trained cessation coach will help you create a personalized plan to quit and offer support along the way. It’s free, and it works! Deleted Facebook.

3

MAKE A PLAN.

Think about when you’ll want to smoke. Plan something else for those times, to keep your hands busy and your mind off cigarettes. Common triggers are stress, alcohol, and socializing. What’s your plan to get through these times without smoking?

Examples: drink water, talk to a nonsmoker, take a walk.

4

SEEK OUT SUPPORT FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY. Discuss your plan to quit with the people you trust. Let them know what they can do to help.

In return, they will enjoy cleaner air and a longer, happier life - with you still in it!

5

SET A QUIT DATE.

Choose a date when you will quit. This shows you’re serious.

the Monkey at Pechanga Resort & Casino Enjoy the lucky red envelopes promotion and lion dance performance

LUCKY Red Envelopes Swipe & Win To enhance the festive atmosphere at the property, Pechanga lets players become even luckier with the “Lucky Red Envelopes” promotion this February.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays in February from 1:00p.m. to 9:00p. m., Pechanga Club Card holders Sounds obvious, right? But what good is a can swipe their member card at quit date unless you actually try to stop smoking? kiosks across from the Pechanga Box Office for a chance to win up Planning is good - doing is even better. to $1,000 in Easyplay®. For more information, please call 1-877-7112946 or visit www.Pechanga.com.

Lucky Lion Dance Performance Lunar New Year is a period many Asian cultures celebrate Nicotine-replacement therapies and other with their families and friends. In FDA-approved medications are helpful and may celebration of the 2016 Year of the be available through your health care or Medicare Monkey, Pechanga invites everyone benefits. Products like nicotine patches and gum to join the fun and festivities make withdrawal easier. They also increase your with a wonderful performance chance of success. Talk to your doctor about which by the Lucky Lion Dancers on Saturday, February 6, starting at quitting aid is right for you.

3:00p.m. Traditional firecrackers begin popping in the hotel valet area which then awakens the “lions.” The lion dancers work their way throughout the casino floor. Pechanga Resort & Casino executives will follow the lion dancers and pass out lucky red This will help you stay off smoking. And as envelope to guests along the way.

These series of Lunar New your sense of smell improves, your nose will thank Year promotions and activities will you! bring endless joy to all the guests.

Pechanga will continue our effort to promote more Asian events for our valuable guests and patrons.

Starting Feb. 1 through Feb. 29, Pechanga guests can enjoy and take photos in front of traditional New Year décor situated throughout the resort. Décor After you quit, you have a choice to make. Are items include red lanterns, cherry you a smoker who’s just not smoking for now? Or are blossom trees, tall plants and trees with red envelopes affixed to the you a nonsmoker? For nonsmokers, smoking is not an option in any situation. Choose to see yourself as branches and more.

Many foods such as fish, a nonsmoker. chicken and tofu are considered to bring good luck for the New Year.

Blazing Noodles and Bamboo at Pechanga feature two family-style dining specials to usher in the Year of the Monkey. For $59, diners can feast on a whole lobster prepared Most people make several attempts before stir-fried with fresh ginger, scallions they quit for good. Slips don’t have to turn into and oyster sauce or deep fried relapses - but if they do, remember each time brings you closer to your goal. If you keep trying, with salt and pepper. A meal to certainly share, the lobster special you will succeed! weighs in over two and one-half pounds. Being served whole fish is also considered auspicious for

6

QUIT ON YOUR QUIT DATE.

7

USE A QUITTING AID.

8

MAKE YOUR HOME AND CAR SMOKE-FREE

9

10

ENVISION YOURSELF AS A NONSMOKER

KEEP TRYING.

Lunar New Year. Bamboo and Blazing Noodles also feature a whole striped sea bass for $48.

Guests can choose how they want the two and one-half pound fish prepared – steamed with special soy sauce and ginger and scallion on top, or deep fried with Szechuan Sauce, green and red bell pepper, mushrooms and hot and sour spicy sauce. These dining specials are available every day at Blazing Noodles and on Feb. 8 and 9 from 11am to 2am at Bamboo. echanga Resort & Casino Pechanga Resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the Number One casino in America by readers of USA TODAY and rated a Four Diamond property

by AAA since 2002, Pechanga

Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway. Offering more than 3,400 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa and championship golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort & Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community.

Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free 1-888-PECHANGA or visit www.Pechanga.com.

Follow Pechanga Resort & Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @ PechangaCasino. Pechanga Resort & Casino is open 24-hours.

Guests must be 21 and older to enter the casino.

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How do you celebrate Chinese New Year?

FILIPINOS and Fil-Ams shared how they traditionally celebrate Chinese New Year, and what the 2016 Year of the Monkey means to them.

“Growing up both Filipino and Chinese, I celebrated both the Buddhist and Catholic traditions, so it was a unique experience. We celebrated by lighting firecrackers, exchanging red envelopes, eating @e k_\ G_`c`gg`e\j# :_`e\j\ E\n P\Xi `j fe\ f] k_\ dXafi ]\jk`m`k`\j `e k_\ Zflekip% <m\ipfe\# traditional mooncake and ricecakes. `eZcl[`e^ efe$:_`e\j\ XcnXpj cffbj ]finXi[ kf k_\ Z\c\YiXk`fe% @ehl`i\i%e\k g_fkf We also burned incense by the

More than football: Super Bowl’s halftime...

From Page 2

Channing (SB IV and VI), singer Anita Bryant (SB V), jazz great Ella Fitzgerald, and singer Andy Williams.

The Walt Disney production also became a part of SB, starting with the Mousketeers in 1977 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, 1984 for SB XVIII, with an explosion of floats, balloons, dancers, Disney characters and of course, Mickey Mouse himself; and 1987 with Disney’s Salute to Hollywood featuring George Burns and Mickey Rooney.

Big stars, super stages Although the gigantic 1970s

singing ensemble Up With People performed at four halftime shows (1976, 1980, 1983 and 1986), they weren’t really the most memorable.

The group—who was supposedly (quietly) funded by Exxon and Coca-Cola—was seen as a cult-like organization aimed to discredit liberal culture during the ‘60s and ‘70s. However, it was during Up With People’s first SB performance that brought in a concert-like quality sound system, covering the stadium.

The nineties brought in more pop stars onstage. In 1993, NBC brought in the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. A new era in

viewing ushered in—millions of viewers apparently opted to take their breaks during the game, as halftime ratings surpassed the actual game for the first time.

Halftime shows after that became a huge viewer magnet— big productions with multi-million dollar commercial viability. It also gave the audience the concert feel, with huge stars like Aerosmith, U2, Black Eyed Peas and Katy Perry to name a few.

Today, the halftime show is equally viewed as the game itself, with a whopping 118.5 million viewers from last year’s Super Bowl.

(AJPress)

gravesites of our departed loved ones, to keep their memory alive.”

- Gloria Ho, Glendale, CA “I’m hoping for more good luck this year, because it’s my zodiac year!” - Maxinne Vergara, Chino Hills, CA “This year we’ll be watching the Super Bowl, but we usually gather extended family and everything.

We hand out red envelopes. We have authentic Chinese food, dumplings, and fruits, especially oranges. And basically for one night, everyone speaks Chinese to everyone.” - Luke Baumbach, Anaheim, CA “I celebrate Chinese New Year on the Eve. My family generally goes out to dinner or orders Chinese food and brings it home.

It’s usually a lot of food, signature

dishes with significant meanings.

Lettuce wraps, for example, signify money. And lots of food means lots of leftovers…which means an abundance of wealth in the coming year.” - Kathryn Wong, Irvine, CA “We either go out to a Chinese restaurant for dinner, or prepare food at home. This year, we booked a Chinese restaurant, which you should do fast because they get fully booked really quickly. Fish and noodles signify wealth and health. Before we eat, always do an offering for our deceased Chinese family members. We light candles and incense, and this is the part where we do all the bowing. Another big thing is the red envelopes, usually given during holidays or celebrations. Red

symbolizes good luck.” - Jessica San Luis, Los Angeles, CA “As a Filipino/VietnameseAmerican, I celebrate Lunar New Year with my Vietnamese side.

We typically have a party at my grandma’s house with traditional Vietnamese food, Bánh cuốn, Bún chả, Bánh Xèo, and Nộm ngó sen. We play a game called Bầu cua cá cọp, a Vietnamese gambling game involving dice, and we greet our elders in traditional Vietnamese. To me, Chinese New Year is important, because it gives me a chance to celebrate my Vietnamese side, culture and traditions. All of my cousins are the first generation here, so we don’t get too many opportunities to do so. ” - Anthony Nguyen, Diamond Bar, CA

Halftime Hots: Some of the most memorable...

From Page 2 fines, appeals and the outrage, it still remains a debate whether the faux pas was part of their act.

In memoriam: U2, 2002 It was less than five months after September 11, and the country was still reeling from the tragedy. How do you present halftime and still show sensitivity to a very touching issue? Bring in U2.

The group included a 9/11 tribute to their performance of “Where the Streets Have No Name,” with a scrolling backdrop of names of all the victims who died in the attacks.

The Queen “B”: Beyonce, 2013 Multimedia indulgence in its finest covered Bey’s performance of her hits such as “Bootylicious,” “Independent Women,” and “Single Ladies.” It was also a mini-reunion

for Destiny’s Child, when exmembers Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams shot out from under the stage for “Bootylicious.”

Of course, apart from the dozens of female dancers, fireworks, smoke and animation screen; viewers went wild over Bey’s seizureinducing dance skills.

Old school dynamic performance: Bruno Mars, 2014 He’s not voluptuous like Beyonce, or as seasoned as Madonna, but Fil-Am Bruno Mars took the stage and owned it with his old-fashioned sense of showmanship. His 12-minute display showed his talent in singing, dancing and drums— without exuding an ounce of star ego. This friendliness vibe made the audience love him more in his performance of his hits

such as “Locked Out of Heaven,” “Treasure” and closed with “Just the Way You Are,” with videos of troops serving overseas sending love to their families. The Red Hot Chili Peppers also joined him for two songs. Aside from breaking halftime show ratings with a whopping 115.3 million viewers, at 28 years old, he was also the youngest star to perform the SB halftime show in 13 years.

Other notable performances: Diana Ross’ (1996) helicopter exit, Prince’s (2007) “Purple Rain” rainy performance in Miami with his controversial guitar, Bruce Springsteen (2009), Madonna with Nicki Minaj, LMFAO, CeeLo Green and MIA’s “bird flippin’” fiasco, and Katy Perry’s (2015) four costume changes, metallic lion (or tiger?) and two dancing sharks. (AJPress)

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FEBRUARY 5-11, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

6

Faith and Pinoy pride: Outperforming and outhinking the giants

The Kite Runner PROF. ENRIQUE M. SORIANO GXik ( f] )

“FIGHTING multinationals was very tough. At first, everyone thought I was crazy. They told me, how would I survive this? True enough, it’s by the grace of God that I’m still here in the toothpaste industry after 20 years. God is good,” – Cecilio K. Pedro In our fast-paced, hectic world we all need a daily dose of faith, hope and love. Stories of heroic struggle against odds, survival and eventual triumph have always inspired people, given them hope, courage to fight, and egged them on to persevere.

When you read inspirational rags-to-riches stories, you’ll start to see a few common threads. Hard work, passion, determination, and drive are all common elements of these stories. Surprisingly, obstacles, failure, and incredible odds are also elements of these stories.

In almost every case, the main character of the story would never have been expected to achieve so much in a single lifetime. These individuals, however, overcame tough odds, surpassed difficult obstacles, and laughed in the face of failure.

“Things aren’t always what they seem.” If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You might not know it until some time later. I am sure Cecilio Pedro’s story would ignite your never-say-die spirit and inspire you to become all that you can be. His company, Lamoiyan Corporation, is the manufacturer of Hapee toothpaste, the first homegrown toothpaste in the Philippines.

I first had the opportunity to exchange notes with Cecilio more than a decade ago when he was our speaker in an ATENEO MBA Roundtable meeting with fellow Professors. Then a little more than a year ago, we had the rare opportunity to share stories when we were both invited as resource

speakers in a Family Business Conference at AIM. Knowing the man up close and listening intently to his inspiring story gave me goose bumps in a positive way and today I want to share his story. Reflecting upon it, the key to success is the owning of the family’s devotion to the business, its resilience in coping with disappointment, and the intensity of its long-term commitment to the business. That in a nutshell best characterizes the country’s Toothpaste King.

It is my fervent hope that family business owners and visionaries can learn so many lessons about Cecilio’s values, faith, tenacity and vision for his company.

Cecilio Kwok Pedro is an entrepreneur who made it to the top after his failure back in 1985.

His principle is much grounded and to quote this man of humility, he once said, “We are competing against the giants. Without faith and without the intervention of the Divine, it is really difficult to survive in this industry.”

Twenty-five years ago, people thought Cecilio Pedro was crazy for competing head-on with global toothpaste brands Colgate and Close Up. Faith will give you courage, courage will give you faith Before he went head-to-head with Colgate and Close Up, the two multinational toothpaste brands were Pedro’s only customers. His first company, Aluminum Container Inc., sold aluminum toothpaste tubes to these foreign firms from 1978 to 1985.

“At that time, I was thinking that toothpaste is something that everyone uses. And multinational firms will be here for the long term, so I thought it was a safe business,” he said.

All was going well for his company until plastic toothpaste tubes were invented. Both Colgate and Close Up decided to

switch to plastic tubes in 1985, forcing Pedro to close shop.

“I never thought that they would switch to plastic tubes. My business got in trouble when they left,” he lamented.

Relying on a few customers was Pedro’s biggest mistake yet. Money stopped coming in, and he was left with millions of aluminum tubes.

Deeply mired in debt, he could have committed suicide had it not been because of his deep faith in God’s power and mercy. He turned his crisis into opportunity when he opted to compete with Colgate despite its being a multinational. With faith, guts and hard work, he put up a “David vs. Goliath” type of fight. When his sales started to dent Colgate’s, they offered to buy him out but he answered, “I don’t think you can afford my price.” Lamoiyan has now captured 30% of the market and still growing.

Now, Hapee toothpaste tubes and sachets are selling like hotcakes in the Philippines, making his company, Lamoiyan Corporation, the country’s first homegrown toothpaste empire. (sorianoasia@gmail.com) (To be continued) ***

Why everyone needs estate planning MY grandfather is one of the greatest men I have ever known.

After fighting in the Philippines during World War II, he talked his way past guards at a U.S. Navy recruiting center and was one of only two men from his town that were accepted into the United States Navy. When he completed his tours of duty he was granted U.S. citizenship and raised five children. Working odd jobs, my grandfather taught himself math and despite never having any formal education in this country, he was able to make a living day trading stocks!

Despite all of the amazing things my grandfather was able to accomplish, one thing never made sense to him: the need to have a solid estate plan. After many years of nagging from my grandmother and the rest of our family, he finally gave in and went to an estate planning attorney and created a living trust, will, and powers of attorney. Just a few short months later, my grandfather suffered a massive stroke; a few weeks later he passed on.

That whole period was a blur of grief and sadness so avoiding probate was the last thing on any of our minds. Only after the dust settled could we appreciate how beneficial my grandparents’ proper estate planning had been. Because my grandfather had created a healthcare power of attorney, my grandmother was able to talk to his doctors and make healthcare decisions according to his wishes.

Because he had executed a power of attorney for assets, my grandmother was able to access his investments to pay for hospital expenses.

Most importantly, because he had created a living trust, our family was able to avoid the long and costly process of probate. My grandfather was of that old school thinking of marriage where he held many assets in only his name.

If he had not created the trust, his

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assets would have had to been distributed through probate.

What is probate? It is a court process where the deceased person’s assets are distributed to his or her heirs. This is a costly procedure, in both time and money. Probate fees can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars, possibly hundreds of thousands. Since this is done under the direct management of the Probate court, your assets and family’s identities would become public record.

How do you avoid dealing with this costly procedure during a time where the family should be grieving and taking care of each other? You can create something called a living trust. The creation of a living trust results in a legal entity, separate from yourself.

Your assets are placed into the trust where you remain in full control of them during your lifetime as you are the initial trustee of your trust.

If you become incapacitated, your chosen successor trustee would then manage your trust assets for you. As the trustee has considerable authority and responsibility without the supervision of the court, choosing the right trustee to act for you is important. A trusted family member is most common but it is possible to have a bank or trust

company act as trustee.

At the time of your passing, the person you name as the successor trustee would then gather your assets, pay any debts, claims, and taxes, and then distribute your assets according to the instructions you have set forth in the trust, all without court supervision and fees. The trustee does have a fiduciary duty towards you and your beneficiaries; he or she cannot use your trust assets for personal gain, but must respect your wishes. You can also change or amend your trust at anytime, removing or changing trustees and beneficiaries!

With all of these benefits, why did it take so much convincing to get my grandfather to do estate planning and create a living trust?

One explanation is that he thought that living trusts were only for the rich. However, anyone who owns a home needs a living trust.

Over time, we have established a strong, hardworking Filipino community and many of us own homes and other assets, necessitating the need to avoid probate. My family was lucky, as my grandfather created a living trust before he passed.

Unfortunately, there are many other grandfathers out there that have not created a comprehensive estate plan. Consulting with an estate planning attorney can save your family a lot of time, money, and headaches. *** <c[\i CXn J\im`Z\j f] :Xc`]fie`X `j gifl[ kf XeefleZ\ k_Xk Xkkfie\p 8e[i\n GXiXeXc _Xj af`e\[ `kj kiljk [\gXikd\ek% Di% GXiXeXc Y\^Xe _`j ZXi\\i `e \jkXk\ gcXee`e^ `e )'(* Xe[ _Xj j`eZ\ \ogXe[\[ `ekf Xjj\k gifk\Zk`fe Xe[ D\[`$:Xc gcXee`e^% ?\ Y\ZXd\ `ek\i\jk\[ `e <c[\i CXn X]k\i _\cg`e^ ZXi\ ]fi X ]Xd`cp d\dY\i n_f \og\i`\eZ\[ X [\Y`c`kXk`e^ \m\ek% Di% GXiXeXc `j \oZ`k\[ kf af`e Xe \jkXYc`j_\[ cXn Ôid Xe[ _fg\j kf \[lZXk\ _`j =`c`g`ef Zfddle`kp XYflk k_\ ki\d\e[flj Y\e\Ôkj f] gifg\i \jkXk\ gcXee`e^% =fi dfi\ `e]fidXk`fe# gc\Xj\ m`j`k \c[\icXnZXc`]fie`X%Zfd fi ZXcc ($/''$+(($',+ 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

AARP unmasks ‘Fearless at 50’ Filipina Roxanne Cai

campaign to celebrate real people who are challenging outdated perceptions of what it means to be 50 and over. The campaign features real people boldly trying new things or just feeling good about who they are in video vignettes.

Roxanne “Rock N Roll” Cai co-founded The Initiative, a group working to fight crime, help the needy, and make the San Francisco Bay Area a safer place — all dressed as superheroes. The volunteer group organizes food and clothing drives, used needlepickups, and street patrols.

“We are activists who sometimes wear costumes. Our tagline is we try to save the world one deed at a time,” said Cai, who immigrated to the US from Manila when she was two years old. “When I joined this Real Life Super Hero community, I knew that there was a big emphasis on costumes, and that was very appealing to me. It’s fun to dress up in costumes and in masks and capes!”

“Passing age 50 is often a big transition for people,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy. “We need to change the way we think about getting older. People 50-plus

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA NO matter the season, the soul may go through what may be described as a “winter of discontent” — a restless time when we wonder quietly if we could trade our life for someone else’s.

If you are, don’t flog yourself silly. You don’t even have to admit it to anyone else but yourself. It’s nothing more than a normal rite of passage that allows us to imagine what it would be like if we had someone else’s luck, genetic makeup, breaks, talent, connections, relations, education, intelligence, looks, skin color, pedigree and other x factors that are supposed to tip the scale in our favor and make us happy and fulfilled. In short, they refer to those things that we think will allow us to live a charmed life and drive our fellow men mad with envy.

The discontent hits you when you’re feeling most vulnerable:

have life experiences that enrich their lives and expand their possibilities. We encourage people to be fearless about aging, and we celebrate individuals like Roxanne who are maximizing their lives to the fullest.”

AARP is also running an interactive Fearless at 50 Sweepstakes with a grand prize of $50,000, which will be active until February 29, 2016. To learn more and view Cai’s Fearless at 50 video, visit: www.aarp.org/fearless50.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world’s largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language Continued on Page 7

Of charmed lives “Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by this son of York.”

— William Shakespeare Richard III”

when there’s not enough cash to tide you over until the next pay period; your job stinks; you’re going through an extended rough patch with your wife or husband or lover; your car needs an overhaul; your kid hit a schoolmate and you need to see the principal; your sister in the home country, needs you to remit moolah fast, and lots of it, because your younger brother got into trouble and needs bail money.

Everything sucks.

Well, you get the picture of a gothic novel nobody wants to read.

You want to scuttle everything and trade up to a charmed life. But would you, if you knew the real score behind those deceptively airbrushed images of the charmed lives we see on TV and the rags we read?

We are sitting ducks open to negative suggestions we receive non-stop. We end up unhappy

and dissatisfied with who we are, what we have and our place in the universe. We’re too fat, too short, too poor, too old. We don’t make enough. We drive clunkers. Our clothes are passé. Our nose bridge needs a lift; the chest is too flat; hair is too thin; skin is too sallow; our eyes need to be lasered; our teeth need whitening; our ears stick out; our behinds, too saggy.

Picture the word REJECT stamped on our pathetic, little foreheads if we were in a conveyor belt in an assembly line, as we head directly to the recycling bin unless we undergo a drastic make-over that will cost us plenty.

We look and read about the airbrushed lives of celebrities on the red carpet. We see them parading and preening in their Pradas, Jimmy Choos, or Blahnik shoes, sheathed in thousand dollar Versace and Continued on Page 7

The California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank celebrates 1,000th loan guarantee to help small businesses prosper

FEBRUARY 5-11, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

for the state to guarantee loans to those businesses which stand at the core of California’s job growth.”

“I want to congratulate Modern-twist, an eco-friendly business based in Emeryville, for being the 1000th small business receiving a loan from the State Small Business Credit Initiative. The initiative has allowed for California’s small businesses to continue thriving in our communities and being the driving force of our local economies. GO-Biz has proven that preserving small businesses, the backbone of our economy, is a priority for the State of California,” said Assemblymember Tony Thurmond.

“Modern Twist showcases the best of the 9th Senate District: A hard-working and innovative woman-owned business located in the heart of Emeryville that makes products that protect children, families and the environment,” Senator Loni Hancock said. “The IBank small business loan guarantee program is helping small businesses like Modern-twist expand their operations, hire new people and grow California’s economy.”

“We are honored to work with IBank to open the L.A. Kitchen.

Unlike traditional charities, L.A. Kitchen is a social enterprise that will create jobs for hard to employ citizens and re-invest all our profit back into our community. Without visionary partners like IBank,

Senator Bob Hertzberg introduced SB 936, an administration sponsored bill that seeks to increase the leverage ratio for IBank’s Small Business Loan Guarantee Program from 5:1 to 10:1. This change will bring California into conformance with Small Business Loan Guarantee federal standards and allow IBank Program is critically important and its partners to provide more because it provides alternative loans to California small businesses. financing when traditional lenders “The Small Business Loan are not able to offer such loans and Guarantee Program is an helps California’s small businesses outstanding program, and I am expand,” said GO-Biz director proud to author legislation that Panorea Avdis. “It is an honor to will allow it to expand and deliver recognize IBank’s Executive Director, more support to small businesses Teveia Barnes, the nine Financial across the state,” said Senator Development Corporations located Hertzberg. “This vital program helps throughout the state, Modernto create jobs, and often jobs in twist and all the companies that areas that need it most, simply by have benefited from this incredibly encouraging private lending. It is valuable loan guarantee program.” smart public policy.”

State Small Business Credit For more Small Business Initiative (SSBCI) funds allocated Success Stories and a video to California by the U.S. Treasury featuring Modern-twist, visit IBank’s supports IBank’s Small Business website. Please email Alice.Scott@ Loan Guarantee Program. California ibank.ca.gov for photos from deploys the most SSBCI funds of today’s event. any state according to the U.S. What they are saying about Treasury Department.

IBank’s Small Business Loan “As a member of the boards of Guarantee Program both IBank and GO-Biz California “As the Chair of the Assembly Competes Tax Credit Program, I am Committee on Jobs, Economic an advocate for finance programs Development, and the Economy, I that make direct benefits to local am pleased to commemorate this communities,” said State Treasurer important milestone in the state’s John Chiang. “Our funding support for small businesses,” said programs are investing in the future Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia. success of California’s economy.”

“These funds have made it possible

Modern-twist, Emeryville-based sustainable green products company, presented with a Symbolic $450,000 Check

SACRAMENTO—On Wednesday, Feb. 3, the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) celebrated IBank’s 1,000th small business loan guarantee at a news conference in the Governor’s Council Room at the State Capitol.

“Small businesses with big dreams are our innovators and visionaries, pace-setters and disrupters,” said Teveia Barnes, IBank Executive Director. “Small business entrepreneurs serve as the engine driving California’s economy, making up 99.2 percent of all employers in the State. When small businesses prosper, California prospers.”

Flanked by GO-Biz Chief Deputy Director Will Koch, State Treasurer John Chiang, Legislators, and community partners, Barnes presented a $450,000 symbolic check to the 1,000th loan guarantee recipient entrepreneur Kat Nouri. Nouri owns Moderntwist, an Emeryville-based small business that makes household products out of food grade silicone

– a sustainable, recyclable natural material. The mother of three wanted to create home products that are safe for people and the planet. “IBank’s loan guarantee is a game changer for me. I can actually grow my business and go into mass distribution with my products now,” said Nouri. “Other traditional loans didn’t work for my business and this one really makes a difference.”

Modern-twist is also able to hire six more employees with the help of the loan guarantee.

IBank’s Small Business Loan Guarantee Program encourages lenders to provide loans to small businesses that have difficulty accessing capital. IBank partners with Financial Development Corporations located throughout California to guarantee up to 80 percent of the loan to encourage lenders to provide funds for business growth and working capital to small businesses. IBank’s Small Business Loan Guarantee Program has resulted in more than $400 million in loans, creating or retaining nearly thirty-five thousand jobs.

“As part of GO-Biz, IBank’s

Of charmed lives

relieved to find out that your own life with all its warts, is just as bad or just as good as those of others and From Page 6 discover surprising twists and turns there’s no one you’d like to trade of character and fate. You discover your life with, thank you very much.

Vera Wang gowns with décolletage In most cases, the life we showcasing ample natural or shored dirt that has been airbrushed or little dark secrets edited out or given a have is the life we would choose up cleavages, their gravity-defying new spin. You discover untold pain all over again. We just need to faces tight with botox or nipped and suffering, the great equalizers, realize that there’s always more and tucked by a surgeon’s scalpel etched in every life. to a story and an image than and dripping in Harry Winston That gorgeous, woman hiding meets the eye. Packaging can be gems, escorted by equally gorgeous behind a ready smile has a young mere illusion. What you see is not hunks dressed to the nines in their daughter with cystic fibrosis and is necessarily what you get, ergo, Armanis, as media people buzz around them like flies around honey. going through a bitter divorce with the need to dig deep. We are all And we’re hoodwinked to the vision a philandering husband. The good- programmed to go through great looking guy you thought was to die lengths to put up a deceptive of charmed lives. for is a closet pedophile cum sadofront to hide the truth — either Imagine that God sees how masochist. The distinguished couple goaded by ego or the instinct for unhappy you are, takes pity on you met who lacks for nothing, has self-preservation. you and he gives you access to a son languishing in jail. That tall, A self-respecting gardener His Celestial PowerBook, with a winterizes the grass and preps it for database cataloging the lives of the reed-thin Victoria’s Secret lingerie the cold, dark days of winter to give past, present and future of the seven model suffers from bulimia. That hottie celebrity is a wife beater and it a fighting chance to survive and billion or so people that inhabit the is in rehab for serious addictions. thrive in the spring and summer. world. He permits you to type in You go through the entire universal We ought do the same thing and the name of the person you would data base frustrated and somewhat winterize the garden of our soul to like to exchange your life with. You

keep it young and hopeful.

I wish I could say it’s easy. But like anything that is worthwhile, it takes time, patience, work, persistence and gumption. But we could start with something basic. Upon waking up each day, we can psyche ourselves up with an unfailing weapon of choice — PRAYER. Personalized and heartfelt, it is our instant connection with the God of our being. These can merely be secular, positive affirmations of our own worth and place in this life or it can be the simple act of prayerful acceptance and thanksgiving for all that was, is and yet to come.

Chances are, you’re already living one heck of a charmed life and you don’t even know it. ***

programs like L.A. Kitchen would stay just that...a vision. Now, we’re about to open our doors, and start helping people get great jobs,” said Robert Eggers, Founder, Owner L.A. Kitchen “The IBank support for a $2.5 million loan with Banc of California guaranteed by the Small Business FDC of Orange County, was instrumental in supporting the expansion of our child care centers and senior nutrition sites and services, supporting 25 jobs, in addition to the invaluable human services to residents of the Inland Empire”, said Dom Betro, CEO of Family Services Association.

“IBank’s loan guarantee allowed us to open a second innovative Ednovate campus to allow us to serve more Los Angeles families,” said Oliver Sicat, the CEO of Ednovate, “it will also allow both of our schools to improve more rapidly as they collaborate and compete with one another to find better ways to personalize learning for students.”

“Small businesses are the nation’s leading job creators, and the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) connects sources of capital to the small businesses that need it,” said Jeffrey Stout, Director of SSBCI at the U.S. Treasury Department. “California’s funds will continue to support loans and investments in California’s small businesses.”

AARP unmasks ‘Fearless at 50’...

From Page 6

website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of EfkX 9\e\1 Dfe\kk\ 8[\mX DX^cXpX `j JMG Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Learn more at www. f] 8j`Xe AflieXc GlYc`ZXk`fej# @eZ% Kf j\e[ Zfdd\ekj# \$dX`c dfe\kk\%dX^cXpX7 aarp.org.

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FEBRUARY 5-11, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

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